Oh, illusive and majestic Steelhead! One of Washington’s most regulated fish is about to get its first opening in over a decade on the Methow River and portions of the Upper Columbia River. This is an unexpected announcement and one that will have excited anglers planning for the upcoming winter season.
Starting October 16th, 2024, you will have the opportunity to fish Steelhead on the Methow from the mouth to county road 1535 Burma Bridge Road. On the Columbia River, from the Beebe Bridge on Highway 97 to the Highway 173 Bridge at Brewster.
If you don’t have bank access or a boat, reach out to a seasoned professional like Upper Columbia Guide Service for the experience of a lifetime.
If you’re a fan of the fly-fishing experience try North Cascades Fly fishing, the longest-standing fly guide in the Methow Valley. Anglers of any age or experience are welcome to reserve their experience for floating, wading, and instructional experiences.
There are several affordable riverfront accommodations on the Methow and the Upper Columbia River. Highly rated Columbia Riverside Lodge and Lazy-Daze-Retreats work closely with local guides and have private dock access to the river.
Anglers can keep 2 hatchery Steelhead or Coho per day, identified by the clipped adipose fin. Steelhead minimum size is 20 inches, and Coho minimum is 12 inches. Wild Steelhead are to be released immediately. Selective gear rules and night closures are in effect. WAC 220-300-160(27) “Selective gear rules” means terminal fishing gear is limited to artificial flies with single-point barbless hooks or lures with single-point barbless hooks. Bait is prohibited.
Fishing from a floating device is prohibited from the second powerline crossing, one mile upstream from the first Highway 153 bridge.
Wild steelhead were listed endangered in 1997 under the Endangered Species Act and have been considered threatened since 2009, meaning that traditional recreational fishing is only allowed when there is an excess of returning hatchery Steelhead. Approximately 7,601 adults were counted over Priest Rapids Dam in 2023, and thus far in 2024, an estimated 9,336 adult fish have been counted. WDFW will continue to monitor the steelhead returns to determine if additional regions can be opened.
Steelhead populations in the Columbia River system have faced numerous challenges including habitat loss, dams, and changing ocean conditions. In response, local state and federal agencies, along with indigenous tribes and conservation groups have worked tirelessly to implement recovery plans. These efforts include habitat restoration, fish passage improvements at dams, and reducing bycatch in other fisheries.
This historic decision to reopen Steelhead fishing was made in consultation with NOAA fisheries to ensure wild steelhead populations remain protected while allowing recreational fishing for hatchery steelhead. For anglers, this is a moment to celebrate and continue advocating for the protection of this remarkable species.
