Handicap Fishing Access Questions.

Fish-n-Fever · 12-09-2003, 07:45 AM

Being a handicap fisherman as well as my wife/father and mother, I was wondering how to go about checking on handicap accessible areas to fish from and how one might check into getting more ramps and or designated areas for the handicapped. I know this is a touchy subject for some people because of all the handicap permits that have been issued to people who are not legitimately deserving of them but in my families case we all have certified impairments that have forced us into the handicap group. I would be willing to volunteer to do what I could and have many friends and relatives that have skills and some have machinery I could get them to help out with if not donated then at their cost to operate and I am sure there are other handicap fishers out there that would do what they could to help. I have had to quite using some of my usual spots for fishing because of my disability and can only watch others fish these areas now, which I also enjoy but it is still fun to fish.
Any help or info on this would be greatly appreciated. I would also like to know how many others on ifish are or know handicap fishers.
Ron

skein · 12-09-2003, 08:20 AM

Fish-N-Fever,

I'm really glad you brought this up. I don't know the nature of your physical limitations, but I've got some wheelchair-bound friends who love to fish and we've gotten pretty creative getting them in and out of the boats and out to the fishing holes.

There are other ifishers as well who have shared ideas over the last couple of years, so I think there's a wealth of knowledge in our little community of fishermen. A post like this can be a real catalyst for further sharing.

Maybe we can post pictures and ideas of how we've adapted our rigs and made them accessible. I know I'm always looking for new ideas and insights.

Good thread!

Skein

Chromaflage · 12-09-2003, 08:24 AM

This could be a very interesting and enlightening thread! This brings up a question for me too - does the ODFW acknowldge temporary disabilities and grant someone with a temporary disability the right to use those areas that are designed for handicapped individuals? This could get into some very sensitive areas as well.

ORS

foxer · 12-09-2003, 09:02 AM

There is a really sweet place on the NF Nehalem at the hatchery.

Grantspastor · 12-09-2003, 09:04 AM

The Rogue River has at least one I know about at Pierce Riffle

GOT2FISH · 12-09-2003, 09:07 AM

I was reading Fishing the Northwest and noticed there were a few places with Mobility Impeared acsses. I think there was one on the Clackamas I'll have to look agian but the book covered alot of acsses issues.

GOT2FISH · 12-09-2003, 09:21 AM

Correction The name of the book is Fishing in Oregon. I just got off the phone with ODFW in Salem they said if you call and ask for there book Acsess Oregon they will send it out to you there no. in Salem is 503-947-6000 . These rights have always been a pet peive of mine if you need any help or info please drop me a line,I started checking into these problems while involed in towing and have found there are alot of resorses people are not aware of. Thanks GOOD LUCK

brshooter · 12-09-2003, 09:23 AM

Check out this site

handiangler.com

It has a listing of handicap access in the state. My wife is disabled from a brain tumor she had when she was young. These locations have really opened up fishing for her. The N.F. Nehalem hatchery is a great spot. Gets very crowded. Took the wife down there on Sunday and it was elbow to elbow.

rustyl · 12-09-2003, 09:34 AM

My father-in-law has a bad knee and has a very difficult time getting around. Some time next year I plan on flying him up for a visit, and have been attempting to remember all the fishing holes that would be doable.

There is a really nice spot for fall chinook at Cascade Locks. Here is a picture:

Fish-n-Fever · 12-09-2003, 04:51 PM

Thank you to everyone that responded to this.
I have checked the links and on the info given and it a great help to me and has headed me in the right direction in finding more places to fish and take my father.
Again, thanks to you all.
Ron

Longhunter · 12-09-2003, 05:29 PM

one for handicap fisherman in Oregon

http://www.handiangler.com/Oregon-zones.html

hustlerrjim · 12-09-2003, 06:55 PM

when I built the first handicapp fishing platform at the n. fork nehalem hatchery we had plans for 3 more
three rivers, cold creek, and a dam someplace in cental oregon,
the problem that came up was the dept.of fiction and wildlife got into the act. and nothing got done; to build these other platforms.the money was avalable.and still could be.
proof of this beurocratic blundering is at the n. fork nehalem hatchery today.
they got the brilliant idea to extend the platform
50 feet down stream-- there it sits unfinished where it couldv'e been done this year.
but this may be a blessing, because they shouldv'e made the extension up the river indtead of down maybe now they will make it both ways and get away from the dead line. and make it bigger to accomidate more people.
leave it to every body in the dept getting into the act to screw things up.
when i went for the money the dept.said they figured it would cost $188,000.00 which they said was prohibitive.
we built it for less than $19,000.00
can more be built?
certainly, but after dealing with the dept.i have no intrest anymore.
of course there are many people involved and their name is on the dedication plaque [mine isn't] i didn't do it for the glory i did it for the handicapped.

fishgirl · 12-09-2003, 11:34 PM

This is a link to a pdf file on ODFW's website: ODFW Access Guide

You can also call ODFW and request that a hard copy be mailed to you.

Fshklr · 12-09-2003, 11:49 PM

This might help as well :grin: Washington Outdoors ADA