THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
Anglers can double their odds of catching a salmon in the Upper Willamette River this fall as coho again return to areas above Willamette Falls.
Effective Aug. 1 through Dec. 31, anglers with the two-rod validation may use two rods in all areas of the Willamette River upstream of Willamette Falls open to coho salmon retention, including tributaries and flowing waters. Two rods may not be used when fishing for sturgeon.
Before the extension, the two-rod allowance for the upper Willamette was set to expire July 31. Anglers below the Falls may not use two rods after July 31.
New this year, coho seasons in the upper Willamette are open under permanent regulations in several locations. The change reflects the continued strong coho runs that this emerging fishery near Oregon’s population centers has demonstrated in recent years. Last year, coho passage at Willamette Falls was 22,500, and the 2026 run is expected to be similar.
Two-rod validations cost $34 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 two-rod validation to use a second rod in areas where two rods are authorized.
Anglers are reminded to always check for in-season regulation changes in their zone before fishing.
