Department of Fish and Wildlife
Chapter 635
Division 1
ADMINISTRATION
635-001-0116
Game Fish Tournaments
In accordance with ORS 498.286 (2), when a prize is offered that exceeds $1,000 for the amount, quality, size, weight or other physical characteristic of a game fish taken, other than black bass or walleye, the following restrictions apply:
(1) A permit from ODFW is required. Sponsors must apply for permits at least 60 days prior to the event. Permits must be in possession of the sponsor or a designated representative at the tournament location, and must be shown to OSP or ODFW representatives on request. ODFW shall set permit conditions after consideration of the condition of the resource and social impacts.
(2) Permit applications shall be accepted beginning November 1 of the year prior to the event. No more than one event on any water body shall be authorized on any single date, and no more than two tournaments shall be authorized on any single water body in any 14 days.
(3) The fee for a Game Fish Tournament Permit is $121.50. No license agent fee is required.
(4) All current angling regulations apply and shall not be altered to accommodate any tournament. In addition, special permit conditions such as reduced bag limits may be applied in order to protect affected fish stocks.
(5) Catch and release is permitted, provided fish are released unharmed.
(6) Tournament sponsors are responsible for identifying non-profit outlets for any unwanted fish which result from the tournament.
(7) Tournament sponsors are responsible for meeting all other state and local requirements for such things as special use permits, etc.
Statutory/Other Authority: SB 247 (2015), ORS 496.118, ORS 496.138, ORS 496.146 & ORS 497.071
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 497.071 & ORS 498.279
History:
DFW 165-2019, amend filed 10/29/2019, effective 12/01/2019
DFW 147-2017, amend filed 11/29/2017, effective 12/01/2017
DFW 139-2015, f. 10-14-15, cert. ef. 1-1-16
DFW 90-1998, f. & cert. ef. 11-25-98