Do you need a tag to catch and release steelhead?

CentralOregonBassClub
CentralOregonBassClub
New member
I have never steelhead fished before and this year I got a rod and reel and was wondering if you still need tags for steelhead if you catch and release? I wouldn't think that I would but just wanted to make sure.
 
The answer is "yes".
 
  • Like
Reactions: CentralOregonBassClub and Irishrover
CentralOregonBassClub said:
I have never steelhead fished before and this year I got a rod and reel and was wondering if you still need tags for steelhead if you catch and release? I wouldn't think that I would but just wanted to make sure.
That’s a definite, yes. Or no one would ever buy a tag lol.
 
  • Like
Reactions: CentralOregonBassClub
  • All anglers (regardless of age) need a valid Combined Angling Tag in possession to angle for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and halibut.
 
  • Like
Reactions: CentralOregonBassClub and Lmt ur kill
Yes. Also...if you're going to fish in any stream within the Columbia River drainage basin...you also need a CRBE endorsement, with an additional fee.

View attachment 1734365179933.webp
 
  • Like
Reactions: CentralOregonBassClub
CentralOregonBassClub said:
I have never steelhead fished before and this year I got a rod and reel and was wondering if you still need tags for steelhead if you catch and release? I wouldn't think that I would but just wanted to make sure.
They are commonly referred to as "Harvest Tags" so I understand why you might think you don't need one but yeah, you need one if you are going to target them even if your intention is to C&R.
 
  • Like
Reactions: troutdude
jamisonace said:
They are commonly referred to as "Harvest Tags" so I understand why you might think you don't need one but yeah, you need one if you are going to target them even if your intention is to C&R.
VERY good point!
 
  • Like
Reactions: CentralOregonBassClub
thank you everyone for the helpful info
 
  • Like
Reactions: troutdude
jamisonace said:
They are commonly referred to as "Harvest Tags" so I understand why you might think you don't need one but yeah, you need one if you are going to target them even if your intention is to C&R.
@jamisonace; so you don't need to fill them out, just have them in case?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You fill them out immediately if you retain a fish. Not after the game warden asks to see your tag.
 
  • Haha
  • Like
Reactions: troutdude and Admin
C_Run said:
You fill them out immediately if you retain a fish. Not after the game warden asks to see your tag.
I guess his question is still on a 'catch & release' page.
 
CentralOregonBassClub said:
@jamisonace; so you don't need to fill them out, just have them in case?
If you release the fish, you do not have to fill out the tag.
 
@CentralOregonBassClub this is copied directly from the 2025 reg's...

"All anglers (regardless of age) need a valid Combined Angling Tag in possession to angle for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and halibut."

That certainly answers your original question. You must have a tag--regardless of whether you keep or release.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Admin

Similar threads

jamisonace
Replies
25
Views
982
jamisonace
jamisonace
A
Replies
8
Views
820
troutdude
troutdude
R
Replies
3
Views
784
troutdude
troutdude
D
Replies
4
Views
267
PapaJ
P
Back
Top Bottom