For Immediate Release

Date: May 19, 2005

Summer Boating Opportunties

Wondering where the water will be this summer? Above average spring rainfall has dramatically improved the situation at many of our state’s waterways, setting the stage for a better-than-expected summer boating season.

Natural lakes and main stem rivers generally provide the most stable water supply, as well as the coastal lakes and estuaries. “Throughout the summer, the Marine Board’s web site will be featuring accessible lakes and rivers for boating.” said Jyll Smith, Public Information Officer for the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB), “Many of the waterways will be approximately one tank of gas from the Portland/Salem, Eugene and Medford areas. Others will be destination focused locations offering families and friends great extended weekend opportunities.”

Central Oregon

The OSMB will be highlighting a number of waterways in Central Oregon, showcasing a variety of water activities. For an extended weekend Lake Billy Chinook, located near Madras, makes a great place to take the family. Not sure you want to haul your boat that far? There are rental services at the marina as well as houseboat rentals. If possible make reservations early and try for the weekdays. The lake is popular for water skiing, personal watercraft, and cruising. If fishing is your calling, consider Crane Prairie, Paulina Lake or Odell Lake. All three provide wonderful fishing opportunities.

Coast

The Oregon Coast provides a number of lakes, estuaries, and bays for a variety of water activities. Consider Woahink Lake, Yaquina Bay, Siltcoos Lake, Tahkenitch Lake or Tenmile Lake. Siltcoos Lake is the largest lake on the Oregon coast. It is an excellent lake for fishing; having produced two current Oregon state record fish. Woahink Lake is the deepest lake on the central Oregon coast. It is adjacent to Honeyman State Park and has ample access including a boat ramp and a large day-use area with covered picnic shelters. The lake is popular for boating, water skiing and fishing. Tenmile Lake consists of two lakes joined by a short canal. The lakes are popular with boaters, water skiers and anglers. Tahkenitch Lake is a large lake with three main arms and many smaller ones.

Valley

The Willamette River is such a natural part of Oregon’s landscape that the many recreational boating opportunities it provides are often overlooked. The river passes through nine counties and 19 cities, providing opportunities for cruising, water skiing, jet skiing, wildlife viewing and fishing. Parts of the Willamette River are shallow and slow moving. Make sure your boat is suitable for the portion you plan to access.

The Columbia River offers a boating experience unique in its variety and its character. The Columbia provides abundant cruising opportunity and good facilities for all sizes of boats. When the river warms in late July, August and early September, the best fishing is off the mouths of the tributaries. When on the Columbia and Willamette rivers remember to keep watch for large commercial ships that use the shipping channel.

Henry Hagg Lake is located southwest of Forest Grove. The west end of the lake is a no-wake zone to accommodate sailing, canoeing and trolling. For water skiing, jet skiing or motor boating, the east end of the lake allows speeds up to 35 mph.

Detroit Reservoir, located east of Salem, and Foster Reservoir, located east of Sweet Home, offer great recreational opportunities including water skiing, sailing and fishing for trout and kokanee.

Eastside and South

Wallowa Lake, located south of Enterprise, was formed by a glacier about nine million years ago. Activities at the lake include: fishing, swimming, water skiing, and para-sailing. Not sure you want to haul your boat to the eastside? Wallowa Lake has boat rentals as well.

Howard Prairie is a large reservoir 15 miles east of Ashland near Hyatt Lake. Discover the vast recreational opportunities at this alpine lake high above the southern Rogue Valley. The lake is surrounded by the pine and fir forests of the Cascade Mountains. This is a popular destination for boating, water skiing, sailing and fishing.

Boaters need to be aware that some waterway levels will be lower than normal especially later in the summer. Boating in low water conditions requires additional attention. Keep in mind that boats with stern drives or large outboards need to be cautious in swallow water. Before participating in any high speed activities, such as pulling a skier or tuber, survey the area where you will be boating. Be aware of stumps, sand bars, submerged rocks and other obstacles that normally are well below the surface.

For more detailed information on these locations and others throughout the state with accessible water, visit the OSMB web site at www.boatoregon.com.

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