ODFW release – ROSEBURG, Ore – Beginning Thursday, June 1, angling at the mouth of all Umpqua River tributaries is prohibited from Scottsburg Bridge upstream to River Forks boat ramp. Angling is prohibited within 200 feet from all portions of a tributary’s mouth and in the tributaries themselves from the mouth to 200 feet upstream. This rule is in effect through Sept. 30, 2023. The rule protects wild summer steelhead, early returning fall Chinook, and other native fish which are vulnerable while holding in colder water near tributary mouths during summer. Umpqua River water temperatures quickly rise in summer and about a third of Douglas County remains in abnormally dry to drought conditions. Other regulation reminders: Umpqua River mainstem: though June 30 in areas open to Chinook retention, anglers can keep one wild adult Chinook per day, five per year. North Umpqua River: through June 30 in areas open to Chinook retention, anglers can keep one wild adult Chinook per day, 10 per year in aggregate with the mainstem Umpqua River. When summer in Douglas County heats up, practice these 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.
