Runs Could Be Down

Judging from early forecasts, Idaho Fish and Game Department biologists fear the early “A-run” of steelhead headed for the Salmon River will be mediocre this year. And the later “B-run” of larger steelhead bound for the Clearwater River could be a bust.

Early forecasts for the A-run are similar to last year, 80,000 fish over Bonneville Dam. Although the run in 1994 was a third of those in the mid-1980s, no cutbacks in seasons were enacted last year because most of the A-run steelhead in Idaho are hatchery produced.

The forecast for later B-run fish is below last year’s returns, which were just barely adequate to meet egg-taking goals at Dworshak and Clearwater fish hatcheries, biologists say.

Last year’s returns to Dworshak were the worst on record.

Biologists may propose shorter seasons and more restrictions on the Clearwater River when the Fish and Game Commission meets Aug. 16-18 in Sun Valley. The catch-and-keep portion of the season is scheduled to open Oct. 15.

, DataTimes