June 2, 2023 3:15 a.m.

Angling at the mouth of all Umpqua River tributaries is now prohibited from Scottsburg Bridge upstream to the River Forks boat ramp.

A release from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said angling is prohibited within 200 feet from all portions of the tributary’s mouth and in the tributaries themselves from the mouth to 200 feet upstream.

ODFW said the rule is in effect through September 30th of this year.

The rule protects wild summer steelhead, early returning fall Chinook and other native fish which are vulnerable while holding in colder water tributary mouths during summer. Umpqua River water temperatures quickly rise in the summer and about a third of Douglas County remains in abnormally dry to drought conditions.

When summer in the county heats up, those fishing should practice these tips for hot weather angling:

*Fish during the cooler early mornings

*Land fish quickly to help increase survival rates

*Keep 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

Other regulation reminders are linked: https://myodfw.com/recreation-report/fishing-report/southwest-zone