On March 27, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife opened a one-day fishery for smelt along the lower Sandy River near Troutdale, attracting hundreds eager to dip the returning fish. However, the excitement was dampened by reports of individuals attempting to illegally exceed their designated catch limits. This situation underscored challenges in regulating the fishery and ensuring sustainable practices amid the high demand for the rare opportunity to catch smelt, which were returning to the river after their migratory journey.
While the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife opened a one-day fishery for dippers to catch smelt, some individuals disregarded regulations and attempted to exceed their catch limits.
Despite the excitement surrounding the brief return of smelt, multiple instances of illegal overfishing were reported, highlighting compliance issues within the community during this rare opportunity.
The return of the smelt to the Sandy River drew hundreds of dippers keen to participate, but it also brought challenges in enforcing catch limits amid the high demand.
The one-day fishery was a carefully measured response by wildlife officials, designed to allow recreational fishing while managing the population sustainably.
#smelt-fishery #sandy-river #oregon-department-of-fish-and-wildlife #illegal-fishing #sustainable-fishing
Collection
[
|
...
]