CENTRAL POINT, Ore – All angling in the Illinois River between $8 Bridge/Green Bridge and Pomeroy Dam is closed October 1 – November 30 to address public concern over illegal snagging of wild fall Chinook salmon.

Chinook reach the Illinois Valley in October and November when the river is often at low flow, making these fish visible and susceptible to illegal snagging. River flow has been tracking much lower than normal in late summer and early fall since 2015.

ODFW anticipates this closure to become a permanent rule change for 2021. Input will be taken at a public meeting next year to discuss proposed angling regulations. The meeting will be announced at a later date.