PRINEVILLE, Ore. – Biologists from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will sample the Crooked River below Bowman Dam for redband trout and mountain whitefish beginning Monday, June 23 through Friday, June 27.

Biologists will be electrofishing the river between Big Bend and Chimney Rock campgrounds and between Lower Palisades and Stillwater campgrounds. Fishing is likely to be adversely affected temporarily in those portions of the river being sampled.

ODFW began sampling the Crooked River in 1989 in order to track the long-term health of the redband trout population. Trout populations have declined significantly in recent years, prompting ODFW to intensify its monitoring, and to partner with Oregon State University researchers to identify the cause.

During the sampling fish will be stunned and netted so biologists can record the size, abundance and condition of both redband trout and mountain whitefish. Anglers who later catch a tagged trout or whitefish are encouraged to release the fish after recording the tag number, fish length and location caught. Anglers can send the information to ODFW at (541) 447-5111 ext. 24 or michael.harrington@state.or.us.

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