This past week, Oregon’s fishing community celebrated a significant victory. There was a smelt run! The Sandy River briefly opened its waters for a rare seven-hour smelt season. This eagerly awaited event has become a cherished tradition for families across the state. Thousands showed up to cast their nets.
The last smelt run occurred in 2023. As Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) noted, “Oregon has only allowed the eulachon smelt fishery four times since the fish was listed as threatened 15 years ago.” The rarity of these openings has only heightened the excitement and sense of nostalgia surrounding the event. The run started at noon on Thursday, March 27th, 2025. As the clock struck noon, honking horns and jubilant shouts echoed along the riverbanks, signaling the start of a fishing frenzy.
Eulachon smelt once thrived in Oregon’s rivers, and their seasonal migrations are a hallmark of the region’s natural rhythms. However, overfishing and environmental changes led to their decline, necessitating conservation efforts to bring them back from the brink. Each permitted fishing season is now a celebration, a reminder of the river’s resilience and the enduring traditions connecting families to its waters.
As families of all different cultures lined the river, children darted about with nets and buckets, their laughter mingling with the rushing water. Parents and grandparents recounted stories of past smelt runs, reminiscing about the days when freezers brimmed with these silvery fish. Smelt is a versatile fish and is prepared in various ways: grilled, smoked, pickled, or fried. Each method can spark debates over the best flavors and techniques.
To protect the smelt population, the state imposed a ten-pound catch limit, a small constraint. For many, the thrill lay not in the quantity of fish but in the shared experience of the catch. However, the event was not without its challenges. According to the Oregonian, authorities from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office seized approximately 2,500 pounds of illegally harvested smelt, underscoring the need for continued conservation efforts to preserve the species.
Fishing remains a beloved family tradition in Oregon, offering sustenance and a connection to nature and community. For those looking to embark on more fishing adventures, resources like “Where and How to Go Fishing with Your Family in Oregon” provide valuable guidance.
As the fleeting hours of the smelt season came to an end, the Sandy River once again returned to its quiet flow, but the memories lingered. This vibrant scene serves as a powerful testament to both the joys of fishing and the ongoing efforts to protect Oregon’s resources. The hope remains that future generations will continue to gather along these banks, celebrating the return of the smelt and the enduring spirit of the river.
Johanna is married with two kids, three dogs, three cats, one leopard gecko, several chickens, and a few fish. She has been in the Pacific Northwest since the dream was alive in the 90s but has Southern roots and hails from Arkansas. The family spends a lot of time at some sort of sporting event for the kids. Johanna likes to fast craft, garden, host parties, and bake. Johanna and her crew go hard traveling, DIY-ing, and are always up for a new adventure or challenge.