Steelhead Anglers Urged to Fish In-bounds

KOOSKIA - The Idaho Department of Fish and Game reminds steelhead anglers that steelhead fishing is closed on the Clearwater River above Clear Creek, a large tributary stream approximately one mile upstream of Kooskia. There is no spring catch-and-release season for steelhead above Clear Creek. This boundary remains the same each year and should not be confused with the salmon fishing boundary which can vary from season to season. For sport anglers, the Middle Fork Clearwater River remains open above Clear Creek for harvest of whitefish and catch-and-release of trout only until March 31. This also includes the Lochsa River upstream to Wilderness Gateway Bridge, and the Selway River upstream to the Selway Falls cable car. Idaho's general fishing season on river and streams then reopens May 27, 2006 of Memorial Day weekend. Please keep in mind that both the Lochsa and Selway rivers require artificial lures and barbless hooks. Anglers should also be aware that enrolled Nez Perce tribal members have Treaty rights to fish for steelhead above the Clear Creek boundary.