CENTRAL POINT, Ore – Retention of wild spring chinook on the Rogue River will close June 21 to protect wild fish stocks, state fishery managers announced today. Anglers can continue to retain adipose fin-clipped chinook.

In addition, the spring chinook angling season closes July 1 between Gold Ray Dam and Rogue Elk County Park.

“At this point, we’re projecting spring chinook returns similar to last year, which were very low,” said District Fish Biologist Dan Van Dyke. “We’re also now concerned about the potential for additional fish losses from disease because of rising water temperatures in the lower river.”

This emergency closure – the same as one enacted in 2006 – is needed to maximize the spawning escapement of naturally produced spring Chinook. As of June 13, just over 6,427 spring chinook crossed Gold Ray Dam, well below the 10-year return average.

By mid-June last year at this time, 5,557 fish had crossed the dam and the final return was 11,718 fish, making it the second lowest on record since counts began in 1942 at Gold Ray Dam.

Specific Rogue River emergency closure regulations are as follows:

• Mouth upstream to Whiskey Creek: June 21 – July 13 anglers may retain only adipose fin-clipped chinook.
• Whiskey Creek upstream to Hog Creek: June 21 – July 31 anglers may retain only adipose fin-clipped Chinook.
• Hog Creek Boat Landing upstream to Gold Ray Dam: June 21 – Aug. 14 anglers may retain only adipose fin-clipped chinook.
• Gold Ray Dam to the Rogue Elk Boat Ramp: June 21 – June 30 anglers may retain only adipose fin-clipped chinook. This area is closed to spring chinook angling July 1 – Oct. 31.
• Rogue Elk Boat Ramp to Cole Rivers Hatchery diversion dam: June 21 – July 31 anglers may retain only adipose fin-clipped chinook.

The mission of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. The agency consists of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, a commission-appointed director and a statewide staff of approximately 950 permanent employees. Headquartered in Salem, ODFW has regional offices in Clackamas, Roseburg, Bend, and La Grande with ten district offices located throughout the state. For additional information, please visit www.dfw.state.or.us.