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Continued strong returns of hatchery spring chinook have prompted the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to extend the fishing season at the “Hatchery Hole” on the Trask River through July 31.

The Hatchery Hole is a popular section of the Trask River located 200 feet above and 900 feet below its confluence with Gold Creek, approximately six miles southeast of Tillamook. This area was scheduled to close to fishing at the end of June. However, ODFW recommended extending the season because biologists are now confident that sufficient hatchery spring chinook will be available to meet the Trask Hatchery’s brood stock needs for the year.

“Angling for spring chinook in the Trask River has been good.” said Chris Knutsen, district fish biologist for ODFW’s North Coast Watershed. “Fish are now holding in the deeper holes such as the Hatchery Hole and we want to give anglers this additional opportunity.”

Another reason for extending the season is to celebrate what appears to be the success of an anti-snagging rule that was implemented June 1 in this section of the Trask River. Under the anti-snagging rule, anglers are now required to use either fly fishing or bobber angling gear.

“This new rule has greatly decreased the incidence of illegal snagging and provided a successful fishery for these prized hatchery fish,” said Knutsen. The gear restrictions will remain in effect through July.

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