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Oregon Restricts Gillnets in Columbia River

Oregon fish commission votes to ban gillnetting on the main stem of the Columbia River.

Oregon’s Wildlife Commission approved new management rules for Columbia River fisheries with the purpose of allocating more salmon to sport fishermen. At the recent commissioners meeting, it was voted 4-2 that commercial gillnets will gradually be moved to “enhanced” off-channel areas.

“We are very grateful for the time and effort of our commissioners, our sport and commercial advisors, our colleagues in Washington and our staff in developing a new framework for Columbia River fisheries in a very challenging environment,” said Roy Elicker, ODFW director. “The challenge going forward will be to implement this plan to the benefit of both the sport and commercial fishing industries,” he added.

In 2013, recreational anglers will be allocated 65 percent of spring chinook, 60 percent of summer chinook, 70 percent of tule fall chinook, and 70 percent of upriver bright fall chinook. The adoption of the new management framework is the culmination of several months work by a two-state workgroup comprised of members of the Oregon and Washington Commissions, advisors and staff.

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Increased production in off-channel areas

Commercial gillnets will gradually be moved from the mainstem of the lower Columbia River to off-channel select areas. To balance the loss of mainstem fish to the commercial fleet, the number of hatchery fish in the off-channel areas will be increased. An additional 1,000,000 spring chinook, 920,000 coho, and 500,000 select area bright fall chinook smolts will be released each year during the transition period, with additional increases in future years.

The plan also would allow for some continued commercial fishing in the mainstem, particularly to harvest excess hatchery fish. In addition, the plan would allow commercial fishing in the mainstem using more selective gear such as seine nets. The commercial efficacy of alternative gear will be tested during pilot fall salmon fisheries in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

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Barbless hooks required in Columbia River for sport anglers

The Commission decided that at the beginning of 2013, barbless hooks will be required in the mainstem Columbia River up to the OR/WA border and some lower tributaries. For 2013 the following tributaries will be restricted to barbless hooks:

Northwest Zone

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• Youngs River from Hwy 101 bridge upstream to markers at confluence with Klaskanine River.

• Lewis and Clark River from Hwy 101 bridge upstream to Alternate Hwy 101 bridge.

• Walluski River from confluence with Youngs River upstream to Hwy 201 bridge.

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• Gnat Creek from railroad bridge upstream to Aldrich Point Road.

• Knappa/Blind Slough select areas.

Willamette Zone

• Willamette River mainstem below Willamette Falls, includes the Multnomah Channel and Gilbert River.

• Lower Clackamas River upstream to Hwy 99E bridge.

–Source: Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission

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