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ODFW 2021 Salmon/Steelhead Closures for Youngs River Basin, North Umpqua River & Tributaries
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 08/16/21
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Greg Huchko, Umpqua district fish biologist said the decision was not easy to make and he hopes anglers will understand the need for the closure during these unprecedented conditions.
Youngs River Basin
Fish biologists are implementing the closure on this tributary of the Columbia River to help maximize returns of Chinook broodstock destined for the basin’s hatcheries.
The areas covered by this closure include:
Youngs Bay/River from the deadline marker at Battle Creek Slough upstream to Young River Falls, and,
Klaskanine River from its confluence with Youngs River upstream to the Youngs River Loop Bridge (Tidewater Bridge).
The Klaskanine drainage upstream of the Youngs River Loop Bridge is already closed to salmon and steelhead angling from Aug. 16 to Oct. 15 under permanent rule.
According to John North, ODFW Columbia River fisheries manager, projected returns of Chinook (both Select Area Bright and tule stock) are less than broodstock needs. “Based on the poor projected returns of Chinook to Youngs Bay, we felt this action was needed to help maximize hatchery escapement this year,” he said.
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ODFW 2021 Salmon/Steelhead Closures for Youngs River Basin, North Umpqua River & Tributaries are now in effect.
North Umpqua River & Tributaries
Low numbers of summer steelhead returning to the North Umpqua River prompted state fishery managers to close the river and its tributaries to all angling from the mouth to the marker below Soda Springs Dam. The emergency closure is effective Aug. 10 through Nov. 30, 2021.
Initial counts of summer steelhead passing Winchester Dam are historically low at about 20 percent of average. These counts are determined from Winchester Dam video of migrating fish as well as from snorkel counts in Steamboat and Canton Creeks.
“This information, along with the continued low flow and high water temperatures, led us to this decision. We plan to have this closure in place through November to provide as much protection as possibly for these wild summer steelhead,” said Evan Leonetti, assistant district fisheries biologist.