Visit ODFW at the Portland Boat Show
We’re with the Marine Board in Hall A at the Expo Center thru this Sunday. Drop by to chat about upcoming fishing seasons or purchase a license.
Josh Schmalenberger with his four-point buck he took after winning the special statewide deer tag.
– Photo by Josh Schmalenberger –
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.
Winter sturgeon fishing
The Columbia River is currently open to retention on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The Willamette River will open to retention sometime in February – in the meantime, it’s open seven days a week for catch-and-release fishing.
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.
Last edited by Fishing Report; 01-12-2011 at 07:19 PM.
Coffenbury Lake. Lost lake, Vernonia Pond, and Town Lake have been stocked with surplus hatchery winter steelhead at various times over the last month or so.
MID COAST LAKES
The wild coho fisheries on Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes are closed for the season effective Jan. 1.
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 is slow to fair. Fish can be found from the Alsea hatchery down to the lower river with good returns expected for the month. Fishing should improve after the mid week rain event. Look to fish the falling river level through the weekend. Fish the upper system during higher murky flows. The river offers multiple drifting and bank fishing locations.
KILCHIS RIVER: steelhead
Winter steelhead angling is fair. The river is low and clear at this time. Fish will be in areas of cover. Approach holding areas cautiously and use light gear and subtle presentations. The return of hatchery steelhead should be reaching its peak. Fish are spread out through the river, with most hatchery steelhead likely to be in the lower river.
LOWER COLUMBIA TRIBUTARIES: steelhead
Hatchery winter steelhead are available in Big Creek, Gnat Creek and the North Fork Klaskanine River. Fishing is fair as the water has dropped and these streams are clear. Fishing should improve with a little rain. The hatchery run should be at its peak.
NECANICUM RIVER: steelhead
Winter steelhead are available throughout the river. The water is clear, and small baits or lures are the best bet. Try bobber and small jigs in the clear flows.
NEHALEM RIVER AND NORTH FORK NEHALEM: steelhead
Winter steelhead are being caught in the north fork. Angling has been good when river conditions allow, although the river has dropped and cleared. Use light gear and cover water to find the biters. Fish are spread out through the north fork up to and above the hatchery (mostly in the first mile or two upstream). Fishing is slow in the main Nehalem River for winter steelhead, but should be improving over the next few weeks as more fish move upstream. Water conditions are good at this time.
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 AND THREE RIVERS: steelhead
The mainstem Nestucca River is in great shape at this time and is producing some good catches. More wild broodstock hatchery steelhead and wild steelhead are entering the system and beginning to spread out the fishery. Best bet for hatchery fish will be below Blaine. Side drifting or drift fishing, pulling plugs, or bobber and jigs have all been productive lately. Three Rivers has been steadily producing fish, but has slowed a little as the stream cleared. The early hatchery run is reaching its peak, with most fish destined for Three Rivers.
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 is slow to fair but expected to pick up following the mid week rain event. Look to fish the falling river level through the weekend. Fish the upper river during higher 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 improve through January.
SIUSLAW RIVER: steelhead
Winter steelhead angling is slow but should pick up by early next week following the forecasted mid week rain event. Try to fish the falling river level. Side drifting, pulling plugs or plunking from the bank can all be effective tactics.
White Sturgeon
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife -
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 has been fair to good. The river is in good shape at this time, and there are fish throughout the open fishing areas. All methods will produce fish, but bobber and jig can be good in the pocket water. Boaters have found success side drifting the lower river. 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.
WILSON RIVER: steelhead
Angling conditions have been good lately. Winter steelhead angling was good last week. The catch has been a mix of hatchery and wild fish. Drift fishing or side drifting has been the predominate method, but bobber and jig has become morer effective as the water drops and clears. Anglers should be aware that an active slide is affecting a tributary to the Wilson River around milepost 20. Another slide is active in the Ben Smith Creek drainage. Water clarity may be impacted by runoff after rain events. Check river conditions before you fish.
YAQUINA RIVER: steelhead
Steelhead fishing in Big Elk Creek is fair. Forecasted rains should move fish around through the weekend. 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.
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HUNTING
American Wigeon
American Wigeon Pair
- Photo by Kathy Munsel-
OPEN: COUGAR, WATERFOWL, & UPLAND BIRD
(Remember to pick up your 2011 license!)
Use the new and improved Oregon Hunting Mapto see where to hunt.
DUCK hunting on the north coast estuaries, including the lower Columbia River continues to be good this winter. Robust flights of ducks from northern latitudes have materialized along with local production to provide plenty of wigeon, pintails and mallards both there and on Tillamook Bay. With storms come some excellent duck hunting opportunities in shallow, sheltered areas along estuaries. After heavy storms, local farmers’ fields tend to be flooded and can pull many birds out of the estuaries, though.
GOOSE hunting (Northwest Oregon Special Permit and General Zones) has been productive for those participating in the hunts. However, effort has been low even though there is plenty of opportunity available. As with duck hunting, storm events tend to trigger the best opportunities to harvest birds in shallow estuarine and agricultural habitats. Hunters should be familiar with zone boundaries, bag limits, goose identification, and be respectful of private properties when partaking in these hunts. See regulations for details.
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.
Forest GROUSE and QUAIL hunting has been slow on the north coast. Cold, wet weather in May and June of this year limited nesting success for mountain quail, ruffed and blue grouse, and young-of-the-year birds typically make up a major portion of the harvest. Look for ruffed grouse along riparian areas along streams and on mid-slopes. Blue grouse are found generally on ridge tops at higher elevations. Mtn. quail tend to occupy older, brushy clearcuts, especially those with a southern aspect.
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VIEWING
Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area, Coast Range
elk
A bull elk looks over his herd at the Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area
- Photo by Rick Swart, ODFW-
Elk viewing has been excellent at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area. Elk have been visible throughout the day on the Fishhawk Tract. Best viewing times are from 9:00 am to about noon each day. Visitors should start near the main viewing area and along Hwy 202 to observe larger herds of females and young. The older bulls are usually found near the west viewing area. The Beneke Tract is also a good bet if the elk are not out along Hwy 202. Elk are currently being fed a supplemental diet of alfalfa hay on the wildlife area. Staff tries to feed close to the viewing areas on weekends to enhance viewing opportunities. Reservations for the winter elk feeding tours have been completely filled for the 3 month season. Other wildlife to watch for include: songbirds near the viewing area feeders, coyotes in the fields, and bald eagles perched high in trees or soaring along Fishhawk and Beneke Creeks. 12/13/10.
Tillamook County
The great egrets have returned to Tillamook County. They can be seen in agricultural fields throughout the western portion of the county, but most regularly in the fields just south of the cities of Bay City and Tillamook along Hwy 101. These majestic white wading birds are nearly as large as a great blue heron and pure white in plumage, making them an easy find when looking. This year there has been a noticeable increase in the number of birds wintering here. Groups of up to 80 have been seen, whereas in previous years, the maximum group size has been around 15 or so.
Bayocean Spit, Netarts and Nehalem Bays and the Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge are all good places to spot both shorebirds and waterfowl. Geese have showed up in larger numbers and are often heard high overhead in the evenings and mornings moving back and forth. The Nestucca Refuge complex is an excellent place to view at least 5 sub-species of Canada goose. A comprehensive field guide (as well as decent optics) is a must for distinguishing the various sub-species, a number of which will sport neck collars used in tracking the birds’ movements and in other research. 12/13/10.
Astoria Area
The Twilight Eagle Sanctuary is located east of Astoria, just off of Hwy 30. It takes in Wolf Bay and can be viewed from a platform along Old Hwy 30, near Burnside Loop. The platform is ADA accessible and has a number of interpretive panels that showcase the ecology of the lower Columbia River, Wolf Bay and the Lewis and Clark expeditions from the early 1800s. In addition to bald eagles, a lot of early migrating ducks, like mallards, teal, wigeon and pintails can be seen now, especially if you bring your spotting scope. Often during stormy weather, ducks can be seen feeding in protected, grassy areas. 11/23/11.
*
Steelhead
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
Good numbers of steelhead are available in many area rivers but low, clear water has prompted many anglers to switch to lighter leaders and smaller lures.
* Winter trout fishing continues to be good on the Applegate and Lost Creek reservoirs.
* At the beach, lingcod are moving in closer to shore in anticipation of spawning. Anglers without a boat can target jetties and other rocky structure.
AGATE LAKE: largemouth bass, black crappie
The lake is stocked with rainbow trout. The reservoir is at 64 percent of capacity, and the boat ramp is still usable. Fishing should be good for legal and trophy sized trout.
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 10 percent full as of Jan. 10 with a water level elevation of 1890 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 Applegate opened for the harvest of adipose fin clipped steelhead on Jan.1. There are reports of bright winter steelhead being caught in the Hwy 199 Bridge area. Little Cleos are the lure of choice. 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.
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 216 cfs on Jan. 10, and the river temperature below the dam was 39oF. The flow near Wilderville was 511 cfs and the water temperature was 38oF on Jan 10.
Applegate River flows at Wilderville
ARIZONA POND: rainbow trout
Water levels have been reduced to control aquatic vegetation.
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
Steelhead fishing has been good and will only get better as flows pick up later in the week. Steelhead are spread throughout the system, with the lower 8 miles of the river producing good numbers of hatchery and wild fish.
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
Steelhead fishing in the Coos Basin has slowed down because of the low clear water. Even with the lower water conditions, some anglers are still catching bright steelhead. Smaller clumps of eggs or sand shrimp work well in clearer water. Bouncing smaller corkies off the bottom or casting spinners can also produce fish. The West Fork Millicoma River is low and extremely clear this past week. The East Fork Millicoma River is low but still has a little green color to the water in the deeper pools and runs. Bright fish are moving into the river systems with each rain and fishing should continue to get better in the next month. 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 in Coos Bay has slowed down probably due to the amount of freshwater in the lower bay from the last big rain storms. Those that choose to venture out for crab from a boat are being rewarded with a few good size Dungeness crabs. Crabbing from the docks continues to be slow. The best crabbing areas from a boat have been near the jetties. The best place to crab from shore is on the docks in the Charleston Boat Basin. The best baits to use are fish, chicken or turkey legs.
COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: steelhead
Steelhead fishing in the Coquille basin has slowed down because of the low clear water. The North Fork Coquille River has been low and clear. The South Fork Coquille River is low but still colored up enough to provide decent fishing. A few steelhead have been caught in the Coquille River near the town of Coquille. The best way to fish this part of the river is by “plunking”. LaVerne Park is a great place to fish on the North Fork Coquille, Frona Park is a good place to fish for steelhead on the East Fork Coquille, and on the South Fork Coquille fishing is good anywhere between Broadbent and the town of Powers. A good way to fish the Forks of the rivers is to drift eggs or corkies.
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
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
ELK/SIXES RIVER: winter steelhead
Steelhead fishing has been good, but lower flows are making anglers change to lighter line and smaller terminal tackle. 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 51 percent full as of Jan. 10.
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 46 percent of full on Jan 10.
GALESVILLE RESERVIOR: rainbow trout, bass
Galesville Reservoir is open to angling year-round. 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.
Rainbow trout fishing is good, but anglers need 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
Winter steelhead are being caught in the Illinois River on Little Cleos. The Illinois River is open to the harvest of adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout and steelhead. As of Jan 10, the flow near Kirby was 1010 cfs. Rains expected this week will likely bring more winter steelhead into the Illinois.
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 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.
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. Anglers report catching good numbers of trout in the 15-17 range near the dam. 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 43 percent full and the surface temperature is 41oF.
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.
The blue green algae health advisory at Lost Creek Reservoir was lifted on Jan. 4 by the Oregon Public Health Division.
A Nice Lingcod
- Photo by Matt Frank-
PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: bottomfish
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.
For those anglers without a boat, lingcod should be moving near the jetties or other rocky structures in preparation to spawn. Bigger jigs with plastic tails are good baits to use.
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 new Rogue River page.
Rogue River, lower: winter steelhead
Steelhead fishing has been good for both bank and boat anglers. 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.
Rogue River flows
Rogue River, middle: steelhead, coho salmon
Winter steelhead are in the middle Rogue and rains expected this week will likely bring more steelhead to the middle Rogue.
Bank anglers should try Lure Jensen Slide Planers with dark colored plugs. Cleos, Brads Wiggler, Wee Wiglers, nightcrawlers, and roe are also working for bank anglers. 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 anglers are catching some winter steelhead backtrolling plugs like the Kwikfish K11-X and side drifting yarn balls dipped in Pautzkes nectar and shrimp scent. 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. Most of the steelhead will be wild, and must be handled gently and released unharmed.
Fly angling with a nymph pattern can be very effective at this time of year, or anglers can cast spinners such as Panther Martins.
The flow at Grants Pass on Jan 10 was 2140 cfs. The water temperature was 39o F. Rains expected this week will likely bring more steelhead to the middle river.
Rogue River, upper: steelhead, trout
Summer steelhead are being caught in the upper Rogue, and angling pressure is very low. Winter steelhead are starting to show up in the middle Rogue and should be up here soon. A total of 93 summer steelhead entered Cole Rivers Hatchery the week of Jan 4. Approximately 752 hatchery adult summer steelhead released near Touvelle Park on Dec. 23 should continue to contribute to the fishery for the next several weeks.
Fly angling with a nymph pattern can be very effective at this time of year. Popular flies include the copper John and bead headed princes. Steelhead are being caught by bank anglers upstream from the Shady Cove boat ramp on lures, bug and bubble combinations, eggs, worms, and corkies. Boats are doing well on plugs and Little Cleos.
Angling between Gold Ray Dam and the Shady Cove boat ramp is now open to the use of bait.
Restrictions to access in the area of Gold Ray Dam have been removed; however, Jackson County warns boaters to use extreme caution.
On Jan. 10, the flow out of Lost Creek Reservoir was 1401 cfs and the river temperature was 41o F at the reservoir outflow. Flow at Gold Ray was 2170 cfs and the water temperature was 380F.
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.
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. 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.
Blue Rockfish
- Photo by Brandon Ford-
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 successful 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. The rivers are at fishable levels and a light rain should warm up the water and get the steelhead moving and biting!
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. A warm rain will improve steelhead movement and biting. Steelhead have already been reported at River Forks. 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 and has obtained its characteristic steelhead green color 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 dropped to fishable levels last weekend and should remain fishable even with a light rain. Pressure is light to date, but anglers venturing out on the river have been successful. Warmer weather will improve the fishing.
South Umpqua River water levels near Riddle
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.
The blue green algae health advisory for Willow Lake ended on Dec. 15.
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).
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HUNTING
Northern Shoveler Duck
Northern Shoveler Hen
- Photo by Robert Mutch -
OPEN: COUGAR, VALLEY and MOUNTAIN QUAIL, FOREST and BLUE GROUSE, WATERFOWL (see regulations)
Use the Oregon Hunting Mapto see where to hunt.
COOS COUNTY
WATERFOWL: Good places to hunt are New River, Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge west of Hwy. 101, Coos Bay in the portion that is open to hunting and Winchester Bay outside of city limits. Goose hunting in South Coast zone closes Jan. 17.
COUGAR season is open year round in Oregon until quotas for specific zones are filled. Refer to page 41 of the 2011 Oregon Big Game Regulations for more information. Most successful cougar hunters have success by scouting for deer and elk and locating areas where these animals congregate. Cougars can be found near these concentrations. Hunting with predator calls in areas where deer and elk are plentiful is often the most successful way to hunt cougars.
COYOTE populations are good in Coos County and they will often respond to calls. Calling coyotes in the coast range is challenging due to brush. Many landowners with sheep are complaining about losses of sheep to coyote predation. Hunters interested in hunting coyotes may find success in asking for permission to hunt private land where landowners are losing sheep.
GROUSE and QUAIL seasons are open. Hunters are reporting having problems finding grouse but some birds are being found. These hunters report finding better numbers of Mountain quail on closed forest roads, particularly those near ridge tops. For those wanting to find grouse the best grouse hunting will in creek bottoms and on closed forest roads.
DOUGLAS COUNTY
cougar
Cougar
-Photo by Jim Yuskavitch-
A few controlled ELK hunts are open. Elk populations are similar to last year.
COUGAR season is open. Hunting cougar is most successful adjacent to private land with high deer populations.
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.
UPLAND GAMEBIRDS:
Grouse & Quail - The season is currently open. Blue grouse success is best in mid to high elevations of the Cascades in partly open conifer stands. Ruffed grouse can be found near creeks mostly at mid elevations of both the Cascades and Coast Range. Success is best in the lower elevation agricultural lands for California quail and mid-elevations of the Cascades and Coast Range near brushy clear cuts on secondary forest roads for Mountain quail. The season ends on January 31, 2011.
MIGRATORY GAMEBIRDS:
CROW season is open. Hunters can expect an average year. Crow are abundant and widely distributed on the Umpqua Valley floor. Hunting crow is a challenge with most being on or adjacent to private lands. The season ends on January 31, 2011.
WATERFOWL:
Duck & Goose hunters can expect an average to above-average year. The season is currently open for ducks, geese, snipe and coot. Local duck production is historically good but small so a fair number of local ducks are available now with improved opportunity as the fall migrating ducks arrive later in the season. Hunting for resident geese in Douglas County should be very good because of an excellent production again this year. Nearly all waterfowl hunting in the Umpqua Valley is on private property and hunters should obtain landowner permission before hunting. The season ends on January 30, 2011.
TRAPPING & HUNTING:
Gray Fox
Gray Fox
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
Furbearers – A reminder to trappers and hunters that specific licenses and tags are required to hunt many furbearer species, and hunters should refer to the 2010-12 Oregon Furbearer Trapping and Hunting Regulations for details. Currently, bobcat, fox and raccoon pursuit season is open.
Bobcat, Red & Gray Fox – Currently open (but red fox closes after January 15th). Healthy populations throughout Western Oregon.
River Otter, Beaver & Raccoon – Currently open. Healthy populations throughout Western Oregon. The last day of the season for these species is March 15, 2011.
Mink & Muskrat – Currently open. Healthy populations throughout Western Oregon. The last day of the season for mink and muskrat is March 31, 2011.
Marten – Currently open. Good populations at higher elevations of the Cascades. The last day of the season is January 31, 2011.
JACKSON, JOSEPHINE, CURRY COUNTIES
ELK general seasons are closed. A few select controlled hunts are open. Youth controlled elk season has closed.
Upland game birds are open
Upland Game Birds seasons continue until January 31. Access to areas for forest grouse can be limited due to snow levels. Rough grouse are more likely to be found in the lower elevation although Blue grouse will stay high in elevation. Mountain quail will be found in brushy clear cuts near water in mid elevation and California quail are found in lower elevations. A good bird dog will aid greatly in bird retrieval.
WATERFOWL: Duck and Goose hunting this year has been slower than normal. Even though we have had some good storms very few waterfowl have moved through the Rogue Valley. Denman Wildlife Area has lower than expected harvest so far this season. Many ponds exist in the Rogue valley although most are on private lands; hunters need to ask for permission.
SNIPE runs concurrent with duck season. 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.
COUGAR general season is state wide for the complete year or until zone quotas are met. Refer to regulations for more information. Cougars are plentiful, although they provide a challenge to locate and harvest. Current snow conditions provide hunters with the abilities to find tracks that will aid greatly for calling in cougars. Focus on spots where there are high populations of wintering deer
WESTERN GRAY SQUIRREL season is only open in a select area of the Rogue Unit, refer to the regulations for more detail. Squirrel populations are high throughout our area. Hunters should have no problem locating them in any oak or conifer stand of trees. This is a great animal to hunt for first time hunters.
TRAPPING & HUNTING:
FURBEARERS – Pursuit season in underway for bobcat, fox and raccoon. In order to pursue a Furtaker’s License or Hunting License for Furbearers must be in possession.
Furbearers – A reminder to trappers and hunters that specific licenses and tags are required to hunt many furbearer species, and hunters should refer to the 2010-12 Oregon Furbearer Trapping and Hunting Regulations for details.
Bobcat –Harvest season is now open.
River Otter, Beaver, Mink/Muskrat, Gray Fox & Raccoon – Harvest season for these listed animals opened Nov. 15. Western Oregon populations are healthy with gray fox and raccoons slightly higher than normal.
Marten – The season is currently open. Marten are found in higher elevations of the Cascades.
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VIEWING
Remember nongame wildlife at tax time
When completing your taxes for calendar year 2010 don’t forget to make your donation for the nongame tax check-off on your Oregon return.
Coos County
Gulls and other sea birds
Ring-billed Gull
Ring-billed Gull
- Photo by Dave Budeau-
Winter storms can bring unusual gulls and other seabirds to coastal areas. During the onset of a storm, gulls will congregate in low spots of beaches to find respite from the heavy winds. Sometimes gulls not commonly seen locally can be found in these places. Those interested in seeing the birds should slowly sort through the congregations to identify an unusual species. Those interested in seeing seabirds can try Horsefall Beach, Bastendorff Beach and Whiskey Run Beach in Coos County.
Other sea birds like Pacific loons, phalaropes and murrelets move in to locations like local bays where they are more easily seen. Winchester, Coos and Coquille bays are good places to look for these species.
The rainy season is upon us. If it continues, inland valleys will begin to fill with water, providing feeding opportunities for waterfowl. This often attracts birds from the coastal bays to inland valleys. Winter Lake near the town of Coquille is the flood plain for the Coquille River. Waterfowl in a variety of species will congregate there in large numbers during winter. Other good areas to look for concentrations of waterfowl are along Hwy. 42 S and North Bank Lane, both of which roughly follow the Coquille River course. 12/13/10.
Douglas County
Songbirds – Winter songbirds including Western Bluebirds can be seen at Stewart Park and Stewart Park trail in Roseburg. Viewing is best in the late morning to early afternoon.
Peregrine Falcons – Peregrine Falcons are now commonly seen on the Umpqua Valley floor especially near Melrose, Lookinglass, Umpqua and other open areas close to the Umpqua River.
Curry, Jackson, Josephine Counties
Curry County
For a great birding trail along the southern coast, visit Oregon Birding Trails.
Jackson and Josephine Counties
Northern Harrier
Northern Harrier
- Photo by Greg Gillson-
Denman Wildlife Area has had a bald eagle hanging around Whetstone Pond near the office. Other hawks such as northern harriers, red-tailed hawks, and rough-legged hawks have been seen hunting throughout the wildlife area and the valley.
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.
Six Tundra Swans are using the area ponds around Sams Valley. They are often seen in the fields off of Table Rock road.
Whale watching is occurring along the coast through the end of May with one migration heading south until February. This migration is occurring two mile off shore. March through May is their northern migration when they will be cruising closer to shore. Viewing points within Curry County from north to south are Battle Rock, Cape Sebastian, Cape Ferrelo, and Harris Beach State Park. 1/11/11
*
Steelhead
- Photo by Derek Wilson-
Winter steelhead are now widely distributed through the Clackamas and Sandy Rivers, where some good catches are being reported. Crossings over Willamette Falls into the upper Willamette and its tributaries have been increasing and means improved prospects for anglers in these areas.
* The trout stocking program for 2011 is now underway, with the first batches of fish going to Huddleston Pond, Junction City Pond, Walling Pond and Walter Wirth Lake, which were all stocked the week of Jan. 10.
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.
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.
CLACKAMAS RIVER: winter steelhead
The Clackamas has held in excellent shape for several days now; color is good and miles of open bank are available for the adventurous. Some light to moderate rainfall in the forecast could set the river up for great conditions through the next several days.
Winter steelhead have now spread throughout the river and good catches were reported over the weekend. Concentrate on the reaches from Carver to Riverside or Riverside to Clackamette parks this time of year as early fish will tend to hold down low prior to moving above Carver where new acclimation ponds should help fish hold in the middle reaches of the lower river in coming years. That being said, the Barton to Carver run has also been fairly productive in recent days.
Monday hydrological data shows the river dropping at 2,120 cfs, a gauge reading of 12.15 ft. and the water temperature inching up to 39°.
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) received over 100,000 trout throughout the spring and summer stocking season. 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.
DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout
Last stocked with 5,000 legal-sized rainbow trout at the end of September. 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
The cold, dry weather has left the creek very low and clear, making steelhead angling a bit more challenging. Some rainfall this week could leave the creek offering very good conditions once flows increase and it colors up a bit. So far this winter the steelhead catch has been slow at best, although the angler effort is out there. Hatchery returns remain low as decent numbers of winters haven’t seemed to make their way into the upper creek yet. Historical numbers show that it’s not uncommon for the steelhead to show up later in January on upper Eagle Creek. Corkies and yarn or bobber and jig are popular set-ups for creek anglers. 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 is scheduled to receive 350 rainbow trout averaging 14 inches this week. There should still be a few of the seventy trophy class trout which were released two weeks ago. These fish are from brood stock at Roaring River Hatchery and weigh an average of 7 pounds apiece. 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.
LEABURG LAKE: trout
Last stocked with rainbow trout in mid-August. 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 1,100 winter steelhead over the falls to date, meaning a few are available in tributaries at this time. Larger numbers of fish are expected to start moving after the first of the year once the 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
There are still a good number of summer steelhead in both the North and South Santiam. Based on video monitoring at upper Bennett dam, about 2,800+ summer steelhead are estimated to have made it into the upper stretches of the river. This year’s winter steelhead run looks promising as well with more than 1,144 fish passing above Willamette Falls as of Jan.3. Bobber and jigs are the preferred method for catching these fish. The river level varies depending on precipitation and upstream storage needs. It has come down to more fishable levels and conditions are good for both bank and boat anglers.
River levels best for fishing are below 3,000 cfs at the Mehama gauge. Check for current conditions
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.
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
Their have been improved catches of winters over the past few days on the Sandy, although the river is cold, low and clear. The steelhead appear to be dispersed throughout the river from Marmot down to Lewis and Clark Park. More hatchery broodstock fish will be showing in the catch now that it’s the middle of January, 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 are coming back earlier. This could be a good sign for what’s to come in the Sandy steelhead fishery for the next few weeks.
Monday hydrological data shows flows down to 1,750 cfs, a gauge height of 9.43 ft and the water temperature steady at 37°.
SHERIDAN POND: trout
A total of 50 brood trout ranging in size from 8 to 15 pounds were released in early December and may still be available. 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. To get to Sheridan Pond from Hwy 18, take exit 33 to Balston Rd turn right and then a left to the pond.
steelhead
Rick Putnam of Woodburn, assisted by his sister Beverly Bennett, lands a large rainbow trout at St. Louis Ponds near Gervais. The large fish was part of a load of 6-8-pound brood trout released into the pond by ODFW.
- Photo by Rick Swart-
ST. LOUIS PONDS: trout, panfish, catfish
Pond #6 will be stocked this week with 45 brood trout weighing between six and eight pounds apiece. 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 last week. 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 is scheduled to receive another 400 legal and 50 larger size rainbow trout this week.
WALTER WIRTH LAKE: trout, crappie, bass
This water body has already received several thousand legal and larger sized trout this fall and winter. It is scheduled to receive another 1,700 legal an 150 larger size rainbow trout this week. 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 several weeks ago 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.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: winter steelhead
Coho passage over Willamette Falls was non-existent over the past week, but that’s not uncommon for January; a couple did sneak by in late December. As of Jan. 3 total crossings showed 20,103 coho adults and 1,988 coho jacks.
The winter steelhead passage at Willamette Falls reached a total of 1,151 on Jan. 6, but passage should pick up as conditions on the river have shown great improvement in recent days. The dropping water levels and increased visibility will offer decent fishing prospects along Meldrum Bar and Dahl Park near the mouth of the Clackamas River. If you’re interested in this fishery, drop down to Meldrum, observe the techniques, and find yourself a spot. It can get crowded so be respectful of your fellow anglers.
Hydro readings at Willamette Falls on Jan. 10 show flows falling back to 22,000 cfs, visibility improved to 2.3 ft. and the water temperature up slightly to 41°.
YAMHILL RIVER (South Fork): trout
Closed to fishing Oct. 31.
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HUNTING
OPEN: COUGAR, MOUNTAIN AND VALLEY QUAIL, FOREST GROUSE, WATERFOWL (SEE REGULATIONS) and furbearer hunting and trapping
Use the Oregon Hunting Map to see where to hunt.
BE PREPARED
elk
Antlerless Elk
- Photo by Robert Mutch -
Hunters are reminded to always prepare for adverse weather conditions: dress appropriately and keep survival equipment such as food, water, sleeping bags, fire starting material with you and in your vehicle. Let someone know where you will be and when you expect to return just in case your vehicle becomes stuck or breaks down.
Some controlled antlerless ELK hunts opened on January 1 for those hunters that drew a tag. Hunters that drew tags should check the 2010 Big Game Regulations for open areas and dates for the hunt they drew. Private lands often offer some of the better opportunity to bag an elk. Hunters need to obtain permission before hunting on private lands. Hunters may have the best success glassing forage areas such as clear cuts in the mornings and evenings. During the middle of the day trying hunting bedding areas in the timber adjacent to forage areas. Hunters are reminded to purchase their 2011 hunting license before the end of the year to avoid finding yourself in the field on January 1 without the proper documents.
Private timber company lands can be productive places to hunt if the landowner is allowing hunting access. A list of participants
COUGAR season is open, but hunter success rates in both the Cascades and Coast range remains low. Hunters may have success with a predator call or following fresh tracks after a snow event. 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. Hunters are required to submit the reproductive tract of any female cougar taken. Please review the 2011 Big Game Hunting Regulations before your hunting trip to ensure that you are familiar with all of the requirements.
FOREST GROUSE hunting remains poor this year. Hunters will need to cover lots of ground to locate birds. For ruffed grouse, concentrate your efforts along streams and creeks that provide good hiding cover and contain berries and other food sources. Blue grouse hunters should be moving to higher elevations to find birds. Walking abandoned roads or roads closed to motor vehicle travel are great places to find good hunting
MOUNTAIN QUAIL and VALLEY QUAIL hunters are finding scattered flocks of Mountain Quail in brushy clearcuts and grassy opening near heavy cover and Valley quail concentrated along brush lined agricultural fields with food sources nearby.
ODFW biologists can a learn a lot about our local game bird populations from the collection of grouse and mountain quail wings and tails and we encourage hunters to submit these parts from harvested birds. Review the information provided on page 40 of the 2010-2011 Oregon Game Bird Regulations for more details.
Waterfowl season is currently under way and hunters are experiencing average success. After our recent heavy rains, ducks will be taking advantage of food sources found in sheet water areas, and hunters should consider leaving traditional blinds and setting up decoys in these areas to increase their success. Please review the 2010-2011 Oregon Game Bird Regulations for more information on bag limits, season dates, and open areas. Hunters are reminded to purchase their 2011 hunting license before the end of the year to avoid finding yourself in the blind on January 1 without the proper documents.
Canadian Goslings
Canada Goose
- Photo by Dave Budeau -
Canada goose numbers continue to increase and hunters are finding good hunting opportunities in the northwestern portion of the state. Cacklers continue to make up the bulk of the harvest with Taverner’s/lessers filling in the remainder. Hunters can expect good success in the Northwest Oregon General Zone, especially those hunters who have scouted out fields with actively feeding geese.
The Northwest Oregon Goose Permit Zone Period 2 will be open from Nov. 20 – Jan. 12. There have been some recent changes to the hunting regulations this year. Some changes include check stations will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., hunting hours will end at 3 p.m., and hunt days have been increased to Saturday – Wednesday during the open period listed in the regulations. See pages 18-20 of the Oregon Game Bird Regulations for more information. New regulations and information are in red text. Hunting Canada geese in the Willamette Valley is closely regulated and can be a little confusing at times. The Northwest Oregon Permit Goose season protects dusky Canada goose populations while allowing harvest of more numerous subspecies. The department is asking hunters to refrain from purposely shooting any dusky Canada goose. The Northwest Oregon Goose Permit Zone has some changes for this year. Hunting hours end at 3 p.m. this year and check stations are open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hunting is now allowed Saturday – Wednesday of the open periods listed in the regulations except in Tillamook County. Hunters should carefully read the 2010-2011 Oregon Game Bird Regulations for more information on opening and closing dates, bag limits and possession limits. All hunters are reminded to call 1-800-708-1782 prior to goose hunting to be certain the hunt area they plan to hunt has not reached its dusky goose quota and is still open. Closure updates
FURBEARER trappers and hunters should be getting out in the field. Bobcat, gray fox, red fox, marten, muskrat, mink, raccoon, river otter and beaver trapping and/or hunting is currently open. Furbearer trappers may find some problems accessing their favorite trapping areas during this high water period and will likely wait-out the weather until water levels drop. Furbearer hunting in rainy, cold weather can be tough. Hunters will have to find locations that provide coyote, bobcat and fox some protection from the elements. This typically means hunting in the thicker tree stands where animals have more cover to approach unseen. 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 on 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.
Snowy weather in the Cascades should provide excellent tracking conditions and keep hungry coyotes and furbearers on the move. Finding new tracks will help narrow down locations where coyotes and furbearers are most active.
SAUVIE ISLAND WILDLIFE AREA
Mallard Drake
Mallard in flight
- Photo by Greg Gillson-
Sauvie Island Wildlife Area hunters had a decent of waterfowl hunting. The Eastside Units produced an average hunter success of 1.7 birds per hunter (bph), and the Westside Units produced an average of 1 bph for an overall success rate on the Wildlife area of 1.5 bph.
The waterfowl hunting season will close at the end of the month. Remaining hunt days are Jan. 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29.
The reservation deadline for Sauvie Island Hunt Period G for Eastside and Oak Island units is now past. Individuals who were successful in drawing must remember to purchase the reservation from a Point of Sale location prior to showing up for their hunt and present the reservation at the time of check in. Those who did not apply for a reservation may still get a spot by taking a standby position, awarded on a first-come first-served basis. The Westside units are still available on the usual morning “poker chip” draws and the North Unit is open to hunters who are willing to roam.
Confused? Beginners, see ODFW’s guide to hunting at Sauvie Island.
Hunt results are updated every day following the most recent hunt date. Results can be found online at the ODFW website under Sauvie Island Wildlife Area WATERFOWL HARVEST STATISTICS. Look under the Hunting Resources tab then click the Waterfowl link then Game Bird Harvest Statistics. Daily hunting results can also be found by calling 503-621-3488 ext 1.
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VIEWING
EVENTS
Jan. 14, Prowling for Owls
Come to the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge to find out about the owls that make the refuge their home. During a night hike, learn about the lives of these nocturnal creatures, discover their habitat and learn about their amazing adaptations for life at night. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. Free. Meet in the Riparian Room of the Wildlife Center. Advance registration required; e-mail sarah_gray@fws.gov with your name, phone number and number of participants. Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge,19255 SW Pacific Highway, Sherwood, OR 97140. Hosted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Valleywide Viewing
Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle
- Photo by Dave Budeau -
This is a great time to view our nation’s symbol, the bald eagle. Bald eagles are returning to nest sites and are paring up throughout the Willamette Valley. Bald eagles are often found near water with large numbers of waterfowl or fish. Eagles are particularly susceptible to human disturbances during courtship, so when viewing eagles, stay in your car if possible, unless you're watching from an observation deck or viewing platform. As with many bird and wildlife species, your car acts as an excellent blind. Movement from people toward a perched eagle will chase it off its roost. Flying takes away from the needed energy an eagle requires to survive in the cold winter temperatures.
Winter is a good time to see wintering raptors in the Willamette Valley. Raptors, which include hawks, eagles, falcons and harriers, are easily recognized by their talons and distinctive hooked beaks. Seeing raptors can be as easy as driving through farmland or even down I-5.
Large concentrations of Canada geese can be seen in grass fields ponds and parks throughout the Willamette Valley. Although they look very similar, there are actually 7 different subspecies of Canada geese that winter in the valley. The smallest subspecies, the Cackling Canada goose, is darkly colored and only half again bigger than a duck. The Western Canada goose is very light colored and is about twice as big as the Cackler. There are more geese wintering in the Valley now than at any other time in recorded history. Although most people enjoy the sights and sounds of these abundant birds, under certain conditions geese can do a lot of crop damage. Farmers are concerned about the growing goose populations and the increasing damage problems. 1/11/11
Corvallis Area
EE Wilson Wildlife Area
Bare trees make 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.
Bald Hill Park
This 284-acre park lies west of the Benton County Fairgrounds. It is home to sharp-shinned and cooper’s hawks that hunt as well as nest in this area. Barn owls have roosted in the sturdy old barn and could nest in the large oaks. Great horned owls and smaller owls are often seen. This is also a good spot for acorn woodpeckers and red-breasted sapsuckers. The willow flycatcher, whose numbers may be declining, has been observed in the riparian areas. The white oak savannas attract white-breasted nuthatches as well as western bluebirds, which can be seen near mistletoe berries in the treetops during winter.
Visit the Audubon Society of Corvallis Web site for parking information and an area map. 1/04/11
Eugene Area
Delta Ponds
Beaver on Dam
Beaver on Dam
-Defenders of Wildlife-
There are many different types of waterfowl and raptors currently using the area. With the higher water and earlier dusk, now is a good time to see beaver and muskrat. Best viewing times are around 4:30 p.m.
When viewing wildlife, please remember to be respectful and try not to disturb the animals’ natural behaviors. Sometimes, the best way to view animals is from inside your vehicle as to not frighten the birds/animals away. 12/13/10.
Information on the Delta Ponds project
Fern Ridge Wildlife Area
Flights of geese can be observed arriving at Fern Ridge Lake every evening through the winter migration season.A good vantage point at sunset is the Royal Avenue parking lot.
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 arereminded there are seasonal access restrictions in place in five units during the fall and winter to provide wildlife sanctuary.12/7/10.
Directions to Fern Ridge Wildlife Area.
Portland Area
Smith and Bybee Lakes Wildlife Area
The Smith and Bybee Lakes Wildlife Area is one of the nation's largest urban freshwater wetlands. Located near the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, the lakes function as a flood absorption system for the lower Columbia River. Hidden within an industrial area and just minutes from downtown Portland, the wetlands provide for diverse communities of plant and animal life. Numerous local schools use Smith and Bybee Lakes for a variety of outdoor education programs. 12/13/10.
Sauvie Island Wildlife Area
Cormorant
Pelagic Cormorant
- Photo by Greg Gillson-
There are many birds to be seen at Sauvie Island Wildlife Area in January. Cormorants can be seen diving, swimming and drying their wings along Multnomah Channel. Along the Columbia River, the bald eagles have begun to return to their nests. Great horned owls should begin occupying the nests of red-tailed hawks. ODFW staff recommends watching for the pointy feathers of the “horns” to stick out above the nest edge. Viewing areas currently open to the public are Coon Point, the Eastside Viewing Platform and Rentenaar Road.
Viewing areas currently open to the public are Coon Point, the Eastside Viewing Platform and Rentenaar Road. A variety of waterfowl and migratory birds are easily viewed on the wildlife area including Aleutian cackling and dusky Canada geese.
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, at the Sauvie Island ODFW office, Monday through Friday during office hours or online. For more information, call (503) 621-3488. Directions to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area. 12/13/10.
Forest Grove Area
Fernhill Wetlands
Fernhill Wetlands is 243 acres of wetland and moist soil habitats. From November through March, thousands of waterfowl populations can be seen daily. Currently, the resident American bald eagles can be found in the tops of cottonwoods. The bare trees make it easier to see them. 12/07/10.
* Anglers are catching winter steelhead on the Hood River.
* Summer steelhead can still be found in good numbers in the Deschutes River from the Columbia upstream to the reservation boundary.
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.
CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout and mountain whitefish
Rain and snow events have resulted in high flows recently; 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.
Steelhead in the Deschutes
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
DESCHUTES RIVER: trout, summer steelhead
Mouth to the Northern Boundary of the Warm Springs Reservation: steelhead, trout
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.
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
No recent reports. 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
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.
Brook Trout
-U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service-
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.
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 continue to report good fishing and 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.
Rainbow Trout
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
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.
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.
HUNTING
cougar
Cougar
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
OPEN: COUGAR, COYOTE, CHUKAR, QUAIL, WATERFOWL (see regulations)
PRINEVILLE/OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT
GENERAL: Be prepared for winter conditions with freezing temperatures and snow accumulating at higher elevations. Snow levels are accumulating at lower elevations as well, and hunters should consult weather forecasts and be equipped and prepared for extreme winter conditions. The Ochoco National Forestand Prineville BLM should be contacted regarding the latest information on access and camping (BLM 541-416-6700, Ochoco Nat. For. 541-416-6500).
COUGAR are present throughout the Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly units, but are more likely at lower elevations where deer and antelope are concentrated on winter ranges. The Maury and Ochoco units are recommended because of their greater amounts of public lands and better accessibility. Remember cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days after harvest. Please consult the synopsis for all required parts and be sure to call first to make an appointment.
COYOTES offer an exciting challenge and will be closely associated with deer and antelope on winter ranges. Both the Maury and Ochoco have sizeable areas of public lands that provide hunting opportunities. Areas to consider include BLM lands around the S. Fork. Crooked River, Camp Creek, and Hampton Butte in the Maury; and mixed USFS/BLM lands along the S. Fork John Day River and Paulina Valley in the Ochoco unit.
UPLAND GAME BIRD opportunities are available for valley and mountain quail and chukar. A cold wet spring resulted in poor early hatches for these species, but the late hatches appear strong. Hunters should check the synopsis for Mountain Quail as only selected counties (including Crook) are open for hunting.
WATERFOWL opportunities are limited due to the minimal habitat present on public lands. The better hunting opportunities are associated with private agricultural lands where access is difficult and hunters must have landowner permission.
THE DALLES WILDLIFE DISTRICT
COUGAR season is open. Hunters wishing to pursue cougar will find best success near areas of deer and elk concentrations and near recent cougar kills and calling. Successful hunters, remember you must check in cougar (hide and skull) and bear 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.
Coyote
Coyote
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
COYOTE: Those wishing to pursue will find the best success near agricultural lands. Be sure to ask permission to hunt private lands. Limited opportunities may also be found at White River Wildlife area, and on lower elevation forest service lands.
WHITE RIVER WILDLIFE AREA
The gates to through traffic will remain closed until April 1, 2011. Some roads may stay closed until May 1 depending on weather and road conditions.
COUGAR season is open from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 or until zone mortality quotas have been met. Look for areas that have recent deer and elk activity. Focus your efforts along migration routes, and look for fresh tracks or kills to increase success.
COYOTE hunters should be looking in open areas along the eastern perimeter of the wildlife area. Open fields can provide good calling opportunities on the area.
The wildlife area is a vehicle regulated use area. Open roads have a green dot on them. Hunters bringing their ATVs are reminded that all vehicles are to stay on roads; cross country travel is prohibited.
Back to the top
VIEWING
Prineville in the Snow
Prineville in the Snow
-Photo by Kathy Munsel-
Jefferson and Crook Counties
Winter has arrived to Central Oregon and outdoor enthusiasts and their pets should come prepared for snow, ice, and cold temperatures. Access can be very challenging due to icy and slick road conditions. It is strongly suggested to check weather forecasts, and to check with Oregon Department of Transportation, the Ochoco National Forest, and Prineville BLM for road and access conditions. Deer, elk, and antelope have moved to lower elevation winter ranges and offer great viewing opportunities along the upper Crooked River along the Paulina Highway between Prineville and areas east of the small community of Paulina. Along with the big game there are flocks of wintering waterfowl using the open water along the Crooked River, and adjacent agricultural fields. The waterfowl have in turn attracted the attention of golden and bald eagles, prairie falcons, northern harriers, red-tailed hawks, rough-legged hawks, and Swainson’s hawks.
Opportunities to see these animals and enjoy scenic views are available by driving east from Prineville along the Crooked River to the Paulina Ranger Station. To take this trip drivers will turn south off Highway 26 at the east end of Prineville onto the Paulina Highway (Hwy 380). Proceed east on the Paulina Highway through the small communities of Post and Paulina. The better viewing for raptors hunting waterfowl and small mammals will be between MP 20 and 50. Approximately 4 miles east of Paulina proceed north to Paulina Ranger Station using Puett Road. Pay particular attention during this section for wintering deer, elk, and pronghorn using the western flanks of Powell Mountain visible from Puett Road. This is approximately 180 miles round trip from Prineville, and drivers should be prepared for winter driving, and a trip which will take 6 – 8 hours. In addition to warm clothing, bring binoculars, spotting scope, a camera, snacks, and your favorite warm beverages. Supplies and fuel are available at stores in Post and Paulina. 1/11/11
Sherman County and Deschutes Canyon
Wintering waterfowl and raptors are the main draw for the Lower Deschutes this time of year. Wintering Bald eagles are a common sight along the Columbia river. Deer and sheep are also common sites in the canyon. Remember that the weather can change rapidly, and visitors should be prepared. ODFW’s Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area is located east of The Dalles. Directions and more information about the Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area are on ODFW’s website.
The Dalles Area
ODFW White River Wildlife Area
Visitors to White River can find a variety of bird species on the area. Some of the most notable are Lewis’ Woodpeckers, which inhabit the open oak areas throughout the wildlife area and Pileated Woodpeckers, which can generally be found near the forest boundary. With winter conditions, deer and an occasional elk can be viewed in the lower elevations, as well as turkey, quail and a few waterfowl. Raptors and an occasional bald eagle can be observed throughout the area. The gates to through traffic will remain closed until April 1, 2011. Some roads may stay closed until May 1 depending on weather and road conditions. For more information and directions to the wildlife area, visit ODFW’s website. 1/11/11
ODFW Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area
Many different bird species are present in the Deschutes Wildlife Area, including osprey, kingfishers, great blue herons and w
The fishing season ended Oct. 31, and will reopen in the spring.
* Trout fishing is fair on the Klamath River below Keno Dam.
* Ice is forming on many lakes and reservoirs in the Southeast Zone, but conditions vary greatly. Anglers should exercise caution before venturing out on the ice.
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.
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
Water storage was at 28 percent of full on Jan. 9. No reports on ice thickness. Anglers should 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
Currently, the river is running at 62 cfs (Jan. 9). 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.
Water storage is 55 percent of full on Jan. 9. 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.
BURNS POND: trout, bass
The pond is closed until further notice. Construction on the canal to connect the east and west ponds to improve public fishing opportunities continues. The ponds will be open by next spring, if not earlier.
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.
Rainbow Trout
-Photo by Kathy Munsel-
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.
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.
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.
Cutthroat Trout
-Photo by Charlotte Ganskopp-
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: 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 far 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, flows are O 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 below Juntura are minimal. Fishing has been slow.
Redband Trout
-Photo by Roger Smith-
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.
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.
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.
Boat ramps open for use are at the powerhouse and the resort. All other ramps are out of the water. The upper end of the reservoir is probably ice covered. The extent of the ice coverage is unknown. Boaters should use caution when running up the reservoir. Angling is slow.
OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): brown trout and hatchery rainbow trout
Winter water releases below Owyhee Dam are averaging about 30 cfs. Average water temperature at the USGS gauge below the dam was 34°C on Jan. 9. Brown trout spawning is complete. Anglers need to avoid walking on redds to protect eggs in the gravel. Most of the river is ice covered and unfishable. Fishing for rainbow and brown trout is slow.
OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish
Discharge at the Rome gauge averaged 378 cfs on Jan. 9. Average water temperature at the USGS gauge near Rome was 33°C on Jan. 9. Fishing for smallmouth and channel catfish is slow.
PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch
No recent report. Anglers should use caution when fishing on the ice.
Rainbow Trout
- Photo by Roger Smith-
PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout
Closed to fishing until spring
POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
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.
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.
Black Crappie
-U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service-
UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie
Anglers are catching nice trout through the ice. Always use caution when on the ice.
WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: smallmouth bass, white crappie, catfish, perch, and hatchery rainbow trout
The water level is 17 percent of full and average inflow was 91 cfs on Jan. 9. Average water temperature at the USBR gauge near Highway 20 was 36°C on Jan. 9. 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.
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HUNTING
chukar
Chukar
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
OPEN: CHUKAR/HUNGARIAN PARTRIDGE, CALIF. QUAIL, DUCK, COUGAR, WATERFOWL (see regulations)
Use the Oregon Hunting Map to see where to hunt.
HARNEY COUNTY
CHUKAR and CALIFORNIA QUAIL production was fair to good due to extensive rains in June. Overall chukar and quail populations are expected to be higher than the past two seasons, but still below the 10 year average. The heavy snowfall received over the last few weeks has pushed many birds to lower elevations. Hunters should focus on south facing slopes where snow melts off fastest. Check out the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge website quail hunt areas open to the public. Chukar and quail seasons end Jan. 31.
WATERFOWL hunting will be limited in Harney Basin due to extremely low water conditions in Malheur Lake and most local reservoirs. Best hunting opportunities will be for Canada geese on private lands, hunters are reminded to get permission from the landowner before hunting on private lands. Waterfowl season opened on October 9th. Duck season ends Jan. 23 and goose season ends Jan. 30.
COUGAR hunting is open. Populations are healthy and distributed throughout the district in any area with a big game prey base. 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 for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
COYOTES are following the big game prey base. The highest concentrations are associated near mule deer wintering areas and private agricultural or calving areas. Hunters are reminded to ask permission before entering private lands. Be aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator calls, and separate licensing and open season limitations exist for these species.
KLAMATH COUNTY
UPLAND BIRD and WATERFOWL seasons are open. Duck hunting is slow due to migration of ducks south to wintering areas in California. California and Mountain Quail seasons remain open through January 31. Excellent opportunities exist for California quail in foothill areas with good cover.
COUGAR hunting is open. Populations are healthy and distributed throughout the district in any area with a big game prey base. 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 your on your way.
Coyote
Coyote
-Photo by Charlotte Ganskopp-
COYOTE hunting opportunities are improving as coyotes are now more concentrated at lower elevation areas where big game animals are wintering. Be aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator calls, and separate licensing and open season limitations exist for these species. Please consult the annual hunting synopsis for further information.
KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA
The boat ramp is frozen in and there is no access to open water from the ramp at Miller Island. Cooler weather has resulted in the ponds freezing again, essentially calling an end to duck hunting. Canada goose hunting may improve as the month progresses. Release of pheasants has ended for the season. These birds were provided by the local chapter of Unlimited Pheasants. Small numbers of California quail are present on the Miller Island Unit, outside of the safety zones.
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.
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.
Miller Island Unit
The Miller Island Unit is open to hunting on authorized hunt days. Hunt days are even days in January. Hunting is first-come, first-served with a free permit available at the check station. Permits are required and all hunters must check in and out at the check station located on Miller Island Road near the railroad tracks. Upland game bird hunting begins at 8:00 AM on hunt days. Federally approved non-toxic shot is required for all hunting.
LAKE COUNTY
Since early December the entire county has received substantial rain and snow. At this time snow levels range from 6 to 18 inches at the lower elevations. Soils below the snow are not frozen and access off all weather roads is extremely difficult.
Some UPLAND BIRD and WATERFOWL seasons are open. Quail and chukar had a very late hatch due to the cold wet spring .Overall numbers appear to be good but some hunters are reporting a few areas with low numbers. Low water levels persist throughout the county which is restricting waterfowl hunter success. The Warner Valley is dry north of Hart Lake. Hart and Crump lakes are very low and hunters need to be extremely careful of deep mud.
COUGAR hunting is open. Populations are healthy due to good habitat and prey base. Best opportunity is in areas with wintering big game herds.
COYOTE numbers appear to be increasing throughout the county. The best numbers are near the crested wheatgrass seedlings in the southern portion of the Wagontire unit. Populations in forest habitats also are more abundant and calling around natural forest openings can be productive. Hunters calling the desert portions of Warner and throughout the Beaty Butte Unit are reporting good success.
Summer Lake Clouds
Storm Clouds at Summer Lake Wildlife Area
- Photo by Dave Budeau -
SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA
This section was last updated January 10, 2011.
The 13th week of game bird hunting season was poor for waterfowl but good for quail due to generally unfavorable weather and hunting conditions, and a few diligent hunters who were very successful. Hunter participation was down, and total harvest was down as well. A slight moderation of the previously frozen over conditions with calm and still days resulted in reduced waterfowl hunting success.
Hunter participation was down (20.4%) from the same week of the previous year, and success (birds per hunter or bph) ranged from 0.17 bph to 1.92 bph and averaged 1.11 bph for the entire week. Success was nearly the same compared to last year, mostly due to increased quail harvest.
Weather conditions were cool to cold early in the week with considerable ground fog. By the end of the week, temperatures warmed during the day causing portions of the Wildlife Area to open slightly and resulted in birds being less active in their foraging flights.
Hunter check-in totaled 82 and with 85.4% checkout the reported harvest was 63 birds (39 ducks, 6 geese and 18 California quail).
Duck harvest consisted of 24 mallards, 4 bufflehead, 3 mergansers, and 8 other ducks of 5 species. The duck per hunter average of 0.68 was down -12.6% from 2010.
A total of 6 Canada geese were harvested for a goose per hunter average of 0.11%, which was down considerably (-77.8%) from the same week last year.
The weekly bird count conducted on January 6th found about 2,900 ducks and 750 geese on the Wildlife Area. The vast majority of the birds were found in Refuge or sanctuary areas along with smaller numbers widely scattered across the entire area in small pockets of open water. This low number of waterfowl is a typical population level during the winter time period.
The prospect for the upcoming week and into the weekend is only poor to fair due to low numbers of birds and generally mild weather conditions. A forecasted storm system arriving mid-week and continuing into the weekend could improve conditions
Hunters must be willing to scout out open water areas and be willing to spend considerable time in the field in order to be successful. Bird movements are highly localized at this time of the year.
If favorable weather conditions (cold and stormy) prevail, hunting could be good.
Passing shooting from dikes will continue to be very, very poor and high shooting will continue to cause birds to fly very high, out of effective shotgun range and making them very wary. Hunters are urged to refrain from shooting at birds out of effective shotgun range. Continual high shooting causes birds to fly even higher and will push them into refuge and other sanctuary areas and ultimately out of the Wildlife Area altogether.
Hunters utilizing decoys, waiting for low, in-range shots and willing to spend most of the day in the marsh, waiting for low flying birds should have good success.
The next count is scheduled for January 6th and results will be posted on the department website and wildlife area’s telephone answering machine the following day.
Ring-necked pheasant season closed on December 31, 2010
California Quail
California (Valley) Quail
-Photo by David Bronson-
California quail hunting seasons remain open but hunter participation is very light. Fair numbers of California can still be found. Quail are found primarily near north end agricultural areas and old homestead sites, primarily north of Thousand Springs Lane. Hunting will be difficult due to the abundant snow covering upland areas. Hunters with dogs will have the best success.
Hunters need to be aware that the Gold Dike Impoundment, the area south of Gold Dike and the northwest corner of Summer Lake will be dry or with very low water levels during the 2010-11 hunting season due to marsh management and vegetation control activities.
Some water is now being delivered to the south and west portions of Gold Dike Impoundment but flooding is very limited and the area south of Gold Dike remains largely dry.
Hunting is still permitted in this >2,000 acre area, but over-water and pond hunting opportunities will be affected.
Free daily hunting permits are required for all hunters and are available at the Wildlife Area (WA) Headquarters 24 hours/day. Self service permits can be obtained in the lobby (please follow directions carefully) or will be issued by WA staff at the office counter.
Hunters need to sure they have current hunting licenses, waterfowl and/or upland validations, Harvest Information Program (HIP) validations and a signed Federal Duck Stamp (if 16 year of age or older). These are available from any Point of Sale (POS) agent.
Please remember, new 2011 hunting licenses are now required for hunting through the end of the season. Validations and Federal Duck Stamps from 2010 will remain valid.
Youth hunters under 18 years of age must also have a Hunter Education Card in their possession while in the field.
Please remember that federally approved non-toxic shot is required for all game bird hunting.
Hunters please remember: Check-out is mandatory and can be accomplished by dropping off permits at the boxes in the Headquarters Lobby, at each campground or at other major access points.
Please contact Summer Lake Wildlife Area at (541) 943-3152 or email martin.j.stlouis@state.or.us for additional information.
MALHEUR COUNTY
Road conditions are poor due to snow. Please be careful when traveling off main roads as mud and snow drifts may limit access.
CHUKAR surveys on established routes yielded 21 birds per 10 mile, down 34% from last years count and down 69% from the 10 year average. The average brood size of 12.0 chicks per brood is very good but these were mostly late hatches re-nest broods and we did not observe many total broods on our routes.
CALIFORNIA QUAIL numbers were down with counts on established routes yielding 32 quail per 10 miles. This is down 7% from last year and is 15% below the 10 year average. Brood size was good averaging 8.1 chicks per brood.
Mallards on snowy pond
Mallard pair on snowy pond.
-Photo by Bob Swingle, ODFW-
WATERFOWL: Duck hunting has been slow. Heavy snow cover on most of the fields seems to have pushed the mallards out of the area. Hunters are having good success on divers, mainly goldeneye. Goose hunting is good if you can get access to the fields they are feeding in.
COYOTE hunting is good in most areas with wintering big game and on the fringe of agricultural areas. Recent snowfall will help hunters locate area with good coyote use. Hunters are reminded to ask permission before entering private lands. Be aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator calls, and separate licensing and open season limitations exist for these species. Check the regulations for restrictions on hunting with centerfire and muzzleloading rifles during deer and elk seasons.
COUGAR hunting is open. Populations are healthy and distributed throughout the district in any area with a big game prey base. 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 for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging. Check the regulations for restrictions on hunting with centerfire and muzzleloading rifles during deer and elk seasons.
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VIEWING
EVENT
Winter Wings Festival, February 18-20, 2011
Winter Wings Festival (formerly Bald Eagle Conference) Oregon Institute of Technology, http://www.winterwingsfest.org/
Harney County
Wintering raptors have returned to the area. Viewers should be able to see 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 red-tailed hawks are very easily observed in open agricultural areas.
antelope
Pronghorn Antelope
Oregon Fish and Wildlife
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 have moved onto lower elevation ranges as severe weather events have increased in frequency and daylight hours have dwindled. Mule deer can be found in foothill areas around the basin.
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.
Winter recreation opportunities on Steens Mt. are also becoming available as snow levels increase. Cross country skiing along the North Loop Road can provide excellent access to an abundance of winter wildlife viewing, as well as spectacular views of the high desert in winter. 12/13/10.
Klamath Falls Area
A great opportunity for wildlife viewing is right in Klamath Falls with several options available. The Wingwatchers Trail starts right at Veterans Park along Lake Ewauna in downtown and the Link River Trail is accessed from Lakeshore Drive. Many aquatic birds can viewed as well as passerine species. Bald eagles are using the large snag daily and can be viewed from Veteran’s Park.
Other 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 hawks are beginning to show up from northern breeding locations and are easily found foraging around agricultural areas throughout the basin. Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers are very common and can be observed in agricultural areas as well.
Fall migration has concluded for mule deer and they are now readily observed on lower elevation winter ranges. Please note that many high density winter ranges are closed to motorized travel to protect wintering big game, which are particularly vulnerable to disturbance during this difficult time of year. Foot traffic, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing are great ways of accessing these restricted areas on public land, but be aware that private lands may not be posted. Ask for permission from the landowner before entering private lands. Please watch for game and use caution while traveling on area highways and county roads.
With winter setting in, it’s a good time to stock your bird feeders. It’s also a good idea to clean your feeder periodically through the winter to reduce spread of diseases. 1/11/11.
Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle
- Photo by Nick Myatt-
Klamath Wildlife Area
The occasional bald eagle has been sighted along Miller Island Road either in the treetops or on perch poles.
Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit. Discharge of firearms is prohibited except by permit. If you have any questions, please contact Klamath Wildlife Area at (541) 883-5734 or lanny.a.fujishin@state.or.us. 12/7/10.
Lake County
Rough-leg hawks and a few golden and bald eagles are common throughout the major valleys in the county. Viewing opportunities exist for winter passerines in the riparian areas.The mule deer rut is over and bucks have started to lose their antlers. Bighorn sheep can be observed from U.S. Highway 395 along the base of Abert Rim. Be extremely careful of other traffic on the highway and use turnout along the base of the Rim. 12/28/10.
SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA
This section was updated on January 10, 2011. Vehicle access to the Wildlife Viewing Loop and other dikes are closed since hunting seasons are now in progress.
Currently, low wintering waterfowl populations levels have been reached and will remain this way for the next month to 6 weeks.
Waterfowl
Due to the recent harsh winter weather, a major exodus of staging waterfowl has occurred. Many birds have moved on though the area already, en route to wintering areas in California and further south in the Pacific Flyway. The weekly survey conducted on January 6th found about 2,900 ducks, 750 geese and 550 swans representing 14 species of waterfowl on the Wildlife Area at that time. Wintering tundra swans numbers have remained steady with about 500 being observed. Migrant and wintering trumpeter swans remain very prevalent in the area; about 70 were detected over the past week.
Now is a very excellent time to view fair numbers and a good variety of wintering waterfowl. The Schoolhouse Lake Viewing Platform provides a great opportunity to view refuging waterfowl in an area closed to hunting. In other areas, viewers are restricted to the same areas open to hunting.
Nearly all species of ducks are in their bright colorful nuptial plumage.
Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds
Very few wintering shorebird species can be found at this time
Nearly all other waterbirds have also departed, but a few lingering individuals can still be found.
Northern Harrier
Northern Harrier
- Photo by Greg Gillson-
Raptors and Others
Resident and wintering raptors remain scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Hwy 31.
Snowmelt and rain run-off is shallowly flooding meadows, wetland edges and uplands providing excellent foraging opportunities for many raptors seeking rodents.
Northern harriers are especially numerous over marsh and hay meadows.
Adult bald eagles have been observed fairly frequently across the wildlife area, the River Ranch barn area is a good location to view them.
Red-tailed hawks can be observed foraging for small rodents across the entire area and rough-legged hawks continue to increase in number. Mice and voles appear to be very numerous this year.
Prairie falcons and golden eagles are sometimes seen during this time of the year.
Great-horned owl can be found scattered across the area and are actively calling at night. The River Ranch barn affords good opportunities for viewing as the structure serves as a daytime roost site.
Upland game birds
California quail are widely scattered across the wildlife area but coveys are difficult to observe during hunting season.
Passerines
Eurasian collared doves remain numerous at Headquarters Complex.
Several species of migrant and wintering sparrows can be found scattered throughout the area.
Marsh wrens and song sparrows can still be found in dense bulrush and cattail stands at this time.
Facilities and Access
The Wildlife Viewing Loop and major dike roads (Bullgate, Windbreak and the Work Road) are closed at this time and will remain that way through late January 2011 following the end of waterfowl hunting seasons.
The Schoolhouse Lake Viewing Platform provides an excellent opportunity to view a large number of refuging waterfowl and other waterbirds in an area closed to hunting.
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
About 95% of the Wildlife Area’s wetland habitats are frozen over at this time. With the predicted harsh weather conditions continuing this next week the ice covering will remain in the near future.
Wetland enhancement/construction activities continue. A majority of the Gold Dike Impoundment and the area south of Gold Dike will remain dry through most of the year. Water is being delivered to the Gold Dike Impoundment, but is flowing through and the unit is not being fully flooded at this time.
Robust tall emergent vegetation (cattails and hard-stem bulrush) that were control burned this past spring were mowed and disked to set back succession. These actions were done to return these densely vegetated areas to more open conditions benefiting a wider array of wildlife species. Dry conditions in these areas continue to provide tremendous foraging opportunities for raptors hunting for small rodents.
Upland habitat remains in fair condition due to an excellent growth of many species of forbs and grasses this past growing season, earlier snow cover is melting and considerable bare ground is once again present.
Planted tree and shrub plots are providing excellent sheltered wintering sites for many species.
Most tree and shrub species have set a fairly good berry and fruit crop and are being well utilized by many wildlife species.
Please contact Summer Lake Wildlife Area at (541) 943-3152 or e-mail martin.j.stlouis@state.or.us for additional information.
* Cold weather has put the damper on winter steelhead fishing, but there are fish available when the weather and water conditions cooperate.
* For those willing to brave the weather, trout fishing on Wallowa Lake has been fair, and a few kokanee have been caught as well. Think deep.
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
Steelhead angling conditions in Northeast Oregon rivers have been affected by weather conditions. Ice has limited angling on some days and ice and snow are making access to the rivers difficult. Anglers checked on the lower Grande Ronde River last week averaged 15 hours per steelhead. Steelhead angling should improve with better weather.
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.
JOHN DAY RIVER: steelhead
Fishing for steelhead is still good in the Lower River. During October-December 2010anglers averaged 3.8 hours/steelhead and 9 percent of them were fin-clipped. Recent rainy weather has increased river flows which have slowed angling opportunity. Flows are currently dropping which should increase river conditions for angling. Fishing in the upper river will likely be limited by ice over large floating ice chunks.
Trout fishing in the John Day River is closed. Fishing for smallmouth bass and channel catfish is over until stream temperatures reach 50 degrees or more next spring.
Check John Day River flows.
Rainbow Trout
- Photo by Roger Smith-
LONG CREEK POND, CAVENDER POND: trout
Both ponds are frozen over. Check for thin ice before accessing. Fishing should be fair.
MAGONE LAKE: rainbow trout, 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.
UMATILLA RIVER: steelhead
Cold weather has slowed steelhead catch rates, returns to Threemile Dam have been in the single digits for the past two weeks. Good numbers of steelhead are in the river and are distributed through out the system. For the week of Jan.3-9, steelhead anglers averaged 35 hours/steelhead caught. 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.
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HUNTING
OPEN: CHUKAR/HUNGARIAN PARTRIDGE, CALIF. QUAIL, COUGAR, WATERFOWL (see regulations)
Use the Oregon Hunting Map to see where to hunt.
Video of the Imnaha wolf pack, November 2009
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
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.
ODFW needs hunters’ assistance to establish wolves’ presence in Oregon; please report any wolf sightings or wolf sign to La Grande office (541) 963-2138 or online.
BAKER COUNTY
CHUKAR, HUNGARIAN PARTRIDGE, and CALIFORNIA QUAIL season are open. District wide brood routes showed below average total numbers of game birds but larger than average brood sizes. Chukar hunters should focus on snow free slopes along the Snake, Burnt and Powder rivers.
COUGARS can be found throughout Baker County but hunters should target areas with high concentrations of deer and elk. Hunters are required to check in the hide of any cougar taken, with skull and proof of sex attached.
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
A few upland bird seasons are open. Production appears to be on the increase. A wet spring and good over winter survival have contributed to good brood production but overall number are still lower than historical highs from a few years ago.
The Murderers Creek-Flagtail Travel Management Area will begin three days prior to archery season in 2011.
COUGAR hunting remains open. Successful hunters, remember check-in of skull and carcass is mandatory; see the regulations for details.
COYOTE numbers are good in most of the district. They may respond to distress calls.
MORROW, GILLIAM and WHEELER COUNTIES
Remember Morrow County closed for upland game birds on December 31st.
COUGAR hunting is open. Cougar are well distributed in our forested areas. The recent snows provide improved hunting conditions for cougars. If you can track the cougar to a recent kill will be your best chance for success. Distress type calls can work well in this situation. If one is in good shape, walking a cougar down is an option. Call with distress calls or cougar vocalizations can be effective when you do not have a cougar kill to work.
COYOTE hunting: By all indications 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 DISTRICT
UPLAND BIRD hunting closed Dec. 31 in Umatilla County.
WATERFOWL are collecting on the Columbia River and associated adjacent water bodies to winter and migrate for the winter. Hunting will be good for ducks in ponds, potholes, rivers and creeks, and along the Columbia River. Goose hunting is good in water sets along the Columbia River shore and in fields within 5 miles of the Columbia River or near one of the reservoir areas.
cougar
Cougar
-Photo by Jim Yuskavitch-
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.
COYOTE are numerous throughout the District and hunters should have good success calling. Remember to ask permission before hunting on private lands.
UNION COUNTY
UPLAND BIRD hunters can expect to see good numbers of quail throughout the county. Late season birds can be spooky but a little extra energy will still put birds in the bag.
COYOTE numbers are strong throughout the county. Using predator calls as a lure and moving call sights after 20 minutes is an effective method for harvesting coyotes. Coyotes often travel in pairs and a hunter with patience may double their bag by waiting before firing at the first animal to respond. Be sure to ask permission before hunting on private land.
COUGARS are common in Union County. Setting up downwind of a deer or elk kill site during the twilight hours can be productive. Cold winter conditions are pushing deer and elk onto winter range; look for cat sign near these areas of high deer and elk use. 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; see the regulations for details.
LADD MARSH WILDLIFE AREA
Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area is open Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and all state observed holidays during quail, partridge and waterfowl seasons. Visitors are advised to carefully read posted signs and consult game bird regulations before entering the wildlife area.
Wetlands are completely frozen due to recent cold weather. Field hunting has been fair to good depending on the weather. Hunters should watch the weather forecast for wind conditions in the La Grande area. Strong south wind generally results in good hunting. Maps with current water conditions, blind locations and Ladd Marsh regulations are available at map boxes located at various access points throughout the area as well as the ODFW website.
Quail hunting continues to be good. Hunters should concentrate on heavy cover associated with wetlands and riparian areas.
Ladd Marsh Game Bird Hunting Map
WALLOWA DISTRICT
WATERFOWL: Canada geese are scattered though out the valley utilizing agricultural areas. Duck hunting has been good with many migrant birds in the valley.
CHUKAR numbers are low and hunters can expect to do a lot of hiking to find coveys of birds. Access to higher elevation areas are blocked due to snow drifts.
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 strong through out 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.
TRAVEL MANAGEMENT RESTRICTIONS: In the Sled Springs unit, the Noregaard, Whiskey Creek, and Shamrock road closures are still in place.
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VIEWING
Anthony Creek Feedsite Tour
Anthony Creek Feedsite Tour
-Photo by Nick Myatt-
Baker County
With the cold winter temperatures deer and elk have moved down on the snow-free slopes. For the best viewing opportunities, try glassing the southern exposures on the Powder and Snake rivers, or visit the Elkhorn Wildlife Area.
Feeding tours on the Anthony Creek site are available through T&T Wildlife Tours.
Make sure and visit their website for hours of operation and other information.
Bald eagles have returned in abundance to the Brownlee Reservoir and can be easily seen off of the Snake River Road between Richland and Huntington.
Morrow, Gilliam and Wheeler Counties
Despite the warmer temperatures in the area, winter is upon us. It has yet to be cold enough for the rarer visitors to the area to show up, but waterfowl are being seen in greater numbers along the rivers of the area. Gadwall, buffleheads, mallards, shovelers, widgeon, and redheads to name a few have been seen along the Columbia. Good numbers of Canada geese and a few white-fronted geese have shown up along the waterways as well.
Rough-legged hawks are a common sight in the District. Sharp-shinned hawks can be seen in any area with trees or taller structure for them. A few Cooper’s hawks can still be found along the waterways. There is still at least one ferruginous hawk along Litter Butter Creek. Bald eagle numbers appear to be rising in the District. Few short eared owls have been seen so far this year. Try 206 between Heppner and Condon for best chance of seeing one. The great grey owl on Swale creek was spotted again last week.
An assortment of our winter resident song birds is now present. Around the feeders, one can see pine siskin, dark-eye junco, spotted towhee and occasional finch. Loggerheaded shriek can be seen in the areas of shrub steppe. Waterfowl numbers are about average for this time of year, but can be expected to rise as winter weather gets colder.
In the forested areas turkeys can be seen in their large winter flocks. The rut is over for mule deer in the area and most are on the winter range. Dusk is the best viewing time in the foothills for deer. The snows in the mountains are pushing the elk down onto the winter range as well. 12/28/10.
Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area
Sunset at Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area
-Photo by David Bronson-
UNION COUNTY
Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area
The Tule Lake auto route is closed for the season. Now through April 30, the Tule Lake Public Access Area will be open only Sat., Sun., Wed. and State-observed holidays during the pheasant, quail and waterfowl hunting seasons. Visitors are advised to carefully read posted signs and consult game bird regulations before entering the wildlife area. 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. The Glass Hill Unit, west of Foothill Road, is open to public access (foot and horseback only) for the season.
Colder temperatures have again frozen wetlands and ponds and waterfowl have retreated to rivers and larger water bodies.
Bald eagles are being seen regularly on the wildlife area along with red-tailed hawk, rough-legged hawk and northern harrier. Both peregrine and prairie falcons typically make scattered appearances throughout the winter. The ferruginous hawk continues to be seen on Pierce Rd.
Northern shrike, western meadowlark, horned lark, American goldfinch, song sparrow, dark-eyed junco, and other songbirds are all present on the area. Lesser goldfinch has recently been spotted in flocks of American goldfinch. Sparrow flocks generally include song and white-crowned sparrows but should be scanned for the occasional Harris’s and white-throated sparrows. American tree sparrows are present in small flocks around the wildlife area.
Elk continue their daily movements into and out of the wildlife area. These movements generally take place after dark and before daylight but they may be observed just at dawn in some areas. During particularly cold or stormy weather, elk may move into the wildlife area and stay for up to several days before moving back into the timber.
Dogs are not permitted within the Wildlife Area, on or off leash except west of Foothill Road after August 1 and during authorized hunting seasons. For more information on access rules for the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, please consult the Oregon Game Bird Regulations or call the wildlife area (541) 963-4954. 1/11/11.
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
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.
Steelhead
-Photo by Charlotte Ganskopp-
SNAKE RIVER below HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, steelhead
Steelhead fishing below Hells Canyon Dam has been poor as a result of high muddy water. No data were available from Idaho Fish and Game surveys last week. View updates of Idaho Fish and Game surveys of steelhead fishing.
Trout fishing is fair.
Flows at the Nyssa gauge are around 11,357 cfs (Jan. 9). Flows at the Weiser gauge were 12,351 on Jan. 9. Average water temperature of the Snake River near the Weiser gauge was 33°F on Jan. 9. 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.
Steelhead
-Photo by Charlotte Ganskopp-
Weekend Fishing Opportunities:
* Sturgeon angling is good for boat anglers in the Bonneville Pool.
* Steelhead angling is fair to good 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 two adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus three unclipped steelhead released for two boats (two anglers).
The Dalles Pool:
Weekly checking showed four adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus one clipped and six unclipped steelhead released for 17 bank anglers; and no catch reported for one boat (two anglers).
John Day Pool:
Weekly checking showed one unclipped steelhead released for six bank anglers; and two adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept for three boats (six anglers).
sturgeon
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 will be 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 will be 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.
Gorge Bank:
No report.
Gorge Boats:
No report.
Troutdale Boats:
No report.
Portland to Longview Bank:
Weekly checking showed no catch for two bank anglers.
Portland to Longview Boats:
Weekend checking showed 11 sublegal sturgeon released for 22 boats (50 anglers).
Bonneville Pool:
Weekly checking showed four sublegal sturgeon released for 15 bank anglers; and five legal white sturgeon kept, plus four legal and 32 sublegal sturgeon released for three boats (seven anglers).
The Dalles Pool:
Weekly checking showed five sublegal sturgeon released for 36 bank anglers; and two legal white sturgeon kept, plus four oversize and 71 sublegal sturgeon released for 22 boats (53 anglers).
John Day Pool:
Weekly checking showed no catch for 29 bank anglers; and three oversize and 11 sublegal sturgeon released for 36 boats (77 anglers).
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 11:
* 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.
Dungeness Crab, Newport
- Photo by Kathy Munsel -
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
Couple Whale Watching
- Photo by Kathy Munsel -
Winter Whale Viewing
The winter migration of gray whales along the Oregon coast is well underway. By Dec. 28, whale watchers at the State Parks’ Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay reported sightings of more than 121 whales this month – most of them in the previous two weeks. The unusual thing about this year’s migration is that the whales are closer—usually only a mile or a mile and a half offshore.
The winter migration is short and quick – usually only about four weeks – from mid-December to mid-January. The whales are not slowed by having calves in the pod and single-mindedly drive southwards in straight lines a few miles offshore. You can see their spouts, but they are distant. About 18,000 gray whales will pass by the Oregon coast.
A gray whale's blow is up to 15 feet high, and each blow is visible for about five seconds. When warm, moist air exhaled from the animals' lungs, meets the cool air at the ocean surface, it creates the bushy column called a blow, or spout. Anticipate that the whale will dive for three to six minutes, then surface for three to five blows in row, 30 to 50 seconds apart, before diving deep for three to six minutes again.
To watch the winter migration it is best to pick a calm day and find a view point that is high enough to spot the spouts that will be a few miles offshore. Learning good binocular technique will help spot the whales. Gaze out onto the ocean, focusing on medium distances until you see a puff of white. Then raise your binoculars while continuing to look at the place you saw the puff. This technique takes some practice, but generally works better than swinging the binoculars around looking for something. Just keep your eyes focused on the whale and raise the binoculars to your eyes, looking through them, not into them.
Gray whales are the most coastal of the baleen whales and are often found within a few miles of shore as they migrate from Alaska to Baja. Gray whales have baleen instead of teeth. To feed, they fill their vast mouths with mud from the sea bottom and strain it through their baleen to capture amphipods and other small animals. This is the only type of whale to feed in this manner. The only other place on earth gray whales live is off the coast of Korea.
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