6 days Ago By Bill Monroe
Ocean anglers will begin 2025 with a reduced bag limit on black rockfish, the most abundant groundfish species. From Jan. 1 through June 30, anglers will be allowed four groundfish total per day (it has been five this year), which can include only one canary rockfish.
The decision came Friday as the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission met in Salem. The daily limit returns to five groundfish on July 1 for the most popular fishing time of the year as Oregonians and visitors take advantage of better weather and ocean conditions. The daily limit for lingcod remains unchanged at two.
Groundfish are managed by both state and federal biologists, and a 2023 study found numbers were declining enough to warrant reduced quotas for both sport and commercial fishing. Commercial fishing also faces cutbacks in 2025. Fortunately, however, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has conducted enough research to stem a demand for more draconian cutbacks in 2025.
The department is seeking additional funding beginning in 2026 specifically aimed at continuing and expanding its studies. Not so merry: Local Fish and Wildlife Department offices report a troubling unusual uptick in entanglements of wildlife — mostly deer — in holiday yard decorations, among other things. “Holiday lights are particularly problematic, along with hammocks, dog lines, tomato cages, and volleyball or soccer nets,” reads a recent department news release .
“Decorations hung from trees or decks can also pose a threat if they are within reach of bucks. “While it can be amusing to see a deer running around with lights in its antlers, entanglements can have serious consequences for deer,” said Mikayla Bivona, ODFW assistant wildlife biologist in Prineville. “Entanglements can obstruct their vision, hinder their ability to eat and drink, and even restrict their breathing.
“By keeping your yard deer friendly, you can reduce the number of entanglements as well as the number of calls to our offices to untangle deer. It’s not always possible to capture these deer, so prevention is key.” It’s not a good idea to attempt to free a wild animal by yourself.
Call a local department office or an Oregon State Police wildlife enforcement officer. More merry than coal: 2025 fishing and hunting licenses are ready to purchase for Oregon’s Santa elves to stuff into stockings as a nice surprise for not-naughty outdoor lovers. It’s easy to do, either at a license agent or online.
An agent can lead you through the process, or check out the Fish and Wildlife Department’s instructions online at https://myodfw.com/articles/gift-outdoors . Washington’s Christmas clamming: Razor clam diggers are halfway through authorized seasons on southwest Washington beaches until Dec.
18. Additional tentative digs are pending approval beginning Dec. 28 through the new year, then more possible digs in January’s two low-tide series.
Find information online in the department’s “newsroom,” linked from the top of its homepage. Oregon’s best razor clam digging is open seven days (and nights) a week on Clatsop County beaches. -- Bill Monroe for The Oregonian/OregonLive.
