Rogue Pikeminnow Roundup returns Sept. 26-28; anglers can win prizes

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – The seventh annual Rogue River Pikeminnow Roundup is set for Sept. 26 - Sept. 28, offering anglers the chance to win prizes while helping protect native fish.

Participants can win fishing gear, apparel, gift cards, and more by catching non-native Umpqua pikeminnow in the Rogue River. Only pikeminnow caught in the Rogue are eligible for the contest.

Anglers can compete in three ages categories: Youth (under 12), Teen (12-17) and Adult (18+).

To enter, participants must email a photo of their largest pikeminnow to RoguePikeminnowRoundup@gmail.com by 11:59 p.m. Sept. 28. Photos must clearly show the fish measured from above, with total length visible. Fish will be measured to the nearest one-quarter inch.

Winners will be notified by Oct. 10 using contact information provided. Prizes not claimed by Oct. 17 will be raffled off to other participants.

Participants are encouraged to donate their catch to Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education Center, where the pikeminnow will help feed animals in the center's care.

Umpqua pikeminnow are not native to the Rogue Basin and threaten the area's native salmon. The Roundup began in 2019 to raise awareness about the impacts that introduced species including fish, aquatic invertebrates, and invasive vegetation have on native species and ecosystems.

The event also helps educate the public on the habitat needs of salmon and steelhead, such as cold, clean water, and protected streamside vegetation, which are priorities outlined in the Rogue Spring Chinook Plan and the newly adopted Rogue-South Coast Multi-Species Conservation and management plan.

ODFW thanks the many volunteers, local businesses, and partners who support this event including: Blackbird Shopping Center, Sportsman's Warehouse, Bradburry's Gun and Tackle, Rogue Fly Shop, Josephine County Parks Department, and Wildlife Images.

To volunteer or donate prizes, contact: Monica Magdaleno, Upper Rogue District STEP Biologist at 541-857-2411 or monica.s.magdaleno@odfw.oregon.gov.