Diamond Whitetail Hunter Call of the Wild: New Developments in Boater Access and Harvest Tags

As we approach the new year, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has announced several changes to boater access and harvest tags for anglers. One of the most significant updates is the introduction of a new validation and harvest tag for winter steelhead in certain areas.

Starting January 1st, all winter steelhead anglers in the Rogue Basin, which includes the Applegate and Illinois Rivers, as well as the south coast, will need to obtain a Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation. This new tag is designed to provide more accurate harvest information and close annual harvest loopholes on certain daily licenses.

In addition to this new validation, anglers will also be required to purchase a harvest tag for wild winter steelhead in these areas. The ODFW has announced that the Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation and Harvest Tag will go on sale online or at license vendors beginning January 1st.

The new validations are part of an effort by the ODFW to improve boater access and provide more accurate harvest information. While some waterbodies may be closed for the season or inaccessible due to snow and bad roads, others offer limited fishing opportunities during the winter months.

For those who love ice fishing, the Minnesota DNR has developed guidelines for ice thickness and other safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Anglers are reminded to use the 'buddy system,' wear a PFD in case of thin ice, carry a throw-rope, and use a heavy metal staff to check for thin-ice.

Meanwhile, on the mainstem Umpqua River, there have been reports of steelhead being caught in the upper reaches between River Forks and Umpqua boat launches. The forecast is calling for rising river levels in the Applegate River, which could lead to more steelhead activity.

Ice fishing has also been hot on Fish Lake, with good catches of rainbow trout and hatchery spring Chinook reported. Additionally, recent sampling at Garrison Lake found good numbers of holdover trophy trout and some larger cutthroat trout.

For those looking to target steelhead in the Chetco River, March can be a great time to do so, but it's essential to keep an eye on river flows and hit the water as they're falling.

Stay tuned for more updates from the ODFW on boater access and harvest tags, as well as fishing reports and stocking schedules. You can check out the 2023 trout stocking schedule and maps to find nearby fishing locations, driving directions, and descriptions of amenities.

Diamond whitetail hunter call of the wild