December 29, 2020 10:00 a.m.

Retention of all wild spring Chinook, both jacks and adults, in the mainstem Umpqua River is prohibited during the February 1st through June 30th fishing season. Anglers can only keep hatchery chinook.

An update from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said North Umpqua River anglers can still retain wild spring Chinook as per the 2021 aggregate bag limit regulations.

The update said this emergency rule for mainstem wild spring Chinook was also in effect during the 2020 season to help protect a vulnerable population that returns to the South Umpqua River. Recent low returns of wild spring Chinook to the South Umpqua are of concern to ODFW and other partner agencies, according to the release.

ODFW District fish biologist Greg Huchko said with the continued low returns of spring Chinook to the South Umpqua, staff believes this management action is still appropriate to help “…this vulnerable population”.

The release said over the past several years, ODFW and partner agencies have been part of a working group identifying and addressing possible limiting factors and causes of declines for these fish. This year that group worked together to modify the South Umpqua Falls fish ladder to improve passage at lower flows. The update said the working group also plans increased monitoring and research, greater enforcement against poaching, and evaluating and limiting predation impacts on Chinook in the upper South Umpqua.

For the latest on Southwest Zone fishing regulations, go to: https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fmyodfw.com%2frecreation-report%2ffishing-report%2fsouthwest-zone&c=E,1,JNDctkDq1TFxHUyQ13tU5ekDwqXzIkxyaLyaA_K8y_iQ7zp0KpNuk6ambYjAuy9NVd2hGHd6KXbckvb3R_i76JkcPpaio7AsTRAmfbRnnLU