ODFW release – KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – In preparation for the removal of JC Boyle Dam in 2024, ODFW is considering modifying and adding to current angling regulations to adapt to the removal of JC Boyle Reservoir and the restoration of fish passage on the Klamath River. A public meeting is scheduled for June 8, 6 p.m., at the Klamath County Fairgrounds in the Linman Hall. A short presentation of the proposed changes will be given followed by a chance for the public to ask ODFW questions and offer comments. Restoration of fish passage will allow anadromous salmon, steelhead, and Pacific lamprey to repopulate the Oregon portion of the Klamath Basin and to accommodate Oregon’s active reintroduction of Spring Run Chinook Salmon. ODFW is proposing angling regulation changes in the Klamath River to accommodate anadromous fishes that will soon have access to the upper Klamath Basin for the first time in over a century. Proposed changes (see below for more detail): • Current regulation – Keno Dam to J.C. Boyle Reservoir- Open October 1 – June 15. Bag limit one Redband/Rainbow Trout 15-inch minimum length. Proposed new regulation – Keno Dam to Highway 66 Bridge. Open October 1 – June 15. Bag limit one Redband/Rainbow Trout 12-inch minimum – 15-inch maximum length. Reason for change: This slot limit is to protect large salmon and steelhead smolts and to protect adult steelhead; • Current regulation – J.C. Boyle Reservoir- Zone Regulations. Bait allowed. Bag limit 5 Trout per day; Removing this regulation as J.C. Boyle will be removed entirely. • Current regulation – J.C. Boyle Dam to State Line- Open all year. Bag limit one Redband/Rainbow Trout 15-inch minimum length. Proposed new regulation – Hwy 66 Bridge to State Line – Bag limit one Redband/Rainbow Trout 12 inch minimum – 15 inch maximum length. Reason for change: This slot limit is to protect large salmon and steelhead smolts and to protect adult steelhead. • Proposed angling regulation for the entire zone – Closed to salmon angling all year. ODFW’s angling regulation review and alteration process occurs annually for the following year and commences in March with submittal of any proposed changes to ODFW’s Fish Division. Part of this process includes working with the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division, The Klamath Tribes (where applicable), and the public. With the restoration of fish passage on the Klamath River, coordination and communication will also occur with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and NOAA. For more information about ODFW’s role in the reintroduction of anadromous fish to the Klamath River Basin visit: https://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/CRP/klamath_reintroduction_plan.asp
