Rogue Basin, South Coast winter steelhead anglers: validation and harvest tags on sale beginning Nov. 1

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – Anglers who plan to fish for winter steelhead in the Rogue Basin or on the South Coast can begin purchasing the Rogue-South Coast Steelhead validation and wild steelhead harvest tags Nov. 1.

The validation is required for all winter steelhead anglers fishing in these areas from Dec. 1 to April 30, 2027. A separate wild winter steelhead harvest tag is required to keep wild winter steelhead.

To purchase these products, change the purchase year to 2027 when entering the product catalogue in ODFW's Electronic Licensing System. To continue using the validation and harvest card after Jan. 1, 2027, remember to buy a 2027 Angling License, Combination License, or Sports Pac.

Those purchasing daily or multi-day licenses must have a valid ODFW ID number which is required to purchase a validation – do not use "guest checkout." Pre-paid daily licenses do not qualify to buy a validation. Visit the Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation webpage for more details including how to report any wild winter steelhead harvested and answers to frequently asked questions.

Anglers should note that wild harvest regulations vary, and some locations don't open to wild winter steelhead until after Dec. 1. Check the regulations before you go or contact the ODFW Gold Beach office (541-247-7605) or Central Point office (541-826-8774).

The validation and harvest tag (if keeping a wild winter steelhead) requirements began in January 2023. They were developed by ODFW and public stakeholder teams during the 2021 Rogue-South Coast Multi-Species Conservation and Management Plan (RSP) process.

Validation and harvest tag sales help fund winter steelhead monitoring in the Rogue Basin and South Coast. Wild fish monitoring summaries and annual reports are posted on the RSP website.