Groups Urge Steelhead Protection Idaho Sporting, Business Interests Ask State To Take Lead

Steelhead fishing is a $90 million industry that provides 2,700 Idaho jobs. Up to 40,000 anglers buy steelhead tags each year.

That’s an industry that must be protected and preserved, sporting and business groups said at a news conference Thursday.

They urged Idaho’s congressional delegation and top officials to get together on a plan for steelhead recovery that will avoid the need for an endangered species listing that could jeopardize sport fishing.

“We need Idaho’s elected officials to take immediate steps to protect the fish and protect the fishery,” said Justin Hayes of Idaho Rivers United.

In July, Idaho steelhead were listed for possible endangered species protection. Groups at the news conference said Idaho’s leaders must aggressively attack the problems to preserve sport fishing.

“This proposed Endangered Species Act listing is a wakeup call,” said Mitch Sanchotena of Idaho Steelhead and Salmon Unlimited. “Our fishing is at risk. These magnificent and valuable fish have to be restored, and we’re calling on Idaho’s elected officials to show leadership on this issue and develop a plan that protects our fishing and restores steelhead.”

Hugh Callow, Custom Weld Boats, Lewiston, said 35-40 people work at the Lewiston plant building boats. Up to 80 percent of the purchases are by people who want to use them for steelhead fishing, he said.

“It’s not just a biological issue,” he said. “It’s a real economical issue for us.”

As an example, Sanchotena said in Riggins, more people, 44, are at work in the steelhead industry than in logging, 38.

The groups said because of the Clinton administration and Congress’ dismal record in dealing with the near-extinction of Idaho salmon runs, they have little confidence the federal government will have the ability or willingness to deal with the decline of wild steelhead.

They want “Idaho’s officials to step in and fill the leadership vacuum, develop a plan that fixes the federal dams on a firm and speedy timeline, and see that it is implemented.”

Sanchotena said the sportsman groups met Wednesday with the task force appointed by Gov. Phil Batt to prepare a steelhead plan.

He said they don’t want barging around dams on the Snake-Columbia rivers.

“Continued barging is not going to win the support of the fishermen and the business community,” he said.