backdoor by using non-migrating hatchery steelhead for a trout fishery.
It is well established through scientific studies that resident rainbow trout and steelhead are the same species and that resident trout spawn with steelhead. One study shows that a quarter of the wild adult steelhead had a resident trout parent. This life history diversity in rainbow/steelhead
rainbow.
The Army Corps of Engineers pay for this mitigation program and even though they are on the hook to protect endangered species they haven’t done anything end the summer steelhead hatchery program. NOAA Fisheries is responsible for ESA species recovery but they have let ODFW continue to endanger threatened winter steelhead. ODFW is more concerned with license sales than it is about recovery of threatened wild steelhead.
has an important biological benefit when the steelhead run is poor and when late spawning females have few males to spawn with.
A fishery for non-migrating hatchery steelhead smolts will have associated mortality on wild winter steelhead juveniles rearing in the river and on wild rainbow.
The Army Corps of Engineers pay for this mitigation program and even though they are on the hook to protect endangered species they haven’t done anything end the summer steelhead hatchery program. NOAA Fisheries is responsible for ESA species recovery but they have let ODFW continue to endanger threatened winter steelhead. ODFW is more concerned with license sales than it is about recovery of threatened wild steelhead.
So now it is the sport fisher’s turn to participate in this charade and help prevent the recovery of wild winter steelhead in the Santiam River. The fish are always carrying the burden when agencies do not tell the truth, follow the law, and ignore the science.
Editor's Note:
To find out more about the issues impacting wild steelhead and the Native Fish Society's efforts to save them please vist the NFS website where you can get all the latest info and sign up for their "Strong Runs" newsletter.