Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife

2022 Free Fishing Days

February 19-20, June 4-5, and November 25-26

Introduce a friend, child, co-worker or family member to fishing during Oregon’s free fishing days. ODFW offers Oregon residents and visitors the opportunity to explore and experience fishing, crabbing or clamming without the need for a license or tags. For more information visit the ODFW website, myodfw.com.

Lead Fishing Tackle: The Health Risks May Be Heavier Than You Think

What are the risks?

Lead is toxic to both children and adults, and can affect almost every organ and system in your body. You can be exposed to lead or lead fumes while making your own fishing weights, or by inappropriately handling pre-made weights.

Tips for anglers

Children are especially vulnerable, but adults should take precautions as well.

• Use non-lead fishing weights where possible.
• Never throw old fishing gear into the water or discard along shore.
• Don’t put split shot in your mouth or bite down on split shot —use pliers.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling lead sinkers or cleaning out your tackle box.
• Take special precautions when making lead sinkers or jigs.
• Spread the word. Encourage other anglers to switch to lead free sinkers and jigs. Talk with your favorite retailer and ask them to stock non-lead fishing tackle.
• If you’re making your own fishing weights, never melt lead inside your home, always work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator mask, and be sure to wash your body and clothes after working with lead.

Lead-free alternatives

Non-lead fishing tackle is not just a novelty product. There are several alternative materials available — tin, steel, bismuth, brass and tungsten. Ask for it at retailers and stores. Or search the internet for on-line sources.

Fishing lead and the environment

While the impact of lead hunting ammunition on the environment and wildlife has been documented, the impact of lead tackle on fish or fish predators is less clear. However, lead is toxic to almost all organisms and has no biological benefit in any amount. So a cautious approach is to Get the Lead Out.

To learn more about the impact of lead exposure on human health go to: https://public.health.oregon.gov/HealthyEnvironments/HealthyNeighborhoods/LeadPoisoning/Pages/index.aspx

Is Your Paddlecraft 10 Feet or Longer?

You need a Waterway Access Permit! (Replaces the Aquatic Invasive Species permit)

• One permit per non-motorized boat while in use. Permits are transferrable.
• Required for all non-motorized boats (inc. drift, rafts, SUPs, inflatables, etc.) 10 feet or longer.
• $5 weekly (valid for 7-days from the date of purchase), $17 annual, $30 two-year (plus $2 ODFW agent fee). Two year permit is valid from date of purchase in the current year to the end of the following year.
• Purchase where hunting/fishing licenses are sold, ODFW’s e-Licensing System or the Oregon Marine Board website’s online store at www.boatoregon.com.
• The Waterway Access Permit revenue helps fund paddling access and inspection stations.

Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit:

• Non-resident trailered motorboats are required to purchase an Aquatic Invasive Species Permit, regardless of boat size ($20 permit plus $2 agent fee, valid for one calendar year).

ALL BOATS, regardless of propulsion, are required to stop at invasive species inspection stations when stations are open. Failure to stop could result in a $110 fine. All boats are also required to “pull the plug” to allow water compartments to drain during transit.

The Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program was established by the Oregon Legislature in an effort to keep Oregon’s lakes, rivers and streams free of destructive species like quagga mussels.

See https://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/invasive_species.asp for more information.

Seeking Volunteers With Rv’s To Host For Odfw

Do you have a RV and are interested in fish and wildlife? We may have the volunteer opportunity you have been looking for.

ODFW has 45 sites at fish hatcheries, wildlife areas and district offices throughout the state. Volunteers can choose to help protect and enhance fish and wildlife in unique locations along the coast, in the mountain ranges and valleys, or on the high desert.

No two sites are the same and duties may vary for location and season. Here is a sampling of the duties:

• Landscaping, gardening and grounds maintenance
• Fish culture – spawning, feeding, releasing fish
• Carpentry, painting and other maintenance projects
• Clerical work – computer data entry, filing and phones
• Farming to benefit wildlife, assisting at check stations
• Public outreach – greeting visitors, leading tours
• Placing nest boxes, banding ducks and geese
• Assisting disabled anglers, helping with public events

Apply today and help us protect and enhance Oregon's fish, wildlife, and their habitats.

For information and application visit:

www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/volunteer/host_program.asp

Contact:

Donna Schultz, Volunteer Host Coordinator

[email protected]

541.757.5255

Removing Sodium Sulfite from Cured Eggs

Cured fish eggs have been a popular salmon and steelhead bait for decades. However, a recent study by ODFW and OSU has shown that a common ingredient in some cures — sodium sulfite — can be toxic at some levels when consumed by juvenile salmon and steelhead.

Thanks to the work of the Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association and the egg cure manufacturers, guidelines have been developed for cured egg recipes that reduce sodium sulfites to levels that are much safer for juvenile fish. Many manufacturers are now selling these new formulations.

If you’re making your own cure, we urge you to avoid using sodium sulfite. Borax is a good alternative that does not appear to cause mortality in juvenile salmon.

If you’re buying commercially cured eggs:

• choose products that are labeled Meets Oregon Guidelines and carefully follow label instructions
• don’t add additional sodium sulfite to already cured eggs
• don’t dump unused eggs in the river where they can be eaten by juvenile fish
• consider the use of net bags to reduce the likelihood of juvenile salmon consuming the eggs.

The effect of sodium sulfite on salmon and steelhead populations has not been determined. However, reducing sodium sulfite from cured eggs is a small step that individual anglers can take to help reduce salmon and steelhead smolt mortality.

For more information and a complete list of certified products that meet Oregon guidelines go to dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/cured_eggs.asp