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Idaho Rivers United withdraws from suit to stop steelhead fishing

Posted at 10:38 PM, Dec 02, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-03 00:38:47-05

Idaho Rivers United has withdrawn from a coalition that was threatening to sue to stop steelhead fishing in Idaho. 

"NOAA has released a draft management plan that, when finalized, will legalize the steelhead fishery," said a news released issued by IRU. "IRU’s priority has shifted to evaluating the draft plan to ensure that Idaho’s wild steelhead receive needed protections during their migration and spawning seasons."

In response to the threat of that lawsuit, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission decided to close fishing in Idaho after December 7.

"We were surprised and disappointed that the Fish and Game Commission decided to close the steelhead season,"said IRU's news release. "Their decision hurt riverside towns, and many people we care about – people who are on a larger team to restore salmon and steelhead in Idaho. We regret that. We have many friends in those communities – anglers, fishing guides, citizens, and business owners, who have worked with us for many years on salmon and steelhead recovery. It is unfair to punish rural communities that depend on fishery-based economies. Let’s fix this, quickly."