SPOrT FISHIng regulaTIOnS - Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Some Things to Think About.
Help Get the Lead Out
Lead and the environment
While lead in fishing tackle, ammunition and shot has been shown to be
toxic for some wildlife and lead is harmful to humans, the impact of lead
on fish is unknown. However, it is known that lead is toxic to almost all
organisms and has no biological benefit in any amount. Because of this,
the use of lead in ammunition and fishing tackle is under heightened
scrutiny and there have been some calls for increased regulation or
prohibitions on its use.
In the meantime, anglers are encouraged to Get the Lead Out by switching to non-lead alternatives.
Lead-free alternatives
There are several alternatives to lead in fishing tackle, including tin, steel, bismuth, brass and tungsten.
Ask for these alternatives at retailers and stores, or search the internet for on-line sources.
Risks of lead tackle to humans
Lead is toxic to children and adults. To help reduce the risks, follow these tips when making or using lead fishing tackle:
l Use non-lead fishing weights where possible l Never discard old fishing gear into the water or on the bank.
l Wash hands thoroughly after handling lead sinkers or cleaning out your tackle box l Take special precautions when making lead
sinkers or jigs. Never melt lead inside your house, always work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator mask, and wash
your body and your clothes after working with lead.
ODFW is actively doing its part as well. All ODFW-sponsored youth and adult fishing events are lead-free.
Text highlighted in blue is new or changed from 2012
Removing Sodium Sulfite
from Cured Eggs
Cured fish eggs have been a popular salmon and steelhead bait for decades.
However, a recent study by ODFW and OSU has shown that a common ingredient in
some cures – sodium sulfite – can be toxic at some levels when consumed by juvenile
salmon and steelhead.
Thanks to the work of the Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association and the egg cure
manufacturers, guidelines have been developed for cured egg recipes that reduce sodium
sulfites to levels that are much safer for juvenile fish. Many manufacturers are now selling
these new formulations.
If you’re making your own cure, we urge you to avoid using sodium sulfite. Borax is a good
alternative that does not appear to cause mortality in juvenile salmon.
If you’re buying commercially cured eggs: l choose products that are labeled Meets Oregon Guidelines and carefully follow label
instructions l don’t add additional sodium sulfite to already cured eggs l don’t dump unused eggs in the river where they can be
eaten by juvenile fish l consider the use of net bags to reduce the likelihood of juvenile salmon consuming the eggs
The effect of sodium sulfite on salmon and steelhead populations has not been determined. However, reducing sodium sulfite from
cured eggs is a small step that individual anglers can take to help reduce salmon and steelhead smolt mortality.
For more information and a complete list of certified products that meet Oregon guidelines go to www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/cured_eggs.asp
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 61