Western Washington steelheaders are faced with some tough decisions this year as runs on the Olympic Peninsula are forecast to be low but a reduced fishery is being allowed by WDFW. Here are some considerations before hitting the water.
New Support for Game Wardens on Washington’s Coastal Rivers
Wild Steelheaders United has partnered with our partners at the Wild Steelhead Coalition and the Wild Salmon Center to support Washington’s game wardens and have donated a variety of gear and technical equipment that has a retail value over $20,000 and gives WDFW Law Enforcement the ability to monitor many more miles of river and public lands.
A new normal for steelheading
In Washington, co-managers of coastal winter steelhead fisheries were faced with the difficult task this year of balancing angling opportunity and conservation. We break down the new emergency regulations and what the future may hold.
Washington Coast Winter Steelhead: Will There Be A Season?
Next week, WDFW hosts the second town hall in a series of meetings for the planning of the coastal winter steelhead season on Washington’s coast.
Planning set to begin for Washington coast winter steelhead season
This week, WDFW kicks off the coastal winter steelhead season planning with the first in a series of virtual town halls.
Field Day Friday: A heat blast for young-of-year steelhead
The Pacific Northwest just experienced one heck of an abnormal heat wave. Temperatures soared up to, and in some places beyond, 117F. These are extremely warm temperatures for late June, and the sharp increase had an effect on emergence timing of juvenile steelhead, which we dive into for Field Day Friday.
Field Day Friday: The high value of two redds in one
Is there anything special about a winter steelhead redd in late May? Perhaps not, in general, but sometimes if we look more closely some interesting details might emerge.
Cheaters, Liars, and Whiners: The Washington Coast Wrap-up
Wild Steelheaders United ambassador Lee Geist shares his perspective from a season chasing steelhead on Washington’s coast under new fishing regulations meant to reduce angler encounter rate.
Update: Emergency closure for some winter steelhead rivers and the Quileute Tribe’s perspective
It has been a tough stretch for wild winter steelhead on the West End of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Now, several months into the season, some of these runs appear to be even weaker than forecast. Given the alarmingly low returns of coastal wild winter steelhead so far this year, it’s not a surprise WDFW had to take additional action to protect these fish.
An unfortunate reality: Depleted Olympic Peninsula steelhead and emergency conservation measures
Last week, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) enacted new regulations coast-wide with the stated goal of reducing our encounter rates on these last, best wild runs here in Washington. This includes some serious changes to the way we fish for steelhead.