[ODFW-News] ODFW surveys Umpqua River anglers

[ODFW News]

For Immediate Release Tuesday, March 21, 2006
 
ODFW surveys Umpqua River anglers  
 
ROSEBURG - Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officials are conducting a survey to track the number of wild winter steelhead harvested along 92 miles of the Umpqua River. 
 
ODFW's Fish Restoration and Enhancement Program provided a $15,000 grant for the survey. Data collected will help fisheries biologists determine whether wild steelhead are being harvested at a sustainable rate. The survey will continue through April 30.
 
As of mid-March, Umpqua River anglers caught nearly 400 wild steelhead and harvested 270. The largest wild fish recorded was 42 ½ inches. 
 
"So far we are seeing an average year for steelhead fishing, but we also are seeing some big wild fish caught," said Sam Moyers, ODFW assistant district fisheries biologist for the Umpqua District. 
 
Moyers also noted more bank anglers this year and fewer people fishing from boats due to high water levels.
 
Created by the Oregon Legislature in 1989, the Fish Restoration and Enhancement Program is funded by a surcharge on sport and commercial fishing licenses and commercial poundage fees. The program's seven-member citizen board reviews fish restoration and enhancement project proposals and makes funding recommendations to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission. 
 
For additional information on the Umpqua Winter Steelhead Creel Project contact Sam Moyers at 541-440-3353.
 
For more information on the Fish Restoration and Enhancement Program, or to view information regarding current R&E Program applications, visit www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/RE or contact program coordinator Laura Tesler at 503-947-6259.
 
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