Boating and Fishing

Boating & Fishing
Read the Oregon Boater's Handbook by the Oregon State Marine Board, www.boatoregon.com; Oregon fishing regulations by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing; and the boat launch signs.

2009 Oregon Legislative Session
Invasive Species-Related Bills of interest

House Bill 2583 - prohibits a person from launching a boat into waters of the state if there were any visible aquatic species on the hull, trailer or other related equipment, or any invasive species inside the boat.

House Bill 571 - Increases penalty for releasing or attempting to release live fish into body of water without permit to maximum of five years imprisonment, $125,000 fine, or both. Requires State Fish and Wildlife Commission to revoke all angling licenses and tags of person convicted of releasing or attempting to release live fish into body of water without permit. Allows commission to institute suit for recovery of damages for control or eradication of live fish released into body of water without permit.

House Bill 2220 - cannot operate a manually propelled boat or motorboat more than 10 feet in length without first obtaining an aquatic invasive species prevention permit. This bill also establishes an Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund administered by the Oregon Marine Board to prevent and control aquatic invasive species.

The Izaak Walton League has launched a Clean Boats Campaign to teach boaters how they can help to stop the spread of invasive species by properly cleaning their equipment between outings. Visit the campaign's Web site, www.cleanboats.org. For information about watercraft wash stations click here and the future of watercraft and the environment click here.

Boating

Boat launch sites:
1. East Devils Lake State Park, off East Devils Lake Road, south end of the lake
2. Holmes Road Park, off West Devils Lake Road & NE Holmes Road
3. Regatta Park, off West Devils Lake Road & NE 14th

Fish &
Fishing

Devils Lake is stocked with rainbow trout (6,500 at a time).
It is important not to confuse them with coho salmon smolt. It is against the law to keep coho salmon or grass carp caught in Devils Lake.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
dfw.state.or.us/

Stop the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

Invasive species

STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS!
protectyourwaters.net

It's Time to Come Clean
Oregon State Marine Board
boatoregon.com

Invasive Species -
Why Should I Care?
(BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety & Clean Water)
boatus.com

Play Safe
Wear a lifejacket in or near the water and boats, and on or near docks around Devils Lake, especially if you do not swim. A lifeguard is not on duty at the swimming areas around Devils Lake. download pdf
Parents should have their kids wear approved lifejackets or swimsuits with approved floating features built into the design, especially if the child does not know how to swim. Take swimming lessons at the Lincoln City Community Center
Oregon State Marine Board cautions boaters towing pull toys.

• The Blue Heron Landing at the north end of Devils Lake has boat rentals, bumper boats, moorage and marina.
• West Devils Lake State Park has guided kayak tours during the summer. See www.oregonstateparks.org/park_216.php. In the State Parks website click on "See more photos" to view the panoramas. The panoramas take time to load but are worth the wait.
• In October the American Power Boat Association offers the Rocky Stone Memorial Race. Power boat speed records are set on Devils Lake.
• In June around Father's Day a fishing tournament is held.

Boating and fishing websites:
• Oregon State Marine Board www.boatoregon.com
     "Life Jackets & Water: A Mix For Life" brochure is available from the Marine Board.
     To download brochures and information www.boatoregon.com/Library/index.html
• Take Me Fishing www.takemefishing.org/
• Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation www.rbff.org/
"According to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, kids spend an average of 44 hours a week with TV, computers and video games. For parents looking to give their kids an alternative activity the entire family can enjoy, RBFF suggests a day of fishing and boating. RBFF research shows that fishing can help connect kids with nature and improve family communication.
   Not only is fishing good for families, but participation is critical to maintaining healthy and productive aquatic environments. The money generated from fishing licenses and special taxes on fishing equipment and motorboat fuel funds approximately 83 percent of state fisheries’ management budgets. These funds ensure that fishery resources are well-managed, accessible and conserved for future generations to enjoy."
• Whatever your watercraft - have fun, but play it safe.
www.boatescape.com/singleWater.asp?ID=11

Best Management Practices for boats, boathouses and marinas - download pdf

Canoeing / Fishing / Jet Skiing / Kayaking / Paddling / Party Boating / Power Boating / Rowing / Sailing / Water skiing / Wind Surfing

If you see problem boats or boaters, call the Lincoln County Sheriff at 541-265-4231 in Newport. Write down information that might be helpful, such as the boat's certification number. A Devils Lake Water Improvement District (DLWID) brochure with watercraft rules is available from the Visitor and Convention Bureau (VCB).

Mandatory Boater Education Cards
Take a boater safety course. The Red Cross offers classes using the Boat Oregon - a Course in Responsible Boating curriculum sponsored by the Oregon State Marine Board. The Marine Board website is www.boatoregon.com. In 2007, all persons 60 or younger who operate a power boat with an engine of 10 h.p. or more are required to carry a boater education card. The card is also required for youths aged 12 to 15 who operate any size power boat. Thereafter, the minimum age will increase by 10 years annually until 2009, when all boaters will be required to have a boater education card regardless of age. Mandatory boater safety exams are offered. The home study booklet, entitled "Boat Oregon, A Course in Responsible Boating," can be used to prepare for the exam, which consists of 75 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. Contact the Lincoln County Marine Patrol at 265-4277, extension 2708, for further information.

Safety regulations make the use of seat cushions as life preservers illegal. There must be a Coast Guard approved life jacket on board for every person. On a boat 16 feet or over, there must be a Coast Guard approved throwable life ring or cushion. The official website of the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety is at www.uscgboating.org. Learn how to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities while boating. Review safety tips, news, recalls, defects, and laws and regulations you should know.

Wear a lifejacket always! Sadly, a man drowned in Devils Lake on November 27, 2006. The small fishing boat took water from a large wave, and the next wave sunk the boat. A man from shore heard cries for help and canoed to the rescue, but was only able to save one of the fishermen. The other man drowned in the 40 degree water. Wet clothes and gear in cold water when your boat capsizes can be deadly, even if you are a good swimmer.

Trout stocked - Spring
Devils Lake is usually stocked with up to 6,500 rainbow trout in the spring as part of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's annual stocking program. ODFW Newport office 867-4741.

Lead Fishing Tackle
In Minnesota - The Minnesota Lakes Association (MLA) is partnering with the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance (OEA) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to offer lead tackle exchanges at various events during the summer. This gives anglers a chance to trade in lead tackle for non-lead tackle. fact sheet and products Minnesota offers
www.moea.state.mn.us/reduce/sinkers.cfm
www.nwf.org/nationalwildlife/article.cfm
www.epa.gov/owow/fish/animals.html
www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2004
Oregon Coast Aquarium rescues loon ensnared in fishing tackle. Article mentions lead fishing tackle http://oregoncoastaquarium.org/News-12.asp

A Devils Lake Water Improvement District brochure with watercraft rules is available from the VCB.

Local courtesy rules include:
Motorized watercraft and their towed apparatus are asked to respect a 100 foot safety no-wake zone around the perimeter of the lake, except where official 200 foot zones apply. In general, treat other water users as you would prefer they treat you. Jet skiers should respect the no-wake zone.

Jet skiing
Children and personal watercraft safety brochure- download pdf

Kite Tubes - Don't use
A kite tube is a large, saucer-shaped, inflatable object about 10-feet across designed to be pulled behind a boat at 25 to 35 miles per hour. Its large size means wind can lift it easily from the water, with straps on the tube giving the rider some control of the degree of lift.
According to a press release from the Oregon State Marine Board, in cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission, "At least three kite tube fatalities have occurred this summer (2006) in the U.S., as well as several dozen personal injury accidents."
The Oregon State Marine Board writes, "Conditions of highest concern to the CPSC are wind gusts that can cause the tube to spin out of control, or suddenly stopping or slowing by the boat operator. According to the CPSC, slowing can cause the tube to nose dive and hit the water or allow the tube rider to continue past the top of the boat and hit the towing boat, another watercraft or other objects such as a bridge."

Prevent the Spread of Invasive (Nuisance) Species

STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS!
www.protectyourwaters.net

It's Time to Come Clean
www.boatoregon.com

Boaters!

STOP the spread of damaging aquatic weeds!

Weed out Aquatic Stowaways!

Aquatic weeds are often found attached to boats and trailers. Please remove and dispose.

Remove all weed fragments from your boat and trailer before launching into Devils Lake and before transporting to another body of water.

Questions? Contact Invasive Species Hotline 1-866-468-2337.

Read about Diamond Lake near Medford and their boat wash program - www.mailtribune.com
Read about Diamond Lake, Oregon. Visitors suspected of towing a hot boat will be steered toward a new portable pressure-washing system for a little pre-launch cleaning. www.mailtribune.com
Read about the Izaak Walton League boat wash program - www.cleanboats.org

Local Courtesy Rules
Motorized watercraft and their towed apparatus are asked to respect a 100 foot safety no-wake zone around the perimeter of the lake, except where official 200 foot zones apply.

Kayaking
Oregon State Parks and Recreation at West Devils Lake State Park offers guided kayaking tours of Devils Lake with a naturalist.
Sitka Center for Art and Ecology offers sea kayaking classes in the summer.
Kayak tours of the Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge are offered in the summer through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Paddling
Blue Heron Landing off West Devils Lake Road at the north end of the lake, rents out paddle boats, as well as canoes, kayaks and party boats.

Sailing
Lincoln City Parks and Recreation offers sailing classes for youth in the summer on Devils Lake.

Watercraft Rules
There are some basic safety laws and rules which apply to all waters of Oregon and some specific to Devils Lake. A boating synopsis is available from the Oregon State Marine Board.

The best way to avoid additional regulations is to eliminate conflicts by using some simple courtesy.
   Remember when launching and loading boats, avoid blocking ramps and docks when others are waiting to use the facility.
   Watch your wake. Be alert for swimmers, downed water skiers, and slow moving boats.
   Give fishermen a wide berth. Respect non-motorized watercraft by keeping a safe distance.
   It is unlawful to litter in state waters. Many forms of plastic litter including polystyrene cups, plastic bags, bait packages, and monofilament line can kill birds, fish, and marine mammals. Properly dispose of your litter on shore. The penalty for littering from a boat includes a fine and suspension of the boat's certificate of number.
   Equipment requirements vary with the size of the boat and its source of power. Check the Boater's Handbook to determine the proper equipment to have on board your boat.

OAR 250-21-030 (14) No person shall chase, harass, molest, worry or disturb any wildlife with a personal watercraft except while engaging in lawfully angling for, hunting, or trapping such wildlife (ORS 498.006)

OAR 250-20-231 (2) Boat Operations on Devils Lake and Adjacent Waters:
(a) No person shall operate a motorboat at a speed in excess of 3 MPH within 200 feet of the swimming area at "Sand Point Park" formerly known as "Viewpoint Park";
(b) No person shall operate a motorboat at a speed in excess of 3 MPH on the water adjacent to the "D" River, known locally as Hostetters Canal;
(c) No person shall operate a motorboat at a speed in excess of 5 MPH on that part of the "D" River, which is west of an established marker on the south bank of the River near the outlet from Devils Lake.

OAR 250-10-121
(1) The exhaust of every internal combustion engine used on any motorboat shall be effectively muffled at all times in accordance with ORS 830.260.
(2) No person shall operate a motorboat on the waters of this state that exceeds a noise level as follows:
(a) For engines manufactured before January 1, 1993, a maximum noise level of 90 dBA when subjected to a stationary test as prescribed by SAE J2005.
(b) For engines manufactured after January 1, 1993, a maximum noise level of 88 dBA when subjected to a stationary test as prescribed by SAE J2005.
(3) This regulation shall not apply to motorboats competing, under a permit issued by the State Marine Board, in a regatta.

Paddle and Power Boat Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit Rules Clarified

December 23, 2009

Salem, Ore. –The Oregon State Marine Board has clarified and simplified two aspects of the new program to prevent aquatic invasive species from being introduced or spread throughout Oregon. The program, which becomes effective Jan, 1, 2010, was created by the 2009 Oregon Legislature. The two key issues are reciprocity between Oregon, Washington and Idaho for boaters in the Columbia and Snake rivers and establishment of a minimum age for boaters who are required to have a permit. Based on the tri-state Boating Offense Compact, it has been determined that Washington and Idaho boaters, who pay for aquatic invasive species prevention programs in their states, are not required to have an Oregon Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit while boating in the Columbia or Snake rivers. However, when they move into Oregon’s state waters, such as the Multnomah Channel or Willamette, Deschutes and John Day rivers, boaters are required to have an Oregon permit. The reciprocity agreement also extends to boat launch sites in Oregon. Washington and Idaho boaters may launch into the Columbia or Snake rivers or into tributaries within one river mile of rivers without a permit for the purposes of accessing the Columbia and Snake rivers.
Oregon boaters can also launch from sites in Washington to access the Columbia River. Oregon officials are seeking similar recognition for Oregon invasive species permit holders who want to launch in Idaho.
The second clarification of the program deals with the minimum age permit requirements for manually powered boats, including canoes, kayaks, driftboats, etc. Under the new rules, youngsters 13 years old and younger are not required to have a permit.
The Oregon Marine Board, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, was directed by the 2009 Oregon Legislature to implement a prevention program similar to Idaho and other western state programs. The program charges a permit fee to motorized and manually powered boat operators to fund regional inspection teams and statewide coordination of aquatic invasive species prevention efforts. “By and large, people have been supportive of this new fee as long as the funds are focused on prevention of aquatic invasive species,” said Randy Henry, policy analyst for the Oregon Marine Board.
Additional information on the new Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program, aquatic invasive invaders and background on the legislation, rules, the prevention techniques can be found at www.boatoregon.com.
For information on the new fees and to find answers to frequently asked questions, visit the Oregon Marine Board Website, www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/
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Contact:

Oregon State Marine Board

Remember
• Weed Out Aquatic Stowaways! Please remove and dispose. Stop the spread of damaging aquatic weeds! Remove all weed fragments from your boat and trailer before launching into Devils Lake and before transporting to another body of water.
• Respect a 100 foot safety no-wake zone around the perimeter of the lake, except where official 200 foot zones apply.
• Take care to not spill fuel in streams, rivers and lakes. Tune up your boat to make sure it does not leak oil or antifreeze.
• Observe boat safety rules.
• Observe speed limits for boats on the lake.
• Observe noise limits and curfews.

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P.O. Box 36
Lincoln City, OR 97367
PADLsteward@wcn.net