Glimt commission BUILET111 Vol. III PORTLAND, OREGON, FEBRUARY, 1948 No. 2 /948 7iptc/ea9 Rerreateepta By R. C. HOLLOWAY, Chief Biologist The Oregon State Game Commission, at its annual hearing held in Portland on January 9, tentatively formulated the angling regulations for 1948. The hearing was recessed until January 23, the two weeks' interval being provided so that the tentative regulations could be publicized and individuals and sportsmen's groups given an opportunity to submit further recommendations or objections. Following the conclusion of the hearing on January 23, the Commission adopted in final form the fishing laws for 1948. They have now been publicized throughout the state and will appear in the 1948 Angling Synopsis at an early date. Trout Seasons The general trout season has been set from May 1 to September 30, inclusive, in most of the state. This is a reduction of almost three weeks from last year's season. However, the season on coastal waters has been lengthened approximately eleven days, extending from May 1 to October 31, inclusive. As last year, the trout season in tidewater will open on June 15. It is very important that a clear understanding be had of what is meant by coastal waters. All streams, and this includes everything up to the highest and smallest tributary, that flow into the Pacific Ocean south of the Columbia River or that are in stream systems that do so, are included in coastal waters. Also included are all lakes that occur in, or are tributary to, these stream systems. There was some confusion last year over whether or not tributaries of tributaries, etc., and lakes without outlets were included. They certainly are included. The sand dune lakes along the coast are in this classification though some of them have no visible outlets to the ocean. They also are included under the 8-inch minimum size limit to be discussed later. Because of similar environmental and fish population conditions, all of the streams and lakes directly or indirectly tributary to the Columbia River below the northern city limits of St. Helens have been included in the same category as coastal waters and have been considered as such in formulating the regulations. The explanation above on coastal waters applies to this area as well. (Continued on Page 4) Change in Game Commissioner Dr. Geo. A. Cathey, of Portland, resigned as a member of the Game Commission December 31, 1947, because of ill health. Dr. Cathey was appointed to the Commission in February, 1945, for a five year period. To fill his unexpired term, Governor Hall appointed Larry Hilaire, Portland business man and active sportsman. Fishing in the Deschutes River Sportsmen Take Creel Census Early in 1947, the Beaverton Rod and Gun Club, in its search for something constructive it could do to help improve angling in Oregon, approached the Game Commission with a plan for a creel census on a group of lakes in the Mt. Hood National Forest. A verbal agreement was made whereby the club would undertake the census, and the Game Commission would furnish an informative sign, forms on which data would be kept, and would analyze this data after its collection. The area involved is near Highrock Guard Station in the Mt. Hood National Forest, and can be reached from either the Clackamas River road or the Wapinitia Highway by about 20 miles of Forest Service road. At the guard station a spur road leads into an area in which nine lakes, varying in area from 4 to 22 acres, are located, and can be reached by a hike of from one half to three and one half miles. All contain, or formerly contained, eastern brook trout, and all, be- (Continued on Page 8)
Page 2 FEBRUARY, 1948 * THIS AND THAT Compilation of elk report cards is proceeding but attention of those elk hunters who have not reported is called to the new provision of the law stating that "Any person purchasing an elk tag and failing to file such report card, after written demand therefor has been made by the Oregon State Game Commission may be refused a tag for the next succeeding season by the Oregon State Game Commission." A whitetail deer was seen in Ecola Park just south of Short Sand Beach early in January by two of the game department men going through that area. * * In 1947 California legislature appropriated $9,000,000 from the state's horse racing revenue fund to be used "for the acquisition of lands, or lands and water. for wildlife production, preservation and for recreation." Already approved is ex- "- penditure of funds totalling approximately $1,200,000 for capital improvements in the Division of Fish and Game's conservation program. A three day conference for the four game farm superintendents was conducted in December. All phases of the propagation program were analyzed, plans for the 1948 season initiated and a review of many recent developments in pheasant propagation made. Development of the Camas Swale waterfowl management area, so far limited to land acquisition activities, is now in the engineering stage. Following completion of the basic survey, physical development will proceed. During December the marking of approximately 50,000 fish for release in the McKenzie river was completed at the McKenzie station. One-half of the fish were marked by removal of left ventral fins and the others by removal of the right ventral fins. One lot of fish will be planted in advance of the opening of the fishing season and the other will be released later. This work is part of the McKenzie River study begun last June. A flock of 200 to 300 starlings was observed in vicinity of Burns the latter part of December. Other sections of the state have had quite large numbers of these birds but these are among the first to be noted in the Burns area. Conservation Pledge I give my pledge as an American to save and faithfully to defend from waste the natural resources of my country its soil and minerals, its forests, waters, and wildlife. Oregon State Game Commission Bulletin Published Monthly by the Oregon State Game Commission 1634 S. W. Alder StreetP. 0. Box 4136 Portland 8, Oregon MIRIAM KAUTTU Editor Members of the Commission E. E. Wilson, Chairman Corvallis Theodore R. Conn Lakeview Kenneth S. Martin Grants Pass R. D. McClallen Enterprise Larry Hilaire Portland Administrative Staff C. A. Lockwood.. State Game Supervisor F. B. Wire Secretary Miriam Kauttu Director of Publicity F. C. Baker Controller H. E. Bowers Engineer P. W. Schneider Director of Game John McKean Upland Game A. V. Meyers.. Fed. Aid and Waterfowl R. U. Mace Big Game C. E. Kebbe Furbearers P. R. Needham....Director of Fisheries R. C. Holloway...Surveys and Salvage E. W. Goff Hatcheries H. J. Rayner...Disease and Nutrition H. R. Mangold Director of Supplies G. E. Howell.. Fishways, Screen, Stream and Lake Improvement Entered as second-class matter September 30, 1947 at the post office at Portland, Oregon under the act of August 24, 1912. At the present time the Bulletin is circulated free of charge to anyone forwarding a written request. Permission to reprint is granted provided proper credit is given. Regulations For Guides Adopted Effective this month, the Oregon State Game Commission will not grant a guide's license to any individual who does not meet the following requirements: 1. All guides shall be at least 18 years old. 2. No applicant shall be granted a guide's license who has been convicted of a game law violation within two years of his application. 3. No applicant shall be granted a guide's license who has any apparent physical defects that would interfere with safe guiding operations. 4. Each applicant for guide's license shall submit three written character references from individuals knowing the applicant for a period of at least 10 years. 5. Each applicant for guide's license shall own or use proper kind of equipment for the type of guiding he plans to do. 6. Each applicant must pass written January Meeting of the Game Commission In addition to the consideration of the 1948 angling regulations, the Commission transacted the following routine business at its meeting held January 9 in Portland. The exchange of 50,000 eastern brook eggs for an equal number of Snake River cutthroat eggs from the state of Idaho was authorized. In view of the increased demand for prints that probably will result as the result of the purchase of the William Finley picture collection, particularly from individuals writing books and articles. the Supervisor was instructed to determine the approximate value of the pictures and sell copies at a fair market price. It was decided that an applicant for a guide's license hereafter will have to meet certain additional requirements to those specified by the legislature before a license will be issued. The Supervisor was instructed to request the Forest Service and Reclamation Service to exercise their authority in prohibiting the landing of seaplanes and the use of motor boats on certain lakes. The 1948 current operating budget was adopted as submitted. The second application of Paul D. Hess for a guide's license was disapproved on the basis that there had been a conviction for a game law violation within a two-year period. The following resolution was passed: Be it resolved that the Division of "Feed and Hatchery Supplies" in the Department of Fisheries be and the same is abolished as a Division of the Department of Fisheries and that there be and is hereby created a new department to be known as "Department of Supplies." That it is the function of said Department of Supplies to supervise and administer the purchase and transfer of all supplies for the Game Commission. Communications also were read from the Oregon Farm Bureau Federation, Lake County Sportsmen's Association, N. A. Havercamp, and Western Association of State Fish and Game Commissioners. See Page 6 for detailed list of angling regulation changes. examination given by field representative of the Game Commission. There has been a demand for a stricter regulation in regard to issuance of guide licenses and the last legislature gave the Commission additional authority for this purpose. The legislature also provided for an increase in license fee to $15.
FEBRUARY. 1948 Page 3 Sand Creek Projects 1946-47 The State Game Commission, realizing that the cutthroat trout represents a special problem in coastal streams, in October, 1946, constructed a trapping weir on Sand Creek, which is the principal tributary of Sand Lake in Tillamook county. The purpose of the weir is to trap migrating cutthroat trout in order to learn of their life history and results from almost a year's operation of the weir are now available. The total number of upstream-migrating, sea-run cutthroats was 230. The run took place from late October to January. The trout averaged 14.4 inches in total length. There was one male to every 3.1 females. The fish handled were all somewhat colored up, apparently having been in the lower stream for some time. "Blueback" cutthroats had run into lower Sand Creek from July on, and quite a few were caught by anglers. Some fingerling cutthroats which had not been to sea also moved upstream from the lower creek. Ripe fish of both sexes 4.5 to 6.0 inches long were found in small tributaries during the winter. Forty-six per cent of the sea-run spawners returned downstream alive during the same period in the spring when the small cutthroats (average lenght, 6.6 inches total lenght) were migrating seaward. The total downstream count was 931 cutthroats. Thirty per cent of the legal fish passed the weir downstream before the April 26 opening. (The weir is located about 0.75 miles above tidewater.) During May and June, 31 per cent of the downstream cutthroats were legal (escapement 69 per cent). With an 8-inch size limit, 31 per cent would have been catchable (escapement 69 per cent) during May and June, and 59 per cent (41 per cent escapement) with the old 6-inch limit. The larger downstream cutthroats were silvery in coloration as though they had just come from salt water. In fact, anglers sometimes mistake them for fresh sea-run fish. Three thousand and ten marked hatchery cutthroat yearlings were liberated into Sand Creek in February, 1947. Since then they have comprised 3.7 per cent of the cutthroats migrating downstream past the weir, 19 per cent and 24 per cent respectively of the downstream cutthroats in two tributary traps, 8.1 per cent of the cutthroats caught by seining, and 16.5 per cent of the cutthroats taken by test angling in Sand Creek and its tributaries. None of the hatchery trout in the test-angling catch were legal. From January to April, 147 steelhead adults went upstream in Sand Creek beyond the weir. Sixty-three per cent of them returned downstream alive, mostly in June. Also in the spring, 313 steelhead (Continued on Page 5) Beaver Sale Held The first beaver sale of the season was held January 22 at the Portland office of the Game Commission when 2,065 pelts were sold for $85,583.75, or an average of $41.44 per pelt. Buyers from New York, Denver, Seattle as well as Oregon took part in the bidding. The beaver were dead-trapped to relieve damage to property and landowners who had signed agreements to participate in a cooperative beaver management program will receive one-third of the proceeds from the pelts of beaver taken on their lands. Trappers working on a share basis also received one-third while the remainder is kept by the Commission to pay for salaries of permanent trappers and general administration of the fur program. Conservation Education Annual Award Announced The National Association of Conservation Education and Publicity is going to honor the individual or organization who has made the outstanding contribution toward furtherance of conservation education. Details of such an annual award, the first one to be made in 1948, have just been announced. Any North American individual or organization may be nominated for the award, which will cover services rendered in behalf of conservation educat'on for a period of twelve months prior to June 1, 1948, on which date nominations will close. Three of the nation's leading conservation leaders will serve as judges. Their names will be announced when the award has been made. The individual or organization so honored will be announced and awarded an appropriate plaque or cup at the 1948 annual convention of the National Association of Conservation Education and Publicity to be held in the State of Ohio in September. Nominations for the award are to be sent to the chairman of the Awards Committee, Isaac D. Chapman, care Louisiana Department of Wild Life and Fisheries, 126 Civil Courts Building, New Orleans, Louisiana. The National Association of Conservation Education and Publicity who are sponsoring the award is headed by James R. Harlan, supervisor of public relations of the Iowa Conservation Commission. Persons desiring to suggest nominations for this award are requested to send their suggestions in to the editor of this publication. Members of the 1948 Award Committee of the National Association of Conservation Education and Publicity, in addition to Chairman Chapman are William W. Weeks, Director Information and Education, Florida Game and Fish Co.gar killed by hunters in Metolius area Cougars L3agged in Metolius Area Four cougars were bagged recently by a group of Redmond, Prineville and Sisters hunters who spent two days in the Green ridge area near the Metolius River, Jefferson county. The predators are quite numerous in that timbered area. This mother cougar and her cubs, the hunters estimated, would require a deer every two days to keep them in fresh meat. In the party of hunters were Bill Clark, Phil Dahl and son, Chuck, and Duffy Knorr of Redmond, Harold Barclay and Hans Melious of Sisters and Jim Moore of Prineville. They hunted the cougars with hounds. A bounty of $50 is paid on cougar. Commission, Tallahassee; Oliver Hartley, Director Public Relations, Ohio Division of Conservation and Natural Resources, Columbus; W. H. Bostwick, Supervisor Conservation Education, California Division of Fish and Game, Sacramento, and H. W. Clover, Chief Visual Information, Missouri Conservation Commission, Jefferson City. Persons or organizations desiring copies of the rules and regulations covering this award may obtain them by writing to the editor of this publication.
Page 4 FEBRUARY, 1948 1948 Angling Regulations (Continued from Page 1) The reason for exempting the Siuslaw, Umpqua and Rogue Rivers from the overall regulations is that special regulations apply for those stream systems. The purpose in allowing a longer season on coastal waters is to permit the anglers to take advantage of the runs of cutthroat (harvest) trout that are in the streams at that time. Some consideration was given to allowing cutthroat fishing during the winter months. All of the evidence at hand points to the fact that adult cutthroat populations are at a low ebb. Winter fishing would make a considerable inroad on present brood stocks and it was not deemed advisable to allow this. There are sound reasons for delaying the opening of trout fishing in tidewater until June 15. The downstream migrants habitually gang up in tidewater prior to this date and are subject to a heavy mortality from the anglers. It is a commonsense conservation measure to protect these fish during this period. Naturally. the fish do not watch the calendar and dash out to sea on June 16, but the majority are out of the danger zone somewhere around that time. The May 1 to September 30 season applies to all the rest of the state outside of the coastal area and lower Columbia area discussed above. Actually, the opening date is probably too early for certain parts of Eastern Oregon, especially in the Cascades and in the northeastern part of the state. However, it has been found that a uniform opening date, covering as much area as possible, spreads out the fishing pressure instead of throwing it from one area to another as opening dates occur. A specific example of this on a small scale can be found in the regulation that makes the opening date for Diamond. Paulina, East, North Twin, South Twin and Gold Lakes fall on June 15. Last year there were four opening dates represented in this group of six lakes. The angling public could, and did, shift their efforts from one to the other as opening dates turned up. This year that pressure will be divided, and it seems logical to assume that the heavy opening day kill on all of them will be diminished. This should certainly serve to maintain better fishing over a longer period in the summer than has been obtainable under the old plan. Last year Badger Lake in the Mt. Hood National Forest opened on July 1. The opening date stood out like a sore thumb in the Synopsis. Fishermen began to converge on the lake the day before, and opening day saw this small lake covered with boats, rafts and canoes. This year there is no special season on Badger Lake; fishing should be better for this fact alone. 4/ 7. 86 6" 8" 6 el CUTTHROAT STEELHEAD "Comparison of the percentages of downstream migrant escapements under the six and eight-inch minimum length limits." Except for the few lakes with specific opening dates, all of the lakes in the state will open along with the streams on May 1. Many will be snow and ice bound at that time or completely inaccessible. On many of them the ice dces not go off until July. It is probably unnecessary to remind the sportsmen that it is always unlawful to fish for trout through the ice in any lakes except those in Wallowa and Baker counties and in Upper Klamath Lake. Minimum Length Limit This is one of the most controversial issues faced by the Game Commission in a number of years. There are many who feel there should be no length limit at all take what you catch and be satisfied. There is a proven hitch to this line of thought, however. Experience has shown that many of the anglers are tempted to replace the 3 and 4-inch fish that are caught and placed in the creel with larger fish as they are taken. This results in not only catching and killing one limit, but possibly several limits. There doesn't seem to be much sound argument for a no length limit ruling. It would not take long to deplete the streams with that type of a regulation since it encourages wholesale slaughter of small fish. For a good many years the six-inch minimum length limit was in force in all parts of the state and the anglers had come to accept it as they do anything else that is part of their daily life. Last year, like a bolt from the blue, the Game Commission placed an 8-inch minimum size limit on coastal streams and lakes. This was something different. This upset the pattern of things that had been in effect for a long time, and a large majority of the anglers did not take kindly to it. The Commission had at that time, and still has, excellent reasons for placing an 8-inch minimum length limit on coastal waters. The primary purpose is to protect a larger number of downstream migrating trout and salmon. These fish don't make much growth in the stream: but when they get to the ocean, they really begin to take on weight, and they come back into the streams many times the fish they were when they left. Is it not conservation and sound management in the truest sense to allow a larger escapement of these small fish to take advantage of growing conditions in the ocean and return as adults? Six-Inch Limit Inadequate Statistics obtained by careful study of downstream migrants have shown that inadequate protection is obtainable with the six-inch limit. There just aren't enough fish that get by the angler. An eight-inch minimum size limit allows a much higher percentage of escapement and a greater return of adult fish. The most debatable point in the entire controversy, however, seems to be over whether or not very few or very many of the fish under 8 inches that are hooked remain alive when returned to the water. This is a controversy that there appears to be small likelihood of solving. Efforts have been made to solve the question by actually carrying out controlled experiments where small fish were hooked, subjected to rougher treatment than would be expected from the angler, and returned to ponds where the mortality could be checked. A report on some of these experiments can be found in the March and May Bulletins of last year. In all recorded cases, the mortality was very low, around two to five per cent. This is certainly not much of a loss and does now fit in very well with the stories that one hears about total mortality. True, the 8-inch limit will make the angler work longer for his limit of fish. That is undoubtedly one point that makes the regulation unpopular to many fishermen. Careful handling of the undersized fish should keep the mortality down to a satisfactory level. Snapping them off the hook and whipping them back into the brush doesn't belong in the above category. Unless a vital organ is injured, and with reasonably careful handling, a large majority of the undersized fish will survive. There have been very few "kicks" about the 6-inch minimum limit in recent (Continued on Page 5)
FEBRUARY, 1948 Page 5 1948 Angling Regulations (Continued from Page 4) years. If reports of near total mortality are true with the 8-inch limit, they are true with the 6-inch limit. Accepting this as our premise, then, as some have suggested, there should be no size limit at all. The 8-inch minimum size limit has been in effect for one year. Some anglers say it is conservation; others say that it is not. Experimental evidence is overwhelmingly in its favor. Well-substantiated evidence should be available to prove or disprove the contention of the many anglers who sincerely believe that it is not a conservation measure. Steelhead and Salmon The season for steelhead and salmon 20 inches or over in length includes the entire year except in coastal waters where a two months' closure in March and April will be in effect. In this discussion of steelhead and salmon it is well to remember that coastal waters include the same streams, lakes and areas as were outlined under the trout discussion in the first part of the article. The two month closure on coastal streams and lakes reduces the intensity of angling by shortening the season. It gives protection to breeder stocks of and prevents heavy kill of spent steelhead and cutthroat returning to the ocean. An added advantage is that it will prevent destruction of eggs by anglers disturbing the gravel bars in shallow waters. Admittedly this measure does not give complete spawning protection. The establishment of deadlines on all coastal streams above which no winter fishing or possibly no angling at all would be allowed is desirable. Such deadlines are in effect at the present time on some of the coastal streams. As more facts are made available similar regulations can be adopted on the remainder. Jack Salmon The season on jack salmon will coincide with the seasons for steelhead and salmon in all cases. The purpose of this is to enhance law enforcement by prohibiting an angler to fish for steelhead and salmon under the guise of fishing for "jacks." The bag limit of ten per day or twenty in possession serves to distribute the catch of these fish over a wider segment of the angling public. The jack salmon are to be included in and as part of trout limit during trout season. The writer has attempted to explain some of the general regulations and the reasons behind them. Simplicity in fishing regulations is an admirable and a desirable thing. However, in some cases simplicity must be forfeited to a degree so that proper regulations can be adopted to meet existing conditions. Refer to your synopsis when you go fishing; remember that specific exceptions to general regulations are listed by county. Always refer to the county in which you are fishing or plan to fish to acquaint yourself with specific closures and special seasons. Sand Creek Projects (Continued from Page 3) fingerlings came downstream. Only 4 per cent (96 per cent escapement) were legal during May and June. A 7-inch size limit would have permitted a catch of 29 per cent (71 per cent escapement) during those months, but 83 per cent (17 per cent escapement) would have been catchable under the old 6-inch size limit. The immature steelhead averaged 6.5 inches in total length. The silver salmon spawners totalled 235. The run lasted from October to February. Most of the fish seen were jacks. The 1164 silver salmon fingerlings that came downstream from March to June averaged 4.4 inches in total length. From October to December, 495 chum salmon passed the weir going upstream. About twice as many were gill-netted in Sand Lake from October 15 to November 30. However, as many or more chum spawned in Jewell Creek, lower tributary of Sand Creek, as in the main stream, and many spawned below the weir. More than 300,000,000 pounds of fish and shellfish are landed annually at East Coast ports from Rhode Island to Virginia. NO WONDER IT COSTS US MORE TO LIVE THESE DAYS
Page 6 FEBRUARY, 1948 1948 Angling Regulations (Note: County regulations that remain the same as last year are not listed in order to save space). TROUT SEASONS May 1 to September 30, inclusive, except as otherwise provided. June 15 to October 31, in tidewater areas. May 1 to October 31, above tidewater in those streams rising in the Coast Range and emptying into the Pacific Ocean or into the Columbia below the north city limits of St. Helens. MINIMUM LENGTH LIMIT FOR TROUT Six inches except that in coastal waters the minimum length limit is eight inches. SEASONS FOR SALMON AND STEEHEAD OVER TWENTY INCHES Entire year except as follows: May 1 to February 29 in all waters including lakes directly or indirectly tributary to the Pacific Ocean south of the Columbia River (exclusive of the Umpqua, Rogue and Siuslaw Rivers) and all waters directly or indirectly tributary to the Columbia River or its sloughs below the northern city limits of St. Helens. May 1 to September 30, open season for steelhead over 20 inches in that part of Willamette River and tributaries above Oregon City falls except the Santiam River and its north and south forks. SEASON FOR JACK SALMON UNDER TWENTY INCHES Concurrent with steelhead and salmon seasons. Additional special seasons for steelhead and salmon listed under individual county regulations that follow. BAG LIMITS Trout 10 fish but not to exceed 15 pounds and 1 fish in any one day and 20 fish but not to exceed 30 pounds and 2 fish in any 7 consecutive days or in possession. Salmon and Steelhead Over 20 Inches 2 in the aggregate in any one day of steelhead and salmon not less than 20 inches in length but not more than 4 such fish in any 7 consecutive days or in possession, and not more than 20 a year. Jack Salmon Under 20 Inches 10 in any 1 day but not more than 20 in possession. This bag limit to be counted with and as part of trout bag limit during trout season. CLOSED WATERS AND SPECIAL SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS BY COUNTIES (Changes only listed and otherwise county regulations remain the same as last year). BAKER COUNTY Camp Creek and Unity reservoirs closed to angling. N. Fork Burnt River and South Fork Burnt River from outlet of Whited reservoir to Unity reservoir closed to angling. East Fork above the falls and West Fork of Eagle Creek closed to angling. Lake season to conform with general trout season. BENTON COUNTY No changes. CLACKAMAS COUNTY Shining Lake and that part of Molalla River and tributaries above and including North Fork closed to angling. That part of Sandy River from Marmot dam downstream to lower end of the Big Joe Long hole below the Fish Commission hatchery, a distance of about 4,000 feet, closed. That part of Clackamas River and tributaries above Three Lynx powerhouse to be open during regular trout season. Other regulations remain the same. CLATSOP COUNTY That part of Elk Creek above forks closed to angling. COLUMBIA COUNTY No change. COOS COUNTY Closed to all angling from November 1 to April 30: That part East Millicoma River above mouth of Glen Creek; and that part of West Fork Millicoma River above a point 200 feet below Stull's Falls. Closed to all angling from September 16 to April 30: That part of North Fork Coquille above Hudson Creek; Middle Creek; that part of East Fork Coquille above Elk Creek ; that part of Middle Fork Coquille above Myrtle Creek; and that part of South Fork Coquille above Coal Creek. Closed to all angling entire year: All tributaries of North Fork Coquille River, except Middle Creek. All tributaries of East, Middle and South Forks of Coquille River. Lake Creek, tributary to Loon Lake, closed to angling below the falls. CURRY COUNTY Opened to angling: Edson Creek and its tributaries; Bald Mountain Creek and tributaries; Wheeler Creek and tributaries; and Brush Creek and tributaries. Closed to angling: Bear and Bear Trap Creeks; that part of Brush Creek for a distance of 200 yards above and below the mouth of Bear Creek; and that part of Hunters Creek for a distance of 200 feet above and below bridge on Highway 201. Closed to salmon angling entire year: All tributaries of Rogue River, including Illinois River. Closed to steelhead angling from September 16 to April 30: All tributaries of Rogue River, including Illinois River. DESCHUTES COUNTY North and South Twin Lakes, open season June 15 to August 15. East and Paulina Lakes, open season June 15 to September 15. Davis Lake, June 15 to August 29. General lake season to concur with general trout season. Closed to angling, that part of Paulina Lake upstream from the irrigation company's dam to a line extending across the lake described as follows: Beginning at a point 400 yards north of the Paulina Resort boathouse; thence diagonally across the lake in the direction of the Forest Service camp to a marker to be placed by the Game Commission at the point of land on the south shore of the lake. DOUGLAS COUNTY Diamond Lake, open season for trout not less than 10 inches June 15 to September 15, with bag limit of 15 pounds and 1 fish but not to exceed 5 fish in any 1 day, or 30 pounds and 2 fish but not to exceed 10 fish in any 7 consecutive days. Fish, Buckeye. Cliff, Twin Lakes, open season June 15 to September 15. Fish Creek Lake, open season June 15 to September 15. Bag limit for Marie, Eel and Twin Lakes is 5 fish but not to exceed 15 pounds and 1 fish in any 1 day, and 10 fish but not to exceed 30 pounds and 2 fish in any 7 consecutive days. Closed to angling: That part of Smith River above a point 400 feet below the falls. That part of North Umpqua River between Winchester dam and highway bridge over North Umpqua River on Route 99. All tributaries of North Umpqua below and including Steamboat Creek except Little River and Rock Creek; all tributaries of Little River. That part of Lake Creek and tributaries (inlet to Loon Lake) below falls. That part of the South Umpqua River from a point 50 yards above to a point 150 yards below South Umpqua Falls. All tributaries to North Ten Mile Lake. That part of Rock Creek, a tributary of the North Umpqua, from the Rock Creek dam downstream to the lower boundary line of Game Commission hatchery property. Opened to angling: That part of Diamond Lake lying northwesterly of a line beginning at a point on the north shore of said lake 800 feet northwest of the mouth of Bear Creek, running thence diagonally across said lake to a marker on the west shore of said lake, being 7,450 feet north of the mouth of Silent Creek. GRANT COUNTY Magoon Lake, open season May 15 to July 10, and September 1-30. Closed to angling: That part of Murderers Creek above and including Tex Creek and tributaries. Deer Creek and tributaries above confluence of Corral Creek. Hog and Wickiup Creeks, tributaries of Silvies. Corral Creek and Lewis Creek and their tributaries; and Middle Fork of Canyon Creek. Opened to angling: Upper Desolation Creek and tributaries. Granite Boulder Creek and tributaries north of Susanville road. That part of Middle Fork of John Day River and tributaries above the Austin highway bridge near the school house. Steelhead Season: All streams closed to steelhead fishing from October 1 to May 1 except the following: Main John Day River, Middle and North Forks of John Day ; Beech Creek; that part of Canyon Creek below southern limits of Canyon City, and the South Fork John Day below Jackass Creek. These streams are open the year around for steelhead over 20 inches. HARNEY COUNTY Closed to angling: Whitehorse, Willow and Trout Creeks. HOOD RIVER COUNTY Tony and Greenpoint Creeks opened to angling. Badger Lake and Badger Creek, open May 1 to September 30. JACKSON COUNTY Fish and Squaw Lakes, May 1 to September 30. open season. Bag limit for Fish Lake is 10 pounds and 1 fish but not to exceed 5 fish in any 1 day, or 20 pounds and 2 fish but not to exceed 10 fish in any 7 consecutive days. Closed to angling, that part of Rogue River from a point 100 yards below the lower fish racks of the Game Commission eggtaking station to a point 100 yards above the upper fish racks. Closed to salmon fishing the entire year, all tributaries to Rogue River, including the Applegate. Closed to steelhead fishing from September 16 to April 30, all tributaries of Rogue River including the Applegate River, and that part of the main Rogue River above Crater Lake highway crossing at Shady Cove. JEFFERSON COUNTY General lake season to be May 1 to September 30. Closed: that part of Metolius River from hatchery bridge down 1, mile. JOSEPHINE COUNTY Closed to salmon fishing the entire year, all tributaries of Rogue River including Applegate and Illinois Rivers. Closed to steelhead fishing from September 16 to April 30, all tributaries to Rogue River including Applegate and Illinois Rivers. KLAMATH COUNTY Davis Lake, June 15 to August 29. Rosary Lakes, May 1 to September 7. Open season for other lakes, May 1 to September 30. Spiny-rayed fish season open entire year in Lake of the Woods and no bag limit there. Closed to anging, that part of Odell Lake within a 200 foot radius of the point where outlet leaves the lake. LAKE COUNTY General trout season, May 22 to September 30.
FEBRUARY, 1948 Page 7 Fishing from boats with gas propelled motors prohibited on Deadhorse, Blue and Campbell Lakes. Dog Lake, open entire year. Campbell and Blue Lakes, open season July 1 to September 10. Closed to angling: Buck Creek above Antelope Flat-Pitcher Ranch road; Bridge Creek inside Fremont Forest; Walker Creek above confluence with North Fork Sprague River; School Creek above confluence with N. Fork Sprague River; Gearhart Creek above confluence with North Sprague River; North Fork Sprague River above Forest Service bridge on Fuller & Walker road; Bear Creek above Dog Creek; Sycan River above Pikes Crossing; Coffeepot Creek above Chewaucan River; Drews Creek above first railroad crossing; Whitworth Creek above South Fork Sprague River; Deep Creek above forks; Crooked Creek above old mill dam in Big Cove; Porcupine Creek above Mud Creek; Guyer Creek above Silver Creek; Camp Creek, Augur Creek and Bauers Creek within boundaries of Fremont Forest; Dairy Creek above Forest Service bridge; Deadhorse Lake. LANE COUNTY Gold Lake, open season June 15 to July 15 for fly fishing only. General lake season to be concurrent with trout season, May 1 to September 30. Opened to angling: Timpanogas, Opal and Indigo Lakes. Closed to angling: All tributaries of Maple and Fiddle Creeks, (tributaries of Siltcoos Lake). LINCOLN COUNTY That part of Siletz River above Macks Landing open May 1 to October 31. LINN COUNTY Fish Lake and Fish Lake Creek down to the bridge on the Fish Lake-Clear Lake road open to angling May 1 to June 1. Open season June 15 to September 15 in Pamelia, Ann, Big, Clear, Marion, Moose and Gordon Lakes. General lake season, May 1 to September 30. Opened to angling: Indian Prairie Lake. Other closures remain the same. Closed to angling: That part of North Santiam River for a distance of 400 feet below the dam at Mill City. MALHEUR COUNTY Beulah reservoir, open season May 1 to August 31. Bag limit for crappies eliminated in Owyhee Reservoir. That part of Owyhee River from the old Owyhee Ditch Diversion Dam to the Owyhee Dam be closed from October 1 to April 30 to all fishing, including spiny-ray, trout, steelhead. salmon. Pole Creek reservoir, closed to angling. Ten-inch minimum length for trout in Owyhee Reservoir and River below dam..3ag limit 5 fish. MARION COUNTY Open season May 1 to July 15 on Little North Fork of Santiam River above Mehama, exclusive of tributaries. Closed to angling, that part of Breitenbush River above its forks. Closed to angling: That part of North Santiam River for a distance of 400 feet below the dam at Mill City. General lake season, May 1 to September 30. MULTNOMAH COUNTY Closed to all angling: That part of the Columbia River upstream from the downstream power line crossing between the Washington shore and Bradford Island, and thence on a direct line from the Bradford Island downstream power line tower to the domestic water tank of the government reservation on the Oregon shore. POLK COUNTY Closed to angling, that part of Siletz River for a distance of 400 feet below the dam at the Valsetz Pond. TILLAMOOK COUNTY That part of Nestucca River above Moon Creek, open from May 1 to October 31 for trout, steelhead and salmon. Closed remainder of year. Closed to salmon angling from March 1 to to September 15, the Wilson, Trask and Nehalem Rivers from 101 Hwy. Bridge upstream. Closed to salmon angling from November 1 to 30, the Miami River. UMATILLA COUNTY Open season May 1 to September 15, for trout, steelhead and salmon in Birch Creek and tributaries; in McKay Creek above and below the reservoir and tributaries; and in that part of Umatilla River and tributaries from the west city limits of Pendleton to the intake ditch of Cold Springs reservoir. Open season May 1 to September 30, for trout, steelhead and salmon in that part of Umatilla River and tributaries above the west city limits of Pendleton. North Fork of Walla Walla River, closed to all angling entire year. Open season for steelhead over 20 inches from May 1 to March 1 in Walla Walla River, except as otherwise provided. That portion of South Fork of Walla Walla River between the intake of the P. P. & L. plant (commonly known as the dam) and outlet of the P. P. & L. plant, and that portion of said stream between the intake belonging to Milton City to its new plant at the Couse Creek bridge, open season for trout, salmon and steelhead from May 1 to June 30, inclusive. Opened to angling: Big Creek. Closed to angling: Meacham Reservoir. UNION COUNTY General lake season open May 1 to Septem- 30 to conform with general trout season. That part of Catherine Creek above the City of Union. Intake closed to salmon and steelhead fishing the entire year. Other regulations unchanged. WALLOWA COUNTY Open season May 1 to November 30 in Wallowa Lake except open season for yanks is May 1 to August 31. North Minam River and tributaries, open season May 1 to September 30. General lake season, May 1 to September 30, except where special seasons provided. Open season May 1 to October 31 in that part of Imnaha River from mouth of Horse Creek to Snake River and in that part of Joseph Creek from mouth of Swamp Creek to Snake River. Duck and Twin Lakes, May 1 to September 30. Other regulations remain the same. WASCO COUNTY Clear Lake, May 1 to September 30. WASHINGTON COUNTY No changes ẎAMHILL COUNTY No changes. ROGUE RIVER Steelhead, regardless of size, are classified as trout in the Rogue River and its tributaries and may be taken only under the provisions for trout. With the exception of jack salmon. all salmon under 20 inches in length come under the regulations as trout. Open season May 1 to September 15 for trout not less than 8 inches in the Rogue and tributaries in Curry county below and including Mule Creek on the Rogue and below and excluding Indigo Creek on the Illinois River. and for trout not less than six inches in all other waters. For trout not less than fifteen inches open season is September 16 to November 30 in the Rogue River. exclusive of tributaries, below Shady Cove Bridge; January 15 to February 15 in Rogue River, exclusive of its tributaries, below the Applegate River; September 16 to February 15 in that part of the Illinois River, exclusive of its tributaries, from its confluence with the Rogue River to Illinois Falls. Bag limit is 3 fish per day. but not more than 6 fish in any 7 consecutive days of in possession. Salmon not less than twenty inches open season entire year in main channel of Rogue River exclusive of tributaries, except that season for Chinook salmon is closed from September 1 to November 30 in Rogue River above mouth of Illinois River at Agness. Bag limit is 2 fish per day, but not more than 4 in any 7 consecutive days or in possession; nor more than 20 fish per year. Jack salmon under 20 inches open entire year with bag limit of 4 per day, but not more than 8 in any 7 consecutive days or in possession; nor more than 20 fish per year. UMPQUA RIVER Open season for trout not less than 6 inches, including salmon and steelhead under 20 inches, May 1 to October 31 in all streams tributary to the main Umpqua River above the head of tidewater, unless specifically closed. Open season for trout not less than 8 inches, including salmon and steelhead under 20 inches, May 1 to October 31 in the main Umpqua River, and other stream systems which are directly tributary to tidewater, Open season for trout not less than 8 inches in tidewater is June 15 to October 31. There is no change in the bag limit for trout. Steelhead not less than 20 inches: Open season May 1 to October 31 in all waters not specifically closed except that the South Umpqua River, exclusive of its tributaries, is open to steelhead below a deadline at Coffee Pot Side Camp during the period May 1 to May 31. Thereafter the South Umpqua is open to steelhead below Jackson Creek only; open season November 1 to March 1 in North Umpqua, exclusive of its tributaries, below the Narrows above mouth of Rock Creek; South Umpqua, exclusive of its tributaries, below Jackson Creek; Main Umpqua, exclusive of its tributaries, except Mill Creek and portions of Elk and Calapooya Creek; Elk and Calapooya Creeks, exclusive of tributaries, west of highway 99; Mill Creek, exclusive of its tributaries, and tidewater. Bag limit for steelhead is 2 per day, but not to exceed 4 in any 7 consecutive days or in possession; nor more than 20 per Year. Salmon not less than 20 inches: Open season January 1 to May 31 in same areas as winter steelhead season above except that it is permissible to fish for salmon in the South Umpqua below a deadline at Coffee Pot Side Camp; open season June 1 to July 31 in tidewater of Umpqua and Smith Rivers below highway 101 bridge near Reedsport; open season September 1 to December 31 in same area as under winter steelhead season above. Bag limit for salmon over 20 inches is 2 per day but not to exceed 4 in any 7 consecutive days or in possession, except during the January 1 to May 31 open season when bag limit is 1 per day, not to exceed 2 in any 7 days or in possession; nor more than 20 per year. Salmon fishing closed June 1 to August 31 all waters above highway 101 bridge. Open season for jack salmon under 20 inches will correspond to open seasons and areas for salmon over 20 inches and the bag limit will be 4 per day not to exceed 8 in any 7 days or in possession; nor more than 20 per year. Bag limits of salmon and steelhead over 20 inches must be counted in the aggregate. All Umpqua waters are closed to steelhead fishing from March 1 to April 30. FEBRUARY CALENDAR Species Open Salmon and Steelhead over 20" All month Jack Salmon under 20" All month Spiny-rayed Fish All month Mink, Muskrat, Otter, Raccoon. Feb. 1-15 Predatory Animals All month Note: For exceptions consult official. hunting or angling synopsis.
Oregon State Game Commission Bulletin 1634 S. W. ALDER STREET P. O. BOX 4136 PORTLAND 8, OREGON National Wildlife Restoration Week March-21-27 This Year National Wildlife Week this year begins with the first day of Spring, March 21st, and marks the start of the second decade of such observances sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation. The late Franklin Delano Roosevelt proclaimed in 1938 the first Wildlife Week. In his proclamation he appealed to the Nation's citizenship to recognize the importance of conservation and urged our people to work for the protection and preservation of "the denizens of field, forest and water." Wildlife Week is a part of the educational program of the Federation and seeks to bring home to Americans the need for soil, water and plant conservation. For several decades we have been digging deeper and farther into our storehouse of natural resources. Four billion tons of soil are being eroded away each year; our forests are being cut down fifty per cent faster each year than we grow them; our waters are getting more and more polluted and the drain on other resources is equally appalling. In order to carry on this work the National Wildlife Federation produces each year a sheet of Wildlife Conservation Stamps. This year the art work has been painted by Walter Weber, one of America's great wildlife artists. Mammals, birds, fish, trees and wild flowers make up the 36 Conservation Stamps in beautiful natural colors. In previous issues, the Federation has reproduced 376 different species of American wildlife, thus bringing the total of 412 a veritable pictorial encyclopedia of our out-door resources. The sheet sells for one dollar and may be obtained from the National Wildlife Federation, 3308 Fourteenth Street, N. W., Washington 10, D. C. The Federation has affiliates in 37 states and during Wildlife Week the state and local groups hold conservation meetings where the dramatic story of soil, water and plant life in its relationship to wildlife resources is told from the platform, through the press, and over the radio. Details relating to Wildlife Week activities may be obtained from David A. Aylward, President of the Federation, 20 Spruce Street, Boston 8, Mass. Sportsmen Take Creel Census urday afternoons and Sundays they probably represent no more than half of (Continued from Page 1) the angling that took place. The data ing close to Portland, are relatively also included a size break down of the heavily fished. This road junction is an catch from which valuable information ideal location to contact all anglers fishing these lakes. the lakes and the degree of success of was obtained on the fish populations of A sign calling the angler's attention to natural reproduction in them. the work and asking for his cooperation Of interest was the fact that on certain weekends anglers would proclaim was placed at the junction of the spur road and the main road through the area. one or another of the lakes barren of The Beaverton club arranged to have fish life, whereas perhaps on the next two of its members at this point each weekend this lake would furnish good weekend during the fishing season. Of fishing. The success ratio as expressed course no attempt at a 100 per cent creel in hours per trout for the season in these census could be made, but by contacting lakes was in most cases better than that all weekend anglers it was felt that representative data would be obtained. for such lakes as East and Paulina or Diamond Lakes. The members of the Beaverton Rod The table gives a summary of the data and Gun Club who donated much of their gathered during the season. A total of time to this project are to be commended 476 anglers were checked with 1569 for their concrete contribution to fisheries management in Oregon. trout. As these records are for just Sat- No. of Angling No. of Hours Trout Lake Anglers Hours Trout Per Trout Per Trip Serene 63 462 351 1.31 5.57 Hideaway 62 426 169 2.52 2.72 Shellrock 133 786 388 2.02 2.92 Upper Rock 33 170 79 2.15 2.39 Middle Rock 88 582 265 2.19 3.01 Lower Rock 13 62 2 31.00 0.15 Cripple Creek 45 444 315 1.41 7.00 Shining 36 121 0 Bear 3 54 0 Total 476 3107 1569 Highway Mortality of Game Loss of game by highway mortality is seldom considered or even thought of seriously by most people because it is so common as to be taken for granted. Probably more serious on upland game birds than on other game species, it is heavier during the late spring and summer months. This loss, while not a major factor, does contribute to the over-all problem of maintaining bird levels. The loss on the highway hits hardest on the female and immature birds, hence is reflected directly in the hunter's take. For example, if a hen is killed while escorting her brood of week-old chicks across the highway, the actual loss is much greater than just the one bird killed outright, as the young chicks perish soon after the death of the hen. Like adverse weather conditions, the roadside loss is something that little if anything can be done about. It is up to the motorist to slacken his speed to avoid killing game on the highways and with improved vehicles and roads our loss from this source can increase from year to year. Listed below is the number of game birds observed on the highway from Eugene to McMinnville from May until November, 1947. Cock Pheasants 4 Hen Pheasants 25 Immature Pheasants 74 Total Pheasants 103 Bob-White Quail 1 Valley Quail 3 Total Quail 4