[ODFW-News] ODFW asks anglers to help fish when temperatures soar

[ODFW News]

For immediate release	Thursday, July 29, 2004

ODFW asks anglers to help fish when temperatures soar

SALEM -With summer heating up, the Oregon Department of Fish and
Wildlife (ODFW) asks anglers to voluntarily stop fishing when in-stream
temperatures reach a critical limit.  

Fish mortality levels increase drastically when water temperatures are
higher than 74 degrees. As a result, Oregon Trout, Native Fish Society,
Trout Unlimited and ODFW suggest voluntarily limiting angling during
these times to protect trout populations and future fishing
opportunities. Those who choose to angle are advised to fish in the
morning, when water temperatures are cooler, or to fish at a different
location if water conditions are unfavorable at their usual site.  

Anglers also can help by using barbless hooks, keeping fish in the
water as much as possible and limiting the amount of handling time.
Anglers should wet their hands before removing hooks, and avoid touching
the fish's gills. Page 31 of the 2004 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations
has more information on handling fish for release.

Stream flows throughout Oregon are well below average this year.
Reduced summer stream flows and increased water temperatures have
decreased available fish habitat, disease resistance, spawning success
and available food and oxygen, according to biologists from ODFW.
Increased competition and predation also have resulted. 

In this stressed environment, fish gather in groups where water
conditions are most favorable, making them more vulnerable to anglers
and predators. These threats can adversely affect adult trout numbers in
future years by reducing the numbers of spawning adults. 

This is the fourth year of low stream flows in many areas of the state.
Under normal water years, affected trout populations will quickly
rebound and again provide for some quality angling experiences. 

ODFW encourages anglers to try some of the areas where water
temperatures are cooler such as the High Cascade mountain lakes and
mountain streams. ODFW's high lakes stocking program provides for some
excellent trout angling in the summer and fall. These lakes generally
are stocked every other year with fingerling fish that grow to catchable
size. Many mountain steams have abundant brook trout populations, which
provide good opportunities for young anglers.  

Anglers should call their local ODFW office or check the ODFW Web site
at www.dfw.state.or.us for the most current information on angling
regulations.


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Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 947-6002