The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced the fishing regulations for the 2024-25 coastal steelhead season, as reported earlier this week. Starting Monday, most major steelhead fishing areas in Washington state will be open through March 31, with a few exceptions implementing earlier closure dates. According to WDFW, these include areas such as the Queets River within Olympic National Park, various stretches of the Humptulips River, and select sections of the Willapa River set to close in December and January.
Emergency fishing rule changes are slated to be published on Monday, the same day the season opens, and will also be accessible on the Fish Washington© mobile app. WDFW Fish Program Director Kelly Cunningham has been quoted as saying, "It’s great to see increased wild steelhead forecasts for most coastal rivers, although we still have work to do to rebuild these runs for current and future generations." He further stressed the need for a balanced approach that includes earlier closures to benefit the steelhead runs while still providing meaningful fishing opportunities.
The new regulations require the use of selective gear rules, meaning no bait, and single-point barbless hooks for anglers fishing coastal steelhead rivers. The rules also stipulate a daily bag limit of two hatchery steelhead, with the mandate that anglers must release all wild steelhead and rainbow trout without fully removing them from the water. Notably, the release of wild steelhead is a significant conservation effort to ensure the sustainability of these native fish populations.
While the current forecast makes fisheries in April unlikely, WDFW emphasizes that the possibility remains contingent on in-season updates and discussions with co-managers. This cautionary stance reflects an effort to safeguard the species' future, indicating potential changes may still be enacted to properly adjust to the dynamic conditions of the steelhead populations. For a full summary of regulations and closure dates, those interested can consult the WDFW website.
WDFW's management approach is guided by its Statewide Steelhead Management Plan, aiming for the sustainability of wild coastal steelhead runs. This commitment aligns with the recent report released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA Fisheries), highlighting the moderate risk of extinction facing Olympic Peninsula steelhead. The NOAA report attributes risks to climate-induced changes in oceanic and freshwater conditions, historical habitat loss, questionable hatchery practices of the past, and oceanic competition with other salmonid species. For more details on coastal steelhead management and the preseason planning process, individuals are encouraged to visit the WDFW's website.
