Update: Oregon State Marine Board Provides Update Concerning Lake Billy Chinook Recreational Guidelines

UPDATE: The Oregon State Marine Board has updated their guidance concerning Lake Billy Chinook, below is their updated press release.

CORRECTION: Recreational Boaters Urged to Give Way to Aircraft for Wildfire Operations

The Oregon State Marine Board, on behalf of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, is asking recreational boaters to giveway to aircraft on all portions of Lake Billy Chinook during periods when firefighting operations require the area to be cleared. The aim is to support aerial scooper planes for firefighting operations and to protect boaters’ safety.

Currently, several wildfires are affecting communities throughout Central Oregon. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and partner agencies have been present on the water during aircraft operations to keep boaters clear up until now. However, due to limited visibility and the unpredictable locations for aircraft to dip or scoop water from the lake, officials aim to minimize safety risks to recreational users and will initiate a temporary closure, if necessary.

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon State Marine Board began restricting recreational boating on all or portions of Lake Billy Chinook Friday to assist with emergency firefighting operations. The temporary closure was requested by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office to facilitate the use of aerial scooper planes.

The restrictions come as several wildfires affect communities throughout Central Oregon. Officials are clearing the water to ensure aircraft can safely dip and scoop water from the lake to combat the nearby blazes without endangering recreational boaters.

Low visibility on the lake and the unpredictable locations where aircraft must dip or scoop water prompted the formal restriction.

Boating restrictions are scheduled to remain in place through Aug. 6, 2026.