WILD FISH WIN: New Jet Boat Regulations on the Upper Rogue Passed to Safeguard Habitat
After months of advocacy and collaboration, we are thrilled to announce a major victory for wild fish on the Upper Rogue River! On January 23rd, 2025, the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) officially approved its first-ever rules for boat operations on the Upper Rogue River, unanimously approving a rule that will effectively ban charter jet boat trips upstream of Table Rock Road and prohibit all motorized boating over 15 hp upstream from Dodge Bridge to the William Jess Dam (Lost Creek Lake Dam). These new regulations will help better manage motorized watercraft use in this critical habitat, significantly reducing the impact of jet boats on wild fish, important habitats, river safety, and the experience of other river users.
For years, commercial jet boat operations have increased the number and size of boats on the Upper Rogue, leading to concerns about noise, safety, and harm to wild fish habitats. The Upper Rogue is home to native spring Chinook salmon, currently under review for federal protection, and summer steelhead. Jet boat activity in this stretch of river disturbs these fish during key parts of their lifecycle, making regulation a critical conservation priority.
The push for new regulations was largely driven by a coalition of conservation groups, including Native Fish Society, Rogue Riverkeeper, and Wild Salmon Center, and a dedicated group of local landowners concerned about the impacts of unchecked jet boat traffic. While the Marine Board’s initial proposed rule failed to adequately address these issues, our coalition – along with unwavering advocacy from supporters like you – continued to stand up for meaningful changes, resulting in impactful improvements on the homewaters we all love!
Here are the regulations the Marine Board adopted:
No motors over 15 horsepower in the upper 38 miles of the Rogue River, significantly reducing disturbance in prime wild fish habitat.
The following 5 miles of river below will allow jet boats but prohibit commercial charter operations (boats carrying seven or more passengers), ensuring access for fishing guides, hunters, and private boaters while limiting high-impact commercial use.
The lower 7 miles of river permit charter operations but only from May 8 to September 8, limiting their impact to a specific timeframe. Non-charter motorized boats can operate here year-round.
A low-flow closure applies to all motorized boats in permitted areas, ensuring that sensitive river conditions are not further stressed.
This decision is a huge win for the Upper Rogue’s wild fish, particularly spring Chinook and summer steelhead, which rely on these iconic waters for spawning and migration habitat. It also improves safety for paddlers, anglers, and other recreational users who have long expressed concerns about jet boat traffic on narrow, high-gradient stretches of the river.
We also want to note that NFS does support responsible jet boat use on many rivers, including on the Deschutes, the southern Oregon coast, and in BC. This regulation was a necessary, site-specific solution for the Upper Rogue to protect wild fish and ensure river safety.
This win also shows the inspirational power of grassroots collaboration and efforts. Working alongside our coalition partners and community members like you, we were able to successfully push for stronger protections, showing that together we can drive meaningful change for Oregon’s rivers and native fish for generations to come!
Native Fish Society will continue monitoring enforcement of these rules, advocating for further protections where needed, and supporting policies that prioritize wild fish and free-flowing rivers.
We want to extend a huge thank you to our supporters, coalition partners, and the community members who spoke up for the Rogue River. Your voices made this victory possible – Thank You!
Jet Boats on the Upper Rogue River Timeline | Graphic Courtesy of: Rogue Riverkeeper at rogueriverkeeper.org
