Steve,

As Easy pointed out, your license (fresh and saltwater) is valid until March 31, 2003. The reason they run the seasons from 4/1 to 3/31 is because the majority of steelhead fishing takes place in late winter/early spring. It used to be more complicated. You used to have to buy the actual fishing license on Jan. 1, but the steelhead punchcard you purchased for an extra $18 was valid from the same dates it is today. With punchcards being free now, it's MUCH easier just to have the license year follow the same dates.

Hopefully this cleared it up a little for you.