ODFW Recreation Report
Feb. 9, 2016
Come visit us at the Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s show
Stop by our booth at the NW Sportsman’s Show at the Portland Expo Center Feb. 1014 to renew your license, get your questions answered or just say hi to ODFW staff
and commissioners. Find us in Hall B near the kid’s fishing pond. Also come and
meet members of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commissioner at a reception on
Thursday, Feb. 11 from 4:45 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. in the Green Theater at the Portland
Expo Center or join us for crabbing/clamming and controlled hunt seminars. For
more information about Oregon’s largest outdoor industry trade show, visit the NW
Sportsmen’s Show website.
Winter steelhead fishing now in full swing
Winter steelhead fishing is in full swing in many parts of Oregon, with good
conditions and catch rates reported in many locations throughout Oregon. Alert
anglers will keep any eye on their favorite streams to look for the perfect
combination of color, temperature, and flow. They also will keep an eye on the
weekly Recreation Report to see which rivers are beginning to get fish and where
they’re distributed in the river.
NW Permit Goose Hunting reopens
NW Permit Goose Hunting is open Feb. 6-March 10 and some other late goose
seasons are open in February and March. Remember regulations for NW Goose
hunting are easier now; hunters do not need to visit check stations.
For something different, the walleye are biting in the Columbia
Ever tasted walleye? It is easily one of the tastiest fishes on any seafood menu. For
the past couple of weeks anglers have been reeling in some nice walleye on the
Columbia River in The Dalles and John Day pools. This is one of the lesser known
fantastic fishing opportunities Oregon has to offer this time of year.
New year-round trout fishing streams
Anglers rejoice: Many waterbodies are now open to year-round fishing for trout. See
the new 2016 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for details.
Learn to fish and hunt at an ODFW class
We’ve got a variety of classes coming up, see our calendar of events for the latest
http://www.odfwcalendar.com/
FISHING
Weekend fishing opportunities:
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Surplus hatchery steelhead have been released into Town Lake, Cape Meares
Lake, Coffenbury Lake, Lost Lake, Lake Lytle, and Lorens Pond.
Steelhead fishing is fair to good on many North Coast streams.
Send us your fishing report
We’d love to hear about your recent fishing experience. Send us your own fishing
report through ODFW Fishing Reports ― the information will be forwarded to the
local biologist who may use it to update various ODFW resources such as the Weekly
Recreation Report.
Trout season in coastal river systems will re-open May 22, 2016.
2016 trout stocking schedule
The 2016 trout stocking schedules for the North Coast Watershed (pdf) District and
the South Willamette Watershed (pdf) District are posted on the ODFW Trout
Stocking Page. Take a look to find out when and where Oregon’s hatchery trout are
being released around the state.
NORTH COAST LAKES
Trout stocking will resume in March. Town Lake, Cape Meares Lake, Coffenbury Lake,
Lost Lake, Lake Lytle, and Lorens Pond have been stocked with surplus hatchery
steelhead.
MID COAST LAKES
Stocking of rainbow trout will begin soon in many mid coast water bodies. Look at
the stocking report to see the full stocking season.
Fishing for the various warm water fish species tends to be slower during the winter
months. There are numerous lakes in the Florence area that can provide good
opportunity and have both boat and bank access.
ALSEA RIVER: steelhead
Winter steelhead fishing is fair to good. During lower clear flows, it’s better to focus
efforts in the mid to lower river sections. Casting spinners / spoons, or floating bait
or a jig are good options.
KILCHIS RIVER: steelhead
Steelhead fishing has been fair to good depending on conditions, with fish spread
out through the river. Use lighter gear as the river clears.
LOWER COLUMBIA TRIBUTARIES: steelhead
Winter steelhead are available in Big Creek, Gnat Creek and the NF Klaskanine
rivers. Fishing has been good. There are still some fresh hatchery fish around.
NECANICUM RIVER: steelhead
Winter steelhead fishing should be fair to good. Fish are spread through the system.
Boaters should watch for downed wood.
NEHALEM RIVER AND BAY: steelhead
Winter steelhead angling in the North Fork Nehalem should be fair to good. Lots of
fish are in the system although the number of fresh fish is tapering off. The
mainstem Nehalem River should produce fair to good angling depending on flows
and river condition. Steelhead are entering the Salmonberry River also.
Anglers who catch a steelhead or salmon with numbered tag(s) are encouraged to
report catch information via the internet or by calling ODFW at 503-842-2741 and
asking for Derek Wiley. All live tagged fish that are not legal to retain or are
voluntarily not kept should be released quickly and unharmed with tags intact.
NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: steelhead
Steelhead fishing has been fair to good when river conditions are conducive to
angling. Fish are available throughout the entire fishery area. Three Rivers is still
producing fair to good catches also.
OLALLA LAKE: cutthroat trout, rainbow trout
The reservoir reopens Feb. 1 and trout stocking at this location is scheduled to begin
the week of Feb. 8 with the release of 2,000 rainbows. This site is a 120-acre
reservoir on Olalla Creek about a mile north of Toledo, Ore. The shoreline and much
of the surrounding landscape is owned by Georgia Pacific Corporation and is
managed as commercial timberland. The company allows public access to the water,
and small boats without motors may be launched.
SALMON RIVER: steelhead
Winter steelhead fishing is fair and fish can be found throughout the mainstem as
river conditions allow. Casting lures, bouncing the bottom or drifting jigs or bait
under a bobber are good techniques to consider.
SILETZ RIVER: steelhead
Winter steelhead fishing is slow to fair for both bank and boat anglers. River
conditions should remain low and clear for most of the week. Side drifting, bouncing
bottom or bobber fishing can be productive.
SIUSLAW RIVER: steelhead
The winter steelhead fishery is fair for both the Siuslaw and Lake Creek systems.
River conditions should remain low and clear for most of the week. Casting lures,
bobber fishing or pulling plugs are good options.
TILLAMOOK BAY: sturgeon
Catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon could be good. Fish the channel edges on the
outgoing tides.
TRASK RIVER: steelhead
Winter steelhead fishing should be fair to good. The north and south forks will have
steelhead available also.
Anglers who catch a steelhead or salmon with numbered tag(s) are encouraged to
report catch information via the internet or by calling ODFW at 503-842-2741 and
asking for Derek Wiley. All live tagged fish that are not legal to retain or are
voluntarily not kept should be released quickly and unharmed with tags intact.
WILSON RIVER: steelhead, Chinook
Steelhead angling should be good as the river drops from recent high water. Fish are
spread out through the system. Angling for Chinook is closed. An error in the 2016
Fishing Regulations mistakenly lists river as open for hatchery Chinook beginning
January 1. The correct opening date is April 1.
YAQUINA RIVER: steelhead
The winter steelhead fishery is slow to fair in the Big Elk. During low clear conditions,
anglers should use smaller presentations and focus on deep holding water. Anglers
are reminded that there is a lot of private property along the Big Elk. Casting lures or
bobbers fishing are the best techniques for this river.
NORTH COAST HUNTING
OPEN: COUGAR, SNIPE, NW PERMIT GOOSE
Cougar are most effectively taken by using predator calls. However, cougar
densities are relatively low on the north coast. Successful hunters, remember you
must check in cougar (hide and skull) at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest
and bring them in unfrozen. It’s also a good idea to prop their mouths open with a
stick after harvest for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
See regulations for details (pdf).
NW Permit Goose: The next hunt period opens on Feb. 6 and goes through
March 10. Hunters are reminded that taking of dusky Canada geese is prohibited,
and that there will be no check stations for goose hunters as in previous years.
Wilson’s snipe are found in marshes and on wet areas on old logging landings.
These small birds are challenging targets with a shotgun, and the season extends
through Feb. 21, 2016.
NORTH COAST WILDLIFE VIEWING
The canvasback is a unique-looking duck with its gently sloping forehead, red head
and white/gray body. A diving duck, it usually occupies lakes and deeper waters of
estuaries. There are two locations on the north coast that are generally reliable when
it comes to finding them. One is Cape Meares Lake, west of Tillamook and next to
the village of Cape Meares. The other is SW end of the Hwy 101 Bridge that crosses
Young’s Bay. 1/19/16
The Oregon Coast Birding Trail www.oregoncoastbirding.com is a great resource
for all things birding along the Oregon coastline. The website includes lists of trails
by region, a planning guide, checklists, a schedule of special events and more. For
example, in the north coast region, there are 43 suggested bird trails alone! It’s a
resource well worth investigating. 1/25/16
Migratory ducks, as well as loons, grebes and coots, have been present on the north
coast now for a while, and offer decent viewing opportunities on most estuaries.
Recent freezing weather and iced-up ponds in the valley have driven more birds over
to coastal areas. Optics, such as binoculars or spotting scopes, really help in
identification of the birds. 1/4/2016
Snowy plovers have been seen on north coast beaches this fall and will likely make
more appearances throughout the winter months as well. Also, with the heavy storm
season upon us, be on the lookout for unusual birds on beaches and spits that may
have been blown ashore after strong sou’wester events.
TILLAMOOK COUNTY
Great egrets have recently been seen in Tillamook area pastures along the Nestucca,
Tillamook, Trask and Wilson rivers. These elegant-looking white birds are slightly
smaller than their cousins, the great blue herons, but can sometimes be seen foraging
together in the same fields. Groups of up to 70 in one field have been seen recently.
Wintering raptors are nothing new to the fields around Tillamook but there have
recently been large concentrations of them, sometimes squabbling over voles and
field mice. Most of the birds are juvenile red-tailed hawks, but there are also adults
and other buteo species present. A good field guide can help distinguish between the
similar-looking juveniles, dark- and light-phase adults. 1/4/2016
The Nestucca Bay NWR near Pacific City is host to a variety of Canada geese,
including the Aleutian, dusky, western and cackler races. They can easily be seen
from Hwy 101, just north of Neskowin. To sort out races of geese, or read neck
collars, binoculars or a spotting scope are very helpful. Last year there was a rare
visitor, a tundra bean goose; it stayed at the NWR quite a while. The nearly all-white
snow goose is an occasional visitor as well.
CLATSOP COUNTY
The Twilight Eagle Sanctuary, located east of Astoria, just off of Hwy 30 is a great
place to observe not only bald eagles, but a host of wintering waterfowl. The viewing
platform is complete with interpretive panels and provides a great overview of Wolf
Bay on the lower Columbia River. Tundra swans are occasional seen there off in the
distance near the main river channel. As always, optics are very helpful here.
Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area
Elk viewing has been good at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area with the winter feeding
program under way. Elk have been staying out in the open fields for much of the
day. Best viewing times are mornings and evenings. Good places to look are the
Fishhawk Tract along Hwy 202 and the Beneke Tract along the first 1.5 miles of
Beneke Creek Road.
Visitors are urged to use caution around the main viewing area as construction
activities are occurring. The public restrooms are closed for remodeling, and will
remain closed though mid-January. Portable restrooms are available. Visitors are
reminded that areas posted as Wildlife Refuge are closed to public access. Posted
portions of the Beneke Tract are closed to entry during any open Saddle Mt. Unit
elk season, August 1, 2015 to March 15, 2016 (see big game regulations for
exceptions). Wildlife Area Parking Permits are required on the wildlife area.
FISHING
Weekend fishing opportunities:
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Winter steelhead fishing in the South Umpqua and North Umpqua Rivers has
been excellent as the rivers drop into shape.
Anglers have been catching good numbers of hatchery winter steelhead on
the South Umpqua River around Stanton Park and on the mainstem Umpqua
River at Cleveland Rapids.
Winter steelhead fishing on the Rogue River should be good for the next
week as the river drops back into shape.
The Illinois River is seeing some winter steelhead returns and is currently in
good fishing shape.
Surplus hatchery steelhead were recently released in Garrison Lake, which
also has a fair number of trout and offers viable alternative to streams.
Bank anglers have been doing well for trout and landlocked Chinook salmon
recently at Lost Creek Reservoir.
The middle and upper Rogue are looking good for steelhead fishing this
week now that flows are dropping into shape following high water.
Bottom-fishing has been good at Winchester Bay.
This time of year, winter steelhead anglers should keep an eye on river
conditions and be ready to hit the rivers as waters start to drop and clear.
If your favorite fishing spot is no longer listed
It’s probably because that river, lake or reservoir is closed for the season,
inaccessible due to snow and bad roads, or offers limited fishing opportunities during
the winter months. These water bodies will re-appear in the Recreation Report when
they re-open next spring, or when access and/or opportunity improves.
2016 trout stocking schedules
2016 trout stocking schedule for the South Coast (pdf) North Coast Watershed (pdf)
District and the South Willamette Watershed (pdf) District are posted on the ODFW
Trout Stocking Page. Take a look to find out when and where Oregon’s hatchery
trout are being released around the state.
Ice-fishing safety
With several water bodies beginning to ice over, it’s a good time to be reminded that
anglers should always use caution during first-ice conditions. Take the following
precautions: use the “buddy system,” wear a PFD in case of thin ice, carry a throw-
rope, and use a heavy metal staff to check for thin-ice. Vexilar’s Ice Fishing Today
website has a quick 2-minute video describing how to be safe during early ice.
Send us your fishing report
We’d love to hear about your recent fishing experience. Send us your own fishing
report through ODFW Fishing Reports -- the information will be forwarded to the
local biologist who may use it to update various ODFW resources such as the Weekly
Recreation Report.
APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout
Freezing weather can create traction problems at French Gulch, so traction tires or
four wheel drive vehicles are helpful. Boat angling is the preferred method at
Applegate during winter due to steep banks along the shoreline. Trout are available.
Trout anglers will probably do best still fishing with bait or trolling a flasher/lure or
flasher/bait combination. Reports indicate fishing has been good over the last few
weeks. Applegate Reservoir is 14 percent full.
APPLEGATE RIVER: steelhead, trout
Beginning Jan. 1, the Applegate is open to harvest of hatchery steelhead. Wild
steelhead must be released unharmed. The Applegate is dropping and clearing and
fish should be distributed throughout the river. Fish have been caught over the last
few days on Cleos, and pink rubber worms as well as fly angling.
ARIZONA POND: rainbow trout
Water level in the pond has been lowered to help control aquatic vegetation. The
pond is managed by Oregon State Parks for youth-only fishing and is located at
Arizona Beach State Recreation Area; approximately halfway between Gold Beach
and Port Orford.
BEN IRVING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, yellow perch, crappie
The first stocking of 2016 is slated for late February/early March, and there are still
opportunities to catch rainbow trout from previous year’s stockings. Warmwater fishing for
bass, crappie and bluegill can be slow during winter months.
CHETCO RIVER: steelhead
Lower flows this week has slowed steelhead fishing. This is a good time of year to start
targeting steelhead with flies, spinners, and plugs as water temperatures increase and fish
become more active. Although there are quite a few fresh steelhead around, anglers are
starting to see some spawned out fish in there catch.
COOS COUNTY LAKES/PONDS: trout
Lakes in Coos County are open all year for trout fishing. Excess hatchery steelhead
have been stocked into Butterfield and Saunders lakes to provide additional fishing
opportunity for trout anglers. The steelhead stocked into Butterfield and Saunders
lakes are now considered trout and may be harvest. The daily trout bag limit in
these lakes are 5 trout per day with only 1 trout over 20 inches per day.
COOS RIVER BASIN: Dungeness crab, steelhead, bay clams
Steelhead fishing has been good on the South Fork Coos River the past week.
Anglers are also catching steelhead on the East Fork Millicoma River. Fishing on the
West Fork Millicoma River has been slow due to the low, clear water. Anglers are
catching steelhead drift fishing corkies or eggs. Jigs fished under a bobber area also
catching several steelhead. Anglers fishing the South Fork Coos River above
Dellwood will need a permit from Weyerhaeuser, which they can pick up at the
Dellwood office. In the Coos Basin one additional hatchery steelhead may be retained
per day for a total aggregate of three adult fish harvested daily.
Crabbing has been good in Coos Bay and best near high tide. It is still recommended
you discard the crab viscera (guts/butter) before cooking.
Recreational harvest of bay clams remains open along the entire Oregon coast.
Clamming is excellent during low tides near Charleston, off Cape Arago Highway, and
Clam Island. There are also good places to dig clams even on positive low tides in
Coos Bay. Due to low tide exchanges this week, the next good opportunity to dig bay
clams will be in a week. Recreational harvest of razor clams is closed for Tillamook
Head south to the California border due to elevated levels of domoic acid. This
includes all beaches and all bays.
Before any shellfish harvest trip, make sure to check the Oregon Department of
Agriculture website for any updates.
COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: salmon, crab
Steelhead fishing was good on the South Fork Coquille River from Powers to
Broadbent. The North Fork Coquille is now running low and clear. The mainstem
Coquille is still running a little muddy. In the Coquille Basin one additional
hatchery steelhead may be retained per day for a total aggregate of three adult
fish harvested daily.
Crabbing will be slow in the Coquille due to the amount of freshwater in the bay from
the recent rain. It is still recommended you discard the crab viscera (guts/butter)
before cooking.
DIAMOND LAKE: trout
As part of the new regulation simplification process, Diamond Lake is now back to
the Southwest Zone regulation of 5 trout/day.
Anglers that are planning on taking a trip to Diamond Lake should check with the
Umpqua National Forest (541-498-2531) or Diamond Lake Resort for information on
seasonal camp and ramp closures.
Diamond Lake is expected to be stocked with over 300,000 fingerling rainbow trout
around ice-off in 2016, and there are plenty of legal-sized holdover trout currently in
the lake. There have been some reports of successful ice fishing trips, but unsafe ice
conditions have limited access recently. Ensure safe conditions before venturing onto
the ice and review the 2016 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations on ice fishing.
Anglers can check fishing and water conditions at Diamond Lake on the Diamond
Lake Resort website, or call their toll free number at 1-800-733-7593, ext. 5 for
updates.
ELK RIVER: steelhead
Low and clear. Steelhead are spread throughout the river. Most Chinook have spawned
and/or moved into the tributaries. Anglers can call Elk River Hatchery (541-332-0405)
for river conditions.
EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie
The park is open during daylight hours in winter, and sources indicate that the
boat ramps now appear useable. Bass, panfish and trout are available, though
warmwater fishing is slow with the colder weather. The water level in the reservoir
is at 40 percent of capacity.
EXPO POND: trout
The southern-most pond at Expo is stocked with rainbow trout. Access to this pond is
at gate 1.5.
FISH LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout, spring Chinook
Fish Lake is ice covered but provides a chance for some winter trout ice fishing. Ice
is reportedly solid except for the middle of the lake where it is still a bit mushy.
Anglers reportedly caught a few nice trout ice fishing over the last weekend. Water
levels have rebounded nicely at Fish Lake and the lake is now 34 percent full.
Anglers must remember that Sno-Park permits are needed between Nov. 1 and April
30. Rainbow trout, brook trout, landlocked spring Chinook salmon and tiger trout
are available. Anglers are encouraged to report catches of larger spring Chinook or
tiger trout to the local ODFW district office at 541-826-8774. Tiger trout must be
released unharmed.
FLORAS LAKE: rainbow, cutthroat trout
The best method for catching trout is slow trolling flies or wedding ring spinners
from a boat. Bank access is limited. This time of year anglers will want to keep an
eye on the weather before heading out.
Anglers can launch at an improved boat ramp at Boice Cope County Park. Boat
anglers are reminded to clean all aquatic vegetation off their boats and trailers
before heading home to help control the spread non-native plants and animals.
GALESVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass, coho smolts
In addition to trout, the reservoir has also been stocked with coho smolts for the last
few years. Many people mistakenly think these fish are kokanee. All of the coho
smolts are adipose fin-clipped, and please remember to release the ones less than 8inches long. In Galesville Reservoir, all landlocked salmon are considered trout and
are part of the five-per-day trout limit, with only one trout over 20-inches long
allowed for harvest. The first trout stocking of 2016 should occur late February/early
March, and there are still opportunities to catch rainbow trout from previous year’s
stockings.
Bass fishing is typically slow in winter months, but there are still opportunities to catch
bass and other panfish with the use of bait and artificial lures such as swimbaits. Call
541-837-3302 for information on camping and boat launching conditions.
GARRISON LAKE: rainbow and cutthroat trout
With local rivers high and muddy or low and clear, anglers may want to fish
Garrison. The lake has good numbers of carry over trout. Slow trolling wedding
ring spinners can be very effective. This is the time of year to keep an eye on the
weather and fish when weather conditions are good.
HEMLOCK LAKE & LAKE IN THE WOODS & Umpqua High Lakes: trout
Anglers fishing the high lakes in the Umpqua District are encouraged to e-mail
fishing reports. Contact the Forest Service at 541-496-3532 for road conditions.
Stocking for 2016 should begin in April as road/lake conditions allow, and there are
still opportunities to catch holdover rainbow trout that were stocked in previous years.
Remember only trout over 8-inches may be harvested, and only one trout over 20inches may be kept per day.
HOWARD PRAIRIE RESERVOIR:
Howard opens on January 1 and will be open year round in 2016. Currently the lake is
frozen and snow covered. Anglers wishing to ice fish should exercise extreme caution.
HYATT LAKE:
Hyatt opens on January 1 and will be open year round in 2016. Currently the lake is
frozen and snow covered. Anglers wishing to ice fish should exercise extreme caution.
ILLINOIS RIVER: trout, steelhead
Beginning January 1, from Klondike Creek upstream to Pomeroy Dam the Illinois is
open for wild steelhead at least 24" in length, 1 per day and 5 per year, as part of
daily or annual salmon/steelhead bag limit. The Illinois should be in great shape and
fish are around. Reportedly fishing was fair over the weekend but should get better.
Please remember the Illinois is artificial flies and lures only.
Consult the 2016 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for more regulation information.
Nonadipose fin-clipped rainbow trout and all cutthroat trout must be immediately
released unharmed.
LAKE MARIE: rainbow trout, yellow perch
Trout stocking for 2016 should begin in March, and there are still opportunities to catch
holdover rainbow trout that were stocked in previous years. Most anglers use PowerBait
or worms. Perch fishing should continue to be productive for those using worms on
the bottom.
LAKE SELMAC: trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie
Selmac is stocked with rainbow trout.
LEMOLO RESERVOIR: brown trout, rainbow trout
This reservoir is stocked several times a year with rainbow trout of various sizes
There are also excellent opportunities to catch large brown trout in Lemolo with
many anglers having luck trolling in deeper areas of the reservoir. Contact Lemolo
Lake Resort at 541-957-8354 for weather/road conditions and additional information.
LOON LAKE: rainbow trout, bass, bluegill
Trout stocking for 2016 should begin late February/early March. The lake should
offer decent fishing for crappie, bluegill and bass even in the cooler winter months.
Use slow presentations with lures or bait for best results. Visit the BLM and Loon
Lake Resort websites for information on opening dates and camping this summer.
LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, spring Chinook, bass
Lost Creek offers the best opportunity for winter trout fishing in the Rogue
watershed currently. Stewart and Takelma boat ramps are both open at this time.
Bank anglers have done well around Takelma and the marina and landlocked spring
Chinook anglers did well at 40-50 feet depth recently. Additional reports indicate
good success was had trolling a green wedding ring behind a chrome and green
dodger. The wedding ring was spiked with a piece of Gulp nightcrawler. An oval egg
sinker was used for weight. Fish were also caught on a small lures — a gold Blue fox
spinner, and a chrome and blue kastmaster.
The reservoir is 43 percent full.
PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: bottomfish, Dungeness crab,
Recreational harvest of crab is open along the entire Oregon Coast. It is still
recommended you discard the crab viscera (guts/butter) before cooking.
Fishing for bottom fish is open to fishing at all-depths. Fishing for black rockfish
and lingcod continues to be very good from Charleston to Bandon when the ocean
is calm enough for anglers to get out on the water.
The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish and a separate daily limit for lingcod
(two). Anglers can only keep 3 blue rockfish and 1 canary rockfish as part of their
daily limit and there will be no harvest of China, quillback, or copper rockfish.
Retention of cabezon is prohibited from January 1 through June 30.
To help anglers identify common species and comply with the regulations, ODFW
has produced several sheets of ID Tips for blue vs. black rockfish and for China,
copper and quillback rockfish, as well as a handout titled “What Can I Keep, and
How Many?”
PLAT I RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass
In addition to trout fishing, the lake also has good bass fishing. Bank fishing
access is available, though the lake is now drawn down and access for fishing may
be very muddy.
Waterfowl hunting is allowed through Janurary 31 each each year on Tuesdays,
Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Anglers may have success catching trout and bass with bait such as PowerBait and
nightcrawlers where access is available. The reservoir should receive its first 2016
trout stocking by late February/early March.
Some of the trout have had copepods which are tiny parasites on their bodies and
gills. These are not harmful to humans, but the lesions can be removed and the
meat should be thoroughly cooked.
REINHART POND: trout, largemouth bass, bluegill
Reinhart is stocked with rainbow trout.
Warmwater fishing is slow with the colder weather.
ROGUE RIVER
Rogue River, lower: steelhead
Boat and bank anglers are picking up steelhead, but the bite has slowed from earlier
in the week.
Rogue River, middle: steelhead, trout
Beginning Jan. 1, from the mouth to Hog Creek boat ramp, the river is open for wild
steelhead at least 24" in length, 1 per day and 5 per year, as part of daily or annual
salmon/steelhead bag limit. Consult the synopsis for more regulation information.
The river is dropping into shape and fishing should be good this week. Side drifting
soaked yarn balls and bait have reportedly landed fish over the last few days. The
flow at Grants Pass as of Tuesday morning was around 7,730 cfs and the water
temperature was around 43°.
Rogue River, upper: steelhead, trout
The upper river between the mouth of Big Butte Creek and the hatchery deadline is
fishable and can be good when the rest of the river is blown out.
The upper river is currently in decent shape and fish are being caught. Fishing should
continue to improve in this section as we progress into February. As of Jan. 27, a
total of 3,699 summer steelhead and 17 winter steelhead have been collected at
Cole Rivers.
Beginning February 1, the river is open for wild steelhead at least 24" in length from
Hog Creek boat ramp upstream to Cole Rivers Hatchery 1 per day and 5 per year, as
part of daily or annual salmon/steelhead bag limit. Consult the synopsis for more
regulation information.
Rogue River, above Lost Creek Reservoir: trout
Stocked rainbow trout are available near sites stocked this past summer. Naturally
produced rainbow and brook trout are available in the tributaries.
SMITH RIVER, Umpqua: sturgeon, striped bass, steelhead
Winter steelhead angling should be productive with the increasing number of
steelhead moving into the river. Retention of adipose fin-clipped steelhead is
allowed in the Smith River mainstem from the mouth upstream to Sisters Creek
and in the North Fork of the Smith River from the mouth upstream to Bridge 10
near the Middle Fork of the North Fork. Sturgeon fishing is catch-and-release only.
SODA SPRINGS RESERVOIR: Closed to fishing.
TENMILE BASIN: trout, steelhead
Streams in the Tenmile Basin are now closed for trout fishing until May 22, 2016.
Tenmile Lakes is open all year for trout but trout fishing has been slow.
Steelhead fishing has been slow in Tenmile Creek and Eel Creek. The best fishing has
been near the mouth of Saunders Creek and Eel Creek. In the Tenmile Basin 1
additional hatchery steelhead may be retained per day for a total aggregate of 3
adult fish harvested daily.
TOKETEE LAKE: brown trout, rainbow trout
Fishing is open in Toketee year-round. For more information call the U.S. Forest
Service at 541-498-2531.
UMPQUA HIGH LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout
Contact the Forest Service at 541-957-3200 for road and trail conditions. The first
rainbow trout stockings of 2016 for Clearwater Forebay 2 and Red Top Pond should
occur in April and May and there should be plenty of holdover legal-sized trout from
previous stockings in those waterbodies. Red Top Pond offers excellent bank angling
opportunities. Anglers fishing the high lakes in the Umpqua District are encouraged
to e-mail fishing reports.
UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: steelhead
The mainstem Umpqua is closed to wild steelhead harvest, but remains open yearround for adipose fin-clipped steelhead. Winter steelhead fishing should begin to
pick-up as river levels recede, and there are opportunities to harvest hatchery
steelhead on the mainstem Umpqua. There have been reports of good numbers of
hatchery steelhead being harvested on the mainstem, particularly around Cleveland
Rapids. The mainstem Umpqua is closed for trout fishing until May 22.
Please note the changes in regulations this year on page 33 of the 2016 Oregon
Sport Fishing Regulations booklet. On the Main, anglers can harvest 2 wild spring
Chinook per day and up to 5 wild springers from Feb. 1 – June 30. From July 1–
Dec. 31, you can harvest 2 wild Chinook per day, and in combination with the
other salmon/steelhead recorded on your salmon tag, up to 20 fish total. Finclipped hatchery fish can be recorded on a separate hatchery harvest tag that is
available. There is no limit on the number of hatchery tags that can be purchased.
Daily limits still apply.
The “50 Places to go fishing within 60 minutes of Roseburg,” handout which is
available online or at the office, identifies several good places for salmon and
steelhead fishing.
UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead
Winter steelhead angling is picking up, and the river has remained fishable even at
higher water levels. Bank anglers targeting winter steelhead have been having luck
around Rock Creek. Remember all wild steelhead must be released unharmed.
Note that from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 through June 30, fishing in the fly
water area is restricted to fly angling only with a single barbless fly. Per the new
regulation on page 31, 32 of the 2015 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet,
from Feb. 1 – July 31, 2 wild Chinook per day can be harvested.Ten wild Chinook
may be harvested in the North during this time frame in aggregate with wild Chinook
harvested in the Main.
Remember that from March 1 through July 31 the anti-snagging gear restrictions
apply on the North from the Lone Rock boat ramp upstream to the fly area boundary
above Rock Creek. The Mainstem from Soda Springs Dam, including Soda Springs
Reservoir, up to Slide Creek Dam is closed year-round to fishing.
North Umpqua River water levels at Winchester Dam
UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: steelhead
The South Umpqua is currently open to adipose fin-clipped steelhead harvest, and
winter steelhead fishing will improve as water levels recede. There will be excellent
hatchery steelhead harvest opportunities on the South Umpqua as the season
progresses, especially around Stanton Park in Canyonville.
WILLOW LAKE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, black crappie, brown bullhead
Willow Lake offers an opportunity for some winter trout angling. The county park is
open during daylight hours.
WINCHESTER BAY: bottomfish, perch
Fishing for bottomfish in the Triangle and South jetty has been successful.
SOUTHWEST ZONE HUNTING
OPEN: COUGAR
SW Oregon Spring Bear tags are sold out.
Wolves and coyotes can look alike
Most wolves in the state today are in northeast Oregon but a few have dispersed
further west and south. Wolves are protected by state and/or federal law and it is
unlawful to shoot them. Coyote hunters need to take extra care to identify their target
as wolves can look like coyotes, especially wolf pups in the mid-summer and fall. Please
report any wolf sightings or wolf sign to ODFW using the online reporting system.
Use the Oregon Hunting Map to see where to hunt.
COOS COUNTY
Coyote - Numbers are strong throughout Coos County. Using predator calls to lure
them in can be an effective method for harvesting coyotes. Try calling in early morning
and late afternoon. Be sure to ask permission before hunting on private land.
Cougar hunters can expect an average year. Cougars are abundant throughout with
indicators pointing to stable or increasing numbers. Hunting cougar is a challenge
because these animals are very secretive, but harvest success is greatest adjacent to
private land with high deer populations using a predator call. Remember you need
2016 tag to hunt as of Jan. 1.
DOUGLAS COUNTY
Black Bear – SW Oregon tags are sold out.
Elk - Elk populations are similar to last year so this hunting year will be average. A
few controlled elk hunts are currently open. Elk populations are similar to last year
so this hunting year will be average. Check with landowners about access
before going hunting.
Cougar – The cougar season is currently open. Hunters can expect an average year.
Cougars are abundant throughout with indicators pointing to stable or increasing
numbers. Hunting cougar is a challenge because these animals are very secretive,
but harvest success is greatest adjacent to private land with high deer populations
using a predator call.
Winter weather offers an additional technique to harvest cougar. Many hunters enjoy
looking for and following fresh tracks in the newly fallen snow at higher elevations.
Hunters will locate fresh tracks and then call animals in using a predator call for best
success. Check with landowners about access before going hunting.
Coyote - Numbers are strong throughout Douglas County. Using predator calls to lure
them in can be an effective method for harvesting coyotes. Try calling in early morning
and late afternoon. Be sure to ask permission before hunting on private land.
Furbearers
A reminder to trappers and hunters that specific licenses and tags are required to
hunt many furbearer species. Hunters should refer to the Oregon Furbearer Trapping
and Hunting Regulations for details. Bobcat and River Otter pelt check in is available
on Mondays, 8am until 5pm at the Roseburg office.
Bobcat - Healthy populations throughout Western Oregon. Harvest season is
currently open and runs through February 28th, 2016. Pursuit season is currently
open for bobcat.
River Otter, Beaver, Mink/Muskrat, Gray Fox & Raccoon – Healthy populations
throughout Western Oregon. The harvest season is open for gray fox, mink/muskrat,
river otter, beaver and raccoon. Pursuit season is currently open for fox and raccoon.
JACKSON, JOSEPHINE, CURRY COUNTIES
Elk – A few controlled elk season are still going on. These hunts are primarily to deal
with damage issues on private lands.
Wilson’s Snipe season continues thru Feb. 21. Snipe is another challenging bird to
hunt for they are small, fast and erratic low-flying birds that can be hard to identify.
Be sure to know how to differentiate it from killdeer and other shorebirds before you
hunt. Snipe may be spooked in areas where there are high numbers of hunters but
other times a person can walk up on them. Snipe almost always emit a call when
they take off in flight. The best time to hunt snipe will be late fall and winter months.
Denman Wildlife Area has decent numbers of snipe.
Denman Wildlife Area: Remember to get your parking permit. Hunters get the
permit free with their purchase of an annual hunting license. Display on car dash.
Wildlife Area fields are finally starting to fill and ducks are starting to show up.
Cougar season is open statewide year-round or until zone quotas are met. Most
cougar hunters’ success comes from predator calls. Cougars travel many miles a day
and often use major ridge lines to find prey, these ridge lines are location for
predator calls.
Western Gray Squirrel is currently open for the part of the Rogue Unit south of
Rogue River and S. Fork Rogue River and North of Hwy 140 where the season
remains open year round with no bag limit. Squirrels can be found in oak or mixed
conifer stands. This is a great animal to hunt for first time hunters.
Coyotes are abundant in our area. Remember to ask for permission to hunt on private
lands. Hunter can find coyotes around meadows and brush piles where mice and rabbits
are found. Predator calls are very useful when used in conjunction to known prey base.
Furbearers – Pursuit season is currently open for bobcat, fox and raccoon. A
reminder to trappers and hunters that specific licenses and tags are required to hunt
many furbearer species, and hunters should refer to the 2014-16 Oregon Furbearer
Trapping and Hunting Regulations for details.
Marten, Gray Fox, Muskrat, Mink, Raccoon, River Otter and Beaver is currently
open. Population for these animals remains healthy.
SOUTHWEST ZONE WILDLIFE VIEWING
COOS COUNTY
Marine Mammals
Seal and sea lion abundance in coastal waters around Coos County is high at this
time of year, especially south of Coos Bay. At Simpson Reef, a heavily used haul out
exists. From the lookout, viewers can see California sea lions, Steller sea lions,
harbor seals and elephant seals. Do not approach seals and sea lions you may find
on Oregon beaches. If you think an animal you find is in trouble, contact your local
ODFW office to report the animal or contact the Marine Mammal Stranding Network
an (800) 452-7888.
Waterfowl
Coos County is a good place to see large numbers of migratory waterfowl in the fall.
October and November are the months when many of these birds move from
northern nesting areas through the Pacific Flyway. A large number of these move
along the coast and stop in local bays and estuaries.
One of the best places on the Oregon coast to see large congregations of waterfowl
in the Coquille Valley. The Audubon Society estimates as many as 50% of the
migratory dabbling ducks that migrate along the coast winter in the Coquille Valley.
Due to low water conditions places where tidal inundation occurs in the Coquille
estuary are the best places to see waterfowl presently. The Bandon Marsh National
Wildlife Refuge, located north of the city of Bandon, may be the best place to see
these birds presently. Once the rainy season starts in earnest waterfowl will move
into inland valleys in search of flooded agricultural lands.
Seabirds
Recently fishers are reporting seeing large congregations of baitfish in Coos Bay.
Seabirds like pelicans, grebes and cormorants can be seen chasing these fish from
above and below. At times the water in the bay has been clear enough to actually see
the action going on underwater from Point Adams in Charleston. Similar opportunities
should exist in Winchester Bay and Bandon, from the docks in those bays.
CURRY COUNTY
Migrant waterfowl are showing up in all the bays. Elegant terns are now seen in the
Rogue bay. They are a mid-sized tern with long reddish bill that has a turned down
appearance. The tail is forked and short. Their head has a black band along the top
and wings are tipped with black other than that they are white.
Try waterfowl viewing at Storm Ranch near Langlois. You could find coots,
bufflehead, wigeon, mallards, pintail and ringneck ducks.
DOUGLAS COUNTY
Owls - Start to listen for Great Horned Owls and smaller owls calling in the evenings
and early morning near local wooded habitats.
Winter Raptors - Wintering raptors, especially red-tail hawks, are commonly seen
along highways throughout the county. Biologists recently drove through Douglas
County surveying for raptors. The 110 mile survey turned up 51 Red-tailed Hawks, 13
American Kestrels, 7 Northern Harriers, 13 Red-Shouldered Hawks, 4 Cooper’s Hawks,
1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 3 Golden Eagles, and 5 Bald Eagles.
Bald Eagles – Bald Eagles are now commonly seen along the mainstem portion of
the Umpqua River from Roseburg to Reedsport.
Birds – With all of the rain, most of the water bodies are filled and fields are full of
puddles and ponds. This brings a greater opportunity to observe different varieties of
waterfowl and wading birds more closely. Local turkeys are also gathering in larger
flocks as food sources become more limited throughout the winter months.
Amphibians - As temperatures start to warm up on the valley floor, pacific (chorus)
tree frogs will start to vocalize around ponds, puddles and ditches as they prepare
for breeding. Listen for them on warmer days and evenings. In the past, these small
native frogs have made enough noise, that wetland neighbors have actually called
ODFW to complain.
JACKSON and JOSEPHINE COUNTIES
Project Feeder Watch is a continent-wide citizen science program that uses citizen to
count and identify birds visiting backyard bird feeders and other location. This
program continues through March. If interested visit web page for more info.
SNIPE
Snipe are small, fast and erratic low-flying birds that can be hard to identify. They
can be easily confused with killdeer and other shorebirds. Snipe are found in muddy
or shallow water areas feeding on insects. Snipe almost always emit a call when they
take off in flight. Denman Wildlife Area has decent numbers of snipe.
Crows
Crows and Raven are similar to each other. Crows are smaller in size (17.5 inches)
with smaller beaks with fan shape tail in flight and they make a caw sound. Whereas
ravens are larger (24 inches) with long heavy bills, wedge shaped tail, with a low,
drawn-out croak call and are protected.
Denman Wildlife Area
Hunting season is underway on the Denman Wildlife Area. Other recreational users
are encouraged to wear bright orange or other bright colored clothing and to stick to
the trail systems.
FISHING
Weekend fishing opportunities
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Many of the region’s streams continue to produce winter steelhead as this
fishery continues to gain momentum.
Trout stocking us underway at many of the area’s lakes and ponds. This week
Alton Baker Canal, Creswell Pond, and Row River Nature Park all get fish.
Regulation changes for 2016 allow year-round trout fishing on the Blue River,
Breitenbush River, Quartzville Creek, Yamhill River, and North Fork Santiam
above Detroit Reservoir. Check the new 2016 regulations booklet to see how
your fishing area is affected.
Henry Hagg Lake is now open year-round and as a robust fishery with
populations of bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, and brown bullhead, and
stocked hatchery rainbow trout.
If your favorite fishing spot is no longer listed
It’s probably because that river, lake or reservoir is closed for the season,
inaccessible due to snow and bad roads, or offers limited fishing opportunities during
the winter months. These water bodies will re-appear in the Recreation Report when
they re-open next spring, or when access and/or opportunity improves.
Send us your fishing report
We’d love to hear about your recent fishing experience. Send us your own fishing
report through ODFW Fishing Reports – the information will be forwarded to the local
biologist who may use it to update various ODFW resources such as the Weekly
Recreation Report.
2016 trout stocking
The 2016 trout stocking schedules for the North Willamette Watershed (pdf) District
and the South Willamette Watershed (pdf) District are posted on the ODFW Trout
Stocking Page. Take a look to find out when and where Oregon’s hatchery trout are
being released around the state.
High Lakes stocking
ODFW takes very small fish to Oregon’s high lakes by helicopter, mule and river
boats. Take a look at where these fish were released in the past and where you
might even encounter some of them on your next backpacking trek. It typically takes
only a year after stocking for fish to reach catchable size.
North Willamette High Lakes Stocking |Mid-Willamette High Lakes Stocking |South
Willamette High Lakes Stocking
Check out the new interactive trout stocking map
Find the location and details about the many lakes ponds and streams that receive
hatchery trout from ODFW’s fish hatcheries on the new Google-based stocking map.
Click on the fish icons to bring up all the pertinent information about the state’s trout
fishing locations.
ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL: trout
The Alton Baker Canoe Canal will be stocked this week with a total of 965 fish,
released at several locations along the canal.
The canal is located within Alton Baker Park and can be accessed off of Club Road in
Eugene. A 4-acre pond at the midpoint of the canal is a good spot but it can be
fished all along its two-mile length from Day Island Road in Eugene to Aspen Street
in Springfield. The canal is open to fishing all year.
BENSON LAKE: rainbow trout, white crappie, largemouth bass, brown bullhead
This is a 40-acre lake located in Benson State Park in the Columbia River Gorge.
From Portland, head east on I-84; the park is located on the south side of the
freeway about 1/2 mile west of Multnomah Falls.
BLUE LAKE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead, black crappie, bluegill
This is a 64-acre lake located in Blue Lake Park three miles west of Troutdale. This
family-friendly park with picnic areas, restrooms, walking trail, and ramp for small
boats. Park is maintained by Multnomah County.
BLUE RIVER: trout, steelhead
Blue River is open to fishing using lures and artificial flies as of Jan. 1. Two wild
trout may be harvested per day above Blue River Reservoir only. Note that
tributaries to Blue River will open to angling May 22.
BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species
Blue River Reservoir is located east of Eugene near the town of Blue River, north of
Hwy. 126 and is open to year-round fishing. The reservoir has begun filling, although
neither boat ramp is accessible at the current reservoir elevation.
BREITENBUSH RIVER: trout
Regulation changes for 2016 year will allow fishing on this river year-round. Trout
stocking will remain the same, with the first release scheduled for some time in May.
Anglers may keep up to 5 trout per day. Note that the river is closed to salmon
fishing year-round.
CANBY POND: trout, bass, crappie, bluegill
The pond will be stocked in early February with 50 rainbow trout weighing an average
of two pounds apiece. Canby Pond is a one-acre pond located on the south end of
Canby, in Canby City Park. This pond is open only to youth 17 years old and under, as
well as persons who possess ODFW's Disabled Hunting and Fishing Permits.
CARMEN RESERVOIR: trout
Carmen Reservoir is accessed via USFS Road 750 off Hwy. 126, about two miles
south of Clear Lake. It is open to fishing all year. Motor boats are prohibited on
Carmen Reservoir.
CLACKAMAS RIVER: winter steelhead
The Clackamas has been in good fishing condition and anglers have been catching
winter steelhead from Dog Creek at McIver Park to the river mouth in Oregon City.
Effort from both boat and bank anglers has held up well and they’ve being
rewarded with some very good catch days. Anglers again this week were reporting
the most success from the mouth of Eagle Creek (near Bonnie Lure Park)
downstream. Anglers who pay close attention to the river levels between storms
will be able to capitalize on a mid-season return of winter steelhead. The weather
forecast for later this week calls for light to moderate rainfall with perhaps a slight
bump in flows by Friday, but nothing to keep folks off the water.
Good bank access for can be found in many locations along the river from Gladstone,
Cross Park, Riverside Park, along Clackamas River Road, Carver, Barton, and McIver
parks. Clackamas River Drive closely follows the river below Carver Park, but be sure
to not trespass on private property. If you have a drift boat, you can put in at
Riverside Park, Carver Park, Barton Park, Feldheimer’s off Springwater Road, and at
both lower and upper McIver Park ramps.
USGS hydrological data for Feb. 9 shows river flows holding fairly steady at 3,810
cfs, with a gauge reading of 13.25 feet and the water temperature near 44°. All of
the readings come from the Estacada gauge near Milo McIver State Park.
CLEAR LAKE: trout
Clear Lake is open to fishing all year. The lake is accessed from Hwy. 126
approximately 70 miles east of Springfield.
COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: trout
The Coast Fork Willamette River is open to angling using lures and artificial flies only.
Two wild trout may be kept daily (8” minimum length).
COMMONWEALTH LAKE: trout, bass, bluegill, crappie
This is a three-acre lake within the Commonwealth Lake Park in Beaverton, the park
is maintained by Tualatin Hills Park and Rec. Amenities include ADA accessible trail,
picnic tables, playground and restrooms.
COTTAGE GROVE POND (ROW RIVER NATURE PARK POND): trout, warmwater species
Cottage Grove Ponds are open to year round angling and are accessed via an asphalt
pathway behind the truck scales on Row River Road. This pond also offers wildlife
viewing opportunities. Stocking will resume in mid-February (listed as Row River
Nature Park on stocking schedule).
COTTAGE GROVE RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species
Cottage Grove Reservoir is south of Cottage Grove and is open to fishing all year.
Only Lakeside Park boat ramp is accessible at current levels. The reservoir will be
stocked in early March.
CRESWELL POND (GARDEN LAKE): trout, warmwater species
Garden Lake (Creswell Pond is located in Garden Lake Park on the east side of I-5 in
Creswell and is open to fishing all year. The pond and park offer additional wildlife
viewing opportunities. Stocking will resume the week of Feb. 8.
DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout, kokanee
This reservoir receives over 100,000 trout throughout the year. There are plenty
of trout available, especially near submerged tree stumps and ledges. Check with
local outfitters in the town of Detroit for fishing conditions.
Water storage season has begun which means we might start to see reservoir
levels increase over the next few weeks. Mongold boat ramp is currently still
usable. Stocking will continue again starting in spring of 2016.
DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout
Dexter Reservoir near Lowell is visible from Hwy. 58. Boat and bank access is
available from state and county parks. Parking and bank access are also available
from the causeway near Lowell. Largemouth bass and some smallmouth are
available to anglers in this reservoir.
DORENA RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater
Dorena Reservoir is east of Cottage Grove on Row River Road and is open to fishing
all year. Trout and warmwater fish are available. Baker Bay boat ramp is accessible
at the current reservoir level. Stocking will resume in early-mid March.
DORMAN POND: trout
Stocked with rainbow trout in the spring. This is an eight-acre pond west of Forest
Grove at the junction of Hwy. 8 and Hwy. 6.
EAGLE CREEK: winter steelhead
Winter steelhead continue to be hooked throughout the creek, with good flows and
water color aiding in some pretty decent catch rates seen from the hatchery all the
way down to Hwy 224. Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery has had several hundred
fish return so far this winter, a big improvement over what’s been experienced in the
past couple of years. Anglers who pay attention to both snow levels and rain
amounts will be able to fish Eagle Creek when most other area waters are unfishable.
Keep in mind that long stretches of Eagle Creek run through private property,
particularly up near the hatchery and from an area below the lower ladder on down
past Bonnie Lure to the mouth. Anglers are advised to pay close attention to where
you fish and we encourage you to ask permission prior to accessing or crossing
private lands on your way to your favorite fishing hole.
See Page 15 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulation pamphlet for more information
on “Your Rights to Use the Surface, Bed, and Banks of Oregon’s Rivers and Lakes.”
EE WILSON POND: warmwater, trout
This pond is located at EE Wilson Wildlife Area, about a ¼ mile hike from the main
parking lot. Recent changes to the fishing regulations now make this a year-round open
fishery. It was stocked with 1,250 legal size along with 250 two-pound hatchery
rainbow trout the last week of January. A Wildlife Area parking permit is required.
A valid wildlife area parking permit is required.
ESTACADA LAKE: trout
Closed to trout fishing on Nov. 1; open to retention of hatchery (adipose fin-clipped)
Chinook salmon and hatchery (adipose fin-clipped) steelhead all year.
Estacada Lake is a 150-acre reservoir on the Clackamas River behind River Mill Dam.
There is a boat ramp in Milo McIver State Park at the lower end of the reservoir. A
fishing dock next to the boat ramp provides non-boating access to the lake.
FALL CREEK: trout
Open all year for trout, with bait allowed April 22 – Oct. 31. Open all year for
hatchery Chinook, hatchery steelhead and wild steelhead greater than 24 inches
below Fall Creek Dam.
FALL CREEK RESERVOIR: trout
Fall Creek Reservoir was drained to riverbed to aid with salmon outmigration in late
2015. Boat ramps are closed for the season.
FARADAY LAKE: trout
This is a 25-acre reservoir located 1.1 miles southeast of Estacada on Hwy. 224 next to
a PGE hydro plant. No boats, walk-in only.
FERN RIDGE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead
This 9,000-acre lake just 12 miles west of Eugene is the Willamette Basin’s largest
water body. For local information regarding the lake and available boat ramps,
contact the Lane County Parks Department at 541-682-2000.
The reservoir produces crappie over 12 inches and bass angling has been very
good in recent years. Best time of year for crappie is April to June, after the water
temperature reaches the mid-50s, but fish can still be found in deeper water year
round. July and August are peak months for largemouth bass. Fish the shoreline
along the southern part of the reservoir, especially the sloughs and inlets where
there is underwater structure.
FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish
This scenic 1,200-acre reservoir on the South Santiam River is located just 30
minutes from Interstate 5. There is good bank access at several rest stops and
campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps. At the moment, only Sunnyside Park
boat ramp is currently available. It was stocked mid-October with 7,000 hatchery
trout. Look for smallmouth bass and yellow perch near underwater structure and
drop-offs.
Please remember that only kokanee and adipose fin-clipped trout may be kept and
there are no limits on size or number of bass.
From I-5 take US 20 east from Albany to the town of Sweet Home. The reservoir is 3
miles past the town on the left.
FREEWAY LAKE, EAST: bass bluegill crappie
Trout stocking season for this waterbody will begin in late February. This water-body
actually consists of three interconnected ponds and features some good size bass
and crappie. A boat ramp is available at East Freeway Lake, and there is good bank
access around Middle Freeway Lake. Fishing for warmwater gamefish such as bass,
bluegill, crappie, and catfish can be very good, especially early and late in the day.
GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: kokanee, trout, bass
This large reservoir east of Sweet Home is a premier kokanee fishery with a bag limit
of 25 fish per day. It also supports stocked rainbow trout and a good population of
smallmouth bass. Holdover trout and smallmouth bass can be found near tree
stumps and near drop-offs in all parts of the reservoir.
Water is being released through the end of January to make room for flood storage.
Currently, Thistle Creek boat ramp is available to launch boats.
HALDEMAN POND: trout
This is a stocked 2-acre pond on the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area that offers good
bank access. Ideal for kids. A parking permit is required while on the wildlife area.
Permits are available from all ODFW license vendors.
HARRIET LAKE: trout
Stocking at Harriet Lake is completed for the year but there may be some holdovers.
This is a 23-acre reservoir on the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River in the
Mount Hood National Forest. Boat ramp is just past campground.
HARTMAN POND: trout
This is a year-round warmwater and spring trout fishing pond in the Columbia River
Gorge. Excellent for non-boating anglers.
From I-84, take the Benson State Park exit. The pond is adjacent to the Columbia
River adjoining Benson State Recreation Area.
HENRY HAGG LAKE: rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, largemouth
bass, crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, yellow bullhead, native cutthroat trout
Stocked the week of Jan. 25 with 4,000 legal-sized rainbow trout and 100 brood
trout weighing an 8 to 12 pounds apiece. Henry Hagg Lake is now open year-round
and is stocked regularly throughout the spring and fall. This is a 1,110-acre lake and
premier fishery located seven miles southwest of Forest Grove. Maintained and
operated by Washington County, the park features numerous picnic areas, two boat
launching facilities, more than 15 miles of hiking trails, and observation decks for
wildlife and bird watching.
HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater fish
This reservoir is located about four miles southeast of Oakridge and is open to year
round fishing. Hills Creek Reservoir is stocked with 60,000 adipose fin-clipped
rainbow trout fingerlings and 100,000 adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook salmon
fingerlings annually to provide a harvest fishery the following year. Fingerlings are in
addition to catchable trout releases, the first of which will take place in late February.
Trout and salmon must be adipose-fin clipped to be harvested. Large native trout are
available for catch-and-release fishing.
Only Packard Creek Boat Ramp is accessible at the current reservoir level.
HILLS CREEK and Hills Creek Tributaries above HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR:
trout
Hills Creek and its tributaries above Hills Creek Reservoir are open to angling
using lures and artificial flies . Two wild trout 8” or longer may be kept per day.
Hills Creek is not stocked.
HUDDLESTON POND: trout, bass, bluegill
Stocked the week of Jan. 25 with 350 legal-sized rainbow trout. Around the same
time, the pond was also stocked with large brood trout that may still be available.
As a reminder, only one trout over 20-inches can be kept per day.
Huddleston is a 5-acre pond located within Huddleston Pond Park in the city of
Willamina, Ore. A former mill pond, it contains good habitat for bass and bluegill. It
gets stocked with trout in the spring.
The pond reaches a maximum depth of about 10 feet, with shallow "kid-friendly"
edges. It is ADA accessible in places, with a restroom and picnic areas nearby. There
is paved parking lot and small ramp for people who want to launch small, nonmotorized boats.
JUNCTION CITY POND: trout, crappie
Junction City is a popular stocked trout fishing pond located about two miles south of
Junction City on Hwy. 99W on the west side of the highway. There is excellent access
around the entire 5-acre pond. It was stocked mid-January with 2,250 legal, 150
larger, and about 350 “pounders”, all hatchery rainbow trout. As a reminder, zone
regulations apply: five trout daily may be kept and only one over 20-inches.
LEABURG LAKE: trout
Leaburg Lake is open to angling using lures and artificial flies. Only hatchery fish
may be kept. Hatchery trout releases into Leaburg Lake will commence in late April.
All wild trout must be released.
Leaburg Dam is scheduled to remain open without restrictions to vehicular and
pedestrian traffic until construction work resumes in June 2016.
MCKENZIE RIVER below Leaburg Lake: trout, salmon, steelhead
The McKenzie River below Leaburg Lake is stocked with hatchery trout from the
Leaburg Town Landing downstream to Hendricks Bridge from late April through early
September. All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. The river
is currently open to angling using lures and artificial flies only.
This river reach is open to retention of adipose fin-clipped salmon and steelhead
and non-adipose fin-clipped steelhead greater than 24 inches in length. A
Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and
steelhead in the McKenzie.
Leaburg Dam is scheduled to remain open without restrictions to vehicular and
pedestrian traffic until construction work resumes in June 2016.
MCKENZIE RIVER above Leaburg Lake: trout, steelhead
The McKenzie River above Leaburg Lake is stocked with hatchery trout from Finn
Rock to Goodpasture Landing, with some summer releases from Forest Glen boat
landing, from late April through mid-September.
All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. The river is currently
open to angling using lures and artificial flies only.
MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER above Hills Creek Reservoir: trout
The Middle Fork Willamette River above Hills Creek Reservoir is open to angling using
lures and artificial flies. All wild trout must be released upstream of Lookout Point
Reservoir. Bait use is allowed below Dexter Dam.
MOLALLA RIVER: winter steelhead
The Molalla River is in good fishing condition. The winter steelhead run is doing
well and is an indicator of how many fish could be moving up into the Molalla.
Passage at the falls for winter steelhead stood at 1,591 fish through Feb. 9.
USGS hydrological data for the Molalla River on Feb. 9 shows flows dropping at 1,370
cfs with a gauge reading of 12.62 feet, as measured at the gauge in Canby.
MT HOOD POND: trout, crappie, bluegill
Last stocked in November. The seasonal restriction limiting fishing to youths and
disabled anglers was lifted Aug. 31 so the pond is now open to the general public.
Mt. Hood Pond is located on the Mt. Hood Community College campus in Gresham, at
26000 SE Stark St.
NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: trout
Closed to trout fishing until May 22, 2016.
Fishermen are reminded that the boat ramp and marina at Promontory Park is closed
to all public access until the summer of 2016 while PGE constructs a surface collector
to improve the downstream passage of native salmon and steelhead juveniles at
North Fork Dam. For more information about the closure, visit PGE’s website (pdf)
OLALLIE LAKE: trout
Stocking has been completed for the season. This is the largest of more than 200
lakes within the Olallie Lake Scenic Area. Located on the southern edge of the Mt.
Hood National Forest it is a popular summer recreational destination for people from
Portland and Salem, Ore.
There are three campgrounds and a rustic cabin resort on this lake as well as a
hiking trail that encircles the perimeter. Yurts, cabins, and boat rentals are available
at Olallie Lake Resort. There is a boat ramp at Peninsula Campground on the
southwest shore of the lake. Camping is also available at Olallie Meadows
Campground and Paul Dennis Campground.
Olallie Lake is also a popular jumping off point for backpackers who want to fish the
surrounding high lakes or access the Pacific Crest Trail.
PROGRESS LAKE: trout, brown bullhead
This is a 4-acre pond next to the Progress Ridge Town Center in Beaverton, Oregon.
The pond is an old rock pit and has a maximum depth of 54 feet. There is a sidewalk,
fishing platform and viewing platform on one side of the lake. Boating and swimming
are not allowed.
QUARTZVILLE CREEK: trout
This stream above Green Peter Reservoir provides excellent opportunities to fish for
trout, with good bank access along most of its length. Regulation changes for 2016
makes this a year-round fishery with a bag limit of 5 trout per day. It will receive its
first trout stocking in May. Light gear works best and fly fishing can be very good,
but bait is also allowed.
There are two BLM campgrounds as well as numerous designated campsites along
the road. To get there, follow the directions to Green Peter Reservoir and continue
around the lake until the river begins.
SALMON CREEK: trout
Salmon Creek near Oakridge is open to angling using lures and artificial flies only.
Two wild trout per day, 8 inch minimum length, may be kept in addition to 5
hatchery trout. Hatchery trout releases into Salmon Creek will resume in late April.
SALT CREEK: trout
Salt Creek is a tributary to the Middle Fork Willamette River east of Oakridge. Salt
Creek and its tributaries are open to angling using lures and artificial flies only. Two
wild trout may be kept per day, 8 inch minimum length.
SANDY RIVER: winter steelhead
Anglers are out in force taking advantage of excellent fishing conditions on the Sandy
River, which has been producing some good catches. Now is a good time to get out
on the river and chase some fresh winter steelhead.
The hatchery has already seen some very good return numbers and began recycling
fish back down to the Lewis and Clark boat ramp several weeks ago. They’ve moved
over 700 winters back downstream to give anglers another shot at hooking them.
Interested anglers can identify a recycled steelhead by a simple hole punch found in
the right side gill plate cover of the fish.
A typical rule of thumb for the Sandy River is if snow levels are above 4,000 feet it
could be a bit off but when below 4,000 feet angling conditions get good. With snow
levels expected to hover right in the 4,000 feet range into the weekend now should be
the time for hooking into a few winter steelhead on this impressive Northwest river.
USGS hydrological data for the Sandy River on Feb. 9 shows flows down a bit at 3,420
cfs with a gauge reading of 10.48 feet. The water temperature has warmed a bit to 45°.
SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK): steelhead, Chinook
Summer steelhead continue to be present throughout the river, mostly between
Mehama and Packsaddle Park. Winter steelhead numbers at Willamette Falls are
starting to pick up and a few have made it into the Santiam basin. Water levels are
slowly receding and warming which should bring a few new fish into the basin.
When the ‘bite’ is on, bobbers and jigs are the preferred angling method with
spoons, spinners and egg clusters also being effective. Currently the entire river
below Packsaddle Park (near the Minto Fish Facility) is open year-round to hatchery
steelhead. Trout harvest season begins May 22.
River levels best for fishing are below 3,000 cfs at the Mehama gauge (the Mehama
gauge was at 5,100 as of Feb. 5). Current conditions
SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK) above DETROIT:
Regulation changes for 2016 makes this section a year-round fishery. The river
will be stocked as in previous years starting in May. Anglers may keep up to 5
trout per day. This section of river is closed to salmon fishing.
SANTIAM RIVER (SOUTH FORK): steelhead, Chinook, bass
Flows have receded and with the warming of the water we should see some new
winter steelhead enter the basin. Current flows (as of Feb. 5) are around 3,000 cfs
as measured at Waterloo. Anglers can target summer steelhead, which can still be
found in fair numbers in the upper sections. A few newly arrived winter steelhead
may also be available. Best sections to fish are from Wiley Creek to Pleasant Valley
boat ramps, around Waterloo County Park, and from Lebanon down to the
confluence with the North Santiam.
SHERIDAN POND: trout
Stocked the week of Jan. 25 with 500 legal-sized rainbow trout. Sheridan Pond is a 2
1/2-acre pond located on the edge of town. It provides excellent access for families
and kids. Good parking. There is an outhouse provided. It is stocked throughout the
year with hatchery trout.
To get there take Hwy. 18 to Exit 33 onto Balston Rd. Go south on Balston Rd.
approximately half a mile and turn left onto a gravel road leading about a quarter
mile to the pond.
SILVER CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, catfish
This is a 65-acre reservoir on Silver Creek 2.5 miles south of Silverton on Hwy. 214.
SMITH RESERVOIR: trout
Smith Reservoir is north of Trail Bridge Reservoir and is accessed by turning off Hwy.
126 at Trail Bridge Reservoir and following USFS Road 730 north to Smith Dam. The
reservoir is not visible from the highway and is open to year-around fishing. Smith
River and its tributaries above Smith Reservoir are open to two wild trout per day, 8
inch minimum length, using lures and artificial flies only.
ST. LOUIS PONDS: trout, bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, channel catfish
St. Louis Ponds is a 240-acre fishing complex of seven ponds owned and managed
jointly by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Marion County Parks
Department. The site has a 2,300-foot paved ADA footpath with turnouts, fishing
platforms, restrooms and picnic tables. It is stocked throughout the year with
hatchery trout and has many other species of warmwater fish.
The ponds are open to fishing year round. However, the main gate to the pond is
closed Oct. 1 – March 1, although anglers can still access the ponds via the dirt
road from the gate to the parking area.
St. Louis Ponds is located 13 miles north of Salem and west of I-5. To get to there
from the north, take the Woodburn exit off I-5. Then go east to Hwy. 99E. At Hwy.
99E, head south to the town of Gervais. At the light, go west on Gervais Rd.
through Gervais. Gervais Rd. changes to St Louis Rd. Continue west on St Louis
Rd. as it crosses over I-5 to Tesch Lane, at the railroad crossing. Go left on Tesch
Lane and follow the signs to the ponds, about a mile to the main parking lot.
SUNNYSIDE PARK POND: bass, bluegill
This 4-acre pond is located 2 miles above the upper end of Foster Reservoir. Trout
stocking season has ended for Sunnyside Pond although a few holdovers may
remain. The pond also offers bluegill and largemouth bass year round.
The park has a campground and picnic area and is a great place to take kids fishing.
There is also boat ramp access to the Middle Fork arm of Foster Reservoir. To get
there from I5, take US 20 through the town of Sweet Home and continue around
Foster Reservoir to Quartzville Creek road. Take a left and follow this road for two
miles to the park.
TIMBER LINN LAKE: rainbow trout
Stocked on Jan. 21 with 250 rainbow trout brood fish weighing about two pounds
apiece. This beautiful, family-friendly fishing pond is located within the 8-acre
Timber-Linn Memorial Park in Albany. It was also stocked in mid-December with
about 60 very large brood trout weighing up to 12 pounds, and one or two of those
may still be around. Please keep in mind that only one fish over 20-inches may be
taken per day. Timber-Linn Lake can be reached by turning east off I-5 onto the
Santiam Highway (Hwy. 20), then immediately turning north onto Price Road and
proceeding to the park entrance.
TRAIL BRIDGE RESERVOIR: trout
Trail Bridge Reservoir is open to year-round fishing. This waterbody is adjacent to
Hwy 126 and is approximately 60 miles east of Springfield. Only adipose fin-clipped
trout may be harvested from Trail Bridge Reservoir. Only flies and lures may be
used. Stocking will resume in May.
TROJAN PONDS: trout
This is a 15-acre pond just east of Rainier on the north side of Hwy. 30 at the Trojan
nuclear facility. The pond is located on the right side of the road as soon as you turn
onto the Trojan Access Road.
TUALATIN RIVER and tribs: trout
These are now year-round fishing streams under the 2016 Oregon Sport Fishing
Regulations. Open all year for catch-and-release trout fishing. Harvest allowed May
22-Oct. 31.
WALLING POND: trout, crappie, bass
This pond was stocked on Jan. 12 with 400 legal and 50 larger size hatchery
rainbow trout. There may still be a few surviving large brood trout weighing
several pounds in there. As a reminder, only one trout over 20-inches can be kept
per day.
This is an 8-acre privately owned pond located in Salem at the northeast corner of
McGilchrist and 16th Streets, S.E.
WALTER WIRTH LAKE: trout, crappie, bass
This pond was stocked on Jan. 12 with 1,700 legal size and 150 larger hatchery
rainbow trout. As a reminder, only one trout over 20-inches can be kept per day.
Walter Wirth is a 20-acre lake located within the City of Salem’s Cascades
Gateway Park.
WAVERLY POND: trout, bluegill, catfish
Waverly Pond is located in Albany and is regularly stocked in fall, winter and
spring. It was stocked just before Christmas with 90 or so very large brood trout
between 3 and 12 pounds each.
Please keep in mind that only one fish over 20-inches may be taken per day. From
I-5 take exit 234 west towards Albany. The pond is located a quarter mile down
Pacific Boulevard on the right. A paved ADA-accessible path runs all the way
around the pond.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: sturgeon, winter steelhead
The Willamette receded considerably over the past week, bringing improved visibility
and generally better fishing conditions as anglers ramp up for the spring seasons.
Winter steelhead crossings continue to gain momentum, with 339 adult steelhead
moving above Willamette Falls over the past week. That brings total crossings to 1,591.
USGS hydrological data for the Willamette River on Feb. 9 shows flows at 30,200 cfs,
the water temperature near 45°, and visibility up to 2.8 feet.
YAMHILL RIVER and tributaries: trout
These are now year-round fishing streams under the 2016 Oregon Sport Fishing
Regulations. Open all year for catch-and-release trout fishing. Harvest allowed May
22-Oct. 31.
WILLAMETTE ZONE HUNTING
OPEN: CONTROLLED ANTLERLESS ELK, NW PERMIT GOOSE, COUGAR AND
FURBEARER HUNTING AND TRAPPING
CONTROLLED HUNT SEMINARS AND OTHER EVENTS COMING UP IN
FEBRUARY, SEE ODFWCALENDAR.COM
Please remember to check with the landowner for access restrictions prior to
entering private lands. Private timberlands access policy.
In addition industrial forestland owners will usually have information regarding
access to their property posted on their gates and usually have a “hotline” devoted
to providing up-to-date access for hunters.
Hunters are reminded to have permission to hunt or make sure hunting is
allowed before accessing private lands.
BIG GAME
CONTROLLED ANTLERLESS ELK rifle seasons will open on Jan. 1, 2016 in the
Scappoose, northeast portions of the Trask and northern portion of the Santiam Unit.
Check the 2015-16 Oregon Big Game Regulations for the specific dates and
boundaries of your hunt. Hunters who have access to private agriculture lands will
need to be in the field well before daylight to catch moving elk.
On private timberlands hunters may want to glass clear cuts early in the morning
and late in the afternoon. Elk will often bed down during the day in larger timber or
timber reproduction stands. Some private timberlands may be open for hunting
during this season. Please check with the landowner before hunting on private lands.
PLEASE REPORT OBSERVATIONS OF ELK WITH HOOF DISEASE
Please use the online form below to report observations of live elk, hunter-harvested
or dead elk showing signs of elk hoof disease that may include lame or limping elk or
elk with damaged, injured, missing or deformed hooves. If you harvest an elk or
locate a dead animal with suspected hoof disease, please take the following steps:
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Remove and save the affected hoof/hooves in a plastic bag and place in a cool
area for further evaluation by ODFW
Collect GPS locations
Take digital photos of affected hooves
Contact ODFW at the toll-free wildlife health lab at 866-968-2600 or email
Veterinarians at Wildlife.Health@state.or.us.
Fill out this online form
COUGAR season is open. Hunters wanting to hunt cougar in 2016 will need a
2016 tag. With winter snow at the higher elevations, hunters may want to try to
find a fresh cougar track and follow it. Another technique is to use predator calls
to mimic a distressed deer fawn or elk calf. Approaching cougars can be difficult to
see when you are predator calling so hunting with a partner is advised. Most deer
and elk have moved into their wintering areas and cougars will spend time in these
areas while they hunt. For the best success, cougar hunters will want to concentrate
their effort in areas with abundant deer and elk sign.
Successful cougar hunters will need to check-in any cougar taken at an ODFW office
within 10 days of the kill. Hunters are reminded that biologists located in field
offices may be out in the field handling other issues so call ahead to make
arrangements to have your cougar checked-in. The hide and skull must be
unfrozen and the skull and proof of sex must be attached to the hide.
Cougar hunters are reminded that it is required to submit the reproductive tract of
any female cougar taken. The reproductive tract provides valuable information on
the number and frequency of kittens born annually in Oregon and is a critical part of
ODFW’s cougar population models. Pick up the Big Game Hunting Regulations before
your hunting trip to ensure that you are familiar with all of the requirements.
FURBEARERS - Bobcat, gray fox, red fox, marten, muskrat, mink, raccoon, river
otter and beaver trapping and/or hunting is currently open. Pelts should be in prime
conditions with the onset of cold weather. Please review the Furbearer Trapping and
Hunting Regulations before your nest trip to ensure that you are familiar with all of
the requirements.
COYOTE hunters should be having good success using prey animal distress calls.
Remember to keep the volume low when you start to avoid scaring any animals near
your stand, then increase the volume. Hunters are advised to keep a close watch
downwind of their positions when predator calling. While bobcats are less disturbed
by human scent, coyotes and fox will tend to circle downwind and once they have
your scent – it is all over.
MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS
GOOSE Opens Feb. 6 – Mar. 10 for Period 3 in the Northwest Permit Zone (See pages
20-23 of the 2015-2016 Oregon Game Bird Regulations for details). Goose numbers
continue to increase and hunters should find good hunting opportunities in the
northwestern portion of the state. Hunters who have scouted out fields with actively
feeding geese will experience the best success. Goose hunters are still required to
pass the Northwest Oregon Goose Identification Test to hunt. Please review the
information provided in the 2015-2016 Oregon Game Bird Regulations for more
details on the major changes to goose hunting regulations in Northwest Oregon.
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The season for Dusky Canada geese has been closed. It is a wildlife violation
to shoot a Dusky Canada goose.
There is no quota for Dusky Canada geese, since no harvest is allowed.
There are no longer goose check stations.
Northwest Oregon Goose Permits are still required but harvest cards are
not required.
The former Northwest General Goose Zone has been combined with the
Northwest Permit Zone.
Legal shooting hours for geese in the Northwest Permit Zone have been
changed to 15 minutes after sunrise to 15 minutes before sunset (see
shooting hours table in regulations).
All days of the week (during the open NW Permit season) are open to goose
hunting.
Geese must be intact and fully feathered in the field and while in transit to the
place of permanent residence of the possessor.
Waterfowl hunting at Sauvie Island was below average for this last full week of the
season. Average hunter success dropped to 1.3 birds per hunter (bph) in the
Eastside Units, and 1.6 bph in the Westside Units with an overall success rate for the
Wildlife Area of 1.4 bph.
BE PREPARED
Hunter orange required for youth – Don’t forget: hunters age 17 and under must
wear a fluorescent orange upper garment OR hat when hunting upland game birds
(except turkey) and game mammals (deer, elk, bear, cougar, pronghorn, goat,
sheep, and western gray squirrel) with a firearm.
Field care of harvested wildlife
The proper handling of harvested wildlife is the most important criteria to ensure its
value as table fare. After properly tagging the animal, the hunter should remove the
entrails and get the hide off to start the cool-down process. Wipe down the carcass
with a dry cloth to remove any foreign material and keep the carcass sanitary by
placing it into a clean dry cloth game bag.
Hunters are reminded to be prepared for emergencies by keeping survival equipment
such as food, water, signal mirror, whistle, sleeping bag and first aid kit with you and
in your vehicle during your outdoor adventures. Don’t forget to wear the proper
clothing; it is your first defense against the elements. Let someone know where you
will be and when you expect to return just in case your vehicle becomes stuck or
breaks down.
Hunters should be preparing now for upcoming rifle big game hunting seasons this
fall. Sight-in and practice with your firearms to ensure that when you do get the
chance to harvest an animal you are confident in your shooting skills. Many of the
local gun ranges will have public sight-in days where you can practice your shooting
Be safe, be responsible and be legal.
WILLAMETTE ZONE WILDLIFE VIEWING
Valleywide
NEW: The Willamette Valley is a significant wintering area for bald eagles, other
birds of prey and waterfowl including tundra swans. Excellent viewing opportunities
for these fascinating birds can be found at Ankeny, Baskett Slough or Finley National
Wildlife refuges and at the Fern Ridge and EE Wilson Wildlife Management Areas.
Resident bald eagles begin their pre-nesting and mating behavior this time of
year. The resident population of bald eagles has increased dramatically in the
Willamette Valley over that last couple of decades. Nesting is becoming common in
large cottonwood trees along the Willamette River with nests spaced roughly 5 to 10
miles apart along much of the mainstem Willamette River.
Concentrations of shorebirds such as dunlin, killdeer, sandpipers, snipe, yellowlegs,
and others may be seen probing the mud flats for invertebrates in the drawdown
zone of any of the reservoirs within the district. These birds are also often seen in
muddy areas of flooded-out portions of grass seed fields. Seasonal ponds are also a
good bet for shorebirds later in the spring.
Late January and early February is also a good time to see large masses of starlings
around the bridges in downtown Portland. Drive over the Broadway Bridge or Steel
Bridge around sunset this time of years and you’re liable to see thousands of
starlings settling in for the night.
Swans and other waterfowl can be found at Wapato Lake near Gaston and wetlands
near Trojan Pond along Highway 30 north of Goble.
Bald eagles, diving ducks and other bird species can be found concentrated along the
Columbia River this time of year. More than 40 bald eagles were observed during the
mid-winter bald eagle count from Scappoose Bay to Puget Island (WA). Scaup,
redhead, canvasback, bufflehead and goldeneye ducks were recently observed in the
Columbia River, adjacent lakes and ponds along Interstate 84 from the Sandy River
to Bonneville Dam.
EE Wilson Wildlife Area
Bare trees bird watching for perching birds (such as raptors, and hawks) more
accessible. Waterfowl and shorebirds numbers will build with the wetter weather.
From Albany, take Highway 20 toward Corvallis and after 5 miles turn right on
Independence Highway. Go 3 miles and turn left on Camp Adair Road, then proceed
2 miles to the wildlife area. Find directions to EE Wilson Wildlife Area.
Fern Ridge Wildlife Area
Wintering concentrations of waterfowl can be observed on the lake and surrounding
mudflats and wetlands. Thousands of Canada geese use Fern Ridge Lake for an
evening roost site, and the sunset and sunrise departures and arrivals of the large
flocks of geese provides an outstanding viewing opportunity. Observant visitors
may also catch a glimpse of black tailed deer and furbearers including beaver and
otter, mink, red fox and coyotes.
Royal Avenue and the trail to the Fisher Butte viewing platform remain open all day
every day year round. There is a second elevated viewing platform in the Fisher
Butte unit located 1/4 mile north of the Fisher Butte unit parking lot on Hwy 126.
The majority of Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is open daily for public use providing great
wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors are reminded there are seasonal access
restrictions in place in five units during the fall and winter to provide
wildlife sanctuary. The East and West Coyote units are closed to all public use until
the end of January except for a limited 3 day per week reservation waterfowl hunt
program. The Fisher Butte and Royal Amazon units are open daily through the end
of duck season; however the units are closed to hunting at 1 p.m. daily and closed
to all public use at 2 p.m. daily to provide rest periods for waterfowl.
The Kirk Park unit is open daily for public use and hunting is limited to 3 days per
week plus holidays. The entire Fern Ridge lake water area and surrounding
mudflats remain open daily year-round. The mudflats surrounding the lake low
winter pool can provide for excellent hiking on a sand-bar type lake bottom that
extends for miles.
Visitors are cautioned that there have been recent vehicle break-ins at Fern Ridge
and in local parks, so please secure your valuables before departing your
vehicle. Parking areas are located along Highway 126, Nielson Road, Cantrell Road,
Territorial Road, and Clear Lake Road. Contact the wildlife area headquarters, (541)
935-2591 if you have any questions.
Sauvie Island
Sauvie Island Wildlife Area
A record number of eagles were observed during the mid-winter eagle survey. Staff
counted 205 eagles this year. The old record was 99 eagles.
Waterfowl and other bird species are plentiful on Sauvie Island this time of year.
While much of the Wildlife Area is closed so as not to disturb the birds, there are
viewing opportunities at Coon Point, Eastside Viewing Platform and Rentenaar Road.
All three require a Sauvie Island Parking Permit.
Sauvie Island Wildlife Area is located on Sauvie Island, only 10 miles north of
Portland off Highway 30. A parking permit is required for the Sauvie Island Wildlife
Area and can be purchased at ODFW License vendors or at the Sauvie Island ODFW
office, Monday through Friday during office hours. For more information, call (503)
621-3488.
Directions to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area
FISHING
Weekend fishing opportunities
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Kokanee fishing has been good lately in Lake Billy Chinook
Trout fishing on the Fall River has been fair. Sleep in cause the best fishing
will be during the warmest part of the day, usually mid-afternoon.
Anglers have been catching a good number of lake trout on Crescent Lake.
Nymphs and streamer have been taking trout on the Metolius, where fishing
has been fair.
Some lakes are now frozen over with thin ice and roads blocked by snow.
Check on access before heading out.
Quite a few winter steelhead are entering the Hood River, and fishing should
be good once high water levels begin to recede.
Pine Hollow has been stocked for some winter fishing.
Winter can be a good time to find the larger trout hanging out in Ochoco
Reservoir.
If your favorite fishing spot is no longer listed
It’s probably because that river, lake or reservoir is closed for the season,
inaccessible due to snow and bad roads, or offers limited fishing opportunities during
the winter months. These water bodies will re-appear in the Recreation Report when
they re-open next spring, or when access and/or opportunity improves.
Ice-fishing safety
With several water bodies beginning to ice over, it’s a good time to be reminded that
anglers should always use caution during first-ice conditions. Take the following
precautions: use the “buddy system,” wear a PFD in case of thin ice, carry a throwrope, and use a heavy metal staff to check for thin-ice. Vexilar’s Ice Fishing Today
website has a quick 2-minute video describing how to be safe during early ice.
Send us your fishing report
We’d love to hear about your recent fishing experience. Send us your own fishing
report through ODFW Fishing Reports -- the information will be forwarded to the
local biologist who may use it to update various ODFW resources such as the
weekly Recreation Report.
ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Be prepared for hazardous road conditions as snow and ice may limit accessibility.
The reservoir is covered in ice of unknown thickness.
BEND PINE NURSERY: rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year. Pond may be frozen during extended cold weather. Limit 2
fish per day.
BIKINI POND: rainbow trout
Ice will hinder angler access, and is not likely safe for angling. The pond has been
stocked, and should provide good fishing when the ice melts.
CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: Closed to fishing until April 22, 2016.
CRESCENT LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and kokanee
Open to fishing all year.
CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout, mountain whitefish
Fishing has been fair. The flows are very low, which can be very stressful to the fish.
Anglers are encouraged to take measures to reduce stress by quickly landing a fish,
minimize handling and to not remove the fish from the water.
As a reminder, all trout over 20-inches are considered steelhead and must be
immediately released unharmed. Please report any tagged fish to the Prineville Office
(541) 447-5111.
Flows below Bowman Dam
CULTUS LAKE: rainbow trout, lake trout
Open to fishing all year.
DAVIS LAKE: largemouth bass, redband trout
Open to fishing all year. Restricted to fly-fishing only with barbless hooks. Catch and
release for trout.
DESCHUTES RIVER, Mouth to the Pelton Regulating Dam: summer steelhead,
redband trout, whitefish
New 2016 regulations open the river the entire year from the I84 bridge upstream to
Pelton Regulating Dam.
Steelhead are dispersed throughout the river from the mouth upstream to Warm
Springs. Winter steelhead fishing can still be good on the Deschutes, but freezing
temperatures may limit success. Angers will likely find best success upstream from
Maupin.
Trout fishing also continues to be productive during the winter months throughout
the entire reach
Anglers who catch a tagged hatchery steelhead with an orange anchor tag, are
encouraged to report catch information to ODFW at 541-296-4628. Anglers catching
a tagged wild fish should release it immediately without recording any information.
Counts at the Sherars Falls salmon and steelhead trap.Trap operation has ended for
the season, but will resume again next summer.
Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls: rainbow trout, brown trout
Open for trout all year. Fishing restricted to artificial flies and lures. No size or limits
on brown trout and no harvest of bull trout.
Benham Falls upstream to Wickiup Reservoir: Closed to fishing until May 22, 2016
EAST LAKE:
Open to fishing all year. Lake may be frozen during extended cold weather. Check
road closure information prior to driving to lake.
ELK LAKE: brook trout, kokanee, cutthroat trout
Open to fishing all year. Winter road closure information.
FALL RIVER: rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year. Anglers report fair fishing during the warmer parts of the
day. Restricted to fly-fishing only with barbless hooks.
Forest Service Road 4060 is not maintained during winter months.
HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee, largemouth bass,
black crappie, bluegill
The reservoir is ice free. The westside campground/boat ramp has been closed until
April 1. Parking is allowed near the handicap fishing pier and walk-in access around
the reservoir is permitted. Parking in front of the gate or along the road is not
permitted. For more information call the Bureau of Reclamation at (541) 389-6541.
HOOD RIVER: winter steelhead
Fishing for bright winter steelhead has been improving with good numbers of fresh
fish entering the river. Anglers will want to pay close attention to river levels, as
fishing should be excellent when flows recede.
HOSMER LAKE: brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout, Atlantic salmon
Open to fishing all year. Lake may be frozen during extended cold weather. Winter
road closure information. New fishing regulations beginning on Jan. 1, 2016 call for
catch-and-release for all species.
LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: bull, brown and rainbow trout, kokanee, smallmouth bass
Metolius River Arm is closed until March 1 but the Deschutes and Crooked River Arms
are open year round. Trout limit may include one bull trout with a 24 inch minimum
length limit. Rainbow trout over 20 inches and kokanee over 16 inches must be
released unharmed. There are no limits on bass or brown trout.
Fishing has been good lately, especially for kokanee. Opportunities for bull trout are
expected to be good this year. Anglers are reminded there are small numbers of
spring Chinook and summer steelhead in Lake Billy Chinook as part of the
reintroduction effort. Please release these fish unharmed.
LAKE SIMTUSTUS: bull trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass
Open year-round.
LAURANCE LAKE: Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout
Closed to fishing until May 22, 2016.
LAVA LAKE (BIG):
Open to fishing all year. Winter road closure information.
LAVA LAVE (SMALL): rainbow trout, brook trout
Open to fishing all year. Winter road closure information.
LOST LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout
Snow will likely block access to Lost Lake until next spring.
METOLIUS RIVER: redband trout, bull trout
Mainstem upstream of Allingham Bridge is closed to fishing until May 22. Allingham
Bridge downstream to mouth open to fishing all year. Anglers report fair fishing
using nymphs and egg patterns. Catch-and-release for all species, including bull
trout. Special fishing regulations apply to the Metolius River.
NORTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout
Lake is currently fishless. North Twin Lake will be closed until ODFW can access the
lake to assess recent treatment to remove illegally introduced catfish. Contact Erik
Moberly (541) 388-6145 if you have any questions.
OCHOCO CREEK UPSTREAM TO OCHOCO DAM: rainbow trout
Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures only; two trout per day with an 8-inch
minimum length. Trout 20 inches and greater must be released unharmed.
OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, black crappie, smallmouth bass
Fishing has been fair for trout averaging 16 inches in length. The reservoir is free of
ice. The water level is to the bottom of the paved portion of the boat ramp and the
gate to the ramp is open.
ODELL LAKE: Closed to fishing after Oct. 31.
Open to fishing all year. All tributaries to Odell Lake are closed to fishing.
PAULINA LAKE:
Open to fishing all year. Lake may be frozen during long stretches of cold weather.
Check road closure information prior to driving to lake.
PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass
Pine Hollow should offer excellent winter fishing, as the lake has received its
winter stocking.
PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass,
crappie
The upper portion of the reservoir is still covered in a thin layer of ice. There is open
water near the dam.
PRINEVILLE YOUTH FISHING POND: rainbow trout and largemouth bass
The pond is closed when covered with ice.
ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Recent rains should improve water levels and fishing in the lake. Ice will limit
success, and anglers should use extreme caution on the ice.
SHEVLIN YOUTH FISHING POND: rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year. Limit is 2 trout per day, 8-inch minimum length. Fishing
restricted to juvenile anglers 17-years-old and younger.
SOUTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year. Lake may be frozen during long stretches of cold weather.
Check road conditions prior to driving to lake.
SUTTLE LAKE: brown trout, kokanee
Open to fishing all year.
TAYLOR LAKE (Wasco County): rainbow trout, largemouth bass
Taylor Lake should offer excellent winter trout fishing opportunity, as the lake has
received its winter stocking allocation.
THREE CREEK LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout
Open to fishing all year. Check road closure information before driving to lake.
WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout
The lake is covered in ice of unknown thickness.
WICKIUP RESERVOIR: kokanee, brown trout, rainbow trout, largemouth bass
Closed to fishing until April 22, 2016.
CENTRAL ZONE HUNTING
OPEN: COUGAR
Wolves and coyotes can look alike
Most wolves in the state today are in northeast Oregon but a few have dispersed
further west and south. Wolves are protected by state and/or federal law and it is
unlawful to shoot them. Coyote hunters need to take extra care to identify their
target as wolves can look like coyotes, especially wolf pups in the mid-summer
and fall. Please report any wolf sightings or wolf sign to ODFW using the online
reporting system.
Use the Oregon Hunting Map to see where to hunt.
PRINEVILLE/OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT
Please be aware of fire restrictions and closures in the area. Consult appropriate land
management agency for details.
Cougar are present throughout the Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly units. The Maury and
Ochoco units are recommended because of their greater amounts of public lands and
better accessibility. Remember you need 2016 tag to hunt as of Jan. 1.
Cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest. Please
consult the synopsis for all required parts and be sure to call first to make an
appointment.
Coyotes can offer an exciting challenge. Both the Maury and Ochoco have sizeable
areas of public lands that provide hunting opportunities. Hunters should use caution,
be properly equipped and prepared for whatever the weather might bring.
THE DALLES DISTRICT
Coyotes: There are good numbers of coyotes in Hood River, Wasco and Sherman
Counties. Those wishing to pursue will find the best success near agricultural lands.
Be sure to ask permission to hunt private lands.
Cougar: Cougars can be found in the same areas as deer and elk as they follow
them through their migration routes. Calling with fawn in distress can be effective
this time of year. Cougars have large home ranges so remember to be patient and
persistent. Remember you need 2016 tag to hunt as of Jan. 1.
Hunters are required to check-in the unfrozen hide and skull, with proof of sex
attached to an ODFW office within 10 days. Hunters are also required to provide
the reproductive tract of harvested female cougars. See pg. 42 of the regulations
for details.
WHITE RIVER WILDLIFE AREA
A parking permit is now required to use/park on the White River Wildlife Area along
with other ODFW wildlife areas. Camping is allowed only in designated areas.
Road Closures: Green-dot seasonal roads are now closed to all motorized vehicles
for the winter. These closures help prevent road damage and protect wintering
wildlife. Walk-in access is still permitted once the roads are closed. The green-dot
seasonal roads will reopen April 1.
A parking permit is now required to use/park on the White River Wildlife Area along
with other ODFW wildlife areas.
Eurasian Collared Doves are UNPROTECTED with no season or bag limit
restrictions. Hunters only need a hunting license to harvest these birds. Often found
in urban areas, make sure you are outside city limits when discharging a weapon.
Cougar is open all year or until zone mortality quotas have been met. Winter is a great
time to focus on cougar hunting. The annual migration of deer from higher in the
Cascades will entice cougars to follow, concentrating the number of cougars at lower
elevations. Use weather to your advantage; look for tracks in snow, mud, and dirt.
Locating fresh tracks in the snow in conjunction with predator calling can be effective.
Remember you need 2016 tag to hunt as of Jan. 1.
There are many coyotes prowling about this year. Try calling for them from open fields,
meadows, and pastures. Using distress calls can be quite productive throughout the
winter. The best areas to find them will be near farm grounds on the eastern boundary.
Look for them in early morning or evening and pay attention to wind direction.
CENTRAL ZONE WILDLIFE VIEWING
CROOK COUNTY
Red-tailed, rough-legged and ferruginous hawks, northern harriers, American
kestrels, prairie falcons and golden eagles can be found throughout Crook County
and are usually associated more closely with open/agricultural areas. Bald eagles and
osprey can be found associated with water bodies. Northern goshawks can be located
throughout the Ochoco National Forest.
Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Area
The Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Area offers walk-in access to view a wide variety of
wildlife, including deer, coyotes, otter, beaver, raptors, shorebirds and waterfowl.
Maps of the wildlife area are available at the Prineville ODFW office, at Prineville
Reservoir State Park office and the ODFW website.
DESCHUTES COUNTY
Higher than average snowfall is good news for fish and wildlife and the habitats they
rely on, but wildlife watchers wishing to drive into the mountains should check
conditions at ODOT’s Trip Check site (https://www.tripcheck.com/Pages/RCMap.asp )
before heading out. ODOT closed the Cascade Lakes Highway west of Mount Bachelor
and highway 242 west of Sisters. Neither highway is ploughed and both will remain
closed until the snow has melted.
Late January brought Deschutes County’s first turkey vulture sighting of the
year. This is a few weeks earlier than usual, but more should soon be flying in
our skies.
Winter is an excellent time to view raptors. Red-tailed hawks are one of the most
numerous birds of prey and commonly seen on fence and power poles scanning
meadows, sagebrush shrub steppe, and other open areas for a tasty rodent.
Stella’s jays, white-headed woodpeckers, junco’s, several sparrow species, ravens,
spotted towhee, hairy woodpecker, cedar waxwings and red-cross bills are just a few
of the species that can be found in the Deschutes National Forest and BLM managed
lands. Good sites to look for birds include forest edges surrounding meadows and
wetland areas. Those with patience and stealth may be rewarded by the call and
possible sighting of a Virginia rail moving through thickets of cat tails.
Specific birding destinations to consider include Tumalo Reservoir (west of Highway
20 between Sister and Bend), Pelton Dam wildlife overlook and Lake Simstustus
(Deschutes River northwest of Madras), and Hatfield Lakes (just north of the Bend
airport), where you can expect to see. Canada geese, American widgeon, greenwinged teal, bufflehead, ring-necked ducks, northern shovelers, lesser scaup,
common and Barrow’s goldeneye, multiple gull species, and various grebes including
horned, eared, western, and Clark’s. Whether you’re interested in song birds,
waterfowl, or raptors and prefer remote birding locations, or those closer to urban
areas, directions to a long list of great birding locations can be found at East
Cascades Audubon Society. http://www.ecaudubon.org/#!birding-locations/clvb
This winter’s great snowfall provides a great opportunity to find and identify
mammal tracks. You might run into a black-tailed jackrabbit in areas where
sagebrush abounds and it’s not uncommon to see coyotes cross open spaces in a
variety of habitats. Squirrels can be observed conducting their winter activities on
national forest and BLM lands.
Some amphibian activity is occurring beneath the frozen surface of ponds, but for
the most part, they will be absent from view for the next month or so. Likewise,
reptiles are sequestered in their underground winter quarters and will remain there
until warmer days return in March or April. We’ll know spring is back when the
chirrups of tree frogs can be heard once again. 02/02/16
WASCO AND SHERMAN COUNTIES
The Lower Deschutes River provides ample wildlife viewing opportunities.
California bighorn sheep are frequently observed in the canyon and can provide
fantastic viewing all times of the year. The best spot to view sheep is from the BLM
access road just downstream and across the river from Sherar’s Falls (along Hwy
216). Focus your efforts near large cliff complexes for best viewing.
Many different raptor species can be seen in the Deschutes River Canyon this time of
year including Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, American Kestrels, Prairie
Falcons, Peregrine Falcons, and Golden and Bald Eagles. Migrating raptors have been
showing up in large numbers, focus on high ridgelines where migrating birds travel.
Migrating Bald eagles have arrived and can often be observed along the Columbia
River. The eagles can be observed throughout the Columbia Gorge with common
places below The Dalles Dam and at the confluence of the Klickitat River. 12/22/15
WHITE RIVER WILDLIFE AREA
There are many different animals on White River Wildlife Area ranging from
Deer and Elk to coyotes, bears, and the occasional cougar. Some of these
animals are much harder to find than others. Deer that winter on the wildlife
area are now showing up and can be spotted in open fields and meadows
early in the morning or in the evenings. Remember when driving around the
Wildlife Area or rural roads, watch carefully for deer along the edges ready to
jump out in front of you. There are many deer mortalities every year from
vehicle collisions. Not only is it bad for the deer but can cause serious injuries
or be fatal to the driver and passengers.
The best time to view elk is also in the morning and evenings. They are very
wary animals and don’t like hanging around when people are nearby.
It is also possible to see bald and golden eagles on the Wildlife Area. Other
raptors such as red-tailed hawks and rough-legged hawks are common sights.
American kestrels and northern harriers are also easily seen hunting for food.
Lewis’s woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers, flickers, western meadowlarks,
Steller’s jays, scrub jays, gray jays, Townsend’s solitaire, horned larks,
golden-crowed kinglets, and robins are all at home on the Wildlife Area.
There have also been lots of magpies spotted flying around this year.
Look on ponds, lakes and streams to see a variety of ducks and geese, as well as western
grebes, coots, and mergansers. 12/15/2015
FISHING
Weekend Fishing Opportunities:
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Ice fishing is fair in Lake of the Woods for yellow perch with a few nice
brown trout being caught as well.
Some lakes are frozen and access blocked by snow. Check for access before
heading out.
Trout fishing on the Blitzen River near Page Springs has been good.
The best fall-winter fishing opportunity in the Klamath Basin is the Klamath
River from Keno Dam downstream to the J. C. Boyle Powerhouse.
Ana reservoir and river is a great place to fish during the winter. Ana
reservoir is spring fed and remains open all winter. It’s also the only place
in Oregon to fish for Wipers (hybrid bass). For trout fisherman, the river
was stocked with trophy-size rainbows in late October.
If your favorite fishing spot is no longer listed
It’s probably because that river, lake or reservoir is closed for the season,
inaccessible due to snow and bad roads, or offers limited fishing opportunities during
the winter months. These water bodies will re-appear in the Recreation Report when
they re-open next spring, or when access and/or opportunity improves.
Ice-fishing safety
With several water bodies beginning to ice over, it’s a good time to be reminded that
anglers should always use caution during first-ice conditions. Take the following
precautions: use the “buddy system,” wear a PFD in case of thin ice, carry a throwrope, and use a heavy metal staff to check for thin-ice. Vexilar’s Ice Fishing Today
website has a quick 2-minute video describing how to be safe during early ice.
Send us your fishing report
We’d love to hear about your recent fishing experience. Send us your own fishing
report through ODFW Fishing Reports -- the information will be forwarded to the
local biologist who may use it to update various ODFW resources such as the Weekly
Recreation Report.
ANA RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout, hybrid bass
Hybrid bass are traditionally targeted using crank baits; however they can be caught
in the reservoir using various methods including bait. Trout are averaging 12 to 14inches and hybrid bass larger than 20-inches are not uncommon.
A new state record hybrid bass (white and striped bass cross) was caught in Ana
Reservoir on Dec. 10, 2014. The fish was caught using a Rapala crankbait on 10 lb.
test line and measured 31½ inches with a girth of 24 inches. The fish weighed 19
lbs. 12 oz. The potential new state record is 1 ½ inches longer and 1 lb. heavier
than the previous record of 18 lbs. 9 oz. caught in 2009.
ANA RIVER: trout
Ana River was stocked with trophy rainbow trout in late October. The Ana River is
spring fed and rainbow trout are active throughout the year. Anglers can access
these trout by floating the river in a float tube or by walking the banks.
Caddis flies are the dominant invertebrate. Small blue winged olive (size 18)
mayflies should be hatching. Ana River is a great match the hatch fly fishing river
with good hatches throughout the winter. Hatches typically occur during the
afternoon from 12-3 p.m. the best time. Small mayfly hatches are typically best on
overcast days with light rain or snow. Tui chub and pit roach are abundant in the
river therefore casting large flies or lures can be effective for catching larger fish.
Ana River is a good TROUT 365 fishery – good trout fishing 365 days a year.
ANNIE CREEK: brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout
Open to fishing but not recommended at this time Fishing will be very slow on
opening day due to cold water temperatures, high flows and movement of ice.
Access is difficult due to snow depth.
BALM CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, crappie
Balm Creek Reservoir was treated this fall with the chemical fish toxicant, rotenone,
killing all fish in the reservoir. The reservoir will be restocked with rainbow trout in
May 2016.
BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, hatchery rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout
No recent fishing reports. The reservoir is currently at 26 percent of capacity and
none of the boat ramps are useable based on the Bureau of Reclamation website.
USBR crews completed a tagging program in Beulah in 2011 and there may still be
tagged fish in the reservoir. If you catch a tagged trout, please report it to the
Hines office at 541-573-6582.
BLITZEN RIVER: redband trout
The Blitzen River has been flowing around 50-110 cfs with water temperatures
fluctuating around 3oC. Recent weather has brought a lot of snow to the area so
flows may fluctuate throughout the day with the predicted warmer weather for the
week. Flows can be checked on the USGS website located here.
Recent reports indicate that fishing has been fair to good on the Blitzen River around
Page Springs. Fishermen have reported success swinging weighted streamers or
other nymphs. Large redband trout are being found in deeper water along the banks
where cover is available.
The South Steens Loop Road is currently closed at the first gate and the North Loop
Road is closed at Page Springs.
The Blitzen and Little Blitzen Rivers are open year round for catch and release only
starting in 2016. Retention is still allowed in other tributaries. Please check the 2016
fishing regulations for changes in the Blitzen River system.
BLUE LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout
Access is limited due to snow. Blue Lake is a fantastic high elevation lake located in the
Gearhart Wilderness between Bly and Lakeview. A three mile trail leads to the lake and
it’s a 1-2 hour hike. Fish were sampled by net and hook and line sampling the summer
of 2015. Rainbow trout ranged from 6 to 16-inches and were in healthy condition. The
trout at this lake see little pressure and are easy to catch using flies, lures or bait.
Fishing is excellent in June with rainbow trout targeting blue damselfly adults.
BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: bass, crappie, yellow perch, catfish, trout
The reservoir is at 44 percent of capacity and the boat ramp is useable based on the
Bureau of Reclamation website.
BURNS POND: trout, bass
Fishing has been good for legal-sized rainbow trout. The pond was stocked with
legal-sized rainbow trout last spring and throughout the summer and anglers have
been catching these fish in consistent numbers. Currently, the pond is frozen over
and the ice is around 5-7 inches thick. Predicted warmer weather for the area may
rapidly decrease the thickness and quality of the ice so use extreme caution when
attempting to ice fish on the pond. Please note that it is illegal to angle through a
man-made hole bigger than 12-inches in diameter. It is highly recommended that
you carry safety equipment. Please see the top of this report for a link to ice fishing
safety videos.
CALAHAN CREEK (LONG CREEK-SYCAN AREA): brook trout and redband trout
Access is blocked by snow.
CAMPBELL LAKE: brook trout, rainbow trout
Access blocked by snow
CAMPBELL RESERVOIR: redband trout, largemouth bass, crappie
The reservoir is just outside of Bly on the road to Dairy Creek. Deming Creek
irrigation ditch feeds the reservoir. Campbell Reservoir is likely covered in ice.
Thickness of ice is unknown.
CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead
The entire Chewaucan River is now open all year. Bait is allowed downstream of Hwy
31 at Paisley, however the use of bait is prohibited upstream of highway 31.
Largemouth bass and brown bullhead are available to anglers at the first Hwy. 31
crossing just north of Valley Falls. Small boats can be launched at this site.
CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout
No recent fishing reports but fishing is expected to be slow. The reservoir is frozen
over but the ice thickness is unknown at this time. The water level is very low. Due
to poor habitat conditions in Chickahominy Reservoir over the last year and projected
poor conditions next year, ODFW will not be stocking the reservoir. If conditions
improve, then the stocking program in this reservoir will be reinstated.
CORRAL CREEK (SF Sprague): brook trout and brown trout
Access blocked by snow. Open to fishing.
COTTONWOOD MEADOWS: rainbow trout, brook trout
Access blocked by snow.
COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR (Lake County): native redband trout
No fishing reports but likely blocked by snow.
COW LAKES: largemouth bass, white crappie, brown bullheads, rainbow trout
No recent fishing reports. As of 2013, the lakes will no longer be stocked with
rainbow trout due to poor habitat quality.
DEADHORSE LAKE: rainbow trout
Access to the lake blocked by snow.
DELINTMENT LAKE: trout
No recent fishing reports. With the recent cold weather, the road to Delintment is
covered in snow and chains may be needed. Also, the lake should have some ice on
it but it is unknown whether or not it is safe for fishing.
DEMING CREEK: redband trout and bull trout
Open to fishing. Access blocked by snow.
DEVILS LAKE (FISHHOLE CREEK): largemouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch,
brown bullhead
No recent report.
DOG LAKE: largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, brown bullhead
There have not been any current fishing reports but the lake is frozen over. Ice
thickness is unknown but ice fishing is occurring. The road is currently plowed.
Anglers will need to hike a short distance to the lake through deep snow.
DUNCAN RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Duncan Reservoir is low and there have not been any recent fishing reports. The
reservoir is frozen. Access is available to the reservoir.
FISH LAKE (Steens Mountain): rainbow trout, brook trout
The North Loop Steens Road is closed for the winter making access to Fish Lake
almost impossible.
FOURMILE CREEK (tributary to Agency Lake): brook, brown, and redband trout.
Open to fishing all year. Fourmile Creek off Westside road just north of Cherry Creek
is open all year with bait allowed. A few large brown trout occur in the stream.
Access is available off Westside Road at Fourmile Springs. A small car topper boat
or canoe can improve fishing access at this area. Anglers should be aware of
private property around this area and can check Klamath County Land Ownership
for information.
FOURMILE LAKE: rainbow trout, lake trout, kokanee, brook trout
Access is blocked due to snow. The lake can be reached by snowmobile and ice
fishing should be good.
GERBER RESERVOIR: crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead and largemouth bass
No recent report. The lake is only 6 percent full. The reservoir is covered with ice.
Ice thickness is unknown but anglers are ice fishing with limited success.
HAINES POND: rainbow
The pond is now ice covered.
HEART LAKE: rainbow trout, kokanee
Access is blocked by snow.
HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Access is blocked by snow. All fish likely died the summer of 2015 due to drought.
Holbrook will be stocked again in 2016 with fingerling, legal and trophy rainbow
trout.
HWY 203 POND: trout, bass, bluegill
The pond is now ice-covered.
JACKSON CREEK (UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER): brook trout
Access is blocked by snow. Fishing is open and bait allowed.
J.C. BOYLE RESERVOIR (Topsy Reservoir): Largemouth bass, yellow perch,
brown bullhead, pumpkinseed, crappie, goldfish
Fishing is very slow for warmwater fish such as crappie, pumpkinseed sunfish and
brown bullhead catfish with water temperatures increasing. Water temperature is
currently peaking at 32 degrees.
Fishing for largemouth bass is slow. The reservoir is turbid therefore anglers should
try lures with high visibility and scent. Boats can be launched in several locations in
the reservoir. Unimproved ramps occur just north and south of the Highway 66
bridge crossing. No fees are required to launch at these locations.
Try the bay just south of the BLM campground for crappie and pumpkinseed. Also try
the rocky areas near and under the bridge. Goldfish dominate the fish assemblage in
the reservoir. Anglers should mimic the goldfish with bronze or copper lures or plugs
to catch largemouth bass in the reservoir.
UPPER KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: native redband trout and yellow perch
Most of Upper Klamath Lake is ice free. The lake is two feet from full pool. The outlet
of Upper Klamath Lake is where most effort occurs at this time. Anglers are also
fishing at areas where water is being pumped into lake. Angling should improve this
week with warming weather. Please remember that angling is prohibited within 200
feet of Link River Dam.
KLAMATH RIVER: native rainbow-redband trout
Keno Dam to J.C Boyle Reservoir
The section from Keno Dam to J.C. Boyle Reservoir opened to fishing on Oct. 1.
Flows of 803 cfs are ideal for successful fishing outing. Access is very challenging due
to muddy road conditions. Redband are typically feeding on sculpins and minnows
this time of year. Water temperature is currently peaking at 38 degrees.
J.C. Boyle Dam to J.C Boyle Powerhouse
Fishing on the Klamath River between JC Boyle Dam to JC Boyle Powerhouse is slow
at this time but likely your best bet for catching trout in the Klamath Basin.
Most fish in this section are small and average 10-inches. Below the springs this
section remains near a constant 360 cfs of flow and water temperatures are warmer
in this section in the fall and winter. Fishing is best below the spring inputs. The
springs start to discharge into the river approximately 1 mile below J.C. Boyle Dam.
This section of river requires a hike down steep grade to the river with the exception
of the area just above the powerhouse.
J.C. Boyle Powerhouse to State Line with California
Below the JC Boyle powerhouse the fish get slightly larger than the aforementioned
reach and average 12-inches but rarely exceed 16-inches. Most fish are in the 6 to
8-inch range. River flows in this section are typically quite high during the day. If
flow levels are 900 cfs or lower the river is fishable. Dead drifting rubber legged
stonefly patterns and/or bead head pheasant tails can be good.
Flows below the powerhouse will typically be high during all daylight hours. Flow
release estimates are no longer available and will be posted again next May 2016.
Check the USGS website for flow information. Klamath River is a good TROUT 365
fishery – good trout fishing 365 days a year.
KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout, bass
No recent fishing reports. Recent cold weather may have resulted in Krumbo freezing
over. The Malhuer National Wildlife Refuge does not allow ice fishing on Krumbo
Reservoir so please respect the regulations and stay off the ice.
LAKE OF THE WOODS: hatchery rainbow trout, kokanee, hatchery brown trout,
yellow perch, brown bullhead, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, tui chub
Lake of the Woods is frozen. Angling is fair for yellow perch using small, bright jigs
with live bait such as meal worms. Most perch are running 8-10 inches. A few nice
brown trout are also being captured. Yellow perch are being caught right next to the
Lake of the Woods Lodge. A few brown trout were caught off the northwest shoreline
heading towards Aspen Point Boat Ramp from the Lodge. Anglers should take all
precautions when fishing from the ice as the top layer of ice is very slushy. Lake of
the Woods Resort has everything you need for ice fishing. With the very warm
weather expected this week anglers should exercise caution when ice fishing.
Take an active role in the management of Oregon fisheries! If you catch a tagged
rainbow trout, please report it ODFW. Some tags include rewards of up to $50,
and fish can be kept or released. If you release a fish, please write down the tag
number and release the fish with the tag intact. If the tag includes a reward,
the tag must be removed from the fish and returned to ODFW to receive
the reward. Anglers should report and return tags to ODFW Klamath Falls Field
Office at 1850 Miller Island Road West Klamath Falls, OR 97603. Phone number is
(541) 883-5732. Anglers can also report tagged fish online. Reporting forms will
also be available at Lake of the Woods Resort and Store. Fourteen anglers have
returned tags worth $50 each.
Call Lake of the Woods Resort for recent reports Toll Free at 866-201-4194.
LOFTON RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Access is blocked by snow.
LONG CREEK (Sycan River): brook trout, redband trout, bull trout
Access is blocked by snow
LOST RIVER: largemouth bass, brown bullhead, yellow perch
Lost River is open to fishing all year. Public access is available at Crystal Springs day
use area.
Boats can be launched from an improved boat ramp at Crystal Springs.
Sacramento perch have been captured below Horseshoe Dam. This is one of the
only locations in the state to capture this fish.
MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
No recent fishing reports. The reservoir dam was repaired and starting holding water
again in November of 2015 but very few fish are expected to be in the reservoir. This
is because the reservoir completely dried up this past summer.
MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork
Malheur River): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout
Water releases from Warm Springs Reservoir have been less than 1 cfs according to
the USGS stream data. Fishing is expected to be poor with the low flows but
decreasing water temperatures might improve the trout fishery. Fisherman should
look for deeper water and overhanging banks where fish can find cover. Ice is
present on the river and may make fishing some sections problematic. Please use
caution when fishing around ice.
MALHEUR RIVER (from the South Fork Malheur River near Riverside,
downstream to Gold Creek): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout.
No recent fishing reports.
MALHEUR RIVER, NORTH FORK: redband trout, whitefish, and bull trout
No recent fishing reports.
MALHEUR RIVER, MIDDLE FORK: redband trout, brook trout, and bull trout
No recent fishing reports.
MANN LAKE: cutthroat trout
Mann Lake is currently frozen but the ice is not safe for fishing. Recent warmer
weather has cleared the snow from around the lake and it is very muddy and fishing
is not possible at this time.
In mid-January, one group of anglers reported catching 2 cutthroat trout in the
first 15 minutes of fishing and then nothing for the next 4 hours. Fishing is
expected to continue to be slow but there are large cutthroat trout in the lake that
exceed 20 inches.
MILLER LAKE: brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout, brook trout
Access is blocked by snow. Access is available by snowmobile.
MUD LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout
The reservoir is dry.
MURRAY RESERVOIR: trout
No report.
NORTH POWDER POND: rainbow trout
The pond is now ice-covered and the access road is drifted over with snow.
OVERTON RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Access is blocked by snow.
OWYHEE RESERVOIR: largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, catfish
The reservoir is at 15 percent of capacity and no boat ramps are useable based on
the Bureau of Reclamation information. The county boat ramp will be closed
indefinitely due to low water levels creating unsafe conditions. The Indian Creek
boat ramp is closed for construction beginning Nov. 1. Construction is expected to
continue until April 1.
OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): brown trout and hatchery rainbow trout
Water releases below the dam have been around 12 cfs. Fishing has been fair to slow
depending on the time of day and location. Brown and rainbow trout over 20-inches
have been caught recently. Water clarity has been poor to fair depending on the day
and fly fisherman have been having success on both dry flies and nymphs.
OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish
No recent fishing reports, but fishing is expected to be slow.
PAIUTE RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout and Lahontan cutthroat
The reservoir is nearly dry and likely frozen.
PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch
Reservoir storage is at 6 percent of capacity, and is ice-covered. The access to the
Mason Dam launch has been cleared of snow, but a 4-wheel drive vehicle is
recommended as it is not plowed regularly. Fishing has been good for yellow perch
averaging 8-8.5 inches long, a little better than in recent years. Anglers report
that trout are in good condition with robust bodies, but few are being caught.
PILCHER RESERVOIR:
Due to a rule change for 2016, the reservoir is open to fishing, effective on Jan. 1
and is open to fishing year-round. Access to the reservoir is good as both the Tucker
Flat R and access to the campground have been plowed of snow. However, there is
still a 200-300 yard walk to the reservoir due to the low water level. The reservoir is
ice-covered.
Pine Creek and tributaries (Snake River tributary): rainbow trout, brook trout
Beginning January 1, Pine Creek and tributaries will be open to trout fishing yearround, with a 5 rainbow trout bag limit. This is a new regulation for 2016.
POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
Pole Creek is currently frozen over and the ice thickness was around 7 inches on
February 5 but predicted warmer weather in the area may quickly diminish the ice
thickness and quality. During a recent ice fishing clinic on Pole Creek, one angler caught
a 17.5 inch rainbow trout that was in excellent condition and around 5 other rainbow
trout were caught in the 10-15 inch range.
POWDER RIVER: rainbow trout
Effective January 1, the Powder River is open to trout fishing year-round, with a 5
trout bag limit. This is a new regulation for 2016.
PRIDAY RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
The reservoir is dry. This is great news as several illegally introduced species
occurred in the reservoir and have now perished. This very productive reservoir will
be stocked again with legals and trophy rainbow trout during the week of March 21.
SAND AND SCOTT CREEKS: brook trout and brown trout
Sand and Scott creeks are very small spring fed streams west of Hwy 97 near the
Silver Lake highway junction. Fishing on these small streams is open year-round with
bait allowed. Most fish are less than 8-inches long.
SEVENMILE CREEK: brook trout, brown trout, redband trout
Fishing is open. Access will be challenging due to snow but anglers can access
Sevenmile Creek at Nicholson Road and fish upstream of Nicholson Road. Bait is
allowed upstream of Nicholson Road.
SKY LAKES AND MOUNTAIN LAKE WILDERNESS: brook trout and rainbow trout
Access to the wilderness lakes is blocked by snow.
ODFW District staff sampled Como, Harriette, Echo and South Pass Lakes in the
Mountain Lakes Wilderness this summer. Como Lake is the first lake encountered
from the Varney Creek Trail and is a 5.5 mile hike up a moderate incline. Best
fishing appeared to be using spinners particularly size two panther martins in
black with gold blades. Six to 10-inch brook trout seemed common along the
shoreline and are easily accessible by fly fisherman. Fish in all lakes were feeding
on water boatmen/ back swimmers. Brook trout in Echo Lake were very common
and schools of four to five could be observed feeding. Some large rainbow trout
mortalities were observed on the shoreline of Como and Harriette. Como Lake
appeared to have had a minor fish die off during the summer.
District staff also sampled Badger, Woodpecker and Long lakes off the Fourmile
Lake trailhead. No fish were observed in Long Lake. Numerous brook trout were
observed in the spring fed pond feeding Badger Lake. Fishing was good in this
pond. A large school of 14-inch brook trout were observed in Badger Lake under a
large tree that had fallen in the lake. Fishing was very slow in Badger and
Woodpecker lakes.
SHERLOCK GULCH RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
The reservoir is currently low. There have been no fishing reports.
SPAULDING RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
The reservoir is dry.
SPRING CREEK: redband trout, brown trout, brook trout
Closed to fishing until May 22, 2016. Large redband trout can be observed spawning.
SPRAGUE RIVER: redband trout, brown trout, largemouth bass and yellow perch
Fishing is very slow. River flows have dropped to 462 cfs but water is turbid.
ODFW encourages the release of spawning redband trout.
NORTH FORK SPRAGUE RIVER AND ALL TRIBUTARIES: brook trout, redband
trout, brown trout, bull trout
The North Fork Sprague River is open to angling. Access on public property blocked
by snow.
SOUTH FORK SPRAGUE RIVER AND ALL TRIBUTARIES: brook trout, redband
trout, brown trout, bull trout
The South Fork Sprague River is open to angling. Access on public property blocked
by snow.
SUN CREEK: brook trout, bull trout, brown trout
Sun Creek is closed to fishing for bull trout. Only bull trout occur in upper Sun Creek
just above the Sun Pass Forest bridge crossing. The road into Sun Creek is closed.
SYCAN RIVER: brook trout, redband trout, brown trout (below marsh)
The Sycan River is open to angling. Access is very challenging. Access on public
property blocked by snow.
THOMPSON VALLEY RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass
Access is blocked by snow.
THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout
The reservoir was drained over the summer of 2015 and has not been restocked with
rainbow trout due to very little water in the reservoir at the fall stocking time. Plans
are to stock legal-sized rainbows in April and May of 2016.
UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie
Unity Reservoir is ice-covered with good access. The road and parking area at Unity
State park is being plowed and maintained well. Fish are running 10”-19”, but the
catch rate is low. The reservoir is at 33 percent of capacity.
VEE LAKE: rainbow trout
Access is blocked by snow.
WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, perch, rainbow
trout
No recent fishing reports but fishing is expected to be slow. The reservoir is currently
at 10 percent of capacity. The reservoir is expected to be frozen over but the
thickness and condition of the ice is unknown. The roads to Warm Springs Reservoir
can be treacherous during the winter months with snow and mud making it difficult
to reach the reservoir.
UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER:
Closed to fishing until May 22, 2016. When the Upper Williamson River opens catch
and release will be required for redband trout the entire season. No bait is allowed.
LOWER WILLIAMSON RIVER:
Closed to fishing until May 22, 2016. When the Lower Williamson River opens catch
and release will be required for redband trout the entire season. No bait is allowed.
WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill,
lahontan cutthroat
The reservoir is ice covered and thickness of ice is unknown.
WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, trout
The reservoir is now ice-covered. No recent fishing reports.
WOOD RIVER: redband, brown, brook and bull trout
Closed to fishing until April 22, 2016.
YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout
Yellowjacket is frozen over but access may be blocked by snow and ice. Yellowjacket
Lake is a great place to take the family for some trout fishing and is an excellent
place to ice fish when accessible.
SOUTHEAST ZONE HUNTING
OPEN: COUGAR, CONTROLLED ELK, LATE SEASON GOOSE (see regs)
Wolves and coyotes can look alike
Most wolves in the state today are in northeast Oregon but a few have dispersed
further west and south. Wolves are protected by state and/or federal law and it is
unlawful to shoot them. Coyote hunters need to take extra care to identify their target
as wolves can look like coyotes, especially wolf pups in the mid-summer and fall. Please
report any wolf sightings or wolf sign to ODFW using the online reporting system.
Use the Oregon Hunting Map to see where to hunt.
HARNEY COUNTY
Elk – Only one cow ELK hunt remains open through the end of January 2016. Elk
populations are stable, with good numbers of yearling bulls available due to good
recruitment last spring. The mild winter experienced throughout southeast Oregon in
2015 has benefited most desert species.
Cougar hunting is open year around. Remember you need a 2016 tag to hunt as of
Jan. 1. Populations are healthy and distributed throughout the district in any area
with a big game prey base. Cougars at this time of year are generally concentrated
along with their primary prey of deer and elk on big game winter ranges. Some
hunters have reported limited success with calling at this time of year.
Don’t forget successful hunters must check-in cougars no more than 10 days after
harvest; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open so that field
staff can quickly process the animal and get you on your way.
Coyote populations are good throughout Harney County. Pups have dispersed from
the den. Standard predator calls will be effective from now through December. Be
aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator calls, and separate
licensing and season limitations exist for these species.
KLAMATH COUNTY
Cougar hunting is open year around. Remember you need 2016 tag to hunt as of
Jan. 1. Populations are healthy and distributed throughout the district in any area
with a big game prey base. Cougars at this time of year are generally concentrated
along with their primary prey of deer and elk on big game winter ranges. With recent
snowfall, hunters can find tracks much easier and do some calling when they find
fresh sign. Don’t forget, successful hunters must check-in cougars no more than 10
days after harvest; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open so
that field staff can quickly process the animal and get you on your way.
Coyote populations are average throughout Klamath County. At this time of year,
mimicking prey distress sounds can be an effective tool to bring coyotes within
range. Be aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator calls, and
separate licensing and season limitations exist for these species.
KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA
This section was updated on Feb. 02, 2016.
Miller Island Unit
All Hunting seasons are now closed on the Miller Island Unit of the Klamath
Wildlife Area.
Hunting for White Geese and White-Fronted Geese is allowed during the
Klamath, Lake, Harney & Malheur Cos. Zone White and White-Fronted Goose
season (Jan. 24-Mar. 10, 2016), only in the Gorr Island, Shoalwater Bay and
Sesti Tgawaals Units of the Klamath Wildlife Area.
Gorr Island Unit
Gorr Island is located four miles south of the Miller Island Unit in the Klamath River,
accessible only by boat. Gorr Island is open daily with no permit required during
authorized seasons.
The Gorr Island Unit is open for hunting during the Klamath, Lake, Harney & Malheur
Cos. Zone White and White-Fronted Goose season (Jan. 24-Mar. 10, 2016).
Shoalwater Bay Unit and Sesti Tgawaals Unit
Shoalwater Bay and Sesti Tgawaals are both located on the west side of Upper
Klamath Lake approximately 10 miles to the north and west of Klamath Falls.
Shoalwater Bay and Sesti Tgawaals Unit are both open for hunting daily with no
permit required during authorized seasons.
Shoalwater Bay and Sesti Tgawaals Units are open for hunting during the Klamath,
Lake, Harney & Malheur Cos. Zone White and White-Fronted Goose season (Jan. 24Mar. 10, 2016).
Federally approved non-toxic shot is required for all hunting.
Klamath Basin waterfowl numbers are available on the US Fish and Wildlife website
Recent Aerial Surveys - Tule Lake - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
LAKE COUNTY
Cougar hunting is open. Remember you need 2016 tag to hunt as of Jan. 1.
Populations are healthy due to good habitat and prey base. If hunters can find a
fresh cougar kill, calling within a ½ mile of that kill can be very effective.
Coyote are forming pair bonds and coyote vocalization calls will be effective through
late winter and spring. Be aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator
calls, and separate licensing and season limitations exist for these species.
Waterfowl Snow and White Fronted goose seasons re-opened January 24th and will
run through March 10th. The bag limit for White-fronted geese in Lake County
is 1 bird per day. The spring migration which usually starts in late January may be
delayed due to more severe winter weather.
SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA
This section was updated on February 2, 2016
The sixteenth and final week of game bird hunting season was fair for goose hunting
(duck season closed 1 week prior) and upland game birds. Little effort was expended
during this last week of game bird hunting. A total of 31 hunters checked-in. During
the same week last year, only quail season was open. They reported (100% checkout) the total harvest of 22 birds, 21 geese (11 Canada, 9 snow, 1 white-fronted)
and 1 California quail. This resulted in a bird per hunter average of 0.70.
ALL GENERAL HUNTING SEASONS ARE NOW OVER, AND DISCHARGING FIREARMS
IS PROHIBITED, except by special access permit.
Please contact Summer Lake Wildlife Area at (541) 943-3152 or email
martin.j.stlouis@state.or.us for additional information.
MALHEUR COUNTY
Bighorn sheep: There will be no tags for the Owyhee Unit in 2016 due to a disease
outbreak. Learn more
Cougar hunting is open. Remember you need 2016 tag to hunt as of Jan. 1.
Populations are healthy and distributed throughout the district in any area with a big
game prey base. Successful hunters must check-in cougars no more than 10 days
after harvest; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier
tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
Coyote hunting is available throughout the district. Reproduction this year appears
to be good which should enhance calling opportunities. Areas with livestock feeding
and calving operations are always strong attractors for coyotes.
SOUTHEAST ZONE WILDLIFE VIEWING
HARNEY COUNTY
Wintering raptors have returned to the area. You should be able to view golden
eagles, bald eagles and a variety of hawks perching on telephone poles and fence
posts throughout the district. Resident raptors such as northern harriers and redtailed hawks are very easily observed in open agricultural areas.
As the winter season progresses, look for deer, elk, and antelope to remain active for
longer periods of the day. Many populations of deer and elk will begin to move into
lower elevations as severe weather events increase in frequency and daylight hours
dwindle. This annual transition into winter ranges often makes large animals more
visible, and may provide opportunities for viewers and photographers.
Many of the bighorn sheep will be using lower elevation slopes and can often be seen
from the highways. Bighorn sheep may be seen from highway 205 along Catlow
Valley or along the East Steens Road. 1/25/16
KLAMATH COUNTY
A few open water areas including Ling River can provide great viewing opportunities
for diving ducks such as common goldeneye, lesser scaup, common merganser, and
bufflehead.
Good areas to view wintering bald eagles are along Eagle Ridge and Shoalwater Bay
accessed from Eagle Ridge Road from Highway 140. The Lower Klamath National
Wildlife Refuge provides great viewing opportunities as well.
Rough-legged and Ferruginous hawks are often found foraging around agricultural
areas throughout the basin. Redtail hawks and Northern harriers are very common
and can be observed in agricultural areas as well.
Please watch for game and use caution while traveling on area highways and county
roads. Recent research indicates that highway collisions are a significant source of
mortality for migrating deer. Traffic volumes on Highway 97 are increasing over time
with corresponding effects on big game populations. PLEASE USE CAUTION WHILE
TRAVELING. 1/5/16
KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA
This section was updated on Feb. 2, 2016
From February 1-April 30 public use is restricted to public roads and parking
areas to minimize disturbance to migrating waterfowl. The short birding
trail next to check station will remain open.
Running or training of dogs is prohibited from February 1-July 31, except on
the designated dog training area.
Most of the areas wetlands are still frozen over, but warming temperatures have
thinned the ice and melted most of the snow.
A Wildlife Area Parking Permit is required to park on the Wildlife Area. Cost is $7
daily or $22 annually. Free with purchase of hunting license. Buy online or at an
ODFW office that sells licenses or at a license sales agent.
Waterfowl
Spring migration is just underway with significant numbers of tundra swan, ross’s,
snow, and white-fronted geese starting to use the area. Their numbers should
continue to increase over the following weeks. Canada geese are starting to pair up,
they can be found scattered across the area. Many different diver species have been
recently observed using the Klamath River along the Miller Island Unit stretch.
Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds
Great blue herons and American bitterns are also occasionally observed on the area.
Raptors
Great horned and barn owls can be seen at dusk. Red-tailed hawks, rough-legged
hawk, northern harriers, cooper hawks, sharp-shinned, American kestrels, prairie
falcons can be seen foraging throughout the wildlife area.
The numbers of Bald eagles using the area has increased over the past few weeks.
The red-shouldered hawk is another that has been recently seen.
Upland Game Birds
California quail and ring-necked pheasant can be found scattered around the old
homesteads and the headquarters area.
Passerines
Mourning and Eurasian collared dove can be found scattered over the area. American
and lesser goldfinches, house finches, American robins, white crowned sparrows,
golden-crowned sparrows, dark eyed juncos, western meadowlark, spotted towhee
and Northern flickers continue to be a common site throughout the area. Marsh
wrens and song sparrows can be found in dense stands of tall emergent hard stem
bulrush and broad-leaf cattail and are very numerous. Black Phoebes can be
common in the willows along the Klamath River.
Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit. If you have any
questions, please contact Klamath Wildlife Area at (541) 883-5734.
LAKE COUNTY
Spring migration hasn’t started but snow geese and white-fronted geese usually start
arriving in late January. Although the county has received above average snow fall
most of the major lakes and wetlands were dry last fall. Until we get a prolonged
warming trend these areas will remain dry. Through February there should be an
increase in waterfowl and the larger water birds, and a subsequent increase in Bald
Eagles which follow the waterfowl migration. The shorebird migration usually starts
in mid to late March. Viewing opportunities at this time are restricted to winter
raptors which are most abundant in the valleys; and winter passerines most
commonly found along the riparian habitats. 1/26/2016
SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA
This section was updated on February 2, 2016.
Wildlife Area Parking permits are required for all users of Summer Lake Wildlife
Area. Parking permits can be purchased at any ODFW license agent (pdf) or
through the ODFW website. The cost is $10.00 daily or $30.00 annually and is
valid on all ODFW Wildlife Areas. Locally, parking permits can be purchased at the
Summer Lake Store, 1.3 miles north of Headquarters.
Motor vehicle access on major dike roads (Bullgate, Windbreak and Work
Road) is now open. The Wildlife Viewing Loop is temporarily closed due to
major maintenance activities along the southeast corner. Access is available
along Upper Link Canal to about ½ mile east of Bullgate Campground and to
Link Corner on the north end.
Wildlife viewing is somewhat limited at this time due to generally low numbers of
wintering birds; however northward migrants are beginning to appear. The Area’s
wetlands are moving back and forth from open and frozen-over conditions due to
changing and unsettled weather patterns.
Waterfowl
Waterfowl populations are starting to increase with the arrival of early spring
migrants. Total duck numbers are approaching 12,000 with 13 species represented.
Western Canada geese (about 600) are widely distributed across the area and many
pairs are beginning to disperse to breeding territories. Lesser snow and greater whitefronted geese are increasing as these northward migrants disperse from wintering
areas in California. About 2,400 and 50, respectively were present on the weekly count.
A few resident trumpeter swans remain widely scattered across the wildlife area.
Most of these birds a part of restoration efforts and will be neck-banded with green
collars and white alphanumeric symbols. Viewers are encouraged to “read” the
collars and report them to wildlife area personnel. Collars will have the Greek letter
Theta (Ѳ) or the symbol “@” and two numerals that are read from the body toward
the head.
Migrant tundra and trumpeter swans continue to winter in good numbers and are
being joined by northward migrants. About 675 were present during the weekly
count.
Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds
Only a few lingering and wintering individual shorebirds can sometimes be found. A
small number of greater yellowlegs, killdeer and Wilson’s snipe are present
throughout winter.
American coot numbers remain low, about 100 were found during the weekly
survey. Virginia rails continue to be found occasionally seen and/or heard and are
scattered in very low numbers across the entire wildlife area.
Very few grebes remain, but the occasional stragglers can be still be found. Ana
Reservoir is a good location to view a variety of grebes and other waterbirds.
A small number of American bitterns and great blue herons continue to be observed
during the weekly survey and past week.
Raptors and others
Northern harriers and red-tailed hawks are common this time of the year. Bald and
golden eagles, American kestrel, peregrine and prairie falcons as well as accipiters
(Cooper’s and sharp-shinned hawk) can occasionally be found. Migrant and wintering
rough-legged hawks are present in low numbers now.
Great horned owls were found scattered across the entire wildlife area, especially
in the trees at campgrounds and remain very vocal at night.
Upland game birds
Fair numbers of California quail can be found and pheasants can sometimes be
observed, especially around old homesteads on the north end of the wildlife area.
Passerines
Eurasian collared doves remain very numerous at Headquarters Complex.
American goldfinches and sometimes lesser goldfinches are observed at
Headquarters. Song, golden-crowned and Lincoln’s sparrows have been observed
recently. American robins remain fairly common and occasionally Townsend’s solitaire
and cedar waxwings are observed around Headquarters. Steller’s jays can usually be
found around Headquarters.
Marsh wrens and song sparrows can be found in dense stands of hardstem bulrush
and broad-leaved cattail along dikes and levees throughout the wetlands and are
fairly numerous.
Blackbirds (Brewer’s and red-winged) can still be found but are not very
numerous. European starlings are present in low numbers as well.
Facilities and Access
Please remember: Calendar year 2016 parking permits will be required
beginning on January 1, 2016! Summer Lake Wildlife Area requires a $10 daily
parking permit or a $30 annual parking permit. Parking permits can be purchased at
any Point of Sale Agent or through the ODFW website. Locally, parking permits can
be purchased at the Summer Lake Store, 1.3 miles north of Headquarters.
Motor vehicle access to major dike roads (Bullgate, Windbreak and Work
Road) is now open, but the Wildlife Viewing Loop remains temporarily
closed due to major maintenance activities along Upper Link Canal. .
Camping is permitted at four sites on the Wildlife Area. Campgrounds are primitive
but each has vault toilets, trash barrels and a few picnic tables.
Habitat
The Area’s wetland units are beginning to open up due to generally mild
temperatures, rain and sometimes strong winds. This is resulting in considerable
shallowly flooded areas for the relatively small number of wintering birds to disperse
to. However, cold night temperatures are causing many of the larger ponds and still
water areas to freeze-over. Spring migrants are expected to continue to arrive as
temperatures and conditions moderate. Emergent marsh vegetation is largely
lodged-over due to wind and snow. Muskrat houses are very prevalent at this time.
Summer Lake is continues to slowly increase in size at this time. Upland habitat
remains in fair condition, especially in locations sheltered from heavy snow and
drifts. Planted tree and shrub plots are providing excellent sheltered sites and food
resources for many wildlife species. There is no snow cover at this time.
Please contact Summer Lake Wildlife Area at (541) 943-3152 or e-mail
martin.j.stlouis@state.or.us for additional information.
NE FISHING
Weekend fishing opportunities:


Steelhead angling is good in the Umatilla River.
Steelhead anglers are still picking up fish on the Grande Ronde River and
Imnaha below Horse Creek.
If your favorite fishing spot is no longer listed
It’s probably because that river, lake or reservoir is closed for the season,
inaccessible due to snow and bad roads, or offers limited fishing opportunities during
the winter months. These water bodies will re-appear in the Recreation Report when
they re-open next spring, or when access and/or opportunity improves.
Ice-fishing safety
With several water bodies beginning to ice over, it’s a good time to be reminded that
anglers should always use caution during first-ice conditions. Take the following
precautions: use the “buddy system,” wear a PFD in case of thin ice, carry a throwrope, and use a heavy metal staff to check for thin-ice. Vexilar’s Ice Fishing Today
website has a quick 2-minute video describing how to be safe during early ice.
Send us your fishing report
We’d love to hear about your recent fishing experience. Send us your fishing report
through ODFW Fishing Reports -- the information will be forwarded to the local
biologist who may use it to update various ODFW resources such as the Weekly
Recreation Report.
GRANDE RONDE RIVER: trout, whitefish, bass
The Grande Ronde River is no longer locked in ice and flows are at a desirable
range for catching steelhead. Water temperatures are still cold so look for fish in
slow tail outs where fish can rest. This year’s run of steelhead is one of the best in
recent years and catch rates have been good throughout the season.
Remember, the new closure date for the Grande Ronde River steelhead fishery is
now April 30. Year-round fishing for hatchery trout will also be allowed beginning
Jan. 1, 2016.
HOLLIDAY PARK POND: rainbow trout
Pond was stocked in September with trophy-sized trout. An ADA fishing dock for
anglers with disabilities is available. The pond may be ice covered and unsafe for ice
fishing.
HUNTER POND: hatchery rainbow trout
This pond was stocked with 150 trophy-sized rainbow trout the lost week of
September. The pond will now be ice covered. From I-84 take Hwy 244 towards
Ukiah. At the Blue Mtns summit, turn left onto USFS Rd 5160. Proceed for
approximately 3 miles to the Jct. of roads 5160 and 5155. Stay on 5160. Just past
this Jct. on the right will be spur 710. Take this spur. The pond is just off 5160.
IMNAHA RIVER: Steelhead
Anglers are still finding success for steelhead on the Imnaha River. Most of the
success is currently below Horse Cr. however a few fish have been caught just below
the town of Imnaha. Fishing will pick up as winter progresses into spring Remember,
the new closure date for the Imnaha River steelhead fishery is now April 30. Yearround fishing for hatchery trout will also be allowed beginning Jan. 1, 2016.
JOHN DAY RIVER: steelhead
Steelhead fishing has been slow on the John Day River since flows are high and
water clarity poor. Flows are near 2,800 cfs at Service Creek and are predicted to
increase by the weekend. Steelhead have dispersed throughout the system and
numbers are increasing above Service Creek in the upper John Day.
Anglers have success primarily drifting with jigs, shrimp or eggs with a bobber.
Another popular method is drifting a worm along the bottom. Fly anglers are
primarily nymphing with lower success.
ODFW encourages all anglers to keep any ad-clipped steelhead taken in this
fishery. All wild (adipose intact) steelhead must be released unharmed.
John Day River flows
LONG CREEK POND, CAVENDER POND: trout
Both ponds may be iced over so proceed with caution for ice fishing. Cavender
Pond was stocked last fall with trophy trout.
LUGER POND: hatchery rainbow trout
Luger Pond was treated with the chemical fish toxicant rotenone in the fall and all
fish were removed. The pond with be restocked with legal-sized rainbow trout in
May 2016.
MAGONE LAKE: rainbow and brook trout
Lake is iced over so use caution for ice fishing. Access road to lake is covered
with a foot or more of snow and will require 4-wheel drive to reach.
McHALEY POND: rainbow trout
Pond was recently excavated to improve capacity and to remove aquatic weeds.
Very few fish are in the pond post excavation treatment and fishing will be poor.
McKAY RESERVOIR: Closed to fishing until March 1, 2016.
MORGAN LAKE: rainbow trout
Closed to fishing as of Nov. 1.
OLIVE LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout, and kokanee
Lake has been stocked with both legal and trophy-sized rainbow trout. Lake is
iced over and the access road is covered with several feet of snow. It will require
a snowmobile to reach lake.
PEACH POND (Ladd Marsh): rainbow trout
Peach Pond was treated with the chemical fish toxicant rotenone in the fall and all
fish were removed. The pond with be restocked with legal-sized rainbow trout in
May 2016.
ROULET POND: rainbow trout
The pond was last stocked with rainbow trout late September 2016 and is now ice
covered.
ROWE CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Remains open all year. Fishing is fair for carryover and stocked trout.
TAYLOR GREEN POND: hatchery rainbow trout
Was stocked with 150 trophy-sized rainbow trout the last week of September. The
pond will now be ice covered.
From Hwy 203 at Union, turn left staying on Hwy 203 towards Medical Springs. At
the summit between Union and Medical Springs, turn left onto USFS Road 7700
(opposite snowpark area). Proceed East on 7700 road for about 9 miles to USFS
Road 7740 on the right. Proceed on the 7740 road for about 1/4 mile. The rock pit
pond are on the right.
UMATILLA/WALLA WALLA FOREST PONDS: trout
Boundary, Keyhole, Yellowjacket, Granite Meadows, Goldfish and Windy Springs
ponds are closed to angling until Dec. 31 due to pesticide applications to remove
unwanted fishes. These ponds are closed to access by the public until all signage is
removed. Stocking of these ponds will resume during the spring of 2016.
UMATILLA RIVER: steelhead
Steelhead fishing on the upper Umatilla was fair last week, with anglers averaging
6.4 hours fished per steelhead caught. Steelhead are spread throughout the river
system, creel surveys are now concentrated on the upper river area, but good
angling opportunities are still available in the lower river. Water levels are dropping
after last week’s higher flows, drift fishing techniques can be effective during high
flow conditions. Anglers can access fish counts at updated Threemile Dam fish
counts. Flow data is available
WALLOWA COUNTY PONDS: rainbow trout
Kinney Lake was treated with a pesticide on Oct. 5 to remove unwanted fishes. ODFW
testing has determined the area is safe to entry and the reservoir has been filled. New
regulations for Kinney Lake will be in effect for 2016. ODFW, Triple Creek Ranch, and
the Wallowa Valley Improvement District #1 (WVID#1) have collaborated to open
Kinney Lake for year-round fishing starting Jan. 1, 2016. However, catchable trout
will not be available until the lake is stocked in the spring. Non-motorized watercraft
will also be allowed at Kinney Lake for 2016. Remember, to be respectful of the
private land access that the Triple Creek Ranch and WVID#1 have provided and pack
out any trash you bring or find.
WALLOWA LAKE: rainbow trout, kokanee, lake trout
Some holdover trout will still be available for the hardy trout fisherman willing to
brave the cold weather. Kokanee can also be caught by jigging deep during the
winter months. Wallowa Lake does not reliably freeze every year. However, when the
lake does freeze, ice fishing can produce good catch rates for trout and kokanee.
In 2014 the lake was stocked with tagged rainbow trout in an effort by ODFW to
better understand the utilization of this fishery. Tagged fish have been caught at
very high rates and over $2,700 in rewards have been paid. Some of these fish have
likely held over from last year and are available to anglers. If you catch one of these
tagged fish, please report the number, location, date, where in the lake the fish was
caught and the size to the ODFW office in Enterprise or online.
WALLOWA RIVER: steelhead, mountain whitefish
The Wallowa River is free of ice and a few anglers are finding steelhead. As winter
progresses and fish move toward the hatchery facilities fishing will improve. This
year’s run is one of the best in recent history and catch rates are expected to be
high when the peak fishing arrives.
Steelhead season is open on the Wallowa River and anglers are picking up a few
fish. Winter fishing between Minam and the mouth at Rondowa can be very good
for anglers willing to walk. Remember, the new closure date for the Wallowa River
steelhead fishery is now April 30. Year-round fishing for hatchery trout will also be
allowed beginning Jan. 1, 2016.
Remember, the Wallowa is also a whitefish factory and can produce some large
fish. Whitefish are native to Oregon and are a respected sportfish across the west.
Whitefish can be great in the smoker and are a great way to keep kids interested
while steelhead fishing. To catch them, use beadhead nymphs a size #12-16 hook
and fish for them in quick runs that are knee to waist deep.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: trout
Winter trout fishing will begin to pick up as reservoir water levels begin to rise.
NORTHEAST ZONE HUNTING
OPEN: COUGAR
Wolves in Northeast Oregon
Wolves are protected by state law and it is unlawful to shoot them. Coyote hunters in
northeastern Oregon need to take extra care to identify their target as wolves can
look like coyotes, especially wolf pups in the mid-summer and fall. Please report any
wolf sightings or wolf sign to La Grande office (541) 963-2138 or online with the
Wolf Reporting Form.
Use the Oregon Hunting Map to see where to hunt.
BAKER COUNTY
Cougars can be found throughout Baker County but hunters should target areas
with high concentrations of deer and elk. Setting up on a fresh kill or using
distress calls can all be productive techniques. Hunters are required to check in
the hide of any cougar taken, with skull and proof of sex attached. Remember to
pick up a 2016 tag.
Coyote numbers are good throughout the district. Try calling in early morning and
late afternoon. Remember to ask for permission before hunting on private properties.
GRANT COUNTY
Cougar hunting remains open. Remember you need 2016 tag to hunt as of Jan. 1.
Successful hunters should remember that check-in of the hide with skull and proof of
sex attached is mandatory; see the regulations for details. Remember to pick up a
2016 tag.
Coyote numbers are good in most of the district. Coyotes may respond to distress
calls. Try calling in the early morning and late evening.
MORROW, GILLIAM AND WHEELER COUNTIES
Cougar hunting is open. Cougar are well distributed in our forested areas. Calling
with distress calls or cougar vocalizations can be effective. However, locating a fresh,
naturally made kill has the best chance of success. Remember you need 2016 tag to
hunt as of Jan. 1.
The Coyote population is healthy with good numbers of coyotes available for those
who wish to pursue them. Watch wind direction to help prevent giving away your
location. Calling with game distress calls can be very successful.
UMATILLA COUNTY
Cougar are well distributed in forested areas of the Walla Walla, Mt. Emily, and
Ukiah units. Hunters will have best success by finding a fresh naturally made kill and
sitting on it, or by using predator calls. Some success has come from following tracks
until the cougar is located. Remember you need 2016 tag to hunt as of Jan. 1.
Coyote are numerous throughout the County and hunters should have good success
calling. Remember to ask permission before hunting on private lands.
UNION COUNTY
Cougars are common in Union County. Focus on game rich areas with long ridgelines
or saddles that cats typically travel. Setting up downwind of a deer or elk killed by a
cougar can be productive. Nonresident hunters can include a cougar tag with others
tags for only $14.50. All cougars taken must be checked in within 10 days of harvest;
call for an appointment before check in. Remember to pick up a tag for 2016.
Coyote numbers are good throughout the district. Try calling in early morning and
late afternoon. Remember to ask for permission before hunting on private properties.
Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area
With winter settling in and temperatures regularly below freezing, most of the water
on Ladd Marsh has frozen up. Ducks and Geese can still be seen flying over the area.
What waterfowl is still sticking around have been seen using some of the food plots
around the area. Hunters looking for waterfowl might consider changing their tactics
to field hunting. Duck hunting closed Jan. 24 but goose is open until Jan. 31.
Upland bird hunting has been great this year. Pheasant numbers are still good but
conditions and the birds are getting more challenging. Hunters can expect birds to
run and fly early. There are still lots of hen Pheasants around so hunters should use
caution. Season closed Dec. 31.
Glass Hill Unit is open to hunting seven days a week during authorized seasons
except closed to all entry Feb 1st through March 31st. Vehicles, camping and fires are
prohibited on the wildlife area.
Note: all visitors including hunters must have in their possession a free daily permit
to access the wildlife area. Permits and area maps/regulations are available at
several self-check-in stations at entry points and parking lots. All area users need a
parking permit to park on the wildlife area. Permits can be purchased at any location
that sells hunting and fishing licenses. Parking permits are to be displayed on the
vehicle dash. For more information about the Ladd Marsh and current conditions,
please call 541 963 4954
WALLOWA COUNTY
Elk: Our last antlerless elk season is open now. Success has been mixed on this
Zumwalt hunt. Those with permission to hunt on the Little Sheep Creek and Imnaha
canyon sides or on The Nature Conservancy property have done fair, while those
hunting the top of the prairie have had a hard time finding animals.
Coyote: Good numbers of coyotes can be found throughout Wallowa County. Calling
coyotes with rabbit distress type calls has been effective for hunters. It is important
to choose areas with abundant coyote sign and little human activity.
Cougar numbers are moderate throughout Wallowa County. Most lions are taken
incidental to other hunting; however, calling with fawn bleat, or locating a cougar kill
and waiting for a cat to return are often successful techniques. Remember you need
2016 tag to hunt as of Jan. 1.
NORTHEAST ZONE WILDLIFE VIEWING
BAKER COUNTY
Bighorn sheep can be seen in the Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee or along the
Snake River Road south of Richland. The best viewing is in the early morning and
late in the evening.
Winter bird species are starting to migrate through the area.
Bald and golden eagles can be seen along the Snake River. Take the Snake River
Road between Richland and Huntington. 10/20/15.
Deer and elk are returning to the valley to winter. Early in the morning and late in
the afternoon are good times to view wildlife. Driving through the foothills of the
Baker valley and through the Keating valley can turn up good numbers of deer.
Elkhorn Wildlife Area
Elkhorn Wildlife Area is known for the Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer herds that
frequent the area during the winter. When snow covers the ground, ODFW staff feed
elk and deer to encourage them to stay in the higher elevations and out of
agricultural fields.
There are two good viewing sites. The Anthony Creek site is located about eight
miles west of I-84 on North Powder River Lane. From I-84 take the North Powder
Exit (Exit 285). About 150 elk can be seen here on any given day. From the overlook
on Auburn Road, watch hundreds of elk and mule deer. It is on the south side of Old
Auburn Road, which branches off Highway 7 about six miles south of Baker City.
Grant County
Sandhill cranes have started to migrate through the valley. They can be best viewed
early in the morning along the John Day River.
Bald and Golden eagles can be viewed along the John Day River. The best time to
see them is early in the morning. Watch for other raptors including Redtail Hawks
and Northern Harriers, roosting in large trees and on power line poles.
For the adventurous person, there is a great opportunity to snowshoe or cross
country ski up the trail to Strawberry Lake in the Strawberry Wilderness area to view
groups of nanny and kid mountain goats. Or try snowshoeing up Onion Creek trail to
view the billies.
Bighorn sheep may be viewed from the South Fork near the Murderers Creek road.
Early mornings are your best chances for catching them out on the rocky outcrops.
Watch for deer and elk crossing the highways. This is the time of year when deer
begin to migrate. Dawn and dusk are the most active time for deer and elk and are
not easily seen /due to low light conditions by drivers alongside the road. 12/7/2015
MORROW, GILLIAM AND WHEELER COUNTIES
Although the calendar lists Dec. 21 as the start of winter, it feels like winter is here.
Hoar frost can be seen in the Condon area and the hills just above Heppner. It does
make trees and shrubs look quite majestic in white. Rough-legged hawks can be
seen throughout most of the north half of the District. Short-eared owl can be seen
along the grasslands of the north end of the District. Our year-round resident
raptors, red-tailed hawks, Northern harriers, and American kestrels are all easily
found. The remaining ravens are our resident population, the mobs have headed
south. Prairie falcons can also be seen in the area, although much rarer to be found.
Sharp-shinned hawks can be seen along the riparian areas of the north half of the
District. As raptors continue their migration into winter, take a look at any hawks you
spot on power poles, occasionally it is a rare species.
In the yards of the district one can find the common winter song birds around the
feeder. Dark-eyed juncos, song sparrows, house sparrows, white-crowned sparrows
are all easily found.
Golden eagles can be found along Lost Valley Creek and along the foothills. Bald
eagles are starting to show up along the John Day River, try the segment from Spray
to Dayville for best chance to see them.
Waterfowl are starting to show up along the Columbia River in greater numbers. The
most common to be seen are mallards and Canada geese. But northern shovelers,
teals, American widgeon, buffleheads, and common mergansers can also be found.
Great blue herons are found along all of our streams that support fish. There are two
that can be found most days between Heppner and Lexington along Willow Creek.
Tundra Swans can be seen at Willow Creek Reservoir.
The cold weather has mule congested in the valley bottoms. During a quick drive
from Heppner to Lexington the average viewer should be able to spot lots of mule
deer. Any of the meadows in the forest one can spot bucks chasing does. One can
also spot great grey owls in the forest as well. Try the Swale creek area, there is
usually one that can be found in that area. Grey-crowned rosy finches, blue birds,
western and mountain, grey jay, Steller’s jay, Clark’s nutcracker can all be seen in
the forest as well. 11/30/2015
Umatilla County
Winter has come to Umatilla County and winter residents can be seen in the various
habitats around the county. Wintering rough-legged hawks will be in grassland areas
near the hills and throughout the agricultural areas of north Umatilla County. Juncos
can be seen along the riparian and brushy areas. Pigmy owls have made a good
showing in riparian areas in timbered and timber stringer habitats.
Flocks of ducks and geese can be seen along the Columbia River and large reservoirs
in the County. Elk will still be common along the upper open areas of the west slope
of the Blue Mountains. Deer will be seen in herds from the valley floor to the upper
Blue Mountains. The riverine and agricultural areas near the base of the mountains
will be dominated by white-tailed deer. The desert and mountain areas will be
inhabited primarily by mule deer. Elk can be viewed throughout the day while deer
will be most visible in the first and last two hours of the day.
Gulls and raptors can be seen along the Columbia River. Visit local wildlife areas to
see shore and marsh birds in addition to perching birds and raptors. Wood ducks,
mallards and mergansers can be seen traveling in flocks up and down the river
systems that have cottonwood trees along the banks. 12/8/2015
UNION COUNTY
Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area
Note: All visitors must have in their possession a free daily permit to access
the wildlife area. Permits are available at several self-check-in stations at entry
points and parking lots. Wildlife viewers and anglers also need a parking permit to
park on the wildlife area. The $10 daily or $30 annual permit can be purchased
online or at an ODFW office that sells licenses or at a license sales agent. Learn more
about ODFW’s Wildlife Area Parking Permit Program.
The Tule Lake unit, including the auto route, is closed. It will reopen March 1st. The
Glass Hill unit is closed to all use and will reopen April 1. Visitors are advised to
carefully read posted signs and consult the wildlife area administrative rules. Rules
that apply to all areas are at the top (at the above link), and then scroll down to
page 8, #635-008-120, for additional rules specific to Ladd Marsh. Dogs are not
permitted within the Wildlife Area, on or off leash except during authorized game
bird hunting seasons.
There are numerous quality viewing opportunities from county roads that pass
through the area. Binoculars or a spotting scope will help as many animals are best
viewed from a distance.
All ponds and wetlands on the area are frozen. Waterfowl using grain fields off Pierce
Rd and Hot Lake Lane can be seen entering those areas in large numbers near dusk.
A few tundra swans have been in the area. Canada geese are showing signs of
pairing up; the first nests should start within the next few weeks.
A few wintering rough-legged hawks have been using the area in addition to redtailed hawks, northern harriers and bald eagles. Large concentrations of northern
harriers have been seen recently. American kestrels frequently hunt from utility
wires along county roads and a single prairie falcon has been seen along Pierce Rd.
Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks have also been observed.
Flocks of small birds include song sparrow, white-crowned sparrow, dark-eyed junco,
American goldfinch and house finch. Northern shrikes have been seen in a few
locations. American tree sparrows frequent shrub and tree rows and can often be
seen from roadways.
Elk herds coming down from Craig Mountain and Glass Hill may be seen in fields
and meadows. They may also be encountered as they cross roads so use caution
in the area.
WALLOWA COUNTY
Common raptors in the open areas of the county in winter are red-tailed hawks and
rough-legged hawks. Look for bald eagles perched in the larger trees along Wallowa
Lake shore or on power poles near water in the valley.
A good place to observe mule deer is along the Wallowa Lake highway between
Joseph and the south end of Wallowa Lake. Drive slowly and watch along the
moraine on the east side of the lake around dawn and dusk. Be careful to use the
turnouts when stopping to watch these animals, as there will be other traffic on the
road. White-tailed deer can be found throughout the Wallowa Valley on or near
agricultural lands.
Most of the elk on the Zumwalt Prairie have left the Prairie proper and moved into
the canyons. These are county roads that run through private property, so please
respect the landowner’s privacy and remain on the county road but park out of the
traffic lanes while watching the elk. Once you find a herd, use binoculars or a
spotting scope to observe the animals.
Waterfowl can be seen flying into Wallowa Lake in the evenings from the county park
at the north end of the lake. Canada geese and several species of ducks can also be
seen feeding in agricultural fields and along streams around the county. 1/5/16
FISHING
Send us your fishing report
We’d love to hear about your recent fishing experience. Send us your own fishing
report through ODFW Fishing Reports -- the information will be forwarded to the
local biologist who may use it to update various ODFW resources such as the Weekly
Recreation Report.
BROWNLEE RESERVOIR: crappie, bass, perch, catfish, bluegill, trout
No Report.
Call the Idaho Power Company’s recording at 1-800-422-3143 to get information on
access at recreational sites. | Reservoir level information
OXBOW RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass, catfish
No report.
HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass, catfish
Approximately 300 steelhead have been released into the reservoir from the Hells
Canyon Dam Trap. Anglers are reminded that neither a steelhead harvest card nor
Columbia Basin Endorsement are needed to catch these fish in Hells Canyon
Reservoir. The daily bag limit is three hatchery trout.
SNAKE RIVER below HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, steelhead, salmon, bass
Steelhead fishing is in full swing and anglers are finding success throughout the
Oregon section and have been doing very well below Hells Canyon Dam.
Only barbless hooks may be used on this stretch of the Snake River while fishing for
salmon, steelhead and sturgeon, and anglers should consult the 2015 Oregon Sport
Fishing Regulations for other rules that may apply.
Updated information on flow levels
SNAKE RIVER (above Brownlee Reservoir): channel catfish, flathead catfish,
smallmouth bass
No recent Reports.
Weekend Fishing Opportunities:
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Effective Monday, Feb. 8, the retention of white sturgeon is prohibited in the
Bonneville Pool but remains an option for catch and release.
White sturgeon retention is open in The Dalles and John Day pools until the
respective guidelines of 100 and 500 legal white sturgeon are met. Anglers are
catching a few keepers in The Dalles, and John Day pools.
White sturgeon retention is closed from Buoy 10 upstream to The Dalles Dam,
but remains an option for catch and release fishing.
Walleye fishing is fair to good in The Dalles and John Day pools.
Current Columbia River regulations for salmon, steelhead, shad and
sturgeon can be found at the Sport Fishing Regulation Update page.
SALMON, STEELHEAD AND SHAD
Bank anglers on the lower Columbia are catching a few steelhead, and rumor has it a
few spring Chinook as well.
Gorge Bank: No report.
Gorge Boats: No report.
Troutdale Boats: No report.
Portland to Westport Bank:
Weekly checking showed one adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept for 10 bank anglers.
Portland to Westport Boats:
Weekend checking showed no catch for four boats (eight anglers).
Estuary Bank (Clatsop Spit to Wauna Powerlines): No report.
Estuary Boats (Tongue Point to Wauna Powerlines): No report.
Bonneville Pool (Bonneville Dam upstream to The Dalles Dam): No report.
The Dalles Pool (The Dalles Dam upstream to John Day Dam):
Weekly checking showed no catch for six bank anglers; and one adipose fin-clipped
steelhead kept, plus seven unclipped steelhead released for one boat (two anglers).
John Day Pool (John Day Dam upstream to McNary Dam and John Day Arm):
Weekly checking showed no catch for five boats; and one unclipped steelhead
released for three boats (five anglers).
STURGEON
Bonneville Pool (Bonneville Dam upstream to The Dalles Dam):
Closed for retention. Weekly checking showed 22 sublegal sturgeon released for
43 bank anglers; and 12 legal white sturgeon kept, plus two oversize and 310
sublegal sturgeon released for 39 boats (98 anglers).
The Dalles Pool (The Dalles Dam upstream to John Day Dam):
Weekly checking showed one sublegal sturgeon released for 18 bank anglers; and
three legal white sturgeon kept, plus four oversize and 50 sublegal sturgeon released
for 13 boats (29 anglers).
John Day Pool (John Day Dam upstream to McNary Dam):
Weekly checking showed no catch for 12 bank anglers; and one legal white sturgeon
kept, plus two oversize and six sublegal sturgeon released for 22 boats (48 anglers).
WALLEYE
Bonneville Pool (Bonneville Dam upstream to The Dalles Dam): No report.
The Dalles Pool (The Dalles Dam upstream to John Day Dam):
Weekly checking showed three walleye kept for one bank angler; and 39 walleye
kept for 11 boats (27 anglers).
John Day Pool (John Day Dam upstream to McNary Dam):
Weekly checking showed 17 walleye kept, plus 19 walleye released for 21 boats (41
anglers).
MARINE ZONE
MARINE FISHING
Send us your fishing report
We’d love to hear about your recent fishing experience. Send us your own fishing
report through ODFW Fishing Reports -- the information will be forwarded to the
local biologist who may use it to update various ODFW resources such as the Weekly
Recreation Report.
Saltwater News Bulletins
You can subscribe to receive e-mails and text message alerts for marine topics you
are interested in. It’s easy to unsubscribe at any time. Your phone and e-mail
information will remain confidential. Six different lists of interest to ocean enthusiasts
are available: Bottomfish (recreational), Halibut (recreational), Ocean Salmon
(recreational), Ocean Salmon (commercial troll), Commercial Nearshore Groundfish,
and Marine Reserves.
Marine Reserves and Other Management Designations
Fishing, crabbing, clamming, hunting and gathering seaweed are prohibited at
Oregon’s five marine reserves, including the Cape Falcon Marine Reserve and Marine
Protected Area (new for 2016).
Beach walking, surfing, bird watching, diving and other non-extractive uses continue
to be allowed at reserves. See complete details and marine reserve maps (listed
north to south):
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Cape Falcon (between Cannon Beach and Manzanita)
Cascade Head (between Neskowin and Otis)
Otter Rock (between Depoe Bay and Newport)
Cape Perpetua (north of Yachats)
Redfish Rocks (south of Port Orford)
In addition to marine reserves, there are several other management areas to be aware
of, such as the Stonewall Bank conservation area (west of Newport) and marine
gardens, described in the 2016 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations (pages 79-83).
BOTTOM FISHING
Cabezon retention is prohibited January-June; this is an annual seasonal closure.
During safe weather windows, winter is a great time for bottom fishing: rockfish can
be large and daily limits of lingcod are not unusual. Because of El Niño, anglers this
winter might also run into uncommon or unusual species. There’s a new rockfish on
the block. Deacon rockfish is a newly identified species that was formerly referred to
as the solid version of blue rockfish. What does that mean for you? Nothing in 2016.
Every rule that refers to blue rockfish (like the daily bag limit of 3) now applies to
blue rockfish and deacon rockfish combined.
If you’re lucky enough to catch a colorful assortment of fish, keep in mind that the
following species of rockfish are prohibited: China, copper, quillback and
yelloweye. Several handouts, including “What Can I Keep, and How Many?” and
species identification tips, are available on the ODFW sport groundfish webpage.
Although anglers may legally retain one canary rockfish, there is an annual
management quota that, if exceeded, could restrict angling opportunities for other
species, including black rockfish and lingcod. Therefore, anglers are urged to (1)
avoid canary rockfish and (2) retain 1 canary rockfish only if it is bleeding
from injury.
What about barotrauma? Signs of barotrauma, such as bulging eyes and a gut
protruding from the mouth, are reversible when fish are returned to depth with a
descending device. ODFW encourages anglers to use a descending device
when releasing rockfish with signs of barotrauma. An underwater video
recorded by ODFW researchers shows the dramatic results of recompressing a
fish; another video demonstrates various types of descending devices.
SHELLFISH
A couple of regulations were inadvertently left out of the 2016 Oregon Sport Fishing
Regulation booklet. (1) The daily bag limit for shrimp (edible) is 20 lb. in the shell;
may be taken by traps, pots or rings. (2) Each razor clam digger (as with all clams)
must have his or her own container, must dig his or her own clams, and may not
possess more than one limit of clams while in the digging area (except under a
Disabled Clam Digger Permit). Current shellfish harvest closures in the ocean and
bays due to elevated levels of domoic acid as of Feb. 8:
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Razor clams: Closed south of Tillamook Head
Bay clams: Open coastwide
Crabs: Open coastwide
Mussels: Open coastwide
The Oregon Dept. of Agriculture (ODA) will continue testing for shellfish toxins as
ocean conditions allow. An area cannot reopen until two consecutive tests indicate
toxin levels are safe. Commercial shellfish products sold in restaurants and retail
markets are safe to eat.
Call the ODA shellfish safety hotline at 1-800-448-2474 before harvesting
for the most current information about shellfish safety closures. Additional
information is available from ODA’s Food Safety Program at (503) 986-4720 or the
ODA shellfish closures website.
For everything you need to know about identifying and harvesting Oregon’s shellfish,
including maps of individual estuaries that show where to crab and clam, see the
recreational shellfish pages on the ODFW website.
Clams
Ocean crabbing out of Newport was slow last week; crabbing in the bay for
Dungeness crab and red rock crab was up and down.
For bay clammers who don’t mind the dark, there will be minus tides during the
evenings of Feb. 6th-11th and again from the 18th-24th. Take a headlamp or
flashlight, warm clothing, and a spirit of adventure. Otherwise, during the day,
several bay clam species can be found even when low tides aren’t so low: softshell
and purple varnish clams occur primarily above +1.0, and cockles, butters and
gapers can be found at tides as high as +2.0.
Crabs
Ocean crabbing out of Newport was slow last week; crabbing in the bay for
Dungeness crab and red rock crab was up and down.
Bay crabbing is best when there is not a lot of rainwater runoff to dilute salinity.
Red rock crab are caught using the same gear as Dungeness crab but have a larger
daily limit (24), and, unlike Dungeness crab, any size or sex of red rock crab may be
retained (although most crabbers keep only the largest crabs, which have a lot more
meat than small ones). Red rock crab are not present in all Oregon bays; good
places to harvest them include the docks in Tillamook, Yaquina and Coos bays.
For Dungeness crab, the correct way to check for minimum size (5 3⁄4 inches) is to
measure a straight line across the back immediately in front of, but not including,
the points. See an illustration (jpg).
ODA recommends always eviscerating crab before cooking and avoiding consumption
of crab guts.
MARINE WILDLIFE VIEWING
Birds like scoters and buffleheads winter along the coast. Bird viewing tips are
available from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Another great source for birders is
the Oregon Coast Birding Trail website, which includes self-guided itineraries for any
area of the Oregon Coast and a species checklist.
All kinds of wonderful creatures – gumboot chitons and ribbed limpets, for example –
can be viewed along the shoreline. The Oregon State Parks tidepools website has
information on where and when to explore, what you can expect to see, and safety tips.
Additional coastal viewing ideas for marine wildlife are found on the ODFW wildlife
viewing map.