Steelhead Anglers Urged to Fish Inbounds

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game reminds steelhead anglers that the Clearwater River above Clear Creek, a large tributary stream about one mile upstream of Kooskia, is closed to steelhead fishing. 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 closed above Clear Creek to fishing for whitefish and catch-and-release trout on March 31. This also includes the Lochsa River upstream to Wilderness Gateway Bridge, and the Selway River upstream to the Selway Falls cable car. Please keep in mind that fishing the Lochsa and Selway rivers requires artificial lures and barbless hooks. Anglers also should be aware that enrolled Nez Perce tribal members have treaty rights to fish for steelhead above the Clear Creek boundary. Also this year, the mainstem Salmon River upstream to the Lake Creek Bridge - about six miles upstream from the mouth of the Little Salmon River - remains open to steelhead fishing until April 30. Above the Lake Creek Bridge, upstream to Long Tom Creek, the Salmon River closed on March 31 to protect wild steelhead. The Little Salmon River is open for steelhead fishing until May 15. Only steelhead with a clipped adipose fin may be kept. Idaho's general fishing season on rivers and streams reopens May 27, 2006 for the Memorial Day weekend. For additional details, consult the fishing rules brochure or the Fish and Game website: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/fish/rules/