Why are private fish ponds regulated?
Private fish ponds have been popular for decades. They can provide fishing enjoyment for children and an opportunity for pond owners to create and manage their own personal fisheries. However, if they are not regulated, private fish ponds have the potential to seriously harm wild fish populations in adjacent rivers, streams, and lakes. Unwanted non-native aquatic species and diseases can be easily introduced to drainages through private ponds. For this reason, ODFW works with landowners to insure private pond stocking won’t harm public fisheries. What permits are required to stock fish in a private pond? All persons transporting fish in Oregon need to have a fish transport permit. If you are a researcher, tribal, or for interagency purposes, please contact Guy.S.Chilton@state.or.us for more information. If you are collecting fish for scientific or educational purposes, you will need a scientific take permit. If you are purchasing fish from a private producer, they will provide a permit
