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October 29, 2012
GOLD BEACH, Ore. – With higher water flows in the Chetco River and more rain on the way, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is opening the river to chinook and steelhead fishing beginning Wednesday, Oct. 31.
Coastal chinook regulations adopted in June by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission included a low flow closure on the Chetco effective through November 2. However, late October rains and increased water flow allow ODFW to lift the closure early. The Chetco River flow exceeded 2,200 cfs on Oct. 16 and 2,900 cfs on Oct. 24.
“The concern with snagging and possible over-harvest of chinook that were concentrated in the upper tidewater area is gone now that the fish can spread out into spawning areas throughout the mainstem and tributaries,” said Todd Confer, district fish biologist.
Following is angling information:
- Mainstem Chetco River opens for chinook and steelhead angling beginning Oct.31 with a bag limit of two salmon or steelhead daily and 20 per season.
- The Chetco Estuary downstream of river mile 2.2 also remains open for chinook and steelhead angling.
- As a reminder, the Winchuck River remains closed to chinook angling through Nov. 2.
Detailed information on the coastal fall chinook fishery is on the ODFW web site at www.dfw.state.or.us, click on Fishing Resources.
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. |
