ODFW is reducing emergency Chinook fishing restrictions on portions of the Yaquina and Alsea Rivers beginning Saturday, Nov. 17, after additional spawning surveys observed an increase in the numbers of fish in these rivers.

On the Yaquina River, about six additional miles of the river will reopen. Chinook fishing will be open from the mouth to the Elk City boat ramp from Nov. 17-Dec. 31. (The former boundary under emergency regulations was the Cannon Quarry Boat Ramp.)

On the Alsea, about 14 additional miles of river will open. Chinook fishing will be open from the mouth to the Five Rivers Bridge from Nov. 17-Dec. 31.  (The former boundary under emergency regulations was the Highway 34 Bridge below Taylors Landing.)

The Chinook bag limit for all waterbodies in the NW Zone, including the Yaquina and Alsea Rivers, remains 1 chinook per day and 3 for the season between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31.

ODFW announced emergency Chinook fishing restrictions in the Northwest Zone on Oct. 26 to protect low fall Chinook returns. Since that announcement, portions of the Siletz River and now the Yaquina and Alsea rivers are reopening due to an improving outlook for Chinook in those areas. ODFW staff continue to monitor returns in coastal rivers and will continue to evaluate fishery regulations as new information becomes available. 

For the latest on Northwest Zone fishing regulations and opportunities see https://myodfw.com/recreation-report/fishing-report/northwest-zone