Steelhead fishery rules changed Jan. 1

ALMOTA — New steelhead fishery rules take effect above and below Lower Granite Dam beginning Jan. 1.

Below the dam, downstream to the mouth of the Snake River, fishermen are limited to one hatchery steelhead daily.

Above the dam, to the Idaho-Oregon state line, two hatchery steelhead are allowed.

The new rules expire March 31, state fisheries officials said.

The new rule is due to an updated steelhead forecast return of 109,500, an increase of more than 2,000 fish.

While the overall run is expected to be more than previously forecast, fisheries officials believe fewer steelhead are returning to the Tucannon and Touchet rivers, necessitating lower limits below Lower Granite Dam.

Fishermen are required to use barbless hooks and release all steelhead with unclipped adipose fins unharmed, officials said.

Regardless of whether a steelhead is released, fishermen are only allowed to catch one steelhead per day, officials said.