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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Columbia River steelhead daily limit reduced to one fish upstream of McNary Dam

The current two hatchery steelhead daily limit upstream of McNary Dam on the Columbia River has been reduced to one hatchery steelhead effective Thursday through Dec. 31, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced in a release.

The current two hatchery steelhead daily limit upstream of McNary Dam on the Columbia River has been reduced to one hatchery steelhead effective Thursday through Dec. 31, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced in a release.

The change is consistent with all other downstream steelhead fisheries.

WDFW said the total (hatchery and wild fish) forecast for Upper Columbia River (UCR) steelhead passage at Priest Rapids Dam this year is much less than expected. UCR steelhead are listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. Passage projections are well below broodstock and natural escapement targets.

Reducing the daily steelhead limit now, rather than in November as scheduled, will provide additional conservation measures intended to increase the number of natural spawning fish.  Reduced bag limits in downstream mainstem Columbia River fisheries began Aug. 1 downstream of Bonneville Dam, and Sept. 1 downstream of McNary Dam. 

 



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Rich Landers writes and photographs stories and columns for a wide range of outdoors coverage, including Outdoors feature sections on Sunday and Thursday.




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