Concerned in particular with a forecasted low return of Queets River wild steelhead, Olympic National Park leaders have implemented in-season fishing regulation changes within park waters.

The 2020-21 forecast for Queets wild steelhead is expected to be well below the escapement goal of 4,200 fish, park spokesperson Penny Wagner said. Queets wild steelhead have failed to meet that escapement goal in each of the last four years and returns in recent years were among the lowest on record.

Fisheries within Olympic National Park are managed to provide a variety of fishing opportunities, allow for the harvest of hatchery steelhead, and protect wild steelhead populations, park officials noted this week.

To better protect wild steelhead, Olympic National Park is implementing the following in-season changes:

Queets River

• Closes to recreational fishing on Feb. 1

• The early sport fishing closure in the Queets River system is designed to allow for opportunity to harvest early timed hatchery steelhead while better protecting the wild run

• Use of bait is prohibited; anglers must use artificial lure with a barbless single point hook

Salmon River

• Use of bait is prohibited; anglers must use artificial lure with a barbless single point hook

Quillayute River

• Closes to recreational fishing on April 1

Dickey River (mouth)

• Closes to recreational fishing on April 1

Hoh River (mouth)

• Closes to recreational fishing on April 1

Anglers should note that fishing in the Hoh River system and the Bogachiel River within the park will remain open through April 15.

Current information and fishing regulations are available on the park website at nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/fishing.htm.