Buy Your 2008 License, Check The Regulations For Changes

If you haven’t already done so, now is a great time to buy your 2008 fishing license (and also salmon/steelhead tag and shellfish license). This year’s Angling License is $24.75 for residents, and the Combined Angling Tag (for harvesting salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and Pacific halibut) is $21.50. Oregon is once again offering a Hatchery Harvest Tag, which can be used to record adult hatchery salmon and steelhead for $12.00. This is a great deal if you plan on fishing in the ocean or fishing rivers with Broodstock fish (like the Siuslaw). Also, there’s no limit on the number of Hatchery Harvest Tags you can purchase. The Resident Shellfish License, which you need to crab, clam and pump sandshrimp, is available for $6.50.

Regulation Changes In Our Area
Most streams that open for trout fishing do so on May 24 this year. The major change in the regulations this year is that the coho fishery in Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes is in the book this year. Since this fishery was re-opened a few years ago, the state has waited until after the regulations were published to make the announcement. The numbers of returning fish have been strong enough over the last few years to add this change to the hard copy regulations. We should be thrilled that we have access to the only wild coho fishery in Oregon. Open dates are Oct. 1-Dec. 31.

State Seeking Input On Proposed Regulation Changes
Every four years ODFW invites anglers (and all interested parties) to review and develop angling regulations. From Dec. 1, 2007-Feb. 29, 2008 ODFW will accept angling regulation proposals from anyone interested. To receive materials from ODFW, visit their website at www.dfw@state.or.us or write them at: Angling Regulations, 3406 Cherry Ave. NE, Salem, OR 97303. Public meetings will be held in May to discuss proposals. The two closest locations to our area are Springfield and Newport. For meeting locations and times, check the Siuslaw News or and ODFW office during the first week of May. I’ll also try to make sure to post locations and times in Keepin’ It Reel. When the Fish and Wildlife Commission meets in August, they will discuss proposals and adopt some (hopefully) in September. All Commission meetings are open to the public and public participation and testimony are encouraged.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)