Oregon has closed fishing on the lowest reach of Eagle Creek in the Clackamas basin from October 2 through December 31 to protect threatened coho salmon during low water conditions.
The closure extends from the creek's mouth upstream to the SE Dowty Road bridge. As flows in Eagle Creek dropped during drought, coho salmon concentrated in the area, making them vulnerable to illegal snagging and prompting daily calls to Oregon State Police and numerous citations.
Coho salmon in the system are listed as threatened under both state and federal Endangered Species Acts and are economically, culturally, and ecologically important to Oregon. The closure gives the fish a protected resting area amid ongoing water stress.
Residents who know of or suspect crimes against fish, wildlife or habitat can report suspected poaching to the Turn In Poachers (TIP) Line at 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone, or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reporting parties can remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward or hunter preference points if a tip leads to an arrest or citation.