mpruet
08-03-2005, 05:34 PM
Originally posted at Westfly by TL Hugh. He asked that the info. he found out get passed around...
Had a very cordial and pleasant conversation with Sheriff Les Stiles of Deschutes County about law enforcement and river rights. He informed me that nobody will be arrested for trespass if they are fishing below the ordinary high water mark and have accessed the Deschutes River via public property (or private property with permission).
As far as rafts and kayaks go, bumping a rock mid-stream while passing between private banks is not trespassing. Once again, you are below the ordinary high water mark.
About the only way you could get arrested is to trespass on private property and have the property owner complain and press charges.
Sheriff Stiles is a fisherman who enjoys swinging a fly for steelhead below Sherar's Falls down to Macks Canyon. He was glad to have an opportunity to put this misconception to rest.
Keep in mind, though, that private property owners (Like Deschutes River Ranch) may see things a little differently and try to run someone off. You have to make your own decisions, and this thread is just to let you all know that the Deschutes River Sheriff's Office is enforcing the law within the AG's April 2005 guildelines.
One other thing: This is just a personal feeling I have, but it might be wise not to push the "ordinary high water mark" boundary. Don't take liberties with private property thinking you're protected by the law. In other words, stay in safe territory. We can do no less for the folks who own the land adjacent to the waters we want to be on.
TL, Hugh
Had a very cordial and pleasant conversation with Sheriff Les Stiles of Deschutes County about law enforcement and river rights. He informed me that nobody will be arrested for trespass if they are fishing below the ordinary high water mark and have accessed the Deschutes River via public property (or private property with permission).
As far as rafts and kayaks go, bumping a rock mid-stream while passing between private banks is not trespassing. Once again, you are below the ordinary high water mark.
About the only way you could get arrested is to trespass on private property and have the property owner complain and press charges.
Sheriff Stiles is a fisherman who enjoys swinging a fly for steelhead below Sherar's Falls down to Macks Canyon. He was glad to have an opportunity to put this misconception to rest.
Keep in mind, though, that private property owners (Like Deschutes River Ranch) may see things a little differently and try to run someone off. You have to make your own decisions, and this thread is just to let you all know that the Deschutes River Sheriff's Office is enforcing the law within the AG's April 2005 guildelines.
One other thing: This is just a personal feeling I have, but it might be wise not to push the "ordinary high water mark" boundary. Don't take liberties with private property thinking you're protected by the law. In other words, stay in safe territory. We can do no less for the folks who own the land adjacent to the waters we want to be on.
TL, Hugh