Frequent storms have made for some tough fishing conditions. Anglers able to fish as the river is on the drop are doing the best, but very few steelhead are being picked up. Anglers may have to wait until we get into a dry spell and flows stabilize before the bite will take off. This is a good time to get fishing gear ready for when the river drops. ‌

The Chetco River Angler Caught Broodstock program has started for the year. Anglers interested in participating need to sign up and obtain a permit. The program is the only way steelhead are collected for the Chetco River hatchery program. Steelhead can be donated by anglers fishing with guides or as a non-guided angler. Donated steelhead are transported to Elk River Hatchery and held until they are spawned. Juvenile steelhead are reared at the hatchery before being released back in the Chetco River. For more information about the program or to obtain a permit, anglers can call the Gold Beach ODFW office at 541-247-7605.