It’s official. Steelhead fishing has ended on several rivers in our region on December 1st, but the closure isn’t as broad as I was being told earlier this year. The Wenatchee, Entiat and Methow rivers have closed, not only for steelhead fishing but for whitefish as well. The areas that will remain open to fishing for hatchery steelhead include: the main stem Columbia River from Rock Island Dam to the boundary markers below Wells Dam, and from Highway 173 Bridge in Brewster to 400 feet below Chief Joseph Dam; the Okanogan River from the mouth upstream to the Highway 97 Bridge in Oroville; the Similkameen River from the mouth upstream to 400 feet below Enloe Dam. Only adipose fin clipped steelhead may be retained, with a limit of two fish per day. A night closure remains in effect and selective gear rules apply, expect bait is allowed in the main stem Columbia. Anglers are reminded that these fisheries are made possible by the Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement Stamp. For full details see the news release available on the WDFW web site.