September 19, 2012
LA GRANDE, Ore. — Dry conditions in Eastern Oregon and declining water levels have prompted local fish biologists to prohibit the harvest of bass from Unity Reservoir (located in the state park Unity Lake State Recreation Site in Baker County) starting Friday, Sept. 21.
Unity Reservoir on the Burnt River near Unity is now at a very low water level making bass highly susceptible to over-harvest. ODFW biologist Tim Bailey said trophy-sized bass from Davis Lake in Central Oregon were stocked in the reservoir in 2011 with the intent of providing a trophy bass fishery. Bass reproduction in the reservoir is generally low, meaning that all age classes of bass are in need of protection during low water conditions
“We don’t want to see our efforts towards creating a trophy bass fishery at Unity set back due to the current conditions,” he said.
“Local bass anglers have been very pleased with the opportunity provided by the Davis Lake fish,” Bailey added.
The prohibition on bass harvest will be effective from Sept. 21 through Dec. 31, 2012. |