Steelhead season opens on most of our area waters on Wednesday, October 16th, and anglers have been champing at the bit for this opener. The steelhead season is one of the most cherished of fishing seasons here in Central Washington. Chasing these prized fish in the fall is a favorite pastime of anglers here. Our steelhead seasons are an example of using sport angling as a management tool that has been successful. More and more wild fish are returning to our area streams each year. The result of being able to keep adipose fin clipped hatchery fish, to enhance the ability of wild fish to spawn. On Wednesday, the main stem Columbia from Rock Island Dam to Chief Joseph Dam. Barbless hooks are required but bait is allowed. The Methow River will also open and there are some special boundaries that anglers should refer to in the official news release from the department. The Okanogan River will also open on Wednesday, and the Similkameen on November 1st. It is important to note that these seasons are maintained through funding provided by the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement program. Please check the WDFW web site for specific details on the regulations.