Beginning today August 10th, 2021 the North Umpqua River will be closed to all angling through December 1st, 2021 due to low numbers of Summer Steelhead and extreme environmental conditions (warm water temperatures) in the North Umpqua River. This closure doesn’t come as a surprise as abnormal warm water temperatures have plagued much of Oregon’s rivers this summer.
The North Umpqua River is located in Southern Oregon, near the town of Roseburg, it is known for its once-prolific winter and summer steelhead runs. The river is popular among many fly anglers as it has a designated “fly only” section of the river.
According to the Kirk Blaine of the Native Fish Society, “This management change is painful, yet 100% necessary in order to protect and enhance the fish and fishery of the North Umpqua River. We’re committed to work with the department, stakeholders, and NGO partners to restore the wild summer steelhead for the fish and communities in the Umpqua Basin. Native Fish Society fully supports ODFW biologist Greg Huchko and other ODFW staff in making this bold decision.” Check out their full article here.
Southern Oregon to Consider Continuing Harvest of Wild Steelhead Without Population Estimates
