Bait fish found in Diamond Lake

Date:

July 21, 2008

Contact:

Laura Jackson (541) 430-5533
Holly Truemper (541) 817-4197
Meghan Collins (541) 580-1877
Fax: (541) 673-0372

ROSEBURG, Ore. – State fish biologists found 11 golden shiners and one unknown fish in a routine trap net at the summer home area of Diamond Lake. Traps are set yearly to monitor fish populations.

Golden shiners can reproduce in Diamond Lake and were in the lake for years prior to the 2006 rotenone treatment, but traditionally have always occurred in low numbers.

“We’re continuing to investigate by electro-shocking next week and setting additional trap nets in August,” said Laura Jackson, Umpqua District Fish Biologist. “We don’t know how the shiners got in the lake, but they are a popular bait fish.”

“We need the public’s help in reporting sightings of anglers using live fish for bait which is illegal in Oregon,” Jackson said.

Anyone witnessing an angler using live fish bait should call Oregon State Police at 541-440-3334 to report it. Witnesses should get as much information as possible, including a description of the person, vehicle, or boat along with a boat number and license plate number.

Education and enforcement are key to keep invasive fish out of Diamond Lake, and ODFW, the Umpqua National Forest and the Oregon State Marine Board have been conducting invasive species prevention education through signs, brochures, and contacts with lake visitors since the rotenone treatment in 2006. Campground hosts, creel surveyors and agency personnel routinely talk to visitors and check their boats for invasive species.

All Diamond Lake users are reminded to launch a clean, dry boat and never use live fish for bait.

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.