Fishing and DMV Closure Coming Up in N. Oregon, Coast

Published 05/14/2013

(Oregon Coast) – There is news regarding chinook fishing on the Umatilla River and regarding the Astoria office of the DMV, on the north Oregon coast.

Chinook salmon season on the Umatilla River will close effective 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, May 16 under emergency regulations adopted Tuesday by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).

ODFW announced the emergency closure after reviewing data that indicates spring chinook returns are tracking below preseason estimates. The season was originally scheduled to continue into June but was cut short based on lower than expected chinook crossings on the Columbia River at Bonneville Dam, coupled with low river flows, high water temperatures and increased irrigation demands on the Umatilla River.

The closure applies to the Umatilla River from the Hwy 730 bridge upstream to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation boundary.

In Astoria, the DMV field office there will be closed for the entire week of May 20 because of repairs and various upgrades to its interior. Also – starting on May 24 – all DMV offices close for state furloughs and will be continue to be closed through Monday, May 27, because of Memorial Day.

Astoria's office will reopen Tuesday, May 28, for its normal business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. The office is located at 705 West Marine Drive.

The Astoria DMV has been in its current location since 1992, and the last maintenance work was carpet replacement five years ago. DMV lines tend to be longer on the days just before and just after weekends and other closures.

Because of this, DMV suggests that people who need to do business at the Astoria DMV try to visit the office Before May 16 or after May 28.

DMV also suggests that you first check www.OregonDMV.com before visiting a field office in person. Customers can complete some DMV business online or find out how to make their visit as efficient as possible.