The weather in our region continues to be mild, and our area rivers are in great shape. That is great news for anglers fishing for steelhead on the Wenatchee River and there is more good news on the way.

I have learned that the Department of Fish and Wildlife has submitted a proposal to re-open the Methow River for steelhead fishing by March 1. This is very welcome news. Anglers have been eager to fish this great stream since its closure earlier this winter. There will be lots of adipose fin clipped fish in the system and the department wants the help of anglers to remove them. This will allow better spawning opportunities for wild fish.

The department will not open the stretch of the main stem upper Columbia from above Wells Dam to Brewster, as the fish caught on the main stem would count against the take in the Methow and they want to keep the Methow River open as long as possible. The Methow River is a favorite with fly fisherman and has good access to very good fly water throughout its length. It is also popular with bobber and jig anglers that scale down their gear for the low and clear conditions.

Angler should keep any eye out for the official announcement before heading for the stream.