Steelhead fishing returns to Upper Columbia after nearly a decade
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today that steelhead fishing will open in select areas of the Upper Columbia later this month. This marks the first time in nine years that anglers can enjoy fishing for hatchery steelhead in these waters. Hatchery steelhead and coho fisheries will open Oct. 16, 2024 in the Methow River and adjacent mainstem Columbia River.
Background
The Upper Columbia is defined as that portion of the mainstem Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam and extending to Chief Joseph Dam and its tributaries. The Upper Columbia steelhead Distinct Population Segment (DPS) is comprised of four primary populations: Wenatchee, Entiat, Methow, and Okanogan. Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a DPS is a group of vertebrate animals that is separate from other groups of the same species and plays an important role in the species’ survival. As of the 2009 ESA listing, both wild (or natural) and hatchery fish produced to support the natural populations are listed as Threatened.
Three of the four populations (Wenatchee, Methow, and Okanogan) have supplementation hatchery programs associated with them.
Upper Columbia steelhead hatchery supplementation programs help to support the recovery of this ESA-listed species by increasing the natural adult population abundance, while ensuring appropriate distribution, genetic integrity, and adult spawner productivity.
To help accomplish this, adult management actions are authorized under the ESA permits assigned to these programs. Adult management is defined as the intentional removal (through collection at weirs/dams and in conservation fisheries) of returning adult hatchery-origin steelhead to directly influence the number and origin composition of fish on spawning grounds.
Angling as a conservation tool
For the last several years, adult steelhead returns to the Upper Columbia populations have been below the minimum abundance threshold of 9,550 adults at Priest Rapids Dam, to allow for any fishing. Upper Columbia steelhead, a summer-run stock, were first listed as endangered in 1997 under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), before being reclassified as threatened in 2009. Both wild and hatchery steelhead are listed, and as a result, traditional recreational fishing may only occur when returning hatchery steelhead are in excess of spawning escapement and hatchery broodstock needs.
Steelhead returns appeared to be rebounding in 2023 with approximately 7,601 adults over Priest Rapids Dam. So far, an estimated 9,336+ adults are destined for the Upper Columbia over Priest Rapids Dam in 2024. With the 2024 return comprised of about 30% wild fish, minimum wild escapement goals are expected to be met in select areas, facilitating the need to remove surplus hatchery adults. Therefore, WDFW is able to offer and a carefully managed conservation fishery for recreational anglers to help meet management objectives.
Upper Columbia hatchery programs are designed to supplement the natural spawning population of steelhead, particularly in years of low wild fish numbers. During years with moderate to high returns, like in 2024, managing the number of hatchery steelhead becomes a priority. By selectively removing excess hatchery fish, WDFW aims to increase the proportion of wild steelhead on the spawning grounds, contributing to their recovery.
“This fishery isn’t just about recreation — it’s a vital conservation tool. Anglers play a key role in helping to remove excess hatchery steelhead, making room for wild fish to succeed. These conservation fisheries are permitted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under strict guidelines and decision matrix, ensuring that they are sustainable and beneficial for the wild steelhead population,” said Chad Jackson, a regional fish program manager at WDFW.
Where to fish
Starting Oct. 16, the following sections will open for hatchery steelhead and coho:
- Methow River: From the mouth to County Road 1535 (Burma Road) Bridge.
- Upper Columbia River: From Beebe Bridge (Highway 97) to Highway 173 Bridge at Brewster.
Both areas allow anglers to keep up to two hatchery steelhead or two coho, or one of each, per day. It’s mandatory to retain hatchery steelhead, easily identified by their clipped adipose fin, while wild steelhead must be released immediately and unharmed. Selective gear rules and night closures will be in effect to protect the fish. Find detailed rules on the WDFW emergency rules webpage.
Additionally, productive fishing spots like the Wells Dam tailrace are worth noting. Each year, fishery managers release a large number of hatchery smolts here, making it a prime location for steelhead.
“Opening this fishery in the Upper Columbia represents a carefully considered step in balancing recreational opportunities with the protection of a threatened species. All steelhead fishing activities must be implemented consistent with the terms and conditions authorized in the ESA Section 10 permits issued to WDFW by NOAA.” — Mike Tonseth, Columbia River ESA permitting and compliance team lead, WDFW.
Looking forward
While the Methow River and sections of the Upper Columbia River are open, other areas like the Wenatchee and Okanogan rivers remain closed. These areas have not yet met the required abundance thresholds for opening. However, WDFW will continue to actively monitor returns weekly to determine if additional or expanded conservation fisheries could be authorized.
As we celebrate the return of steelhead fishing, we want to remind everyone of the importance of these fisheries in conserving the steelhead populations of the Upper Columbia. By following the rules, anglers are helping to ensure a future where both hatchery and wild steelhead can properly recover.
Check the WDFW website regularly for updates and rule changes, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Fishing Rule Changes email list to stay informed.
