The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) reminds all steelhead anglers that by law they must return their pink 2005 Steelhead Report Cards by Jan. 31. Violation of the mandatory return requirement is a misdemeanor, but more importantly, DFG needs sufficient data to monitor and manage California's steelhead populations. The law requiring anglers to turn in their cards went into effect in 2004.

"Realizing that most steelhead anglers have not been aware of the new law, we mailed post card reminder notices to anglers who had not complied last year," said Terry Jackson, DFG associate biologist. "The positive response to the post card was tremendous, and we hope that anglers are more aware of the return requirement so a reminder notice won't be necessary this year ??? getting the data is the goal."

Steelhead anglers must record their efforts, catches, and releases ??? even if no steelhead are caught on a given trip. Those who did not fish for steelhead in 2005 are asked to write "Did Not Fish" on the card. ALL CARDS MUST BE RETURNED, regardless of the number of trips taken. DFG thanks the steelhead anglers who have already returned their 2005 Steelhead Report Cards.

"Unfortunately some anglers see this program and the reporting of their steelhead fishing efforts as a hassle, but their information is critical to maintaining and improving healthy and fishable steelhead populations," said Jackson. "Our goal is to improve California steelhead habitat and populations and to increase steelhead fishing opportunities and success. This requires accurate and complete data from anglers. Steelhead anglers should read their cards carefully, and complete the information as accurately as possible."

All wild steelhead must be released unharmed, except in the Smith River. Wild steelhead can be identified by their intact adipose fin (second, smaller fin on the back just before the tail). Hatchery reared steelhead may be kept in accordance with the regulations in specific waters and are identified by the absence of the adipose fin and a healed scar where the fin had been. Anglers are encouraged to keep the allowable hatchery steelhead limit.

Additional information regarding steelhead is available through DFG's Native Anadromous Fish and Watershed Branch (NAFWB) web page: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/nafwb/steelhead.html

Steelhead Report Cards should be mailed to:

Department of Fish and Game ??? NAFWB?ĮSteelhead Report-Restoration Card ?ĮP.O. Box 944209?ĮSacramento CA 94244-2090

The cards can also be dropped-off at any DFG office. In the Sacramento area, the card can be dropped-off at 830 S St. Please note that specific questions should be directed to the Steelhead Report Card program. Frequently Asked Questions are addressed at: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/nafwb/SteelheadReportCardFAQ.html