MY LETTER TO ODFW COMMISSION ON REGULATION CHANGES ON THE DESCHUTES RIVER

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Re:  Proposed Changes to Regulations on the Size of Fish that can be kept on the Lower Deschutes River

My name is Brian Silvey and I have been a professional guide and outfitter on the Deschutes River for 30+ years.  I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed changes in ‘catch and keep’ Regulations. 

The Lower Deschutes river trout population below Shears Falls has improved over the years due to protection of the slot limit of 10-13 inch and stream work. Promoting the harvest of 8 inch minimum length will drain already stressed resources, including the unintentional killing of juvenile steelhead that are also about that size as they head to the ocean in the spring and intentionally destroy generations of preservation and enhancement efforts.  We need to keep protecting these fish and improve the regulations in a way to ensure they survive for many generations to come. The Deschutes is one of the best trout fisheries we have in the state of Oregon, we should be protecting these fish, not harvesting them. 

In my professional and personal opinion the Deschutes River should be a CATCH and RELEASE river, which would simplify the Regulations and promote a stronger Steelhead and Trout fishery, thus increase revenue for the ODFW and the State. One of Oregon’s top license sellers for trout and steelhead fishing during the summer, if you want more License Sales protect the Lower Deschutes by making it CATCH AND RELEASE.

People travel from all over the world to experience the unique Wild Trout and Steelhead fisheries on the Deschutes River.  We should be protecting this incredible resource, not intentionally destroying it.

THANK YOU

BRIAN SILVEY

IF you love the Deschutes like I do please write to ODFW Commisson and tell them to protect the Deschutes.

Send email to : odfw.commission@state.or.us