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August 13, 2015
MEDFORD, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has lifted afternoon fishing restrictions on the Rogue River and tributaries. Anglers can now fish from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset from Fisher’s Ferry boat ramp to the mouth of the river, and on all tributaries normally open to fishing. The change is effective immediately.
Releases of cooler water from Lost Creek Reservoir typically increase this time of year to minimize disease and pre-spawning mortality in adult fall Chinook migrating upstream. Flows from the reservoir were increased on Aug. 12. Combined with a milder weather pattern, river conditions should be back to near normal for August, allowing fishery managers to re-open the river to regular fishing hours.
“We were waiting to increase water flows from Lost Creek until we saw more fall Chinook at our seining project on the lower river,” said Dan Van Dyke, ODFW fish biologist. “On Wednesday morning we collected over 60 fall Chinook at the seining site, indicating the run is in full swing.”
Anglers are still encouraged to follow the usual precautions when catch-and-release fishing in warm weather:
- Fish early in the day when water temperatures are cooler.
- Check water temperatures frequently, and stop fishing when they reach 70 degrees.
- Use barbless hooks so you can release fish quickly.
- Keep the fish in the water as you unhook them, and cradle the fish upright until it revives enough to swim away.
Afternoon fishing restrictions were adopted for Oregon rivers and streams in July to help protect native fish from low, warm water conditions caused by the current drought. Anglers should continue to check the ODFW web site for regulation updates before going fishing.
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