UPDATED August 4, 2016
SALEM, Ore. — Oregon’s popular two-rod fishing validation will be extended to coastal streams open to salmon and steelhead fishing this fall to help anglers take advantage of expected strong Chinook salmon returns.
“We are expecting another strong return of fall Chinook this season, and allowing the expanded use of two rods for coastal rivers and bays will give anglers a great opportunity to harvest these fish,” said Mike Gauvin, manager of ODFW’s recreational fishing program.
The temporary rule is effective Aug. 4 - Oct. 31 in nearly all coastal rivers, bays, and estuaries open to angling for Chinook salmon, hatchery coho, and hatchery steelhead. Only a single rod can be used for any other game and non-game fish species.
Two-rod validations are nothing new. ODFW has been gradually opening more waterways to the use of two rods. For $21.50, licensed anglers can purchase the right to use a second rod in certain locations of the state, including most ponds and lakes, and now coastal streams.
Gauvin noted that anglers whom have already purchased a 2016 Two-Rod Angling Validation do not need another one for the coastal openings. Also, youth anglers under 12 years of age are permitted under the rules to use two rods where allowed without purchasing a fishing license or a two-rod validation.
Two rods can be used in all coastal rivers in the Northwest Zone from Aug. 4 to Oct. 31 with the exception of the Nehalem River Basin where two rods may only be used from Sept/ 16 to Oct. 31.
Additionally, in the Northwest Zone, two rods may not be used in the lower Columbia tributaries including Bear Creek, Big Creek, Gnat Creek, John Day River, Klaskanine River Basin (including north and south forks), Lewis and Clark River, Youngs River and Bay, Beaver Creek, and the Clatskanie River.
Two rods can be used in all coastal rivers in the Southwest Zone from Aug. 4 to Oct. 31; however the two-rod rule does not apply to some portions of the Umpqua, Rogue and Chetco Rivers, where only a single rod may be used. Only the following areas are open to the use of two rods in these rivers:
- Umpqua River upstream to Scottsburg Bridge (Hwy. 38).
- Rogue River upstream to the Ferry Hole Boat Ramp at River Mile 6 near Gold Beach.
- Chetco River upstream to the Harbor Water Intake.
For more about this and other fishing opportunities, visit ODFW online at www.odfw.com. ### |