Summer steelhead are expected to have a low run this year, prompting the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to issue angling closures with steelhead, bass and salmon in parts of the Deschutes River this summer, starting as early as Wednesday.

Last year’s upriver steelhead run to Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River was the lowest since records began in 1938, resulting in the first steelhead fishing closure on the Deschutes since 1978. Pre-season forecasts for 2022 are similar to last year’s returns, according to the department.

As more summer steelhead pass through Bonneville Dam from summer through fall, fishing seasons will be adjusted. Anglers should always check the recreation report for their fishing zone as regulations can change.

Under temporary rules adopted for the Deschutes River on Wednesday:

• Steelhead and bass fishing are closed from June 1 to Aug. 15 from the mouth of the river at the Interstate-84  bridge upstream to Pelton Dam.

• Chinook salmon fishing is closed from Aug. 1 to Aug. 15 from the mouth at the  I-84 bridge upstream to the upper railroad trestle, about  3 miles downstream from Sherars Falls.

• Coho salmon fishing is closed from Aug 1. to Aug. 15 from the I-84 bridge upstream to about the upper railroad trestle and from Sherars Falls upstream to Pelton Dam.

Normally under permanent regulations, hatchery steelhead fishing is open all year, coho fishing is open Aug 1. to Dec. 31 and Chinook fishing is open Aug. 1 to Oct. 31. Salmon fishing closures are needed during these time periods as salmon anglers may encounter wild steelhead.

Trout fishing remains open on the Deschutes River as there is less risk that trout anglers will encounter wild steelhead. Anglers should take extra steps to avoid targeting steelhead and safely release them if caught, according to the department.