The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced the reopening of steelhead fishing in select areas of the Upper Columbia River for the first time in nearly a decade. Beginning October 16, 2024, anglers will once again have the chance to fish for hatchery steelhead in the Methow River and portions of the mainstem Columbia River. This much-anticipated opening also includes opportunities for coho fishing.
A Long-Awaited Opportunity for Anglers
For the first time in nine years, hatchery steelhead fishing will resume in the Methow River and certain sections of the Upper Columbia River. The designated area spans from Beebe Bridge (Highway 97) to the Highway 173 Bridge at Brewster. This reopening is not just a recreational opportunity but also part of a broader conservation effort aimed at managing hatchery steelhead populations. Anglers will be allowed to keep up to two hatchery steelhead or coho per day, while strict regulations, including selective gear rules and night closures, will help protect the wild fish populations. Wild steelhead must be released immediately and unharmed.
Why the Reopening?
WDFW’s decision to reopen steelhead fishing in these areas is based on promising steelhead returns in 2024. Over 9,300 adult steelhead have been recorded passing over the Priest Rapids Dam, exceeding the minimum abundance threshold required to open recreational fishing. According to Chad Jackson, regional fish program manager at WDFW, this is more than just a recreational fishery—it is an important conservation tool. “Anglers play a key role in helping to remove excess hatchery steelhead, making room for wild fish to succeed,” Jackson noted.
Conservation at the Core of the Reopening
Steelhead populations in the Upper Columbia have been listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) since 2009, following an initial endangered listing in 1997. The Upper Columbia steelhead Distinct Population Segment (DPS) encompasses four main populations located in the Wenatchee, Entiat, Methow, and Okanogan rivers. Hatchery programs linked to these populations play a crucial role in supporting the recovery of wild steelhead by supplementing natural spawning efforts.
In years like 2024, where steelhead returns are strong, WDFW aims to manage hatchery populations to give wild steelhead the best chance of survival and successful spawning. The current fishery follows strict guidelines set by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), ensuring that the efforts remain sustainable and beneficial to the wild steelhead population.
Fishing Locations and Regulations
As of October 16, anglers can fish for hatchery steelhead in the following areas:
- Methow River: From the mouth to County Road 1535 (Burma Road) Bridge.
- Upper Columbia River: From Beebe Bridge (Highway 97) to the Highway 173 Bridge at Brewster.
Anglers are required to retain all hatchery steelhead, easily identified by their clipped adipose fin, while releasing wild steelhead immediately. The Wells Dam tailrace, known for its high concentration of hatchery smolts, is expected to be a particularly productive spot for steelhead fishing.
Looking Forward
While the Methow River and sections of the Upper Columbia River are now open, other regions such as the Wenatchee and Okanogan rivers remain closed, pending further monitoring. WDFW will continue to assess steelhead returns on a weekly basis to determine whether additional areas can be opened for fishing.
“This reopening is a careful step in balancing recreational opportunities with the protection of a threatened species,” said Mike Tonseth, WDFW’s Columbia River ESA permitting and compliance team lead. “WDFW remains committed to ensuring that this fishery aligns with the goals of the ESA.”
Image/Source: yoursourceone
