Four Oregon Tribes Apprived To Sell Steelhead To Non-Indian Public

Thu., Aug. 28, 1997

Associated Press

Four Indian tribes have settled their dispute with the state over a rule that bans the tribes from selling steelhead trout to the non-Indian public.

A federal judge Wednesday approved an agreement that will allow the Warm Springs, Yakama, Umatilla and Nez Perce tribes to conduct riverside sales of the fish beginning Wednesday.

The primary sales location is at the marina at Cascade Locks.

The agreement was offered by the Oregon Fish Commission and signed by the four tribes in Portland.

A 21-year-old state regulation made it illegal for non-Indian residents in Oregon to buy steelhead from the tribes.

The tribal fisherman sued to overturn the rule because they can get $2 a pound selling to the public, as opposed to about 25 cents a pound from commercial buyers.

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