Oregon Recreation Report (Sept. 25)

Deer hunters could face more fire closures than usual

The list of private timberlands closed due to fire danger is growing due to continued dry weather. Check the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Internet site regularly to learn the access status of large private timberlands. For private and non-federal public forestlands, call the Oregon Department of Forestry field office nearest your destination (office numbers) or check with the public land manager.

Deer, bear, cougar tag sale deadline is this Friday, Sept. 28

Don’t forget to pick up your deer, bear or cougar tag by this Friday. (For controlled deer hunts, the deadline is the day before the first period of the hunt begins so this Friday for the majority of controlled hunts.) Remember big game tags are delivered by post if you order online and can take up to 10 days to be mailed.

Western Oregon hunters: Return black-tailed deer teeth

ODFW asks that successful Western Oregon deer hunters return deer teeth for population modeling. See this flyer for directions.

Respect land closures, travel restrictions…

…especially on private land so it stays open to hunters.

New resources for anglers in the SW Zone

• 50 places to Go Fishing within 60 Minutes of Medford

• Trout stocking map – Google map of all Southwest Region stocking locations

Wild coho fisheries are open

For the fourth year in a row, anglers can fish for wild coho in several coastal streams and rivers. Find all the details about where to fish, bag limits and quotas.

FISHING

Fall chinook regulations are in effect. Consult ODFW in Tillamook or the website for details.

Most wild coho fisheries opened Sept. 15, with the exception of the Alsea River and Tenmile Lake which open on Oct 1. Open days, areas and bag limits vary by basin. Consult the ODFW website for the regulations where you want to fish.

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.

Check out the new trout stocking map

Find the location and details about the many lakes ponds and streams that receive hatchery trout from ODFW’s fish hatcheries on the new Google-based fishing map.

2012 coastal chinook and coho seasons

Are now available on the ODFW website.

NORTH COAST LAKES

Cape Meares, Town, Coffenbury, Lost, and Sunset lakes were stocked the week of Sept. 17. Additional trout are scheduled to be stocked in Hebo Lake.

Warmwater fish will be more active with the approaching fall as they begin to feed heavily. Coffenbury, Cullaby, Sunset, Lytle and Vernonia lakes offer the best opportunity for bass.

MID COAST LAKES

Trout stocking of the mid coast water bodies is complete for the year with the last stocking occurring in early June. Fishing for stocked trout typically slows down by mid-summer but areas that are heavily stocked such as Big Creek and Olalla Reservoirs, Devils Lake, and Cleawox Lake will produce some trout year round.

Fishing for warm water species is fair to good in most mid coast lakes. The spring and summer months can be the most productive time to fish as water temperatures rise and fish activity increases. Largemouth bass, perch, bluegill and brown bullhead are the most common warm water fish. The Florence area offers the most opportunity along the mid coast such as Siltcoos, Tahkenitch, Woahink, Sutton, and Mercer lakes.

ALSEA RIVER: cutthroat trout, chinook

The fall chinook run has taken off on a good note. Anglers are catching fish from the jaws up through tidewater. Good returns are expected for this year. Fishing for cutthroat trout is fair to good in the mainstem and many Alsea basin tributaries for resident trout.

KILCHIS RIVER: cutthroat

Fishing for cutthroat should be fair. Sea-runs are available in tidewater and further upstream.

LOWER COLUMBIA TRIBUTARIES:

Many streams are closed to angling during September. Consult the regulations prior to fishing.

NECANICUM RIVER: cutthroat

Fishing for cutthroat should be fair to good throughout the basin. Target fresh sea-runs in tidal and lower river areas.

NEHALEM RIVER: cutthroat, chinook, coho

Fishing for cutthroat should be fair to good throughout the basin. There are chinook being caught in the lower bay up through the Wheeler area and in upper tidewater/lower river holes. A few hatchery coho should begin entering the bay also. Trolling herring near the bottom should produce the best in the lower bay. Bobber and bait is most productive further up in tidewater. The wild coho fishery is open but fishing is slow so far. Check with ODFW for open areas, bag limits and catch updates.

NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: steelhead, chinook, cutthroat, coho

Fishing for summer steelhead is fair. Early morning or late evening is the best time to target them. Quite a few summer steelhead have been recycled from Cedar Creek hatchery over the last weeks to the lower river. Fall chinook angling in tidewater is slow, but showing some signs of improving. Fishing for cutthroat throughout the basin should be fair. Use flies or small spinners fished in the riffles or pools to target these fish. The wild coho fishery is open on Sunday and Monday each week with a quota of 250 wild coho. There were no wild coho retained during the first open period. Check with ODFW for open areas, bag limits, and catch updates.

SILETZ RIVER: steelhead, cutthroat trout, chinook, coho

The fall chinook run is producing fair to good catches through mid to lower tide water. Good numbers typically start to show this time of year. The coho fishery is starting off slow but expected to pick up in the coming weeks. Steelhead fishing is slow with the most productive area being the upper river this time of year. Early mornings tend to be the best time to catch fish with the low clear river flow. Bobber and jig, swinging lures or fly fishing are effective tactics. Cutthroat trout fishing is fair to good in the mainstem and many Siletz basin tributaries.

SIUSLAW RIVER: cutthroat trout, chinook, coho

Fall chinook fishing is producing fair to good catch rates in the lower to mid tide water area. Trolling herring near in the bottom is a good option this time of year. The coho fishery is starting off slow so far but expected to pick up soon. Cutthroat trout fishing is fair to good in the mainstem Siuslaw, Lake Creek and many of the tributaries.

TILLAMOOK BAY: chinook, coho

Chinook are being caught along the jetties and some further up in the bay near Memaloose. Trolling herring has been the most productive in the lower bay, with spinners producing fish in the upper bay. Hatchery coho are moving through the bay. Casting or trolling spinners can be the best bet for coho. Retention of wild coho will be allowed Friday and Saturday each week beginning Sept. 15 with a quota of 1,000 wild coho. Catch of wild coho has been very slow so far. Check with ODFW for open areas, bag limits, and catch updates.

TRASK RIVER: steelhead, cutthroat, chinook, coho

Fishing for summer steelhead is slow to fair. Fishing for cutthroat trout is fair to good. A few chinook and hatchery coho have moved into tidewater, and some hatchery coho are also in the lower river.

WILSON RIVER: steelhead, cutthroat, chinook

Summer steelhead angling is fair. Best fishing will be in the upper river, and in early morning hours. Cutthroat are present throughout the river and fishing is fair. Very few fall chinook are in tidewater at this point.

YAQUINA RIVER: cutthroat trout, chinook, coho

The fall chinook season is producing fair catch rates from the lower bay through tidewater. Good chinook numbers typically start showing this time of year. The coho fishery is slow but should pick up shortly as fish typically move into the bay in good numbers by October. Fishing for cutthroat trout is fair to good in the mainstem Yaquina, Big Elk and many tributaries. Sea-run cutthroat trout are starting to be caught in tidewater and the lower sections of the rivers.

NORTH COAST HUNTING

OPEN: COUGAR, BEAR, ARCHERY DEER/ELK, FOREST GROUSE/QUAIL, DOVE (closes Sept. 30)

Hunters: Return black-tailed deer teeth!

ODFW asks that successful Western Oregon deer hunters return blacktailed deer teeth. See this flyer for tips on how to remove and directions.

Use the Oregon Hunting Map to see where to hunt.

Use the Oregon Hunting Map to see where to hunt.

RIFLE DEER season opens this weekend. Visit the hunting forecast to find out what to expect and please return black tailed deer teeth.

FOREST GROUSE and MTN QUAIL season opened Sept. 1. Numbers of both adults and young birds appear to be low this summer, as we have had three consecutive years with late spring/early summer periods that were relatively wet and cold. So, hunting should be slow. Ruffed grouse tend to be found along mid-slope and creek/river bottom areas, whereas blue (or sooty) grouse are almost exclusively found at higher elevations, especially ridge tops. Mountain quail are generally found in brushy clear-cut areas, especially on west and south-facing slopes. Successful grouse hunters are reminded to turn in wings and the tail of harvested grouse for population studies. Collection bags are available at regional, district and most field offices in northwestern Oregon, including Tillamook.

MOURNING DOVE season started on September 1 and goes through the end of the month. Mourning doves are rare along the north coast, but can be occasionally found in agricultural areas before colder weather arrives. They can be confused with their larger cousins – the Eurasian collared dove - which was just reclassified as unprotected as it is a non-native. Thus Eurasian collared doves can be hunted year-round, but should not be confused with the native mourning dove.

BEAR will most likely be found in close proximity to ripe berry crops from August through September, and may be active any time of day. Look for large patches of huckleberry, salal and, later on, Himalaya berry, and you will probably find bears. Fresh scat is your best indicator that one or more are working an area. Successful hunters, remember you must check in bear (skull, at a minimum) 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.

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.

COASTAL VIEWING

BROWN PELICANS are sometimes year-round residents of the north coast, but numbers of birds are increasing as fall arrives and they mass for migration southward. Large numbers of them may be seen feeding just outside estuary mouths. These seemingly awkward birds can show grace and precision when flying, often gliding for extended periods with their wing tips inches from the surface of the water. They can become rather tame, especially when hungry, but people should not feed them as feeding them is almost always to the detriment of the birds. 9/21/12

Resident and early season migrant WATERFOWL, such as mallards, pintails and Canada geese, are congregating in estuaries like the lower Columbia River, Nehalem Bay and Tillamook Bay. Look for them along the shorelines, feeding in shallow water or on mud flats. Many of the birds are now “eclipse” plumage as they are molting their feathers. These birds look less colorful than when they are in “breeding” plumage, but can still be recognized. 9/18/12

CLATSOP COUNTY

Lower Columbia River

The Twilight Eagle Sanctuary is much more than a wildlife area to view eagles. During the summer, the marsh area of Wolf Bay is alive with various birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds. One particularly conspicuous songbird is the marsh wren with its very distinctive call. The Sanctuary is located just off of Highway 30, east of Astoria. Bring your binoculars and/or spotting scope for best viewing.

Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area

Elk viewing at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area has been limited to the early morning and late evening hours. As days start to cool down with the coming of fall, elk should be out in the fields longer during daylight. Elk have been visible either along Hwy 202 or Beneke Creek Road. Most of the meadows have been mowed so visitors should be able to easily spot elk when they are out. Breeding or rutting behavior should have peaked already, but many bulls will continue to bugle for the next month. During the rut, evening viewing should be better with many viewers staying until just after dark to listen for the bull bugles and antler crashing.

Visitors are reminded that areas posted as wildlife refuge are closed to public access and posted portions of the Beneke Tract are closed to entry during any open Saddle Mt. Elk Season. 9/21/12.

TILLAMOOK COUNTY

The TILLAMOOK BAY WETLANDS AREA is located just west of Tillamook off Highway 101 at the end of Goodspeed Road. This relatively unknown, county-owned parcel is several hundred acres in size and has some great birding opportunities; both freshwater wetlands and intertidal waters. You can simply park at the gravel lot in front of the access gate and walk out the roads and dikes in the area. Recently, birds like American bitterns and white-shouldered kites have been seen there.

THREE ARCH ROCKS NWR is much quieter now that the many seabirds formerly nesting there have left. However, brown pelicans and cormorants still roost there on a regular basis. Also, peregrine falcons and bald eagles are being seen on a more regular basis. 9/18/12.

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities:

• Fish Lake has been stocked and fishing should be good for trout and spring chinook through the fall.

• Trout fishing on Lost Creek Reservoir, which has been good in recent weeks, should be even better thanks to recent stocking.

• Chinook fishing in the Coos River estuary continues to be good.

• A few wild coho continue to be caught on coastal rivers, but look for fishing to really kick off after some fall rain.

• Chinook fish continues to be good on the lower Rogue but this is the last weekend for chinook fishing on the middle part of the river, which closes to chinook on Oct. 1.

New resources for SW Zone anglers

• 50 places to Go Fishing within 60 Minutes of Medford

• Trout stocking map – Google map of all Southwest Region stocking locations

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.

2012 coastal chinook and coho seasons

Are now available on the ODFW website.

AGATE LAKE: trout, largemouth bass, black crappie

Fishing for bass, crappie, bluegill and other warmwater species should be good. The reservoir is 33 percent full. Bass anglers should try plugs and plastic worms; for crappie try jigs, small lures, and bait.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout

Most restrictions to access at the southern end of the reservoir due to nearby fires have been lifted. Road access to Seattle Bar has been restored. Hart tish boat ramp is now closed for the season. The Copper and French Gulch boat ramps are open, although the reservoir is getting close to dropping below the level of the Copper ramp.

Conditions may change and make access difficult on short notice. If you do choose to fish at Applegate call the Applegate Ranger station before heading out to get the latest closure information.

Fishing for smallmouth bass should be good, and trout angling should be improving. Trout anglers will want to fish deep or in the upper portions of the reservoir where the cooler tributaries enter. Trolling lures or flasher worm combinations at depth should produce fish as well. The reservoir is 32 percent full at this time.

APPLEGATE RIVER: rainbow and cutthroat trout, winter steelhead

The Applegate River is open for trout fishing. Two adipose fin-clipped trout may be kept per day, 8-inch minimum length. All wild rainbow and cutthroat must be released unharmed.

ARIZONA POND: rainbow trout

Slow. Arizona Pond has been lowered to help control aquatic vegetation. The pond is managed by Oregon State Parks and is open only to youth 17 and under.

BEN IRVING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, yellow perch, crappie

The reservoir has been stocked with 4,000 trout. Warmwater fishing for bass and crappie has picked up with the warmer weather. Ben Irving recieved 1,000 trout for Labor Day.

CHETCO RIVER: cutthroat trout, chinook

Chinook numbers are building in the estuary and anglers fishing the incoming tide have been faring the best. The Chetco River ocean terminal fishery begins Oct. 1. Anglers fishing the Chetco should check the regulations before heading out as there are different regulations between the ocean and river.

Even though the mainstem is closed upstream of river mile 2.2, anglers can still fish the tributaries flowing into the Chetco River for some excellent cutthroat fishing.

Temporary regulations take effect Aug. 1, 2012 on the Chetco River.

COOPER CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, yellow perch, bullhead

The reservoir has been stocked with over 8,000 trout so far this year. Remember only trout 8-inches or larger can be retained. Large yellow perch and bullhead are available to catch. Trout fishing with PowerBait has been successful. Some of the trout do have copepods which are tiny parasites on their body and gills. These are not harmful to humans, but the liasons can be removed and the meat should be throughly cooked. Bluegill are being caught on worms and provide some fun fishing for kids. Cooper Creek received 2,000 extra trout for Labor Day.

COOS COUNTY LAKES: rainbow trout, largemouth bass

The boat ramp improvements on Bradley Lake were started on Sept. 10 and the boat ramp will be closed at least through Oct. 31. Trout stocking planned for Oct. 1 will be moved to Butterfield Lake. Bradley Lake will receive 800 trout after construction in mid to late November.

Butterfield Lake, Empire Lakes, Saunders Lake, and Powers Pond will be stocked with trout during the week of Oct. 1. For Empire Lakes, Saunders Lake and Powers Pond this trout stocking will be a week earlier than previously scheduled.

Largemouth bass will become more active as water temperatures cool down. Largemouth bass can be caught on topwater baits, plastics, spinnerbaits or crankbaits. Yellow perch are biting in a few of the lakes. Yellow perch can be caught fishing with a worm on the bottom in 8-15 feet of water and usually around a drop off or some other structure change like a weed line.

COOS RIVER BASIN: Dungeness crab, bay clams, trout, salmon

Trout fishing in rivers and streams is open until Oct. 31 and the use of bait in all rivers and streams in now allowed.

Fishing for chinook salmon in the Coos Bay estuary continues to be good with anglers averaging a salmon every 14 hours of fishing this past week. The best fishing this past week has been in the lower part of Isthmus Slough, Marshfield Channel, SOMAR, Millicoma River, and South Fork Coos River. Trolling a cut plug herring behind a flasher on or near the bottom is producing the most salmon. Bank anglers casting spinners are picking up a few chinook salmon at the mouth of Daniels Creek, the upper end of Isthmus Slough near Green Acres, and at the Coos Bay city boardwalk.

A few more coho were caught this past week in Coos Bay in the lower bay and also in the Coos River. The Coos Bay wild coho fishery started on Sept. 15 and ends on Nov. 30 or until the quota of 1,200 fish is attained. Fishing for wild coho is allowed from the tips of the jetties upstream to the Dellwood trap on the South Coos River and the confluence of the East Fork and West Fork on the Millicoma. The daily bag limit is 1 wild coho per day with a seasonal limit of 5 wild coho in aggregate with all other waters in the northwest and southwest zones.

Crabbing in Coos Bay continues to be very good for those crabbing from a boat but a little slower for those crabbing from the dock. Crabbing has been good from the jetties up to the BLM boat ramp off the North Spit.

In a cooperative effort including ODFW and OSU researchers, hundreds of red rock crabs have been tagged with a small blue “floy tag” in Charleston to gain an understanding of their growth, age, movement, population size, and fishery. Red rock crabs are native to Oregon and are found in only a few Oregon estuaries. If you catch a tagged red rock crab please contact the ODFW Charleston office at 541-888-5515.

Clamming is excellent during low tides near Charleston, off Cape Arago Highway, and Clam Island. There are also good places to dig clams even on positive low tides in Coos Bay. For more information on shellfish in Coos Bay click on the following link: Shellfish Assessment of Coastal Oregon. Before any shellfish harvest trip, make sure to check the Oregon Department of Agriculture website for any updates http://oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/shellfish_status.shtml

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: Dungeness crab, trout, chinook salmon

Use of bait for trout fishing in rivers and streams above tidewater is now allowed until the end of trout season on Oct. 31. The South Fork Coquille, including tributaries, is closed to all angling from the US Forest Service boundary near Powers upstream to Coquille River Falls.

Chinook fishing on the lower Coquille has been spotty but decent. Anglers are picking up chinook salmon trolling cut plug herring in the lower Coquille River. The best fishing areas has varied from near the mouth up to Lampa Creek.

A few more wild coho were caught this past week but this is still the start of the run for coho. The Coquille wild coho fishery started on Sept. 15 and ends on Nov. 30 or until the quota of 1,500 fish is attained. Fishing for wild coho is allowed from the tips of the jetties upstream to the Highway 42S Bridge (Sturdivant Park). The daily bag limit is 1 wild coho per day with a seasonal limit of 5 wild coho in aggregate with all other waters in the northwest and southwest zones.

Crabbing has been good in the lower Coquille River around Bandon. Best crabbing is from a boat but those crabbing from Weber’s Pier are also picking up legal-size crabs.

DIAMOND LAKE: rainbow trout

The south end of the lake should continue to provide good fishing. This year’s daily limit has remained at 8 fish per angler (8 inch minimum and only 1 fish over 20 inches). Anglers using worms or flashy jigs have been successful. Trout from 10 to 18 inches or more have been caught. A 24-inch trout was caught recently. The marks indicate that it was released in 2008. Fly anglers have been picking up fish on trolled wooly buggers and drifting nymphs. Blackbird Fishing Tournament was won by a 5-pound, 15 ounce trout. Diamond Lake will close this year Nov. 1, 2012 and re-open Jan. 1, 2013. The Forest Service will close their campgrounds when they normally do. For additional information about camping contact the Forest Service at 541-498-2531.

ELK RIVER: cutthroat trout

Access is limited in the lower river, but the upper river is in USFS ownership. Elk River Hatchery is located approximately 8 miles upstream of Highway 101 and makes a good spot to stop and take a tour.

EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie

Fishing for warmwater game fish generally should be good, with anglers catching bass and black crappie this past week. The water level at Emigrant is at 38 percent of capacity. One angler recently reported catching good numbers of trout alternately trolling flies and a wedding ring/rubber worm combination.

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 Website.

EXPO POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill

Fishing for bass and panfish should be good.

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout, spring chinook

Fish Lake was stocked with 900 large rainbow trout last week, and anglers should have good success on rainbow trout, brook trout and spring chinook at Fish Lake this fall. Fish Lake is at 42 percent capacity. Some larger boats may have trouble launching at the Forest Service boat ramp as the lake elevation drops in late summer and fall.

Anglers reporting the best success are bait fishing in deeper water from boats. Numerous undersized chinook, released in June, are biting trolled gear and bait. These fish should be released carefully and not removed from the water.

ODFW has received reports of anglers catching some tiger trout (a brook trout—brown trout hybrid) stocked into Fish Lake last fall. Tiger trout must be released unharmed. It is hoped that these predatory trout will feed on the abundant minnows in the lake and grow to provide for a trophy-quality fishery in a few years. Anglers are asked to carefully release any tiger trout they catch.

FLORAS LAKE: bass, rainbow and cutthroat trout

The lake is best fished from a boat, as there is limited bank angling. The lake can be very windy, so anglers should check the weather prior to heading out.

Boat anglers are reminded to clean all aquatic vegetation off their boats and trailers before heading home to help control the spread non-native plants and animals.

GALESVILLE 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 for the last couple of years. Many people mistakenly think these fish are kokanee. All of the coho smolts are adipose fin-clipped. In Galesville Reservoir, all landlocked salmon are considered trout and are part of the five-per-day trout limit, with only one trout over 20-inches long allowed for harvest.

The reservoir has been stocked with over 8,000 trout so far this year. 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. Bass fishing is good. Call 541-837-3302 for information on camping and boat launching conditions.

GARRISON LAKE: bass, rainbow trout

For the few anglers hitting the lake, fishing has been good for trout. Trout are actively feeding on some late season hatches. Boat anglers will want to keep an eye on the weather and fish the lake when there is no wind. Access for bank anglers is best at the 12th street boat ramp or along the foredune accessed through Tseriadun State Park. 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 IN THE WOODS: trout

Hemlock Lake and Lake in the Woods have been stocked and the campgrounds are open. Fishing has been good. Both of these lakes received an additional stocking of trout for Labor Day.

HERBERT’S POND: trout, bass

Herbert’s pond is not at full pool, but has enough water to hold some warmwater fish. It is becoming very weedy.

HOWARD PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Howard Prairie is at 71 percent of capacity. Smallmouth fishing continues to be fair to good. Trout angling has been slow but will hopefully improve in coming weeks as the weather cools. Bait anglers will want to be sure the leader is long enough to get the bait above the weeds. The Howard Prairie Resort has a restaurant, camping facilities and boat rentals.

HYATT LAKE: trout, largemouth bass

Hyatt Lake is at 69 percent of capacity and water temperatures are still warm in the mid-60F range. Trout still seem to be in mid-summer mode in deeper portions of the lake. Trolling was slow over the weekend. Some trout were picked recently up on PowerBait by anglers still fishing and wind drifting near the dam.

Anglers reported good success on largemouth bass in the last week on jigs and rubber worms. Hyatt Lake has a large population of largemouth bass. Most of the bass are small, but are easy to catch making them a good target for beginning anglers. These bass provide a good chance to take some fish home for the table. The boat ramp at the Hyatt Lake Resort is no longer available, but the bait shop is open and the parking area is available for bank anglers.

Anglers should note that one BLM boat ramp is expected to remain open after Hyatt Campground closes at the end of September. The ramp at the resort is no longer available.

ILLINOIS RIVER: trout, steelhead

The Illinois River below Pomeroy Dam is open for trout fishing. In the summer the Illinois fishery is basically a catch-and-release fishery on wild trout. Adipose fin-clipped trout may be kept, but typically these fish are available only in the lower river.

Illinois River flows at Kerby

LAKE MARIE: rainbow trout

Fishing has improved recently, and anglers using worms or PowerBait have had some success. The lake has been stocked with over 5,000 trout so far this year. Lake Marie also received some additional trout for Labor Day.

LAKE SELMAC: trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie

Fishing for bass, bluegill, crappie, and other warmwater species should be good. The bluegill and crappie can be found around the willows, docks, and other types of structure.

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout.

The reservoir has been stocked with over 5,000 trout and is open for angling. Lemolo received about 1,500 lunker trout for Labor Day. It also received an additional 4,000 trout that ranged in size from sub-legal to legal-sized. The lake is open for harvest of 5 trout per day (minimum size 8 inches and only 1 over 20 inches). A 17-pound brown trout was caught by a fly angler using a float tube, and a Frisky Fly lure in June. Some nice rainbows and kokanee have also been caught. As the days cool down, fall fishing for brown trout will pick up. For additional information about the campgrounds contact the Forest Service at 541- 498-2531. For fishing and resort information contact the resort at 541-957-8354. Lemolo will close on Nov. 1, 2012 and re-open April 1, 2013.

LOON LAKE: rainbow trout, bass, bluegill

Loon Lake has been stocked with 6,500 trout so far this year. Fishing for bass and bluegill is also popular when the lake warms up. The resort and BLM boat ramps are open as are the campgrounds.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, spring chinook, bass

Fishing should be good for bass and trout anglers at Lost Creek. A health advisory for a harmful algae bloom has been issued for the reservoir, so anglers will want to take precautions to protect themselves and pets.

Lost Creek is at 44 percent capacity, and the surface temperature is 65F.

The release of 900 large rainbow trout last week will only improve trout fishing, which has been good at Lost Creek in recent weeks. Anglers reported best success trolling lures like wedding rings or still fishing with PowerBait, with one report of fish caught trolling flies. Some of the trout caught were in the 14 to 16-inch size range.

MEDCO POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill

In addition to stocked rainbow trout, Medco Pond also has good populations of bass, bluegill, and other warmwater gamefish. Medco Pond is well-suited for fishing from the bank, but anglers can use float tubes and other small watercraft as well.

PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: bottomfish, Dungeness crab, salmon

Crabbing has been good in the ocean.

Boat anglers may no longer retain cabezon but fishing for other bottom fish remains open out to 30 fathoms. Shore anglers, including shore-based divers, may still keep cabezon. The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish. There are separate daily limits for lingcod (two) and flatfish other than Pacific halibut (25). All depth bottom fishing will open back up on Oct. 1. Fishing for rockfish has been very good near Coos Bay and Bandon.

Recreational chinook salmon is open until Oct. 31 in the ocean from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain.

PLAT I RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, warm water fish

Plat I has been stocked with over 3,500 fish this spring. In addition to trout fishing, the lake also has good bass fishing. Bass can be harvested from March 1 to Oct. 31 and are catch-and-release only from Nov. 1-Feb. 29. Bass fishing has been good recently.

REINHART POND: rainbow trout, warm water fish

Reinhart Pond has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout, but this time of year anglers will want to focus on bluegill and largemouth bass.

ROGUE RIVER

To find out more about conservation, management and outreach efforts on the Rogue River, check out the Rogue River page on the ODFW Web site.

River users can find stream flows and temperatures for several Rogue River reporting stations at this website: Rogue River levels.

Rogue River, lower: chinook, coho, summer steelhead, half pounders

Chinook fishing continues to be pretty good in the bay as Indian Creek Hatchery fish have started to return. Coho numbers should continue to build through the end of September and into October. Anglers can only keep adipose fin clipped coho. Boat anglers fishing up river are having good success side drifting eggs for chinook and steelhead.

There are steelhead and half pounders throughout the river. Most anglers are picking up fish while fly fishing or tossing spinners.

On an annual basis ODFW seines the Rogue River at Huntley Park (approximately 8 miles upstream of highway 101) from July 15 to Oct. 31 to monitor salmon and steelhead migrating upstream. Anglers wanting to fish the Rogue will find this information valuable in planning when to fish. ODFW will post this information starting in August. Anglers can sign up to receive these counts by email.

Rogue River, middle: steelhead, trout, chinook

Chinook anglers will want to enjoy fishing in the middle Rogue through the weekend, because angling for chinook closes between the Hog Creek boat landing and the Gold Ray dam site on Oct. 1. Fishing for summer steelhead peaks this time of year near Grants Pass. Good early returns of summer steelhead to Cole Rivers Hatchery mean that steelhead are available. Casting Panther Martins with black bodies and gold blades can work well for steelhead in this section of the Rogue. The flow at Grants Pass was 1390 cfs and the river temperature was peaking around 62F on Sept. 24.

Rogue River, upper: steelhead, trout, spring chinook

fishing in the upper Rogue between Gold Ray and Cole Rivers Hatchery is limited to artificial flies only this time of year, any type rod and reel permitted. Please see the angling regulations for additional details.

Big returns of summer steelhead await anglers on the upper river. A total of 2,687 summers have entered Cole Rivers Hatchery as of Sept. 20, the second highest total since the year 2000, and 139 fish were new arrivals. Good numbers of trout continue to be caught as well. Releases from Lost Creek Reservoir have decreased to 1,200 cfs.

Rogue River, above Lost Creek Reservoir: trout

Fishing should be good through October for trout stocked. Most anglers are fishing either PowerBait or salmon eggs on light gear, although casting spinners and flies will work as well. In addition to stocked trout, wild rainbow, cutthroat, brown, and brook trout are found in the river and many of its tributaries.

SIXES RIVER: cutthroat

Access to Sixes River is pretty good, with Cape Blanco State Park offering some of the best trout fishing. Anglers will want to keep a good eye on the weather because it can be very windy in the lower river. There is some bank access at Highway 101, ODFW access approx. 2 miles upstream of Hwy 101 and Edson Creek.

SMITH RIVER, Umpqua: steelhead, sturgeon, striped bass

Trout fishing will close starting Sept.16. Fall chinook will start entering the Smith as summer winds down and fall occurs. No harvest of wild coho is allowed in the Smith River basin.

SODA SPRINGS RESERVOIR: brown and rainbow trout

Soda Springs Reservoir is open year-round for trout angling, but fishing is fair. Currently, due to construction at Soda Springs ladder, no boat ramp is accessible, but fishing is open from Medicine Creek bridge down to the buoy line markers mid-reservoir.

TENMILE BASIN: trout, yellow perch, bass

Trout fishing in the deeper water of the lakes continues to be decent. Trolling a wedding ring tipped with a nightcrawler has been the best way to catch these trout. If you catch a tagged rainbow trout please contact Ringo’s Lakeside Marina at 541-756-3312 for a prize.

Anglers are still reporting good catches of yellow perch with a few fish up to 13-inches long. Use a worm on a plain hook or jig tipped with a worm fished near the bottom to catch yellow perch. Fishing for perch this time of the year is usually best in water deeper than 10 feet.

Largemouth bass fishing has been a little slow on Tenmile Lakes this summer but fishing should pick up as the water temperatures cool down this fall.

TOKETEE LAKE: brown trout, rainbow trout

Fishing is open in Toketee year-round. Campground and boat ramp are now open. For more information call the U.S. Forest Service at 541-498-2531.

UMPQUA HIGH LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

Clearwater Forebay #2 was stocked with 4,000 trout this spring and received some additional trout Labor Day weekend. The other high Cascade lakes are now accessible. For brook trout anglers should try Cliff, Buckeye, Skookum (North Umpqua), Maidu, Twin and Wolf lakes. Linda and Calamut have been stocked with a native rainbow for the last couple of years. Bullpup and Fuller still have brook trout, but were also recently stocked with some fingerling native rainbows. Redtop Lake was stocked in early May and June and received some additional trout for Labor Day.

UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: steelhead, sturgeon, chinook, bass, striped bass, trout

The mainstem Umpqua is closed to wild steelhead harvest, but remains open year-round for adipose fin-clipped steelhead. Practice good angling ethics to release wild fish unharmed with a minimum of handling. Please report anybody harvesting wild steelhead to OSP. NOTE: It is illegal to keep a steelhead whose adipose fin has been freshly clipped. The number of salmon entering the lower Umpqua has increased, providing both boat and bank fishing opportunity. These fish will move up the Mainstem and provide a fishery from the estuary to River Forks. The lower river from the confluence with the ocean upstream to the Scottsburg Bridge has a quota fishery for wild coho. This area allows the harvest of one adult wild coho per day, with 2 allowed per season in aggregate with other rivers until the quota is met or until Nov. 30, whichever is first. For additional information on the wild coho fishery and the quota check the ODFW website. The Umpqua River above Scottsburg is NOT open to the harvest of wild coho. The Mainstem section from Umpqua Boat Ramp down to Osprey Boat Ramp should have some hatchery chinook staging in the area from September through early October. Chinook fishing was good in this area last weekend.

Bass fishing is still good throughout the Mainstem. The “50 Places to go fishing within 60 minutes of Roseburg,” handout which is available online or at the office, identifies several good places for bass fishing. Bass fishing can be particularly fun for kids learning how to fish. Trout season is also open. Check the angling regulations for gear and harvest restrictions.

Umpqua River flows near Elkton

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead

Anglers are catching summer steelhead and there should be a fair number of returning hatchery summer steelhead this year. Through July, over 4,500 summer steelhead have passed over Winchester Dam. Angers in both the bait area and fly water area are having some success.

Note that from July 1 through Sept. 30, angling in the fly water area is restricted to a single barbless unweighted artificial fly. The North Umpqua mainstem and the tributaries upstream of Soda Springs Reservoir are currently open and in this section of stream you can harvest 2 rainbow trout and any brook or brown trout you catch in addition to the rainbow trout.

Remember that chinook fishing is closed on the North Umpqua. Avoid walking on gravel bars or shallow areas where spring chinook are present and preparing to spawn.

North Umpqua River water levels at Winchester Dam

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: Closed until Dec. 1

The South will be closed to all angling from Sept. 16 through Nov. 30

South Umpqua River water levels near Riddle

WILLOW LAKE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, black crappie, brown bullhead

Fishing for bass, crappie and other warmwater game fish should be good. Illegally introduced yellow perch can be caught in large numbers at Willow Lake this time of year, with good success reported from bank anglers on the eastern shore of the lake recently. The simple technique of fishing nightcrawlers from the bank will work. This is a great way to introduce young children to the sport of angling. Most of the fish are small, but they can be cleaned and cooked or filleted carefully.

WINCHESTER BAY: sturgeon, chinook, rock fish

Ocean salmon fishing has been good and crabbing has also been improving. The Umpqua will be open to the harvest of wild coho starting on Sept. 15 from the jaws upstream to the Scottsburg Bridge. The Smith River is closed to wild coho harvest. This year the 3,000-fish quota is more than double what is was last year. Only 1 wild coho adult can be retained per day, with 2 allowed per season in aggregate with other rivers. Good numbers of salmon are beginning to enter the freshwater and their numbers will increase throughout September. Winchester Bay has both bank and boat angling opportunity. Check with the Coast Guard for new deadlines in the lower Umpqua when the bar is closed (541-271-4847).

During the Labor Day Salmon Derby hosted by Gardiner-Reedsport-Winchester Bay STEP, 63 percent of the 440 people entered in the derby checked a chinook in at the weigh station. The biggest chinook caught during the weekend was 38.3 pounds, with other chinook of 28.5 to 29 pounds also being caught.

WINCHUCK RIVER: cutthroat

Cutthroat fishing has been good. Even though the mainstem is closed to angling Aug. 1, anglers can fish any number of the tributaries flowing into the mainstem for cutthroat.

Temporary regulations take effect Aug. 1, 2012 on the Winchuck River.

SOUTHWEST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: COUGAR, BEAR, WESTERN OREGON DEER (opens Sept. 29) FOREST GROUSE/ QUAIL, DOVE (closes Sept. 30)

Hunters: Return black-tailed deer teeth!

ODFW asks that successful Western Oregon deer hunters return blacktailed deer teeth. See this flyer for directions.

Apply to hunt deer at C2 Ranch near Medford

Be sure to check for any fire restrictions before you go afield. Oregon Dept of Forestry has a list of fire restrictions and closures online and InciWeb has information about current fires—or check with USFS, BLM or the appropriate landowner.

Wolves and coyotes can look alike

Most wolves in the state today are in northeast Oregon but a few have dispersed further west and south. Wolves are protected by state and/or federal law and it is unlawful to shoot them. Coyote hunters need to take extra care to identify their target as wolves can look like coyotes, especially wolf pups in the mid-summer and fall. ODFW appreciates hunters’ assistance to establish wolves’ presence in Oregon; please report any wolf sightings or wolf sign to ODFW using the online reporting system.

Use the Oregon Hunting Map to see where to hunt.

COOS COUNTY

General Rifle DEER Season opens September 29. Deer abundance has been increasing in much of Coos County in recent years. In general terms deer abundance is higher in the south portions of the county that in the north. Conditions have been very dry and warm for some time. This will have an effect on deer distribution. Deer will be most abundant on north slopes near water. Locations where feed is green will be very attractive to deer because feed in other locations will be dry. Hunters should look for green feed on north slopes where water is available to find the best hunting.

BEAR season opened August 1. Several bears have been taken in the county. Himalayan black berries are ripening and bears are responding to them as a food source. Hunters should concentrate efforts on remote isolate stands of black berries as bears will be attracted to these places. Many hunters find hunting from tree stands to be a good method under these conditions, otherwise, still hunting around berry patches can be productive.

COUGAR season is open year round in Oregon until quotas for specific zones are filled. As of September 13, 53 cougars have been taken in zone A, the zone Coos County exists in. the quota for the zone is 120. Refer to page 41 of the 2012 Oregon Big Game Regulations for more information. Most successful cougar hunters scout for deer and elk and locate 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 abundance is very low in the county this year. This is due, in part to poor brood survival this summer and low numbers of adults because of poor brood survival over the past three years. Hunters interested in hunting grouse and quail may find the best hunting in areas where water is accessible for these birds. Conditions have been extremely dry through all of the month of September.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

BIG GAME:

Deer - Western Oregon General Rifle season opens up on Saturday September 29th. Deer populations are similar to last year. Hunters are reminded to obtain permission before hunting on private lands. Hunters should find deer on the northerly slopes and near water and green up areas. Check local fire restrictions due to fire danger before hunting.

Elk - A few controlled elk hunts (Melrose and Elkton) are currently open.

Cougar – Cougar season is open. Hunters can expect an average year. Cougars are abundant and widely distributed. Hunting success is best around high deer population areas using a predator call.

Bear - General bear season is open. Hunters can expect an average year. Hunters should concentrate their efforts in the berry patches in early morning and late afternoon. Bear numbers are good with the highest numbers in the coast range. Successful bear hunters are reminded there is a mandatory check-in for all harvested bear within 10 days of harvest (see regulations for details).

Western Gray Squirrel – Squirrel season is currently open. Hunters can expect an average year. Squirrels are widely distributed throughout the county with good numbers in areas of oaks and conifers. Many areas of high squirrel populations are on private lands so hunters are reminded to ask for permission on these lands before hunting.

UPLAND GAMEBIRDS:

Grouse & Quail

Hunting availability and success for forest grouse should be good this year even though production was down. 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. A good place to hunt forest grouse is the Toketee area on the Umpqua Forest where many habitat improvement projects have created a great grouse hunting opportunity. Check with the Toketee ranger station for details on the locations of these projects. Hunters that kill grouse are asked to drop off in a paper bag the frozen wing and tail of each grouse at the local ODFW office. Please use one bird per bag with each frozen bag of grouse parts including the species, sex, age, unit and general area of harvest for proper analysis.

Nesting season production was below average for California quail and Mountain quail, but hunting opportunity should still be good. 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. Hunters are also asked if they kill a mountain quail to drop off in a paper bag the frozen wing and tail of each mountain quail at the local ODFW office. Please use one bird per bag with each frozen bag of mountain quail parts including the species, sex, age, unit and general area of harvest for proper analysis.

MIGRATORY GAMEBIRDS:

Mourning Doves - The season ends Sept. 30th. Don’t forget to ask for permission from local landowners before hunting doves on private land.

Crow – Crow season opens up October 1st. 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.

Furbearers – Harvest season is currently closed but pursuit season is currently open for bobcat fox and raccoon.

Furbearers – Harvest season is currently closed but pursuit season is currently open for bobcat fox and raccoon.

JACKSON, JOSEPHINE, CURRY COUNTIES

DENMAN WILDLIFE AREA: New this year, a parking permit is needed to park at Denman. Hunters get the permit free with their purchase of an annual hunting license. Display on car dash. More information

UPLAND GAMEBIRDS:

GROUSE and QUAIL surveys showed better nesting success than last year. Look for mountain quail in brush thickets and old clearcuts near water. Ruffed grouse can be found along streams or near springs at middle elevations, and blue grouse can be found at higher elevations. Hot weather will keep birds near water sources.

MOURNING DOVE hunting was fair on the Denman Wildlife Area opening weekend. New birds will move into the area throughout the month of September.

RIFLE DEER season opens Sept. 29. Deer surveys show a slight decrease in our trend numbers with buck ratios remaining high. Black-tailed deer in Jackson County mostly migrate from high elevation to lower elevations of the valley floor. Most deer will be in high elevations through September. Although there is a growing population of deer that remain in the valley floor, hunters need to be aware of private property. In Josephine and Curry Counties deer migrate very little and hunters can find deer at all elevations. This year we have a heavy acorn crop, deer will take advantage of the acorns in our late fall season. Fire levels are set at high, which imposes restrictions on camp fires and vehicle activities. Check local Forest Service and State Forest web sites for updated fire restrictions.

BEAR general season opened August 1. Hunters can expect another average year. Bear numbers continue to be abundant. With hot dry weather which is typical for this time of year, bears will be found around cooler wet drainages. As the berry crops become ripe hunters should look in these areas to find bears. The best times to look for bears are in the early morning and late evenings. Successful bear hunters are reminded there is a mandatory check-in for all harvested bear within 10 days of harvest (see regulations for details).

Youth Elk season started August 1 for units in our area. This is a great opportunity for the youth to harvest an elk. These hunts are designed to provide young hunters with a safe, well supervised, low-stress setting where they can enjoy the hunt while building fundamental skills. A reminder that youth are required to wear hunter orange.

COUGAR general season is open state wide year-round or until zone quotas are met. Refer to regulations for more information. Hunters are beginning to go out in the field after deer and elk which is prey for cougars. Hunters are encouraged to carry a cougar tag while hunting other animals like deer and elk, you never know when an opportunity will come available. Most cougar hunters’ success comes from predator calls.

WESTERN GRAY SQUIRREL is open only in the year-around portion of the Rogue Unit, check Big Game Regulations for area descriptions. Squirrels can be found in oak or mixed conifer stands. This is a great animal to hunt for first time hunters.

COYOTES are abundant in our area. Remember to ask for permission to hunt on private lands.

Furbearers – Harvest season is currently closed but pursuit season is currently open for bobcat fox and raccoon.

SOUTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

COOS COUNTY

Shorebirds are beginning to migrate south for winter. Large numbers of them representing a variety of species can be seen along coastal beaches and in local bays at low tide. Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge along the lower Coquille River is an excellent place to see these birds. Also, mud flats visible from Cape Arago Hwy in Coos Bay are good places. Check tide tables for low tides. These birds will begin to congregate on mud flats as the water recedes from the flats well before peak low tide.

Many seabirds that nest on Oregon’s offshore islands, rocks and headlands may be found in congregation near these features. Species include common murres, pigeon guillemots, puffins and cormorants. Good places to see these birds are Cape Arago, Coquille Point and jetties associated with river mouths. Remember to stay well back from nesting areas and use optics to do the up-close viewing. Most offshore islands and rocks are places where public access is prohibited.

Baitfish such as sardines, herring and smelt are in the local bays and near shore in Coos County right now. These fish attract birds that feed on them. Large numbers of California brown pelicans, common murres, terns and other birds can be seen in these areas feeding on schools of fish. At times, the activity can be spectacular to watch.

Black bears are actively feeding on Himalayan black berries. These berries can be found in clear cuts, along some forest roads and in other forest openings. Now is a good time to see these animals as they feed on berries. Generally, bears will not approach berry stands except just before dark and immediately after daylight. At mid-day bears generally bed in unapproachable locations on hillsides. 9/18/12.

CURRY, JACKSON, JOSEPHINE COUNTIES

Quail, grouse, turkeys

Quail and Grouse broods are now being seen on backcountry and mountain roads. Traveling these roads in early morning and late evenings may bring you across a covey of mountain or California quail or perhaps rough or blue grouse with a brood of young tagging along. They are often seen along roads that have several springs or creek crossings. Also, a brood of turkeys may be seen.

Denman Wildlife Area

Many people are visiting the area for fishing opportunities where bass, blue gills and bullhead catfish are caught.

Upper and Lower Table Rocks

Two great hikes take you through habitats that range from oak savanna and chaparral to woodland. On the summit, a diversity of wildflowers and wildlife can be found along the trails. Spring can provide some of the best viewing times. More information.

Lost Creek Lake

Lost Creek Lake provides 30 miles of trails which includes portions of the Rogue River National Recreation Trail. Along the lake and riverbanks, a wide variety of wildlife and wild flowers can be observed. During spring and early summer months deer with their young may be seen early in the mornings and late evenings along waterways. A brochure of the trail system can be picked up at federal land agency and visitor centers in the area.

As of Jan. 1, 2012, Denman Wildlife Area requires a $7 daily parking permit or a $22 annual parking permit. A free Parking Permit will be included with an annual Oregon hunting license; combination fishing and hunting license; and Sports Pac. More information

On the Coast

California brown pelicans

California brown pelican numbers are increasing along the coast. Many of these birds are migrating up the coast to summer here and farther north. When conditions are windy, as they commonly are in summer on the coast, these birds will fly very close to beaches and will occasionally congregate behind jetties and other points to rest. These resting flocks can be hundreds strong, creating a great viewing opportunity. Bring your binoculars. 8/7/12

DOUGLAS COUNTY

Vaux Swifts

Vaux swifts can be observed at Fir Grove Park, downtown Roseburg and other areas gathering for their annual fall migration at dusk. Look for the awesome aerial displays the last hour of daylight with congregating swifts flying in concentrations forming large vortex's before dropping into the top of their night roosting site.

Migrating Birds

Many species of birds are starting their southward migration so look for species congregating at roosts and feeders or in the air just before or during migration. Some migratory species to watch are: ospreys, turkey vultures, swifts, swallows, cedar waxwings, and some species of flycatchers, warblers, finches and shorebirds.

Western Pond Turtles

Western pond turtles can be seen basking in the late summer sun in local ponds (Stewart Park) and reservoirs (Cooper Creek, Galesville, Berry Creek. Plat I, etc.).

Turkey Vultures

Turkey vultures are starting to migrate. Watch for migration roosts where many vultures congregate in groups in anticipation of the coming migration. Over a three week period and by mid-October all vultures will have migrated south. The vultures migrate in large groups (called a “kettle” of vultures) from 12 to 500 with the average being around 40 by riding hot air updrafts and southern thermals late in the afternoons. You can observe the beginning of the migration by looking very high in the sky in the afternoon to see a kettle of vultures soaring on the thermals heading south.

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities:

• St. Louis Ponds will remain open through the month of October, with periodic trout stockings, to give anglers the opportunity to check out the new ADA-accessible fishing platforms, docks, and footpaths. The gate to the fishing park will be closed Nov. 1, although fishing is still allowed for those who are willing to walk in.

• Henry Hagg Lake will receive 8,000 legal-sized hatchery trout this week.

• Coho are starting to show up in the Santiam River and other tributaries above Willamette Falls.

• Spring chinook fishing has been fair to good on the Sandy River, particularly from the old Marmot Dam site upstream to the deadline at the mouth of the Salmon River.

• Warmwater fishing has been good on the Willamette River and Multnomah Channel.

• The Clackamas Hatchery is recycling steelhead into the Clackamas River at Riverside Park

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

Check out the new trout stocking map

Find the location and details about the many lakes ponds and streams that receive hatchery trout from ODFW’s fish hatcheries on the new Google-based fishing map.

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL: trout

The Alton Baker Canoe Canal is open all year and will be stocked weekly through middle November at multiple locations with a total of 550 fish, including 50 one-pounders. The canoe canal 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 Two-Rod Validation has been purchased.

BENSON LAKE: rainbow trout, white crappie, largemouth bass, brown bullhead

Stocked the week of June 4 with 4,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 40-acre lake located in Benson Lake State Park near the Columbia River. Take the Benson State Park exit just before Multnomah Falls off of I-84 going east.

BETHANY POND: rainbow trout

Stocked the week of April 30 with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 10-acre pond located at Bethany west of Portland. Take 185th Exit from Hwy 26 north to Bethany.

BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

Blue River Reservoir was last stocked for the season in early July. Blue River Reservoir is located east of Eugene near the town of Blue River, north of Highway 126 and is open to year-round fishing.

BLUE RIVER above BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout

Blue River above Blue River Reservoir was last stocked for the season in early July.

BREITENBUSH RIVER: trout

This scenic river flows for approximately 30 miles into Detroit Reservoir. It was stocked in late July with another 1,800 legal-size rainbows. Because the water runs cold throughout the year there are usually good numbers of fish throughout the summer. Forest Road 46 runs along most of its length so access is very good despite some steep and brushy sections. The river has some native rainbow and cutthroat trout and a few brook trout might also be found. Daily limit is five trout over 8 inches, no limit on brook trout and the use of bait is allowed. The river is closed to salmon fishing.

CARMEN RESERVOIR: trout

Carmen Reservoir was stocked for the season the week of July 30. Carmen Reservoir is accessed via FS Road 750 off Hwy 126, about 2 miles south of Clear Lake. Motor boats are prohibited on Carmen Reservoir.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: summer steelhead, spring chinook

The flows on the Clackamas have held steady for several weeks straight now and the river is still very low as the dry September continues. The lack of water has limited sleds traveling any distance up and down the river so boaters need to be cautious; drift boats are finding thin spots as well, maybe doing some dragging to get by, but still making it. Angling effort has been sparse with summer steelhead and springer catch rates slow; anglers have been hooking most of the summers from Barton upstream while the spring chinook catch has been from below Rivermill Dam on up to below Cazadero. This late into the springer season the quality of the chinook caught will likely be marginal but steelhead should still be holding up.

The Clackamas Hatchery has recycled more than 1,100 summer steelhead back down to Riverside Park and these fish can be identified by a “hole punch” in their gill plate. More than 2,000 spring chinook have also made their way back into the hatchery trap.

Sunday hydrological data for the Clackamas has flows at 1,010 cfs, a gauge height in Estacada of 11.02 ft. and the water temperature down slightly to 55°.

CLEAR LAKE: trout

Clear Lake was last stocked for the season at the end of August. Clear Lake is accessed from Highway 126 approximately 70 miles east of Springfield. There is no limit on the size or number of brook trout taken from the lake. Cabins and row boats are available for rent from Clear Lake Resort.

COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: trout

The Coast Fork of the Willamette River was last stocked for the season in mid-May.

COMMONWEALTH LAKE: trout

Stocked the week of April 30 with 2,250 legal-sized rainbow trout. Commonwealth is a 3-acre lake in Cedar Hills. From the Sunset Hwy take Cedar Hills Blvd. south ½ mile. Turn right on Foothills Drive and follow to lake.

COTTAGE GROVE RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

Cottage Grove Reservoir was last stocked in mid-April. It will be stocked again in October. Warmwater fish and holdover trout are available to anglers. The reservoir is south of Cottage Grove.

NOTICE: The Oregon Health Authority has issued a new health advisory updating information about eating fish caught in Cottage Grove Reservoir. Under the advisory issued June 5, 2012 people can safely consume up to nine meals per month of hatchery-grown rainbow trout month that are 12 inches in length or less. People can distinguish hatchery-grown rainbow trout by the absence of the adipose fin, which is clipped before hatchery fish are released into streams and reservoirs. Despite the new exception for rainbow trout, mercury contamination for resident warm-water fish, including bass, bluegill, crappie and bullhead continues to be a concern. Women of childbearing age, particularly pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under six years of age and persons having liver or kidney ailments should avoid eating any fish from this reservoir other than rainbow trout. Healthy women beyond childbearing age, other healthy adults and healthy children six years of age and older should eat no more than one 8-ounce meal of fish other than rainbow trout per month.

CRESWELL POND (GARDEN LAKE): trout, warmwater species

Garden Lake was last stocked for the season in early April. Garden Lake, also known as Creswell Pond, is located in Garden Lake Park in Creswell and is visible on the east side of I-5.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout, kokanee

Located 50 miles east of Salem, this large lake (approx. 3,000 acres at full pool) receives over 100,000 trout throughout the year. It will receive another stocking of 5,000 legal-size rainbow trout this week. The water level is currently 27 feet below full pool (as of Sept. 24). Check with local outfitters in the town of Detroit to find out more.

DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout

Dexter Reservoir was last stocked in early May. It will be stocked this week for the last time this year with 2,000 one-pound fish. Dexter Reservoir is adjacent to Highway 58 near Lowell.

NOTICE: A health advisory was issued Aug. 13 due to visible scum observed on Dexter Reservoir. A water sample was taken to determine the species and cell count of the blue-green algae present which could be associated with harmful cyanotoxin concentrations. Swallowing or inhaling water droplets should be avoided, as well as skin contact with water.

DORENA RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater

Dorena Reservoir was last stocked in late April. It will be stocked again in mid-October. Dorena Reservoir is east of Cottage Grove on Row River Road.

NOTICE: The Oregon Health Authority has issued a new health advisory updating information about eating fish caught in Dorena Reservoir. Under the advisory issued June 5, 2012 people can safely consume up to 13 meals per month of hatchery-grown rainbow trout 12 inches in length or less Children six years of age and younger should not eat more than one 4-ounce meal of fish other than rainbow trout every two months. Women of childbearing age, including pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, should not eat more than one 8-ounce meal of fish per month other than rainbow trout. Women beyond the age of childbearing, children six years of age and older and other healthy adults should not eat more than one 8-ounce meal of fish other than rainbow trout every two weeks.

A health advisory was issued for blue-green algae for Dorena Reservoir July 31. See http://public.health.oregon.gov/HealthyEnvironments/Recreation/HarmfulAlgaeBlooms/Pages/Blue-GreenAlgaeAdvisories.aspx for additional information.

EAGLE CREEK: spring chinook

Anglers trying Eagle Creek for springer action should figure that this fishery is about over for the year although a few fish could be holding in the deeper, cooler pools between Eagle Fern Park and the hatchery. It won’t be long after the first fall rains come that coho will be entering the system.

Long stretches of Eagle Creek run through private property, particularly up near the hatchery and from an area below the lower ladder on down past Bonnie Lure to the mouth. Anglers are advised to pay close attention to where you fish and we encourage you to ask permission prior to accessing or crossing private lands on your way to your favorite fishing hole. See Page 15 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulation pamphlet for more information on “Your Rights to Use the Surface, Bed, and Banks of Oregon’s Rivers and Lakes”.

EAST FREEWAY LAKE: trout, bass, bluegill, crappie

This pond features some good size bass and crappie. A boat ramp is available. To get there take the State Police exit in Albany and follow the frontage road south (3 Lakes Road) for several miles.

ESTACADA Lake: trout, steelhead, chinook, coho

Stocked the week of Sept. 17 with 1,750 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a supplemental stocking to the Aug. 27 release of 3,200 legal-sized rainbow trout. Estacada is a 150-acre reservoir on the Clackamas River behind River Mill Dam. There is a fishing dock and ADA-accessible fishing platform that provide the only non-boating access. There is a boat ramp in Milo McIver State Park at the lower end of the reservoir, picnic areas, and restrooms. There is a fee for entering the park.

FALL CREEK above Fall Creek Reservoir: trout

Fall Creek above Fall Creek Reservoir was last stocked for the season in mid-June. Non-adipose fin-clipped trout are available for harvest from Fall Creek.

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 water body. 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 in recent years. Best time of year for crappie is in spring after the water temperature reaches the mid-50s, but fish can still be found in deeper water year round. July and August are peak months for largemouth bass. Fish the shoreline along the southern part of the reservoir, especially the sloughs and inlets where there is underwater structure. The reservoir is currently1.5 feet below full.

A health advisory was issued for blue-green algae for Fern Ridge Reservoir on Sept. 21. The public is advised to avoid drinking the water or swimming in the water. See http://public.health.oregon.gov/HealthyEnvironments/Recreation/HarmfulAlgaeBlooms/Pages/Blue-GreenAlgaeAdvisories.aspx for additional information.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish

This scenic 1,200 acre reservoir on the South Santiam River is located just 30 minutes from Interstate 5. There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and two boat ramps. It was stocked the week of Sept. 17 with 5,000 legal size rainbow trout. It will receive another 5,000 rainbow trout this week. Currently the reservoir is 5 feet below full pool (as of Sept. 24). 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.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: kokanee, trout, bass

This large reservoir east of Sweet Home is a premiere kokanee fishery with bag limit of 25 fish per day. It also supports stocked rainbow trout and some large smallmouth bass. Reservoir levels are approximately 41 feet below full pool (as of Sept. 24). Thistle Creek and Whitcomb Creek boat ramps are currently open. Fishing is excellent at the moment. Most kokanee are being caught at depths between 50 and 60 feet. It was stocked May 9 with 6,000 legal-sized rainbow trout.

HARRIET LAKE: trout

Stocked the week of Aug. 27 with 4,000 legal-sized rainbow trout and 1,000 trophy trout weighing up to 3 pounds apiece. Harriet is a 23-acre reservoir on Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River in the Mt. Hood National Forest, beyond Estacada and Ripple Brook Ranger Station on USFS roads.

HARTMAN POND: trout

Stocked the week of June 4 with 1,250 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 20-acre pond located by the Columbia River just before Multnomah Falls off of Hwy. I-84. Take the Benson Lake State Park exit going east. Pond is on the right.

HENRY HAGG LAKE: trout, bass, crappie, brown bullhead

Stocked the week of Sept. 24 with 8,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 1,110-acre lake 7 miles SW of Forest Grove off of Hwy 47; follow Scoggins Valley Rd about 3 miles to the lake.

HIGH MOUNTAIN LAKES: trout (rainbow, brook, cutthroat)

There are many high mountain lakes available in the area for day use or overnight camping that require only a short hike into them. Many are easy day hikes, perfect for packing in a lunch and doing some fishing then heading home in early evening. Fishing is often best in the early morning and early evening hours. Some of these waters get very little use, and anglers will often find the solitude incredible. If you plan to camp overnight keep in mind that night temperatures at the higher elevation can be quite chilly. Maps should be available from the local U.S. Forest Service office.

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater

Recent creel reports suggest anglers continue to catch fish where the Middle Fork Willamette River enters Hills Creek Reservoir near Bingham Bridge. Many of the fish caught are wild rainbow and chinook salmon, although a recent hatchery release of 6,000 trophy rainbow trout split between the 3 reservoir boat ramps have been showing up in angler catches. All non-adipose fin-clipped trout and salmon must be released unharmed.

HILLS CREEK above HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

Hills Creek above Hills Creek Reservoir was last stocked for the season in late May.

Note that the angling regulations listed in the 2012 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for “Hills Creek and tributaries upstream from Hills Creek Reservoir” are specific to Hills Creek and its tributaries. The Middle Fork Willamette River upstream from Hills Creek Reservoir has its own set of regulations and is not regulated under Hills Creek and tributaries upstream from Hills Creek Reservoir.

JUNCTION CITY POND: trout, crappie

It was stocked the week of June 4 with 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout; due to increasing summer water temperatures, this will be the last stocking of the season. As a reminder, zone regulations apply: five trout daily may be kept and only one over 20 inches. 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

Leaburg Lake was last stocked for the season in late August. It will remain open to angling through Oct. 31. Only adipose fin-clipped trout may be harvested. Two-rod angling is allowed with a Two-Rod Validation.

MCKENZIE RIVER below Leaburg Lake: trout, salmon, steelhead

The McKenzie River below Leaburg Lake was last stocked for the season in mid-September from the Town of Leaburg to Hendricks Bridge Wayside. Only adipose fin-clipped trout may be taken down to Hayden Bridge. No trout harvest is allowed below Hayden Bridge.

MCKENZIE RIVER above Leaburg Lake: trout, steelhead

The McKenzie River above Leaburg Lake was last boat stocked for the season from Finn Rock to Goodpasture Bridge in late August and last truck stocked for the season at the boat ramps in early September. Only adipose fin-clipped trout may be harvested. Angling is open through Oct. 31.

MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER above Hills Creek Reservoir: trout

The Middle Fork Willamette River above Hills Creek Reservoir was last stocked for the season in late June. Only adipose-fin clipped trout may be harvested and flies or lures must be used. Angling is open through Oct. 31.

MOLALLA RIVER: steelhead, spring chinook

The Molalla flows are at summer levels but the river is still fishable for drift boat and bank anglers wanting to hook into steelhead or spring chinook. There has been an occasional fin-clipped summer steelhead hooked in the lower river as these fish nose in from warmer water of the Willamette. Spring chinook can also be found that return from annual direct releases of smolts. Now that the chinook passage counts have surpassed 35,000 at Willamette Falls anglers can expect a few hundred springers to have entered the river. The Molalla is open for adipose fin-clipped chinook and adipose fin-clipped steelhead the entire year, with the use of bait allowed May 15-July 15 but the use of single barbless hooks is encouraged. Refer to the 2012 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for more information.

MT HOOD POND: trout

The planned release of trout this week has been canceled due to water quality issues. This five-acre pond is on the Mt. Hood Community College Campus in Gresham. The pond is now open to all licensed and juvenile anglers since the restriction limiting access to anglers 17 and under as well as those in possession of ODFW’s Disabled Angler Permit from April 1 through Aug. 31 has now been lifted.

NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: trout, salmon, steelhead

Stocked the week of Sept. 17 with 6,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 350-acre reservoir of the Clackamas River behind North Form Dam approximately 5.2 miles east of Estacada.

NORTH AND SOUTH SANTIAM: steelhead, trout

Extra water is slowly being released out of Detroit and Foster reservoirs, so flows have increased to around 2,450 cfs at Mehama on the North Fork and around 1,610 cfs on the South at Waterloo and are expected to continue on this trajectory for the next week. Most of the salmon and steelhead have moved into the upper sections of the river. Based on video monitoring at Bennett dam near Stayton, approximately 3,800 summer steelhead have moved into the upper North Santiam. Over on the South Santiam, 8,400 summer steelhead captured at Foster have been recycled to Waterloo boatramp as of Sept. 24. As a reminder, the retention of chinook is prohibited between Aug. 15 and Nov. 1 in order to protect spawning fish. If you see chinook spawning please do not disturb them or their beds and refrain from wading or swimming near their spawning grounds to ensure future fishing opportunities. The first coho are beginning their run up the Santiam and can be found in small numbers below Mehama. Already 1,446 coho have crossed above Willamette Falls, as of Sept. 17. Bobber and jigs are the preferred method but spoons and egg clusters have also been effective.

River levels best for fishing are below 3,000 cfs at the Mehama gauge. Check for current conditions at http://waterdata.usgs.gov.

The section between Shelburn and Green’s Bridge remains hazardous for boaters because of downed trees and multiple side channels. Better bets are the floats below Green’s Bridge and above Stayton when conditions improve.

PROGRESS LAKE: trout

Stocked June 21 with 600 legal-sized rainbow trout and 50 trout in the 3-4 pound class. Progress Lake is a four-acre lake located between Scholls Ferry Rd. and SW Barrows Rd. in South Beaverton, next to Progress Ridge Town Center.

QUARTZVILLE CREEK: trout

This beautiful stream is located above Green Peter Reservoir and provides excellent opportunities to fish for trout. There is good bank access along most of its length. Trout season opened April 28 and ends Oct. 31. The river was stocked on July 11 with 2,000 rainbow trout. This river also provides opportunities to catch some nice wild cutthroat trout. Light gear works best and fly fishing can be very good, but bait is also allowed. There are two BLM campgrounds as well as numerous designated campsites along the road. To get there, follow the directions to Green Peter Reservoir and continue around the lake until the river begins.

SALMON CREEK: trout

Salmon Creek was last stocked for the season in late August. The creek is open to use of bait and harvest through Oct. 31.

SALT CREEK: trout

Salt Creek was last stocked for the season in early-mid July. Salt Creek is a tributary to the Middle Fork Willamette River east of Oakridge. The creek is open to use of bait and harvest through Oct. 31.

SANDY RIVER: summer steelhead, spring chinook

The Sandy River conditions are continuing to look much like recent weeks as the dry weather hangs on, but the river is in good condition for late summer fishing. The summer steelhead and spring chinook fisheries have about ended while anglers wait for fall rains and coho. Reports are that a few coho have been landed in the lower river with a scattering of silvers up as far as Cedar Creek but until some rain arrives don’t expect much in the coho fishery.

Sunday hydrological data shows the Sandy River at 359 cfs with a gauge height reading of 7.80 ft. and the water temperature falling to 51°.

NOTE: The Sandy River upstream of its confluence with the Salmon River, including the Salmon River, is closed to the harvest of summer steelhead through Aug. 31 under temporary rules. The area will remain closed to angling for steelhead or spring chinook after Aug. 31 under permanent rules.

SANTIAM RIVER NORTH FORK above Detroit Lake: trout

This beautiful section of the river was stocked with another 3,000 legal rainbows last week. River stocking typically takes place at multiple locations from the Downing Creek tributary downstream to the city of Idanha. Please be aware that this section of river above Detroit Lake is closed to salmon fishing.

SCOUT LAKE: trout

Hwy. 30 toward Clatskanie; take the Swedetown Rd. exit; follow Swedetown Rd. about a quarter of a mile to Olson Rd. Turn right onto Olson Rd. Follow Scout Lake signs posted along Olson Road about three miles to locked gate. From there hike in about a mile to the lake or sign out a key to the gate from the City of Clatskanie at 95 S. Nehalem and drive in. For more information, contact the City of Clatskanie at 503-728-2622.

SILVER CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

Stocked the week of June 18 with 2,600 legal-sized rainbow trout and 250 one-pounders. This is a 65-acre reservoir on Silver Creek 2.5 miles south of Silverton on Hwy 214.

SMALL FRY LAKE: trout

Stocked the week of Sept. 17 with 300 legal-sized rainbow trout. This youth-only pond was also stocked the week of Aug. 27 with 200 legal-sized rainbow trout. Small Fry is located on the Clackamas River 7 miles south of Estacada off of Hwy 224, just a short distance from North Fork Reservoir at Promitory Park. Angling restricted to youths ages 17 and under.

SMITH RESERVOIR: trout

Smith Reservoir was last stocked for the season in late June. Smith Reservoir is north of Trail Bridge Reservoir and is accessed by turning off Hwy 126 at Trail Bridge Reservoir and following FS Road 730 north to Smith Dam. The reservoir is not visible from the highway and is open to year-around angling.

SOUTH FORK YAMHILL RIVER: rainbow trout, cutthroat trout

Stocked the week of June 4 with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. Anglers can keep up to five trout, of which only two can be wild. Hatchery trout are stocked from the town of Willamina upstream about 3 miles to the Gold Creek Bridge. This bag limit applies in the South Yamhill from its confluence with the North Yamhill upstream to the mouth of Rock Creek, near the town of Grande Ronde. Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures.

ST. LOUIS PONDS: trout, bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, channel catfish

St. Louis Ponds will remain open through the month of October, with periodic trout stockings, to give anglers the opportunity to check out the new ADA-accessible fishing platforms, docks, and footpaths. The gate to the fishing park will be closed Nov. 1, although fishing is still allowed for those who are willing to walk in. The ponds are located west of I-5 about 15 miles north of Salem and 2 miles West of Gervais. From Gervais, take St Louis Rd west to Tesch Lane, turn left onto Tesch Lane and follow road into the St. Louis Ponds public fishing area.

SUNNYSIDE PARK POND: trout, bass, bluegill

This 4-acre pond is located 2 miles above the upper end of Foster Reservoir. It was last stocked June 8 with 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout and slightly over 500 “pounders.” It also offers bluegill and largemouth bass year round. The park has a campground and picnic area and is a great place to take kids fishing. There is also a boat ramp access to the Middle Fork arm of Foster Reservoir. To get there from I5, take US 20 through the town of Sweet Home and continue around Foster Reservoir to Quartzville Creek road. Take a left and follow this road for two miles to the park.

TIMOTHY LAKE: trout

Stocked the week of June 11 with 3,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is in addition to another 5,000 trout stocked the previous week. Timothy is a 1,400-acre lake about 80 miles east of Portland past Mt. Hood. From Hwy 26 turn onto Forest Rd 42 (Skyline Rd), and then west to Forest Rd 57.

TRAIL BRIDGE RESERVOIR: trout

Trail Bridge Reservoir was last stocked for the season in early August, although it is open to year-round angling. Only adipose fin-clipped trout may be harvested from Trail Bridge Reservoir. Flies and lures only may be used. Trail Bridge Reservoir is adjacent to Hwy 126 and is approximately 60 miles east of Springfield. Only adipose fin-clipped trout may be harvested from Trail Bridge Reservoir. Flies and lures only may be used. Trail Bridge Reservoir is adjacent to Hwy 126 and is approximately 60 miles east of Springfield.

TRILLIUM LAKE: trout

Stocked the week of Aug. 27 with 5,000 legal-sized rainbow trout and 1,000 trophy trout. This is a 60-acre lake located about 3 miles east of Government Camp off of Hwy. 26.

WALLING POND: trout, crappie, bass

This pond was last stocked for the summer season on May 9 with 300 legal-sized rainbow trout. As a reminder, brooders are considered trout so zone regulations apply: five trout daily may be kept and only one over 20 inches. The pond is located within the Salem city limits west of I-5. Take Turner Road off Mission Street. As a reminder, only one trout over 20 inches may be kept per day.

WALTER WIRTH LAKE: trout, crappie, bass

Walter Wirth Lake was stocked on June 6 with 2,000 legal- and 250 larger-sized rainbow trout. As a reminder, brooders are considered trout so zone regulations apply: five trout daily may be kept and only one over 20 inches. 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 POND: trout, bluegill, catfish

This 8-acre pond in downtown Albany was stocked May 18 with 1,660 legal and 20 larger size rainbow trout. Please be aware, only one fish over 20 inches may be kept. From I-5 take exit 234 west towards Albany. Pond is a quarter mile on the right.

WEST SALISH POND: panfish, trout

The Salish Ponds Wetlands Park has been closed by the City of Fairview as an extensive renovation project gets underway. ODFW will likely not be stocking West Salish Pond again until late September of 2012.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: coho, warmwater species

Willamette Falls passage counts for adult and jack spring chinook have ended effective Aug. 15 while summer stelhead counts will continue for awhile longer. Summer steelhead passage increased to 24,347 through Sept 14 while coho adult counts reached 182 through the same date. The unofficial season-ending count for spring chinook passage stands at 35,899.

Given the low coho passage counts for mid-September, anglers fishing above Willamette Falls can expect reduced opportunity for these salmon as compared to the recent years of exceptional upstream migration numbers

Anglers will find that the Willamette provides a great warm water fishery in the summer months. You can expect to find abundant bass, crappie, bluegill and perch. Target the rocky outcroppings, structures or old pilings mainly along the shorelines; side channels with slow water can also produce. The local tackle shops can set you up with the right gear and direct you to the best spots.

Hydro readings at Willamette Falls on Sept. 23 show flows up at 11,700 cfs, visibility near 8.0 ft., and the water temperature down near 62°.

WILLAMETTE ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: RIFLE DEER (opens Sept. 29), COUGAR, BEAR, FOREST GROUSE/ QUAIL, DOVE (closes Sept 30)

Hunters: Return black-tailed deer teeth!

ODFW asks that successful Western Oregon deer hunters return blacktailed deer teeth. See this flyer for directions

EVENTS

SATURDAY, OCT. 6 - SAUVIE ISLAND BLIND BUILDING DAY -- Sauvie Island Wildlife Area host a blind-building day on Saturday Oct. 6 in preparation for the upcoming waterfowl hunting season. Volunteers interested in helping out are invited to join the work party at the Eastside Shop around 7:30 a.m. and begin work shortly thereafter, following a brief safety meeting. Activities will wrap up around 1 p.m. with a barbecue lunch. For more information, call the wildlife area at 503-621-3488, ext. 222 and leave a message with the number of people in the party that will be attending. Participants are reminded to dress for October weather and bring gloves, water and snacks.

Hunter orange required for youth

Don’t forget: hunters age 17 and under must wear a fluorescent orange upper garment OR hat when hunting upland game birds (except turkey) and game mammals (deer, elk, bear, cougar, pronghorn, goat, sheep, and western gray squirrel) with a firearm.

Use the Oregon Hunting Map to see where to hunt.

Hunters are reminded that hot, dry weather conditions have created fire safety concerns for landowners. Industrial forestland owners will have information on access to their property posted on their gates and usually have a “hotline” devoted to providing up-to-date access for hunters. In addition, many private timberlands use the following link to provide information regarding the access policy for their private lands. Hunters need to have permission to hunt or make sure hunting is allowed before accessing private lands:

www.oregon.gov/ODF/FIRE/corporate_closure.shtml

Hunters heading to the Saddle Mt., Scappoose, Wilson and Trask wildlife management units are reminded that the North Coast Access Area regulations take affect three days prior to the opening of archery season and extends through the close of all bull elk rifle seasons. See page 96 of the 2012 Big Game Regulations for additional information on this access area and others in the state.

General rifle DEER season opens on Saturday, September 29. Forest conditions are very dry and fire danger is high. Most private timber landowners in the southern Willamette area will be closed to all access. Hunters are reminded that they must obtain permission before accessing private lands. Hunters may want to try looking at higher elevations of the Willamette National Forest to find deer. Hunters will have the best luck in areas that have had wildfires or recent thinning activity.

Hunters in the McKenzie Unit are reminded that the Wendling Travel Management Area is in effect this year. Informational kiosks with maps are located at the main entry points. Hunters should call (541) 741-5403 prompt #6 for updated access and closure information for the Wendling TMA. Due to fire danger the Wendling TMA will be CLOSED to all access for at least the opening weekend of general rifle deer season.

Some controlled (limited entry) youth elk hunts opened on August 1. Hunters age 17 and under are required to wear a hunter (fluorescent) orange exterior garment or hat when hunting game mammals or upland game birds (except turkey) with any firearm.

GAME BIRD hunting (forest grouse, quail, and Mourning dove) opened on September 1. The cold, wet spring likely resulted in reduced reproductive success this year. Biologists have noted some late broods this summer and are hopeful that this may indicate that some of the failed early nesting birds were successful during second nesting attempts. Hunter should anticipate finding smaller birds and lower numbers of birds available. 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 42 of the 2011-2012 Oregon Game Bird Regulations for more details.

BEAR season opened on Aug. 1. Fall bear hunters find the greatest success targeting natural food sources. Blackcap raspberries are gone in most areas and bears have switched over to later developing berries. The huckleberries and Himalayan (Armenian) blackberries are ripening and bears being found in areas with an abundance of these berries. Hunters should look for berry patches with sign of recent bear foraging. It is best to find a good vantage point to sit and wait for a bear to return.

Early in the hunting season bears will be spending the majority of their time in cool and shaded areas trying to avoid the heat. Although bears are most active in the mornings and evenings, on relatively cooler days bears may be active all day. They will be feeding on the abundant berry crops primarily in the early morning hours so hunters will need to be up and on stands before daylight. When out scouting, hunters should be looking for bear sign close to streams, lakes and adjacent to cool north slopes of timber.

Hunters are reminded that the skull of any bear taken must be presented to an ODFW office or designated collection site within 10 days of the kill to be inspected, tagged and have a pre-molar tooth removed for aging. Only the skull (hide detached) is required for the check-in and it should be unfrozen when presented. Hunters should call ahead to schedule an appointment to have the bear checked. Please review the 2012 Big Game Hunting Regulations before your hunting trip to ensure that you are familiar with all of the requirements.

COUGAR season is open. Cougars are challenging to hunt due to their secretive nature, penchant for traveling great distances, and characteristic low population density, but can bring large rewards for successful hunters. Some hunters have had luck calling cougars to them with predator calls that mimic a deer fawn or elk calf. The key to successful calling is to get within hearing range of a cougar, which will require that hunters be familiar with the local landscape characteristics, be aware of deer and elk patterns in the area, and understand cougar habits. Hunting with a partner is recommended for those hunters attempting to call cougars, since these animals can be difficult to see and hear as they approach. Calling for at least an hour from each calling location is important. Using a tree stand or sitting back-to-back is a good technique to cover all potential entry points.

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 2012 Big Game Hunting Regulations before your hunting trip to ensure that you are familiar with all of the requirements.

NEW: Hunters get a free Sauvie Island parking permit with their purchase of an annual hunting license. Display on car dash. The parking permit is also required at EE Wilson Wildlife Area near Corvallis. More information

WILLAMETTE ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS

Swift Watch 2012 – Sept. 1-30, Chapman Elementary School, 1445 NW 26th, Portland, OR 97210.

Join members of the Audubon Society of Portland one hour before sunset each night as they convene at Chapman School in northwest Portland for the annual fall migration of Vaux’s Swifts, one of Portland’s most spectacular natural events. Migrating swifts often use chimneys as roosts and have been returning to the Chapman school chimney in large numbers since the 1980s. For more information contact teve Engle at sengel@audubonportland.org or ph. 971-222-6119.

Pittock Mansion Fall Migration Walks, Thursdays, Sept. 6 – Oct. 11, 7-9 a.m.. Join Wink Gross and the Audubon Society of Portland on bird walks around the trails at this famous Portland landmark. With fall migration peaking during this period you never know what might show up. Meet at Pittock Mansion parking lot, 3229 NW Pittock Dr., Portland, OR 97210

VALLEYWIDE VIEWING

Hunter education for young animals

Young urban animals such as coyotes, raccoons and skunks are learning to hunt on their own, gaining more independence. Juvenile animals that don’t have the experience that their parents do can be problematic both day and night while learning to fend for themselves. ODFW reminds you not to attract animals to your home. Pick up fallen fruit from trees, keep lids on garbage cans, feed pets inside or bring pet food bowls in after a meal.

Corvallis Area

Foster Dam and Reservoir

Fall is a good time to look for Barrow’s goldeneye below Foster Dam while water above the dam draws migrant common loon and horned, eared, western, Clark’s, red-necked and pied-billed grebes. The fall migration also brings American coot, common merganser, and other diving ducks to the reservoir. Red-breasted merganser, surf scoter, long-tailed duck, and migrant terns may drop in as rarities. To get to the reservoir take U.S. Hwy 20 to Sweet Home, Ore. at the east end of Sweet Home, take 60th Ave/Foster Dam Rd N to North River Dr. 9/18/12

EE Wilson Wildlife Area.

Waterfowl and shorebirds are scare but as soon as the wet weather comes, their numbers will start to build. . Look and listen for songbirds and game birds—quail, doves and pheasants. There should be deer to see at dusk and last week viewers enjoyed watching a river otter. 9/18/12

Note: Dogs are required to be on a leash inside the wildlife area boundary. Rifles and pistols are prohibited year round.

Find directions to EE Wilson Wildlife Area.

Eugene/Springfield Area

Salmon Spawning Now

Salmon have one of the most interesting life cycles of any fish on earth. Visit ODFW’s hatcheries in the Springfield area to view this amazing event.

Leaburg Hatchery

Spring chinook salmon are currently spawning in the McKenzie River. One easy place to potentially view the salmon during this spawning ritual is from the viewing platform in front of Leaburg Hatchery. Directions. 9/25/12

McKenzie Hatchery

Spring chinook may be observed in Cogswell Creek adjacent to McKenzie Hatchery. Adult salmon are also available for viewing in the hatchery ponds through September. 9/25/12

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area

Watch the sky as white pelicans ride the thermals and spiral in the airspace above Fern Ridge Lake. These large white birds with black wing-tips can be seen on the lake and in the flooded impoundments on the Fisher Butte unit. There are many access points around Fern Ridge Lake that provide entry for hiking, birdwatching, canoeing and enjoyment of the outdoors. Visitors are reminded that dogs are welcome on the wildlife area but must remain on leash at all times Fern Ridge Wildlife Area remains open daily for public use throughout the summer months. Bird checklists and maps are available at area parking lots or by contacting the Wildlife Area headquarters at (541) 935-2591. Directions to Fern Ridge Wildlife Area. 9/18/12

Salem Area

Silver Creek Falls State Park

There are lots of birds to see and hear including American dippers and mountain quail. Listen for owls in the evening.

Nestled in the lower elevation of Oregon's Cascade Mountains lies a temperate rain forest. It is here that the Trail of Ten Falls/Canyon Trail can be found. The Canyon Trail and the falls descend to a forest floor covered with ferns, mosses, and wildflowers. You will also find stands of Douglas fir, hemlock, and cedar. While thousands visit the park every year, it is large enough for you to find quiet places to sit and watch for birds.

See the Silver Falls State Park Web site for directions, maps and a bird list, http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_211.php

Hillsboro Area

Don’t overlook Henry Hagg Lake as a bird watching spot. It may be close to town, but that’s good now that summer is on the wane. For directions and information on best sites to see birds, http://www.co.washington.or.us/deptmts/sup_serv/fac_mgt/parks/haggmap.htm

Mt Hood: Fall Raptor Migration

Take a drive to see the fall raptor migration. Hawk Watch International has been monitoring the migration on the southeastern flanks of Mt. Hood since 1994. Visit Bonney Butte to take advantage of environmental education programs and the great hawk watching site. The most commonly seen species are the sharp-shinned hawk, red-tailed hawk, Cooper's hawk, turkey vulture and golden eagle.

Portland Area

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

Autumn breezes make for nice hikes. Enjoy one of several trails on the wildlife area. Make sure you bring your binoculars. A variety of waterfowl and migratory birds are currently active on the island.

Dogs are welcome on the Wildlife Area but must be kept on leash at all times.

Blackberry season is starting so please call the Sauvie Island ODFW office (503) 621-3488 ext 0 to obtain your permit.

A parking permit is required for the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area and can be purchased at ODFW Point of Sale vendors or at the Sauvie Island ODFW office, Monday through Friday during office hours. 9/18/12

Directions to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities:

• Fishing for smallmouth bass has been good in Lake Billy Chinook and kokanee fishing is picking up as fish begin to stage in the Metolius arm prior to spawning.

• For the fly-fisher, fishing has been good on both the Fall and Metolius rivers.

• Largemouth bass fishing should be good in Taylor Lake.

Send us your fishing report

We’d love to hear about your recent fishing experience. Send us your own fishing report through ODFW Fishing Reports -- the information will be forwarded to the local biologist who may use it to update various ODFW resources such as the Weekly Recreation Report.

ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: trout

Fishing has been slow but anglers are still reporting 18 to 20 inch trout. Fishing should begin to pick up with the cooling weather.

BEND PINE NURSERY POND: trout

Trout fishing should pick up with cooler temperatures.

BIG LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout

No recent reports but fishing should be good.

BIKINI POND: rainbow trout

Warm temperatures have slowed rainbow trout fishing, but anglers might do well warmwater fishing in nearby Columbia River backwater areas.

CLEAR LAKE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Water levels in reservoir will be dropping as irrigation demand increases. Trout fishing should remain good, as long as reservoir permits good access.

CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brook trout, kokanee, largemouth bass

Trout fishing should pick up with cooling temperatures.

CRESCENT LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and kokanee

Kokanee fishing has been good.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout and mountain whitefish

Fishing for trout has been good.

Flows below Bowman Dam.

ODFW conducted their annual population estimate on the Crooked River between the Big Bend and Cobble Rock campgrounds from June 18 to 22. The number of trout at least 8-inches long increased significantly from 2011 to 5,244 trout per mile. Most of the fish collected were about 10-inches long but fish up to 17-inches were observed.

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 with the tag intact after recording the tag color and number, fish length and location caught. Anglers can send the information to ODFW at (541) 447-5111 ext. 24 or timothy.k.porter@state.or.us.

CULTUS LAKE: rainbow trout, lake trout

No recent reports.

DAVIS LAKE: redband trout, largemouth bass

Water is much higher than normal and all boat ramps are accessible. Please note this is a fly-fishing only lake. Please check your synopsis for the regulations for this water body.

DESCHUTES RIVER: steelhead, redband trout

Mouth to the Pelton Regulating Dam: steelhead, redband trout, chinook

Summer steelhead fishing on the lower Deschutes is at its best in September. Good numbers of fish are being found by anglers from the mouth upstream to Sherars Falls.

Fall chinook and summer steelhead fishing at Sherars Falls is getting good and should only get better as September progresses. Limits of bright fall chinook have been reported already.

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_Dalles/fish_tag_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_counts/sherars_falls/index.asp.

Lake Billy Chinook to Bend: rainbow trout, brown trout

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

Chub removal has resulted in larger trout and fewer incidental catches of chubs. Anglers have reported good fishing.

FALL RIVER: rainbow trout

Fishing is good.

FROG LAKE: rainbow trout

No recent reports.

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee

No recent reports.

HOOD RIVER: winter steelhead, summer steelhead,

A few summer steelhead are available in the Hood River. Anglers should be aware that warm temperatures will cause water quality issues, as glacial turbidity will hinder success during periods of warm summer weather.

HOSMER LAKE: Atlantic salmon, brook trout

Open to fishing and annual population sampling indicates that Atlantic salmon and brook trout populations are healthy. Fishing on Hosmer is restricted to fly fishing with barbless hooks.

LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: bull trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, smallmouth bass

Fishing for smallmouth bass has been good. Fishing for kokanee has picked up as the fish are staging in the Metolius arm prior to entering the Metolius River to spawn.

Samples of bull trout have been tagged with 2 different types of tags. Some of the fish were tagged with anchor tags and others were tagged with PIT tags. A PIT tag is a small chip measuring ½ inch long that was placed in the fatty tissue along the fish’s back. Anglers should be aware that a chip may be present to avoid accidental ingestion of the chip. The number of the PIT tag can only be read using a special tool. Anglers who catch a tagged fish are encouraged to report the catch to ODFW in Bend (541) 388-6363 or Prineville (541) 447-5111.

LITTLE LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout

No recent reports.

LOST LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout

Lost Lake has been stocked with Legal and trophy-sized rainbow trout, and offers great opportunity during the heat of the summer. The combination of carry over trout from 2011, newly stocked rainbow trout, and naturally produced brown trout makes Lost Lake a great place to take the family fishing.

METOLIUS RIVER: redband trout, bull trout

Trout fishing has been good. Insect hatches should offer lots of opportunities for good dry fly fishing.

NORTH TWIN: rainbow trout

No recent reports but earlier angler reports indicated better than average fishing.

OCHOCO CREEK UPSTREAM TO OCHOCO DAM: rainbow trout

No recent reports.

Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures only; two trout per day and 8-inch minimum length with only 1 fish over 20 inches.

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

No recent reports. With the warm water temperature, the best fishing will be for the bass, crappie and bullhead. Trout may still be caught but it will be more difficult than in the spring and fall. The low water may make launching a boat difficult.

ODELL LAKE: kokanee, lake trout, rainbow trout

Kokanee fishing good on the lake’s west end.

PAULINA LAKE: brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee

Fishing is good.

ODFW recently completed chub trapping operations. The chub trapping program is designed to reduce competition with game species and increase the size of trout.

PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Warm water temperatures may hinder success. Successful anglers will fish early morning in the cooler portions of the reservoir.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout and largemouth bass

Fishing for bass, crappie and bullhead catfish should be good. Anglers are reporting more bass and larger smallmouth bass than in recent years.

Anglers have reported catching larger trout than in recent years. Anglers should consult the 2012 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

Fishing will be best in the cooler times of the day, especially the morning.

ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Water levels will be dropping, and warm temperatures will limit success.

SHEVLIN YOUTH FISHING POND: rainbow trout

Shevlin has been stocked and is fishing well.

SOUTH TWIN LAKE: Rainbow trout

Fishing is good.

SUTTLE LAKE: brown trout, kokanee

Recent fish sampling showed excellent trophy brown trout opportunity.

TAYLOR LAKE: rainbow trout and largemouth bass

Fishing for large largemouth bass should be excellent. Trout fishing will resume in the fall when temperatures cool.

WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout

Fishing has been good with the best fishing occurring during the cooler times of the day and near the springs.

WICKIUP RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee, largemouth bass.

High water will spread out kokanee this fall, but there is opportunity for large kokanee.

CENTRAL ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: COUGAR, BEAR, RIFLE DEER (controlled hunt, opens Sept. 29), FOREST GROUSE, DOVE (closes Sept. 30)

Fire restrictions and access

Be sure to check for any fire restrictions before you go afield. Oregon Dept of Forestry has a list of fire restrictions and closures online and InciWeb has information about current fires—or check with USFS, BLM or the appropriate landowner.

Wolves and coyotes can look alike

Most wolves in the state today are in northeast Oregon but a few have dispersed further west and south. Wolves are protected by state and/or federal law and it is unlawful to shoot them. Coyote hunters need to take extra care to identify their target as wolves can look like coyotes, especially wolf pups in the mid-summer and fall. ODFW appreciates hunters’ assistance to establish wolves’ presence in Oregon; please report any wolf sightings or wolf sign to ODFW using the online reporting system.

Hunter orange required for youth

Don’t forget: hunters age 17 and under must wear a fluorescent orange upper garment OR hat when hunting upland game birds (except turkey) and game mammals (deer, elk, bear, cougar, pronghorn, goat, sheep, western gray squirrel) with a firearm.

PRINEVILLE/OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT

Fire danger remains a concern and recreational users should check with Ochoco and Prineville BLM offices for the latest access and camping information.

CONTROLLED RIFLE BUCK DEER season opens September 29th. Buck ratios are near or above management objective in all Prineville District units (Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly), and deer hunters should find good prospects for a buck this fall. The continued dry conditions have heightened fire concerns, and hunters should consult with the Prineville BLM and/or Ochoco National Forest for the latest fire restrictions.

BEAR- Successful hunters, remember you must check in unfrozen bear skulls at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest. Please call ahead and make an appointment to ensure a biologist is present for the check in. It’s also a good idea to prop the bear’s mouths open with a stick for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging. Remember that cubs and sows with cubs are illegal to take, so if in doubt use caution. See regulations for details.

Early ANTLERLESS ELK hunts are ongoing in portions of the Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly units. These hunts are primarily on private agricultural and range lands where hunters need permission from the landowner. Typically elk move into these hunt areas in greater numbers during the late summer to take advantage of the irrigated pastures and hay fields.

COUGAR are present throughout the Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly units but are more likely near deer and elk herds. The Maury and Ochoco units are recommended because of their greater amounts of accessible public land. Remember cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest. Please consult the synopsis for all required parts and be sure to call first to make an appointment.

THE DALLES WILDLIFE DISTRICT

Controlled DEER for the Hood, White River, West Biggs, and Maupin runs Sept 29-Oct 10th. Hunters should have plenty of opportunities on the Mt. Hood National Forest, Hood River County, as well as industrial timber properties to chase bucks. Deer are typically scattered throughout the unit, with bigger bucks being more prevalent at higher elevations. Most of West Biggs and Maupin is private, so be sure to secure permission prior to hunting on those lands.

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.

BEAR season is open through Nov. 30th. Glassing open hillsides and clearcuts as well as predator calling can be productive methods to harvest a bear. Berry patches and acorn producing trees are great bear attractants. Look for areas with fresh sign and focus your efforts there. Successful hunters are required to check in their bear skull within 10 days of harvesting the animal (unfrozen).

WHITE RIVER WILDLIFE AREA

Controlled DEER Season opens on Sept 29th and runs until Oct 10th. The harvest limit is one buck with visible antler. Bucks are scattered throughout the Wildlife Area. Dry conditions will make hunting more difficult. Deer will be moving around more in the morning and evenings. Look for deer in cooler, brushier areas during the day.

General ELK First Season opens Oct 24th and runs through the 28th. Second season opens on Nov.3rd through the 11th. The harvest limit on elk is one bull with visible antler. Drier weather conditions will push elk into cooler darker timber during the day. Look for elk feeding in clear cuts, meadows and reprod during the evenings and mornings.

BEAR season is open through Nov. 30. There is a healthy population of bears to be found in and around the Wildlife Area. They are hard to find and will normally require patience and hard hunting to harvest ----or a lot of luck!

COUGAR season is open all year 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.

VEHICLE ACCESS: The wildlife area is a vehicle regulated use area. Hunters bringing their ATVs are reminded that all vehicles need to stay on roads; cross country travel is prohibited.

FIRE Season: Fire season is in effect. Check with the local Oregon Department of Forestry office for current regulations. (541)296-4626

ATV’s are prohibited on unimproved roads and any road with vegetation growing in the middle of the roadway.

CENTRAL ZONE VIEWING

CROOK COUNTY

Prineville Area

The Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Management area offers opportunities to see a wide variety of waterfowl, some shorebirds and raptors including bald and golden eagles and osprey.

Visit ODFW’s Web site for more information, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/visitors/prineville_wildlife_area.asp

The Ochoco National Forest in Crook County offers a chance to see a variety of woodpeckers including the Lewis, Northern Flicker, White-headed, Pileated, and several of the smaller varieties. While the birds could be seen anywhere on the forest, generally the higher elevation more heavily forested north slopes will offer the best viewing opportunities. Forest maps, hiking boots, binoculars, and plenty of water are a must for the serious observer.

DESCHUTES COUNTY

The first snow fall is unlikely to hit the ground before Thanksgiving, and we are still enjoying warm days, but the nights are cooler and signs of bird migration is heralding the transition from summer into fall. This is a very good time to enjoy the higher elevation lakes in the Cascade Mountains, as human presence is lower and numbers of mosquitoes and other biting insects are waning. Lake visitors may be treated to the sight of thousands of newly metamorphosed western toads and other amphibians feeding on insects around the shoreline and preparing to head into the forest to find terrestrial homes for the winter. In some instances, numbers of these little animals can be very impressive and you will need to tread lightly and carefully.

As mentioned above, many bird species have started to migrate or are preparing for their journey south. Voraciously feeding night hawks have been seen leaving the area, and it won’t be long before turkey vultures disappear to warmer climes, but many species of warbler, Cassin’s vireo, Anna’s hummingbirds and many others, can still be found at Whiskey springs and other birding hotspots around the county. Likewise, Hatfield Pond is a great place to find a full cadre of waterfowl and wetland species, such as Canada geese, northern pintail, wood duck, American bittern, and great blue heron.

Western fence lizards and sagebrush lizards can be seen through most of the day, but will seek shade during the hottest hours. They can be found in many areas of Deschutes County, but the best places to find them include sagebrush habitats with rocky outcrops. If you find yourself in open areas with volcanic soils or in pine woodlands, look for the diminutive short-horned lizards as they sit motionless near active ant mounts in search of their favorite food; ants. Keep your eyes peeled when traveling on dirt roads in the evenings as snakes like to lie along roadway edges and absorb the heat from the ground as it is released to the cool of the evening. Be careful if you come across a rattlesnake, common in canyon areas, and never try to pick one up. If you hear the warning rattle, but cannot see the snake; locate the sound and move in an opposite direction. Rattlesnakes are not aggressive and will not chase you, but they will defend themselves if threatened.

Both bald and golden eagles can still be seen at Smith Rock State Park in north east Deschutes County, along with one of their potential food sources; yellow-bellied marmots. 9/4/12

WASCO AND SHERMAN COUNTIES

ODFW White River Wildlife Area

The Lower Deschutes River can provide ample wildlife viewing opportunities. California Bighorn Sheep and Mule Deer call the canyon home, commonly observed from the access road across the river from the Deschutes state park (Hwy 206, east of The Dalles), or along the BLM access road just downstream and across the river from Sherar’s Falls (along Hwy 216). Other wildlife that may be seen in along the river include the red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, Osprey, Golden and Bald eagles. Chukar, California Quail, and a host of passerines/neotropical migrants can be commonly observed. Be cognizant of rattlesnakes which commonly use roads and trails for basking in the sun. Young wildlife may be present and appear to be abandoned. Enjoy the opportunity to observe them, but do not approach them as their mother will return at a later time.

Deer can be observed commonly throughout the wildlife area, providing ample photo opportunities. Bucks antlers are in velvet and can be seen in different stages of growth for the next few months. Does will be giving birth to fawns soon, if you see fawns make sure that you leave them where you see them, mom is usually not too far away. Many of the deer have moved to higher elevations especially the larger bucks but there is still plenty of viewing opportunities.

Elk can be found throughout White River Wildlife Area roaming around looking for food. Spring weather has produced plenty of grasses, mushrooms, and other forage making the elk harder to find. Elk can still occasionally be found grazing in meadows early in the mornings or late in the evenings.

Turkeys can be found throughout the Wildlife Area. Look for them early in the morning or late in the evening in open fields. You can also look for them in or near oak savannahs foraging for bugs and acorns. Don’t forget to listen for the gobble of the tom turkey telling you they are in the area.

Bald and golden eagles and various other raptors, such as northern harriers, American kestrels, red-tailed and rough-legged hawks, are commonly observed. Other birds to keep an eye out for are Lewis’s Woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers, western bluebirds, horned larks, western meadowlarks, Townsend’s solitaire, Flickers, and lots of robins.

Other animals that can occasionally be seen are coyotes, badgers, bobcats, bears and cougars. Some of these animals are very secretive and are hard to find. You might get to see a coyote wondering around but the other animals are a lot harder to find. Consider yourself lucky if you get to see one of them.

The wildlife area is a vehicle regulated use area. People using motorcycles and ATVs are reminded that all vehicles are to stay on roads; cross-country travel is prohibited. For more information and directions to the wildlife area, visit ODFW’s website. 5/22/12.

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities:

• Trout fishing has been good at Pilcher Reservoir.

• Water conditions on Mann Lake are excellent and anglers are catching 16-inch (or bigger) trout.

• Miller Lake was recently stocked with rainbow trout and fishing should be good.

• Cutthroat trout fishing has been good on Juniper Lake, and should get better as temperatures continue to cool.

• Haines and North Powder Ponds have been stocked with rainbows for a fall fishing opportunity.

Send us your fishing report

We’d love to hear about your recent fishing experience. Send us your own fishing report through ODFW Fishing Reports -- the information will be forwarded to the local biologist who may use it to update various ODFW resources such as the Weekly Recreation Report.

ANA RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Fishing for rainbow trout is available, but no recent reports. Anglers targeting hybrid bass are experiencing fair success.

ANA RIVER: hatchery rainbow trout

Anglers have been catching fish with bait, flies or lures.

ANTHONY LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout, brook trout

The lake has been stocked with trophy-sized rainbow trout. Fishing is good. From the bank try PowerBait along shoreline where water is deeper or try trolling spinners from a boat.

BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, hatchery rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout

Reservoir water level is below the 5000 acre feet level. No recent reports, but catch rates should start to improve as conditions cool. Inflows water temperature averaged 58˚F and outflow water temperature averaged 63˚F (Sept. 23). Inflows changed little; they averaged 42 cfs (Sept. 23). The water level is below the bottom of the boat ramp, launching and retrieving boats will be difficult. USBR crews sampled the fish populations in the reservoir again this year. If you catch a tagged trout report it to either the Ontario office at 541-889-6975 or the Hines office at 541-573-6582.

BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: trout

This reservoir experienced a fish die-off (i.e. caused by natural conditions) in September 2011. Based on reports from anglers who fished this reservoir this spring it appears to have been a complete fish die-off. This means that the reservoir is starting from square one. Fingerling rainbow trout were stocked at the reservoir this spring and may reach 6-8 inches by fall.

BLITZEN RIVER: trout

Flows in the Blitzen River at Page Springs Gauge have remained stable at 38 cfs (Sept. 24). Water temperatures have decreased; ranging from 55 to 58˚F. The upper Blitzen is opened to harvest until Oct. 31; the Little Blitzen remains open for catch-and-release.

BLUE LAKE (Gearhart Wilderness): rainbow trout, brook trout

The lake was stocked with two-inch rainbow trout that reach 13 to 15-inches in three to five years. The lake was sampled and a strong year class of 11 to 13.5-inch fish were captured and released. The lake is located approximately 3 miles from the trail head and can be reached in about 1 hour at a brisk pace. Contact the Lakeview Ranger District at 541-947-3334 for directions to the trailhead or follow this link.

BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: bass, white crappie, yellow perch, catfish, and trout.

During recent inventory good numbers of both black and white crappies in the 6-inch size range were observed. A few bluegills in the 5 to 6-inch range were also observed. Most bass were in the 8 to 12-inch size range, but a few bass as large as 6 pounds were also observed. No recent angling reports. The reservoir is 10 percent full (Sept. 16). The water level is below the bottom of the boat ramp, which makes launching and retrieving boats difficult. At current water usage rates this reservoir may reach minimum water levels early in October.

BURNS POND: trout, bass

Weed growth is heavy in the ponds, catch rates are down and water levels are low. Water temperatures have dropped and 8-inch rainbow trout will be stocked in the pond the week of Oct. 8.

CAMPBELL LAKE trout

Anglers are reporting good catches of rainbow trout using bait, lures, and flies. Anglers have also reported gill lice (copepods) on some trout. While unappealing, the parasite is not harmful to humans and does not affect the taste of the trout.

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout, largemouth bass

The water is clear and fishing for native redband trout is good. The use of bait upstream of Highway 31 bridge is PROHIBITED!

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout

The reservoir is less than half-full although plenty of water exists for angling. Recent reports indicate catch rates are slow for trout. Weed growth has been noted in the boat ramp area and a filamentous algae bloom has occurred. Daily temperatures have cooled enough to reduce the water temperature to 60 F on average. Fishing should improve into the fall and 2,000 trout in the 8-inch size range will be stocked the week of Oct. 8.

COTTONWOOD MEADOWS: rainbow trout, brook trout

Some algae growth has occurred, but it does not seem to be affecting fishing based recent reports from anglers. Boat anglers are experiencing the best success using flies and lures. Bank anglers using lures or spinners are catching more fish than bait anglers. Stocked rainbow trout from 9 to 20-inches and brook trout from 12 to 14-inches have been caught by anglers recently using files, lures and bait. The reservoir can be accessed using the paved road off of Highway 140.

COW LAKES: largemouth bass, white crappie, brown bullheads, rainbow trout

Recent inventory indicates the fish populations in the upper lake are dominated by largescale suckers. A few white crappies in the 6-inch size range were observed, along with a few brown bullheads that ranged up to 13-inches long. No recent fishing report.

DEADHORSE LAKE: trout

Anglers are reporting good catches of rainbow trout using bait, lures, and flies. Anglers have also reported gill lice (copepods) on some trout. While unappealing, the parasite is not harmful to humans and does not affect the taste of the trout.

DELINTMENT LAKE: trout

Fishing should improve as average water temperatures are in the 60’s (F) this time of year. Small lures and flies retrieved slowly over the top of weed beds will often produce trout here in the summer.

DEVILS LAKE (FISHHOLE CREEK): largemouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead

Recent sampling by ODFW found good populations of crappie, largemouth bass, yellow perch and brown bullhead. Look for fish along emergent and floating vegetation. Fishing is good for brown bullhead from shore. The reservoir is turbid with little shade so plan accordingly. There is no boat ramp.

DOG LAKE: largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, brown bullhead

The reservoir is closed to the retention of trout to protect native redband trout. Small perch dominate the fish composition this year, but there are some bigger bluegill and largemouth bass available to the persistent angler. Anglers are reporting fair to good success for larger perch (11 or more inches).

DUNCAN RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

The reservoir is full with water temperatures in mid-70s. No recent reports. This reservoir is a great place to use a float tube, pontoon, or other small boat.

EAGLE CREEK: hatchery rainbow trout, brook trout

Eagle Creek has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing is fair.

FISH LAKE (Steens Mountain): rainbow trout, brook trout

The Steens Mountain Loop is open to Fish Lake. Contact Burns District BLM for road/fire information in the area (541-573-4400). Catch rates for brook trout have slowed; angling for rainbow trout has been good.

FISH LAKE (Wallowa Mountains): rainbow trout, brook trout

The lake has been stocked with legal and trophy-sized rainbow trout. Fishing is good.

FOURMILE LAKE: rainbow trout, lake trout, kokanee, brook trout

Fishing is fair for stocked rainbow trout. Anglers fishing from shore with bait on the bottom are currently having the most success. Water temperatures are cooling rapidly and fish are starting to move to shallower water. Look for brook trout and lake trout beginning to congregate along the shoreline looking for spawning areas. If unsuccessful trolling near the surface try to fish deeper with lead core line or downrigger. Other fish are also available. Kokanee are available but are near spawning condition and rare in the lake. Fly fisherman should keep a look out for flying termite hatches.

GERBER RESERVOIR: crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead and largemouth bass

Fishing for crappie continues to be slow as crappie are likely suspended in deeper water. Angling for brown bullhead and yellow perch is fair. Gerber Reservoir currently holds the State record for white crappie at 4 pounds 12 ounces.

HAINES POND: rainbow

The pond was stocked with legal rainbow trout the week of Sept. 20, providing a fall fishing opportunity.

HEART LAKE: rainbow trout, kokanee

No recent reports. The reservoir is day-use only and has a boat ramp, picnic tables, and a pit toilet.

HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Local anglers have reported better success here than at Lofton Reservoir or Heart Lake. The reservoir has a few primitive camp sites, boat ramp, and pit toilet.

HWY 203 POND: trout, bass, bluegill

Stocking of trout is complete for the summer; next stocking will be in the fall.

JUNIPER LAKE: cutthroat trout

Fishing in the lake is good for cutthroat trout, and should improve with cooler fall temperatures. Angler access is available from the East Steens Loop Road. Cutthroat trout in the lake are up to 15-inches. A large portion of the lake is privately owned; please be respectful of private property.

KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: redband trout and yellow perch

Fishing for wild redband trout has improved with cooler water temperatures on Agency Lake and Upper Klamath Lake. The lakes are extremely low. Trolling various lures has been the most effective strategy on the lakes. Trout are still concentrated around cool water areas but are starting to move back into the lake from the tributaries. Water temperatures on the surface of the lake can still be stressful to redband trout, especially later in the day. Redband trout should be fought quickly and released without removing the fish from the water. Fish should swim away strongly and toward the deeper, colder water when released. Anglers should consider fishing in early morning hours and quit when surface water temperatures increase in the afternoon. Fishing is much better in the very early morning or late evening.

KLAMATH RIVER: native rainbow-redband trout

The river from Keno Dam to J.C. Boyle Reservoir is closed until Oct. 1. The section below Keno Dam to Topsy Reservoir opens Monday, Oct. 1. Fishing with flies or lures should be very good. The current flow levels are optimal for fishing. Large trout over 20 inches are abundant. The Klamath River between JC Boyle Dam to JC Boyle Powerhouse offers excellent spinner fishing as well as good dry fly fishing with small flies. Most fish in this section are small and average 10 inches. Below the powerhouse the fish get slightly larger and average 12 inches but rarely exceed sixteen inches. River flows in this section are typically quite high during the day. Fishing trips should be planned when flows are lower. Consult the following website to determine when flows are optimal for fishing http://www.pacificorp.com/es/hydro/hl/wr/kr/hre.html. The current flow schedule below the powerhouse for this week will allow for improved fishing opportunities in the early morning until approximately 10 am when flows will increase dramatically.

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass

Fishing has slowed for trout and bass but is expected to improve as daily reservoir temperatures stay in the 60s (F). The reservoir has an algae bloom making fishing more challenging; try trolling deep for trout near the center of the reservoir.

LAKE OF THE WOODS: hatchery rainbow trout, kokanee, hatchery brown trout, yellow perch, brown bullhead, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, tui chub

Fishing is slow for rainbow trout. Look for rainbow trout in deep water. Troll with downriggers or lead core line. Fishing for largemouth bass is fair. Look for bass around docks and large wood along shoreline. Angling for small bass and yellow perch is very good. Use small spinners and lures. In the evening and at night angling for brown bullhead is excellent. Use bait just off the bottom for best success. Try fishing for brown trout at night. Large lures or spoons trolled can be effective at catching brown trout. Try trolling near colder water near creek inlets near the Boy Scout camps. Lake of the Woods is open to angling for trout 24 hours a day.

LOFTON RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Fishing for trout is getting better now that air temperatures are cooling. The reservoir is has a 26-unit campground, boat ramp, picnic tables, and a pit toilet.

LOST RIVER: largemouth bass, brown bullhead, yellow perch

Fishing for largemouth bass has been good at Crystal Springs day use area. Try small, floating crank baits cast near the floating vegetation. The river is most effectively fished from boat. A boat can be launched at Crystal Springs. Bass also are available from the dock at Crystal Springs. Largemouth bass are concentrated near spring areas.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Catch rates are improving as water temperatures cool. The surface water temperatures were 60˚F at the upper access site and 63˚F at the boat ramp on Sept. 13. Recent inventory indicates the number of trout in the reservoir is low. The boat ramp is open. Malheur Reservoir was stocked with legal-sized hatchery trout on May 24.

MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork Malheur River): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout

Water releases from Warm Springs Reservoir continue to drop, they averaged 219 cfs (Sept. 23). Water temperatures below the dam averaged 65˚F (Sept. 23). Fishing the Riverside area is expected to be fair.

MALHEUR RIVER (from the South Fork Malheur River near Riverside, downstream to Gold Creek): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout.

Water releases below Warm Springs Dam averaged 219 cfs and below Agency Valley Dam averaged 196 cfs (Sept. 23). No recent fishing reports.

MALHEUR RIVER, NORTH FORK: redband trout, whitefish, and bull trout

Stream flows are near normal for this time of year. Fishing for redband trout is good. Trout 8 to 10 inches are common with a few around 14 inches.

MALHEUR RIVER, MIDDLE FORK: redband trout, brook trout, and bull trout

Stream flows are dropping. Fishing for trout should be fair to good.

MANN LAKE: trout

Fish are exceeding 16 inches, and the lake level is only slightly less than full. The water quality is excellent, and daily lake temperatures are in the 60s (F).

MILL FLAT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

The reservoir has hold-over rainbow trout that can be caught using traditional methods.

MILLER LAKE: brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout

Fishing for brown trout is slow. Miller Lake was stocked last week with rainbow trout. Angling should be very good. Anglers have reported success trolling lures and using bait. Try fishing at night for best success for brown trout. Miller Lake is open to angling for trout 24 hours a day.

MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout

The reservoir has become turbid, and shallow. Bass are still being caught near the face of the dam and cliffs on the north side.

MURRAY RESERVOIR: trout

Has been stocked with legal-sized rainbows.

NORTH POWDER POND: rainbow trout, bluegill

The pond was stocked with legal rainbow trout the week of Sept. 20, providing a fall fishing opportunity.

OWYHEE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, catfish

The reservoir water level continue to drop, it was 34 percent of full (Sept. 23). The boat ramp at McCormack State Park and Leslie Gulch are unusable for the launching and retrieval of larger boats. All other boat ramps are open for use. Fishing for bass is slow. Crappie fishing is spotty; if you can find a good spot then it is good. ODFW tagged about 300 crappies with reward tags. If you should catch a tagged crappie, record the tag number and approximate location fish was caught and report information to the phone number on the tag.

OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): brown trout and hatchery rainbow trout

Water releases below Owyhee Dam have remained the same for the last three weeks; it averaged 183 cfs on Sept. 23. Fishing for brown trout is good and for rainbow is slow.

ODFW conducted inventory of the fish populations in the Owyhee River below Owyhee Dam on Aug. 21-23. Initial results indicate brown trout population is similar to 2005 levels. We captured good numbers of brown trout from 12 to 18-inches and over 18-inches, but few less than 12-inches. We captured few rainbow trout.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish

Owyhee River flows at Rome dropped a little, they remain below average, they averaged 77 cfs (Sept. 23). Fishing for smallmouth and channel catfish is fair to good.

PAIUTE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, Lahontan cutthroat trout

No recent fishing reports. Try targeting the margins of the reservoir for trout cruising the shoreline.

PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch

The water level is at 38 percent full. Fishing for 8 to 14-inch rainbows was good earlier in the summer.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout, crappie

The low water boat ramp is still operable. Trout fishing is good. Fishing for bullheads is good also.

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Catch rates are improving as water temperatures cool. Pole Creek Reservoir was stocked with legal-sized hatchery trout in late May.

POWDER RIVER: trout, spring chinook

The section below Mason Dam has been stocked with legal rainbows and the fishing is good. This is a good opportunity for mid-summer trout fishing as water released out of Phillips Reservoir is cold.

PRIDAY RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The trout range in size from 13 to 15-inches. Fishing is fair to slow and should become better when water temperatures decline in the fall. Anglers can catch rainbow trout using bait, lures and flies.

SKY LAKES AND MOUNTAIN LAKE WILDERNESS: brook trout and rainbow trout

Many of the high elevation lakes are fishing WELL. The best fishing is in the early morning and late evening. Some lakes to try are Como, Deer, Long, Sonya and Margurette. Most fish are eating terrestrial insects this time of year so matching various beetles, ants and yellow jackets can produce successful results. A bubble and fly cast with a spinning rod can provide exceptional results. Mosquitoes abundance is much lower making a trip into the wildnerness more pleasant.

SHERLOCK GULCH RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

No recent report.

SPAULDING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

The water is turbid and fishing for rainbow trout can be good. Fishing will slow as water temperatures warm. Please consider keeping a limit of trout if you fish this reservoir.

SPRAGUE RIVER: wild redband trout, brown trout, yellow perch, brown bullhead, largemouth bass

Fishing for trout is good above Godowa Springs road. White miller caddisflies are abundant in this section of river. Most redband trout range from 6 to 12-inches with exceptional fish available. All the property above Godowa Spring road is private; therefore, permission is needed or anglers need to fish from a boat. Anglers can consult the following website for land ownership in Klamath County http://klamathcounty.houstoneng.com/#. Look for largemouth bass in the backwater slough areas especially around springs below the Town of Sprague River. Yellow perch fishing can be good below Lone Pine.

NORTH FORK SPRAGUE RIVER: wild redband trout, brown trout, brook trout, bull trout

Flows in the North Fork Sprague are ideal for successful fishing. Fishing is good for brook trout near Lee Thomas crossing. Good numbers of grasshoppers occur in the large meadow above the 3411 road crossing at Sandhill Crossing. Large brown trout up to 20-inches are available below Sandhill crossing to mouth. Numerous redband trout averaging 10-inches occur up to just below Lee Thomas crossing. The small tributaries such as School and Deadcow creeks have numerous brook trout. Flyfishermen should try dry flies that match caddisflies, or golden stoneflies. Small spoons or flies that mimic sculpins can work well for the large brown trout. Large brown trout are beginning to move into the North Fork Sprague from the Sprague River for spawning. Brook trout are congregating for spawning. Fishing should be excellent for both species.

SEVENMILE CREEK: brook trout, brown trout, redband trout

Fishing is good for brook trout above Nicholson Road. Fish the pools near beaver dams. The Creek below Nicholson Road is private property and catch-and-release for all trout.

SUN CREEK: brook trout, brown trout, bull trout

ODFW discourages fishing in Sun Creek as all the brook trout have been removed above the bridge crossing to restore the bull trout population and eventually reintroduce redband trout to the creek.

SUNSTONE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

This reservoir has low water levels this year (2012) and fishing is expected to be poor throughout the summer.

SYCAN RIVER: wild redband trout, brook trout, brown trout

Fishing for trout has been fair. The river is low. Good trout fishing occurs in the Coyote Bucket area and above Pikes Crossing. Brook trout are more plentiful upstream of Rock Creek. The small tributaries have numerous brook trout. Try Watson Creek and upper Paradise Creek. Brook trout are congregating in preparation for spawning. Fishing can be exceptional for brook trout this time of year due to their aggressiveness during the spawn.

THOMPSON RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass

Fishing is slow to fair with mornings and evenings offering the best time to catch trout. Anglers have reported catching some larger trout (16 to 20-inches or more) this spring and summer. There have also been reports of gill lice on some of the trout. While visually unappealing, the parasite is not harmful to humans and does not affect the taste of the trout. Largemouth bass are available in the reservoir, but ODFW staff has received no reports of angling success. If you fished for largemouth bass this spring or summer please contact the fish biologist, Dave Banks, at 541-947-2950 to report your angling experience. Access to the reservoir is possible for all vehicles via Forest Roads 27 (west side) or 28 (east side).

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout

The reservoir has been completely drained.

TWIN LAKES (Wallowa Mountains): rainbow trout, brook trout

Has been stocked with legal and trophy-sized rainbow trout. Fishing is good.

UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie

Water level is very low and fishing is poor for trout and crappie. The harvest of bass from Unity Reservoir is prohibited effective September 21 through December 31, 2012. This rule is needed to protect bass planted in Unity Reservoir for the purpose of providing a trophy fishery. Low water conditions that currently exist make these rule modifications necessary to protect all year classes of bass found in this reservoir.

VEE LAKE: rainbow trout

Anglers reported slow fishing due to vegetation and temperature. This reservoir offers good fishing opportunities for trout if you can avoid the vegetation. The best way to do this is to use a small boat, float tube, or pontoon to access the vegetation free areas of the lake. There is a boat launch, pit toilet, and two camp units available.

WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: smallmouth bass, white crappie, catfish, perch, and hatchery rainbow trout

The reservoir is 26 percent full (Sept. 23). The water level is below the end of the ramp making launching and retrieving boats difficult. Inflows averaged 11 cfs (Sept. 23). Fishing has been good for perch and catfish. No recent reports on bass fishing; catch rates for trout have declined.

WARNER POND: rainbow trout

Anglers have reported slow fishing for rainbow trout. Vegetation usually limits fishing during the summer months.

UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER: wild redband trout, brook trout

Anglers have reported good success on the upper Williamson River using lures and flies.

LOWER WILLIAMSON RIVER: wild redband trout, brown trout

Angling from boat is fair. Many anglers hire a guide to learn some of the secrets of the river. Many types of mayflies, caddis and midges are hatching throughout the day, with most of the activity in the late evening. Look for Trico mayflies hatching in the very early morning. Leech patterns have also been productive. Brown trout are most common just above and below the confluence of Spring Creek. Remember no bait is allowed on any section of the Williamson River. The Williamson River is now catch-and-release for trout from Kirk Bridge downstream to Modoc Point road. Some redband are showing signs of stress and can be heavily parasitized by parasitic copepods (lice). Please do not remove trout from the water.

WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill

Angling for warm water game fish has been good.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, trout

The concrete ramp is out of the water, so only very small rafts and float tubes are launchable. No recent fishing report but trout fishing should be good.

WOOD RIVER and tributaries: wild redband trout, brown trout, brook trout

Trout fishing has been fair. The best fishing occurs below the town of Fort Klamath. Most fish caught are brown trout. Bank access is limited. Anglers can launch boats at Weed Road. Smaller boats can be carried to the water by hand at Highway 62 crossing and at the USFS day use area. Boats launched above Weed Road should be low profile and light. There are several very low bridges and one diversion dam that requires portaging. Some redband are showing signs of stress and can be heavily parasitized by parasitic copepods (lice). Please do not remove trout from the water.

YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout

Yellowjacket Lake currently has a blue-green algae bloom, which is suspected of being toxic. Avoid having pets come in contact with the water. Weed growth has made fishing more challenging. Catch rates should improve with cooler water temperatures in the fall.

SOUTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

WILDFIRE ACTIVITY

Be sure to check for any fire restrictions before you go afield. Oregon Dept of Forestry has a list of fire restrictions and closures online and InciWeb has information about current fires—or check with USFS, BLM or the appropriate landowner.

OPEN: COUGAR, BEAR, RIFLE DEER (controlled hunt, opens Sept. 29), FOREST GROUSE, DOVE (closes Sept. 30)

Archery hunters: Things to keep in mind when hunting around artificial water sources

Wolves and coyotes can look alike

Most wolves in the state today are in northeast Oregon but a few have dispersed further west and south. Wolves are protected by state and/or federal law and it is unlawful to shoot them. Coyote hunters need to take extra care to identify their target as wolves can look like coyotes, especially wolf pups in the mid-summer and fall. ODFW appreciates hunters’ assistance to establish wolves’ presence in Oregon; please report any wolf sightings or wolf sign to ODFW using the online reporting system.

Use the Oregon Hunting Map to see where to hunt.

HARNEY COUNTY

Hunting maps for Harney County

http://www.co.harney.or.us/huntmaps.html

RIFLE DEER opens Sept. 29 for those with a tag. See the hunting forecast for what to expect.

Both youth rifle and some controlled rifle antlerless ELK hunts opened August 1 and the 15. Elk populations are stable in Harney County.

COUGAR hunting is open. Populations are healthy and distributed throughout the district in any area with a big game prey base. Successful hunters must check-in cougars no more than 10 days after harvest; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

COYOTE populations are fairly high throughout Harney County. Pups have dispersed from the den. Standard predator calls will be effective from now through December.

Fall BEAR season opened August 1. Bear populations in Harney County are generally low. While no formal surveys are done for bear in this area, bear populations appear to be stable. Hunters are reminded that hunter harvested bear MUST be checked in at an ODFW field office within 10 days of harvest; please bring bear in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue and tooth collection.

Forest GROUSE season opened September 1st. Grouse can be found in the forested portions of the Silvies and Malheur Units, but population numbers are low.

MOURNING DOVE season started on September 1st. Dove numbers continue to decline. Best hunting usually takes place near water sources and roosting areas. Additionally Eurasian Collard Doves have been reclassified as unprotected and can be taken in addition to mourning doves.

KLAMATH COUNTY

RIFLE DEER opens Sept. 29 for those with a tag. See the hunting forecast for what to expect.

MOURNING DOVE season ends September 30. Most dove have left the area on their way to southern wintering grounds as nights have cooled down. Some local birds may be still be located near water holes or harvested grain fields. Be sure to ask for permission before entering private lands.

FOREST GROUSE seasons opened September 1st and will continue through December 31. . Blue grouse prospects are good and hunters are reporting finding a fair number of birds on certain ridge tops with fairly open canopies in the Cascades and in the Interstate Unit. Blue grouse in this area can be concentrated, so plan on investigating several ridges and mountains until you find the area the grouse are concentrated this year. Ruffed grouse are generally restricted to riparian areas primarily in the Cascades, but may also be located in certain areas in the Fort Rock and Sprague Units.

BLACK BEAR fall hunt seasons opened August 1 and will continue through November 30. Hunters are having fair success in the area hunting bear from either tree stands or ground blinds over water holes, as well as traditional spot and stalk techniques in the more open forested stands. Hunters are reminded that hunter harvested bear MUST be checked in and tagged at an ODFW field office. Field office staff are frequently out of the office, so please call ahead and make an appointment to have your bear tagged. See our website for district office phone numbers in your area.

Overwinter survival of mule DEER was average across the district, though buck and bull ratios remain stable in most units.

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 you on your way.

COYOTES are still at a relatively low level in their natural population cycles, however good calling opportunities still exist. While mule deer fawns and elk calves are now becoming larger, distress bleats imitating these young of the year may still be a successful technique. Coyotes primarily feed on rodents and rabbits, which may be in higher densities on private agricultural lands. Stand hunting or active calling may both be effective in these areas. Hunters are reminded to ask permission before entering private lands.

KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA

Effective Jan.1, 2013, a Wildlife Area Parking Permit will be required to park on the Wildlife Area. Cost is $7 daily or $22 annually. Free with purchase of hunting license. Buy online or at an ODFW office that sells licenses or at a license sales agent.

Dove season will close on Sunday, September 30. Dove hunting is open on the Shoalwater Bay, Sesti Tgawaals, and Gorr Island Units without permit. The Miller Island Unit requires a self-service permit available at the check station on Miller Island Road. Hunters must check in to hunt, and out prior to leaving the Miller Island Unit. Federally approved non-toxic shot is required for all game bird hunting on the Klamath Wildlife Area. Safety zones are closed to hunting. Deer hunting is not allowed on the Klamath Wildlife Area, Miller Island Unit. Please contact Klamath Wildlife Area at (541) 883-5732 or e-mail the manager at lanny.a.fujishin@state.or.us for additional information.

LAKE COUNTY

RIFLE DEER SEASON opens on 29 September. All of the wildlife units in the district are under limited entry regulations and fire restrictions remain in effect throughout the county. The Barry Point fire has burned 54,000 acres in the eastern portion of the Interstate unit south of highway 140. The area is open to public access but there are some suppression and recovery activities being completed.

BEAR populations are low compared to other areas of the state. Hunters are reminded of the mandatory check requirements within 10 days of harvesting a bear. See page 35 of the 2012 big game regulations for detailed information.

COUGAR hunting is open. Populations are healthy due to good habitat and prey base. Deer have dispersed back to summer range and cougars have moved with them, which makes selection of call stations more difficult. If hunters can find a fresh cougar kill of any species, calling within ½ mile of the kill can be very effective.

COYOTE numbers appear to be increasing throughout the county. By this time of year pups are dispersing away from den sites and adults are much less territorial. Distress calls will be effective between now and the end of the year.

Early reports are that Forest Grouse hunting is slow throughout the county. Drought conditions have reduced berry production and hunters are already finding grouse feeding on fir needles.

SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA

Parking permits are now required on all vehicles. Hunters get the permit free with the purchase of their annual hunting license.

Archery season ended over the past weekend and no hunting activity occurred.

Mourning dove season continues, one hunter checked-in and reported the harvest of 7 birds. A few doves are still present, but with cooler night temperatures, many have moved out of the area. Dove season will continue through the end of September.

A total of 67 youth hunter-days were recorded over the weekend hunt that resulted in the harvest of 195 ducks and 8 geese for an average of 3.33 birds per hunter.

Controlled buck mule deer hunting season opens on Saturday September 29, 2012. Portions of the wildlife area are open for holders of Silver Lake or Wagontire controlled hunt tags. Wagontire unit hunters need to be aware that centerfire rifles and handguns are not allowed for big game hunting on the wildlife area. Additionally, those portions of the wildlife area south of Thousand Springs Lane (Lake Co. Road 4-17), except the “Foster Place” unit will be closed to all entry on September 29th. Travel on open roads and in campgrounds is allowed.

A free daily hunting permit is required of all hunters, and hunters must check-out at the end of the day. Permits are available self-serve at the Wildlife Area Headquarters.

Federally approved non-toxic shot is required for all game bird hunting.

Please contact Summer Lake Wildlife Area at (541) 943-3152 or email martin.j.stlouis@state.or.us for additional information.

MALHEUR COUNTY

DEER: The weather forecast is for continued hot and dry weather for the first part of season and fire restrictions are still in effect throughout the county. Hunters should check with the land management agencies (BLM or USFS) for the latest fire restrictions. The hot dry weather will likely reduce deer activity during the day making patience and good glassing or stalking techniques even more important. Buck ratios were at or management objective last year but fawn ratios were low resulting in fewer yearling bucks available this year which could reduce success rates.

FIRES

This summer was a devastating fire year in Malheur County with over 843,000 acres burned. Hardest hit was the Whitehorse Unit with five major fires which burned 823,000 acres. A map of the fires can be found at: http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/vale/newsroom/files/Fires2012_Hunters.pdf

MOURNING DOVE season started September 1. This year 1656 mourning doves were observed on established upland bird routes which is a 26% increase from last year and 64% above the 10 year average. Additionally Eurasian Collard Doves have been reclassified as unprotected and can be taken in addition to mourning doves.

YOUTH ANTERLESS DEER HUNTERS: The Malheur County antlerless deer hunt has started August 1-September 22 and October 13-October 31. This hunt is designed to allow youth additional time to harvest a deer and assist landowners in addressing damage. Hunters are reminded to ask permission before entering private lands.

UPLAND BIRD

Production was mixed this year depending on the species. The mild winter resulted in good overwinter survival but the dry conditions negatively affected production of chukar and quail in the rangelands. Pheasant and quail production in the irrigated farmland was up this year.

Chukar

Chukar surveys on established routes yielded 39 birds per 10 mille, down 1% from last years count and down 34% from the 10 year average. Brood size was 9.6 chicks per brood.

Pheasant

Pheasant numbers vary widely according to the availability of winter cover in a particular area. The surveys along established routes were up from last year with 10.9 birds per 10 miles, 31% above the 10 year average. Hunting prospects will vary depending on the farming practices in the area you have permission to hunt. The outlying areas around Willow Creek, Vale and Adrian have higher bird numbers than areas closer to Ontario and Nyssa.

California quail

Quail numbers were up with counts on established routes yielding 47 quail per 10 miles. This is up 3% from last year and is 26% above the 10 year average. Brood size was good averaging 8.4 chicks per brood.

SOUTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

Harney County

Fall shorebird and waterfowl migration has started. Lesser yellow legs, phalaropes, sandpipers, killdeer, avocets, black-necked stilts, white-faced ibis, willets, pelicans, egrets and a variety of grebes species some still with broods are a few of what can be seen. Caspian terns, Forester’s terns and some Franklin’s gull can also be found.

Fall migrating waterfowl continue to grow in numbers with large numbers of Norther pintail, Northern shovelers and American green-winged teal showing up. Resident breeding waterfowl with broods are also still abundant around Malheur Lake.

Sandhill cranes can be found in agricultural fields throughout the Harney Basin.

Fall migrating passerine species have begun to show up. White-crowned sparrows, Spotted towhees, Townsend’s solitaire and Says phoebes are a few that can be found in the basin. A large number of passerine species and woodpeckers can also be found in National Forest land throughout the county. Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is the summer home to some unique passerines and is an excellent place for birding.

Raptors continue to be found throughout the area. You should be able to view osprey around lakes and reservoirs, golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, Swanson’s hawks, northern harriers, prairie falcons and ferruginous hawks. 9/18/12.

KLAMATH COUNTY

Klamath Falls Area

Early fall waterfowl migrants have started to arrive including greater white-fronted geese which can be observed at Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. Fall migration is peaking now with thousands of bufflehead, golden eye, lesser scaup, northern shoveler, and American pintail are now arriving on open water in the basin. Unique and impressive viewing opportunities exist on Upper Klamath Lake and Agency Lake now as these birds roost in deeper, more open water.

Mule deer are beginning to shed their summer coat and now are appearing in their grey winter coats. This transition also comes with the shedding of antler velvet and results in an appearance that is very different from their summer time looks. As winter weather approaches deer and elk will being to transition onto winter ranges and may be observed in larger concentrations at that time. 9/25/12.

Klamath Wildlife Area

Miller Island Unit: Located six miles south and west of Klamath Falls.

Habitat

Fall flooding of wetland units has commenced. Newly flooded units provide a rich viewing opportunity as the shorebirds and waterfowl forage for invertebrates.

Effective Jan.1, 2013, a Wildlife Area Parking Permit will be required to park on the Wildlife Area. Cost is $7 daily or $22 annually. Free with purchase of hunting license. Buy online or at an ODFW office that sells licenses or at a license sales agent.

Habitat projects are underway on the Miller Island Unit. A number of wetland units are presently dry to accommodate large emergent vegetation management.

Waterfowl

Great Basin Canada geese have regained their flight ability after their molt and can be seen and heard on the Miller Island Unit. There are some wetlands, which are dry/drying for habitat management practices. Shoalwater Bay Unit: Ruddy duck, bufflehead, goldeneye, grebe, mallard and Great Basin Canada geese make up the majority of birds using the bay.

Raptors

Turkey vulture can be seen riding the thermals above the Miller Island Unit, and great horned owls have been seen perching on poles at dusk along fields. Red-tailed hawk and northern harrier can be seen foraging in the fields.

Upland Game Birds

California quail are scattered around the old homesteads and the headquarters area. Quail broods are being seen around the brushy areas on the Miller Island Unit.

Passerines

Mourning and Eurasian collard dove can be found scattered over the area. The dog training area is open for use daily and is located near the boat ramp at the Klamath River. Dog training is allowed on the wildlife area at this time in areas other than in Safety Zones.

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.

LAKE COUNTY

The fall shore bird migration is winding down as most birds have moved on to habitats south of Oregon. Lower numbers of avocets, phalaropes and various species of peeps are present on the northern third of Lake Abert. The waterfowl migration should peak this week and there are large numbers of various duck species in all the major wetland areas. Raptors of various species are abundant throughout the county. These include both summer residents and migratory birds following the waterfowl and shorebird migration. 9/25/12.

SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA

This section was updated on September 25, 2012

Summer Lake Wildlife Area requires a $7 daily parking permit or a $22 annual parking permit. Parking permits can be purchased at any ODFW license agent or through the ODFW website.

Locally, parking permits can be purchased at the Summer Lake Store, 1.3 miles north of Headquarters.

Vehicle access to the Wildlife Viewing Loop and the major dike roads (Bullgate, Windbreak and Work Road) are now open but will close on September 29 for the remainder of the year.

In addition, entry into any portions of the wildlife area south of Thousand Springs Lane (Lake County Road 4-17) is prohibited beginning on September 29. Travel on open roads and in campgrounds is allowed.

Fall migration is in full swing and many early migrants have departed the area.

Waterfowl

Fall migration is underway and good numbers of staging ducks are present. Early northern migrants (northern pintail and northern shoveler) are beginning to arrive. The weekly waterbird count found nearly 36,000 ducks (12 species) and about 500 geese (Canada and greater white-fronted) present on September 19.

Canada geese are widely scattered across the wildlife area’s wetlands at this time. Large numbers are also utilizing recently flooded and hayed meadows on private lands.

Greater white-fronted geese continue to increase in number and are widely scattered across the entire area. These early migrants are the Tule sub-species and can be found in shallow emergent marshes.

Trumpeter swans have been dispersing widely across the wildlife area at this time. Most of the swans found on the wildlife area at this time have yet to attain breeding age (4-5 years) and are the result of recent translocation efforts. Swans are extremely secretive and difficult to observe at this time.

About 15-20 non-breeding trumpeters, part of restoration efforts, can be found scattered across the wildlife area.

All of these birds will be neck-banded with green collars and white alphanumeric symbols. Viewers are encouraged to “read” the collars and report them to wildlife area personnel. Collars will have the Greek letter Theta (Ө) and two side-ways laying numerals that are read from the body toward the head.

Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds

Shorebird migration is winding down, but a few late migrants can still be found.

Last week, American avocet, black-necked stilt, greater and lesser yellowlegs, long-billed dowitchers, red-necked and Wilson’s phalarope, least and western sandpipers and killdeer were found on the weekly count.

A few sandhill crane pairs remain widely scattered across the wildlife area. Staging cranes are beginning to depart and are enroute to wintering areas in California.

American coot numbers remain good with increasing numbers scattered across all the wildlife area’s emergent wetlands.

Very few gulls and terns have been observed recently. A few stragglers can still be found. E. Link Unit, Link Marsh and Schoolhouse Lake can be good locations for viewing these and other migrants and vagrants.

Grebe numbers remain fairly good with Clark’s, western, eared, and pied-billed grebes being found scattered across the entire area.

Non-breeding double-crested cormorants and American white pelican remain widely scattered across the entire wildlife area in low number. White-faced ibis are observed fairly frequently now as juveniles from nearby breeding colonies are dispersing.

American bittern, black-crowned night-heron, great egret, and great blue heron are still present in fair numbers and widely scattered across the entire wildlife area now.

Raptors and Others

Resident raptors, especially red-tailed hawks are scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Hwy 31.

Northern harriers are commonly observed over marsh and hay meadows.

Bald and golden eagle numbers have been observed occasionally over the past week.

Red-tailed, Swainson’s and sometimes ferruginous hawks can be observed foraging for small rodents across the entire area.

Prairie falcons are fairly common residents of the area and are frequently seen during this time of the year. Migrant peregrine falcons have been observed recently, coinciding with an increase in migrant ducks and staging shorebirds, which are a favored food source.

Ospreys can still be found at Ana Reservoir and the Turner Place, near their nesting platforms where chicks were successfully raised this past breeding season.

Turkey vultures can be observed across the entire area and a small number can sometimes be found roosting in the Headquarters Orchard area at dusk.

Great horned owl can be found scattered across the entire wildlife area, especially in the trees at campgrounds. Common barn-owl successfully nested in a box in one of the equipment storage shed at Headquarters and fledged chicks are dispersing and can sometimes be seen at dusk.

Upland game birds

California quail and ring-necked pheasants are widely scattered across the north end of the wildlife area. Quail broods are becoming very noticeable now. Ring-necked pheasant broods appear to be fairly numerous, but are difficult to find in dense cover area.

Passerines

Fall migration is underway, now is the time to look for migrants moving south from more northerly breeding areas.

Eurasian collared doves remain very numerous at Headquarters Complex are remain very vocal. Mourning dove numbers are fairly common across the entire wildlife area at this time. Migrant sparrows are making a strong showing now; last week saw a large increase in white-crowned sparrow numbers. Other species are probably present.

Breeding passerine species such as black-headed grosbeak, both species of goldfinches, northern oriole, warbling vireo, western kingbird and yellow warbler are declining in number, but a few remain active at Headquarters and other tree and shrub/orchard areas.

Hummingbirds have been observed in fair numbers recently. Black-chinned, calliope and rufous are fairly numerous at the Manager’s residence feeders. Best viewing times are early in the morning or in the evening.

Tree and cliff swallows have largely departed and are difficult to find at this time. Later migrating barn swallows continue to be observed.

Marsh wrens and song sparrows can be found in dense stands of tall emergent hardstem bulrush and broad-leaved cattail and are very numerous. Brewers, Red-winged and yellow-headed blackbirds remain fairly numerous at this time. Most appear to be forming into good sized flocks in preparation for migration.

Facilities and Access

As of Jan. 1, 2012, Summer Lake Wildlife Area requires a $7 daily parking permit or a $22 annual parking permit. Parking permits can be purchased at any Point of Sale Agent or through the ODFW website.

Locally, parking permits can be purchased at the Summer Lake Store, 1.3 miles north of Headquarters.

The Wildlife Viewing Loop remains open and major dike roads (Bullgate, Windbreak and Work Road) will remain open until September 29 when they will be closed for the remainder of the year.

All secondary roads and dikes continue to remain closed and cross-country travel is prohibited.

In addition, entry into any portions of the wildlife area south of Thousand Springs Lane (Lake County Road 4-17) is prohibited beginning on September 29. Travel on open roads and in campgrounds is allowed.

Wetland restoration work in the Between the Dikes unit has started and will continue into early fall. Heavy equipment and dump trucks could be encountered Mondays through Thursdays and occasionally on Fridays. Viewers are urged to exercise extreme caution and pay close attention while driving the Headquarters Road into the interior of the Wildlife Area. Windbreak Dike is especially busy with dump truck traffic.

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

Most wetland units are fairly well flooded at this time. Haying of private lands along the West side of the valley is completed and flooding is occurring at this time. A wide variety of waterbirds will be attracted to newly flooded meadows for foraging opportunities. Permanent pastures remain flooded and are attracting many different species.

Between the Dikes HMU is being held dry to facilitate rehabilitation efforts that are currently underway. A major portion of the HMU is being disked to reduce the density of tall emergent vegetation. While dry and as a result of disking foraging opportunities for raptors has been enhanced. Bullgate Refuge HMU is being flooded at this time..

Emergent wetland vegetation is actively growing in flooded areas now. Bulrushes, cattails, rushes and sedges are very robust and dense at this time.

Upland habitat remains in excellent condition with considerable residual vegetation that is providing high quality food and cover for many wildlife species. Planted tree and shrub plots are providing excellent sheltered sites for many wildlife species. Most species of trees and shrubs have abundant berries and fruit at this time.

Please contact Summer Lake Wildlife Area at (541) 943-3152 or e-mail martin.j.stlouis@state.or.us for additional information.

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities

• Bass fishing continues to be good in the Grande Ronde River and look for the trout bite to improve as temperatures cool.

• Peach (Ladd Marsh) and Roulet Ponds have been stocked with rainbows for a fall fishing opportunity.

• The first salmon and steelhead are arriving at Threemile Dam on the Umatilla River – look for fish to start picking up when water temperatures cool.

• Cooler mornings have revitalized the trout fishing on the Wallowa River.

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.

ALDRICH PONDS: trout

Both ponds are now open and fishing will be good for holdover trout. The upper pond was drained and deepened last summer. ODFW encourages anglers to make the 2-mile hike to the upper pond (Stewart) to see the improvements and 1.5 to the lower pond (Roosevelt). The lower pond has trout between 12 and 20 inches but aquatic weeds may make fishing difficult. There is NO weed problem at the upper pond following last year’s treatment.

BULL PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: trout

Has been stocked with fingerlings. Twelve-inch rainbow are available from last year’s stocking, as are eastern brook trout.

GRANDE RONDE RIVER: steelhead, trout, whitefish, bass

The Grande Ronde River remains at base flows. Cooler weather can bring trout back on the bite, and fishing remains good for smallmouth bass. Bass can be caught on light spinners and jigs tipped with rubber grub tails. Fly fisherman can have banner days targeting bass on woolly buggers, other small streamers, and surface poppers. The steelhead fishery opened on Sept. 1, and a few fish will be pulling into the Grande Ronde in the next few weeks. Steelhead catch rates are expected to remain slow, but now is a great time to target those few fish with spinners and/or dry flies.

Check river flows

HOLLIDAY PARK POND: trout

The pond has been stocked with 1,000 legal-sized rainbow and 200 trophy rainbow. Weed growth and warm water temperatures are inhibiting fishing success.

IMNAHA RIVER: steelhead, trout, whitefish

Fishing is fair for trout, and good for mountain whitefish. Look for whitefish in deeper runs and holes, and target them using beaded nymphs. Bull trout are also present this time of year, and anglers are reminded to handle these fish carefully and immediately release them. Visitors to the Imnaha are also likely to find spawning chinook salmon this time of year, please be aware of spawning redds in the gravel and do not disturb these fish as they complete their life cycle. Steelhead season also opened in the Imnaha River on Sept. 1, and some fish will pull into the Imnaha with cooler weather and increased flows.

Check Imnaha River flows.

JOHN DAY RIVER: smallmouth bass and channel catfish

Smallmouth and channel cat fishing is good in the lower river but flows are now too low for boats.

Trout fishing is available on the North and Middle Forks of the John Day River. Anglers may encounter adult spring chinook which should be left to spawn undisturbed.

Check John Day River flows.

JUBILEE LAKE: trout

Fishing is good for rainbow trout. The lake has been stocked with legal and trophy-sized fish.

LONG CREEK POND, CAVENDER POND: trout

Fishing is fair for stocked trout and bass. A new fishing dock was installed at Cavender Pond last year.

MAGONE LAKE: rainbow and brook trout

Stocked this spring with 1,000 trophy trout and fingerling rainbow. Most of the big fish are 25 to 30 feet deep so anglers must fish accordingly. Brook trout are also available but are holding in the deeper water. A new boat launch and dock are available for anglers this year.

McKAY RESERVOIR:

McKay will close to fishing on Sept 30.

MORGAN LAKE: trout, bullheads, bass

No recent report.

OLIVE LAKE: rainbow and kokanee

Was stocked with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout and 500 trophies. Olive Lake is a good place to fish during the hot part of the summer. Kokanee salmon are also available in the deeper parts of the lake.

PEACH POND (Ladd Marsh): rainbow trout

The pond was stocked with legal rainbow trout the week of September 20, providing a fall fishing opportunity. As of Jan. 1, 2012 a parking permit is required to be on the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area. See link below for more information.

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/online_license_sales/parking.asp

ROULET POND: rainbow trout

The pond was stocked with legal rainbow trout the week of September 20, providing a fall fishing opportunity.

STRAWBERRY AND SLIDE LAKES: rainbow and brook trout

The trail is now open to Strawberry Lake. Fishing will be good all summer for rainbow trout. Brook trout are available 2 miles further at Slide Lake.

TROUT FARM POND: rainbow and brook trout

Fishing for carryover rainbow and brook trout is fair.

UMATILLA FOREST PONDS: trout

The ponds have all been stocked with legal and trophy sized rainbow trout. Maps to the forest ponds are available at the ODFW Umatilla District office in Pendleton or at

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/where_how.asp

UMATILLA RIVER: salmon, steelhead, trout

Fish numbers picked up this week at Threemile Dam; catch rates for coho and jack fall chinook were good last week with anglers averaging 5.3 hour/fish. Angers should concentrate their efforts in the lower Umatilla and Columbia Rivers.

The upper river should provide fair catch and release angling for rainbow trout, the river is dropping to near summer flow levels.

Updated Threemile Dam fish counts can be accessed at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/fish_counts/

WALLOWA LAKE: rainbow trout, kokanee, lake trout

Kokanee are now moving into the river to spawn. When the bite is off, spawning kokanee provide a really unique and amazing viewing opportunity. Look for spawning fish in the river delta, and near the campground. Please don’t disturb spawning fish, and keep dogs on a leash. Stocked rainbows near the north and south ends of the lake can be found on a variety of gear types, and provide a great day of fishing for the entire family.

WALLOWA RIVER: steelhead, trout

Cooler mornings promise to revitalize the Wallowa River. Flows still remain low, but fishing for trout and whitefish remains good especially in the morning or evening hours. Anglers can target trout and whitefish using a variety of light tackle, and fly anglers can find success using a variety of nymphs and dry flies. Whitefish can be consistently caught with beaded nymphs in runs and pools. Anglers should also be on the lookout for early caddis hatches. Steelhead season opened Sept. 1, although few steelhead are caught during these early fall months.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, brown bullhead

Angling for crappie, bass and brown bullhead has been fair.

Anglers are reminded of the crappie size and bag limits; 8 inch minimum length and 25 fish per day.

NORTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: RIFLE DEER (controlled hunt), COUGAR, BEAR, FOREST GROUSE, DOVE (closes Sept. 30)

FIRE RESTRICTIONS AND CLOSURES

Be sure to check for any fire restrictions before you go afield. Oregon Dept of Forestry has a list of fire restrictions and closures online and InciWeb has information about current fires—or check with USFS, BLM or the appropriate landowner.

Archery hunters: Things to keep in mind when hunting around artificial water sources

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.

Hunter orange required for youth

Don’t forget: hunters age 17 and under must wear a fluorescent orange upper garment OR hat when hunting upland game birds (except turkey) and game mammals (deer, elk, bear, cougar, pronghorn, goat, sheep, western gray squirrel) with a firearm.

Use the Oregon Hunting Map to see where to hunt.

BAKER COUNTY

RIFLE BUCK DEER: Hunters can expect hot and dry conditions for the early season. Due to the mild winter, yearling buck numbers should be good throughout Baker County. Hunters should focus on areas near water in the early morning and late afternoon for the best chance at a buck.

GROUSE: Grouse season started September 1. Blue grouse can be found in the higher elevations while ruffed grouse are more common in wetter areas. Hunters should expect an average year for grouse, many birds renested, so there are some young birds that are still fairly small. Successful hunters are asked to place the tails and wings from harvested birds in the collection barrels

COUGAR: Cougars can be found throughout Baker County but hunters should target areas with high concentrations of deer and elk. Setting up on a fresh kill or using distress calls can all be productive techniques. Hunters are required to check in the hide of any cougar taken, with skull and proof of sex attached.

BEAR: Fall bear hunters should focus their efforts on areas with a good food source. Hawthorn, huckle berries and plums are favored by bears in the early fall. All successful hunters are required to check in the skull at an ODFW office. See page 36 in the synopsis for details.

COYOTE: 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

DEER season starts Saturday September 29 and ends on October 10. With the warm temperatures deer will be most active early and late in the day. Temperatures should be cooler in the higher elevations and forage should stay palatable longer into the season. Other places to look for deer are near springs, wet meadows, and north facing slopes. We did have rain showers on Sunday but conditions are still extremely dry.

COUGAR hunting remains open. Successful hunters remember check-in of skull and carcass is mandatory; see the regulations for details.

BEAR season is now open. Hunters should look for bears early and late in the day when temperatures are cooler and bears are most active. Good places to look for bears are areas with high concentrations of berries. Successful hunters are reminded that check in of harvested bears is mandatory; see the regulations for details.

Grouse season is open. Blue grouse can be found in higher elevations while ruffed grouse are more commonly found in wet areas. Hunters are asked to place the tails and wings from harvested birds in the collection barrels.

COYOTE numbers are good in most of the district. Coyotes may respond to distress calls. Try calling in the early morning and late evening.

Remember the Murderers Creek-Flagtail Travel Management Area now begins three days prior to archery season.

MORROW, GILLIAM and WHEELER COUNTIES

RIFLE DEER opens this weekend for those with a controlled hunt tag. Heppner and Fossil unit hunters are reminded that the bag limit is buck only. Deer are well distributed across the forest. For best chance of success look for bucks in areas that have good shrubs and grasses with dense cover nearby.

OPEN FIELDS in the Columbia Plateau is taking reservations for the Dutch Flat Ranch Access for the upcoming hunting seasons. The access area rules are the same as last season with 4 groups per day allowed onto the property. Call the Open Fields coordinator at 541-224-3182 to make a reservation.

COUGAR hunting is open. Cougar are well distributed in our forested areas. 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 COUNTY

DEER are currently foraging in forested top areas, especially on the more dry and open sides. However, they will return to the wetter side of the hill to spend the day. Hunters should focus on the tops early and late and move to the upper elevation forested side of ridges during the daylight hours.

GROUSE numbers are average in Umatilla County this year. Ruffed grouse numbers appear to be stronger than blue grouse this year. The best hunting for ruffed grouse will be in forested areas with shrub understory. Old clearcuts and benches above rivers are common places to find ruffed grouse. Blue grouse are more often found on forested ridge edges.

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.

BEARS are common in old clearcuts early and late in the day. They will also be spending time in forested berry patches and elderberry trees. They will migrate down to hawthorn stringers in mid elevation areas later in the fall.

COYOTE are numerous throughout the District and hunters should have good success calling. Remember to ask permission before hunting on private lands.

UNION COUNTY

RIFLE DEER: All eastern Oregon deer centerfire firearm hunting is by controlled hunt tag. Deer are well distributed across the forest. For best chances of success, glass open areas at first light and just before dark.

BEAR: The fall bear season is open. Hunters should focus their efforts in areas with high concentrations of berries or fruit trees. As we move into the fall, pay special attention to huckleberry patches and old abandoned orchards. Successful hunters are reminded that check in of harvested bears is mandatory. Refer to page 34 and 36 of the 2012 Big Game Regulations for more information.

COUGARS: Cougars are common in Union county. Focus on game rich areas with long ridgelines or saddles that cats typically travel. Setting up downwind of a deer or elk killed by a cougar can be productive. You need to be extremely patient and wear camo when calling cougars as they come in slowly and use every bit of cover as they approach. Using remote calls will focus the cat’s attention away from your blind. Above all, DO NOT MOVE! - their eyesight is excellent. Nonresident hunters can include a cougar tag with others tags for only $14.50. All cougars taken must be checked in within 10 days of harvest; call for an appointment before coming in.

COYOTE: Coyote numbers are good throughout the district. Try calling in early morning and late afternoon. Remember to ask for permission before hunting on private properties.

LADD MARSH WILDLIFE AREA

Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area is open Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and all state observed holidays during pheasant, quail, partridge and waterfowl seasons. Visitors are advised to carefully read posted signs and consult game bird regulations before entering the wildlife area. Early season waterfowl hunting may be limited. Water levels are extremely low due to high temperatures and little precipitation. Conditions should improve with cooler temperatures and fall precipitation. Waterfowl hunters are advised to call Ladd Marsh for water conditions before the opener. If present conditions persist, there may be few areas to hunt. Upland hunting will be better than recent years. Nesting conditions were good for both quail and pheasants. Low water levels will make access for upland hunting excellent.

New this year, a parking permit is needed for Ladd Marsh. Hunters get the permit free with their purchase of an annual hunting license. Display on car dash. More information

WALLOWA COUNTY

BLACK BEAR: Hunting for bear early and late in the day will provide hunters the best opportunity to observe bears during the warm days of August. Bears are beginning to use draw bottoms as hawthorn berries and service berries begin to ripen. Spot and stalk hunting will likely provide the best opportunity for harvest.

BUCK SEASON: Opening weekend of buck season is expected to be warm and dry making hunting conditions difficult in some areas. Buck to doe ratios are similar to last year, and poor fawn survival this past year has resulted in fewer yearling bucks available for hunters. Although the total number of bucks is down in all units, hunters can expect to find a higher percentage of adult bucks available as a result of good overwinter adult survival. The Noregaard and Shamrock/Whiskey Creek travel management areas are in effect in the Sled springs unit. The Cache Creek fire in the north Chesnimnus unit is technically out and open to public entry, but hunters may encounter some areas of smoldering smoke north of forest road 46.

FOREST GROUSE: Upland game bird brood counts indicate blue grouse numbers are low with fewer than normal number of broods. Ruffed grouse numbers appear to be down as well, although hunters should have better luck finding ruffed grouse than blues. Riparian areas along creek bottoms are good bets for ruffed grouse.

COYOTE: Good numbers of coyotes can be found throughout Wallowa County. Calling coyotes with rabbit distress type calls has been effective for hunters. It is important to choose areas with abundant coyote sign and little human activity.

COUGAR: Cougar numbers are strong throughout Wallowa County. Most lions are taken incidental to other hunting; however, calling with fawn bleat, or locating a cougar kill and waiting for a cat to return are often successful techniques.

NORTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

GRANT COUNTY

Bighorn sheep can be viewed along the South Fork of the John Day. Sandhill cranes can be seen in Bear Valley. Swallows can be seen along the South Fork of the John Day River. 8/7/12.

MORROW, GILLIAM AND WHEELER COUNTIES

Summer is in full force here in the Heppner District. Most of the young of the year have fledged and are figuring out how to make their way in the world. Ferruginous and red-tailed hawks’ young have fledged; Swainson’s hawks are just starting to fledge. Short-eared owls can be seen in the evening, try Nichols lane near Lexington. Sharpshinned hawks can be seen in many areas that have water and trees.

The common species for this time of year seen in the areas’ yards include American goldfinch, house finch, American robin, red-winged black birds, western kingbird, Say’s phoebe, and the occasional lazuli bunting. Hummingbirds can be seen in the towns in areas with feeders or good natural food sources.

The curlews have mostly left the area, although the grasslands still hold meadow and horned larks, northern harriers, and American kestrels.

Lewis woodpecker and Williamson’s sapsucker have been seen in the Potamus Point area on the forest. One can still spot mountain and western bluebirds in the open spaces in the forest. Pileated woodpeckers can be spotted in those areas with larger trees.

Most of the deer in the district have finished having young for the year and are starting to emerge from hiding areas. Try the meadows in the forest at dawn and dusk for best chance to spot them.

UMATILLA COUNTY

Columbia Basin Wildlife Areas

Now that fall is upon us, the Columbia Basin wildlife areas will provide some quality birding opportunities throughout the day. Willow Creek and Coyote Springs Wildlife Areas are both found next to interstate 84 and the Columbia River and have excellent viewing for wetland and riparian obligate bird species. The upland areas are also available for savanna and shrub steppe species of birds. Willow Creek has an ample deer herd and the evidence of beaver activity can be seen on the Willow Creek delta area of the wildlife area.

The Irrigon Wildlife Area holds riparian and wetland habitat and hosts a number of species of birds associated with each habitat. One can see a number of waterfowl and wading bird species in the pothole pond areas. Painted turtles are also common in the pond areas. White pelicans can be commonly found along the Columbia River as well. Geese and ducks are beginning to build along the Columbia River and will be commonly trading back and forth along the river.

Power City Wildlife Area between Hermiston and Umatilla on Highway 395 is also characterized by both wetland and upland habitat. Birding in the early hours will offer opportunity at a number of summering bird species typical of Columbia Basin habitats.

Umatilla County Uplands

Fall migration is on and the uplands and forested riparian areas will have a number of migrating birds using those areas. Some of the more colorful birds will be the Lazuli buntings in the shrub dominated slope areas of the foothills to the Blue Mountains.

Elk will be more common in the early morning now that the hot temperatures are behind during this fall period. Roads moving upslope from the valley floor to the mountain areas would be best to see these animals.

WHITE-TAILED DEER are common along the foothills of the Blue Mountains and can be seen either early morning or evening in those areas. Mule deer are found in better numbers in the desert and mountain areas.

UNION COUNTY

Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area

Note: Wildlife viewers and anglers need a parking permit to park on the wildlife area. The $7 daily or $22 annual permit can be purchased online or at an ODFW office that sells licenses or at a license sales agent. Learn more about ODFW’s expanded Wildlife Area Parking Permit Program.

Tule Lake Public Access Area and the Auto Route are open for the season. The Glass Hill Unit is also open to public access. Visitors are advised to carefully read posted signs and consult game bird regulations before entering the wildlife area. Dogs are not permitted within the Wildlife Area, on or off leash except during authorized hunting seasons. There are numerous quality-viewing opportunities from county roads that pass through the area. Binoculars or a spotting scope will help as many animals are best viewed from a distance.

Waterfowl using the area include Canada goose, northern pintail, American wigeon, ring-necked duck, mallard, gadwall, cinnamon teal, green-winged teal and northern shoveler. Eighty to one hundred American white pelicans have also been using several areas of Ladd Marsh. Large numbers of wading birds have also been seen recently including great blue heron, black-crowned night heron and great egret.

Hot, dry weather has reduced some wetlands and dried others up completely. This has concentrated waterfowl into remaining ponds and created some nice areas for shorebirds. Shorebirds are much in evidence on mudflats throughout the area with solitary, western, Baird’s and spotted sandpipers observed along with Wilson’s snipe.

Local sandhill cranes have fledged young and joined small groups with the adults. Cranes can be seen from county roads in some areas. Please report any sandhill cranes wearing leg bands to the Ladd Marsh staff (541-963-4954). If possible, note the color and order of bands on each of the bird’s legs (e.g., pink above white on left leg; silver above black on right leg). The specific combination and order can identify individual birds.

For more information on access rules for Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, please consult the Oregon Game Bird Regulations or call the wildlife area (541) 963-4954. 8/21/12.

WALLOWA COUNTY

Great Blue Heron

Herons are common and can be observed throughout the Wallowa Valley feeding along creeks and rivers.

Waterfowl

Waterfowl species such as Canada geese and mallards can be observed on Wallowa Lake and throughout the Wallowa Valley feeding in agricultural fields.

Raptors

Prairie falcon, red-tailed hawk, northern harrier and Swainson’s and Ferruginous hawks, as well as a variety of owls can be observed throughout Wallowa Valley and Zumwalt Prairie. Most raptors can be easily observed from county roads. A good pair of binoculars will improve viewing opportunities.

Songbirds

A wide variety of songbirds can be observed from now through the summer in forested areas north of Enterprise, and along rivers and streams throughout Wallowa county.

Mule and White-tailed Deer

Mule and white-tailed deer are common in agricultural areas adjacent to Highway 82. Animals can be observed during early morning and late evening hours.

Bighorn Sheep

Persons willing to drive down the rough Imnaha River Road will often observe bighorn sheep north of Cow Creek near Cactus Mountain.

Rocky Mountain Elk

Elk can often be observed along the Zumwalt Road near Findley Buttes. Another good location to observe elk during winter months is on the Wenaha Wildlife Area near Troy. A good place to look is along the Eden Bench Road during early morning or late afternoon hours. 5/8/12.

SNAKE FISHING

Send us your fishing report

We’d love to hear about your recent fishing experience. Send us your own fishing report through ODFW Fishing Reports -- the information will be forwarded to the local biologist who may use it to update various ODFW resources such as the Weekly Recreation Report.

BROWNLEE RESERVOIR: crappie, bass, perch, catfish, bluegill, trout

Current water level is at 2,049 feet.The only ramps that are still useable are Hewitt Park and Woodhead. Fishing for smallmouth bass and catfish is good, but slow for crappie. Channel cats are being picked up at the mouth of the Powder River Arm in 2-4 feet of water. Perch and bluegill are also being caught in coves down from Hewitt Park. Call the Idaho Power Company’s recording at 1-800-422-3143 to get information on access at recreational sites or visit their website http://www.idahopower.com/OurEnvironment/WaterInformation/Reservoir/

Reservoir level information

OXBOW RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass, catfish

Fishing remains good for for smallmouth bass and channel catfish, but slow for crappie.

HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass, catfish

Fishing remains good for for smallmouth bass and channel catfish, but slow for crappie.

The Idaho Power Company has announced temporary road closures across Hells Canyon Dam in October and November.

SNAKE RIVER below HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, salmon, sturgeon

The spring chinook salmon fishery closed Aug. 5, but anglers should be gearing up for the fall chinook fishery. Check the ODFW wesbite later in the week for an announcement. Water temperatures continue to warm, but bass are active and eager to bite. Anglers are also reminded that new for 2012, only adipose-clipped trout may be kept in the Snake River.

Get updated information on flow levels.

SNAKE RIVER (Above Brownlee Reservoir): channel catfish, flathead catfish, smallmouth bass

Fishing for catfish is fair to good. Angling for smallmouth is fair due to weed growth in the river. Flows at the Nyssa gauge averaged 8,484 cfs and flows at the Weiser gauge averaged 10,539 cfs (Sept. 23). Water temperature of the Snake River near Weiser continues to cool; it was 60˚F on Sept. 23. Boaters should continue to use caution on the Snake River—debris remains in the river.

COLUMBIA FISHING

Weekend Fishing Opportunities:

• Fall chinook catches are fair from Warrior Rock to Bonneville Dam.

• The Columbia River downstream of Warrior Rock remains open for adipose fin-clipped steelhead and adipose fin-clipped coho.

• Coho catches are fair at Buoy 10.

Operation Make Way

Sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard, it’s a reminder to anglers to yield right of way to commercial vessels and barges. Coast Guard has had to issue several citations to anglers who would not move out of the shipping channel to make way for commercial vessels.

SALMON, STEELHEAD AND SHAD:

The following modifications are now in effect for the mainstem Columbia River from Buoy 10 upstream to the Oregon/Washington border above McNary Dam:

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, BUOY 10 LINE UPSTREAM TO THE TONGUE POINT/ROCKY POINT LINE:

• September 4 through September 30, this area is open for adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead and adipose fin-clipped adult coho (greater than 16 inches). The daily bag limit is two adult coho and/or steelhead in combination. The retention of chinook, chum and sockeye is prohibited.

• October 1 through December 31, this section of the Columbia River is open for fall chinook, adipose fin-clipped coho, and adipose fin-clipped steelhead. The daily bag limit is two adult salmon/steelhead in combination and five jacks. Jack salmon are chinook less than or equal to 24 inches and coho less than or equal to 16 inches. It is unlawful to angle for jack salmon after the adult daily bag limit has been reached.

• Seasons may be subject to in-season modifications.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, TONGUE POINT/ROCKY POINT LINE UPSTREAM TO A LINE PROJECTED FROM WARRIOR ROCK LIGHTHOUSE ON SAUVIE ISLAND THROUGH RED BUOY #4 TO A MARKER ON THE LOWER END OF BACHELOR ISLAND:

• September 17 through September 30, this area is open adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead and adipose fin-clipped coho. The daily bag limit is two adult coho and/or steelhead in combination plus five coho jacks. Coho jacks are less than or equal to 20 inches. It is unlawful to angle for coho jacks after the adult daily bag limit has been reached. The retention of chinook, chum and sockeye is prohibited.

• October 1 through December 31, this area is open for fall chinook, adipose fin-clipped coho, and adipose fin-clipped steelhead. The daily bag limit is two adult salmon/steelhead in combination and five jacks. Jack salmon are chinook less than or equal to 24 inches and coho less than or equal to 20 inches. It is unlawful to angle for jack salmon after the adult daily bag limit has been reached. The retention of chum and sockeye is prohibited.

• Seasons may be subject to in-season modifications.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, A LINE PROJECTED FROM WARRIOR ROCK LIGHTHOUSE ON SAUVIE ISLAND THROUGH RED BUOY #4 TO A MARKER ON THE LOWER END OF BACHELOR ISLAND LINE UPSTREAM TO BONNEVILLE DAM:

• September 10 through December 31, this area is open to the retention of fall chinook, adipose fin-clipped coho and adipose fin-clipped steelhead. The daily bag limit is two adult salmon/steelhead in combination and five jack salmon. Jack salmon are chinook less than or equal to 24 inches and coho less than or equal to 20 inches. It is unlawful to angle for jack salmon after the adult daily bag limit has been reached. The retention of chum and sockeye is prohibited.

• Seasons may be subject to in-season modifications.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, BONNEVILLE DAM TO THE OREGON/WASHINGTON BORDER ABOVE MACNARY DAM:

Effective August 1 through December 31, this section of the Columbia River is open for fall chinook, coho (only adipose fin-clipped coho may be retained between Bonneville Dam and the Hood River bridge), and adipose fin-clipped steelhead. The daily bag limit is two adult salmon/steelhead in combination and five jacks. Jack salmon are chinook less than or equal to 24 inches and coho less than or equal to 20 inches. It is unlawful to angle for jack salmon after the adult daily bag limit has been reached. The retention of chum and sockeye is prohibited. Seasons may be subject to in-season modifications.

On the lower Columbia this past weekend, there were 343 salmonid boats and 74 Oregon bank anglers counted from Bonneville Dam downstream to Tongue Point on Saturday’s (9/22) flight. Boat anglers had the highest catch rates for fall chinook in the gorge, where anglers averaged 0.65 chinook and 0.02 steelhead caught per boat. Anglers fishing the Troutdale area averaged 0.29 chinook caught per boat. Anglers fishing the Warrior Rock to Wauna area averaged 0.54 coho caught and 0.23 chinook released per boat, while anglers fishing from Warrior Rock to Portland averaged 0.05 chinook and 0.05 coho caught per boat. Bank anglers fishing in the gorge averaged 0.15 chinook caught per bank rod.

Gorge Bank:

Weekend checking showed nine adult fall chinook, and two jack chinook kept for 62 bank anglers.

Gorge Boats:

Weekend checking showed 30 adult fall chinook, and 11 jack chinook kept, plus one jack chinook and one unclipped steelhead released for 46 boats (152 anglers).

Troutdale Boats:

Weekend checking showed 21 adult fall chinook, and three jack chinook kept, plus one adult fall chinook released for 76 boats (180 anglers).

Warrior Rock to Portland Bank:

Weekend checking showed no catch for 11 bank anglers.

Warrior Rock to Portland Boats:

Weekend checking showed one adult fall chinook, three jack chinook, and one adipose fin-clipped adult coho kept for 21 boats (40 anglers).

Wauna to Warrior Rock Bank:

Weekend checking showed no catch for two bank anglers.

Wauna to Warrior Rock Boats:

Weekend checking showed two adipose fin-clipped adult coho kept, plus three adult chinook, two jack chinook and five unclipped coho released for 13 boats (21 anglers).

Estuary above Tongue Point Boats:

No report.

Estuary Bank (Jones Beach to Clatsop Spit):

Weekend checking showed one adipose fin-clipped adult coho kept for 10 bank anglers.

Estuary Boats (Tongue Point to Buoy 10):

No report.

The Dalles Pool:

Weekly checking showed one adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept for 31 bank anglers; and two fall chinook, two coho, eight adipose fin-clipped steelhead, and two legal white sturgeon kept, plus two unclipped steelhead, and nine sublegal white sturgeon released for 20 boats (44 anglers).

STURGEON:

The following modifications are now in effect for the mainstem Columbia River from Buoy 10 upstream to the Oregon/Washington border above McNary Dam:

BUOY 10 UPSTREAM TO WAUNA POWERLINES:

Effective Thursday July 5 through the remainder of the year sturgeon retention is prohibited.

The following modifications were adopted at the June 28 Compact/Joint State Hearing for the 2012 mainstem Columbia River sturgeon fishery from Wauna Powerlines (River Mile 40) downstream to the mouth at Buoy 10, including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries. The modifications include:

• Prohibit the retention of sturgeon seven days per week during Thursday, July 5 through Monday, Dec. 31, 2012.

• Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited as per permanent regulations.

• Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during retention closures.

WAUNA POWERLINES UPSTREAM TO BONNEVILLE DAM:

Effective Wednesday, Aug. 1 through Friday, Oct. 19, sturgeon retention is prohibited. Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during sturgeon retention closure.

The following modifications were adopted at the Jan. 26 Compact/Joint State Hearing for the 2012 mainstem Columbia River sturgeon fishery from the Wauna Powerlines (River Mile 40) upstream to Bonneville Dam, all adjacent Washington tributaries, excluding the lower Willamette River upstream to Willamette Falls, Multnomah Channel, and Gilbert River. The modifications include:

• Prohibit the retention of sturgeon seven days per week during Wednesday, Aug. 1 through Friday, Oct. 19, 2012.

• Allow the retention of sturgeon three days per week on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and prohibit the retention of sturgeon four days per week on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday beginning Saturday, Oct. 20 through Dec. 31, 2012 or until the catch guideline of 2,080 legal white sturgeon has been met.

• Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited as per permanent regulations.

• Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during sturgeon retention closures.

BONNEVILLE DAM UPSTREAM TO THE OREGON/WASHINGTON BORDER:

Regulations for the 2012 sturgeon sport fishery from Bonneville Dam upstream to the Oregon/Washington border are currently as follows:

Sturgeon creel sampling summaries and catch estimates for Bonneville, The Dalles, and John Day pools can be found at the following link:

WDFW Mid-Columbia River mainstem sport sampling summary

BONNEVILLE DAM UPSTREAM TO THE DALLES DAM:

The Bonneville Pool is closed for sturgeon retention. Catch and release is allowed during the retention closure.

THE DALLES DAM UPSTREAM TO JOHN DAY DAM:

Effective Sunday August 5, the retention of sturgeon is only allowed three days per week on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and is prohibited four days per week on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The daily bag limit is one sturgeon between 43-54 inches fork length and an annual limit of five fish. The use of more than one single point barbless hook is prohibited.

JOHN DAY DAM UPSTREAM TO MCNARY DAM:

The John Day Pool is closed for sturgeon retention through the remainder of the year. Catch and release will be allowed during the retention closure.

MCNARY DAM UPSTREAM TO THE OREGON/WASHINGTON BORDER:

Effective Wednesday August 1 through the remainder of the year, the retention of sturgeon is prohibited. Catch and release will be allowed during the retention closure.

Sturgeon retention is closed on the lower Columbia River. Catch-and-release angling is allowed. Retention season is scheduled to reopen Saturday Oct. 20 between Wauna Powerlines and Bonneville Dam; however, there is a Joint State hearing scheduled for Tuesday October 2 to consider modifying the fishery.

Gorge:

Weekend checking showed one oversize white sturgeon and 15 sublegal sturgeon released for one boat (four anglers).

Troutdale:

Weekend checking showed two sublegal white sturgeon released for one boat (three anglers).

The Dalles Pool:

Weekly checking showed one sublegal sturgeon released for four bank anglers; and two legal white sturgeon kept, plus nine sublegal white sturgeon released by salmonid boat anglers.

WARMWATER:

Walleye Creel:

Gorge:

No report.

Troutdale:

Weekend checking showed five walleye kept for four boats (six anglers).

The Dalles Pool:

No report.

Bass and walleye:

Bonneville and The Dalles Pools: smallmouth bass, walleye

Walleye and smallmouth bass fishing has been good so far this summer between Hood River and John Day Dam. Boat anglers are reporting lots of large walleye caught between fifteen and thirty feet deep on humps and channels using jigs and worms. As water temperatures continue to increase, the bass will move into shorelines and shallow structure. Anglers can target bass by fishing soft baits and plugs near shallow structure.

John Day and McNary Pools: smallmouth bass, walleye

Walleye catches have been good when the weather cooperates , anglers will find good numbers of walleye in the Boardman, Irrigon and Umatilla areas. Fall is one of the most productive times of the year to target walleye as the fish are actively feeding and respond to various angling techniques. Anglers should look for walleye near some type of structure, the most common angling method is drifting bottom bouncers with spinners and night crawlers or trolling plugs.

Smallmouth fishing should be very good, water temperatures are starting to cool off and the shad fry are starting their downstream migration. Top water angling can be good in the mornings and evenings, look for fish on structure near deep water wintering areas. Top water plugs, crankbaits, grubs and spinner baits are top producers during the fall.

MARINE ZONE

MARINE FISHING

Saltwater News Bulletins

You can subscribe to receive e-mails and text message alerts for marine topics you are interested in. To sign up go to http://dfw.state.or.us/MRP/bulletins/index.asp and enter your phone for text alerts and e-mail information to subscribe to email updates. It’s easy to unsubscribe at any time. Your phone and e-mail information will remain confidential. Five different lists of interest to ocean enthusiasts are available: Bottomfish (recreational), Halibut (recreational), Ocean Salmon (recreational), Ocean Salmon (commercial troll) and Marine Reserves.

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.

Marine Reserves

Prohibitions at Oregon’s marine reserves at Redfish Rocks and Otter Rock are in effect. Fishing, crabbing, clamming, hunting and gathering seaweed are all prohibited. Beach walking, surfing, bird watching, diving and other non-extractive uses continue to be allowed. See complete details and a map of the boundaries of the reserves:

• Otter Rock Marine Reserve

• Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve and Marine Protected Area

SALMON

Salmon fishing in the ocean is closed, except for chinook between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mountain, which continues through Oct. 31.

View details of the Oregon ocean sport salmon seasons.

TUNA FISHING

Tuna are scattered and farther offshore this time of year and usually don’t bite on plugs, only on bait.

BOTTOM FISHING

Fishing for rockfish is good up and down the coast with most anglers catching between four and five fish. Fewer than half of the anglers fishing for lingcod caught one.

Watch for the weather windows: a calm ocean usually means better catches this time of year.

As of July 21, sport anglers fishing from boats may no longer retain cabezon because the federal harvest limit of 15.8 metric tons was met.

On Oct. 1 sport fishing for groundfish is open at all depths.

The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish. For shore anglers, no more than 1 of those seven fish may be a cabezon through September 30). 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.

HALIBUT FISHING

Pacific halibut nearshore fishery reopened Sept. 24 for the central coast (from Cape Falcon south to Humbug Mountain). It is open every day until the remaining quota is taken or Oct. 31, whichever comes first. Anglers must stay within the 40-fathom line as defined by waypoints.

With halibut fisheries coming to a close, approximately 4,700 pounds of quota remained. While this was not enough quota to re-open one day in the all-depth fishery, it is enough to reopen the nearshore fishery and provide some additional opportunity.

Columbia River and South of Humbug Mt. halibut fisheries are open. The Columbia River fishery is open Friday through Sunday every week until Sept. 30 or the quota is caught, whichever comes first; about 4,500 pounds remain available.

Halibut fishing south of Humbug Mountain is open.

SHELLFISH

Minus Tides

The next minus tide series is Oct. 14 through Oct. 20 in the late evening.

Razor Clams

Clatsop beaches reopened Oct. 1 to razor clam harvesting, making the entire Oregon coast available to razor clam harvest.

Harvesters should pay close attention to the surf forecasts and be on the beach one to two hours before low tide. If the forecast calls for combined seas over eight or 10 feet, razor clam harvesting can be very difficult because the clams tend to show much less in those conditions.

Recreational shellfish safety status as of Sept. 25:

• There are no shellfish safety closures in effect.

• The consumption of whole recreationally harvested scallops is not recommended, however. Coastal scallops are not affected by toxin closures when only the adductor muscle is eaten.

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 shellfish pages on the ODFW Web site. The pages contain everything you need to know for identifying and harvesting Oregon’s clams.

Crabs

Crabbing in Oregon bays is good with many of the male crabs in good shape. Some, however, do have soft shells. While these crabs are OK to eat, they are not as full of meat as later in the season when they have recovered from the molt. The recreational harvest of Dungeness crab in Oregon’s bays and estuaries is open year round.

Recreational crabbing in the ocean is open along the entire Oregon coast until Oct. 16.

The ODFW crabbing report shows average number of legal-sized Dungeness crab per person in various ports: check it out.

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. See an illustration showing the correct measurement.

MARINE ZONE VIEWING

Tidepooling

There are dozens of good places on the Oregon coast to go tide pooling. Some of the best are in state parks and recreation areas, including Haystack Rocks, Hug Point, Seal Rock, Yachats State Recreation Area (or just about anywhere with 10 miles of Yachats), Strawberry Hill State Wayside, Neptune State Park, Sunset Bay State Park, Cape Arago State Park and Cape Blanco State Park. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, four miles north of Newport, has outstanding tide pools and rangers on hand to provide tours and answer questions.

Don’t turn your back on the ocean because a large wave may get you wet or worse. Also, stay off beach logs! They can roll in the surf and crush you. High surf can make tide pooling on the ocean beaches uncomfortable and dangerous, so try looking for wildlife in the mud flats of coastal bays and rivers. For more information see: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/bayclams/watchable.asp