Support Changes to Metolius River Fishing Regulations for 2019

Here is an issue near and dear to my heart. It’s a proposal to change the Metolius River to fly fishing only. After reading the following information, I hope you will support changes to Metolius River fishing regulations for 2019.

This picture was taken in early 2018 by Senior Trooper Scott Sogge of the Oregon State Police of 16 illegally poached Bull Trout on the Metolius.

My wife and I have been on the lower river and found empty bait containers as well as guts from fish cleaned in the river. One year I encountered a fisherman with a bucket that had a large dead fish in it. He had a big knife strapped to his leg, but I politely told him the Metolius River was catch and release, even below Bridge 99 (Lower Bridge) and wanted to save him an expensive ticket. I don’t think he cared.

Or the time when I was fishing the Dolly Hole and someone walked downriver with the end of a spinning rod tucked into their coat.

Or the time when I was fishing the Big Eddy across from Allen Springs campground and a couple of younger adults, who had walked through the snow because the roads were closed, were fishing plugs. At least he left when I yelled out to him.

We are fortunate to have a strong population of Bull Trout in the cold, clear waters of the Metolius and are able to fish for them. In many rivers, these fish are protected and can’t be targeted.

Chris Foster, who lives in Lake Oswego and has been an Angler Education Volunteer Instructor with ODFW for 32 years, made a brief presentation to our Central Oregon Flyfishers club in May about his attempt to change the Metolius River fishing regulations. I applaud him for his effort and thank him to highlight the ongoing issue and his commitment for change.

Chris’ proposal is circulating for the following changes:

• Fly fishing only
• Catch and release of all species
• Eliminate Non-toxic weight
• No bait allowed
• Single, barbless hooks (no treble hooks)

Here is his list of suggested changes for the 2019 Metolius River fishing regulations.

Senior Trooper Sogge is asking for help to make enforcement much easier for them. Just change the entire river to fly fishing only. He believes this change will make a major impact on some bad apples who spin fish this river. He states poaching is an ongoing issue for them.

Here is a sample letter to the ODFW Commissioners you could use to make your voice heard.

And one last change I would like to see in the regulations:

• No fishing from a floating device

With the proliferation of floating devices in Central Oregon, I think it’s only a matter of time before someone launches a pontoon boat (or similar device) and anchors in the middle of the river and begins fishing. The Metolius River is too fragile to allow this type of fishing.

So please help spread the word to change the fishing regulations in 2019.

Make your voice heard to some of the following:

The Metolius River was designated a Wild and Scenic river in 1996 and all stocking ended that year. It’s a special place. A tough river to catch fish at times, but it can be done. It takes patience and observation.

Thanks…go fish!