DFG’s goal is to improve California steelhead habitat and populations to increase steelhead fishing opportunities and success, but this requires accurate and complete data from anglers. DFG advises that steelhead anglers read their cards carefully, complete the information as accurately as possible, and return it to the address listed below by Jan. 31, 2005.

Steelhead anglers must record their efforts, catches and releases – even if no steelhead are caught – on every trip. DFG uses the information on the cards to monitor and manage California’s steelhead populations. Those who did not fish for steelhead in 2004 are asked to write that information on the card. All cards must be returned, regardless of the number of trips taken. Failure to return the card is a misdemeanor.

All wild steelhead must be released unharmed, except in the Smith River. Wild steelhead can be identified by their adipose fin which is intact (second, smaller fin on the back just before the tail). Hatchery reared steelhead may be kept according to the limit in selected waters and are identified by the absence of the adipose fin and a healed scar where the fin had been. Anglers are encouraged to keep the allowable hatchery steelhead limit to reduce the occurrences of hatchery steelhead spawning with wild steelhead.

Additional information regarding steelhead is available through the DFG’s Native Anadromous Fisheries and Watershed Branch (NAFWB) web page: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/nafwb/steelhead.html.

Steelhead Report Cards can be dropped off at any DFG office. For those living near Sacramento, anglers may drop off at the 830 “S” St., (corner of 9th and S streets), Sacramento DFG-NAFWB office. Please note that specific questions should be directed to the Steelhead Report Card program at the address below.

Steelhead Report Cards should be mailed to:

Department of Fish and Game – NAFWB
Steelhead Report-Restoration Card
P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244-2090