The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) announced today that the sport fishing season on the Smith River's main stem will close on April 30. The 2006 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations booklet incorrectly listed the closing date as March 31 on the main stem Smith River from the mouth to the confluence of the Middle and South forks.

Regulations require the closure of the main stem of Smith River on April 30.

At the bottom of page 49 of the fishing regulations book, under Section (180) (A), the regulation incorrectly states that the season closes a month early. It should state that the season runs from the "Fourth Saturday in May through April 30." The regulation goes on to state, "Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the fourth Saturday in May through August 31."

Bag limits for sport anglers along the Smith River remain one wild trout or steelhead over 16 inches total length, or one hatchery trout or one hatchery steelhead, and two cutthroat trout: minimum size of 10 inches total length, and one king salmon, also known as Chinook salmon. Anglers are reminded that hatchery trout and steelhead are distinguished from wild fish by an adipose fin-clip (further information is provided on page 21 of the fishing booklet). DFG reminds anglers that they may keep only five wild trout or steelhead over 16 inches total length per year.

In 2005, the California Fish and Game Commission liberalized the regulations for the main stem Smith River from the mouth to the confluence of the Middle and South forks to provide anglers an additional month of steelhead fishing.