Anglers will be able to use their two-rod validation in the Willamette River this year for hatchery spring Chinook and all other fish except sturgeon, beginning March 1 downstream of Willamette Falls and May 1 upstream of Willamette Falls

Eugene, OR – According to the state officials, since two rods were first allowed in 2016, ODFW creel survey data show that its use has increased from approximately 25 to 40 percent of lower Willamette River spring Chinook anglers.

As a result, the total fishery harvest rate associated with the allowance for two rods has also increased to a level that can impact ODFW’s ability to meet overall hatchery escapement needs during years with low returns.

Recent analysis by ODFW staff indicates that a Willamette River spring Chinook return of 34,000 hatchery-origin adults at the Columbia River mouth generally results in meeting overall broodstock needs for the basin.

Using this metric, the two-rod validation will be allowed on the Willamette River when at least 34,000 adult Willamette hatchery spring Chinook are forecast to return to the mouth of the Columbia River.

Forecasts in 12 of the last 15 years have been sufficient to allow for the two-rod validation under this criteria, so ODFW anticipates allowing two rods most years.