Does anyone happen to know were I could find the 01' plant stats(smolt release)for this coming winter steelhead season? It seemed like last year the smolt release numbers were given after the season ended(DF&W). It would be nice to know what river are getting the bigger plants before Dec. 1.
Thanks =)

- BW

The dept. has a web site and under the fish/shellfish page they have it under "steelhead catch" but......true to form, they are last years numbers like you say.

It seems every year it is a struggle for them to get fresh numbers out before Jan-Feb. which seems ridiculous to me because we are talking about simple data here that was compiled 1-2 years ago.

For the price we pay and few opportunities we get you'd think they could do us this simple favor and have the numbers out by early November before things get rolling.

Frustrates me too!

I have sent several emails regarding this topic, of not having the current plants for the current winter season, till after the winter season. (at least we get it before the summer season) I was told that the numbers stay pretty much the same. This also isn't true. Several small rivers I fish have changed quite a bit in the plants they receive. One went from around 30 thousand to 5 thousand, another went from 10 up to 50, and another went down to 10 from 30 thousand.(approx numbers)
I asked to receive preliminary numbers(they have to exist somewhere), but have yet to receive a response.
If any one knows where to get these numbers, info would be much appreciated.---Mike

These are fish that were released two years ago, you'd think there would be something printed by now.

I dont get it.
For small streams it does help to have numbers ahead of time because the numbers do vary from year to year.

- BW

Bank Walker, call the Mill Creek office and ask them for the numbers. They used to have copys of the numbers for the entire state at the office. And also the catch stats for the state. I have not gone down there in a few years to see if they still do put copys out(with the poor returns we have had, didnt seem worth it). Our fish and game dept. has fallen into a sad state. Do call them, you never know, it might do some good. thanks