Anglers in north-central Washington state could be allowed to fish for endangered steelhead for the first time in four years if the state Department of Fish and Wildlife has its way. More than 32,000 steelhead are expected to swim up the Columbia River this year, the largest run since 1986. State wildlife officials would like to permit fishing to reduce the number of hatchery steelhead, which they fear will out-compete the wild fish for spawning areas. Both hatchery and wild steelhead were listed as endangered in 1997, but the former are making a stronger comeback. The National Marine Fisheries Service is currently considering the state’s request.
