While the 2012 smelt forecast for the Columbia River and its tributaries is favorable, both recreational and commercial fisheries are expected to remain closed this year,
The 2012 run is forecasted to improve from 2011, but is still expected to be at a low level, said Joe Hymer, state fish biologist. He said this year’s run could possibly be better than the past couple of years but will still weaker than the brief rebound years of 2001-2003.

On May 17, 2010, Columbia River smelt, also known as eulachon, were federally-listed as threatened under the Endangered Species …

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The state Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced this morning that it is closing fishing for eulachon smelt statewide effective today.

The action closes sport fishing for eulachon (Columbia River) smelt in all marine and freshwater areas.

Eulachon smelt are listed under the Endangered Species Act as “threatened.” There are no harvestable populations within the state and the statewide fishing closure will provide additional protection, said the agency’s news release.