Each Season Has Its Pleasures -and Problems
For many boaters, the boating season ends on Labor Day. For others, this is only the beginning!
There are many advantages to fall boating:
Great fishing: Trout, bass and other popular gamefish become more active in the fall, gorging for the dormant winter months. Salmon are busy returning to their natal streams, and crab are entering Oregon's bays in large numbers, too. Fishing can be excellent!
Beautiful scenery: Many of Oregon's rivers and lakes are lined with deciduous trees which begin changing color in mid-September or early October depending on the weather.
Abundant wildlife: Wildlife becomes more active in the fall as animals prepare for winter.
Lighter crowds: Camping is plentiful, boat ramps are generally uncrowded and the waterways are more open.
However, each season brings with it unique issues:
Low water: Fall is typically a low-water time for Oregon's reservoirs and rivers. Reservoirs have been drawn on during the summer for irrigation and power generation, exposing rocks, gravel bars, stumps and other hazards. Some rivers become impossible to navigate by propeller-driven boats and may even be dangerous for jet-powered boats. Navigate with extreme caution and always keep a sharp lookout.
Fewer people: Fall is great if you like solitude, but if you have equipment problems or become grounded, getting help is more difficult. Be sure to have afloat plan that you share with a family member or trusted friend with information about where you plan to go and when you expect to return, so they can notify authorities if you are overdue.
Storms: September is one of the nicest months of the year in Oregon, but about mid-October, the first storms of the winter bear down on Oregon. These can be major events. In a matter of several hours, a severe thunderstorm can swell a river making it dangerous to navigate. Also, expect cold (even freezing) morning and evening temperatures on Cascade Mountain lakes and reservoirs and on waterbodies east of the Cascades. As always, be aware of the weather and watch river conditions carefully.
Hypothermia & Cold Water Shock: Waters of the state begin to cool in September and become downright cold in October, right along with the weather. Dress appropriately and recognize that even slight changes in the weather can make hypothermia a real threat if you are not prepared. A good life jacket adds warmth, too. Cold water quickly saps away your strength. Wearing a life jacket gives you the time you need to safely re-board your boat if you accidently fall overboard. Also, ensure you have a means of getting quickly back aboard without assistance by using a ladder or even a dockline. Over 2/3 of all boating fatalities involve people who drowned and were not wearing a life jacket.
Boating Facility Closures
In-Water Construction & Closures Many Corps of Engineers -managed reservoirs will close for gateway/spillway repairs this summer/fall. Click here to learn which waterbodies are affected.
Detroit Reservoir - Big Cliff Dam:
Big Cliff Dam's gates are being repaired. The boat ramp will be closed until further notice. The Corps of Engineers reports that they have opened the reservoir to walk-in recreation.
Click here to view the latest water levels and marina and boat ramp usability data.
Brown Bridge Replacement over the North Umpqua River near Roseburg:
The contractor is preparing to begin construction below the main span of the existing bridge near the middle of the river on July 24, 2009. Signs have been posted about construction at Amacher Park, Hestness Landing and River Forks park. For more information, contact James P. Stupfel at 541-683-6090
Buena Vista, Marion County:
The Buena Vista ramp on the Willamette River, Marion County side has been closed. The county is in the process of replacing the ferry track in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Transportation. There is currently no plans to re-open the ramp. For more information contact 503-588-7943
Where to Launch Your Boat
Oregon has over 1000 improved boat ramps available to the public across the state. These sites are as diverse as the waters they access. Contact the Marine Board at 503-378-8587 for your free copy of the Oregon Boating Facilities Guide.
Lock Information
Check these links for Willamette River and other dams for the summer lockage schedule as listed by the US Army Corps of Engineers:
This page is a resource listing links and phone numbers to find out if reservoirs are accessible and what their level is. If you find additional resources that would be useful, please e-mail them to Ashley Massey.
River Permits & Lotteries
In Oregon, portions of the Rogue, Deschutes and Snake rivers require either state or federal permits outside of any state registration requirements and regardless of type of boat used. The Marine Board does not manage these programs - see below links for details. These rivers often have equipment restrictions, and some may limit or prohibit power boat use during certain days or times of the year.
Snake River: Private powerboat reservations for both the Wild and Scenic sections of the Snake River in the Hells Canyon National Recreationa Area are required from May 24 through Sept. 10 of each year. To make reservations, call the Hells Canyon NRA Powerboat Reservations number at (509) 758-0270, M-F. You'll find more information here.
Rogue River: People interested in floating the Rogue River's Wild & Scenic section from Grave Creek to Watson Creek from May 15-October 15 must apply through a lottery. Lottery applications must be made during the first six weeks of each calendar year. Check the BLM website for lottery details and river regulations.
Page updated: August 25, 2010
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