Steelhead Season Set to Open

The steelhead fishing season opens September 1 in Idaho, but this year, like the salmon runs earlier this year, the steelhead may be running behind schedule. Run timing data suggest that the 2006 run is slightly later than in 2005. But it still is too early to accurately assess the run size relative to the pre-season forecast or the actual run observed in 2005. As of August 20, about 156,000 summer steelhead had been counted at Bonneville Dam on their way upriver. The pre-season run forecast of 312,600 summer steelhead at Bonneville Dam is nearly identical to the actual run in 2005. The current count at Bonneville Dam is about 15,000 fish less than was observed for the same period in 2005. This delay is likely to result in smaller than anticipated early season counts over Lower Granite Dam and fewer than anticipate steelhead caught in the early portion of the fall fishing season. Idaho Department of Fish and Game will continue to assess the size of the 2006 run relative to the pre-season forecast. Current run timing and run size suggest that changes in the season structure or creel limits are unlikely. The steelhead season opens September 1 on the Salmon River, the Little Salmon River, and the Snake River downstream from Hells Canyon Dam. Anglers may fish for steelhead on the Clearwater River, but they may not keep any fish upstream from the U.S. Highway 12 Memorial Bridge until October 15. All anglers fishing for steelhead, even catch-and-release, must have a valid 2006 fishing license and steelhead permit. Statewide limits for steelhead are three per day, nine in possession, and 20 for the season. Limits on the Clearwater River system are two per day, six in possession, and 20 for the fall season. Anglers must use barbless hooks, and can keep only hatchery steelhead marked with a clipped adipose fin. All other steelhead must be released unharmed immediately. Open waters open for steelhead are:

• Salmon River from its mouth upstream to the posted boundary 100 yards downstream from the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery weir, near the town of Stanley.
• Little Salmon River from its mouth upstream to the U.S. Highway 95 bridge near Smokey Boulder Road.
• Snake River from the Washington state line at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers upstream to Hells Canyon Dam.
• Clearwater River: Mainstem and Middle Fork Clearwater River from its mouth upstream to Clear Creek.
• North Fork Clearwater River from its mouth upstream to Dworshak Dam.
• South Fork Clearwater River from its mouth upstream to the confluence of American and Red Rivers.

Boundary Waters on the Snake River between Idaho and Oregon or Washington: Anglers with a valid 2006 Idaho fishing license and steelhead permit may fish where the river forms the boundary between Idaho and Oregon or Washington, but may not fish from the shoreline, including wading, and may not fish in sloughs or tributaries on the Oregon or Washington side. An angler may have only the limit allowed by one license regardless of the number of licenses the angler holds. Consult 2006-2007 fishing rules brochure for exceptions and special restrictions. For more information on steelhead fishing in Idaho, check the Fish and Game Website http://fishandgame.idaho.gov.