The wall, today

[lastdrift]

Finally checked out the famous “wall” at OC today. I have never fished for sturgeon before and hit a few other downriver spots in the AM with no luck, everyone kept saying go to the Wall so we did. Absolutely crazy, snagged fish getting drug up the rocks and tossed back, cars flying by inches away on the left, a guy had his pole run over by a car, no parking, tangles, flying 8oz lead everywhere, people honking their horn, etc. Needless to say we left, kind of bummed out because we drove around all day looking for fish but I am not doing that circus that’s for sure. Is this really the only "sure" spot to get fish right now?

[JDarr]

Not worth it.....It's supposed to be fun.
JD

[KevinsDriftboat]

Thanks for the current report of the sad state of affairs there. Close it down.

[death roe]

definatly a side show im with kevinsdriftboat shut it down

[feisty]

Shut that mess down!!!

[Idahoan]

Shut it down. It is unethical to drag any fish up 40 feet or drop any fish from 40 feet up.

[JRV]

I'm with everyone else here that place needs to be shut down it's a show. it's just a matter of time until someone gets hit by a car.

I have always wondered what people do when they hook a fish their, especally an oversized big guy.

[panderson01]

Where is this wall anyway? Is it ON the green bridge between the 205 bridge and the falls?

GPS coordinates?

I don't plan on fishing it, I fish from my boat, just curious.

Thanks,
Paul

[P-ride]

I know of quite a few people that have had lots of success off the bank at Meldrum Park. Personally I've never fished it for sturgeon so I can't give much advice on rigging etc. But it's definitely a better place to fish than "the wall" imo.

[Artwo]

Originally Posted by panderson01

Where is this wall anyway? Is it ON the green bridge between the 205 bridge and the falls?

GPS coordinates?

I don't plan on fishing it, I fish from my boat, just curious.

Thanks,
Paul

It's the public parking areas just south mostly (but now spilling over to the parking area to the north) of the Oregon City bridge (between the bridge and the parper mill) along hwy 99E.

[SandySteel]

from above

using street view
Note the little guy in the lower right corner corresponds to the satellite view on the top image.

Looks like a nice little spot to get back in touch with nature and enjoy the quiet and solitude. That's what fishing is all about! Still the real issue is the abuse of the fish. Close it down!

[panderson01]

Originally Posted by SandySteel

from above

using street view
Note the little guy in the lower right corner corresponds to the satellite view on the top image.

Looks like a nice little spot to get back in touch with nature and enjoy the quiet and solitude. That's what fishing is all about! Still the real issue is the abuse of the fish. Close it down!

Thanks! As a matter of fact, I was on Google maps checking it out when you posted that.

I think that the poster that said "someone is going to have to get ran over to put a stop to this", is probably right.

[lucky2]

Close it down!

[Norski]

I can remember my dad, and his friend smiley and I fishing the west side of the river, and watching fish being drug up the rocks, and than toss back into the river, and seeing many a fish hit the rocks, and than into the drink, this was when I was 10, and that was 1959, they have been fish-en that place for some time, even the mill workers, would toss out a line while at work.
Can't believe they still fish there.

[s20055]

Originally Posted by KevinsDriftboat

Thanks for the current report of the sad state of affairs there. Close it down.

This is one of those 'Common-sense' policy decisions that just puts those governmental types into that "Deer-in-the-head-lights-pose".

Close it down.

[k12580h]

Count my vote for shutting it down.

[greeneD76]

Originally Posted by JRV

I have always wondered what people do when they hook a fish their, especally an oversized big guy.

They haul em up just like the rest, "Oh darn its to big!" and toss it back like a bag O' trash, to promptly go SLAP! One can only guess what a 50+ foot drop does to a 60lb fish with a cartilage bone structure.......

CLOSE IT DOWN! OR A LEAST WRITE UP SOME TICKETS!

Dave

[Pyrojake]

It's those people who are "dragging and dropping," that give hunting and fishing a bad image. A few rotten eggs that will spoil it for the rest of us. SHUT IT DOWN

[lastdrift]

If you look at the bridge photo from above there are wires to the right, well guess what happens when someone casts over them with a 8oz lead wrapped around the wire and 80lb dacron line tuggin...

[rip n lips]

Originally Posted by panderson01

I think that the poster that said "someone is going to have to get ran over to put a stop to this", is probably right.

Maybe someone should take one for the team? I live too far away or else I would step up for you guys .

[MsOutdrs]

Originally Posted by panderson01

Thanks! As a matter of fact, I was on Google maps checking it out when you posted that.

I think that the poster that said "someone is going to have to get ran over to put a stop to this", is probably right.

I've lived and worked close to that area since 1969 and no one has bit the dust there yet. I don't think I'd count on that to do it. I'm sure there's some good folks that fish there but alot that I've observed are not your stellar types. (no pun intended)

[bird dog bob]

Originally Posted by panderson01

Where is this wall anyway? Is it ON the green bridge between the 205 bridge and the falls?

GPS coordinates?

I don't plan on fishing it, I fish from my boat, just curious.

Thanks,
Paul

across the street from the oregon city elks lodge its fun to set at the bar and watch the side show going on across the street

[Hogmaster]

There is a problem there?

Guess not since fishing is allowed.

[wilsonriverfisher]

I am just curious how can you tell somebody is less then stellar without even talking to them? It has been my observation that you should not judge a book by its cover.. Driving by the wall and making observations and assumptions of the overall character of the people fishing there is simple.

Close it

Mike

Originally Posted by MsOutdrs

[/color]

I'm sure there's some good folks that fish there but alot that I've observed are not your stellar types. (no pun intended)

[MsOutdrs]

If you read my ENTIRE post, I clearly stated not ALL ..but I recognized some from my job. And the reason I posted that was that that might have some bearing on the horrible treatment of the sturgeon which EVERYONE seems to have a problem with. I'm sure you're not one that would treat them so badly.

[Space]

Close it Down.

There are spots right across the river from the wall. A person can fish the same hole across the river from the Wall and be right on the water. Releasing a fish can be done at the rivers edge. I have to let you know you will have to walk, yes walk, down some stairs and cross a gang way to get to the area. There is roughly the same amount of fishing area on the river side as there is on the wall side. You just have to put forth a little more effort then stepping out your vechile door to cast.

Space

[12pulls]

I cannot believe that people are still yakking about this, 3 different threads and nothing different has come about. Do something about it if you feel the righteous need, talk does nothing to fix it. I doubt that anyone in this thread even bothered to show up last weekend at the wall to help find a solution.

[greeneD76]

Your right 12pulls nobody but myself showed up last weekend. And since nobdy seems to want to do more than complain I have taken to a "grass roots" plan. I educate and talk with all my friends, co-workers, family, and anyone else that will listen. I talk about how disrespectfull and unethical the treatment of these fish is. I also feel the need to voice my disgust with these "fishermen" on the wall whenever the topic comes up here on Ifish, seeing as thats part of the idea for this forum. I will never stop feeling disguted and I will continue to try do something, Im only one voice but eventualy somebody who matters will hear and do something about it. Til then youll just have to deal with it.

Dave

[Hogmaster]

Originally Posted by greeneD76

I will never stop feeling disguted

I like it!

Can only a hunter/fisherman feel disguted?



PS - If you want it changed, I can show you how to take the information from three separate threads in a short amount of time, combined with the McCombie film and earlier threads can be assembled in presentation form as very persuasive data to be shown to three organizations:

1) The City of Oregon City that can enact an ordinance prohibiting fishing from the wall
2) The OSP game division to suggest more enforcment is needed regarding abuse of existing fishing regulations at the wall
3) ODFW, that can enact new regulations regarding the lawful handling of sturgeon

The fact that so many fishermen are concerned will have a tremendous amount of weight.

Since 12pulls is tired of all the do-nothing and all.

And just to be clear, I was out of the country last Saturday to be able to explore other options at the wall and/or explain how to do the above. It really isn't very hard. Probably take less than 10 hours total, including scheduling and testimony at a City Council hearing.

Here is an example of how this is done:

http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?t=35600

http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?t=35653

http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?t=37385

[KevinsDriftboat]

The next step is a physical petition with names and addresses. Thanks for your efforts GreeneD76. Until a new solution is installed, it needs an emergency closure.

[Hogmaster]

Originally Posted by KevinsDriftboat

The next step is a physical petition with names and addresses. Thanks for your efforts GreeneD76. Until a new solution is installed, it needs an emergency closure.

If you look at the threads above, there was no need for petitions. There was an ifish poll, a request for letters and/or attendance at the council meeting. Only C&E (thanks Bernie!) and I actually showed that night.

But the poll and the handful of letters made the council realize that it was in their interest to make a change.

The same thing can happen here. The secret is not to fight City Hall. Rather, it is to explain to them why they want to make a change.

[Chromaflage]

For those who haven't yet seen it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2e4VHRqNjo

Seems like Ed Bowles and Lindsay Ball were acutely aware of this, but.....

[Hogmaster]

Originally Posted by Chromaflage

For those who haven't yet seen it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2e4VHRqNjo

Seems like Ed Bowles and Lindsay Ball were acutely aware of this, but.....

But Mr. Ball is gone. It can be shown again. With more support from the fishing community to correct a wrong.

Oh, and note that neither Bernie nor I are residents of Oregon City, nor were we when we worked to get the dock problem fixed at Clackamette. Concerned citizens who make a good, logical case can mold many changes.

If they aren't fighting the gillnet industry anyway...

[wilsonriverfisher]

some interesting videos to watch...

Mike

Originally Posted by Chromaflage

For those who haven't yet seen it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2e4VHRqNjo

Seems like Ed Bowles and Lindsay Ball were acutely aware of this, but.....

[12pulls]

2) The OSP game division to suggest more enforcment is needed regarding abuse of existing fishing regulations at the wall
3) ODFW, that can enact new regulations regarding the lawful handling of sturgeon

These are all you have to do. No reason to close the wall down. If they still want to continue to fish there, they will figure a way to get to the water.

[Hogmaster]

Originally Posted by 12pulls

2) The OSP game division to suggest more enforcment is needed regarding abuse of existing fishing regulations at the wall
3) ODFW, that can enact new regulations regarding the lawful handling of sturgeon

These are all you have to do. No reason to close the wall down. If they still want to continue to fish there, they will figure a way to get to the water.

Just exactly who are the "they"???

"They" aren't the handicapped - those people will not get down the wall.

How many "they" are there?

5? 10? 20? 50?

Oh, I keep forgetting. You don't fish there, so you wouldn't know.

What keeps being suggested is that it is simply an enforcement issue. But if it requires an inordinate amount of resources to provide the enforcement, it is a situation that becomes unfavorable for continued fishing opportunities.

The City could just as easily settle the matter by making an ordinance that fishing from the sidewalk and the top of the wall is prohibited. A few signs and then City Officers always close by, not OSP game officers who aren't, could easily provide enforcement.

Then those people, you know, not the handicapped ones, that can "get to the water" still could fish.

Seems the easiest and most straightforward path to resolution of a whole lot of problems, the primary one being the care of the fish.

[bandwcow]

Hogmaster, who are they? The folk fishing from the wall.
How many? Does not matter how many if there is ONE person doing this.
And yes, you are correct I do not fish there, for I know better than to handle fish in the manner "THEY" handle those fish.

I agree the city should do something about this. If steelhead were handled this way a person would not be able to afford to fish due to fines, if you were allowed the continued possession of your gear, boat, and license.

[12pulls]

Originally Posted by Hogmaster

Just exactly who are the "they"???

"They" aren't the handicapped - those people will not get down the wall.

How many "they" are there?

5? 10? 20? 50?

Oh, I keep forgetting. You don't fish there, so you wouldn't know.

Nice. As I have written if they (people who enjoy fishing there for what ever the reason i.e. convenience perhaps?) want to continue to fish there, they (again, they is whoever enjoys to fish that spot) will devise a way to properly handle and care for the fish they catch. I am fully aware of the amount of people that fish there at times and I disagree that it needs to be shut down. Simply change the law, then it will affect not only the wall, but the whole state as far as fish handling is concerned. People fish from cliffs, bridges, and high places all around the state for game fish. Those same people have developed ways to get to the water and retrieve fish. I have no doubt that those (the dreaded they) who wish to continue to fish from the wall will devise a way to get to the water's edge and do the same.

Originally Posted by Hogmaster

What keeps being suggested is that it is simply an enforcement issue. But if it requires an inordinate amount of resources to provide the enforcement, it is a situation that becomes unfavorable for continued fishing opportunities.

This argument could be used to end fishing anywhere, especially boats. How hard is it to enforce something that takes place by a city street in broad daylight?

Originally Posted by Hogmaster

The City could just as easily settle the matter by making an ordinance that fishing from the sidewalk and the top of the wall is prohibited. A few signs and then City Officers always close by, not OSP game officers who aren't, could easily provide enforcement.

Easy answer but does not fix the problem across the state of poorly handled fish. And don't forget that there are some who fish from the cliff below the wall, does this apply to them also? Why not just fix the regulation and be done with it.

Originally Posted by Hogmaster

Then those people, you know, not the handicapped ones, that can "get to the water" still could fish.

I never have mentioned any "handicapped" others say"CLOSE IT DOWN" rather than offering alternatives not based on the reason that the type of people that fish there are "less than stellar".

Originally Posted by Hogmaster

Seems the easiest and most straightforward path to resolution of a whole lot of problems, the primary one being the care of the fish.

It is always easier to shut down something than to find a longterm solution. I rather deal in solutions than easy answers that appeal to a mob mentality. I understand that many are upset with the handling of game fish at the wall, decrying the "disrespectful and unethical the treatment of these fish". But remember many who may complain about such treatment of a salmon, steelhead, or sturgeon are the same ones who toss bullheads in the brush, cut the gills of a sucker and toss back into the water, and ask for the lethal removal of sea lions because they "eat our fish". Again, go for regulations that improve the way that people handle the game fish, this is a better answer for the longterm health of our fisheries. Shutting down "the wall" does nothing but provide warm fuzzys and makes one think that they did something beneficial, when reality they did nothing but close down access to one more place.

[Hogmaster]

Wow!

That there is some impressive stuff! Please indulge me as I make a few points about the things as noted:

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hogmaster
Just exactly who are the "they"???

"They" aren't the handicapped - those people will not get down the wall.

How many "they" are there?

5? 10? 20? 50?

Oh, I keep forgetting. You don't fish there, so you wouldn't know.

(12 pulls) Nice. As I have written if they (people who enjoy fishing there for what ever the reason i.e. convenience perhaps?) want to continue to fish there, they (again, they is whoever enjoys to fish that spot) will devise a way to properly handle and care for the fish they catch. No one has come up with one! I am fully aware of the amount of people that fish there (OK, how many is that? That was my question. Although since in earlier posts on this topic you claimed you don't go there or fish there, so how you know is curious..) at times and I disagree that it needs to be shut down. Simply change the law, then it will affect not only the wall, but the whole state as far as fish handling is concerned. People fish from cliffs, bridges, and high places all around the state for game fish. Those same people have developed ways to get to the water and retrieve fish. (Thank you! Do you realize how FEW bridges fishing is allowed from? Very few. It is the exception rather than the rule. Including the bridge adjacent to the 100 yards or so of turf in question. Municipalities, Counties, States and the Feds all can and do enanct restrictions on fishing from specific places all the time.) I have no doubt that those (the dreaded they) who wish to continue to fish from the wall will devise a way to get to the water's edge and do the same. (Again, the important thing to note here is that NO ONE HAS,despite decades of opportunities to do so.)


Quote:
Originally Posted by Hogmaster
What keeps being suggested is that it is simply an enforcement issue. But if it requires an inordinate amount of resources to provide the enforcement, it is a situation that becomes unfavorable for continued fishing opportunities.

(12pulls) This argument could be used to end fishing anywhere, especially boats. How hard is it to enforce something that takes place by a city street in broad daylight? (There is a huge difference. There is a presumption of innocence that is applied to fishermen in most situations. On the wall there is an inherent and obvious abuse waiting to happen. Certainly if a boatful of fishermen were trying to "release" shakers by chucking them 50' from the boat , let alone oversize, they would garner attention. Not to mention dragging them for fifty feet along the bank before bringing them into the boat. So why is it allowed at the wall? Tradition. No other good reason. A city ordinance prohibiting fishing in that ONE SMALL location fixes a problem that would otherwise keep law enforcement from being able to spread out and look for [other] violators and to keep the peace.)


Quote:
Originally Posted by Hogmaster
The City could just as easily settle the matter by making an ordinance that fishing from the sidewalk and the top of the wall is prohibited. A few signs and then City Officers always close by, not OSP game officers who aren't, could easily provide enforcement.

(12pulls) Easy answer but does not fix the problem across the state of poorly handled fish. (One major step at a time, bro! And again, where else is this specific problem of this magnitude occurring?) And don't forget that there are some who fish from the cliff below the wall, does this apply to them also? Why not just fix the regulation and be done with it. (Note I suggested prohibiting fishing from the sidewalk and the top of the wall. Specifically a stretch from below to above the bridge that can be easily measured. Gets people off the cliff, but does not prohibit fishing from below the cliff. Simple yet effective solution.)


Quote:
Originally Posted by Hogmaster
Then those people, you know, not the handicapped ones, that can "get to the water" still could fish.

(12pulls) I never have mentioned any "handicapped" people (Good for you then! Some people in some other discussion threads had mentioned it as a place for handicapped fishing access, but I guess there is no rationalization being attempted in this case for that user group) "CLOSE IT DOWN" rather than offering alternatives (still waiting!) not based on the reason that the type of people that fish there are "less than stellar". (If, and only if, the people there are indeed "less than stellar" would it be a reason? I ask since you don't fish or hang out there how would you know? But the real point remains, what has the "they" done about the problem of fish handling?)


Quote:
Originally Posted by Hogmaster
Seems the easiest and most straightforward path to resolution of a whole lot of problems, the primary one being the care of the fish.

(12pulls) It is always easier to shut down something than to find a longterm solution. I rather deal in solutions (This is great! When are you going to provide a SOLUTION?) than easy answers that appeal to a mob mentality. (Mob mentality, or just a large pool of concerned citzens that agree? Does an election pass soley because of "mob mentality"? There is a reason that people are reacting negatively to what they see, and it is because IT IS FUNDAMENTALLY WRONG!) I understand that many are upset with the handling of game fish at the wall, decrying the "disrespectful and unethical the treatment of these fish". But remember many who may complain about such treatment of a salmon, steelhead, or sturgeon are the same ones who toss bullheads in the brush, cut the gills of a sucker and toss back into the water, and ask for the lethal removal of sea lions because they "eat our fish". (Oh please. This is what this comes down to? This ISN'T the "many" on these threads who feel as you describe. In fact, the "many" you describe are invigorated by the happenings at the wall. This is an opportunity for a group who care about sportsfishing to clean up its act that "many" others see) Again, go for regulations that improve the way that people handle the game fish, this is a better answer for the longterm health of our fisheries. (Generic approach to fix a specific problem area. Go ahead, lobby to protect the bullheads. Seriously, it is fine what you suggest here, but the problem of the wall as a fishery needs special attention. It has gone on far too long.) Shutting down "the wall" does nothing but provide warm fuzzys and makes one think that they did something beneficial, when reality they did nothing but close down access to one more place. You may now go back to your hen party. (Certainly, we agree to disagree, shutting down the wall absolutely fixes a BIG PROBLEM, an eyesore to the fishing community and a general embarassment to others who care more than to scrape fish up cliffs and toss them back to slap the water and float belly up. Care for some tea?)

Thanks for all the thoughts. Each deconstruction of baseless objections to closing down the problem area will do wonders in preparation when time for public testimony comes. And it is coming. Please continue!

Think I'll have a cup of Joe now. Tea isn't my gig.

[Hogmaster]

An interesting little thing to note about this is that there are 26 separate ifishers with replies to close it down.

There is 1 suggesting it shouldn't be.

This, too, will be useful...

[Hook-Line-N-Sinker]

Originally Posted by hogmaster

an interesting little thing to note about this is that there are 26 separate ifishers with replies to close it down.

There is 1 suggesting it shouldn't be.

This, too, will be useful...

shut it down!

27-1

[Orion]

Originally Posted by Hogmaster

An interesting little thing to note about this is that there are 26 separate ifishers with replies to close it down.

There is 1 suggesting it shouldn't be.

This, too, will be useful...

Make that 28..

I don't fish there. Never have, and probably never will.

Solutions:

1. Close it down ASAP.
2. Provide informational flyers that direct the current users to the other side of the river where they can continue to fish without harming the resource.
3. Let the wall users come up with a funded solution that protects the fish so that it can be opened up again.

Orion

[SandyRiverFisher]

Far reaching as Ifish is these days, I would think the attention this issue is getting here would have gotten back to the guys at the wall by now. I would find it hard to belive that no one who fishes there does not use this site. This issue has been on the board for a couple of weeks now, has anyone seen anybody there attempting to find a better way to land and release their fish? Closing it vs. changing the rules to attempt to force these guys to get to the water to release fish is the same thing as far as I can tell. I dont see the argument for one over the other. Faced with having to climb down, these guys will simply go elsewhere. Either way, the practice needs to stop. I agree with Hogmaster, going to the city is likely the simpleist way to accomplish that.

[stupenny5]

Its sad that people do not care about what they do.

I do not know the location. If it could be fished with out draging fish over rocks leave them alone but teach proper handing.

How many times do I see boaties harm fish for pictures or to see if the dark fish is pink on the big river. I do not hear a scream to close boat fishing down.

We have people out there that want to stop every thing.
Do not give them the tools to shut down fishing or worse need a lawer to tell you when, how, or, what hour you can fish.
We need to teach when we see wrong and turn in those who are unwilling to change.

[Idahoan]

Originally Posted by stupenny5

Its sad that people do not care about what they do.

I do not know the location. If it could be fished with out draging fish over rocks leave them alone but teach proper handing.

How many times do I see boaties harm fish for pictures or to see if the dark fish is pink on the big river. I do not hear a scream to close boat fishing down.

We have people out there that want to stop every thing.
Do not give them the tools to shut down fishing or worse need a lawer to tell you when, how, or, what hour you can fish.
We need to teach when we see wrong and turn in those who are unwilling to change.

Obiviously you haven't seen the WALL in action....

Mishandling sturgeon in a boat is nothing compared to the mishandling of sturgeon at The Wall. This does need to be shut down.

[whatugetemon]

Another vote for closing it down. It's not an ethical method for catch and release and it just makes fisherman look bad.

Has anyone noticed that ODFW often mentions this as a spot to bank fish for sturgeon in their weekly recreation report: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/willamette/

Bank fishing for sturgeon can be found at Meldrum Bar, at the wall in downtown Oregon City and at Kelly Point on the St. Johns peninsula. Sturgeon anglers have been using frozen smelt, shad, herring and anchovies as effective bait.

[Hogmaster]

That is both shocking and sad to see.

But thank you for pointing it out.

Sometimes change occurs by simply making the right people aware of a situation.

I just wrote them an email asking for clarification as to why they are promoting it as a fishing spot.

Maybe they will respond.

Just ridiculous...

[ducktime]

Shutting it down will solve the problem but it only limits the access that bank fisherman have. We don't need anymore of that. Build a dock to fish off! I hate to see fishing and hunting locations just "shut down". ODFW already has limited us enough. Solve the problem without the closure....come on guys think beyond "shut it down"!

[SILVERSINK]

If it comes to the piont of closeing the wall down because of mistreatment to fish of any kind the along with this we ougt to include all the areas of the fishing spots that have this proble--- ceder creek ,behind the bowling ally, bridge on the dechutes R.,eagle creek ,ect,ect,ect.Are there anymore? darral calcagno We could lump them all into one bunch and save a lot of time.

[Idahoan]

Originally Posted by ducktime

Shutting it down will solve the problem but it only limits the access that bank fisherman have. We don't need anymore of that. Build a dock to fish off! I hate to see fishing and hunting locations just "shut down". ODFW already has limited us enough. Solve the problem without the closure....come on guys think beyond "shut it down"!

Until that is done......shut it down. A 10-15 year old fish doesn't deserve to be launched from 50 feet up and doing a belly flop. Respect the FISH!!!

[ducktime]

Originally Posted by Idahoan

Until that is done......shut it down. A 10-15 year old fish doesn't deserve to be launched from 50 feet up and doing a belly flop. Respect the FISH!!!

Absolutely, I agree 100%.

[lonedrake]

first of all i dont fish there and i saw the video which i didnt like the releasing of the fish...maybe the odfw could build some type of slide into the water to help aid the release of the fish? obviously this is a good spot for bankies to fish from and not everyone can aford a boat, im sure there can be a solution to make the situation better if they are not going to shut it down?

[whatugetemon]

Originally Posted by ducktime

Shutting it down will solve the problem but it only limits the access that bank fisherman have. We don't need anymore of that. Build a dock to fish off! I hate to see fishing and hunting locations just "shut down". ODFW already has limited us enough. Solve the problem without the closure....come on guys think beyond "shut it down"!

Good point, but the funds to build any solution have to come from somewhere. That typically takes time (as does construction), so until we have another solution in place, it should be shutdown.

Originally Posted by SILVERSINK

If it comes to the piont of closeing the wall down because of mistreatment to fish of any kind the along with this we ougt to include all the areas of the fishing spots that have this proble--- ceder creek ,behind the bowling ally, bridge on the dechutes R.,eagle creek ,ect,ect,ect.Are there anymore? darral calcagno We could lump them all into one bunch and save a lot of time.

I think the key difference is that there isn't a way to catch and safely release a fish at the wall. I haven't fished many the spots you mentioned, but if it isn't possible to safely release a fish at those locations, then they should be shutdown as well.

[12pulls]

Originally Posted by Hogmaster

. Please continue!..........blah blah blah...................Think I'll have a cup of Joe now. Tea isn't my gig.

I don't fish there. This doesn't mean that I haven't been by there recently and seen the amount of people who fish there. Last week I went by and was actually suprised by how many were fishing there. And I have explained that many years ago I did fish there for a while. And before they put the pipe in it was fairly easy to get to the waters edge to retrieve a fish and release it. Once they put the pipe in, it became a pain to climb over it so I quit. There will be solutions created by those who wish to continue to fish there. They have not developed any at this time because they haven't had to, it is apparently still legal to do what they are doing, the OSP and ODFW know what is going on there. If they (ODFW) crack down, create regulations on how to handle and release (ODFW comes up with stuff every year) then those that want to continue use that fishery will develop something whether it is moving to another spot, climbing down to retrieve and release, or some other plan they might come up with. Who knows, all I know is that fishermen seem to create ingenious ways to get where they want to fish. Let them figure it out. And less than 3 dozen from a site with thousands of members seems to hardly be a giant wave of protest to shut down this place. Do what you want, it is much easier to shut it down I agree, working with people takes time and skills. And make sure that you post signs at the wall there telling them of the good intentions of IFISH, they may have their own opinion to share.

[wedgeman]

Originally Posted by SILVERSINK

If it comes to the piont of closeing the wall down because of mistreatment to fish of any kind the along with this we ougt to include all the areas of the fishing spots that have this proble--- ceder creek ,behind the bowling ally, bridge on the dechutes R.,eagle creek ,ect,ect,ect.Are there anymore? darral calcagno We could lump them all into one bunch and save a lot of time.

Maybe we can put a poll together.

[Joe C]

Being boatless, places with such easy access are really appealing to me. But actually having some semblance of morals left in me, makes me vote to shut it down.

Sucks to not have a boat, or want an easy access bank spot, but this one is a no brainer.

One solution. Ticket everybody who throws a fish off the wall for the next year. That oughta bring in a few hundred grand. Use the funds to buy a sturgeon limo with a big cozy tank in the back to shuttle the fish down to to the next bank access point. Hmmm... then again, people who chuck fish 60 feet in the air might not be the type to pay their tickets promptly.

Maybe biodegradable sturgeon parachutes?

[whatugetemon]

Originally Posted by Hogmaster

I just wrote them an email asking for clarification as to why they are promoting it as a fishing spot.

Thanks for writing them. Please let us know how they respond.

[Catchn not fishn]

I think it's Ironic that if you own a boat under I believe 25 feet you are not allowed to bring it into the boat by our wonderful regulation. but if it's over 25 feet you can drag it in over the gunnel, or youcan trow it off a cliff. I asked the ODFW once and thier answer was we have to let the bank fishermen have a place to fish. Well they do have a place to fish straight across the river off of the log boom below the locks. It just ires me that this practice goes on and on, for all the wrong reasons. And don't anchor there either they will throw wieghts and rocks at you. I believe if there are bank fishermen fishing and you have a boat you should give them all the room they need there are plenty of boat places to fish. I'm for stopping the fishing off the wall in Oregon city it jus make fisher people look bad. and it is not good for the stock I have seen oversize fish pulled up using a loop of rope wraped around their midsection and have internal damage done to them from both the rope and the fall. and seen fish floating down the river.
Call ODFW and complain

[Hogmaster]

So far, only this:

"Thank you for your comments on this issue. Your message will be forwarded to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commissioners for review and any necessary response."

I wrote one to Ed Bowles as well, pointing out how he showed concern in the "McComie video" about the wall and asking why the weekly forecast is promoting it as a fishing spot.

Joe - I like your thinking.

[SandyRiverFisher]

Originally Posted by ducktime

Shutting it down will solve the problem but it only limits the access that bank fisherman have. We don't need anymore of that. Build a dock to fish off! I hate to see fishing and hunting locations just "shut down". ODFW already has limited us enough. Solve the problem without the closure....come on guys think beyond "shut it down"!

there is a dock, or rather a catwalk, right across the river.