September 26, 2019
Action: Closes steelhead fishing and retention downstream of Couse Creek Boat Ramp.
Effective date: Sept. 29 through Dec. 31, 2019.
Species affected: Steelhead.
Locations and daily limits:
From the mouth of the Snake River (Burbank to Pasco Railroad Bridge at Snake River mile 1.25) to the Couse Creek Boat Ramp:
Closed to fishing for and retention of Steelhead.
From Couse Creek boat ramp upstream to the Idaho/Oregon state line:
Daily limit 1 hatchery steelhead. Anglers may not continue to fish for salmon or steelhead after either the steelhead or adult salmon daily limit has been retained.
Reason for action: Washington fishery managers previously reduced hatchery steelhead limits to one fish per day and added length restrictions downstream of the Couse Creek Boat Ramp. Based on the new B-index steelhead forecast, managers are closing the steelhead fishery in this area to ensure that sufficient numbers of both wild and hatchery B-index fish return to their natal tributaries and hatcheries of origin in Idaho.
Additional information: Upstream of the Couse Creek Boat Ramp, where steelhead fishing remains open, all steelhead with unclipped adipose fins must be immediately released unharmed.
Barbless hooks are required when fishing for steelhead in the Snake River.
Anglers may not remove any salmon or steelhead from the water if it is not or cannot be retained as part of the daily limit.
WDFW will continue to monitor the steelhead return. If additional conservation measures need to be taken, or additional opportunity can be offered without negatively impacting wild or hatchery steelhead abundances, seasons and harvest rules may be adjusted in coming months. Please continue to check emergency rules if you are planning to fish for steelhead within the affected area.
Information contact: Jeremy Trump, District 3 fish biologist 509-382-1005.
Effective date: Sept. 29 through Dec. 31, 2019.
Species affected: Steelhead.
Locations and daily limits:
From the mouth of the Snake River (Burbank to Pasco Railroad Bridge at Snake River mile 1.25) to the Couse Creek Boat Ramp:
Closed to fishing for and retention of Steelhead.
From Couse Creek boat ramp upstream to the Idaho/Oregon state line:
Daily limit 1 hatchery steelhead. Anglers may not continue to fish for salmon or steelhead after either the steelhead or adult salmon daily limit has been retained.
Reason for action: Washington fishery managers previously reduced hatchery steelhead limits to one fish per day and added length restrictions downstream of the Couse Creek Boat Ramp. Based on the new B-index steelhead forecast, managers are closing the steelhead fishery in this area to ensure that sufficient numbers of both wild and hatchery B-index fish return to their natal tributaries and hatcheries of origin in Idaho.
Additional information: Upstream of the Couse Creek Boat Ramp, where steelhead fishing remains open, all steelhead with unclipped adipose fins must be immediately released unharmed.
Barbless hooks are required when fishing for steelhead in the Snake River.
Anglers may not remove any salmon or steelhead from the water if it is not or cannot be retained as part of the daily limit.
WDFW will continue to monitor the steelhead return. If additional conservation measures need to be taken, or additional opportunity can be offered without negatively impacting wild or hatchery steelhead abundances, seasons and harvest rules may be adjusted in coming months. Please continue to check emergency rules if you are planning to fish for steelhead within the affected area.
Information contact: Jeremy Trump, District 3 fish biologist 509-382-1005.