Before you head out, check a seasonal water-service change at Montana’s Brush Lake State Park and a new Oregon kayak-rescue report. Today’s fishing update concerns a commercial trawl fishery in Alaska, not a recreational angling closure.

Illustrative Pacific cod photograph: NOAA Fisheries / NOAA. NOAA Fisheries Pacific cod photo. This is a species photograph, not an image of the current fishery closure. NOAA-created photographs are not subject to U.S. copyright. No claim to original U.S. Government works.

Fishing and Regulations

• Alaska: commercial Pacific cod trawl closure takes effect today: NOAA’s October 20 notice prohibits directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska from noon Alaska local time on October 21, 2026 (NOAA Fisheries). If you operate in this commercial fishery, review the notice: the closure is intended to prevent the allocated total allowable catch from being exceeded and does not apply to vessels participating in the Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program cooperative fishery (NOAA Fisheries).

Trail and Access Closures

• Montana: Brush Lake State Park turns off potable water: An October 20 report citing Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ Region 6 office says potable water at Brush Lake State Park will be turned off for the season starting October 21 (Montana Outdoor). You can still dry camp and the gate will remain open, but you need to arrive with your own water supply (Montana Outdoor).

As you plan a self-sufficient campsite setup and pack your own drinking water, browse our Camping collection.

Water Safety

• Oregon: new report details Clackamas River kayak rescue: A report published October 20 describes the October 16 rescue of a woman and her dog after their kayak overturned on Oregon’s Clackamas River; both reached safety without injury (Outside). Only the dog was wearing a life jacket, and responders waded into the river after positioning safety ropes downstream (Outside). The report says the Oregon State Marine Board recommends wearing a life jacket regardless of conditions, a reminder to put yours on before you launch rather than simply carry it aboard (Outside).

Review the equipment you need for your conditions and vessel before launch, and browse our Boating collection.

Featured Gear: Review the Princeton Tec Apex LED Headlamp, Black/Grey as you plan your hiking and campsite lighting. Check its specifications against your needs before choosing your gear.

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