Oregon Asks Anglers To Take the Heat Off
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking anglers to voluntarily stop fishing this summer when stream temperatures reach a critical limit above 74 degrees. The department is working with f
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking anglers to voluntarily stop fishing this summer when stream temperatures reach a critical limit — above 74 degrees. The department is working with fish conservation groups Oregon Trout, Native Fish Society, and Trout Unlimited.
Anglers are asked to fish in the morning when water temperatures are cooler or fish at a different location if water conditions are unfavorable at their usual site. Fish mortality increases drastically when water temperatures top 74 degrees, ODFW officials said.
Anglers can further aid the fisheries by using barbless hooks, keeping fish in the water as much as possible and limiting the amount of handling time. Anglers should also wet their hands before removing hooks and take care not to touch the fish's gills, officials said.
Reduced summer stream flow and increased water temperature in this year's drought conditions decreases available fish habitat, disease resistance, spawning success and available food and oxygen, according to ODFW biologists. Increased competition and predation also result.
In this stressed environment, fish gather in groups where water conditions are most favorable, making them more vulnerable to anglers and predators. These threats can adversely affect adult trout numbers in future years.
"This is a difficult year. We really appreciate the efforts of anglers to aid fish populations and help them survive." said Bob Hooton, ODFW fish biologist.
ODFW biologists are monitoring water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels in the Columbia River weekly through September and will alert anglers and other regulatory agencies if conditions become critical. Currently, the Columbia River temperature is below average due to a cool summer, but temperatures in many of the tributary streams may have already reached the critical level.
The low water conditions have led to some temporary angling regulation changes. Anglers should call their local ODFW office or check the ODFW web site (www.dfw.state.or.us) for the most current information.
