LA GRANDE, Ore. Dry conditions in Eastern Oregon, and declining water levels in Thief Valley Reservoir, have prompted local fish biologists to lift daily catch limits on the reservoir starting Friday, Sept. 7.
Thief Valley Reservoir on the Powder River near Baker City is expected to reach dead storage level this week when the remaining irrigation storage water is drained. ODFW biologist Tim Bailey said he expects significant fish die-off when the reservoir is drained.
When the water level drops, large numbers of trout and some warm water game fish get trapped in isolated pools, he said. Most fish will be stressed in the warm, turbid water and die.
From Sept. 7 to Oct. 31, 2012 the reservoir will be open to fishing for all game species under the following temporary regulations:
No daily catch or possession limits
No size limits
Harvest is allowed by hand, dip net or fishing
Thief Valley Reservoir on the Powder River near Baker City is expected to reach dead storage level this week when the remaining irrigation storage water is drained. ODFW biologist Tim Bailey said he expects significant fish die-off when the reservoir is drained.
When the water level drops, large numbers of trout and some warm water game fish get trapped in isolated pools, he said. Most fish will be stressed in the warm, turbid water and die.
From Sept. 7 to Oct. 31, 2012 the reservoir will be open to fishing for all game species under the following temporary regulations:
No daily catch or possession limits
No size limits
Harvest is allowed by hand, dip net or fishing
