OAR 635-500-1820: Metolius River and Tributaries

(1) The following policies apply for fish management in the Metolius River and its tributaries: (a) Indigenous redband trout, kokanee salmon, mountain whitefish, and introduced brown and brook trout shall be managed for natural production consistent with Wild Fish Management Alternative for trout; (b) No hatchery fish shall be stocked in the Metolius River and tributaries; (c) Provide a fishery for hatchery rainbow trout in an off-channel pond. (2) The following objectives apply for fish management, habitat, and public access in the Metolius River and its tributaries: (a) Maximize protection of genetic diversity, adaptiveness, and abundance of redband trout, kokanee, and mountain whitefish in the Metolius River and tributaries; (b) Provide angling opportunities for a diverse fishery on naturally produced redband trout, brook trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, and mountain whitefish; (c) Develop a site and provide an opportunity for juveniles to angle for trout on a standing water body in the vicinity of Camp Sherman; (d) Provide angling opportunities; (e) Develop subbasin specific knowledge that integrates fish distribution and abundance information, habitat characteristics, habitat restoration opportunities, and sensitive watershed areas into the Department's Habitat Database system; (f) Protect, enhance, and restore wild fish habitat in the Metolius River Basin; (g) Maintain bank angler access to the Metolius River; (h) Develop an education project in the Metolius Basin to inform the public about the benefits of natural ecosystem restoration and enhancement, including fish and habitat management.