ROSEBURG – North Umpqua and mainstem Umpqua River anglers are reminded that wild winter steelhead harvest is closed beginning Jan. 1. Both rivers remain open year-round for adipose fin-clipped steelhead.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted the new regulations this past August in response to public testimony from various fishing interests to close the fishery. A public meeting was held in Roseburg to discuss the issue which was then presented to the Commission.

In addition to fishing for adipose fin-clipped steelhead, other opportunities in the Umpqua River beginning Jan. 1 include all Chinook salmon, striped bass, smallmouth bass, and catch-and-release trout angling.

In the North Umpqua River from the mouth upstream to the fly area boundary, anglers may harvest adipose fin-clipped steelhead and Chinook salmon. The fly area from Rock Creek to Soda Springs Dam is open to fly angling adipose fin-clipped steelhead.

The South Umpqua River is also open for adipose fin-clipped steelhead through April 30.

Anglers should check the 2008 fishing regulations for more details.