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2008 Fishing Seasons - Washington
 

More information on Washington salmon, halibut, sturgeon, ocean salmon and halibut seasons.

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ODFW Fishing Reports March 5, 2008

ALSEA RIVER: winter steelhead

Fishing has slowed but still fair in the upper river. More wild fish are starting to return and anglers are advised to not remove the fish from the water if possible while releasing. Most fishing pressure is occurring along the N. Fork and around the Alsea Hatchery. River conditions are expected to be fair to good this week. During high murky flows, anglers should concentrate in the upper basin as river conditions improve faster.

Current river levels: http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?TIDO3

KILCHIS RIVER: steelhead

Winter steelhead angling has been slow as the river is low and clear. Most of the fish in the river are of wild origin.

NECANICUM RIVER: steelhead

Winter steelhead angling has been slow as the river is low and clear. The number of hatchery fish has dropped off considerably. Boaters should use extreme caution. Log and debris jams may be present in one or more locations. The Kloochy Creek Park bridge is now open to vehicle access.

NEHALEM RIVER AND SALMONBERRY RIVER:

Winter steelhead angling is slow to fair, but the lower river has good color. The number of wild fish entering the system is increasing.

The Nehalem River Road is closed at the Salmonberry River. Flood waters blew out the bridge over the Salmonberry. Use alternate routes.

NORTH FORK NEHALEM RIVER: steelhead

Angling for winter steelhead has been slow as the river is low and clear. A few hatchery fish may still be available, but expect to see more wild fish in the catch. Boaters beware—downed trees or other hazards are creating problems. Anglers may call (503) 368-5670 for recorded fishing information.

NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: steelhead

Winter steelhead angling has been slow to fair in Three Rivers depending on water conditions. Angling in the mainstem has been fair to good when water conditions permit. Hatchery fish are available in Three Rivers and the mainstem up to Blaine. Surplus hatchery fish have been recycled to Cloverdale when available. Wild fish are increasingly showing in the catch also.

SALMON RIVER: winter steelhead

Catch-and-release fishing for wild winter steelhead fishing is slow to fair.

SILETZ RIVER: winter steelhead

Winter steelhead fishing is fair throughout the mainstem. More wild fish are returning and anglers are advised to leave the fish in the water while releasing. Drift boat angling from Moonshine Park to Morgan Park (as river conditions allow) is fair. Bank fishing around Moonshine Park up to the fishing deadline is good to fair as many fish have moved up into the upper reaches. Floating and/or back bouncing fresh baits, jigs and lures can be very productive. During high murky river conditions, anglers should concentrate in the upper basin as fish will continue to move upstream.

SIUSLAW RIVER: winter steelhead

Winter steelhead fishing is fair to good with most pressure in the upper reaches around Whittaker Creek. Drifting from Whittaker Creek down to Linslaw Park should continue to produce fish and bank fishing from Whittaker Creek to Wildcat Creek should continue to be fair. More wild steelhead are starting to return and anglers are reminded to keep the fish in the water while releasing. During high and murky river conditions anglers should concentrate in the upper basin as conditions improve faster.

TILLAMOOK BAY: sturgeon

Angling for sturgeon has been fair to good. Fish the channel edges on the outgoing tides for the best results.

WILSON RIVER: steelhead

Angling for winter steelhead has generally been good as long as the river remains fishable. Fish are well distributed in the river system. All methods should produce fish, with side drifting from boats or bobber and jigs being very popular. Drift fishing from bank or boat will also produce fish. A tree is partially blocking the river between the mine field and Mills Bridge. Boaters should use extreme caution.

TRASK RIVER: steelhead

Winter steelhead angling is fair to good when river conditions are good. Fish are being caught up to the forks and in the north and south forks. Wild fish are making up the bulk of the catch, but some hatchery fish are also caught occasionally.

Current river levels for major north coast streams: http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=pqr

YAQUINA RIVER: winter steelhead

Winter steelhead fishing is slow in Big Elk Creek with the best success occurring in the upper basin.   Bank fishing works the best along the Big Elk using a variety of lures, jigs and egg-type flies. There is a mixture of public and private lands along this stretch, anglers should use caution to avoid crossing private property.

APPLEGATE RIVER: trout, steelhead

The Applegate River is open for adipose fin-clipped trout and steelhead. The river is cold and clear making fishing slow. Fish are being caught by anglers fly-fishing with egg patters or casting small lures.

CHETCO RIVER: steelhead

Steelhead fishing will be slow until the Chetco receives enough rain to bring in a few more fresh fish. The peak is over, but anglers can continue to have great action on kelts (spawned-out fish) and some fresh fish. Some of the best action can be had pulling plugs or swinging flies.  

Anglers have been doing the best early morning or late afternoon when the sun is off the water. Drift boat anglers will want to hit the river once it reaches 4000 cfs and dropping. Keep an eye on the flow: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/uv?14400000.

COOS RIVER BASIN: winter steelhead

Angling effort has dropped off but steelhead fishing is still fair in the Coos basin when river conditions cooperate. The less crowded conditions give anglers more room and the ability to fish areas that may have been too crowded earlier in the year. Water conditions have been on the low and clear side but fish are still being caught. Anglers may want to switch to smaller gear and lighter leaders during this low water period. The West Fork Millicoma has good public access on the Elliott State Forest where many steelhead are caught. This fork will come back into shape quickly after high water periods but also gets extremely low and clear during dry periods. The Millicoma Interpretive Center has a small section of closed water in front of the facility with fishable water downstream. The Nesika Park area on the East Fork also has good public access. Access to the South Fork above Dellwood requires a permit from Weyerhaeuser Co., available at Airport Heights and TNT Markets. Weyerhaeuser is no longer issuing these permits at their Dellwood office. The stretch of river above Dellwood has good bank access and an acclimation site near mile 5 where fish will hold.

For a change of pace, anglers could consider going sturgeon fishing. Popular sturgeon spots are just upstream of the highway 101 bridge for boaters. Bank anglers catch some sturgeon from the Coos River downstream of the confluence with the Millicoma. Sturgeon also hang out at this confluence.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: winter steelhead

Steelhead fishing is still good when the river conditions cooperate, with some large fish showing up in the catch this year. Laverne Park on the North Fork has had some good days recently and provides good bank access for anglers. The South Fork, which is popular with drift boaters and also has some bank access, has had a great year and is still fishing well; it fishes best when the Powers gauge is below 4 ft. Steelhead have been observed in the East Fork, which has steelhead returning to an acclimation site near Frona Park. The Middle Fork Coquille does not have a hatchery program but is a nice place for anglers wanting more solitude that don’t mind releasing their fish.

ELK/SIXES RIVER: steelhead

Steelhead fishing has slowed in both rivers as most of the steelhead are spawning.  Anglers should keep an eye on the weather and look for some new fish to enter the rivers on the next freshet.  Elk River fishes best at 5.0 feet and dropping. Anglers can call Elk River Hatchery (541-332-7025) to get the latest gauge heights.
 

ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: steelhead, chinook

Bank and boat anglers are all catching fish in the lower river. Boat anglers are catching steelhead below the mouth of the Illinois side drifting eggs or anchoring on the inside bends running plugs. Most of the gravel bars between the Ferry Hole and Quosatana Creek campground have been producing fish for anglers plunking spin and glows. 

A few boats have been targeting spring Chinook, but no reports of any fish being caught.  Anglers can expect the first spring Chinook to be caught in the next couple of weeks.  Anglers are reminded that there are new regulations in effect for spring Chinook on the Rogue River.     

Rogue River flows: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/uv?14372300

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: chinook, trout, steelhead

The flow on March 3 was 3,110 cubic feet per second at Grants Pass. Fishing has been good in the Grants Pass area and down by Galice. Yarn balls, roe clusters, and plugs have been working well.    

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: trout, steelhead, chinook
As of March 3, the flow out of William Jess Dam (Lost Creek) was 703 cubic feet per second. 922 winter steelhead have been counted at Gold Ray Dam as of February 26.

Angling continues to improve on the Upper Rogue. Winter steelhead are being caught by drifting egg patterns, bug and bubbles, and small bugs. Anglers are reminded that even during high water and turbid conditions along most of the Rogue, conditions are usually good between Big Butte Creek and Cole Rivers Hatchery where reservoir outflows predominate.  

SMITH RIVER: steelhead

The Smith is currently open for adipose-fin clipped steelhead from the mouth upstream to Sisters Creek on the mainstem and the North Fork Smith from the mouth upstream to Bridge 10. Good numbers of stripers have recently been sighted in the North Fork of the Smith River. Striped bass season is open year round, 2 fish per 24 hours, 30-inch minimum size. The North Fork is open to Johnson Creek for stripers.

TENMILE BASIN: yellow perch, trout, largemouth bass, winter steelhead, warmwater fish

Steelhead have been showing up in Tenmile Creek with fish being caught in Spinreel Park and below. Spinreel Park has good bank access. Anglers willing to walk the sand dunes downstream will find additional space and good chances at catching fish. This lake fed system is often clear and fishable when other local waters are high and muddy.

Tenmile Lakes are open year-round, and holdover trout are available. Warmwater fish species such as bass, bluegill and crappie are in Tenmile Lakes. As we move into spring, sunny days will start to warm the water and improve fishing.    

UMPQUA ESTUARY: sturgeon

No new report.

UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: steelhead

Good numbers of fish are being caught throughout the mainstem by bank anglers. The river is also fishable by boat, with no major storm events predicted this week to cause the water to rise or become muddy. Remember the mainstem Umpqua is now closed to wild steelhead harvest; it remains open year-round for adipose fin-clipped steelhead.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead

The North has remained fishable. The most success has been from Colliding Rivers down. The warmer weather has gotten the fish on the move. There have been days now where over 100 steelhead have passed Winchester Dam. As of February 15, over 2,900 steelhead have passed Winchester Day. This puts the count to date at the 3^rd highest this decade. Remember that only adipose fin-clipped steelhead can be harvested on the North Umpqua.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: steelhead

Angling conditions have been good recently. Hatchery fish have started to move into the South Umpqua and some nice sized fish are being caught. In addition to several good drift boat floats between Canyonville and Roseburg, there are good bank angling opportunities at Templeton Beach, the Myrtle Creek bridge, Stanton Park, and behind Seven Feathers Casino. Remember the South Umpqua is open for adipose fin-clipped steelhead only.  

WINCHESTER BAY: sturgeon, chinook

Fishing remains slow, although spring chinook should start arriving soon.

RECREATIONAL SHELLFISH IS OPEN

The entire Oregon coast is open for recreational shellfishing. Always check for health advisories by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Shellfish line at 1-800-448-2474 for updates.

Razor clams and current status of particular areas: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/razorclams

The next few months are a great time for crabbing. Dock crabbers have been reporting some success. Crabbing from public docks or boat if available is a great opportunity for families to catch a delicious dinner. Kids often enjoy sorting out the smaller crab that can be abundant. Crab are generally full of meat and available in good numbers in coastal bays. The Coos Bay shoals (20-30 feet deep) along the inside of the North Spit from Empire to Charleston is a good area for crabbing. Public crabbing docks can be found in Winchester Bay, Bandon, Charleston, and Empire.

 

·                                 Crabbing: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/crab/index.asp

CLACKAMAS RIVER: steelhead

The Clackamas River is experiencing its typical mid-winter slow period with limited catch and effort throughout the lower river. The river went up over the weekend which could bring some fresh fish into the system and water temperature has warmed into the lower 40’s. Conditions are good and we anticipate winter steelhead will be entering the Clackamas for the next couple of months so don’t give up hope.  Get out there and give it a try as it is bound to turn back on at any time.

There are still no reports of any spring chinook in the river and anglers continue to see a few summer steelhead in the Willamette and Lower Clack. Most of these fish will remain in the lower river below Carver until water temperature warms into the 50s later in spring.

Clackamas Hatchery will begin releasing hatchery spring Chinook and steelhead into the river next week so keep that in mind when trying to fish with bait.  Switch to artificial lures if possible to reduce unintentional catch and mortality of hatchery smolts.

Boaters will find good ramp availability at Clackamette, Riverside, Carver, Barton, Feldheimers, and McIver Park.

Bank anglers need to be aware that with the new fish ladder at Rivermill Dam there has been a change to the angling deadline. This change is particularly noticeable on the McIver Park side of the river where a new fishway entrance was installed. The new angling deadline is clearly visible in bright yellow painted rocks on both the park side and Estacada side. Anglers must adhere to this deadline, making sure to fish and cast downstream of the line. The new deadline is being strictly enforced by law enforcement.

The summer steelhead radio tracking study is all but over in the Clackamas River. We will attempt to track fish using mobile trackers at least through February, but the main focus of the study is complete. ODFW and OSU released 80 hatchery summer steelhead implanted with radio-tags into the Clackamas River downstream of River Mill Dam as part of a study to monitor adult summer steelhead behavior during the summer of 2007. The fish in the study can be identified by an antenna trailing from the abdomen, and a blue plastic tag carrying a unique number inserted just below the dorsal fin on the back of the fish. The department reminds anglers it is against the law for anyone to retain a radio-tagged fish in this river, and these fish must be released unharmed. In addition, these fish have been anesthetized for surgery to implant the radio tags and are not fit for human consumption. Anyone who catches one of the tagged summer steelhead is asked to record the number printed on the plastic tag, without removing the tag from the fish, and notify ODFW of the date and location where the fish was caught and released by calling the Clackamas Office any time at (971) 673-6000. Anyone witnessing a tagged fish in the water is also asked to call. All reports of tagged fish will provide important information for the study. 

North and South Santiam: steelhead

Santiam flows are moderate and relatively stable as reservoirs are filling. Conditions are good. Though counts over the falls at Oregon City are still low, some new steelhead are in the rivers.

SANDY RIVER: Steelhead

Catch rate on the Sandy River continued to cool over the past week despite a good rain and increased flow over the past weekend. Sandy Hatchery staff report that quite a few fish are waiting to enter the hatchery trap indicating that fish are still moving through the system. We may need to wait for another good, warm rain for the bite to pick back up. Similar to the Clackamas, we still expect winter steelhead to continue entering the Sandy through April so there are plenty of opportunities to come, particularly with spring Chinook and summer steelhead just around the corner. No reports of springers yet, but at least one dozen summers have been landed by local guides and their clients.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted new sport-fishing regulations for the Sandy River which move the fishing deadline (or boundary) upstream to the mouth of the Salmon River (near Brightwood) began Jan. 1, 2008. There are reports of a few wild fish being caught and released in the newly opened section of river above Marmot Dam. There are few hatchery winter steelhead available above Cedar Creek, but there is some opportunity for catch and release of wild fish for those interested in a more remote angling experience. The new area should provide good opportunity for hatchery spring Chinook that stray past Cedar Creek starting in May and running through early July. All current fishing regulations in the lower river apply to the newly extended area.

This provides an additional seven miles of fishing opportunity in an area that was historically popular among anglers before 1999 regulations closed the area. The changes are the result of the removal of Marmot Dam, which made the current angling deadline of “200 feet below the dam” obsolete.

The changes at the old Marmot Dam site and the movement of material have the potential to affect conditions downstream of that area. The entire section of river near the dam removal site is a hazardous construction zone with no public entrance allowed at this time. Access to the PGE property at the previous site of Marmot Dam is still closed to all public access.

Access to the river can be gained from many parks including Lewis and Clark, Dabney, Oxbow, and Dodge. Bank access is also available to the Cedar Creek area at the Sandy Hatchery. When fishing the Oxbow Park area, remember that there is no angling from a floating device upstream from a point that is 200 feet below the Oxbow Park boat ramp.

Collection/recycling receptacles for discarded or lost fishing gear can now be found along the Sandy River. Look for them near boat ramps at Lewis and Clark, Dabney, Oxbow, and Dodge parks. Any tangled fishing line or old gear can be collected and disposed of in these canisters as an effort to maintain a healthy, clean Sandy River. Please use nearby garbage cans for any other types of trash.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: sturgeon, winter steelhead, spring chinook

Spring chinook fishing is picking up with a few caught last week in the lower river around Multnomah Channel and about a fish per day in the middle river near Sellwood Bridge. Sturgeon catch has stabilized into lower bite; fishing effort continues to be high in St John’s area. Steelhead fishing is fair in the lower river.

Fishery managers set Columbia River spring Chinook seasons. Willamette River and Willamette tributaries are open seven-days-per-week for spring chinook; there is a one-fish daily bag limit beginning March 1. More information

The Oregon/Washington Compact adopted the following rules at the Dec. 13 Joint State Hearing for the sturgeon sport fishery above Wauna power lines (RM 40) upstream to Bonneville Dam, including all adjacent Washington tributaries, and the lower Willamette River (including the Multnomah Channel) upstream to Willamette Falls for 2008:

•  Allow the retention of white sturgeon four days per week on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during Jan. 1 through July 31 and Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008.

•  Prohibit the retention of sturgeon three days per week on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday during Jan. 1-July 31 and Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008 and seven days per week during Aug. 1 through Sept. 30, 2008.

•  Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited as per permanent regulations.

•  Daily and annual catch limits listed in the 2008 Oregon Sport Regulations pamphlet remain in effect.

Bank fishing for sturgeon can be found at Meldrum Bar and at the wall in downtown Oregon City as well as Kelly Point Park at the mouth of the Willamette River. Sturgeon anglers have been using frozen smelt, herring, or sand shrimp as effective bait.

EVENT: Wild redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout study presentation, March 19, 6:30 p.m., Bend

Ted Wise, ODFW fisheries biologist, will share details about an ODFW study on the genetics of wild redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout in Crane Prairie Reservoir. He will discuss results and implications of the study at the Central Oregon Flyfishers general meeting at the Bend Senior Center, 1600 SE Market Road. For more information, see the organization’s online newsletter.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout

The Crooked is currently flowing at 144 cfs. Warmer weather is resulting in some nice hatches. Reports from anglers indicate fair success for redband. ODFW and OSU have initiated a radio telemetry study on redband trout and whitefish, and anglers are reminded that radio-tagged fish cannot be legally harvested. To determine if a fish is radio-tagged, anglers should check for an eight-inch wire antenna protruding from the rear of both redband and mountain whitefish.

DESCHUTES RIVER:

Mouth to Warm Springs

Trout anglers will be successful by using nymphs. Water temperatures are cold but some bug hatches are occurring in the middle of the day.   Anglers are reminded that the Deschutes River upstream from the northern boundary of the Warms Springs Reservation is closed to angling until April 26, 2008.

 KLAMATH RIVER: rainbow-redband trout

Angling for wild redband trout is slow. Water temperature has cooled down to near freezing which will slow catch rates. The Klamath River below JC Boyle Dam to the JC Boyle Powerhouse is your best opportunity for catching redband trout. Most redband trout in this section range from 6-12”. Water temperature in this section remains warmer due to the large spring input.

LAKE OF THE WOODS: rainbow trout, kokanee, brown trout, yellow perch, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, crappie, and smallmouth bass

The road into Lake of the Woods off Hwy 140 is closed by snow and the lodge is also closed. Lake of the Woods is frozen. If you are willing to brave these conditions, fishing may be good for yellow perch.

MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork Malheur River): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout

Flow is very low in this stretch of the river since there is little or no discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir. Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir was 0 cfs on March 2. Angling is poor.  

MALHEUR RIVER (from the South Fork Malheur River near Riverside, downstream to Gold Creek): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout

Flow is very low in this stretch of the river since there is little or no discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir or Beulah Reservoir. Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir was approximately 0 cfs, and discharge from Beulah Reservoir was 0 cfs on March 2. Angling is poor.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Some melting has occurred. Ice is beginning to melt, ice condition is unknown at this time. The reservoir is producing nice catches of 10 to 14 inch rainbow trout.  

MALHEUR RIVER, NORTH FORK: redband trout, whitefish, and bull trout

No recent angling report. Road access is blocked by snow and will not open until spring. Remember to release bull trout.

MALHEUR RIVER, MIDDLE FORK: redband trout, brook trout, and bull trout

No recent angling report. Road access is blocked by snow and will not open until spring. Remember to release bull trout.

GRANDE RONDE, WALLOWA AND IMNAHA RIVERS: steelhead

Streamflows peaked at modest levels over the weekend and are gradually declining as of Monday. Angler success this past week was variable, with the best results occurring on the Wallowa River (6.7 hours/fish) and on the Imnaha River (10 hours/fish). Anglers checked on the Oregon portion of the Lower Grande Ronde River averaged 14.5 hours/fish an those interviewed in the Rondowa area averaged 35.4 hours/fish. Expect continued fair to good angling success as long as the river stays in shape. Further increases in flow could affect angler success.Check streamflow gauge data at: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/current/?type=flow

JOHN DAY RIVER: bass and steelhead

Streamflows are rising with the warmer weather and melting snow. Conditions for angling are marginal at best due to muddy water, but should improve if cooler weather returns. Prior to the higher water, anglers had been catching steelhead between Service Creek and Kimberly on the John Day River and in the North Fork John Day River below Monument. Remember to keep those clipped hatchery fish and release the unmarked ones.

Stream flow levels, Service Creek gauging station: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/uv?14046500.

The John Day River above Kimberly and all tributaries are closed to trout angling until May 24, 2008. The John Day River below Kimberly is open to angling for steelhead and bass all year.

2008 Spring Chinook Forecast: Oregon and Washington departments of fish and wildlife released the 2008 spring chinook forecast Dec. 11 for the Columbia and Willamette Rivers during a meeting of the Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association. Based on projections by staff biologists and the Technical Advisory Committee the report offers recreational and commercial fisherman a first look at what to expect this spring.

It can be accessed on ODFW’s Web site.

Salmon, Steelhead, and Shad:

For the mainstem Columbia River salmon and steelhead fishery upstream of the Rocky Point/Tongue Point line to McNary Dam effective during February 15 through June 15, 2008 “It is unlawful when fishing from vessels which are less than 30 feet in length, substantiated by Coast Guard documentation or Marine Board registration, to totally remove from the water any salmon or steelhead required to be released”.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Buoy 10 Line upstream to I-5 Bridge:  Effective 12:01 AM Monday February 25 this section of the Columbia River is closed to angling for salmon and steelhead.  Beginning Monday March 24 through Friday April 4 the lower Columbia River between Buoy 10 and the Hayden Island powerlines (west towers) will be open to angling for salmon and steelhead with a daily bag limit of two adipose fin-clipped adult salmonids (chinook greater than 24” and steelhead greater than 20”), only one of which may be a chinook.  Catch limits for jacks remain in effect as per permanent regulations.  All non-adipose fin-clipped chinook salmon and non-adipose fin-clipped steelhead must be released immediately unharmed.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, I-5 Bridge to Bonneville Dam:  This section of the Columbia River is currently open to the retention of adipose fin-clipped steelhead with a daily bag limit of two fish.  The retention of spring chinook is prohibited.  Effective March 16 through April 30 the lower Columbia River between Hayden Island powerlines (west towers) and Bonneville Dam will be open to angling for spring chinook and steelhead except all angling for any species (including catch-and-release) is prohibited on Tuesdays during March 25 through April 29 (March 25, April 1, April 8, April 15, April 22, and April 29).  The daily bag limit will be two adipose fin-clipped adult salmonids (chinook greater than 24” and steelhead greater than 20”), only one of which may be a chinook.  Catch limits for jacks remain in effect as per permanent regulations.  All non-adipose fin-clipped chinook salmon and non-adipose fin-clipped steelhead must be released immediately unharmed.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Bonneville Dam to McNary Dam:  This section of the Columbia River is currently open to the retention of adipose fin-clipped steelhead with a daily bag limit of two fish.  The retention of spring chinook is prohibited.  Effective March 16 through May 10, 2008 the retention of adipose fin-clipped spring chinook will be allowed from the Tower Island powerlines (located approximately 6 miles downstream of The Dalles Dam) upstream to McNary Dam plus the Oregon and Washington banks between Bonneville Dam and Tower Island.  Boat angling between Bonneville Dam and Tower Island powerlines is prohibited.  The daily bag limit includes two adipose fin-clipped adult salmon or steelhead (chinook greater than 24” and steelhead greater than 20”).  Catch limits for jacks remain in effect as per permanent regulations.  All non-adipose fin-clipped chinook salmon and non-adipose fin-clipped steelhead must be released immediately unharmed.

Gorge Bank: No report.

Gorge Boats: No report.

Troutdale Boats: No report.

Portland to Longview Bank:  CLOSED.

Portland to Longview Boats:  CLOSED.

Estuary Bank:  CLOSED.

Estuary Boats:  CLOSED.

Bonneville Pool: Weekly checking showed no catch reported for one bank rod.

The Dalles Pool: No report.

John Day Pool: Weekly checking showed two adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus four unclipped steelhead released for 22 bank rods; and one unclipped steelhead released for one boat.

Sturgeon: BUOY 10 UPSTREAM TO WAUNA POWERLINES (including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries):

•  The Compact adopted the following rules at the December 13 Joint State Hearing for the sturgeon sport fishery below Wauna power lines (RM 40) downstream to Buoy 10, including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries for 2008:

•   Allow the retention of white sturgeon seven days per week during Tuesday January 1, 2008 through Wednesday April 30, 2008 with a 42-inch minimum size and a 60-inch maximum size limit in effect.

•  Allow the retention of white sturgeon seven days per week during Saturday May 10, 2008 through Tuesday June 24, 2008 (or until catch guideline is reached) with a 45-inch minimum size and a 60-inch maximum size limit in effect.

•  Prohibit the retention of sturgeon seven days per week during Thursday May 1, 2008 through Friday May 9, 2008 and Wednesday June 25, 2008 through December 31, 2008.  Catch and release angling is allowed during all retention closures.

•  Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited as per permanent regulations.

•  Daily and annual catch limits listed in the 2008 Oregon Sport Regulations pamphlet remain in effect.

WAUNA POWERLINES UPSTREAM TO BONNEVILLE DAM (including all adjacent Washington tributaries and the Willamette River downstream of Willamette Falls including the Multnomah Channel):

The Compact adopted the following rules at the December 13 Joint State Hearing for the sturgeon sport fishery above Wauna power lines (RM 40) upstream to Bonneville Dam, including all adjacent Washington tributaries, and the lower Willamette River (including the Multnomah Channel) upstream to Willamette Falls for 2008:

·                                

•  Allow the retention of white sturgeon four days per week on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during January 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008 and October 1 through December 31, 2008.

•  Prohibit the retention of sturgeon three days per week on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday during January 1-July 31, 2008 and October 1 through December 31, 2008 and seven days per week during August 1 through September 30, 2008.

•  Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited as per permanent regulations.

•  Daily and annual catch limits listed in the 2008 Oregon Sport Regulations pamphlet remain in effect.

BONNEVILLE DAM UPSTREAM TO THE DALLES DAM:

Effective January 1, 2008 this section of the Columbia River is open to the retention of sturgeon seven days per week until the catch guideline is reached with a daily bag limit of one fish between 42 and 60 inches in length and an annual limit of five fish.  The annual catch guideline for the Bonneville pool is 700 fish.

THE DALLES DAM UPSTREAM TO JOHN DAY DAM:

Effective January 1, 2008 this section of the Columbia River is open to the retention of sturgeon seven days per week until the catch guideline is reached with a daily bag limit of one fish between 48 and 60 inches in length and an annual limit of five fish.  The annual catch guideline for The Dalles pool is 100 fish.

JOHN DAY DAM UPSTREAM TO MCNARY DAM:

Effective January 1, 2008 this section of the Columbia River is open to the retention of sturgeon seven days per week until the catch guideline is reached with a daily bag limit of one fish between 48 and 60 inches in length and an annual limit of five fish.  The annual catch guideline for the John Day pool is 165 fish.

Sturgeon catch rates on the lower Columbia River should improve as water temperatures gradually increase.

Gorge Bank: Weekend checking showed no catch reported for seven bank rods.

Gorge Boats: Weekend checking showed no catch reported for four boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Boats: No report.

Portland to Longview Bank: No report.

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed 23 sublegal sturgeon released for 50 boats (incomplete trips).

Estuary Boats: No report.

Bonneville Pool: Weekly checking showed one oversize and 19 sublegal sturgeon released for seven boats; and four legal white sturgeon kept and 46 sublegal sturgeon released 51 bank rods.

The Dalles Pool: Weekly checking showed 11 sublegal sturgeon released for three boats; and 12 sublegal sturgeon released for 43 bank rods.

John Day Pool: Weekly checking showed three legal white sturgeon kept and 28 sublegal sturgeon released for 20 boats; and one sublegal sturgeon released for 34 bank rods.

Walleye:

Bonneville Pool: Weekly checking showed two walleye kept for five boats.

The Dalles Pool: Weekly checking showed one walleye released for two bank rods; and nine walleye kept plus one walleye released for 13 boats.

John Day Pool: Weekly checking showed no catch reported for three bank rods; and 17 walleye kept plus six walleye released for 45 boats.

Troutdale: No report.

 MARINE ZONE

 FISHING

During periods when ocean conditions permit, anglers caught limits and near limits for lingcod and rockfish in the ocean. This time of year lingcod are guarding their nests in shallower water. Shore-based anglers continued to find some success fishing off jetties. Species illustrations and descriptions are in The Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet (page 98) and The Red Rockfish Identification Guide. The minimum length for lingcod is 22 inches, for cabezon it is 16 inches and for greenling it is 10 inches. Fishing for cabezon from a boat reopened Jan. 1.

The marine daily bag limit for 2008 is six fish (including rockfish, greenling and other marine species) and two lingcod and 15 surfperch. Remember: yelloweye rockfish and canary rockfish may not be retained. Also, the Stonewall Bank Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area approximately 15 miles west of Newport is closed to the harvest of rockfish, lingcod and flatfish. Complete regulations, including waypoints for the Stonewall Bank YRCA, are in the 2008 Oregon Sport Ocean Regulations for Salmon, Halibut and other Marine Fish Species and online at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/

The 2008 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations are available from license vendors and ODFW offices and online at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/

Seasons and restrictions for ocean salmon are set in April; catch limits and seasons for Pacific halibut are set in March. Seasons and regulations for all other marine fish are the same as in 2007.

Crabs

Sport crabbing is open in the ocean, bays and estuaries. Crabbing in coastal bays and estuaries remains poor. Ocean crabbing seems to be a little better, but no limits were reported. For more information on sport crabbing visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/.

For sport crabbers the minimum size for Dungeness crab is 5¾ inches measured in a straight line across the back immediately in front of, but not including, the points. For a photograph and diagram see page 101 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

Clams

A series of minus tides next week will provide good opportunity for clam diggers. Beginning with a minus 0.3 tide at about 9 a.m. Monday, March 10, the low tide gets later by about 50 minutes each morning during the four-day series.

The recreational harvest of all shellfish, including all clams and mussels, is open coastwide but harvesters should check for current closures on the ODA shellfish safety page at http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/shellfish_status.shtml or call the shellfish hotline, 503-986-4728 or 1-800-448-2474. Waters can be closed on short notice because of contaminated waters due to coastal flooding and because of elevated levels of naturally occurring toxins.

Check out the recreational clam pages on the ODFW Web site at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/. They contain everything you need to know for identifying and harvesting Oregon’s clams.

For more information, visit ODFW’s Web site