Two-rod rule for local rivers kicks in May 1

The 2025 Columbia River spring-summer forecast anticipates 51,200 adult Willamette-origin spring Chinook will return to the mouth of the Columbia River.

Of the total adult return, approximately 36,600 are expected to be hatchery-origin fish which exceeds the minimum return threshold of 34,000 adult hatchery fish established last year to allow the two-rod rule. Based on past data, a return of 34,000 hatchery-origin adults at the Columbia River mouth should provide sufficient escapement to meet overall broodstock needs for the basin.

The two-rod regulation for the portion of the river above Willamette Falls, including tributaries such as the Santiam River system, will run from May 1 to July 31. The two-rod rule applies to all game and non-game fish (except sturgeon) when angling is open to hatchery Chinook, hatchery steelhead, trout, or warmwater game fish.

Two-rod validations cost $28 for both residents and non-residents. Licensed anglers who purchase the validation can use two rods wherever regulations allow them, which is primarily in ponds and lakes.

Kids under the age of 12 do not need a validation to use a second rod in areas where two rods are authorized.

Anglers should always check for any in-season changes to permanent regulations by visiting the Recreation Report / Fishing Report for their zone and clicking the Regulation Updates tab, myodfw.com/recreation-report/fishing-report/willamette-zone#Regulation-Updates.

Ice fishing: Have fun, stay safe

Ice anglers have been catching rainbow trout and yellow perch at several places throughout the state. But ice conditions can change quickly, so here are some guidelines for checking ice safety before you venture out too far.

For tips on how to find safe ice and how to catch fish, visit myodfw.com/articles/14-tips-ice-fishing-oregon.

Sunnyside Stocking

Sunnyside ponds are scheduled to be stocked this week with 1,040 trout, 40 of which are trophy-sized. ODFW does not specify the stocking day, so this is just a heads-up.

ODFW: Get Hunter education done in time for hunting seasons

If your young hunter wants to hunt for spring bear or turkey this year, make sure completing hunter education is on their to-do list.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is reminding parents that hunter education is required for hunters younger than 18 to hunt in Oregon. Classes can be in person or online (additional field day required). Check out myodfw.com/articles/hunter-education-classes-and-field-days-schedule for dates and locations.

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