The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife wants to remind anglers that Detroit Reservoir, near Salem, remains open and safe for fishing, and that trout stocking continues. The reminder comes in light of a recent blue green algae health alert issued by the Oregon Department of Health.

According to Elise Kelley, ODFW fish biologist, anglers can continue to safely catch, harvest and eat trout, kokanee and other fish from the reservoir by following these precautions:

• Refrain from dinking from or swimming in the reservoir, and otherwise limit contact with the water.
• Before eating fish caught in the reservoir, remove the skin, organs and fatty tissue around the belly. Cook fish thoroughly.

Visitors to the reservoir should also keep dogs away from the water.

Kelley asks anglers to report fish that are underweight, sluggish, or unresponsive in behavior to the ODFW Mid-Willamette district office (541-757-4186).    

For more information about the health risks from blue green algae toxins and recommended precautions, visit the Oregon Health Authority website.