09-02-2009, 11:10 AM
CLACKAMAS, Ore. - A near-record run of coho salmon has prompted the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to increase the daily bag limit to three fish on several Portland area streams.
Under permanent rules anglers are already permitted to keep two fin-clipped adult salmon or steelhead in any combination on the Willamette River below Willamette Falls in Oregon City, on the Clackamas River (including Eagle Creek) and on the Sandy. Effective, Sept. 1, the new "bonus bag" rule allows them to retain a third fish, if it is a hatchery coho.
Fishery managers are projecting that 700,000 coho will return to the Columbia River this year, which would be the largest return since 2001. Steelhead have also been showing up in record numbers in the Columbia. Anglers are reminded that steelhead and coho must be adipose fin-clipped in order to be retained in these waters. Hatchery fish are marked as juveniles by removing their adipose fins.
"Ocean conditions and a number of other factors have been very favorable to returning salmon and steelhead populations." said Todd Alsbury, ODFW fish biologist for the North Willamette Watershed District. "We are pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to anglers."
For additional details, seasons and gear restrictions, anglers are advised to consult the 2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations or visit the ODFW Web site at www.dfw.state.or.us.
Under permanent rules anglers are already permitted to keep two fin-clipped adult salmon or steelhead in any combination on the Willamette River below Willamette Falls in Oregon City, on the Clackamas River (including Eagle Creek) and on the Sandy. Effective, Sept. 1, the new "bonus bag" rule allows them to retain a third fish, if it is a hatchery coho.
Fishery managers are projecting that 700,000 coho will return to the Columbia River this year, which would be the largest return since 2001. Steelhead have also been showing up in record numbers in the Columbia. Anglers are reminded that steelhead and coho must be adipose fin-clipped in order to be retained in these waters. Hatchery fish are marked as juveniles by removing their adipose fins.
"Ocean conditions and a number of other factors have been very favorable to returning salmon and steelhead populations." said Todd Alsbury, ODFW fish biologist for the North Willamette Watershed District. "We are pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to anglers."
For additional details, seasons and gear restrictions, anglers are advised to consult the 2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations or visit the ODFW Web site at www.dfw.state.or.us.