[ODFW-News] Smallmouth Bass Regulations To Change On The John Day River

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact:  Mary Hoverson (541) 963-2138 x 34
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (541) 963-6670
	

For Immediate Release	Wednesday, December 16, 2005

Smallmouth Bass Regulations To Change On The John Day River

JOHN DAY - Smallmouth bass angling regulations on the most accessible
part of the John Day River will change effective January 1, 2005. The
new regulations will take place on that portion of the mainstem John Day
River between the Highway 207 Bridge at Service Creek upstream to the
mouth of the North Fork John Day River near Kimberly.

The new bag and length limit for Smallmouth bass is five fish per day,
with no more than three greater than 15 inches. "The new regulation
will allow anglers the opportunity to take home more fish between 12 and
16 inches and still protect this highly productive fishery", said Tim
Unterwegner, ODFW's John Day District Fish Biologist. This change
brings this section of the river under the same regulations as the rest
of the river above and including the North Fork and with bass fisheries
in most of the state.'

ODFW biologists recommended this change in order to increase angler
opportunity in an area with good access and a very healthy population of
smallmouth bass.  This section of the river is managed under ODFW's
"Basic Yield" strategy, whereas below Service Creek, it is
managed under the "Quality Fishery" strategy.  Guidance for the
basic yield strategy is to maximize opportunity while protecting the
resource.  The specific goal behind the quality fishery strategy is to
have 20% of the bass caught larger than 12", therefore the regulations
are more restrictive. 

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission approved this change at their
September 9 and 10, 2004 meeting.  The Commission is the rule-making
body for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.  Its seven members
meet monthly.

The affected section of the river is a mix of public and private lands
and is very popular with anglers. Almost the entire 26 mile reach is
followed by Highway 19. There are several boat ramps strategically
located that provide good boating access for the entire length. ODFW
reminds anglers to get permission from landowners before fishing on
private land.

The regulations for Smallmouth bass below the Service Creek bridge will
remain the same as in previous years; a bag limit of five Smallmouth
bass per day, one of which can be greater than 16 inches and all
Smallmouth bass between 12 and 16 inches must be released unharmed. 

For information on other angling regulations within the state., check
ODFW's 2005 Sport Fishing Regulation.
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