Steelhead Fishing Season in Washington
Washington state's Pacific Coast offers some of the best steelhead fishing in North America. Steelhead migrate annually from the salt waters of the Pacific to the fresh waters of Washington's rivers and streams for the purpose of spawning. Their journey can span hundreds of miles and its arduous nature tells something about the fish. They are known to be elusive, tough fighters and their appearance in particular rivers and streams can be sporadic. In Washington, both wild and hatchery steelhead are available to fish.
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Steelhead
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In saltwater, steelhead develop a silvery sheen on their sides which differentiate them from rainbow trout that stick to the fresh waters. Hatchery originating steelhead in Washington average 6 to 8 pounds and wild steelhead are typically 10 to 12 pounds. Wild steelhead are known to provide more sport for the fisherman. One of the largest steelhead ever caught in the world was caught on Washington's Hoh River, and it was more than 30 pounds.
Locations
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Places to fish steelhead in Washington include the Bogachiel River, Calawah River, Clearwater River, Dickey River, Sol Duc River, the Hoh River, Quillayute River and Quinault River. The Olympic Peninsula on Washington's west coast is world famous for its steelhead fishing spots. Olympic National Park is host to 3,000 miles of rivers and streams, many of which are available for steelhead fishing.
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Seasons
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Winter hatchery origin steelhead begin to arrive in and around the rivers and streams of the Olympic Peninsula in early November, and peak time for hatchery runs is mid-December. In January, wild steelhead begin to show in good numbers in the coastal regions; the Sol Duc River is known to be a good spot to find steelhead in late January and February. Summer runs begin in the spring, and steelhead can be found in good numbers in late June and July. June 1 is generally regarded as the "stream opener."
Regulations
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All caught steelhead must be reported on a "catch record card" which must be turned in to the Department of Fisheries and Wild Life as of 2010. In Olympic Provincial Park fisherman are permitted to catch and keep up to two hatchery steelhead per season, and these fish must be at least 14 inches in length. Any wild steelhead caught must be released. In the rest of Washington, fisherman are permitted to catch one wild steelhead over 20 inches per season; there is no annual limit for hatchery steelhead. It is unlawful to completely remove fish from the water when catching and releasing. During open season you can fish in fresh waters 24 hours a day. Only one line per angler may be used, with up to three hooks.
Fees
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A "combination" fishing license, which allows anglers to fish salt and fresh waters, is $48.20 for residents and $91.40 for non-residents for the 2010 season. A one day combination fishing license is $10.18 for residents and $17.82 for non-residents. Fishing in Olympic National Park requires that you pay a park entrance fee of $15 per vehicle, or $5 if entering on foot. Fishing on the Columbia River and its tributaries requires an "endorsement" which is $8.75. Youths younger than 16 years of age can fish free when accompanied by an adult, and reduced rates are available for persons with disabilities and seniors.
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References
- Photo Credit fishing rod image by Inhumane Productions from Fotolia.com
