Montana Fish Report

Effective immediately, an emergency regulation protects wild summer steelhead and early returning fall chinook on the mainstem Umpqua River.

Emergency regulation, Scottsburg Bridge (Hwy. 38) to River Forks Boat Ramp:
Today through September 30, 2018, angling is prohibited within a 200 feet radius of all tributaries in the Umpqua River and in the tributaries themselves from the mouth to 200 feet upstream. This regulation is in effect from Scottsburg Bridge to River Forks Boat Ramp.

This emergency regulation protects wild summer steelhead and fall Chinook salmon that hold in and around tributaries looking for colder water. Currently, the Umpqua River has abnormally low flows and high water temperatures due to drought conditions.

“The Umpqua River at Elkton was 79 degrees this morning, and we know that temperature will be higher in the late afternoons. We believe the closure is needed to help protect our native fish that use these areas of cooler water,” said Greg Huchko, Umpqua District fisheries biologist. “Salmon and steelhead begin to have a tough time when water temperatures reach the upper 60’s, and we aren’t seeing a cooling trend any time in the near future.”

This emergency regulation was also in effect in late June 2015 and had public support.

Tips for hot weather angling:

• Fish during the cooler early mornings.
• Land your fish quickly to help increase survival rates.
• Keep your fish in at least six inches of water while releasing it.
• Revive the fish before release. Keep the fish upright facing into the current; if the current is slow, move the fish back and forth slowly to help oxygenate the gills.