Preserving American Steelhead Runs

The California Fish and Game Commission is considering a two-month ban on one of the state’s most popular fly-fishing rivers.

The ban, which could take place on the American River in February and March, according to the Sacramento Bee, would occur on the lower stretches of the fishery in hopes of preserving the steelhead trout population.

In the winter, steelhead make their way from the ocean up into the upper stretches of coastal freshwater streams and rivers to spawn.

The potential steelhead ban brings up a good question, should steelhead fishing be allowed during the spawn? Many fly fishermen opt not to fish during the spawn in hopes or preserving future runs.

Unlike salmon, most steelhead return to sea after spawning, which makes catch-and-release a critical practice.

If you intend to fish for steelies during the spawn, use care when handling fish and debarb your hooks. You can read more winter steelhead fishing tips here. In the meantime, feel free to comment below or in the forum on whether fishing for steelhead during the spawn should be permitted.