South Coast Rivers To Open As Water Levels Rise

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

Editor’s note, 2:47 p.m., Nov. 16, 2020: The initial version of this ODFW press release stated that Floras Creek was closed, but the agency corrected that to say it is open.

Beginning tomorrow November 17, low flow angling closures are lifted on the Chetco, Winchuck, and Sixes rivers. Recent rains and more showers expected this week have fall chinook moving up river and migrating throughout the mainstems of these rivers.

For the Chetco and Winchuck rivers, anglers are reminded they cannot continue angling for any species once they retain a single adult hatchery or wild fall Chinook. 

The fall chinook bag limit reductions for south coast rivers remain in effect through December 31, 2020.  Anglers should carefully check the SW Zone regulations: https://myodfw.com/recreation-report/fishing-report/southwest-zone  

Low flow closure boundaries were suggested by anglers who attended public meetings in spring 2019 and provided feedback after last year’s angling season. The low flow closures are consistent with ODFW’s Coastal Multi-Species Conservation and Management Plan and the Rogue Fall Chinook Salmon Plan.

Pistol River and Hunter Creek remain closed.