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SALEM, Ore. - Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officials today announced the 2007 Spring Fishing Forecast, a statewide overview of conditions and fishing opportunities throughout Oregon.
Trout season opens April 28 in most parts of the state, kicking off the spring and summer angling seasons for thousands of Oregon families and fishing enthusiasts. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will stock millions of catchable trout this year in 300 lakes, reservoirs, and select streams giving anglers plenty of trout-fishing opportunities throughout the state.
Many
waterbodies in
the state have
been stocked
with fingerling
trout that are
now available
for harvest.
In some areas,
these fingerling
releases can
reach up to 12
inches after
one year’s
growth and up
to 20 inches
two years after
stocking.
In
addition, there
are hundreds
of opportunities
to fish for warmwater
game fish species.
A new series
of Warmwater Angling
Pamphlets that
will provide information
on warmwater angling
opportunities
and fishing techniques
throughout the
state will be
available at
local ODFW offices
in late April
and on ODFW’s
website http://www.dfw.state.or.us/.
Additionally,
ODFW recommends
several resources
for people new
to or returning
to fishing. They
include:
- ODFW's website, www.dfw.state.or.us, contains information on warm water fishing, the weekly recreation report, the annual trout stocking schedule and the 2007 pring Fishing Forecast
- ODFW publications, including “Easy Angling Oregon,” and “Warmwater Fishing” provide information on more than two dozen statewide angling destinations that are easy to reach and do not require specialized equipment or boats.
- ODFW regional and district offices have personnel to answer questions for anglers planning ahead. ODFW reminds anglers that calling ahead is especially important when heading to high desert rivers or lakes. Low snow packs and water levels can lead to poor fishing conditions late in the year.
- Several excellent fishing guides on fishing in Oregon can be checked out from local libraries or purchased from bookstores.
ODFW also sponsors events for novice youths to learn to fish. Free Fishing Weekend occurs June 9-10, 2007. A license is not needed to fish in Oregon that weekend. More than 50 fishing clinics are planned at hatcheries, lakes and ponds in Oregon, including a clinic at Bonneville Hatchery in the Columbia River Gorge. ODFW coordinates the statewide Youth Angler Education Program to teach young people to learn how to fish and enjoy the outdoors. More information about Free Fishing Weekend and the Youth Angler Education Program can be obtained through ODFW’s Information and Education Division at 503-947-6002 or by checking the ODFW website at www.dfw.state.or.us for more information.
Anglers are reminded to review the 2007 Sport Fishing Regulations and remember that using live fish for bait is illegal in Oregon “except live nongame fish may be used in the oceans, bays and tidewaters when taken from the waterbody in which they will be used”.
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