Fishery managers hope to hold a catch-and-release steelhead season on the Skagit and Sauk rivers in early 2023, according to a state Department of Fish and Wildlife news release.

Fishery managers canceled last year’s steelhead fishing season after their estimates indicated that fewer steelhead than the 4,000-fish requirement would return to the watershed.

State fish biologists and tribal co-managers have forecasted that 5,211 wild steelhead will return to the Skagit River this year.

The Skagit River Steelhead Fishery Resource Management Plan would authorize a 10% allowable harvest for 2023 if approved by the {span}National Marine Fisheries Service.

Future allowable harvests would depend on forecasted numbers.

The 10-year plan is open for public comment until Jan. 23.