The State of Idaho's Salmon and Steelhead

Idaho's salmon and steelhead are in trouble. More specifically, Idaho's Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon and steelhead trout populations are in serious decline and our wild runs are teetering on the brink of extinction. Join ICL's North Idaho Director, Brad Smith, as he dives into this layered issue from multiple angles, helping to spread awareness and empower Idahoans to become advocates and take action! In short, the conservation efforts of the past 20 years have kept the fish from dying out entirely - but have come nowhere close to the restoration goals originally established after they were placed on the endangered species list in the 1990s. And despite the conservation efforts established by both the federal and state governments, these iconic Idaho fish continue to have dismal return rates. As of today, just over 10,000 wild steelhead have returned, which is less than a third of what we saw three years ago, and these numbers continue to fall! Whether directly or indirectly, this is a significant issue that affects us all. As Smith has said, "Northwest leaders and agencies from all corners of the state, individual Idahoans, community business leaders and outfitters and guides must stick together and focus on the real problem. It is time to get serious about saving Idaho's salmon and steelhead."