Officials Warn of Willamette River Fish Die Offs; Avoid Water Contact

Dead fish located on or near the river, or fish caught from the river near the listed areas should not be consumed.

The Department of Environmental Quality has informed the Lane County Sheriff's Office that an abnormal amount of dead fish have been located on the Willamette River. Photo Courtesy: or.water.usgs.gov

(EUGENE, Ore. ) - The Department of Environmental Quality has informed the Lane County Sheriff's Office that an abnormal amount of dead fish have been located on the Willamette River.

The cause of the fish deaths is unknown at this time and is being investigated by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Environmental Quality.

The sheriff's office is advising community members to stay out of the Willamette River near and around the confluence of the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers, the Millrace, and Island Park until more information becomes available.

Dead fish located on or near the river, or fish caught from the river near the listed areas should not be consumed.

Source: Lane County Sheriff