Management of Steelhead Trout in the State of Washington

Abstract
The increase in the angling for steelhead trout (Salmo gairdneri irideus) since the end of World War II caused fishery biologists in the State of Washington to re‐evaluate their management policies and to search for a means of building up runs of adult steelhead trout in depleted or heavily fished streams. Experiments were conducted to determine the proper size and time of planting of hatchery‐reared steelhead trout to obtain best returns of adults. It was found that the planting of migrant‐sized steelhead trout during the normal migration period of wild fish provided the best returns. Runs of adult steelhead trout have been built substantially up by plants of hatchery‐reared fish as evidenced by trap returns on planted streams. Regulations on the fishery for mature and immature steelhead trout have tended to become more liberal on the mature and more stringent on the immature fish. Seasons on adults extend through March and April in many streams having late runs, rather than being ended at the end of February as in the past. Points above which no fishing is allowed are shifted down stream as the fishing season progresses, thus protecting the spawners and allowing fresh‐run steelhead trout to be taken. Immature fish are being protected by a July 1 opening on the lower reaches of steelhead trout streams where the migrant‐sized fish congregate before moving into salt water. Some rivers have a 10‐inch minimum size limit in effect during the entire summer season to protect the immature trout.

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