The Oregon State Marine Board approved new rules for boat operations on the Upper Rogue River during its quarterly meeting last week and the new rules go into effect tomorrow, February 1st.
The rules approved January 23rd state that motorized boats over 15 horsepower cannot be used above Dodge Bridge County Park on the main stem of the Rogue between Fishers Ferry County Park and Lost Creek Dam.
Charter boats cannot operate upstream of the Table Rock Road Bridge and they may only operate between Table Rock Road Bridge and Fishers Ferry County Park between May 8th and September 10th.
The rules include a recommendation from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to restrict a motor over 15 horsepower during low water flows to protect spring Chinook salmon.
Temporary signs are being installed today at several boating access sites including Fishers Ferry County Park, TouVelle State Park, Dodge Bridge County Park, Takelma County Park, Upper Rogue Regional County Park, Rogue Elk County Park, Casey County Park and McGregor Park Boat Ramp.
Permanent signs with graphics outlining specific rule segments on the river are in development and will replace the temporary signs by this spring.
The Marine Board will ramp up education and outreach efforts during the first year of rule implementation. The board will review the new rules after one year.
