Fish and Game Commission votes to reopen steelhead fishing on the Clearwater in 2020
After closing the steelhead fishing season on the Clearwater River this fall, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission voted to reopen the season for 2020, according to an Idaho Department of Fish and Game news release.
The commission initially closed the season on the Clearwater River and parts of the Snake River downstream of Couse Creek Boat Ramp in September. The decision came amid incredibly low returns of steelhead, which are a threatened species.
In November, Fish and Game officials said they were confident broodstock needs would be met and anticipated reopening the Clearwater and Snake rivers for, at a minimum, catch-and-release opportunities. On Dec. 18, the commission voted to allow harvest, though bag limits are still lower than in past years.
Starting Jan. 1, anglers can keep one hatchery fish per day (denoted by a clipped adipose fin). All harvested fish must be 28 inches in length or smaller. Bag limits are the same on the Snake and Salmon rivers.
The North Fork Clearwater River will remain closed for the 2020-21 spring season, according to Fish and Game.
Fisheries managers trapped steelhead at Dworshak Hatchery and the Lower Granite Dam in an effort to ensure there would be enough broodstock available. It’s the first time officials have taken those measures.
Last month, river outfitters told the Statesman that the closure was causing confusion about steelhead fishing on the Salmon and upper Snake rivers, both of which were open. At an Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association forum earlier this month, they said the region has seen hundreds of canceled trips and hotel reservations.
This story was originally published December 19, 2019 at 11:32 AM.
