OAR 635-500-1230. Warmwater Game Fish

(1) The following operating principle applies to the Main Stem Willamette Subbasin: Management proposals that initiate or expand hatchery programs for warmwater game fish or that alter the distribution of warmwater game fish shall be reviewed and evaluated for potential effects on indigenous species. (2) In accordance with this operating principle, it is the objective of the Department to: (a) Maintain populations of warmwater game fishes; (b) Implement an evaluation of introducing channel catfish into the mainstem Willamette River and carry out the introduction if the evaluation is positive; (c) Implement an evaluation of quality management of largemouth bass to provide angling diversity in selected mainstem Willamette River sloughs; (d) Provide a diversity of warmwater angling opportunities for other species and in remaining reaches of the Willamette through basic yield management; (e) Increase public awareness of warmwater angling opportunities in the subbasins; (f) Work with the Health Division and Department of Environmental Quality on the issue of possible contamination of warmwater fishes in the lower Willamette River adjacent to sites of discharge of hazardous wastes.