There is an effort underway to limit the number of fishing guides in Oregon and raise guide license fees by 2010. The initiators of the bill feel limiting the number of guides and raising fees will restore credibility to the profession, weed out incompetent guides and reduce pressure on salmon and steelhead runs. There are many different aspects to the proposal, but here is the main framework:
· No new guides will be licensed for a period of 5 years, allowing the number of guides to drop from approximately 800 to 550. Of the 550, only 100 will be allowed from out of state.
· Resident guides would pay $250 for a guides’ license, and $50 for renewal annually. The current license is $50 per year.
· Oregon would be divided into 4 regions: South Coast, Mid Coast/Willamette Valley, Lower Columbia River and Eastern Oregon.
· Guides would pay an additional $250 endorsement fee for each zone fished ($125 renewal fee). For instance, if a guide wished to fish in all 4 zones, it would be $1000 the first year and $500 every year after. Non-resident guides’ endorsements would be double those listed above.
· After 2015, veteran guides would be able to sell their license, much like commercial fisherman currently do.
· Guides would be required to keep a log book on where and when they fish, along with what they catch.
· A Fishing Guide Review Board, made up of 7 licensed guides would be created to oversee industry regulation.
· Part of the funds generated would go to creating hatch-box programs on the coast that would boost fish numbers without creating new hatcheries.
What Brought This On?
Depending on who you talk to, changes to guide licensing is either long overdue or a way to divide sportfisherman for the benefit of a select group. Bill sponsors say that guide numbers are way too high and that guides crowd out other anglers and have too much of an impact on certain fisheries. Further, guide fees are too low compared with surrounding states. Changing the fee structure would push out unfit guides.
On the other hand, many believe this is an attempt by some commercial fishing interests to divide sportfisherman and retaliation for bills seeking to limit gillnet fisheries on the Columbia River. What is certain is that by dividing the state into regions, guides not fishing the Columbia will care less about sport and commercial allocations.
As a guide, I am wary of a bill that limits my opportunities. I am not opposed to a fee structure that is more in line with other states, even though the state license fees I pay as a guide are only the tip of the iceberg of my operating costs. There are different areas of the state that feel salmon and steelhead returning to a local river are “their fish” and will look for ways to limit out of towners. I am also not convinced that hatch box programs on our coastal rivers is where fees are best spent.
But hey, maybe my opinion is biased. As always, I welcome your comments on this and other issues.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Ocean Conditions Among The Best For Salmon In Last 50 Years
Ocean conditions for chinook salmon and many other species were vastly improved in 2008, mainly because of a huge influx of cold water across the North Pacific Ocean. Scientists who study changes in ocean patterns note that usually cold water conditions last for a few months in late spring and early summer. Since April 2007, the North Pacific has been in a constant “summer-state”, meaning cold, nutrient-rich water. This is something that has not been observed in more than 20 years of sampling. This is in sharp contrast to 2005, one of the worst years on record. Warm, nutrient-poor water in 2005 caused poor conditions for juvenile salmon from California to Washington.
The Pacific Decadal Oscillation, a pattern of varying shifts between warm and cold water in the Pacific Ocean in 20-30 year cycles may be the cause. During 2008, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation was the most negative (cold) it has been since 1955 according to NOAA Scientists at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport.
Cold water, brought in by strong upwelling fuels plankton growth, which in turn boosts the entire marine food web. The phytoplankton feeds the larger zooplankton species which are crucial to the diet of baitfish such as anchovies and herring. Cold water conditions like those present now help zooplankton retain lipids (fat) as a way to survive through the winter. These lipids are an extra energy boost for baitfish and, in turn, salmon.
Marine surveys off the coasts of Oregon and Washington during the summer of 2008 found the highest numbers of chinook salmon juveniles recorded in the last 11 years and nearly 2 ½ times higher than any survey in the past 13 years. These numbers show good ocean survival. On the downside, scientists did not find as many juvenile coho salmon as they had hoped.
Ocean Patterns Changing?
The Pacific Decadal Oscillation has been changing, and scientists want to know if ocean patterns are shifting due to climate change. Changes between cold water and warm water phases aren’t lasting as long as when the patterns were first observed. A phase of the PDO was lasting 20-30 years, and now they’re much shorter. The last phases were 3 years long. So nobody knows for sure how long our great ocean conditions will last.
Feel free to contact me for more information or contact info for the NOAA scientists involved in these studies.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
The Pacific Decadal Oscillation, a pattern of varying shifts between warm and cold water in the Pacific Ocean in 20-30 year cycles may be the cause. During 2008, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation was the most negative (cold) it has been since 1955 according to NOAA Scientists at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport.
Cold water, brought in by strong upwelling fuels plankton growth, which in turn boosts the entire marine food web. The phytoplankton feeds the larger zooplankton species which are crucial to the diet of baitfish such as anchovies and herring. Cold water conditions like those present now help zooplankton retain lipids (fat) as a way to survive through the winter. These lipids are an extra energy boost for baitfish and, in turn, salmon.
Marine surveys off the coasts of Oregon and Washington during the summer of 2008 found the highest numbers of chinook salmon juveniles recorded in the last 11 years and nearly 2 ½ times higher than any survey in the past 13 years. These numbers show good ocean survival. On the downside, scientists did not find as many juvenile coho salmon as they had hoped.
Ocean Patterns Changing?
The Pacific Decadal Oscillation has been changing, and scientists want to know if ocean patterns are shifting due to climate change. Changes between cold water and warm water phases aren’t lasting as long as when the patterns were first observed. A phase of the PDO was lasting 20-30 years, and now they’re much shorter. The last phases were 3 years long. So nobody knows for sure how long our great ocean conditions will last.
Feel free to contact me for more information or contact info for the NOAA scientists involved in these studies.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Monday, January 19, 2009
News From Around The Area
We’re in the middle of a nice stretch of dry water. Take advantage of it! The mainstem Siuslaw, Lake Creek and other coastal streams will be fishing. Drift fishing bait, jig fishing tailouts and plug fishing are some of the best methods for taking winter fish. There’s lots going on with our fisheries, and this is what I’m hearing when I put my ear to the ground:
Lake Creek and Above Forks Salmon Fishing Closure To Become Permanent?
There’s talk of making the emergency regulation changes of 2008 permanent in some areas – including closing Lake Creek and the Siuslaw above the confluence of Lake Creek to salmon angling. Snaggers and poachers have made for an enforcement nightmare for state police. Closing these areas of the Siuslaw basin would protect our fisheries for future generations. Support for this closure probably doesn’t make me very popular, but I do feel it’s the right thing to do.
2009 River Fishing – Keep the First Fish You Catch?
Those of you who fished tidewater this fall saw the same thing I did – large numbers of coho salmon in the river. While I didn’t see boaters intentionally targeting silvers in the areas I fished, I know plenty of folks who did see this happening. Even when quickly released, the whole process of being hooked and played stresses these fish and makes them an easy target for seals. Why not keep the first fish (or two) you catch, either species? Local biologists may be floating this idea. Each river system in Oregon needs to be examined separately when developing regulations. And if we have a strong run of silvers, better to let a few be kept in a day than releasing several to die before spawning.
2008-2009 Spawning Fish Surveys Looking Up
State and federal spawning fish surveyors are seeing more chinook and coho salmon this fall than last year on the Siuslaw. As surveys wrap up toward the end of January, I’ll keep you posted on some of the raw numbers observed.
Get Your 2009 Fishing License
Here’s a friendly reminder to buy your 2009 sportfishing license. My license, salmon/steelhead/sturgeon tag and shellfish license was a total of $52.75. Make sure to turn in your 2008 harvest tag. The state gives away a brand new driftboat every year to one lucky angler who turns in the old harvest card.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
Monday, December 8, 2008
News From Around The Area
Steelhead season is quickly approaching, but coho fishing on the lakes is not over. In addition to the lakes, there are other opportunities around that are sure to interest you. Here’s the latest on what’s going on…
Siltcoos Lake Still Fishing Well
Over Thanksgiving week, fishing was very good, according to Dean Hendricks, North Country Lures. Thursday was red-hot, with many fish caught. Many anglers caught fish using North Country Lures’ Sonic Bell and Plugs (available at Bridgeport Market and The Sportsman). Other days were hit-and-miss. There are plenty of fish around, but with cold water temps (49 degrees F) the key is to keep moving to find biters. The dam was open last week and water levels in Siltcoos are several feet down. A reminder that this fishery closes on Dec. 31. As for Tahkenitch, I haven’t heard many good reports this season. I’ve been down there at least 6 times and don’t have much to show for the effort. A big change from last year.
Crabbing Holding Up
Reports I’m getting are that crabbing is holding up well in the lower river. Expect good crabbing until we get a big push of fresh water. Try all the usuals – fish heads, turkey, etc. If you’re not getting crabs, keep moving your pots until you find them.
Steelhead Forecast For Siuslaw
According to ODFW biologist George Westfall, there’s no good method for predicting steelhead returns to the Siuslaw. That said, returns should be in the range of approx. 4% based on previous years’ returns, good ocean conditions, smolts that were bigger than average when released and good freshwater conditions for outmigrating fish. Also, summer steelhead returns of stocks on the Oregon coast (Siletz and Rogue) were excellent, which hints at good winter fish returns. The steelhead returning this winter were released in 2007 from two different locations: 35,000 at Green Creek (Lake Creek) and 49,000 at Whittaker Creek (mainstem). In addition to these fish, look for a large number of older 3-salt fish to be in the mix. Expect 2500-3500 clipped steelhead this winter, with the possibility of more.
Munsel Producing Big Trout
Hendricks also let me know that some big trout are being caught on Munsel Lake. Anglers have been trolling deep (20 feet) and are landing rainbow trout in the 3 lb. (and larger) category. My guess is that similar catches can be made on other area lakes if the effort is put in.
As For The River
River levels are still too low for good boating, and will be so for the next few days. Fresh chinook can still be found in the vicinity of Tide, but you’ll have to search them out. There’s still plenty of water for fish to make their way upriver. All in all, a poor chinook season, but better than last year. Look for better numbers for the next several years. When I get some spawning fish numbers, you will be the first to know.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Siltcoos Lake Still Fishing Well
Over Thanksgiving week, fishing was very good, according to Dean Hendricks, North Country Lures. Thursday was red-hot, with many fish caught. Many anglers caught fish using North Country Lures’ Sonic Bell and Plugs (available at Bridgeport Market and The Sportsman). Other days were hit-and-miss. There are plenty of fish around, but with cold water temps (49 degrees F) the key is to keep moving to find biters. The dam was open last week and water levels in Siltcoos are several feet down. A reminder that this fishery closes on Dec. 31. As for Tahkenitch, I haven’t heard many good reports this season. I’ve been down there at least 6 times and don’t have much to show for the effort. A big change from last year.
Crabbing Holding Up
Reports I’m getting are that crabbing is holding up well in the lower river. Expect good crabbing until we get a big push of fresh water. Try all the usuals – fish heads, turkey, etc. If you’re not getting crabs, keep moving your pots until you find them.
Steelhead Forecast For Siuslaw
According to ODFW biologist George Westfall, there’s no good method for predicting steelhead returns to the Siuslaw. That said, returns should be in the range of approx. 4% based on previous years’ returns, good ocean conditions, smolts that were bigger than average when released and good freshwater conditions for outmigrating fish. Also, summer steelhead returns of stocks on the Oregon coast (Siletz and Rogue) were excellent, which hints at good winter fish returns. The steelhead returning this winter were released in 2007 from two different locations: 35,000 at Green Creek (Lake Creek) and 49,000 at Whittaker Creek (mainstem). In addition to these fish, look for a large number of older 3-salt fish to be in the mix. Expect 2500-3500 clipped steelhead this winter, with the possibility of more.
Munsel Producing Big Trout
Hendricks also let me know that some big trout are being caught on Munsel Lake. Anglers have been trolling deep (20 feet) and are landing rainbow trout in the 3 lb. (and larger) category. My guess is that similar catches can be made on other area lakes if the effort is put in.
As For The River
River levels are still too low for good boating, and will be so for the next few days. Fresh chinook can still be found in the vicinity of Tide, but you’ll have to search them out. There’s still plenty of water for fish to make their way upriver. All in all, a poor chinook season, but better than last year. Look for better numbers for the next several years. When I get some spawning fish numbers, you will be the first to know.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
How Close Is Too Close?
Last week I pulled my boat into the Siltcoos River, which might raise a few eyebrows. It sure did from the bank anglers who were throwing spinners off docks nearby. I positioned the boat upstream, dropped the anchor, and my guest and I dropped back some plugs to work in the current while we had a sandwich and discussed our next move. I had no intention of staying long, just long enough to eat lunch. One of the people tossing spinners wasn’t very happy about me being there. He yelled something to the effect, “You have that nice boat but you’re right there?” While I basically told him that he didn’t own the river, this encounter got me to thinking: how close is too close?
Where There’s Fish, Expect Crowds
We’d all like to have a river full of salmon to ourselves. But let’s face it: where there’s fish, there’s going to be competition from other anglers. More fish, more crowds. Crowds below hatcheries on the Sacramento River system in California typically number in the hundreds when fishing is good. Anglers can be lined up three-deep waiting to make a cast. Fistfights and thrown rocks are common. We here on the Central Coast don’t have this problem, but there are certain spots where the fish are confined and there’s going to be conflicts between bank anglers and boaters. The Siltcoos River is one of these spots. The Siltcoos Outlet attracts a lot of attention because every coho salmon coming into the lake is moving right through the river. And it’s the only place that has good bank access. Boats want to get in the river too because fish are ocean-fresh and confined to a small channel.
How To Interact Peacefully
Boaters should not anchor directly in front of bank fisherman, period. This is poor etiquette in a small river. Bank fisherman, if the boat is there first, don’t expect them to move just because they can go anywhere in the lake. It doesn’t always work like that, especially if the lake is rough. Boaters, leave enough room for bank fisherman to cast. Bankies, don’t cast over boaters’ lines just to try to make a point. If you have to talk it out, try to do so in a non-confrontational manner. If you start conversations in a nasty manner, nothing else you say will be heard.
Pressure On Siltcoos
Fishing pressure on Siltcoos this fall has been the most since the lakes were re-opened. There have been a couple of days when the parking lot at Westlake was FULL. I’m sure that all those who love and appreciate this fishery are hoping that Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife will make sure that escapement is still being met and that enough coho are making it up the tributaries to spawn. I have a feeling that pressure will increase over the next several years.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Where There’s Fish, Expect Crowds
We’d all like to have a river full of salmon to ourselves. But let’s face it: where there’s fish, there’s going to be competition from other anglers. More fish, more crowds. Crowds below hatcheries on the Sacramento River system in California typically number in the hundreds when fishing is good. Anglers can be lined up three-deep waiting to make a cast. Fistfights and thrown rocks are common. We here on the Central Coast don’t have this problem, but there are certain spots where the fish are confined and there’s going to be conflicts between bank anglers and boaters. The Siltcoos River is one of these spots. The Siltcoos Outlet attracts a lot of attention because every coho salmon coming into the lake is moving right through the river. And it’s the only place that has good bank access. Boats want to get in the river too because fish are ocean-fresh and confined to a small channel.
How To Interact Peacefully
Boaters should not anchor directly in front of bank fisherman, period. This is poor etiquette in a small river. Bank fisherman, if the boat is there first, don’t expect them to move just because they can go anywhere in the lake. It doesn’t always work like that, especially if the lake is rough. Boaters, leave enough room for bank fisherman to cast. Bankies, don’t cast over boaters’ lines just to try to make a point. If you have to talk it out, try to do so in a non-confrontational manner. If you start conversations in a nasty manner, nothing else you say will be heard.
Pressure On Siltcoos
Fishing pressure on Siltcoos this fall has been the most since the lakes were re-opened. There have been a couple of days when the parking lot at Westlake was FULL. I’m sure that all those who love and appreciate this fishery are hoping that Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife will make sure that escapement is still being met and that enough coho are making it up the tributaries to spawn. I have a feeling that pressure will increase over the next several years.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Friday, November 14, 2008
Spawning Fish Surveys Track Returns, Help Biologists
Every fall on fish-bearing streams all over the Oregon coast, fisheries professionals wade and raft streams counting spawning fish. On Knowles Creek in Mapleton, U.S. Forest Service employees and volunteers have been conducting surveys throughout the entire watershed since 2000. Having taken part in these surveys for the past 5 years, I can tell you there are few other fisheries-related jobs that are as rewarding.
What You’re Looking For
On Knowles Creek, surveyors wade sections from bottom to top, counting live and dead salmon, jacks, redds (nests) and noting other fish observed (such as steelhead and cutthroat trout). Weather conditions, stream levels and visibility are recorded for each stream section, as these factors affect how many and how well fish are seen. Careful observation helps surveyors tell the difference between coho and chinook salmon. Where fish actively spawn also clues surveyors in to what species they’re looking at – chinook prefer lower reaches on Knowles Creek while coho prefer upper reaches and tributaries. Carcasses of dead fish are cut at the tail so they aren’t counted again on future surveys.
Why Surveys Are Useful
Spawning fish surveys are one of the tools used by state and federal fisheries managers to determine run sizes and enact regulations that are in the best interest of the salmon. For instance, poor spawning fish numbers over the past two seasons was a “red flag” to fisheries managers and was a factor in reducing daily and seasonal bag limits for fall chinook on the coast. On Knowles Creek, spawning fish surveys help managers determine the success of habitat restoration projects that were started in the early 1990’s. So, spawning fish surveys, along with data collected at the smolt trap and snorkel surveys help give managers a better idea of freshwater production in Knowles Creek.
Volunteers Welcome
If you’d like to see some spawning fish for yourself, we’re always looking for volunteers to help us complete these surveys. The wading can be physically demanding, but the sites and sounds of Knowles Creek in the winter more than make up for it. Contact Paul Burns, U.S. Forest Service, (541) 902-6953 or call me for more information.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
What You’re Looking For
On Knowles Creek, surveyors wade sections from bottom to top, counting live and dead salmon, jacks, redds (nests) and noting other fish observed (such as steelhead and cutthroat trout). Weather conditions, stream levels and visibility are recorded for each stream section, as these factors affect how many and how well fish are seen. Careful observation helps surveyors tell the difference between coho and chinook salmon. Where fish actively spawn also clues surveyors in to what species they’re looking at – chinook prefer lower reaches on Knowles Creek while coho prefer upper reaches and tributaries. Carcasses of dead fish are cut at the tail so they aren’t counted again on future surveys.
Why Surveys Are Useful
Spawning fish surveys are one of the tools used by state and federal fisheries managers to determine run sizes and enact regulations that are in the best interest of the salmon. For instance, poor spawning fish numbers over the past two seasons was a “red flag” to fisheries managers and was a factor in reducing daily and seasonal bag limits for fall chinook on the coast. On Knowles Creek, spawning fish surveys help managers determine the success of habitat restoration projects that were started in the early 1990’s. So, spawning fish surveys, along with data collected at the smolt trap and snorkel surveys help give managers a better idea of freshwater production in Knowles Creek.
Volunteers Welcome
If you’d like to see some spawning fish for yourself, we’re always looking for volunteers to help us complete these surveys. The wading can be physically demanding, but the sites and sounds of Knowles Creek in the winter more than make up for it. Contact Paul Burns, U.S. Forest Service, (541) 902-6953 or call me for more information.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
News From Around The Area
Fall is finally here. Rains and wind arrived this weekend and is predicted for the next few days. There’s plenty going on both on the river and on the lakes for salmon and trout. Here’s the latest:
Siltcoos Lake Producing Well
Last week I took folks out to Siltcoos 3 days, and we limited with big, beautiful Coho salmon all 3 trips. We also released several fish and caught many jacks and trout. The dam was opened for at least one day last week, and should be open continuously with storms coming. We were successful fly fishing and tossing spinners, but best catches came trolling plugs in Maple Arm and Fiddle Arm. Wiggle Warts™ in pink and orange produced best. I trolled relatively slow and made sure the plugs were far enough behind the boat (40-50 feet) to get the maximum dive. While we’re on the subject of plug fishing, anglers should take the time to change out the treble hooks on plugs. Add a siwash (single) hook on a small barrel swivel to the split rings on the plug. Size #1 or #2 Gamakatsu siwash hooks are perfect for small-medium size plugs. A lot of folks feel that treble hooks are better, but believe me the single hooks don’t miss much. And if you plan on releasing dark or small fish, the siwash hooks do much less damage. This is especially true for the small trout that sometimes take these plugs.
Tidewater Fishing
As of last week, large, fresh Chinook were still being checked at the ramp at Old Town. I got a tip from a very reliable source that good fish were still being caught in the Cushman/Dairy Hole vicinity on the Siuslaw. While Chinook aren’t holding in the lower river like they did back in September, you can still intercept fresh fish in the lower river. And you won’t have to dodge any other boats. The effort on the river has fallen off the table. There’s nobody out there fishing! Get out there, cover some water (read: troll) and find some chrome-bright fish.
River Fishing
Rising river levels will bring a mix of dark and bright fish into the river from The Forks down. A reminder that the river is CLOSED above The Forks and CLOSED for all of Lake Creek to prevent snagging and poaching. Bobber fishing with eggs will produce well over the next several weeks in deeper holes and slots. Here’s a couple of things to consider: please gently release any fish you don’t want to keep and be sure to pack out your trash. Bring an extra bag and pack out the other guy’s trash too. Nothing is worse than getting down to your favorite spot and see shrimp and egg containers everywhere. Leave it looking better than you found it.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)