THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) invites the public to attend a virtual town hall meeting to discuss 2026-27 coastal steelhead season planning.
The virtual meeting will be held Nov. 10 from 6-8 p.m. via Zoom. Pre-registration is required.
During the meeting, fishery managers will present 2025-26 escapement information, preliminary 2026-27 forecasts, and share proposed regulations. There will be an opportunity for public comments and questions.
“In our planning, we’re focused on balancing wild steelhead conservation with providing meaningful fishing opportunities for hatchery steelhead,” said Chad Herring, WDFW’s regional fish program manager for the Coastal Region. “Feedback from the public helps us plan sustainable steelhead fishing seasons.”
WDFW operates under its Statewide Steelhead Management Plan, which requires the Department to prioritize the sustainability of wild coastal steelhead runs by focusing on healthy levels of abundance, productivity, diversity, and distribution. For more information about coastal steelhead management, visit WDFW’s webpage.
Steelhead, a sea-going rainbow trout that can exceed 30 pounds, is the state fish and a Pacific Northwest icon that has been culturally and economically important throughout the region’s history, including in popular recreational fisheries.
All members of the public are invited to share their perspectives and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, or basis of disability.
