No, you cannot keep sturgeon caught in the Willamette River. All sturgeon must be immediately released back into the water.
Understanding Sturgeon Regulations on the Willamette River
Fishing for sturgeon in the Willamette Zone of Oregon is managed under strict catch-and-release guidelines to protect these important fish populations. Anglers must adhere to specific rules designed to ensure the survival and health of sturgeon after they are caught.
Key regulations regarding sturgeon in the Willamette River include:
- Catch-and-Release Only: Unless explicitly stated otherwise as an exception, all sturgeon caught in the Willamette Zone must be immediately released.
- No Retention of Green Sturgeon: It is specifically prohibited to retain green sturgeon, emphasizing their protected status.
- Immediate and Unharmed Release: All sturgeon, regardless of species or size, must be released unharmed back into the water as quickly as possible.
- Handling Large Sturgeon: Sturgeon measuring over 54 inches in fork length cannot be removed, either totally or in part, from the water. This regulation is crucial for protecting larger, mature breeding fish and minimizing stress during release.
Summary of Willamette Sturgeon Regulations
| Regulation Aspect | Rule for Sturgeon on the Willamette River |
|---|---|
| Retention | Not permitted; all sturgeon are catch-and-release only. |
| Green Sturgeon | Retention is strictly closed. |
| Release Protocol | Must be immediately released unharmed into the water. |
| Handling Large Fish | Sturgeon over 54 inches fork length cannot be removed from the water. |
Adherence to these regulations is vital for the conservation of sturgeon and to ensure sustainable fishing practices in the Willamette River.
