September 24,2019 3:20 a.m.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued emergency regulations for the Illinois River to begin October 1st.
All angling in the Illinois between $8 Bridge/Green Bridge and Pomeroy Dam will be closed through November 30th to address public concern over illegal snagging of wild fall Chinook salmon,
The release said chinook reach the Illinois Valley in October and November when the river is often at low flow, making these fish visible and susceptible to illegal snagging. River flow has been tracking much lower than normal in late summer and early fall since 2015.
The release said ODFW anticipates the closure will become a permanent rule change in 2021. Input will be taken at a public meeting next year to discuss proposed angling regulations. The meeting will be announced at a later date.