Rogue Pikeminnow Roundup

Kacey Reyes and son with her 2021 winning pikeminnow of 22.24 inches

2019 Youth Largest Pikeminnow winner Tanner with the Pikeminnow Roundup trophy housed at a local tackle shop

Two young anglers having fun catching pikeminnow

Pikeminnow measured for an online contest entry. Daniel Symmons

When you join the Rogue Pikeminnow Roundup, you not only use your fishing skills to help remove introduced Umpqua pikeminnow from the Rogue River, but you could also win a prize and bragging rights. Prizes include buy-one get-one seats on guided fishing trips, gift cards, fishing gear and apparel, and more.

The Rogue Pikeminnow Roundup is an annual fishing event to bring awareness to the harm introduced fish, aquatic invertebrates (such as northern crayfish, zebra and quagga mussels) and aquatic vegetation can do to local ecosystems.

Umpqua pikeminnow were illegally introduced about 1978 through an unscreened farm pond on Wolf Creek. The population now predates on Rogue salmon, steelhead, and trout while juveniles compete with these native fish.

Removing Umpqua pikeminnow from the Rogue River is an action item in the Rogue Spring Chinook and Rogue-South Coast Multi-Species conservation and management plans. The Rogue STEP biologist began the pikeminnow roundup as one way to help remove these non-native fish. Anglers are encouraged to remove pikeminnow year-round.

In the Rogue, the most effective way to combat pikeminnow and other introduced minnow species such as shiners, is by protecting streamside vegetation. Native vegetation keeps streams cool for Rogue salmon and steelhead. Pikeminnow and shiners thrive in warm degraded streams and can outcompete native fish for the best rearing habitat. 

Protecting streamside vegetation and setback ordinances are regulated by counties and cities in Jackson and Josephine counties. ODFW, watershed councils, and other natural resource agencies work to restore and promote healthy riparian areas.

For questions, volunteer options, or to donate prizes for anglers, contact Rogue District STEP Biologist Monica Magdaleno at 541-857-2411 or monica.s.magdaleno@odfw.oregon.gov

• 2024 Annual Rogue Pikeminnow Roundup poster (pdf)
• 2024 Rogue Pikeminnow Roundup How to Poster (pdf)

Roundup Rules:

• A fishing license is required.

• Compete in age groups for Youth (under 12), Teen (12-17), or Adult (18+).

• Enter one or more contest entry options:
  
  
• Random raffle: submit photo of a day's catch of pikeminnow to RoguePikeminnowRoundup@gmail.com along with harvest location, Oregon Angler ID number, and contact information (phone or email).
• Largest pikeminnow: those who can't visit a check station can send a photo of their largest fish to RoguePikeminnowRoundup@gmail.com by 11:59 p.m. Sept. 21. The fish must be measured from above and the total length must be clearly visible. Fish will be measured to the nearest one-quarter inch.
• Largest five-fish bag: participants can turn in the largest five pikeminnow caught. Fish will be measured to total length and added together. Email entries will be accepted with a video of no more than 30 seconds in length clearly showing total length of five largest fish.
• Most pounds of pikeminnow: fish can be turned in frozen or fresh (rotting fish not accepted). Most pounds of fish turned in over the contest's dates win this category.

• Check fish in from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Sept. 21 at two locations: Griffin County Park's gravel bar, Gravel Bar, 500 Griffin Rd., Grants Pass or at Wildlife Images, 11845 Lower River Rd., Grants Pass.
  
  
• Participants can also drop off their harvest starting Sept. 3 at the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife office,1495 E Gregory Rd, Central Point.

Roundup winners (2024 will be posted after Oct. 1)