The Idaho Department of Fish and Game says this year’s summer steelhead run is well above average.
According to a news release, 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.
This year’s return has already exceeded the preseason forecast, and as of August 6th there have been 76,000 A-run steelhead counted while passing Bonneville Dam. The 10-year average for the same time span is about 30,000 but includes some very poor steelhead return years, so the 10-year average is a low bar to clear.
While A-run steelhead are definitely proving optimistic, officials say it’s still a little early to determine how B-run steelhead are faring. Typically this time of year, fisheries biologists need to wait another month before having a clearer picture.
Currently, about half of the fish that have passed Bonneville Dam are unclipped, or in other words, are wild. Officials say that indicates wild steelhead numbers are up this year, too.
