Jason Seals (541) 296-4628
Contact: Dan Knoll (503) 947-6023

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife fishery managers have established a sport fishing season for spring chinook salmon from April 15 through July 31 on the Deschutes River from Sherars Falls downstream to the mouth. During this period, the bag limit is two adipose fin-clipped chinook salmon per day and five adipose fin-clipped jack salmon per day. All unmarked chinook salmon must be release unharmed.

“The numbers of spring chinook have rebounded, to the point we can offer this fishing opportunity to Oregon anglers,” said Rod French, ODFW mid-Columbia district fish biologist. “Hooking a salmon in the Deschutes River can be a fantastic experience, and hatchery fish are highly prized for their excellent table fare. We hope anglers take advantage of this opportunity and head to the Deschutes to try their luck.”

According to a pre-season run prediction for Deschutes River spring chinook by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, more than 1,400 wild and 850 Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery adult spring chinook will return to the Deschutes River. Based on available data, approximately 2,000 adults are predicted to return to Round Butte Hatchery in 2007.

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.