Ловля стальхедов на реке Джон Дэй закрыта до конца года из-за критического снижения популяции

Steelhead fishing to close on John Day River Sept. 1 Published 12:07 pm Thursday, August 27, 2026 Steelhead fishing on the John Day River will close Sept. 1 as low returns of wild summer steelhead prompt state wildlife officials to protect fish making their way upstream. The closure will remain in effect through at least Dec. 31 and likely will continue into the new year, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. It covers the John Day River from the mainline railroad bridge at its confluence with the Columbia River upstream, including the North and Middle forks and all tributaries. Under ODFW’s John Day River Steelhead Framework, the recreational fishery remains open when at least 20,000 wild summer steelhead pass Bonneville Dam between July 1 and Aug. 23. This year, only about 15,000 have made the trip. Other indicators are pointing in the same direction. Tagged fish suggest the John Day Basin’s smolt-to-adult return rate will fall below 1%, while recent low smolt releases from the Snake River are expected to mean fewer hatchery steelhead straying into the John Day. The framework was developed in 2021 after record-low steelhead returns led to fishing closures on the John Day, Deschutes and other rivers. It gives anglers, guides and local communities benchmarks for when fishery restrictions will be triggered. Wild upriver summer steelhead have struggled for more than a decade. This year’s poor returns are also occurring amid drought, which has left some streams warmer and running at lower levels than normal. Anglers should check ODFW’s latest regulations before fishing.