GOLD BEACH, Ore. – State wildlife officials extended fishing gear restrictions on the Chetco and Winchuck rivers through Dec. 31 because of low water levels.
According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, anglers can only use bobber fishing or fly fishing with a strike indicator in both rivers until the end of the month. The Chetco restriction runs from River Mile 2.2 to Nook Creek, and the Winchuck restriction goes from the mouth to Wheeler Creek.
Gear restrictions normally run from Sept. 1 through Nov. 3 each year based on typical water flows. This year is different, with unusually low flows and no major rain in the forecast, similar to what happened in 2022. ODFW said it will lift the restriction once flows increase and stay high enough for Chinook salmon to spread throughout the river.
The extended restriction lets anglers keep fishing for salmon while cutting down on snagging and poaching. Low water levels force fish to stay in the lower parts of the rivers, making them easy targets for illegal fishing methods.
ODFW biologists are already seeing strong numbers of Chinook returning to the Chetco. Officials said keeping fishing open is important, and this is a good time to catch returning hatchery fish.
Anglers can keep one adult wild Chinook salmon per day, with a season limit of five adult wild Chinook.