Montana Fish Report

Effective March 1 through Aug. 15, 2018, anglers who have a two-rod validation will be able to use two rods while fishing for all species except sturgeon in the Willamette River downstream of Willamette Falls and in the Clackamas River.

The use of two rods provides additional opportunity for anglers pursuing hatchery salmon and hatchery steelhead, but may also be used for trout and warmwater species, including shad. Anglers fishing for sturgeon will still be limited to only one rod.

The new rule applies only to waters already open to fishing and all other Willamette Zone rules and regulations remain in effect. After Aug. 15, rules will revert to those published in the 2018 Sport Fishing Regulations, and use of two rods will no longer be allowed.

Anglers remain limited to one rod in areas upstream of Willamette Falls, though allowance of two rods for later in the spring season is under consideration. No decisions have been made on potential use of two rods in Oregon coastal streams at this time. As a reminder, anglers remain limited to one rod at all times when fishing in the Columbia River.

Two-rod validations have been available to Oregon anglers for several years. For $24.50, licensed anglers can purchase a validation that allows them to use a second rod in certain locations of the state, primarily ponds and lakes. If you have already purchased a two-rod validation in 2018, it is valid for any waters open to the use of two rods. Kids under the age of 12 do not need a validation to use a second rod in these locations.

Because the Willamette spring Chinook fishery is managed under a strict quota and Endangered Species Act limits, ODFW will closely monitor the effect of this rule change and may make adjustments if necessary.