Action: Change the steelhead daily limit to one hatchery fish.

Effective date: Sept. 1, 2020, until further notice.

Species affected: Steelhead. 

Location: Tucannon River from the mouth to the Tucannon Hatchery Road Bridge.

Reason for action: The 2020 Columbia River preseason forecasted return for upriver steelhead was 95,500. Current observations indicate that numbers of steelhead returning to the Tucannon River are lower than expected. With concerns for broodstock needs and impacts to wild fish, it is important to reduce daily limits to protect steelhead within the Tucannon River.

Additional information: All steelhead with unclipped adipose fins must be immediately released unharmed. In addition, anglers must use barbless hooks when fishing for steelhead and must stop fishing for steelhead once the daily limit has been retained. 

Anglers should be sure to identify their catch, as Chinook and coho salmon may be present during this fishery and are not open to harvest. Chinook, coho, and steelhead may not be removed from the water unless they are being retained as part of the daily bag limit.

Refer to the 2020-21Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for other regulations, including possession limits, safety closures, etc., and please continue to check emergency rules if you are planning to fish for steelhead within the affected area.

Information contact: Jeremy Trump, District 3 Fish Biologist, 509-382-1005