Steelhead ÔNo-Harvest Season' Off To A Good Start

LEWISTON - With hot weather firmly entrenching the Clearwater region, steelhead anglers may be surprised to learn that steelhead have already been moving rapidly up the Columbia and Snake rivers, and into the Clearwater River. As a result, many anglers have already discovered the excitement of the earlier than normal no-harvest opportunities on the lower Clearwater River. The steelhead no-harvest season opened August 1. "The normal peak of no-harvest fishing is mid to late September, so these early fish are a bonus opportunity," said Larry Barrett, senior fisheries technician for IDFG. "The lower Clearwater should be great fishing for these early arrivals." According to Barrett, steelhead migrating up the Salmon and Snake rivers seem to be attracted to the cooler water of the lower Clearwater River, and will hold up temporarily before swimming to their final destination. According to early predictions, about 170,000 steelhead are expected to cross Lower Granite Dam this summer and fall. If that figure holds up, it will be about twice the 10-year average, subtracting last year's epic run. About 85,000 steelhead at Lower Granite Dam is the average, without considering the 260,000 that showed up last year. IDFG reminds anglers that bait is permitted, but all steelhead caught above the Memorial Bridge on the Clearwater River prior to the opening of the regular catch-and-keep season of October 15, must be released immediately. Barbless hooks are required, and steelhead anglers must have a valid Idaho Fishing license and steelhead permit ($11.50). The tag must be notched immediately when a steelhead is taken into an angler's possession. Nonresidents need either a full season license ($74.50) and a permit or a three-day license/permit ($28.50). Limits are two steelhead per day, four in possession and 10 for the season, which ends December 31. Only one fishing rod may be used for steelhead fishing, even if the angler has a two-pole validation. Hatchery steelhead, identifiable by the absence of an adipose fin on their back, can be kept in the Snake and Salmon rivers, and the lower Clearwater River below the Memorial Bride starting September 1.