About ODFW

Fish and wildlife abound in Oregon - our rich and varied landscapes are home to a diversity of wildlife, providing rich opportunities for fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing. Protecting and enhancing the state's wealth of fish, wildlife, and habitat for use and enjoyment by present and future generations is at the heart of everything we do.

Fish Division Mission

The Department is charged by statute (ORS 506.036) to protect and propagate fish in the state. This includes direct responsibility for regulating harvest of fish, protection of fish, enhancement of fish populations through habitat improvement, and the rearing and release of fish into public waters. ODFW maintains hatcheries throughout the state to provide fish for program needs. Operation of these facilities is governed by the following:

• The Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, a comprehensive plan for the conservation of salmon and the protection of their habitat which coordinates the actions of all state agencies that affect aquatic resources.
• The Native Fish Conservation Policy, which provides a basis for managing hatcheries in balance with sustainable production of naturally produced native fish.
• The Fish Hatchery Management Policy, which provides general fish culture and facility guidelines and measures to maintain genetic resources of native fish populations spawned or reared in captivity.
• The Fish Health Management Policy, which describes measures that minimize the impact of fish diseases on the state's fish resources.

To learn more about ODFW and the many services it provides, visit www.dfw.state.or.us. You will find agency contacts, a wealth of fishing resources for the state, and much, much more.

For specific questions regarding the information presented on this website, please Contact Us.