Spring bear controlled hunt deadline is Feb. 10! If you are not applying, don’t wait too long to pick up a first-come, first-serve SW Oregon tag—more than half of the 4,000 total are already gone. Last year SW tags sold out Feb. 20 and only about 150 were left when sales opened up to controlled hunt applicants. https://or.outdoorcentral.us/or/license
Two chances for hunters to win:
Report 2010 fall hunts, apply for 2011 controlled hunts by Jan. 31
Report 2010 hunt results by Jan. 31 and you will be entered to win a special tag allowing you to hunt an extended season and expanded hunt area similar to auction and raffle tag holders. Apply for a controlled hunt by Jan. 31 and you will be entered in three drawings to win one of 100 total 2012 Sports Pacs ODFW will give away.
Turn in your angling tag and win a drift boat
Anglers who turn in their 2010 angling tags by May 15, 2011 are automatically entered in a drawing to win a complete drift boat package from Diamond Back Boats. Return your tag to any license agent or ODFW office, or mail directly to ODFW Headquarters (3406 Cherry Ave. NE, Salem OR 97303).
Sign up for fishing, crabbing, hunting classes
Make it a New Year’s resolution to learn something new in 2011. Aimed at families and adults, ODFW Outdoor Skills classes include fly fishing, crabbing, pheasant hunting, clamming and more. See the complete 2011 calendar.
Be ready for winter
Be prepared for winter conditions in Oregon. Make sure to consider warm clothing, snow tires, and emergency kits when planning outdoor activities this time of year.
Recent floods left mud and debris at many access sites. Boat slides on the north coast fared well in the storms, but several boat ramps had substantial deposits of silt. It may take some time to get those areas cleared. Be prepared to deal with the mud when accessing these sites.
Coffenbury Lake
Fishing on Coffenbury Lake
NORTH COAST LAKES
Coffenbury Lake, Lost Lake, Sunset Lake, Vernonia Pond, and Town Lake have been stocked with surplus hatchery steelhead at various times this winter. Trout stocking is scheduled to resume in March.
MID COAST LAKES
The 2011 trout stocking schedule is available online. The first stocking of rainbow trout will occur the week of Feb. 7, 2011 in several Mid-Coast lakes.
Some coast lakes offer good fishing for warm water species, such as largemouth bass, bluegill, perch and bullhead. Fishing for these species typically slows during the winter months. Good areas to consider are, Siltcoos Lake, Tahkenitch Lake, Mercer Lake, Woahink Lake and Munsel Lake which are all located in the Florence area.
ALSEA RIVER: Steelhead
Winter steelhead fishing should be good by late in the week. Recent high flows will likely move fish upstream through the week. Look to fish the upper river when river flows are high. As conditions improve, fish should be spread throughout the basin with good returns expected for the month. The river offers multiple drifting and bank fishing locations.
KILCHIS RIVER: steelhead
Winter steelhead angling was halted by high flows last week. This river drops and clears quickly, and was fishable by the end of last week. Fishing should be fair to good, with a higher percentage of wild fish showing in the catch. Boaters will find fish from the park down, while bank anglers can get into fish throughout the river up to the deadline at the North Fork.
LOWER COLUMBIA TRIBUTARIES: steelhead
Hatchery winter steelhead are still available in Big Creek, Gnat Creek and the North Fork Klaskanine River. Fishing should be fair to good as high flows recede. The number of fresh hatchery fish will begin to decline over the next few weeks.
NECANICUM RIVER: steelhead
Winter steelhead are available throughout the river. The water has dropped from the flood stage and is clearing. There are still some bright hatchery fish available in the system, and more wild fish are showing in the catch. Boaters should use caution and scout for new log debris in the river.
NEHALEM RIVER AND NORTH FORK NEHALEM: steelhead
Winter steelhead angling in the North Fork had been fair to good prior to the last storms. Fish are spread out, and more wild fish are entering the system. There are still bright hatchery fish coming in, although the numbers are starting to drop. Fishing is slow in the main Nehalem River for winter steelhead as the river is high and dirty. Plunking is about the only option. More fish are entering the system, and fishing should be improving when conditions allow.
Anglers who catch a steelhead or salmon with numbered tag(s) are encouraged to report catch information via the internet at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/northw...ag_returns.asp 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 Fly Fishing
-Photo by Jessica Sall-
NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: steelhead
The river is clearing slowly after the recent flood, but should be in decent shape by early to mid-week. Three Rivers will be the best bet while the main river is high. Plunking on the main river can be productive if you find the travel lanes. Good numbers of fish are in the system, so look for fishing to be good when flows recede. Use bright colored lures/baits fished slowly along the bottom for best results.
SALMON RIVER: steelhead
While there are no hatchery steelhead released into the Salmon River, anglers can have fair to good catch and release fishing for wild winter steelhead with an occasional stray hatchery steelhead. January through March can provide fair to good success during appropriate river conditions.
SILETZ RIVER: steelhead
Winter steelhead fishing should pick up by this weekend as river conditions improve following the recent flood event. Fish the upper river during higher murky flows or try plunking mid to lower river when flows are at 8 feet and lower. Bobber and jig or side drifting can be effective steelhead angling tactics. The steelhead run is expected to steadily improve through January.
SIUSLAW RIVER: steelhead
Winter steelhead angling is expected to improve through the weekend. The recent high flow event should stimulate fish movement over the next week. During higher flows focus on the upper river near release locations or try plunking slower side waters in the lower river. Side drifting or pulling plugs should be effective as the river level drops this week.
TILLAMOOK BAY: sturgeon
Sturgeon fishing is fair. Recent high flows muddied the bay, and should attract more fish into the bay. Effort remains light. Fish sand shrimp on the bottom near the channel edges during the outgoing tide. Move often to find fish if you are not getting bites.
TRASK RIVER: steelhead
Fishing for steelhead had been fair to good, but the river blew out last week. Fishing should be good when the river drops. Best angling will be higher in the system, which will clear more quickly. Try the north or south fork over the next several days, then move downstream as the main river condition improves. The catch has been a mix of hatchery and wild fish.
Anglers who catch a steelhead or salmon with numbered tag(s) are encouraged to report catch information via the internet at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/northw...ag_returns.asp 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.
Steelhead
- Photo by Derek Wilson-
WILSON RIVER: steelhead
Angling for winter steelhead should be fair to good when conditions allow. Good numbers of fish are in the system. The slide at MP 6 on Hwy 6 has been keeping the lower river dirty. Above that point the river was clearing up nicely last weekend. Until the slide stabilizes, the best fishing conditions and the best fishing will likely be the upper river.
YAQUINA RIVER: steelhead
Steelhead fishing in Big Elk Creek should be fair by late in the week as river conditions improve. Recent high water should move fish up river. Bobber and jig, casting spinners or fly fishing can be effective. Much of the Big Elk is private property so be sure of your location.
* With dropping water levels, steelhead fishing conditions have improved on several rivers in the Southwest Zone including the Umpqua, Lower Rogue, Coos, Coquille and Chetco.
* Trout anglers should take advantage of the good weather and visit Applegate Reservoir, Garrison Lake and Lost Creek Reservoir where fishing has been good.
* Young anglers (age 17 and younger) have been enjoying the warm sunny days and good trout fishing at Arizona Pond.
STURGEON NOTE: As conditions start improving for sturgeon fishing, anglers should note that beginning in 2011 rivers in the Southwest Zone are closed to the retention of green sturgeon.
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.
AGATE LAKE: largemouth bass, black crappie
The lake is stocked with rainbow trout. The reservoir is at 77 percent of capacity. Fishing should be fair to good for rainbow trout stocked last fall.
APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, spring chinook, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass
Applegate Reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout, and anglers are catching some good sized trout. Trollers can have success with a variety terminal tackle such as flies, flatfish or other lures, or flasher and worm combinations. Bank anglers will have to deal with steep banks in many locations because of the low pool of the reservoir.
The reservoir was 21 percent full as of Jan. 24 with a water level elevation of 1911 feet. Boaters must use the French Gulch ramp. Anglers are warned that the bottom of the paved ramp at French Gulch is at an elevation of 1,890 feet. If the reservoir level drops below that point, it will be difficult to launch boats that require an incline. However, anglers with small boats that can be lifted off the trailer or out of the back of a pickup should have no trouble launching. Water elevation in Applegate Reservoir can be obtained by calling 1-800-472-2434.
APPLEGATE RIVER: rainbow and cutthroat trout
The weather forecast for the week looks good with no rain predicted until the weekend. The Applegate is fishable and there should be opportunities to catch bright winter steelhead in the Hwy 199 Bridge area. The Applegate is often a viable alternative for fishing when the Rogue River is too high and muddy. Since it is a smaller stream than the Rogue, flows drop and the stream clears quicker than the Rogue. Only adipose fin-clipped steelhead may be kept.
The Applegate River is also open for trout fishing. Only adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout may be kept. The flow released from Applegate Dam was 998 cfs on Jan. 24, and the river temperature below the dam was 40oF. The flow near Wilderville was 1250 cfs and the water temperature was 43oF on Jan 24.
Applegate River flows at Wilderville
rainbow trout
Rainbow Trout
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
ARIZONA POND: rainbow trout
Trout fishing is good. Youth anglers have been pickling up quite a few hold over trout now that days have been sunny and warm. Anglers are reminded that angling is limited to youth 17 and under. Water levels have been kept low all winter for weed control. Water levels will be increased in February.
BEN IRVING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, yellow perch, crappie
Ben Irving Reservoir, west of Winston, was stocked with 5,000 trout in 2010, including an additional stocking of 1,000 lunker trout over Labor Day Weekend. In addition to trout, anglers should also try fishing for some of the large crappie that are available. Stocking for 2011 will begin in March.
CHETCO RIVER: winter steelhead
Low and clear. Steelhead are throughout the system. Anglers fishing smaller baits and lighter line are doing the best. Boat and bank angling pressure has been high.
Chetco River flows near Brookings
COOPER CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Cooper Creek was stocked with over 12,000 trout stocked in 2010.
COOS RIVER BASIN: steelhead, Dungeness crab, bay clams
All the steelhead rivers in the Coos Basin have dropped and are fishable. The West Fork Millicoma is very clear while the East Fork Millicoma and South Fork Coos rivers still have the good green color to the water. Bright fish are still moving into the river systems with each rain but there are a few darker colored steelhead around. Drifting corkies or eggs has been effective for catching steelhead. Floating a jig under a bobber is also working to land a few steelhead. Great places to fish for steelhead in the Coos Basin are: the Millicoma Interpretive Center on the West Fork Millicom, Nesika Park on the East Fork Millicoma, and above Dellwood near the 5 mile marker on Weyerhaeuser property on the South Coos River. Access to the South Coos River above Dellwood is by permit from Weyerhaeuser Company, and is subject to their rules. Anglers can call the Weyerhaeuser hotline number at 1-888-741-5403 for recorded information on access and permit purchases.
Crabbing has been decent for those with boats and very slow for those crabbing off the docks. If crabbing from a boat, concentrate your crab traps near the deeper water for best success.
There are decent low tides for digging bay clams during the afternoons later this week. There are good places to dig for bay clams in Coos Bay even on positive low tides. Good places to dig for clams in Coos Bay are near Charleston, off Cape Arago Highway, and Clam Island. For more information on shellfish in Coos Bay click on the following link: Shellfish Assessment of Coastal Oregon. Before any shellfish harvest trip, make sure to check the Oregon Department of Agriculture website for any updates http://oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/shellfish_status.shtml
COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: steelhead
All the steelhead rivers in the Coquille Basin have dropped from the last big rains and are fishable. Steelhead fishing has been good at LaVerne Park on the North Fork and from Broadbent to Powers on the South Fork. Drifting corkies or eggs has been very effective.
DIAMOND LAKE: Closed Nov. 1 to all fishing and will re-open April 23, 2011.
Other winter recreation will still be available. Contact the resort for other reports at 1-800-733-7593 ext. 238.
Steelhead
Showing off a Nice Steelhead
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
ELK/SIXES RIVER: winter steelhead
Steelhead fishing has been good for anglers able to get out and fish when river conditions permit. Anglers can check Elk River heights and water color by calling Elk River Hatchery at 541-332-0405. The best angling is when Elk River gauge is reading 5 feet and dropping. Sixes River is usually fishable two days after Elk River.
EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie
Holdover trout from spring releases are available for winter anglers at Emigrant. The reservoir was 61 percent full as of Jan. 24.
Anglers should be aware that a health advisory has been issued recommending limits on consumption of all fish from Emigrant except rainbow trout. Information on the Emigrant Reservoir advisory, along with general information on mercury and fish can be found on the DHS Web site.
Expo Pond is stocked with rainbow trout. Fishing should be good for trout. The pond is located immediately adjacent to the access road at Gate 5 at the fairgrounds.
FISH LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout, spring chinook
Fish Lake is a high elevation lake open for trout fishing the entire year. Anglers will want to be prepared for winter conditions, including snow and varying degrees of ice coverage on the lake. Anglers should be cautious about venturing out on the ice. The resort reports that it will be open only Friday through Sunday for the winter.
The reservoir level was 50 percent of full on Jan. 24.
GALESVILLE RESERVIOR: rainbow trout, bass
Galesville Reservoir is open to angling year-round. The reservoir is presently drawn down enough to make boat launching somewhat difficult. For information on launching conditions, call 541-837-3302.In addition to trout, the reservoir has also been stocked with coho smolts the last couple years. Coho stocked are about 9 to 14 inches long now and have been biting recently. Trolling with flashers followed by a worm, or using spinners has been successful. Many people mistakenly think these fish are kokanee. All of the coho smolts have been adipose fin-clipped. In Galesville Reservoir, all landlocked salmon are considered trout. Thus, there is a five per day trout limit, with only one trout over 20 inches in length allowed for harvest. Galesville was also stocked with about 1,000 adipose clipped steelhead that are 8-inches long. To date Galesville has been stocked with about 8,000 legal sized trout. Anglers are reminded all bass between 12 and 15 inches must be released, and only one bass over 15 inches may be taken per day. Galesville now has a campground. Call 541-837-3302 for information on camping and boat launching conditions.
Cutthroat Trout
Cutthroat Trout
-Photo by Charlotte Ganskopp-
Weather conditions have been perfect for trout anglers. This time of year anglers can expect to catch a mix of rainbow trout and cutthroat up to 16 inches, with a few larger. Anglers will want to keep an eye on the weather and fish the lake when there is no wind. Garrison Lake is located in the middle of Port Orford. 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.
HEMLOCK LAKE & LAKE OF THE WOODS: trout
Both Hemlock and Lake of the Wood are likely snowed in for the winter. Check with the U.S. Forest Service for road conditions.
HOWARD PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: trout, bass
Howard Prairie is closed to fishing and will re-open in April 2011.
HYATT LAKE: trout, largemouth bass
Hyatt Lake is closed to fishing and will re-open in April 2011.
ILLINOIS RIVER: trout, steelhead
Flow in the Illinois has dropped significantly from last week. Steelhead fishing should improve as the flow drops. As of Jan 24, the flow near Kirby was 1530 cfs.
Anglers are reminded that fishing is restricted to artificial flies and lures.
Illinois River flows at Kerby
LAKE MARIE: rainbow trout
Lake Marie received 4,505 trout for 2010, including some Labor Day lunkers.
LAKE SELMAC: trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie
Lake Selmac is stocked with rainbow trout, and fishing should be fair to good. The resort is closed for the season.
LEMOLO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout.
Closed to fishing Nov. 1 and will re-open April 23, 2011. Other winter recreation activities are still available.
LOON LAKE: rainbow trout, bass
Loon Lake received over 9,297 legal-sized trout in 2010. The lake was also stocked with some fingerlings last year that should be legal-sized now. Both the resort and the BLM ramps are closed until spring.
rainbow trout
Rainbow Trout
- Photo by Roger Smith-
LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, spring chinook, bass
Lost Creek is stocked with rainbow trout and provides some of the best opportunity for winter trout fishing in the Rogue Valley. Trout fishing is likely slow at this time due to the high inflows, high outflows, and varying water levels in the reservoir. As conditions moderate anglers should enjoy good fishing, with trout available in the 15-17 inch range. Trollers at Lost Creek often fish red and green wedding ring and worm combinations behind flashers. PowerBait and nightcrawlers can also be successful. The reservoir is 60 percent full and the surface temperature is 42o F.
Anglers need to be aware that the reservoir will be lower than normal this winter due to an equipment problem at the dam. The Takelma boat ramp will likely be the primary boat access point.
PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: bottomfish, surfperch
Fishing for rockfish and lingcod has been good when the ocean has been “calm.”
Concentrate your fishing near rocky outcroppings and drop-offs. Fishing for rockfish and lingcod is now open outside of the 40 fathom curve.
There have been a few reports of surfperch being caught. To fish for surfperch look for places that have riptides or areas that have steeper beaches. Best fishing is usually on an incoming tide. Sand shrimp or sand worms are great baits to use for surf perch.
PLAT I RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, warmwater game fish
Bass can be harvested from March 1 to Oct. 31 and are catch and release only from Nov. 1-Feb. Plat I is mostly drained for winter flood control. However, the area near the boat ramp still offers some catfishing oppurtunities.
REINHART POND: rainbow trout, warm water fish
Reinhart Pond is stocked with rainbow trout, and should provide some good winter fishing opportunity for Grants Pass anglers. Nightcrawlers, small spinners and spoons should catch fish.
ROGUE RIVER
To find out more about conservation, management and outreach efforts on the Rogue River, check out the Rogue River page on the ODFW Web site.
steelhead
Winter steelhead
-Photo by Derek Wilson-
Rogue River, lower: winter steelhead
Water conditions continue to stay at near perfect. Bank and boat anglers are catching steelhead equally well. Anglers have been picking up fish on Spin N Glos and plugs. Anglers fishing the inside bends of the river and in 2 to 4 feet of water have been doing the best. Water temperatures have been running about 45 degrees.
Rogue River flows
Rogue River, middle: steelhead
The weather forecast is good until this weekend when rain is expected. The color of the water in the river is good, but flows are still high. When waters return to fishable levels anglers should try a variety of lures such as Little Cleos, or nightcrawlers, and roe. Before the water got high, boat anglers reported catching some winter steelhead backtrolling plugs like the Kwikfish K11-X and side drifting yarn balls dipped in Pautzkes nectar and shrimp scent.
Bank access for steelhead can be found at Chinook Park, the mouth of the Applegate, Matson Park, Griffin Park, Robertson Bridge, and additional access is available below Hellgate Canyon. Boat action is best between Shroeder Park and Griffin Park. Gold Hill to Rogue River and Robertson Bridge to Hog Creek are also popular drifts for boat anglers. Only adipose fin-clipped steelhead may be kept at this time in the middle Rogue.
The flow at Grants Pass on Jan 24 was 7350 cfs. The water temperature was 42o F.
Rogue River, upper: steelhead, trout
The upper Rogue is still high and difficult to fish. Summer steelhead were being caught in the upper Rogue before the recent storm, although angling pressure is very low. A total of 183 summer steelhead entered Cole Rivers Hatchery the week of Jan. 19. The flow from Lost Creek Reservoir was 5,027 cfs on Jan. 24.
Rogue River, above Lost Creek Reservoir: trout
The Rogue River above Lost Creek Dam is closed to fishing and will re-open in April 2011.
SMITH RIVER: striped bass, trout, fall chinook, steelhead
The Smith is open for adipose fin-clipped steelhead and chinook from mouth to Spencer Creek and North Fork from mouth upstream to Johnson Creek. This area is open to striped bass year-round, two fish per 24 hours, 24-inch minimum size. Fishing on the mainstem Smith from Spencer Creek upstream to Sisters Creek and the North Fork from Johnson Creek to bridge 10 opened for adipose fin-clipped steelhead on Dec. 1.
Brown Trout
BrownTrout
-U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service-
SODA SPRINGS RESERVOIR: brown and rainbow trout
The North Umpqua mainstem and the tributaries upstream of Soda Springs Reservoir closed Oct. 31. The gate to Soda Springs Reservoir has been closed for construction so access is off the Medicine Creek Road. The reservoir is partially closed. A line of buoy markers indicates the where the upstream end of the reservoir is still open for recreational activities. For additional information. Call the U.S. Forest Service at 541-672-6601.
TENMILE BASIN: steelhead
Steelhead fishing has been good in Tenmile Creek. Bright steelhead will continue to move into Tenmile Creek for the next month or two. Plunking bait or drifting eggs/corky are effective ways to fish Tenmile Creek. Other ways to fish for steelhead are run a jig under a bobber or backtrolling crankbaits. Eel Creek is now open for steelhead fishing. Eel Creek is very brushy making it difficult to fish or land a fish after it’s been hooked.
TOKETEE LAKE: brown trout
Fishing is open in Toketee year-round. The lake has both good bank and boat access throughout. Fishing is slow.
UMPQUA ESTUARY: sturgeon, striped bass, chinook
The South Jetty and Triangle Area has continued to provide good rockfish angling and surfperch opportunity. Crabbing has been generally slow with spotty success during periods when the turbidity and flow return to normal winter levels. Check with the Coast Guard for new deadlines in the lower Umpqua when the bar is closed (541-271-4847).
UMPQUA HIGH LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout
Winter has already hit many areas of the Cascades. Check with the Forest Service for road conditions and be prepared for winter driving. Roads to many high lakes in the area are not plowed during the winter. In 2010 Clearwater Forebay #2 was stocked with over 4,500 trout and received some Labor Day lunkers. Red Top Lake above Myrtle Creek was also stocked with a total of 1,500 fish in 2010 and received some extra lunkers in early September.
Other high lakes including Maidu, Bull Pup, Connie, Skookum (N. Umpqua), Calamut, Fuller, Wolf, Cliff, Buckeye, Linda, and Big Twin Lakes are annually stocked with fingerling brook trout. Over 15,000 fish were stocked in 2010 and will be catchable next season. Linda and Calamut were stocked with rainbow trout fingerlings in 2009 and 2010 instead of the normal brook trout. Anglers have reported catching some of these rainbows at Calamut. Both Linda and Calamut received some additional rainbows during mid-July 2010, with about 60 to 70 legal sized fish going into each of these two lakes.
UMPQUA RIVER
Umpqua Basin Note:
Closed for all trout fishing in streams until spring of 2011. Trout fishing in lakes such as Cooper Creek, Galesvile, Ben Irving and Toketee remains open all winter and are accessible all winter. Winter steelhead season is here! We are expecting a good return of hatchery fish that will be available to anglers for harvest. Steelhead will be arriving throughout the basin in December and will reach peak numbers in February and March. The weather may cooperate for good fishing this weekend.
Steelhead
Winter steelhead
-Photo by Derek Wilson-
Anglers have reported that some of the hatchery steelhead that they’ve caught are missing their pectoral fins. These are the fins behind the gills. Although not esthically pleasing, the lack of these fins does not greatly diminsh the survival of the fish. The lack of pectorals is caused by “nipping” of each other’s fins as juveniles at the hatchery. It tends to be worse in places with warm water. Thus to reduce fin loss and help meet hatchery production goals, a portion of the steelhead are being sent to Cole Rivers hatchery for their first year where the water is cooler.
The Umpqua Fishery Enhancement Derby will be taking place in the Umpqua Basin on Feb. 4 and 5. This means there will be a few more boats than normal on the river during those days. The Umpqua Fishery Enhancement Derby is a fund raiser that annually raises over $50,000 per year for fish projects in the basin. Projects range from helping with acclimating winter steelhead to assisting Free Fishing Days in the area.
UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: steelhead, chinook, bass
The mainstem Umpqua is closed to wild steelhead harvest, but remains open year-round for adipose fin-clipped steelhead. We are expecting a good run of winter steelhead this year. Steelhead are now spread throughout the basin. Water conditions should be good this week for angling. Please report anybody harvesting wild steelhead to OSP.
Umpqua River flows near Elkton
UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead
Only fin-clipped steelhead can be harvested. The river is dropping so fishing should improve this weekend.
Fishing in the fly water is fair depending on water conditions. From Oct. 1 through June 30, 2011, single weighted barbless flies may be used.
North Umpqua River water levels at Winchester Dam
UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: winter steelhead
Only adipose fin-clipped steelhead can be retained. Steelhead fishing will continually improve with peak numbers present in the basin in February and March. We are expecting a good return of hatchery steelhead this year. Steelhead have already been caught in the Canyonville area. The South is dropping and should continue to drop and become less muddy through the weekend.
South Umpqua River water levels near Riddle
Large-mouth Bass
Large-mouth Bass
-U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service-
WILLOW LAKE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, black crappie, brown bullhead
Willow is stocked with rainbow trout, and fishing should be good for anglers fishing the bank near the dam. With the onset of winter, anglers are cautioned to prepare for icy, snowy roads and cooler temperatures.
WINCHESTER BAY: sturgeon, coho, rockfish
The South Jetty has been good for bottomfishing. Crabbing has also been off and on good lately. Check with the Coast Guard for new deadlines in the lower Umpqua when the bar is closed (541-271-4847).
* Seventy-five large brood trout will be released at EE Wilson for its fishing season opener on Feb. 1. Additionally, three other Willamette Valley lakes and ponds received similarly sized rainbow trout this last week. The big rainbows were released Jan. 21 at St. Louis Pond #6, Sheridan Pond and Walter Wirth Lake. These fish average about three pounds apiece.
* The recent heavy rainfall could prove to be the catalyst that gets steelhead to move upstream in larger numbers. Anglers could potentially find some pretty good winter steelheading in the offing as soon as rivers return to normal flows.
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.
EVENTS
Feb. 4 – Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting, 8 a.m., ODFW headquarters, 3406 Cherry Ave. N.E., Salem, OR 97303. Agenda items will include a briefing on Willamette River sturgeon.
Feb. 8 – Joint State Hearing of the Oregon and Washington Departments of Fish and Wildlife to set spring chinook salmon and sturgeon seasons. Meeting will take place at 10 a.m. at the Museum of the Oregon Territory, located at 211 Tumwater Drive, Oregon City, OR 97045.
STOCKING SCHEDULE
The schedules are posted at our website. Note the scheduled stocking dates for each pond are set for the Monday of that respective week and may not coincide with the actual stocking date that could occur on any given week day.
North Willamette stocking schedule
South Willamette stocking schedule
ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL: trout
Rainbow trout releases are scheduled to begin in February. This water body is located in downtown Eugene behind Autzen Stadium. A 4-acre pond at the midpoint of the canal is a good spot but it can be fished all along its 2-mile length from Day Island Road in Eugene to Aspen Street in Springfield. Summer steelhead are occasionally caught in this system and anglers are reminded they will need a combined angling tag to legally harvest a steelhead. It is legal to fish with two rods in the Alton Baker Canoe Canal, provided the appropriate licenses have been purchased.
CANBY POND - trout
This 1-acre pond is located on the south end of Canby in Canby City Park. Park is on the east side of Hwy 99E. Angling restricted to youth age 17 and under or holders of one of the Disabled Anglers permits.
Steelhead
Foreign exchange student Andreas Linder from Oberammergau, Germany with a bright winter steelhead he caught Monday, Nov. 29 while fishing on the Clackamas River.
-Photo by Rick Swart-
CLACKAMAS RIVER: winter steelhead
The Clackamas has been running fairly high for the past week and slow to get back into shape. With a dry period ahead expect great conditions by the end of the week. Approaching the latter part of January we should be moving into the peak of winter steelhead opportunities.
One thing anglers should keep in mind is that considerable material has moved downstream, likely changing the river bottom and current patterns. There could still be some debris and logs around so boaters should take the necessary precautions and keep safety at the forefront.
Monday hydrological data shows the river dropping significantly to 4,870 cfs, a gauge reading of 13.67 ft. and the water temperature steady at 43°.
CLEAR LAKE: trout
Clear Lake is accessed from Highway 126 approximately 70 miles east of Springfield. Fishing is open all year although snow limits access during the winter months. Brook trout are the most abundant fish during the winter and there is no limit on the size or number of brook trout taken. Clear Lake Resort is open all winter and does have a couple of row boats for rent for those hardy souls that want a unique winter fishing experience.
DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout, kokanee
Located 50 miles east of Salem, this large lake (approx. 3,000 acres at full pool) receives over 100,000 trout throughout the year. It received another 7,000 legal sized rainbow trout in mid-October. The water level is at its lowest point of the year for storage, but the Mongold boat ramp is usable. Angling is fair at the moment, with slow trolling of bait the most productive method. Check with local outfitters in the town of Detroit to find out more.
rainbow trout
Rainbow Trout
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout
Rainbow trout releases will resume in March. Dexter Reservoir is adjacent to Highway 58 near Lowell. Anglers will continue to catch fish through the winter by fishing off of the causeway near the Lowell Covered Bridge.
EAGLE CREEK: steelhead
Eagle Creek has cleaned up nicely, with good flows and excellent color. Reports are that anglers having been picking up winters from the lower ladder all the way up to the hatchery area. The increased amount of effort on the creek would indicate that the catch rate has improved recently. As of Monday over 100 steelhead had moved into the hatchery trap and the water temperature was at 43°. Corkies and yarn or bobber and jig are popular set-ups for the creek and anglers should adjust their gear colors to the water clarity.
FARADAY LAKE: trout
Stocked in early September with 1,200 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 25-acre lake 2 miles SE of Estacada by way of Hwy 224 on the Clackamas River.
FERN RIDGE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead
This 9,000 acre lake just 12 miles west of Eugene is the Willamette Basins largest waterbody. It has four boat ramps and there is good bank angling along the dam and at the shoreline parks. This lake is mostly shallow with a band of deep water from the original channel of the Long Tom River. The reservoir produces crappie over 12 inches and bass angling has been very good this year. Best time of year for crappie is in late spring, but bigger fish can still be found in deeper water. 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. It was stocked with 10,000 legal-sized rainbow trout in late September. There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three boat ramps. 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. The road across the top of the dam is currently open.
HUDDLESTON POND – trout
The pond received 350 legal-sized trout the week of Jan. 10. From Hwy 18, take Willamina City Center Exit. Turn left on Main St. Follow Main St. to NE E St. and turn right. Proceed to NE Yamhill St. and turn left. Follow Yamhill St. to pond.
JUNCTION CITY POND: trout, bluegill
This pond received 350 rainbow trout averaging 14 inches last week. Casting spinners and plunking with PowerBait can be effective strategies for these fish. Junction City pond is located about 2 miles south of Junction City on 99W on the west side of the highway. There is excellent access around the entire 8-acre pond.
rainbow trout
Rainbow Trout
- Photo by Greg Huchko-
LEABURG LAKE: trout
Rainbow trout releases will resume by Opening Day. Leaburg Lake on the McKenzie River is located approximately 18 miles east of Springfield on Highway 126. The lake will be closed to all fishing from Jan. 1, 2011 through April 22, 2011.
MCKENZIE RIVER below Leaburg Lake: trout, steelhead
Steelhead should be available through December below Leaburg Dam. Anglers should take extra precautions not to disturb or walk on spring chinook spawn beds (redds).
MCKENZIE RIVER above Leaburg Lake: trout
This section of the river will be closed to all fishing from Jan. 1, 2011 through April 22, 2011.
MOLALLA RIVER: steelhead
Flows in the Molalla are presently very good, providing excellent water conditions to get out and try to catch the first winter steelhead that begin to enter this system in early winter. Keep in mind the Molalla is primarily a catch-and-release steelhead fishery, although occasionally fin-clipped hatchery fish enter the river and can be retained if caught. Generally, it’s still a little early for steelhead in the tributaries of the Willamette above Willamette Falls, but decent early returns below the falls, in the Clackamas and in the Columbia, suggest good returns may be in the offing upriver as well.
Keep an eye on Willamette Falls fish counts to determine when fishing may be turning on above the falls. We currently have over 1,300 winter steelhead over the falls to date, meaning a few fish are available in tributaries at this time. Fish are expected to start moving in decent numbers after the high turbid flows settle down.
MT. HOOD POND: trout, panfish
Stocked Oct. 22 with 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. The pond is located on the Mt. Hood Community College Campus, 2600 SE Stark Street MAP
NORTH AND SOUTH SANTIAM: steelhead, trout
With the recent high rains and snow melt, the river is expected to remain very high for the next week, making fishing from the bank or by boat difficult. This year’s winter steelhead run looks promising with more than 1,544 fish passing above Willamette Falls as of Jan.20. Bobber and jigs are the preferred method for catching these fish. The river level varies depending on precipitation and upstream storage needs.
River levels best for fishing are below 3,000 cfs at the Mehama gauge. Check for current conditions at http://waterdata.usgs.gov.
The section between Shelburn and Green’s Bridge remains hazardous for boaters because of downed trees and multiple side channels. Better bets are the floats below Green’s Bridge and above Stayton.
REGULATION NOTE: The use of bait continues to be allowed on the South Santiam in 2011. The special regulations for the South Santiam listed in 2011 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet should have included the following:
* Use of bait allowed.
rainbow trout
Rainbow Trout
-Photo by Kathy Munsel-
PUDDING RIVER SYSTEM: trout
For those who enjoy trout fishing in a small stream setting, there are several opportunities available in the Pudding River area. Creeks such as Abiqua, Butte, Drift, and Silver all have resident trout present, mainly cutthroat. The season runs from April 24 –October 31, 2 trout per day, 8 inch minimum length, artificial flies and lures only, as per Zone Regulations.
SANDY RIVER: winter steelhead
The Sandy River is struggling to get back into fishable condition with considerable silt and mud still moving downstream. It will likely take a few more days for the river to clean up, possibly by the weekend if the dry weather holds.
Debris is still present so those testing the waters should keep in mind that things may have changed in their favorite slot. Mass quantities of mud, silt, and logs were pushed down, likely changing currents and the river bottom. Boaters should expect holes to possibly be filled in, or dangerous logs to be deposited in places they weren’t before.
Catch rates of winter steelhead were improving before the flooding took place, and once the water is fishable expect some good angling opportunities to be available. The steelhead were dispersed throughout the river from Marmot down to Lewis and Clark Park and a greater number of hatchery broodstock fish were showing in the catch, with a few wild fish also mixed in. Sandy winter steelhead are typically a later returning fish as a result of the recently implemented broodstock release program, although the catch information indicates a few fish coming back earlier.
Tuesday hydrological data shows flows at 7,710 cfs, a gauge height of 12.27 ft and the water temperature up at 42°. At maximum flows over the weekend the Sandy reached 61,600 cfs and a gauge height of 21.84 ft. This is just slightly below the record set in 1996 of 22.6 ft. It is expected to drop back down to about 5,000 cfs and 10 ft by the weekend.
SHERIDAN POND: trout
On Friday, the pond is scheduled to receive 50+ rainbow trout weighing an average of three pounds apiece. This is in addition to 50 larger brood released in early December. These fish were produced by ODFW’s Roaring River Hatchery near Scio and will be a real prize for anyone lucky enough to land one. Try fishing Powerbait off the bottom or casting/retrieving spoons and spinners. To get to Sheridan Pond from Hwy 18, take exit 33 to Balston Rd turn right and then a left to the pond.
Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish
-U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service-
ST. LOUIS PONDS: trout, panfish, catfish
Pond #6 will be stocked this week with 50+ brood trout weighing an average of three pounds apiece. This pond was also stocked with larger trout on Jan. 7, and some of those fish may still be available. Anglers have reported success on these big fish using Powerbait off the bottom and by throwing spoons and spinners. This is the last brood trout release of the winter. Ponds #3 and #6 were stocked in mid-November with 700 two-pound rainbow trout. The gate to the entrance of the fishing park is now closed, although those who want can walk in to fish. In addition to the trout, the ponds contain resident bass, crappie, perch and catfish.
St. Louis Ponds is a 240-acre fishing park comprised of seven ponds. The property is owned and managed by ODFW, and in addition to stocked trout contains several species of warmwater fish. The site is located west of the town of Gervais. Take St. Louis Road west to Tesch Lane, turn left and follow the road to the ponds.
Grant McOmie talks winter fishing, including trout at St. Louis Ponds, in this installment of Grant’s Getaways.
TIMBER LINN LAKE: trout
Seventy trophy class trout were released a few weeks ago. These fish are from brood stock at Roaring River Hatchery near Scio and weigh an average of 7 pounds apiece. Casting spinners and plunking with Powerbait can be effective strategies for these fish. This 11-acre pond within Timber-Linn Memorial Park is located next to the Linn County Fairgrounds in Albany, and is a great place to take kids fishing. It was recently stocked with 550 legal-sized rainbow trout as well. To get there, take either Albany exit on I-5 heading east and follow the signs to the park.
WALLING POND: trout, bass
The pond is located within the Salem city limits west of I-5. Take Turner Road off Mission Street. It was stocked several times this fall and winter with legal and larger size trout. It recently received another 400 legal and 50 larger size rainbow trout.
WALTER WIRTH LAKE: trout, crappie, bass
This water body has already received several thousand legal and larger sized trout this fall and winter. It recently received another 1,700 legal and 150 larger size rainbow trout. This week it is scheduled to receive another 75 trophy rainbow trout averaging three pounds apiece. This wheelchair accessible lake is located just east of Salem within Cascade Gateway Park, west of I-5 at Hwy. 22. Take Airport Rd. or Turner Rd. to reach the lake.
WAVERLY LAKE: trout, panfish, catfish
This 8-acre pond in downtown Albany was stocked in early December with 500 legal and 25 larger size rainbow trout, as well as approximately one hundred 8-12 pound trophy rainbow trout. From I-5 take exit 234 west towards Albany. Pond is a quarter mile on the right.
WEST SALISH POND – panfish, trout
Will be stocked this week with 40 three-year-old brood trout weighing 6-8 pounds each. West Salish is a 70-acre pond located in Salish Ponds Wetlands Park, on NE Glisan between 201st and 207th. From I-84 take 207th Ave. Exit and head south to Glisan and turn right.
Steelhead
Winter steelhead
-Photo by Derek Wilson-
WILLAMETTE RIVER: winter steelhead
The winter steelhead passage at Willamette Falls reached a total of 1,544 on Jan. 20, but the high flow conditions have continued to hinder passage, and this will likely be the case until things improve. Most of the popular bank fishing areas are currently under water along Meldrum Bar and Dahl Park near the mouth of the Clackamas River, although the water has dropped enough to open some spots.
Hydro readings at Willamette Falls on Jan. 24 showed flows pulling back to 69,000 cfs, visibility still poor at <1.0 ft. and the water temperature down to 44°.
* Trout fishing has been fair to good in Haystack and Prineville reservoirs.
* Water levels remain high on the Deschutes River, but anglers fishing close to the bank have been having some success.
* The Fall, Metolius and Crooked rivers offer some great winter fly fishing.
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 waterbodies will re-appear in the Recreation Report when they re-open next spring, or when access and/or opportunity improves.
Reservoir closed to fishing on Oct. 31, and will reopen in the spring.
CRESCENT LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and kokanee
No recent reports. If you’ve fished Crescent Lake recently, please send a report to ODFW Fishing Reports.
Redband Trout
-Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife -
CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout and mountain whitefish
Flows have been hovering around 2,000 cfs; please exercise caution when wading. Anglers are reminded that angling methods are restricted to artificial flies and lures from Oct. 31, 2010 to May 28, 2011. According to recent angler reports to ODFW Fishing Reports the trout seem to be larger this year than in recent past years.
A sample of redband trout and mountain whitefish are tagged with a numbered floy tag protruding from the back. Anglers who catch a trout or whitefish with a floy tag are encouraged to release the fish after recording the tag number, fish length and location caught. Anglers can send the information to ODFW at (541) 447-5111 ext. 24 or michael.r.harrington@state.or.us.
CULTUS LAKE: rainbow trout, lake trout
No recent reports.
DAVIS LAKE: redband trout, largemouth bass
Please note this is a fly-fishing only lake. Please check your synopsis for the regulations for this water body.
DESCHUTES RIVER: trout, summer steelhead
Mouth to the Northern Boundary of the Warm Springs Reservation: steelhead, trout
The river reached flood stage during recent rains making fishing an adventure. Fishing will improve as flows recede. Some anglers report success in high water conditions by fishing close to the bank with egg and San Juan worm patterns.
The Deschutes River is open to angling for steelhead and trout from the mouth upstream to the Northern Boundary of the Warm Springs Reservation (located at approximately at the Two Springs ranch). Summer steelhead can still be found in good numbers from the Columbia upstream to the reservation boundary for the persistent angler. Winter trout fishing can also be good in the Deschutes though fish are generally less responsive in very cool temperatures. Whitefish, however, seem to be more responsive in cool water temperatures.
To learn more about how the water releases from the Pelton Round Butte hydroelectric project may be affecting river temperatures visit http://www.deschutespassage.com/
Anglers who catch a tagged hatchery steelhead with an orange anchor tag, are encouraged to report catch information to ODFW at 541-296-4628 or via the internet at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/The_...ag_returns.asp. Anglers catching a tagged wild fish should release it immediately without recording any information.
Anglers can check the trap the seasons catch at Sherars Falls as an indicator of fish movement in the Deschutes at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/fish...alls/index.asp. The trap was removed on Nov. 1 for the season and will start operating again in July 2011.
Lake Billy Chinook to Bend: rainbow trout, brown trout
Flows have increased significantly and anglers are reminded to exercise caution when wading. No recent reports but there should be good fishing for rainbow and brown trout. Rainbow trout average 10 to 16-inches, while brown trout up to 26-inches are available. Anglers will find better access downstream of Lower Bridge.
EAST LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout, Atlantic salmon, kokanee
Fishing season ended Oct. 31, and will reopen in the spring.
Rainbow Trout
- Photo by Roger Smith-
FALL RIVER: rainbow trout
Anglers are encouraged to note the special regulations in the 2010 Sport Fishing Regulations; the angling season downstream from the Fall River falls ended on Sept. 30.
HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee
The water is clear and fishing is fair. If you’ve fished Haystack Reservoir recently, please send a report to ODFW Fishing Reports.
A health advisory issued for Haystack Reservoir on Aug. 4 has been lifted.
HOOD RIVER: winter steelhead
The river reached flood stage during recent rains making fishing an adventure. Fishing will improve as flows recede.
Anglers are reporting decent early success on bright winter Steelhead in the lower river. Steelhead anglers should expect fish numbers to increase throughout the month and February with a peak in March and April.
With the removal of Powerdale Dam, ODFW has adopted temporary regulations expanding salmon and steelhead fishing on the mainstem river from the mouth to the confluence with the East Fork, and the West Fork from the confluence with the mainstem to the angling deadline 200 feet downstream of Punchbowl Falls. There has been some confusion about the upstream angling deadline in the mainstem river; for clarification, the entire Hood River mainstem is open from the confluence with the West Fork downstream.
HOSMER LAKE: Atlantic salmon, brook trout
No recent reports.
LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: bull trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, smallmouth bass
Anglers are encouraged to note the special regulations for the Metolius Arm of Billy Chinook Reservoir; angling is closed in the Metolius arm from Oct. 31-Mar. 1.
LITTLE LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout
Fishing season ended Oct. 31, and will reopen in the spring.
METOLIUS RIVER: redband trout, bull trout
Trout fishing has been good. Insect hatches should offer opportunities for good dry fly fishing. The river upstream of Allingham Bridge is closed to fishing on Nov. 1.
NORTH TWIN: rainbow trout
No recent reports. North Twin is a great lake to take young kids to as there is a good beach shoreline and it is protected from the wind. Look to catch rainbow trout in the 8 inch to 13 inch size range.
OCHOCO CREEK UPSTREAM TO OCHOCO DAM: rainbow trout
Anglers should be aware that beginning in 2010 new fishing regulations went into effect that permanently restricts fishing to artificial flies and lures only; two trout per day and 8-inch minimum length.
Rainbow Trout
- Photo by Greg Huchko-
OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Although there are no recent reports, anglers are reporting improved fishing over past years. Opportunities for 12 to 20-inch rainbow trout should improve with the warmer weather.
ODELL LAKE: kokanee, lake trout, rainbow trout
Closed to fishing Oct. 31.
PAULINA LAKE: brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee
The fishing season ended Oct. 31, and will reopen in the spring.
PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
No recent reports.
PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, black crappie, bass
Anglers have reported catching larger trout than in recent years. Anglers should consult the 2011 Sport Fishing Regulations for maximum length requirements and bag limits for both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
PRINEVILLE YOUTH FISHING POND: rainbow trout and largemouth bass
Young anglers are catching rainbow trout and an occasional largemouth bass.
ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
No recent reports.
SHEVLIN YOUTH FISHING POND: rainbow trout
The pond is open to children 17 years old and younger with a bag limit of two fish.
SOUTH TWIN LAKE: Rainbow trout
The fishing season ended Oct. 31, and will reopen in the spring.
SUTTLE LAKE: brown trout, kokanee
No recent reports.
rainbow trout
Rainbow Trout
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
TAYLOR LAKE: rainbow trout
Taylor Lake should offer anglers a good opportunity to catch trout this winter. The lake has been stocked with legal and trophy trout. Access is currently good with no ice or snow.
WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout
Access to Walton Lake will reopen to the public in the spring of 2011, when the U.S. Forest Service campground renovation is complete; the lake will not be stocked this year. Please contact Ochoco National Forest at 541-416-6500 for more information.
WICKIUP RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee, largemouth bass.
The fishing season ended Oct. 31, and will reopen in the spring.
* Recent warm weather has melted some ice on many lakes and reservoirs, and there is rotten ice in many locations. Anglers should exercise extreme caution when venturing out ice fishing.
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 waterbodies will re-appear in the Recreation Report when they re-open next spring, or when access and/or opportunity improves. t
Rainbow Trout
-Photo by Kathy Munsel-
ANA RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout, hybrid bass
Ana Reservoir is open year-round for rainbow trout and hybrid bass angling. Water temperatures in the reservoir stay fairly consistent throughout the year. The reservoir has been lowered for maintenance on the head gates. The reservoirs should begin to fill slowly over the next few months.
ANA RIVER: hatchery rainbow trout
The Ana River stays ice free all winter and trout angling is usually fair for the skilled angler. Water temperatures remain stable due to the large amount of springs in Ana Reservoir and in the river. Angling has been good for rainbow trout.
BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, hatchery rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout
Inflows remain above normal. They average 117 cfs on Jan. 23. Water storage was at 39 percent of full on Jan. 23. The warming conditions and high inflows have thinned the ice near the North Fork, anglers should continue to use caution when fishing on the ice. No boat launching until spring. No recent report on fishing but it is expected to be slow. Fish salvage was conducted on the pool at the base of the dam. Angling below the dam is unlikely to produce any trout.
BLITZEN RIVER: trout
The river has dropped to 137 cfs (Jan. 24). The river levels continue to fluctuate significantly from day to day. As of Oct. 31, the basin from Bridge Creek upstream, except Little Blitzen, is open to catch-and-release fishing only.
BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: bass, white crappie, yellow perch, catfish, and trout.
Due to ice cover and high inflows the gauge at the reservoir was slightly off. Water storage is 63 percent of full on Jan. 23. Water around the edge of the reservoir is open or has a very thin layer of ice due to quit rise in water level. No reports on ice thickness. Anglers should use caution when fishing on the ice. No boat launching until spring. Fishing for warmwater fish is slow.
Rainbow Trout
- Photo by Roger Smith-
BURNS POND: trout, bass
The pond is closed until spring. Construction continues on the canal to connect the east and west ponds to improve public fishing opportunities.
CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout, largemouth bass
Closed to fishing downstream of the Highway 31 bridge Oct. 31. No recent reports of fishing upstream of the highway as of Jan. 3. The lower river was ice covered on Saturday, Jan. 1.
CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout
The reservoir is very low, fishing is poor. The reservoir will likely winter kill any remaining trout. Some anglers have been ice fishing, but the warmer weather has likely decreased the ice thickness and created rotten ice in some spots.
COTTONWOOD MEADOWS: rainbow trout, kokanee
This reservoir likely has ice, but I have received no recent reports as of Jan. 3. closest access to the reservoir is at highway 140 (6 miles). Call the Lakeview Field Office (541-947-2950; 541-219-1395) for current access conditions.
COW LAKES: largemouth bass, white crappie, brown bullheads, rainbow trout
No reports on ice thickness. Anglers should use caution when fishing on the ice. No recent fishing report.
DELINTMENT LAKE: trout
Anglers should use caution when fishing on the ice. Access into the lake is limited to high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles, dog sled, or snowmobile.
DOG LAKE: largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, brown bullhead
The reservoir is closed to the retention of trout to protect native redband trout. No recent reports as of Jan. 3. Ice is covering the reservoir, but is not very thick. Ice conditions may change over the weekend making access on to the reservoir possible, but use extreme caution and common sense when venturing on to the ice!
DUNCAN RESERVOIR:rainbow trout
No recent reports as of Jan. 3.
Rainbow Trout
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
FISH LAKE (Steens Mountain): rainbow trout
The Steens Loops Road is closed on both ends. Contact the Burns BLM District office for access information if you would like a key to take in snowmobiles (541-573-4400). Fishing was good throughout the summer. Carry-over trout should make ice fishing good this winter. Ice thickness may have changed recently with the warmer weather.
FOURMILE LAKE: rainbow trout, lake trout, kokanee, brook trout
Winter conditions exist. Access is blocked at hwy 140 due to snow depth.
GERBER RESERVOIR: crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead and largemouth bass
The reservoir is very low. Anglers will encounter deep snow at the reservoir.
HEART LAKE (aka Little Heart Lake): rainbow trout, kokanee
This reservoir likely has ice, but I have received no recent reports as of Jan. 3. The closest access to the lake is at highway 140 (10 miles). Call the Lakeview Field Office (541-947-2950; 541-219-1395) for current access conditions.
Holbrook Reservoir: rainbow trout
This reservoir likely has ice, but I have received no recent reports as of Jan. 3. The closest access to the lake is at highway 140 (5 miles). Call the Lakeview Field Office (541-947-2950; 541-219-1395) for current access conditions.
HWY 203 POND: trout
Pond is frozen over. Use caution on the ice, as thickness can change with a few days of warm weather.
JUNIPER LAKE: cutthroat trout
Was not stocked with fish this year.
KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: redband trout and yellow perch
Lake is frozen. Open water exists at spring areas where fishing for wild redband trout has been fair.
KLAMATH RIVER: native rainbow-redband trout
Fishing below Keno Dam is fair.
Fishing below JC Boyle Dam to the Powerhouse is slow.
KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass
Closed to fishing as of Oct. 31. It will reopen April 23, 2011.
Lake of the Woods
LAKE OF THE WOODS: hatchery rainbow trout, kokanee, hatchery brown trout, yellow perch, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, crappie
Lake is frozen. Ice thickness is unknown but it’s assumed to be very thin.
LOWER COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
The reservoir was completely covered with ice on Dec. 27. The ice was soft and slushy right at the edge, but became harder and thicker away from shore. The ice was 5 inches thick 15 feet from shore with 4 inches of solid, clear ice. Cold weather is expected through the weekend that should increase the ice thickness. The water was turbid under the ice.
LOFTON RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
This reservoir likely has ice, but I have received no recent reports as of Jan. 3. The closest access to the lake is at highway 140 (10 miles). Call the Lakeview Field Office (541-947-2950; 541-219-1395) for current access conditions.
MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
Water level is low and continues to be below the bottom of the concrete boat ramp. No reports on ice thickness. Anglers should use caution when fishing on the ice. There are a few carryover trout. No recent angling reports.
MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork Malheur River): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout
Water releases below Warm Springs Dam were shut off, leakage average about 5 cfs. Fishing is slow on the river.
MALHEUR RIVER (from the South Fork Malheur River near Riverside, downstream to Gold Creek): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout.
Flows from the South Fork downstream are dropping but remain above normal and muddy. Fishing is poor.
MALHEUR RIVER, NORTH FORK: redband trout, whitefish, and bull trout
Access to the North Fork streams is blocked by snow.
MALHEUR RIVER, MIDDLE FORK: redband trout, brook trout, and bull trout
Access to Logan Valley streams is blocked by snow.
MANN LAKE: trout
The lake was re-treated to remove the remaining invasive goldfish in early November. If no goldfish are found in the spring, the lake will be restocked with 6 to 8-inch cutthroat trout in the spring.
BrownTrout
-U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service-
MILLER LAKE: brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout
Access to Miller Lake is available by snowmobile or dog sled. Access road currently passable to sled dog staging area (approximately ½ mile from Hwy 97). No recent reports on ice thickness at Lake.
MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout
Anglers should use caution when fishing on the ice, especially now that warmer weather has decreased ice thickness.
MURRAY RESERVOIR: trout
Ice is on the reservoir. Anglers should use caution when fishing on the ice.
NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: rainbow trout
Access to most of these ponds is blocked by snow. All ponds are ice covered.
Much of the ice at the upper end of the reservoir washed out due high inflows. High inflows have also washed in a lot of debris. Boaters should use caution when running up the reservoir. Inflow has dropped, but remains above normal. Boat ramps open for use are at the powerhouse and the resort. All other ramps are out of the water. Angling is slow.
OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): brown trout and hatchery rainbow trout
Winter water releases below Owyhee Dam continue to averaging about 30 cfs. The river has cleared after last week’s high rains. Average water temperature at the USGS gauge below the dam was 37°C on Jan. 23. Brown trout spawning is complete. Anglers need to avoid walking on redds to protect eggs in the gravel. Fishing for rainbow and brown trout is slow.
OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish
Discharge at the Rome gauge has dropped from high experienced last week. They averaged 2,804 cfs on Jan. 23. Average water temperature at the USGS gauge near Rome was 36°C on Jan. 23. Fishing for smallmouth and channel catfish is poor.
PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch
No recent report. Anglers should use caution when fishing on the ice.
PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout
Closed to fishing until spring
Rainbow Trout
- Photo by Greg Huchko-
POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
Due to an ice dam and high flows, the feeder canal breeched stopping further inflows into the reservoir. A date for fixing the canal has not been provided. No reports on ice thickness. There should be a few carryover trout. Fishing has been slow.
POISON CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
The reservoir is ice-covered; no reports on ice thickness. Anglers should use caution when fishing on the ice. Fishing reports from late January relate that anglers are catching large fish through the ice.
POWDER RIVER: trout, spring chinook
Catch and release for trout is allowed using flies and lures only from Mason dam to the Hughes Lane Bridge in Baker City. The remaining portions of the Powder River are closed.
SHERLOCK GULCH RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
No recent reports as of Jan. 3.
SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: rainbow trout
Access to most of these ponds is blocked by snow.
THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout
Reservoir has ice and reports of good size trout being caught. Always use caution as ice thickness can change.
THOMPSON VALLEY RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout, largemouth bass
Access is by foot or snowmobile (14 miles) as snow blocks the access road. No recent reports as of Jan. 3.
No recent report. Ice is not thick enough to support angler.
UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie
Anglers are catching nice trout through the ice. Always use caution when on the ice.
Small-mouth Bass
Small-mouth Bass
-U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service-
WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: smallmouth bass, white crappie, catfish, perch, and hatchery rainbow trout
The water level is 29 percent of full and average inflow was 392 cfs on Jan. 23. Average water temperature at the USBR gauge near Highway 20 was 34°C on Jan. 23. No reports on ice thickness. Anglers should use caution when walking on the ice. Fishing in the reservoir is poor.
WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR
The reservoir is very low and covered by ice. Boat ramp is inaccessible. Ice is very thin.
WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, trout
Ice has covered the reservoir and some trout are being caught. Always use caution as ice conditions can change.
YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout
Anglers should use caution when fishing on the ice. Access to the lake is 4-wheel drive, dog sled, or snowmobile. Recent warm weather will have reduced ice thickness and created spots of rotten ice.
* Steelhead fishing has improved as river flows have declined. Anglers report good fishing on the Wallowa and Imnaha rivers, and look for conditions to be good this weekend on the lower Grande Ronde and Umatilla this weekend.
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 waterbodies will re-appear in the Recreation Report when they re-open next spring, or when access and/or opportunity improves.
GRANDE RONDE, WALLOWA, IMNAHA RIVERS: steelhead
Fishing conditions in northeast Oregon rivers are improving as river flows decline. The Wallowa and Imnaha rivers have dropped to fishable levels and steelhead angling has been fair to good. The lower Grande Ronde River is still quite high and angling has been poor. No fish were checked during creel surveys conducted on the Grande Ronde last weekend. Weather forecasts for this week are calling for dry conditions and moderate temperatures and we expect steelhead angling to continue to improve.
Check river flows
HOLLIDAY PARK POND AND BULL PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: trout
Winter weather has limited access to Bull Prairie Reservoir. The reservoir is likely totally iced over. Ice thickness is unknown but fishing should still be good. Holliday Park pond has been iced over for the last couple weeks and is likely too thin for ice fishing access. Fishing will be good when warmer weather returns creating open water.
Justin Botefuhr - steelhead caught on the lower John Day
-Photo by Rick Hargrave-
JOHN DAY RIVER: steelhead
Fishing for steelhead is currently poor due to very high water conditions of the John Day River. Use extreme caution if you will be near the river and avoid boating ‘til flows recede.
Check John Day River flows.
LONG CREEK POND, CAVENDER POND: trout
Both ponds are frozen over. Check for thin ice before accessing. Fishing should be fair.
MAGONE LAKE: rainbow and brook trout
Vehicle access will be limited by snow. The lake is frozen over and fishing is good for rainbow and brook trout.
MORGAN LAKE: trout, bullheads, bass
Closed to fishing until spring.
OLIVE LAKE: rainbow and brook trout, kokanee
The lake is frozen over and access is blocked by snow. Fishing should be fair.
PEACH POND (Ladd Marsh): rainbow trout
Pond is ice covered but may not be safe. Use caution.
ROULET POND: rainbow trout
Use caution when on the ice.
ROWE CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Fishing is poor for rainbow trout.
STRAWBERRY AND SLIDE LAKES: rainbow and brook trout
The lakes are frozen over and access is blocked by snow.
TROUT FARM POND: rainbow and brook trout
Access is limited by 2 feet of snow but this pond normally provides open water angling all winter.
Wallowa Lake in the Winter
- Photo by Bob Swingle, ODFW -
UMATILLA RIVER: steelhead
Flows are receding quickly and the upper river should be back in fishable condition by the weekend. Good numbers of steelhead are in the river and are distributed through out the system. Anglers are targeting steelhead with bobbers and jigs/bait, and traditional drift fishing gear. Updated Threemile Dam fish counts can be accessed at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/fish_counts/
WALLOWA LAKE: rainbow trout, kokanee
Wallowa Lake is providing fair trout fishing for those willing to brave the weather. Some kokanee are being caught in deep water.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: trout
Trout angling is fair.
The Powder River arm is currently frozen over but not thick enough to fish on. Fishing is generally slow. Call Idaho Power Company’s recording at 1-800-422-3143 to get information on access at recreational sites or visit their website http://www.idahopower.com/OurEnviron...ion/Reservoir/
Reservoir level information
Steelhead
-Photo by Charlotte Ganskopp-
Approximately 1,100 steelhead have been put in the reservoir. These surplus steelhead are considered trout in the reservoir. No tag is needed but only one can be kept per day if over 20 inches. Fishing for other species is slow but trout can generally be picked up near creek mouths.
SNAKE RIVER below HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, steelhead
Steelhead fishing below Hells Canyon Dam has been poor as a result of high water. No data were available from Idaho Fish and Game surveys last week. Updates of Idaho Fish and Game surveys of steelhead fishing can be viewed at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/fis...eekly_harv.cfm
Trout fishing is fair.
Get updated information on flow levels.
SNAKE RIVER (Above Brownlee Reservoir): channel catfish, flathead catfish, smallmouth bass
Flows at the Nyssa gauge averaged 13,710 cfs (Jan. 23). Flows at the Weiser gauge averaged 18,730 on Jan. 23. Boaters should use caution when on the Snake River, last weeks high flows have moved whole trees and other debris around in the river creating new obstacles. Average water temperature of the Snake River near the Weiser gauge was 36°F on Jan. 23. Angling for catfish and smallmouth bass is slow.
Notice of Columbia River Compact Hearing: ODFW & WDFW have scheduled a Compact Hearing for 10 a.m., Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at the Museum of the Oregon Territory in Oregon City to discuss commercial and recreational seasons for spring chinook and sturgeon.
Weekend Fishing Opportunities:
*
White Sturgeon
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife -
Sturgeon angling is excellent for boat and bank anglers in the Bonneville Pool. Sturgeon anglers in The Dalles and John Day Pools are also catching some fish. Anglers should be mindful of large woody debris after the recent flooding when anchored for sturgeon.
* Steelhead angling was fair and effort was light in the Bonneville, The Dalles and John Day pools. Some winter steelhead should be available from beaches on the lower Columbia for anglers willing to brave the elements.
Columbia River Fish Counts:
Regulations:
Salmon, Steelhead and Shad:
Recreational salmon fisheries will resume for the early portion of 2011 under permanent regulations.
Modifications to the 2011 spring chinook fishery will be considered at the February 8 Compact/Joint State Hearing.
COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Buoy 10 Line upstream to I-5 Bridge: Under permanent regulations, this section of the Columbia River is open to the retention of adipose fin-clipped spring chinook, adipose fin-clipped steelhead and adipose fin-clipped coho with a daily bag limit of two adult salmon or steelhead (chinook > 24” and coho > 20” or steelhead > 20”) and five jacks effective January 1 – March 31, 2011.
COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, I-5 Bridge upstream to the Oregon/Washington Border above McNary Dam: Under permanent regulations, this section of the Columbia River will be open to the retention of adipose fin-clipped steelhead with a daily bag limit of two fish effective January 1 – March 31, 2011. The retention of spring chinook is prohibited as per permanent regulations.
The salmonid creel program on the lower Columbia has ended for the year and will resume February of 2011.
Bonneville Pool:
Weekly checking showed no catch for one boat (two anglers).
The Dalles Pool:
Weekly checking showed no catch for one boat (one angler).
John Day Pool:
Weekly checking showed no catch for three bank anglers; and no catch for one boat (two anglers).
Sturgeon on the Willamette
- Photo by Rick Hargrave-
STURGEON:
Recreational sturgeon fisheries will resume for the early portion of 2011 under the same regulations as 2010.
Modifications to the 2011 sturgeon fishery will be considered at the February 8 Compact/Joint State Hearing.
BUOY 10 UPSTREAM TO WAUNA POWERLINES:
Regulations for 2011 sturgeon sport fishery from Wauna powerlines (River Mile 40) downstream to Buoy 10, including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries are currently as follows:
* Allow the retention of white sturgeon seven days per week effective Saturday January 1, 2011 until further notice with a daily bag limit of one white sturgeon between 38 and 54-inches fork length and an annual limit of five fish.
* The retention of green sturgeon is prohibited.
* Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during retention closures.
WAUNA POWERLINES UPSTREAM TO BONNEVILLE DAM: Regulations for 2011 sturgeon sport fishery from Wauna powerlines (River Mile 40) upstream to Bonneville Dam, including all adjacent Washington tributaries are currently as follows:
* Allow the retention of white sturgeon three days per week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday effective January 1, 2011 until further notice with a daily bag limit of one sturgeon between 38 and 54 inches fork length and an annual limit of five fish.
* Prohibit the retention of sturgeon four days per week on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday effective January 1, 2011 until further notice.
* Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited as per permanent regulations.
* Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during sturgeon retention closures.
In addition the compact adopted the following rule at the December 17 Joint State Hearing:
* Effective January 1 through April 30, 2011 angling is prohibited for all species in the area from a line between the upstream end of Sand Island and a marker on the Oregon shoreline, downstream to a line between the lower end of Sand Island and a marker on the Oregon shoreline.
BONNEVILLE DAM UPSTREAM TO THE DALLES DAM:
Effective January 1, 2011 this section of the Columbia River is open to the retention of sturgeon seven days per week until the catch guideline of 1,400 legal white sturgeon is reached. The daily bag limit is one sturgeon between 38-54 inches fork length and an annual limit of five fish. The use of more than one single point barbless hook is prohibited.
THE DALLES DAM UPSTREAM TO MCNARY DAM:
Effective January 1, 2011 this section of the Columbia River is open to the retention of sturgeon seven days per week until the respective catch guidelines of 400 and 165 fish are reached. The daily bag limit is one sturgeon between 43 – 54 inches fork length and an annual limit of five fish. The use of more than one single point barbless hook is prohibited.
MCNARY DAM UPSTREAM TO THE OREGON/WASHINGTON BORDER:
The retention of sturgeon in this section of the Columbia River is currently closed through January 31, 2011. Effective February 1 through July 31, 2011 this section of the Columbia River will be open to the retention of sturgeon seven days per week with a daily bag limit of one sturgeon between 43 – 54 inches fork length and an annual limit of five fish. The use of more than one single point barbless hook is prohibited.
Sturgeon angling was slow and effort was light this past week on the lower Columbia River; however, anglers fishing in the Bonneville, The Dalles and John Day Pools have been doing quite well.
Gorge Bank:
Weekly checking showed no catch for nine bank anglers.
Gorge Boats:
Weekly checking showed no catch for two boats (four anglers).
Troutdale Boats:
No report.
Portland to Longview Bank:
No report.
White Sturgeon
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife -
Portland to Longview Boats:
Weekend checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept, plus 36 sublegal sturgeon released for 33 boats (85 anglers).
Bonneville Pool:
Weekly checking showed 13 legal white sturgeon kept, plus two legal and 36 sublegal sturgeon released for 87 bank anglers; and 63 legal white sturgeon kept, plus six legal and 196 sublegal sturgeon released for 45 boats (138 anglers).
The Dalles Pool:
Weekly checking showed two oversize and seven sublegal sturgeon released for 11 bank anglers; and three legal white sturgeon kept, plus two oversize and nine sublegal sturgeon released for four boats (12 anglers).
John Day Pool:
Weekly checking showed nine legal white sturgeon kept, plus 13 sublegal sturgeon released for 98 bank anglers; and 11 legal white sturgeon kept, plus 29 sublegal sturgeon released for 48 boats (105 anglers).
WALLEYE AND BASS:
WALLEYE:
Gorge Boats:
No report.
Troutdale Boats:
No report.
Portland to Longview Boats:
No report.
Bonneville Pool: smallmouth bass
While cool temperatures limit traditional techniques for bass fishing, successful winter anglers should focus on slow moving water and slow moving baits to entice fish to bite.
The Dalles Pool: smallmouth bass, walleye
While cool temperatures limit traditional techniques for bass fishing, successful winter anglers should focus on slow moving water and slow moving baits to entice fish to bite.
John Day Pool: walleye, smallmouth bass
Winter walleye angling in the John Day pool produces some of the largest fish of the year. Anglers target walleye during the winter months in deeper water 30 to 50 feet, a vertical presentation is essential with jigs/night crawlers and blade baits.
Smallmouth can be targeted near vertical structure out of the main current, a slow presentation is essential.
McNary Pool: smallmouth bass
Smallmouth can be targeted near vertical structure out of the main current, a slow presentation is essential
Big waves and strong winds are the rule this time of year, but anglers who keep an eye on the ocean can find days when wind and wave abate enough to allow a little bottom fishing, which can be productive this time of year.
Divers and shore anglers may find success fishing for lingcod since lings have started their wintertime migration into shallow waters to spawn.
After Jan. 1, bottom fishing will be open at all depths.
Also on Jan. 1, cabezon re-opens to boat anglers. New this year will be a change in cabezon retention from April 1-Sept. 30 that will allow only one cabezon per day as part of the seven-fish marine bag limit.
The marine fish daily bag limit remains seven fish in 2011. There are separate daily limits for lingcod (two) and flatfish other than Pacific halibut (25).
Remember: yelloweye rockfish and canary rockfish may not be retained. The Stonewall Bank Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area approximately 15 miles west of Newport is closed to the harvest of rockfish, lingcod, flatfish and others.
SALMON
All ocean salmon fishing is currently closed.
HALIBUT FISHING
All Pacific halibut fishing is closed.
SHELLFISH
Recreational shellfish harvesting status as of Jan 25:
* All shellfish is open along the entire Oregon coast from the Columbia River to the California border.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture's shellfish safety hotline is toll free and provides the most current information regarding shellfish safety closures. The ODA Web pages may not be updated as quickly as the shellfish safety hotline. Please call the shellfish safety hotline before harvesting: 1-800-448-2474.
Check out the recreational clam pages on the ODFW Web site: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/ then click on the shellfish icon. The pages contain everything you need to know for identifying and harvesting Oregon’s clams.
CRABS
Recreational crabbing in the ocean opened Dec. 1. Crabbing is open year round in estuaries, on beaches, and off jetties.
The best months for bay crabbing in Oregon are August through November. Bay crabbing success usually declines after significant rainfall as salinity levels drop. For the latest bay and estuary crabbing reports go to: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shell...ab/reports.asp
Crabbing success in bays and estuaries is often best during the slack tide at high tide or low tide when crabs are looking for food.
Some sport crabbers have difficulty correctly measuring the minimum size for Dungeness crab, which is 5 3⁄4 inches measured in a straight line across the back immediately in front of, but not including, the points. An illustration showing the correct measurement is on page 98 of the 2011 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations book.
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VIEWING
EVENT
Fossil Fest in Newport Feb. 12
The Hatfield Marine Science Center’s 12th annual Fossil Fest is Saturday, Feb. 12, in Newport. Bring in your fossils or other beach finds for identification by Oregon’s preeminent paleontologist, Dr. William Orr. Co-author of the book Oregon Fossils, Dr. Orr will also be giving a presentation at 1:30 p.m. titled “Digging up the Kings Valley Groundsloth." Other Fossil Fest activities include a fossil swap and special displays staffed by the North American Research Group. The Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is by suggested donation.
Water warmer and clearer in winter
Winter is prime time for scuba diving on the Oregon coast. While wind and waves can make an open ocean dive difficult or impossible, there are some sheltered areas of the coast where divers can safely see the wonders of our emerald ocean even when the waves are marching in. While outside winter temperatures drop, the ocean remains about the same – about 48 to 54 degrees. In fact, the sea temperature off the Oregon coast during the winter is usually a few degrees warmer in the winter than in the summer.
Perhaps more enticing to divers is that during the winter months the visibility improves. Most winter days divers can see 10 to 12 feet or sometimes more. During the summer the visibility is usually about half that. Make no mistake, diving in the Pacific Northwest is challenging because of the cold and the limited visibility, but the profusion of life and the beautiful fish and invertebrates make it worth it.
Stonewall Bank Underwater ROV Cruise near Newport
-Video by ODFW-
Two popular dives on the central Oregon coast are the south jetty at Newport and Netarts Bay.
The Fingers off the south jetty is probably the best known dive in the Newport area. The entry is over big rocks and is tricky, especially since most divers are packing somewhere around 60 additional pounds of gear. You can always carry your gear over a piece at a time, but most divers do it in one pack and hope they don’t fall in a hole. The jetty area provides some great hiding places for crabs, lingcod, black, blue and copper rockfish, greenlings, cabezon and lots of invertebrate life. The finger jetties are perpendicular from the main jetty and protect the diver somewhat from the current and the swells. But since this is the only outlet for Yaquina Bay, diving at high slack tide is recommended.
Netarts Bay in Tillamook County is another dependable dive when the surf is up. It has the added advantage of not having much freshwater flow into the bay so visibility is usually pretty good even after the coast has had a lot of rain. The higher salinity in the bay also means that the crabs and other invertebrates flourish. Entry is easy down the boat ramp. Keep the rock wall on your right and study the life hiding in the rocks. Going back, keep the rocks on your left. The sandy bottom is home to many crabs and eel grass beds that provides cover to small fish. Most of the action is on the rock breakwater, however. On a dive last week a team of divers saw more than four kinds of crab, five different species of nudibranchs (sea slugs), several smaller species of fish and fields of flower-like anemones.
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