[ODFW-News] Changes to cutthroat trout angling rules to be discussed in Tillamook

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact: Keith Braun, (503) 842-2741	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  
	

For Immediate Release	Tuesday, May 11, 2004

Changes to angling regulations for cutthroat trout among proposals to
be discussed at Tillamook public meeting

TILLAMOOK - The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife invites anglers
to comment on 2005 angling regulation proposals at a Thursday, May 20,
public meeting in Tillamook. 

The meeting, to be held 7-10 p.m. at the Oregon Department of Forestry
office at 5005 Third Street, begins with a presentation on statewide
angling proposals, followed by proposed changes to regulations for the
Northwest Zone which extends from Tahkenitch Lake to tributaries of the
lower Columbia River.

Proposals specific to the Tillamook area include a recommendation to
allow retention of coastal cutthroat trout in some local rivers. The
proposed rule change would allow anglers to retain two coastal cutthroat
trout per day during the general trout season from streams such as the
Nestucca, Trask, Wilson, Kilchis, Miami, and Nehalem rivers. These
streams are currently restricted to catch-and-release only for cutthroat
trout during the general trout season.

Other proposals to be discussed include expanding the steelhead and
spring chinook season on Three Rivers, and expanding the angling season
on the Trask River in front of Trask River Hatchery.

Public comments received May 20 will be considered by the Oregon Fish
and Wildlife Commission at its August meeting. The Commission also will
consider oral public testimony received at both the August and September
Commission meetings. The 2005 sport fishing rules will be adopted by the
Commission in September. 

In addition, a public meeting to discuss these proposals will be held
in Newport on Wednesday, May 19, at Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030
S.E. Marine Science Drive.

All angling regulation proposals can be viewed at
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ODFWhtml/InfoCntrFish/2005_regdev.htm or
requested from ODFW by calling 1-800-720-6339, Ext. 76200. 

Public comment is welcomed at the meeting. Comments also can be sent to
Rhine Messmer, ODFW, 3406 Cherry Avenue NE, Salem OR 97303 or emailed to
rhine.t.messmer at state.or.us through Sept. 3, 2004. 

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Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 947-6002