I want to remind folks about one closure on the Columbia River and also let you know that there is steelhead season open now in the Hanford Reach. At the end of August the stretch of the Columbia above Wells Dam to the bridge at Brewster closed to fishing for salmon. The area of the Columbia from the Highway 395 Bridge at Pasco to the wooden power line towers at the old Hanford town site is now open to fishing for hatchery steelhead. The season will run through October 31st, and the limit is two adipose fin-clipped fish per day. Anglers are reminded that all hatchery fish must be retained. It is important to note that sport fishing for hatchery steelhead is a management tool to aid in the recovery of wild stocks on the Columbia River and its tributaries. Wild steelhead are still listed under the Endangered Species Act. Removing hatchery reared steelhead from the system greatly improves the opportunity for wild steelhead to spawn. Any wild steelhead hooked should be immediately released—without removing them from the water. Anglers should also be looking for an announcement of steelhead seasons to open on other areas of the Columbia River and its tributaries above Priest Rapids Dam.