Oregon Protected Fish and Shellfish
Species Oregon closes outright, with the booklet text.
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Fish and shellfish Oregon closes or protects
Some Oregon species may not be kept at all, or only on a few waters ODFW names. The rules below are quoted from the 2026 booklet with their zone and booklet page.
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| Species | Rule as printed | Zone | Booklet PDF page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green sturgeon | Closed to the retention of white and green sturgeon. | Northwest | 28 |
| Eulachon smelt | Unless specifically authorized under emergency rules, it is unlawful to take or attempt to take Eulachon smelt in inland waters, including bays, rivers, estuaries, and streams. | Northwest | 28 |
| Bull trout | Closed to angling for bull trout. | Willamette | 44 |
| Protected nongame fish of the Southeast Zone | Closed to take and possession of Borax Lake Chub, Hutton Spring Tui Chub, Alvord Lake Chub, Pit Sculpin, Foskett Spring Speckled Dace, Malheur Mottled Sculpin, Northern (Pit) Roach, Lahontan Redside Shiner, Sheldon Tui Chub, Oregon Lakes Tui Chub, Goose Lake Tui Chub, Tahoe Sucker, Warner Sucker Ang. | Southeast | 64 |
| Yelloweye and quillback rockfish | Retention of yelloweye and quillback rockfishes is prohibited. | Marine | 83 |
| Native oysters, abalones and sea stars | No harvest allowed. Take of native oysters is prohibited. All cultured oysters are private property and may not be taken without the owner's consent. | Marine | 84 |
Limits as printed in the 2026 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations (ODFW, eRegulations edition) (eRegulations), read November 2, 2026.
Where Oregon bull trout may be fished
ODFW closes bull trout angling except on waters it lists under Exceptions. The bull trout page lists those waters with the rule as printed.
Shorelines pictured alongside Oregon Protected Fish and Shellfish
Photo: Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Bonnie Moreland, Public domain
Oregon protected species questions
Is green sturgeon retention allowed anywhere in Oregon?
No; the zone rows close retention of green sturgeon.
Can I fish for bull trout?
Only on waters ODFW lists under Exceptions; elsewhere bull trout angling is closed.
Can I take eulachon smelt?
No; taking eulachon in inland waters is unlawful unless an emergency rule allows it.
Are yelloweye rockfish legal to keep?
No; yelloweye and quillback rockfish may not be kept.
Can I collect native oysters or sea stars?
No; native oysters, abalones and sea stars are closed.
What are the protected nongame fish of the Southeast Zone?
Native fish ODFW lists by name in the Southeast Zone table; they may not be taken.
What should I do if I hook one?
Release it at once, with the least handling possible.
Which booklet are these protections quoted from?
The 2026 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, with the booklet page shown.