Bass limit, Diamond Lake fishing to be discussed at meeting

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife are holding a meeting in Salem on August 3, and Douglas County residents might be interested in participating.

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will get its first look at the proposed 2013 sport fishing regulations, including a proposal to change the smallmouth bass limit in the Umpqua River Basin.

ODFW staff will present a proposal that would increase the daily bag limit for smallmouth bass from 10 to 15.

According to Laura Jackson, ODFW district biologist, the bigger bag limit would help increase the harvest opportunity for non-native bass in the Umpqua River Basin while still recognizing its status as a regulated game species.

The Commission also will hear a proposal to open Diamond Lake to year-round fishing.

The Commission will adopt the final 2013 Sport Fishing regulations at its Sept. 7 meeting in Hermiston.

Anglers can comment on these and other regulation proposals through e-mail, or by testifying before the Commission when it meets in Salem on Aug. 3.

A complete meeting agenda, including all proposed changes to the sport fishing regulations, will be posted on the ODFW Webpage at least one week prior to the meeting.