OAR 635-500-0315: Malheur River and North Fork Main Stem Reservoirs to Namorf Dam

(1) The following operating principles apply to the Malheur River and North Fork Main Stem Reservoirs to Namorf Dam: (a) The mainstem Malheur River between Warm Springs Reservoir and Namorf Dam shall be managed for natural production of smallmouth bass consistent with the Natural Production Policy and a maximum of 120,000 hatchery trout stocked per year; (b) The North Fork Malheur River downstream from Beulah Reservoir and Willow Creek between Malheur Reservoir and RM 30 shall be managed for hatchery trout; (c) Management of trout and smallmouth bass on the mainstem Malheur River between Warm Springs Reservoir and Namorf Dam and hatchery trout on the North Fork Malheur River downstream from Beulah Reservoir and Willow Creek between Malheur River and RM 30 shall be guided by the statewide Trout Plan and the Warmwater Fish Plan, respectively, under the basic yield alternative. (2) In accordance with these operating principles, it is the objective of the Department to: (a) Provide a consumptive trout fishery in the mainstem Malheur River between Warm Springs Reservoir and Namorf Dam, in the North Fork Malheur River below Beulah Reservoir, and in Willow Creek between Malheur Reservoir and RM 30; (b) Establish a smallmouth bass fishery in the mainstem Malheur River below Gold Creek.