Fish are slowing down with the cold. Despite the loss of winter steelhead smolts in 2020, anglers are still having some success in the Umpqua. Winter steelhead are being caught by anglers higher in the watershed. 

Spring Chinook season has officially started and runs until June 30. Wild spring Chinook may be harvested this year with a bag limit of 1 per day and 5 total from the mainstem Umpqua. This is in aggregate with the North Umpqua limit of wild Chinook of ten total Chinook per season. Anglers may still retain two adults per day, but only one may be wild (unclipped).

Anglers are encouraged to submit steelhead snouts in barrels stationed at many boat ramps throughout the Umpqua drainage, or at the ODFW office in Roseburg. These snouts are being used in a study to optimize angling opportunities while maintaining a healthy fishery. Anglers who submit snouts may be entered into monthly drawings for gift cards to Sportsman’s Warehouse. Email Levi.m.simmons@odfw.oregon.gov for more information on the program and locations of collection barrels.