Hard-fought rules are in place—now we defend them.
Signs have been installed at eight boat launch sites—including Fishers Ferry, TouVelle, Dodge Bridge, and Casey County Parks. See the full list of restrictions below.
Over the past couple years, your advocacy has helped hold the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) accountable to protect waterways and recreationists, and earlier this year, we celebrated a meaningful milestone: new rules restricting large jet boats and high‑power motor usage on the Upper Rogue River. These regulations were needed for this section of the Rogue and our voices were heard — and real progress has been made.
A win for the river
The new boating regulations will improve water quality as well as aquatic and riparian habitat and reduce pressure on sensitive habitat—especially for spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead—by limiting high‑powered boats and removing the frequent wave action and turbulence that was damaging aquatic, nearshore, and riparian health. The regulations will also improve safety for paddlers, anglers, and other traditional river users. Conservation groups like Native Fish Society, Trout Unlimited, and Rogue Riverkeeper along with many dedicated and vocal river lovers applauded the outcome as a balanced solution to protect both wild fish and public access.
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No motor over 15 horsepower on the main stem of the Rogue River above Dodge Bridge County Park and in tributaries between Fishers Ferry County Park and Lost Creek Dam.
Low‑flow restriction: If the three‑day average flow drops below 1,350 cfs at the USGS gage at Dodge Bridge (≈ 3.20 ft depth), then motor boats over 15 hp are banned between Fishers Ferry and Dodge Bridge until flows rebound.
Charter boat restrictions:
Charter boats may not operate upstream of the Table Rock Road Bridge.
Charter boats may operate between Table Rock Road Bridge and Fishers Ferry County Park only between May 8 and September 10.
Charter boats are defined as motorized vessels carrying seven or more paying passengers.
The Oregon State Marine Board rules took effect on February 1, 2025 and signage has now been installed at eight boat launch sites—including Fishers Ferry, TouVelle, Dodge Bridge, and Casey County Parks. Now we need to make sure these regulations remain in place.
Continue To Stay Vigilant
Hopefully this summer you have been out recreating on the Upper Rogue and enjoying the new peace and quiet that the regulations have brought. But here’s the thing: the Oregon State Marine Board plans to review these rules in one year (early 2026) to evaluate effectiveness, enforcement, and compliance. A second review will occur in early 2027, providing opportunities to adjust and strengthen protections as needed. We need to demonstrate that these new regulations are valuable and needed. Rogue Riverkeeper and coalition partners will remain vigilant during both reviews to ensure the intended environmental safeguards hold up in practice. Remember, we need to stay engaged to see that the outcomes we seek with this rule-making hold strong.
How You Can Help
Click here to access the “Report A Boater” platform
Here’s how you can help make sure the new rules are followed and retained: If you observe motorized boating activity that is unsafe or concerning or violates the new Upper Rogue River Rule—such as jet boats of any kind operating above Dodge Bridge or on tributaries, charter boats upstream of Table Rock, or motorboats during low‑flow closures— if possible take a photo, note your exact location, and use OSMB’s “Report a Boater” platform to submit a report.
While the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) controls the flows at the William L. Jess Dam (also known as Lost Creek Dam) and typically lowers the flow in early September, it is the flow as measured at the Dodge Bridge gauge that will determine whether jet boats are allowed to operate downstream of Dodge Bridge. If three‑day average flow drops below 1,350 cfs at Dodge Bridge, no jet boats at all are allowed between Dodge Bridge and Fishers Ferry. Your continued watchfulness and involvement helps ensure compliance and puts necessary pressure on enforcement agencies when there are violations.
Thank you for your steadfast support—through comments, outreach, and staying engaged, you helped deliver real protections to our rivers. While the rules in place are an important achievement, our campaign isn’t over. We’ll continue monitoring enforcement, gathering data on compliance, participating in public outreach, and staying involved in one- and two-year reviews.
Take it a step further
Let the OSMB know that you appreciate the new rules. Send them an email telling them how this rule is allowing you to now safely enjoy the serenity of the river. Gratitude emails should be sent to: alan.hanson@boat.oregon.gov
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