Summer steelhead returns way above average, surprising both anglers and biologists
This year’s steelhead return has already exceeded the preseason forecast, and as of Aug. 6 there have been 76,000 A-run steelhead counted while passing Bonneville Dam.
Photo courtesy Idaho Fish and Game
Fish and wildlife populations are always surprising us — sometimes in bad ways and sometimes in good ways. This year’s steelhead return is guilty of the latter, and the recent spike in returns is worth celebrating.
Before the run had even started, a contingent of Idaho Fish and Game anadromous fisheries managers — working with tribal and federal fisheries managers — predicted a total of 67,500 steelhead would return to the Columbia River, including 55,600 A-run fish and 11,900 B-run fish.