Steelhead Harvest Starts August 1 on Lower Clearwater River

Anglers have been catching and releasing steelhead on the lower Clearwater River since the beginning of July, but starting Aug. 1, they can take some home. The steelhead harvest season opens on about a two-mile stretch of river from its mouth to the Highway 12-95 Bridge in Lewiston, also known as the Memorial Bridge. Anglers can only keep steelhead with a clipped adipose fin. The limits are two per day, six in possession and 20 for the fall 2015 season in the Clearwater River drainage. Any steelhead with an intact adipose fin must be released unharmed. Anglers are reminded that this early catch-and-keep opportunity does not include the Snake River. The mouth of the Clearwater River is officially recognized as a line from a posted sign on the north bank due south to the westernmost point on the south bank. Most of the remaining sections of the Clearwater River system are open to catch-and-release angling for steelhead, and harvest season opens in most of those sections on Oct. 15. During summer and early fall, the majority of steelhead that cross Lower Granite Dam on the Snake River seem to be attracted to the cooler water of the lower Clearwater. "These early fish are more than likely smaller A-run fish waiting to move up the Snake, Salmon, Grande Rhonde, and Imnaha rivers," said Sam Sharr, Anadromous Fisheries Coordinator for Idaho Fish and Game. Sharr expects a good steelhead run this year. Fisheries managers are forecasting 129,000 A-run fish and 29,000 B-runs will return to Idaho this year, which is smaller than under last year's return of 133,000 and 33,000. The Salmon, Little Salmon and Snake rivers open to harvest September 1. For exact fishing boundaries on rivers, opening and closing dates and other rules, anglers should consult the 2013-15 Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules, or go to fishandgame.idaho.gov. For more information on steelhead fishing, including steelhead counts at Bonneville and Lower Granite dams, look on Fish and Games website under the "Fishing" tab for "Steelhead." Direct link: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/?getPage=38.