Steelhead limits increased

[Firedog]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Contact: Anne Pressentin (503) 872-5264 x5356
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us Fax: (503) 872-5700

For Immediate Release January 11, 2002

Steelhead Daily Fishing Limits Increase Saturday

PORTLAND - Responding to the best hatchery winter steelhead returns in a decade, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission today increased the daily bag limit from two to three in most areas statewide starting Saturday.
The temporary rule allows anglers to retain one additional adipose fin-clipped steelhead within the normal bag limit in those streams open to steelhead angling in the Northwest, Southwest, Willamette, and Central sportfishing zones through July 11, 2002. The Northeast Zone has a three adipose fin-clipped steelhead daily bag limit by permanent rule for 2002. All other rules for seasons, gear limits, and harvest tags remain in effect.
The Commission will revisit the rule in May to determine if the temporary rule will remain in effect for the remainder of the year.
The Commission is the rule making body for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The six-member panel meets monthly to review and adopt administrative rules and policies.
Early winter steelhead returns to lower Columbia River tributaries are up to 10 times greater than returns at this time last year. Eighty winter steelhead passed Bonneville Dam in December, 2000 compared to 470 in December, 2001. Returns to Oregon's Alsea, Cedar Creek, Nehalem and Big Creek hatcheries are expected to be the highest in the last decade.
Biologists also express optimism for wild fish returns to Oregon waters. Current data suggests wild fish populations will experience similar increases in adult returns.
Anglers are reminded that a license and combined harvest tag or hatchery harvest tag are not required to fish through Jan. 23, 2002 in Oregon due to problems with ODFW's computerized licensing system. After than time, anglers must have a valid license and appropriate tag on their person when fishing.

[wiser]

If this doesn't get people fishing, I don't know what will. Free fishing, nolicense needed, no tag needed, rivers dropping into shape and night fishing....NOT!!! I got carried away. Hope Thumper or Fear No Fish didn't stop reading at the night fishing part. :shocked:

[ 01-11-2002: Message edited by: Wiser? ]</p>

[FM2]

WoooooHooooo! Thanks firedog for the update

Now if I could only catch one :grin: :shocked: :tongue:

[Alligator]

firedog, I couldn't find the update at the odfw web sight. Where did you find the limit increase article?

thanks

[Captn]

Firedog, I was looking also for that up-date on the number of clipped steelies allowed. I wasn't able to locate it. I need a clue!!

[Firedog]

Aligator, it was sent to me as a press release this afternoon, htere was a lot more attached to it but it was irrelevent to fishing so I cut it off the bottom