News From Around The Area

There sure is a lot to talk about this week: the possibility of Black Rockfish limits being raised, adoption of Fall Chinook fishing regulations. Let’s get started with warmwater fishing and clarification of my stance on bass and panfish.

Action Jackson Doesn’t Hate Bass And Doesn’t Keep Cormorants As Pets
I recently became aware that many local warmwater fishermen weren’t too happy with me lately. I wrote an article a few weeks ago about non-native fish in this area and urged anglers to keep a limit of bass the next time they go fishing. My comments were largely directed at the Smallmouth bass fishery on the Umpqua River, where bass numbers are out of control. It’s nothing to go there during the summer and catch 100 fish in a day. These fish are very aggressive and there is no doubt they impact salmon and steelhead numbers through predation and competition for food and habitat. Catch and keep a limit of Smallmouth bass this summer on the Umpqua. As far as warmwater fishing on our Central Coast lakes, things appear to be different. The once numerous schools of Yellow perch and White crappie seem to have disappeared. Largemouth bass numbers are way down. I have had several calls and e-mails pointing to one reason: cormorants. Double-Crested cormorant numbers have skyrocketed over the last 20 years, and many birds can be found on Siltcoos Lake year-round. From the research I have been able to do online, population control will be unlikely in the near future. Cormorants are federally protected through the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Hazing measures might be a viable alternative. Anglers in Tillamook Bay have hired someone to cruise around on a jet ski to disturb flocks of feeding birds into flying somewhere else. Before I’d suggest looking into a similar program here I’d really like to know some results of the jet ski hazing. I also recently received a letter regarding the possibility of state legislation looking into cormorant predation problems and solutions. Readers, this issue is still very much in the front of my mind and you haven’t heard the last of it.

Black Rockfish Limit Being Raised?
There’s a strong possibility that Black Rockfish limits will be raised in the near future from 6 to 7 fish per day. Opponents of Marine Reserves are pointing to an increased bag limit as a victory for Fisheries Managers and reason to dismiss all talk of MRs. I’m not 100% convinced. Ocean conditions have been excellent for Black Rockfish recently and surely have played a part in increased numbers. I say enjoy an increased limit and partake in the fishery, but also realize that gains might only be short-term.

Give Your Opinion On Upcoming Fall Chinook Season
The public is invited to give their opinion regarding the upcoming fall salmon seasons in rivers and lakes. Please write, e-mail or call Bob Buckman, ODFW biologist if you can attend the meeting. Here’s the specifics on the meeting:
When: April 29
Where: Hallmark Resort Newport, 744 Elizabeth, Newport
Contact: Bob Buckman, ODFW, (541) 265-8306 X224
Chinook numbers aren’t expected to be much higher than the last 2 years is the word I’m getting. With this in mind, I am advocating that last year’s closures of Lake Creek and the Siuslaw River above Lake Creek be made permanent. There has been numerous problems with snagging, poaching and fishing over salmon past their prime for eating. Our chinook runs need places like Lake Creek when numbers are down. Closing Lake Creek will help ensure salmon will return to the Siuslaw for our grandchildren and their grandchildren to enjoy.


See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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