Clackamas Springers Closing; Broodstock Goals May Not Be Met Due To ‘Extremely Low’ Return

THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

The Clackamas River will close to hatchery spring Chinook retention starting on July 4.

The emergency closure is needed to attempt to meet hatchery spring Chinook broodstock collection needs. Current adult returns of spring Chinook to the hatchery are extremely low. If the current pace continues, broodstock goals may not be met, jeopardizing smolt release goals needed for the fishery in future years.

The closure is from the mouth of the Clackamas river upstream to Faraday (Cazadero) Dam, including Estacada Lake and Clackamas River tributary Eagle Creek.

“Anglers likely won’t be surprised by this closure, as fishing has been poor on the Clackamas this year,” said Ben Walczak, ODFW district fish biologist. “Clackamas Hatchery relies on returning adult Chinook for broodstock, so we really need these fish.” 

Anglers can still retain hatchery summer steelhead and hatchery coho (when they return in August/Sept). The bag limit (under permanent regulations) is 3 hatchery coho or 3 hatchery steelhead per day.For the latest fishing regulations for the Willamette Zone, please visit https://myodfw.com/recreation-report/fishing-report/willamette-zone