Steelhead fishing to close on upper Columbia River and tributaries

Actions: Close the Columbia River and tributaries above Rock Island Dam to fishing for steelhead.

Species affected: Steelhead.

Effective date: One hour after sunset on March 31, 2014.

Locations:

Mainstem Columbia River: From Rock Island Dam to 400 feet below Chief Joseph Dam.

Wenatchee River: From the mouth to 400 feet below Tumwater Dam, including the Icicle River from the mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam.

Methow River: From the mouth to the confluence with the Chewuch River in Winthrop.

Okanogan River: From the mouth to the Highway 97 Bridge in Oroville.

Similkameen River: From the mouth to 400 feet below Enloe Dam.

Reason for action: Most steelhead will be spawning beginning in April. National Marine Fisheries Service Permit 1395 for this program allows a fishery to be promulgated only through March 31.

Information contacts: Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager (Ephrata), (509) 754-4624, Travis Maitland, District 7 Fish Biologist (Wenatchee, Entiat), (509) 665-3337.