WDFW Opens Comment On Coastal Steelhead Rulemaking

THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public input on a proposal to modify permanent regulations for coastal steelhead, game fish, and trout seasons.

The public can submit feedback online; by voicemail to 855-925-2801, project code 11694; via email; or by mail to WDFW Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA, 98504.

Steelhead survival rates have declined in rivers flowing into Washington’s Pacific Coast, Grays Harbor, and Willapa Bay over the past five decades, with many populations returning below escapement goals in recent years.

Because of low coastal steelhead returns, state and tribal fishery managers have frequently made significant changes to fisheries, resulting in emergency regulations that differ from the annual Washington Sport Fishing Rules. Preliminary information from 2024-25 steelhead returns indicates most areas are below escapement goals.

“Updating our permanent regulations will better align season dates and structure with the current population status, tribal co-manager agreements, and conservation goals for both winter-run and summer-run steelhead,” said Chad Herring, WDFW’s regional fish program manager for the Coastal Region. “Our goal in this public process is to balance wild steelhead conservation with providing more consistency and stability for anglers.”

Fishery managers presented a proposed rule making process to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission’s Fish Committee on June 26. WDFW will hold two virtual public meetings in July, followed by other Commission presentations. The Department aims to enact final rules by January 2026. Register for the July 17 meeting and the July 31 meeting via Zoom.

The proposal would apply to all coastal rivers and tributaries west of the Elwha River and south to the Naselle River. It would only apply to waters with current steelhead, game fish, or trout regulations.

WDFW continues to operate 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.

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.

For more information about coastal steelhead management, visit WDFW’s webpage.