IDFG mismanaging steelhead

Why aren’t steelhead managed like elk?

When an elk population takes a dive, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game rightfully reduces harvest. Hunter harvest may not be the root cause of the decline, but it is correctly reasoned that some elk need to be spared to allow the population to rebuild.

So why are steelhead any different?

In the face of crashing steelhead populations, IDFG has refused to make any of the necessary changes that would allow the fish to rebuild their population.

We all know that sport angling is not the primary cause of why the steelhead population has crashed. However, a portion of all caught and released steelhead die unintentionally. The same logic used in management of elk and deer says that we need to save as many fish as we can to allow their population to rebuild to healthy levels. Without wild steelhead, hatchery fish will also be doomed within our lifetimes as well. Hatchery fish genetics decline with every generation and survival rates drop without an infusion of wild fish genetics.

Simple changes such as no bait, barbless hooks, and keeping wild steelhead in the water will save fish for the future while giving everyone involved a chance to continue fishing. Both sides (gear and fly) of the angling community have expressed an openness to these changes; so why does IDFG fail to consider them?

If IDFG wants to see the steelhead season reopened and support local economies, they should start with getting back to the table with the conservation groups to compromise on basic protections for the future.

Zack Williams, Clearwater River Steelhead Guide

Pullman