The Oregon Recreation Report, updated May 13 by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:

Controlled hunts deadline extended to May 19

ODFW has extended the controlled hunt application deadline from May 15 until Tuesday, May 19 due to a slowdown in the license sales system believed to be caused by the high volume of sales activity. Big game tag proposals are online. New for this year, hunters can apply for controlled hunts online.

Wildlife Viewing is Excellent at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area

Find excellent elk viewing just 60 miles west of Portland in the midst of the Coast Range. The best times to see elk are in the mornings and evenings. Migratory bird species that have recently returned to the wildlife area include band-tailed pigeons, violet-green swallows and wood ducks. See the Northwest Zone viewing report for more information. See Jewell Meadows on U-Tube

May is a great month to fish Oregon's lakes, ponds and reservoirs

Most lakes are now accessible (or will be soon), many have recently been stocked with legal-sized or larger trout, and the cool weather of spring and early summer is perfect for trout. Check out the Zone reports for some great stillwater fishing in your corner of the state.

Spring bear and turkey hunting continue through May 31

Turkey hunting pressure has dropped off so now is a good time to head out. Since many hens have already been bred, toms may be more responsive to calls as they look for those hens still interested. You can purchase a turkey tag through the last day of the season, anytime before you go hunting.

Learn how to fly-fish, razor clam, safely use a shotgun and more

Visit ODFW's outdoor skills page to see the variety of workshops available. The clinics teach the basic skills needed to take part in outdoor activities safely. All necessary equipment plus lunch are provided at events.

Mandatory hunter harvest reporting

Whether or not you filled your tag, don't forget to report the results of your hunt online or by calling 1-866-947-ODFW (6339). Reporting is mandatory for every big game and fall turkey tag purchased except bighorn sheep and Rocky Mtn goat.

WILLAMETTE ZONE

Weekend fishing opportunities:

* The Springfield Field Office and local area aquatic education instructors will be hosting a youth angling event Saturday, May 16 at the Alton Baker Canoe Canal in Eugene. Fishing equipment and instruction will be provided from 9:30am until 1 p.m. There is no fee or pre-registration for this youth-oriented event. A fishing license is required for those 14 and older. For additional information, contact the Springfield Field Office at 541-726-3515.

* The North Willamette Watershed District will host a youth angling event Saturday, May 16 at West Salish Pond in Fairview. Fishing equipment and instruction will be provided from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., free of charge. For additional information, contact the NWWD at 971-673-6034.

* Spring chinook fishing prospects should improve on the Clackamas and Sandy rivers after seasonal high water begins to drop.

* Sturgeon fishing has been slow on the lower Willamette River. Remember, the season is now open 3 days a week n Thursday, Friday and Saturday n and the new fork length standard for keepers is now in effect.

EVENTS

Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting, Friday, May 15, 8 a.m., ODFW Headquarters, 3406 Cherry Ave., NE, Salem.

Commission will consider 2009 ocean and Columbia River salmon seasons.

Sandy River Spey Clave, Friday, May 15, 2009-Sunday, May 17

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Come to Oxbow Regional Park for the largest gathering of anglers devoted to two-hand fly rod fishing in the Western Hemisphere. Visit exhibitors' booths displaying the latest tackle or sign up for free casting lessons. View on-the-water casting demonstrations throughout the weekend. Program is free with a $4 entrance fee to the park. The park is located at 3010 SE Oxbow Parkway, Sandy River Gorge, Gresham. From I-84, take the Troutdale exit (17). Go past the truck stop to the light and turn right on 257th. Go 5.6 miles to Division Street and turn left. Continue east for 5 miles following the signs. Turn left on Oxbow Parkway and drive 1.6 miles to the park entrance.

REMINDER

Anglers are reminded that trout season for most streams and rivers in western Oregon does not open until May 23. This regulation is required to protect downstream migrating steelhead smolts that are still in many rivers and streams. Note there are some streams in the Willamette Valley that did open this past weekend (stream sections above impassable barriers or where steelhead are not present); anglers should consult the angling regulations.

STOCKING SCHEDULE

The 2009 trout stocking program for Willamette Valley lakes, ponds and streams starts ramping up this month and will continue through most of the year. The schedules are now 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

WARM WATER ANGLING:

Warmwater fishing, particularly for smallmouth bass, picked up in the lower Willamette River with increasing river temperatures. Action will continue if temperatures hold or elevate further in the coming weeks.

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL: rainbow trout

Recently stocked with 1,500 legal-sized and 400 larger rainbow trout.

BENSON LAKE: trout

Will be stocked with 4,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. Benson 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: trout

Recently stocked with 2,000 legal-sized trout. This is 10 acre pond located at Bethany west of Portland. Take 185th Exit from Hwy. 26 north to Bethany.

BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout

Will be stocked this week with 1,500 legal-sized rainbow trout. Blue River Reservoir is located 42 miles east of Eugene off of Hwy. 126.

BLUE RIVER ABOVE THE RESERVOIR n trout

Will be stocked this week with 1,500 legal-sized trout.

CANBY POND: trout

Recently stocked with 400 legal-sized rainbow trout and 50 larger trout. Canby Pond is located on the south end of Canby in Canby Community Park and is open only to youths under 17 years old and persons who possess Disabled Hunting and Fishing Permits.

CARMEN RESERVOIR: trout

Recently stocked with 2,500 legal-sized rainbow trout and 500 larger trout. The reservoir is located on the upper McKenzie River, about 2 miles south of Clear Lake on Hwy. 126, 21 miles north of the McKenzie Hwy.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: steelhead, chinook

The water conditions improved somewhat over the weekend but flows are still too high for quality angling. The river forecast is for high flows to continue several more days due to spring run-off. As a result angling effort was light, even considering the Willamette is closed, and catch was slow. Summer steelhead and a few late winters are present, while chinook are spread throughout the system. If this week's rainfall is light the river could be in better shape by the coming weekend.

The Clackamas River upstream of the highway 99 bridge will remain open for spring chinook under permanent rules.

Monday readings for the Clackamas showed flows at 5,980 cfs (14.23') with the water temperature near 49°.

Bank anglers can find access to the river in the Gladstone/Cross Park area, at Carver near the mouth of Clear Creek, along Clackamas River Rd, at Barton Park, at Bonnie Lure Park, at McIver Park.

CLEAR LAKE: trout

Recently stocked with 2,500 legal-sized and 1,250 larger sized trout. Clear Lake is located approximately 3 miles south of the junction of highways 126 and 20.

COMMONWEALTH LAKE: trout

Recently stocked with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout and 300 1-3 pound trout. Commonwealth Lake is a 3-acre lake located in Cedar Hills in the Beaverton area. From the Sunset Highway, take Cedar Hills Blvd. south ½ mile. Turn right on Foothills Drive and follow to the lake.

DETROIT LAKE: trout

Will be stocked with 10,000 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Detroit Reservoir is located 50 miles east of Salem, off Hwy. 22, two miles west of Detroit. The town of Detroit is near the upper (east) end of the lake.

DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout

Recently stocked with 3,200 legal-sized trout. Dexter Reservoir is located 15 miles south of Eugene. From I-5, take the Hwy. 58 exit and head east to Dexter.

DORMAN POND: trout

Recently stocked with 3,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. Dorman Pond is located west of Forest Grove at the junction of Hwy. 8 and Hwy. 6.

EE WILSON POND: trout

Recently stocked with 600 legal-sized rainbow trout, 250 larger trout and 25 trophy trout. The pond is located on the EE Wilson Wildlife Area 10 miles north of Corvallis on highway 99W.

FALL CREEK above Fall Creek Reservoir: trout

Recently stocked with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout, above the dam, approximately 15 miles southeast of Springfield.

FREEWAY LAKE EAST: Trout

Will be stocked with 700 legal-sized rainbow trout and 50 larger trout. The lake is located about three miles east of Sweet Home, north of Hwy. 20.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: trout

Will be stocked with 6,000 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Green Peter Reservoir is a 3,700-acre reservoir located 10 miles east of Sweet Home, north of Hwy. 20.

HALDEMAN POND: trout

Haldeman Pond, located on Sauvie Island, opened to fishing on Thursday, April 16. The pond was stocked on the April 29 with hatchery rainbow, and some holdovers should still be available. Haldeman pond is a 2-acre pond, offering good bank access. Sauvie Island is located only 10 miles north of Portland off Hwy. 30. A parking permit is required for the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area and can be purchased at ODFW License vendors or at the Sauvie Island ODFW office, Monday through Friday during office hours. For more information, call (503) 621-3488. Directions to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area.

HARTMAN POND: trout

Will be stocked with 1,750 legal-sized rainbow trout. Hartman is a 20-acre lake located by the Columbia River just before Multnomah Falls off of I-84. Take the Benson Lake State Park exit going east; the pond is on the right.

HENRY HAGG LAKE: trout, warmwater fish

This popular and boat accessible lake is heavily stocked all spring with hatchery rainbow trout. Hagg Lake spans 1,110 acres and has miles of bank access as well. It is located 7 miles southwest of Forest Grove off of Hwy. 47.

HILLS CREEK: trout

Will be stocked with 500 legal-sized rainbow trout, approximately five miles southeast of Oakridge.

JUNCTION CITY POND: trout

Recently stocked with 800 legal-sized rainbow trout, 275 larger trout, and 25 trophy trout. Junction City Pond is an 8-acre pond west of Hwy. 99, three miles south of Junction City, approximately a mile south of the Hwy. 36 junction.

LEABURG LAKE: trout

Leaburg Lake will be stocked with 1,200 legal-sized trout and 150 larger trout. Leaburg Lake is the reservoir behind Leaburg Dam on the McKenzie River, approximately 17 miles east of Springfield on Hwy 126.

MCKENZIE RIVER (below Leaburg Lake): trout

The McKenzie River below Leaburg Lake will be stocked with 5,200 rainbow trout this week.

MCKENZIE RIVER (above Leaburg Lake): trout

The McKenzie River above Leaburg Lake will be stocked with 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout this week.

MOLALLA RIVER: steelhead

No report.

MT HOOD POND: trout

Was recently stocked with 1,000 legal-sized fish. Anglers are reminded that this pond is now a "youth-only" fishing venue, open to youngsters ages 17 years old and younger. Mt. Hood Pond is located on the campus of Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham.

NORTH AND SOUTH SANTIAM: steelhead

Winter steelhead are still being caught and released on the North Santiam while a few summers have been taken around Mehama. Recent increases in numbers of fish passing Willamette Falls should mean ever-improving prospects for the persistent angler.

ROARING RIVER PARK POND: trout

Will be stocked with 160 legal-sized trout and 20 larger trout this week. Roaring River Park Pond is a small pond in a day-use park near ODFW's Roaring River Fish Hatchery. From I-5 Albany area, take Exit 223 to Hwy. 20 east, go 6 miles and turn left onto Hwy. 226. From there, go 4 miles and turn right on Fish Hatchery Drive, then go 8 miles.

SALMON CREEK: trout

Recently stocked at several locations with a total of 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. Follow Hwy. 58 east from Springfield through Oakridge to Willamette Fish Hatchery one mile east of town to Forest Rd. 24.

SALT CREEK: trout

Will be stocked with 500 legal-sized rainbow trout this week

SANDY RIVER: steelhead

The river was high and off-color for much of the past week. As a result angling effort was very low. Spring chinook angling will improve once the river gets back into shape, possibly by the weekend. A few summer steelhead could be available in the Cedar Creek area. Winter steelhead angling has drawn to a close, with some opportunity for hook and release angling on wild fish further upstream. The Sandy Hatchery had an excellent return of winters this year with over 700 swimming into the holding pond. Monday flows on the Sandy River were at 4,250 cfs (10.96 ft) with the water at 49°.

Anglers can access the river from many parks including Lewis and Clark, Dabney, Oxbow, and Dodge. Bank access is also available to the Cedar Creek area at the Sandy Hatchery. When fishing the Oxbow Park area, remember that there is no angling from a floating device upstream from a point that is 200 feet below the Oxbow Park boat ramp.

Collection/recycling receptacles for discarded or lost fishing gear can now be found along the Sandy River. Look for them near boat ramps at Lewis and Clark, Dabney, Oxbow, and Dodge parks. Any tangled fishing line or old gear can be collected and disposed of in these canisters as an effort to maintain a healthy, clean Sandy River. Littering has become a big problem on the Sandy below Cedar Creek. In other areas along the Sandy this has been cited as the rationale for restrictions on access. Please use nearby garbage cans for any other types of trash.

SHERIDAN POND: trout

Will be stocked with 600 legal-sized rainbow trout, 125 larger trout and 25 trophy trout this week. The pond is located on the edge of Sheridan. From Hwy 18, take exit 33 to Balston Road, turn right, then left to the pond.

SILVER CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

Recently stocked with 2.100 legal-sized trout and 500 larger trout. The lake is located 2.5 miles south of Silverton on Hwy. 214.

ST LOUIS PONDS: rainbow trout, crappie, catfish

Gets stocked heavily through spring with legal-sized trout, and larger trout too. Many of the fish are still available. Ponds 1, 3, and 6 have all had fish stocked in them. Pond 6 has been producing some good catches on small spinners or single salmon eggs. This 54-acre complex of 7 ponds is owned and managed by ODFW, and in addition to stocked trout contains several species of warmwater fish. The site is located west of the town of Gervais. Take St. Louis Road west to Tesch Lane, turn left and follow the road to the ponds.

SUNNYSIDE PARK POND: trout

Will be stocked with 333 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Sunnyside Park Pond is located at the upper end of Foster Reservoir near the entrance to Sunnyside Park. Take Quartzville Road off Hwy 20 about 4 miles east of Sweet Home.

TIMBER LINN LAKE: trout

Will be stocked with 250 legal-sized and 25 larger rainbow trout this week. Timber Linn Lake is an 11-acre pond in Albany City Park at the east edge of Albany.

TIMOTHY MEADOWS: trout

Will be stocked with 5,000 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Timothy Meadows is a 1,400-acre lake about 80 miles east of Portland past Mt. Hood. From Hwy. 26, turn onto0 Skyline Rd. (FS42).

WALLING POND: rainbow trout

Will be stocked with 300 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Walling Pond is located in an old gravel pit within Salem city limits west of I-5. Take Turner Road off Mission St. (Hwy. 22).

WALTER WIRTH LAKE: trout

Will be stocked with 1,700 legal-sized rainbow trout and 150 larger trout this week. The lake is located east of Salem in Cascade Gateway Park.

WEST SALISH POND: trout

The pond will be stocked with 1,500 legal-sized trout and 425 larger trout for ODFW's youth angling event on Saturday, May 16. The pond is located in Fairview behind Salish Elementary school. It is located on NE Glisan between 201st and 207th Ave. From I-84, take the 207th Ave. Exit, and head south to Glisan and turn right.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: shad, steelhead, sturgeon, warmwater fish

Spring chinook angling ended on the Willamette River below Willamette Falls on April 30. This includes the Multnomah Channel and the Clackamas River downstream of the Hwy 99 Bridge. Chinook fishing on the Columbia River is now closed. Staff will continue to monitor spring chinook passage at Bonneville Dam for the potential to provide additional recreational fishing opportunity.

The Willamette River upstream of Willamette Falls will remain open for spring chinook under permanent rules.

Sturgeon anglers had fair success during the last retention period. Boats going out of the St Johns boat ramp saw the best action. Decent catches were also found in Oregon City but the effort there was very light. River wide 149 sturgeon boats were checked with the catch showing 603 sublegals, 32 legals, and 5 oversized.

Bank fishing for sturgeon can be found at Meldrum Bar, at the Hwy 99 wall in downtown Oregon City and at Kelly Point on the St. Johns peninsula. Sturgeon anglers have been using frozen smelt, squid, herring and anchovies as effective bait. As in any fishery, anglers are reminded that all sturgeon released should be done so unharmed.

Sturgeon anglers are reminded that effective Jan. 1, 2009, sturgeon fishing on the Willamette is allowed 3 days a week n Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Also new for this year is the method of measuring sturgeon for retention. Under the new rules, sturgeon are now measured from the tip of the nose to the fork in the tail (rather than the tip of the tail). The resulting allowed retention measurements are slightly shorter than the old method. As a result, the 2009 slot measurement for sturgeon caught in the Willamette River will be 38 to 54 inches. Remember, this is a simple conversion of the old method. It does not mean you can keep smaller fish, only that the method of measuring "keepers" has changed. For a detailed explanation of how to measure sturgeon under the new rule, please visit our Web site.

Winter steelhead passage at Willamette Falls increased somewhat late last week. As of May 9, a total of 2,696 winter steelhead and 2,025 summer steelhead have moved beyond the falls.

Spring chinook passage was strong when the water temperature was in the mid-50s but has remained slow in recent days with the temperature hovering down in the low 50s. A total of 6,030 chinook have moved over the ladder through May 9. Numbers of migrants will gain steadily in the coming weeks.

Hydro readings at Willamette Falls on Monday showed flows at 30,000 cfs, the temperature down to 52° and visibility at 2.6 feet.

The Willamette provides an excellent warm water fishery in the summer and early fall months. You can expect to find an abundance of bass, crappie, and bluegill available. Target the rocky outcroppings, structures, or old pilings. Casting a variety of plugs or jigs near the shoreline can be successful. A simple bobber and night crawler might prove to be the right choice also. The local tackle shops can set you up with the right gear and direct you to the best spots. Lately, warm water anglers have reported catching primarily smallmouth bass at depths of 30 to 40 feet.

WILLAMETTE RIVER, COAST FORK: trout

The Coast Fork Willamette River was recently stocked with a total of 1,500 legal-sized rainbow trout, dispersed at several locations near downtown Cottage Grove.

WILLAMETTE RIVER, MIDDLE FORK above HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

The Middle Fork Willamette River above Hills Creek Reservoir was recently stocked with 1,350 legal-sized rainbow trout.

WILLAMETTE ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Spring turkey, cougar, predator, controlled spring bear

Controlled hunts deadline extended until May 19

Deadline was extended due to license sales system slowdown, believed due to high volume of sales activity in last few days leading up to deadline. New for this year, hunters can apply online. Or apply by fax, mail order, at a license agent or an ODFW office. See big game tag proposals under Hunting Resources.

Don't forget to report your hunt results. Anyone who purchases a big game or turkey tag must report hunt results online or by phone. Reporting is required even if you did not fill your tag or go hunting. More information

EVENT: Youth Outdoor Day, May 30, EE Wilson Wildlife Area near Corvallis. This annual event lets kids try a variety of outdoor activities (fly tying and casting, elk/duck/predator calling, archery) and learn about wilderness survival, hunter safety, boating safety and other topics. The cost is $5 and includes a BBQ lunch and t-shirt. Pre-registration is required; use this PDF registration form or visit Youth Outdoor Day web page for more info.

TURKEY season continues through May 31. Turkeys in the Willamette area are mostly found on private lands. There are good hunting opportunities for hunters that have obtained permission to hunt on private lands. Please remember to respect private property.

BEAR hunting for the spring season continues through May 31. The harvest during April was slow but that is typical. Harvest should start picking up in May as the weather warms. In general, hunters should follow the receding snow line. In the spring, bears generally feed on green vegetation such as grass, forbs, and skunk cabbage. Hunters should look around old grassed in logging roads, clear cuts, and swamps or other riparian areas. Bears also feed on insects and grubs which they find rotting logs and stumps. Look for freshly disturbed logs and stumps to determine if a bear is feeding in the area. SW Oregon tag holders should look to hunt to coastal areas or low elevation Cascade areas early in the season. Although some low elevation bears are becoming active, the higher elevation bears will most likely not become real active until later in the season. N. Cascade tag holders are reminded that in Marion and Linn counties lands outside the National Forest are closed to spring bear hunting. The limit is one bear per tag. It is unlawful to take cubs less than one year of age or females with cubs less than one year of age.

Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring. Be sure to bring in the skull (without the hide), the spring bear tag (or a copy), and harvest location information.

COUGAR season remains open through May 31 Cougar hunting should become more difficult as the snow pack melts. Cougar will be much harder to locate and hunters will need to rely more on calls to bring a cougar into the open. Continue to use predator calls that mimic the bleat of a fawn or elk calf or the distress sounds of a rodent but also consider calls that can imitate the territorial sounds of a cougar. Remember cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest; please bring them in thawed and with mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging. The bag limit is one cougar per tag. Remember that it is illegal to take spotted kittens or females with spotted kittens.

PREDATOR (coyote) hunters should be switching over to coyote vocalizations. Interrogation howls, male challenge howls and pup distress calls should be more productive as coyote's progress through the breeding season. Coyotes have pups in the den during this time and will be more active than normal.

EE WILSON WILDLIFE AREA

Hunting is now closed. The photo blind is now available. Call the wildlife area for reservations 541-745-5334. EE Wilson Wildlife Area is located approximately 10 miles north of Corvallis on Hwy. 99W. The address is 29555 Camp Adair Road, Monmouth, OR 97361.

Registration is open for Youth Outdoor Day, May 30 on the wildlife area; visit the event Web page for more information.

FERN RIDGE WILDLIFE AREA

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is now closed to hunting.

SAUVIE ISLAND WILDLIFE AREA

Waterfowl hunting on in the Wildlife Area is now closed for the season.

WILLAMETTE ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS

Songbird Festival, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, Sat. May 16, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Visit Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, 19255 SW Pacific Highway, Sherwood.

Join the Friends of the Refuge for a day of outdoor activities, guided nature walks, hands-on crafts for kids, exhibits, presentations, entertainment, food and fun.

Mt Tabor Park Bird Walk, Sat. May 16, 8 n 10 a.m.

This Southeast Portland park is a haven for migrant and resident songbirds. Event co-sponsored by Audubon Society of Portland and Backyard Bird Shop. Call 503-496-0908 for information and to reserve a spot. Beginners welcome!

Valleywide

Great blue herons have young in their nests at this time of year. The young are very vocal when the adults arrive with food. One of the most visible colonies in the area is in a large cottonwood tree along the bike path at the east end of Alton Baker Park in Springfield (east side of I-5, north side of the millrace). Herons are usually very sensitive to disturbance and in other areas several instances of nest abandonment are known to have occurred due to human disturbance. This colony is especially acclimated to and tolerant of people. To minimize disturbance to the birds, do not approach the base of the tree from the north side of the millrace. Another very visible colony is in a stand of large cottonwood trees next to a pond on the east side of Delta Hwy, just north of the Valley River Shopping Mall in Eugene.

Ruffed grouse courting

Listen for a rhythmic drumming as you hike the forests this spring ? male ruffed grouse are out courting females and their rhythmic wing beating (drumming) is used to advertise their presence and draw females into their territories. Drumming starts with a slow but powerful wing beat every second, rapidly speeding up, and ending 8 to 11 seconds later. This acoustic "calling card" is repeated every 3 to 5 minutes in the early morning and late afternoon during the breeding season. Ruffed grouse are native to Oregon and can be easily identified by their relatively long, fan-shaped and distinctively banded tail in addition to their neck ruffs. Look and listen for these 16-19 inch long, brown or gray-brown, chicken sized birds in deciduous and mixed forest communities in western Oregon.

Turkeys strutting

Wild turkeys are actively strutting and courting during this time of year. These birds were introduced into Oregon from other parts of the U.S. where they are native. These birds are widely established in the foothills around the edge of the Willamette Valley. Look for them where there is a mix of wooded areas and pastures. Mixed hardwoods, especially oaks, are preferred over conifers. Tall pines or fir trees are often used for night roosts. Fortunately, turkeys are most active and easiest to see on warm sunny days! Landowners beware! While turkeys are fun to watch and have around, if you feed them you may create a serious problem for yourself and your neighbors. Turkeys will often become a serious nuisance when they concentrate in an area because they are being fed. Turkeys that are not fed will range widely and rarely cause such problems.

Snakes bask when the sun shines

Three species of garter snake occur in the Willamette Valley. They are the most commonly seen snakes. Much variability in coloration exists in garter snakes but the best identifying characteristic is a stripe down the middle of the snake's back. No other snake species in western Oregon has a stripe down the middle. A good place to see these harmless snakes is on gravel roads and trails through wetland areas. Wildlife areas in the Willamette Valley such as Fern Ridge, Finley, EE Wilson, Baskett Slough and Ankeny are all good areas to see these beautiful animals. Best viewing conditions are on warm sunny days.

Osprey and turkey vultures are on the move

Ospreys are now returning to northwest Oregon from their wintering grounds in Central America. Ospreys mate for life and are building nests, which can be observed on the tops of communication towers, power poles, and broken off trees. Turkey vultures are also on the move this time of year. Turkey vultures are migrating northward to their breeding grounds. Watch for these large birds on drier days riding the thermals and imagine what our world would look like (and smell like) if there were no turkey vultures to clean up all the dead critters!

Where to hear songbirds

Many of the migratory songbirds will begin returning to the area in the next few weeks. Good places to see these birds include Skinners Butte Park, Spencer Butte, Fern Ridge Wildlife Area, Howard Buford Park, Elijah Bristow Park, Brown and Minto Island Park, and Ankeny, Finley and Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuges.

EE Wilson Wildlife Area

Waterfowl and shorebirds numbers are building with the wetter weather. Wildlife viewing will be improving over the next several months. A waterfowl blind is available to photographers. Call the office at 541-745-5334 to reserve the blind.

From Albany, take Highway 20 toward Corvallis and after 5 miles turn right on Independence Highway. Go 3 miles and turn left on Camp Adair Road, then proceed 2 miles to the wildlife area. Find directions to EE Wilson Wildlife Area.

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area and Reservoir

Fern Ridge Reservoir has extensive wildlife habitat that can be accessed from many access points including Royal Avenue which extends from west Eugene to the reservoir and ends at a gated access point. This is an excellent place to observe wildlife. Berms were built in this area during 2000 and 2001 to retain water along the edge of the reservoir during the winter months when the reservoir is drawn down for flood control. These ponded areas are very attractive to wildlife at this time of year. Also accessible from this access point are natural prairie habitats (to the north and south) that are very rare in the Willamette Valley. In addition to the abundance of waterfowl, many raptors can be seen in this area. Look for short eared owls and peregrine falcons. Also visible from this area are wading birds, such as egrets and herons and various shorebirds.

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area

The East Coyote, West Coyote Fisher Butte and Royal Amazon units are now closed to public access six days a week to provide sanctuary for ducks, geese and other birds that are nesting in preparation for the upcoming migration. The closure will be in effect, except on designated trails, through April 30. These areas are open to public access on Saturdays.

Wintering concentrations of waterfowl can still be observed on the lake and surrounding mudflats and wetlands. Several thousand Canada geese use Fern Ridge Lake for an evening roost site and the sunset and sunrise departures and arrivals of the large flocks of geese provides an outstanding viewing opportunity. Observant visitors may also catch a glimpse of black-tailed deer and furbearers including beaver, otter, mink, red fox and coyotes.

Royal Avenue and the trail to the Fisher Butte viewing platform remain open all day every day year round. There is a second elevated viewing platform in the Fisher Butte unit located 1/4 mile north of the Fisher Butte unit parking lot on Hwy 126 that is also open year-round for wildlife viewing.

The majority of Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is open daily for public use providing great wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors are reminded there are seasonal access restrictions in place in five units during the fall and winter to provide wildlife sanctuary. Please read posted regulation signs before entering the wildlife area.

The entire Fern Ridge lake water area remains open daily year-round.

Dogs are allowed on the Wildlife Area but now that hunting season is closed. Dogs must be kept on leash at all times.

Parking areas are located along Highway 126, Nielson Road, Cantrell Road, Territorial Highway, and Clear Lake Road. Visitors are cautioned that there have been recent vehicle break-ins at area parking lots. Please secure your valuables before leaving your vehicle unattended. Contact the wildlife area headquarters, (541) 935-2591 if you have any questions.

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

The Sauvie Island Wildlife Area eastside units opened on May 1 after an extended closure to protect wintering waterfowl. The Westside, Oak Island and North units opened earlier in the spring. All areas require a Sauvie Island Wildlife Area Parking Permit.

Sauvie Island is a main stopping point for migratory birds as they travel along the Pacific Flyway, and ODFW actively manages the Wildlife Area to provide food and cover for them. An abundance of ducks and geese can be seen from many points around the island, as can raptors, including bald eagles, northern harriers, sandhill cranes, red-tailed hawks and American kestrel. Spring migrants are arriving such as orange-crowned warbler, pacific-slope flycatcher and purple martins. The first Canada goose brood was observed over the weekend.

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area is located on Sauvie Island, only 10 miles north of Portland off Highway 30. A parking permit is required for the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area and can be purchased at ODFW License vendors or at the Sauvie Island ODFW office, Monday through Friday during office hours. For more information, call (503) 621-3488. Directions to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

NORTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities:

* Coastal streams are at good fishing levels after recent rains; however some streams have been slow to clear. Fishing has generally been slow, with only a few early summer steelhead and spring chinook available in some streams.

NORTH COAST LAKES

District lakes have been stocked several times this spring. The next scheduled stocking is in early June in advance of free fishing weekend. The 2009 stocking schedule is available online.

Warmwater fish, particularly bass, should be getting more active as lakes slowly warm up. Cape Meares, Lytle, Cullaby, Sunset, Coffenbury and Vernonia lakes offer fair to good warmwater opportunities.

MID COAST LAKES

Trout stocking on Mid Coast Lakes: Trout fishing in the lakes has been very good lately and will remain very productive over the next few weeks. All water bodies on the stocking schedule have been stocked recently with 8 to 12-inch trout with many areas having a good number of 2 pound trophy trout. This is a great time of year to get out and catch some rainbow trout.

WARM WATER FISH ANGLING OPPORTUNITIES

The mid coast has numerous lakes or reservoirs which offer good angling for naturally produced warm water fish species, such as large mouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, brown bullhead and crappie. Typically the best fishing is from late spring to mid fall while water temperatures are warm. Tactics such as casting or trolling lures, jigging baits near bottom or using the traditional bait and bobber technique are all productive from either a boat or from shore. Below is a list of lakes near local coastal cities that offer warm water angling opportunities.

Devils Lake (Lincoln City): Offers fair to good year-round trout fishing and also has slow to fair angling for largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill.

Big Creek Reservoirs 1 & 2 (Newport): Offers fair largemouth bass fishing, slow to fair angling for yellow perch and bluegill and good year-round angling for rainbow and cutthroat trout.

Olalla Reservoir (Toledo): Offers fair largemouth bass fishing, slow to fair angling for yellow perch, bluegill and brown bullhead and good year-round angling for rainbow and cutthroat trout.

Sutton and Mercer Lakes (northern Florence): Fair to good angling for largemouth bass and decent angling for bluegill, and potential for crappie and brown bullhead. Offers year-round rainbow and cutthroat trout fishing.

Woahink Lake (southern Florence): Can be good to very good for yellow perch and offers fair to good angling for largemouth bass and bluegill.

Siltcoos Lake (south of Florence): A large lake with numerous fingers, lots of shoreline structure and a couple large tributaries. Offers fair to good angling for largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch and brown bullhead. There is good year-round rainbow and cutthroat trout fishing and a good seasonal fishery for coho salmon.

Tahkenitch Lake (south of Florence): A large lake with numerous fingers, lots of shoreline structure and a couple large tributaries. Offers good to very good angling for largemouth bass and yellow perch, and fair to good angling for bluegill, crappie and brown bullhead. There is good year-round cutthroat trout fishing and a good seasonal fishery for coho salmon.

ALSEA RIVER: steelhead

The river above tide water is currently closed to all salmon, steelhead and trout angling and will reopen on May 23 for cutthroat trout. Tide water remains open year round for marine species.

NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: steelhead, chinook

Steelhead angling is slow to fair, with mostly dark winter steelhead "kelts" being caught. Recent rains should bring some summer steelhead and spring chinook upriver. Fish the lower river for best chances at fresh fish.

SILETZ RIVER: summer steelhead

Steelhead fishing is open year round on the Siletz. Catch rates for hatchery winter steelhead is very slow with most fish spawned out or heading back down stream. Fair numbers of wild fish are in the river spawning during this time period. Anglers are encouraged to handle these fish carefully and not take out of the water if possible. A few early summer steelhead have recently been caught in the lower river and numbers should increase in the coming weeks.

SIUSLAW RIVER: steelhead, cutthroat trout

Angling above tidewater is closed to salmon, steelhead and trout in the Siuslaw river basin, including Lake Creek and the North Fork Siuslaw. Angling will re-open on May 23 for cutthroat trout. Cutthroat trout angling is expected to be good this year. Tide water remains open year round to marine species.

TILLAMOOK BAY: sturgeon, chinook

Angling for sturgeon has been slow. Sand shrimp fished on the bottom in the deeper channels will produce the best results. Move frequently to find fish if you are not getting bites. A few spring chinook have been caught in the bay. Trolling herring in the lower bay or large spinners further up the bay are the most productive techniques.

TRASK RIVER: steelhead, chinook

Winter steelhead angling is fair, but most fish are dark or spawned out. An occasional summer steelhead will show in the catch also. A couple of spring chinook have been reported caught recently. Wild steelhead are being tagged as part of a research project in the East Fork Trask. Anglers catching a tagged fish should report the tag number to ODFW in Tillamook at 503-842-2741. Do not remove the tag from fish.

The road shoulder has been widened at the Cedar Creek boat launch, which will allow vehicles to pull off the road while launching. Anglers should use caution to avoid disturbing fresh fill in the area. Plans are in the works to construct a new boat slide at the site in the near future. Please do not block boat launching at this site. Contact ODFW in Tillamook at 503-842-2741 for details.

WILSON RIVER: steelhead, chinook

Steelhead angling is slow to fair. Most of the fish are dark or spawned out. A few early summer steelhead have been caught recently. The first spring chinook of the year was also caught recently. The river has been slow to clear after the last storm.

YAQUINA RIVER: steelhead

Angling above tide water is closed for salmon, steelhead and trout for the season. The fishery will re-open in conjunction with the traditional trout opener on May 23, 2009. Cutthroat trout angling is anticipated to be good this year.

NORTH COAST HUNTING

OPEN: COUGAR and BEAR

Don't forget to report your hunt results. Anyone who purchases a big game or turkey tag must report hunt results online or by phone. Reporting is required even if you did not fill your tag or go hunting. More information

Controlled hunts deadline extended until May 19

Deadline was extended due to license sales system slowdown, believed due to high volume of sales activity in last few days leading up to deadline. New for this year, hunters can apply online. Or apply by fax, mail order, at a license agent or an ODFW office. See big game tag proposals under Hunting Resources.

Densities of COUGAR are relatively low on the north coast, and the animals are hard to find unless you specifically target them. One of the most effective ways to hunt them is by using a predator call. An aggressive calling strategy works best on these shy and reclusive cats. Remember cougars must be checked-in no more than 10 days after harvest at an ODFW office; please bring them in thawed and with mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

SPRING BEAR season opened in the Wilson and Trask units on April 1 and extends through May 31. Bears have recently been more active and harvest has picked up in the last two weeks. Higher elevations in the coast range may still have snow, in some places enough to limit travel on roads. Look for patches of skunk cabbage in wetlands of the forest and areas where logs have been torn up for places to set up calling stations. Visit the spring bear hunting forecast for tips and information about conditions.

SPRING TURKEY season opened April 15 but there is little opportunity or harvest on the north coast.

NORTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

TAKE A ROAD TRIP TO THE COAST RANGE

Viewing is Excellent at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area

Viewing opportunities for elk have been good with animals visible most days. Best times are in the mornings and evenings. As the spring progresses elk should start spending more time in the timbered areas especially on warm days. The bulls have shed their antlers and new antler growth is already visible. Look for bulls on the Fishhawk tract adjacent to Hwy 202. The cows are getting ready to have calves starting at the end of May. Please remember that areas posted as Wildlife Refuge are closed to public access.

Migratory species that have recently returned to the wildlife area include band-tailed pigeons, violet-green swallows and wood ducks. Look for band-tailed pigeons near viewing areas. Swallows can be seen gliding over open fields and checking out nest boxes along fences near viewing areas. Wood ducks and mallards have been seen on the shallow pond areas, in fields with standing water, and along creeks.

See Jewell Meadows on U-Tube

Spring bird song

Now that spring is in full swing, songbirds are very apparent in the forest as you walk through them. Along with the usual year-round residents, such as robins and song sparrows, many of the neotropical migrants are here and nesting as well. Now and for the next few months, the woods will be filled with their various songs designed to court a mate or declare a territory.

Astoria Area

NEW: The wildlife viewing bunker at Ft. Stevens State Park, near Astoria, is a great place to see a variety of bird species in the spring and early summer. Situated at the end of Clatsop Spit and on the edge of Trestle Bay, it is host to migratory shorebirds this time of year. The best time of view shorebirds there is a low tide, when the sand and mud flats are exposed. A spotting scope is highly recommended for best viewing.

Tillamook Area

Migrating shorebirds make a brief appearance this time of year around local beaches, estuaries and even pastures on their way north. Some of the largest shorebirds, the whimbrels and curlews - with wingspans approaching 3 feet n will hunt for worms and grubs in area pastures. They are easily recognizable by their extremely long, down-curved bills, which they use to probe the mud and soil. Many species of smaller shorebirds forage on area beaches and tidal areas. Their identification can be difficult as many are similarly sized and generally buff colored. A good field guide is always handy.

Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge and State Park is full of bird activity these days. Common murres are staging off of near-shore rocks in preparation for nesting in May. Black oystercatchers can be seen paired up and flying around the surf line, just below from the north viewing platform. Soon the peregrine falcons should be setting up for nesting on their usual ledge, which is also visible from the north viewing platform. In addition to the lighthouse, which is open during the spring, summer and fall months, there are many great interpretive panels that showcase the rich diversity of bird life that can be seen there.

Newport Area

The trail behind the Mark O. Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport is a good place to observe shorebirds and waterfowl in the Yaquina estuary.

SOUTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend opportunities:

* Several area lakes, ponds and reservoirs have been stocked and should offer good fishing opportunities.

* Spring chinook fishing on the Rogue River has been picking up as water conditions improve.

* Fishing in Tenmile Lakes continues to be good for bass and trout, including the occasional 17-inch holdover trout.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Applegate Reservoir has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout, and trout fishing has been fair. Smallmouth bass fishing has picked up as the fish have started to move in closer to the shore. Hart-tish Park and boat ramp are now open.

APPLEGATE RIVER: steelhead, rainbow trout

The Applegate River closed to all angling on March 31. It will reopen to trout angling on May 23.

Applegate River flows at Wilderville

ARIZONA POND: rainbow trout

Located approximately half way between Gold Beach and Port Orford, Arizona Pond is an excellent place to take kids trout fishing. ODFW stocks the lake regularly and anglers can expect good fishing .The best time to fish the pond is in the morning or evening when the fish are actively feeding. Flies, spinners, or a worm under a bobber all work really well. Angling is limited to youth 17 and under.

BEN IRVING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass

Ben Irving Reservoir, west of Winston, has been stocked with 4,000 trout so far.

BURMA POND: rainbow trout

Burma Pond was stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout last week.

CHETCO RIVER:

Closed. Will reopen to trout angling on May 23.

Chetco River flows near Brookings

COOPER CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Cooper Creek has been stocked with about 8,050 trout to date. About 50 of these were trophy trout. Bass fishing at Plat I is now open to harvest. The limit is 5 per day with only 3 over 15 inches per day. Plat I has been stocked with 3,500 trout to date.

COOS COUNTY LAKES: rainbow trout, warmwater fish

Powers Pond, Empire Lakes, Tenmile Lakes, Bluebill Lake, Eel Lake, Saunders Lake, Sru Lake, Johnson Mill Pond, and Bradley Lake were all stocked last week with legal-size trout. Still fishing with your bait near the bottom or under a bobber is an effective technique for catching trout. Another way to catch trout is by trolling a flasher or a worm. For those that like to flyfish, there are midges and caddisflies hatching on the area lakes. Trout have been stocked in the Millicoma Pond at the Millicoma Interpretive Center and fishing is excellent. Millicoma Pond is set aside for kids fishing only and is a great chance for them to hook into fish. Please call before traveling to Millicoma Pond to make sure the gates are open. The phone number is (541)267-2557.

The water temperature in many of the Coos County lakes is in the lower 60 degrees. Fishing for largemouth bass and bluegill usually picks up when the water temperatures rises into the 60s. To catch bluegills use a piece of worm on a small hook or small jig under a bobber. For catching largemouth bass use jigs, plastic worms, crankbaits, or spinners. Concentrate your fishing near structure or weedlines to catch largemouth bass and bluegills.

COOS RIVER BASIN: trout, sturgeon, rockfish, Dungeness crab, clamming

Trout fishing is closed in Coos Bay and the rivers until May 23.

Sturgeon fishing in Coos Bay has been slow. There have been a few fishermen trying to catch sturgeon but very few fish are being caught. There are new sturgeon regulations for 2009. See the 2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for the most current regulations.

Fishing for rockfish and lingcod in the lower Coos Bay estuary has been good. Fish near submerged rock piles for the best success and use sand shrimp or a jig and twister tail.

The best clamming tides are in the morning this week. There are good places to clam in Coos Bay even when the tides are not negative. All you need is a shovel, bucket, and your shellfish license! Within Coos Bay, the better harvest areas are Empire/Charleston along Cape Arago Highway, and within Charleston, north and south of the Charleston Bridge. Butter, gaper, and cockle clams are abundant in these areas, but it does take a few site visits to find specific areas of highest clam density. Make sure to check the Oregon Department of Agriculture website for any recent shellfish closures at: http://oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/shellfish_status.shtml.

The recreational crab effort, and harvest, has been relatively poor in recent weeks. People crabbing from a boat have been averaging five crabs per licensed individual. Effort and harvest from the local docks, Charleston and Empire dropped off as well, with few crab of legal size.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: trout, sturgeon, striped bass

Trout fishing is closed in the Coquille estuary and rivers until May 23.

Sturgeon fishing in the Coquille River has been slow. There are new sturgeon regulations for 2009. See the 2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for the most current regulations.

Last weeks rain has the Coquille River running a little muddy. Striped bass fishing should pick up as the river clears.

DIAMOND LAKE: rainbow trout

Diamond Lake opened to angling April 25. Last year's fingerlings were about 12-inches long, while other fish stocked last year were 16 to 20 inches long. There was one 4 pounder caught along with a few 3 pounders. Overall, fishing was fair to good. Diamond Lake won't be mentioned in the SW Region Trout Stocking Schedule this year since the lake will only be stocked with fingerling trout this summer. However, we anticipate nearly 140,000 catchable sized trout in the lake this year from the 200,000 fingerlings released in 2008 plus another 25,000 catchable fish leftover from last year's stocking. As of Monday, the road around lake is snowed in, but the North boat ramp is plowed. The ice is getting soft but call Diamond Lake Resort for up to date information (800) 733-7593. If ice fishing, please remember any man-made hole must be 12 inches or less in diameter or length.

DUTCH HERMAN POND: rainbow trout

Dutch Herman Pond was stocked last week with legal-sized rainbow trout.

ELK/SIXES RIVER:

Closed. Will reopen to trout angling on May 23.

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

Emigrant Reservoir was stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout last week. Trout have been biting on power bait and worms. Bass and other warmwater fish have moved into the shallows and fishing for them is improving with the warm weather.

Anglers should be aware that a health advisory has been issued recommending limits on consumption of all fish from Emigrant except rainbow trout. Information on the Emigrant Reservoir advisory, along with general information on mercury and fish can be found on the DHS Web site.

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

Expo Pond was stocked last week with legal-sized rainbow trout. Night crawlers are the bait of choice. Fish bait either from a bobber or on the bottom with weight. Fishing for bass, bluegill and crappie has been good.

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout

Fish Lake will be stocked with 5,000 legal-sized rainbow trout this week, plus another 500 larger trout. Brook trout are also available. Fishing for trout has been good, with a number of larger fish being landed. The lake is free of ice. The boat ramps at the resort and Forest Service campground are open. Cabins and camping facilities are available at the Fish Lake Resort (541-949-8500). Information about the Forest Service campground can be obtained by contacting the Butte Falls Ranger District (541-865-2700).

FLORAS LAKE: rainbow trout

The lake is located a few miles south of Langlois. Bank access is limited, but there is a boat ramp at Boice Cope County Park. Fly fishing or slow trolling wedding ring spinners can work really well. Anglers should keep an eye on the weather as it can be very windy.

GALESVILLE RESERVIOR: rainbow trout, bass

Galesville Reservoir is open to angling year-round. Galesville was stocked with 8,000 catchable trout in 2008, plus 25,000 2007 sub-legals that became legal size in 2008. The reservoir was also stocked with about 55,000 adipose-clipped hatchery coho which are now legal size. In Galesville Reservoir, all landlocked salmon are considered trout. Thus, there is a five per day trout limit, with only one trout over 20 inches in length allowed for harvest. The 2009 stocking season has begun and so far about 6,500 trout have been stocked. Angling from the bank and from a boat has been good for 11 to 13-inch coho. Anglers are reminded all bass between 12 and 15 inches must be released, and only one bass over 15 inches may be taken per day. Galesville does have a campground.

GARRISON LAKE: rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, bass

Fishing continues to be good for trout, but anglers will need to start fishing deeper as water temperatures climb. The best way to fish is by boat, but there is some bank access at the State Park or ODFW's access site on 12th street. Fly fishing or slow trolling wedding ring spinners are regular producers. Anglers should keep an eye on the weather, as the lake can be very windy.

HERBERT'S POND: rainbow trout, warm water fish

Herbert's Pond is a small pond just east of Canyonville on Tiller Highway. The pond has a good warm water fishery for kids including bluegill, crappie, and bass. The pond has very good bank access. Through March, the ODFW will occasionally recycle a hatchery steelhead into Herbert's Pond. These fish will be adipose marked and have an additional mark identifying it as a recycled steelhead. Only one of these fish can be harvested per day. The pond was stocked in March with 250 legal-sized trout and will be stocked again in June for Free Fishing Weekend.

HOWARD PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Fishing has been good for recently stocked legal-sized rainbow trout, as well as for larger trout from last year's stockings. OFDW will stock another 7,000 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Anglers have reported good catch rates while still fishing with PowerBait and while trolling. The resort facilities and the Jackson County campgrounds and boat ramps are open.

HYATT RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Trout fishing should be good. Hyatt Reservoir will be stocked with another 5,000 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Plus, there are a good number of larger trout left over from last year's stocking. The resort facilities are open, as are the BLM campground and boat ramp.

ILLINOIS RIVER: steelhead, trout

The Illinois River closed to all angling on March 31. It will reopen to trout and steelhead angling on May 23.

Illinois River flows at Kerby

LAIRD LAKE: rainbow trout

Located about 30 miles up Elk River, Laird Lake is an excellent place to catch a few trout. The lake is small and filled with lots of downed timber. Bank access is pretty good. Elk River Hatchery is located on the road to Laird and is good place to stop and take a quick tour.

LAKE MARIE: rainbow trout

Lake Marie is at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park near Winchester. About 2,500 trout have been stocked this year.

LAKE SELMAC: trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie

Selmac has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Trout fishing has been good on worms and PowerBait. Casting and retrieving or trolling lures or flies has also been effective. Largemouth bass and panfish have moved in along the shoreline and angling for them has been good. Bluegill and crappie can be caught by suspending a worm or jig under a bobber.

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

Opened April 25 and angling is fair to good for Brown trout with a few rainbows mixed in. Starting April 27 the reservoir water height may change up or down a half foot per day until May 17. The lake has been stocked with 2,000 legal-sized trout and another 1,500 will be stocked this week. As of Monday, the resort boat ramp was open to provide access to the lake. Poole Creek boat ramp was plowed on Tuesday and people can now launch boats there. The lake is ice free now.

LOON LAKE: rainbow trout

Loon Lake was stocked with about 7,000 catchable trout plus some trophy trout in 2008. Loon Lake was stocked with 7,000 trout so far in 2009.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Lost Creek Reservoir has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Trout fishing has been fair. Boat anglers should try trolling a variety of depths with wedding ring lures, worms, or spinners, while bank anglers should do well using PowerBait near the Takelma Boat Ramp. Bass angling is improving as the fish are getting more active and are moving to shallower water.

MEDCO POND: rainbow trout, bass, panfish

Medco Pond was stocked with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout last week. Trout fishing has been good. Fishing for largemouth bass and bluegill has been good as well. Fishing a worm just off the bottom, casting lures, and trolling have all been productive technique.

PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: bottomfish, surf perch

When the ocean has been "calm" fishing for rockfish, greenling and lingcod has been good. Fishing for rockfish and greenling has been decent fishing from shore. Concentrate your fishing near rocky outcroppings and drop-offs. The daily bag limit for rockfish, greenling and cabezon will increase to 7 fish in aggregate on May 1.

Fishing for surfperch is good. The best time to fish for surf perch is during an incoming tide. While fishing ocean beaches for surfperch concentrate your fishing efforts on steeper beaches near areas with a drop-off/ledge or rip tides. Sand shrimp and sand worms are great baits to use for catching surfperch. Use a weight heavy enough to hold your bait in one spot, depending on the size of the surf this could be 3 oz. n 6 oz. weight.

REINHART POND: rainbow trout, warm water fish

Reinhart Pond (formerly All Sports Pond) in Grants Pass was recently stocked with 1,200 legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing has been good. Anglers should try fishing with nightcrawlers or casting small spinners or spoons. Fly anglers may want to try casting leech or wooly bugger-type streamers. Fishing for largemouth bass and bluegill has been good as well.

ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: spring chinook

Spring chinook fishing picked up over the weekend as water conditions improved from recent storms. Anglers are picking up fish from Elephant Rock to Foster Bar on anything from spinners to straight anchovies.

Rogue River flows

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: chinook salmon, steelhead

The river has been dropping and clearing since last week's rain. The flow at Grants Pass on May 11 was 4,350 cubic feet per second and the water temperature was 50 oF. Spring chinook numbers continue to increase in the Grants Pass area, and fishing for them has been improving. Back-bouncing bait and back-trolling sardine-wrapped plugs have been productive techniques. Anglers are reminded that only adipose fin-clipped chinook may be retained at this time.

The Rogue River closed to trout angling on March 31 to protect out-migrating salmon and steelhead smolts. It will reopen for trout on May 23.

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: chinook salmon, steelhead

The river has been dropping and clearing since last week's rain. On May 11, the flow out of William Jess (Lost Creek) Dam was 3,140 cfs and the water temperature was 49oF. The flow at Gold Ray Dam, was 4,000 cfs. As of May 5, 5839 winter steelhead and 793 spring chinook have been counted at Gold Ray Dam. Angling for spring chinook has been slow, but should improve as more fish pass over Gold Ray Dam. Anglers are reminded that only adipose fin-clipped chinook may be retained at this time.

The Rogue River closed to trout angling on March 31 to protect out-migrating salmon and steelhead smolts. It will reopen for trout on May 23.

SODA SPRINGS RESERVOIR: brown and rainbow trout

Soda Springs Reservoir and the tributaries upstream of Soda Springs are open to trout angling. There is no limit on brook trout taken in addition to catch limits for other trout.

SMITH RIVER: striped bass, trout, fall chinook, steelhead

Open for adipose fin-clipped steelhead from mouth to Sisters Creek and North Fork from mouth upstream to Bridge 10 until April 30. Trout season closed until May 23. Striped bass season is open year-round, two fish per 24 hours, 24-inch minimum size. The North Fork is open from mouth to Johnson Creek for stripers.

SOUTH COAST STREAMS: trout

Trout season in the Umpqua tributaries, Smith River, South Umpqua, North Umpqua tributaries below Soda Springs Reservoir and Cow Creek basins is closed until May 23. The mainstem Umpqua and mainstem North Umpqua to Soda Springs Dam are open year-round for catch and release trout. North Umpqua tributarties remain closed until May 23.

SPAULDING POND: rainbow trout

The access road is open and the pond was stocked last week with legal-sized rainbow trout.

TENMILE LAKES: largemouth bass, rainbow trout

The water temperature in Tenmile Lakes is in the upper 50/lower 60 degrees. Largemouth bass fishing has been decent but dependent on the weather. Largemouth bass are starting to spawn and will be found in shallow water. Largemouth bass are hitting a variety of lures including topwater, jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits.

Tenmile Lakes was stocked last week with legal sized rainbow trout. The best way to catch these fish is by trolling a flasher or a worm. For those that like to flyfish, there are lots of midges hatching in the evenings at Tenmile Lakes along with a few big caddisflies. There are also a few holdover trout from last year's stocking in Tenmile Lakes. These holdover trout are averaging 17 inches.

TOKETEE LAKE: brown trout

Fishing is open in Toketee year-round, and the best fishing occurs early in the morning. The lake has both good bank and boat access throughout.

UMPQUA ESTUARY: sturgeon, bass, chinook,

Both sturgeon and striped bass fishing have been slow in the lower Umpqua. Striped bass have started becoming more active. Crabbing has been slow to fair. Note change in measuring sturgeon on page 19 of the 2009 Angling Regulations booklet.

UMPQUA HIGH LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

Clearwater Forebay #2 has been stocked with 1,500 trout this year and will be stocked this week with another 1,000 trout. Other high lakes such as Maidu, Bull Pup, Connie, Skookum, Calamut, Fuller, Wolf, Cliff, Buckeye, Linda, and Big Twin Lakes were stocked with brook trout in 2008. Many of these lakes are still inaccessible due to snow on roads.

UMPQUA RIVER MAINSTEM: steelhead, spring chinook, smallmouth bass

Umpqua Basin Note:

Due to high mortality of hatchery steelhead, smolt releases in 2007 were much lower than normal. Consequently, fewer hatchery steelhead will be returning to the Umpqua basin this winter. Angling opportunity and catch rates throughout the basin will still be good due to the strong wild steelhead population, however only hatchery steelhead can be harvested.

Mainstem:

River conditions have improved, but will be variable based on temperature. The fish tend to bite more when the water temperature is increasing versus when it is dropping. Recently the water temperature has bounced between 49 and 55 degrees with the best bite on the warmer days. There are reports of Chinook being caught every day in the lower sections of the river, and even a few stories of 40+ lb fish landed. The Chinook are averaging 16 to 22 lbs. Striped bass are beginning to become active in the lower Umpqua. Anglers will start seeing a lot of smolts moving through since Rock Creek recently released its spring chinook and summer steelhead smolts. Remember to release the smolts! A few shad have been reported in the Yellow Creek area. Remember the main stem Umpqua is closed to wild steelhead harvest, but remains open year-round for adipose fin-clipped steelhead.

Umpqua River flows near Elkton

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead

The final count across Winchester Dam for winter steelhead was 7,831 and as of the 8 of May 884 chinook have been counted. Boat fishing activity has increased in the section below the dam along with chinook harvest numbers. Fishing in the Rock Creek area for chinook is fair to good. The fish are actively moving now with the increased flows and warmer water. Remember that only adipose fin-clipped steelhead can be harvested on the North Umpqua. The North is open to catch and release trout fishing from the mouth upstream to Soda Springs Dam.

North Umpqua River water levels at Winchester Dam

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: winter steelhead

The South Umpqua is closed to all angling. The South will reopen to trout and bass angling May 23.

South Umpqua River water levels near Riddle

WILLOW LAKE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bullhead

Willow Lake has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. The county park and boat ramp is open. Anglers should try using floating bait or worms. Casting or trolling lures or flies can also be effective. Bass and panfish are getting more active, and fishing for them is improving with the warm weather

WINCHESTER BAY: sturgeon, coho, chinook

Fishing is picking up a little for sturgeon. Note new sturgeon measuring method in the 2009 Angling Regulations. Crabbing has been slow to fair.

MOST RECREATIONAL SHELLFISH IS OPEN

The entire Oregon coast is open for recreational shellfishing. In addition, only the adductor muscle of scallops are safe to eat; consumption of whole scallops from the recreational fishery is not recommended.

Always check for health advisories by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Shellfish line at 1-800-448-2474 for updates.

Razor clams and current status of particular areas

Crabbing has been a little slow but picked up recently. Crabbers are encouraged to return soft crabs with little meat back to the water. Crabbing from public docks or boat if available is a great opportunity for families to catch a delicious dinner. Kids often enjoy sorting out the smaller crab that can be abundant. Public crabbing docks can be found in Winchester Bay, Bandon, Charleston, and Empire.

Clamming effort in Coos Bay has slowed down but there are still lots of clams available. A couple of areas to try are Pigeon Point off the Cape Arago Highway and the Charleston Flat south of the Charleston Bridge.

* ALWAYS CHECK FOR HEALTH ADVISORIES by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Shellfish line at 1-800-448-2474 for updates.

* Razor clams and current status of particular areas

* Bay clams

SOUTHWEST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Spring turkey, controlled spring bear, cougar, coyote

Controlled hunts deadline extended until May 19

Deadline was extended due to license sales system slowdown, believed due to high volume of sales activity in last few days leading up to deadline. New for this year, hunters can apply online. Or apply by fax, mail order, at a license agent or an ODFW office. See big game tag proposals under Hunting Resources.

Don't forget to report your hunt results. Anyone who purchases a big game or turkey tag must report hunt results online or by phone. Reporting is required even if you did not fill your tag or go hunting. More information

Visit the turkey and spring bear hunting forecasts for tips and information about conditions in each zone.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

Controlled Spring Bear

The SW controlled bear season closes in a few weeks on May 31. Bear numbers are good with the highest numbers at lower elevations in the coast range with lower numbers elsewhere in the coast range and Cascades. Hunters can focus on open meadows early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Successful bear hunters are now required to check in the skull within 10 days of the kill.

Turkey

The spring turkey season ends on May 31. Many gobblers have been taken so far this season. A lot of the hunting pressure has dropped off so now is a good time to find your turkey since few hunters are still afield. In general, most turkeys are found on or adjacent to low-mid elevation private lands associated with oak savannah habitat. Hunters are reminded to obtain permission before hunting on private lands. In addition, turkey hunters are being asked to collect crops of harvested wild turkeys and submit them along with the hunters name, address, date and location of harvest and sex of the turkey to district and regional ODFW offices for a new food habitats study OSU is conducting.

Cougar

Hunters can expect an average year. Cougars are abundant throughout with indicators pointing to stable or increasing numbers. Hunting cougar is a challenge because these animals are very secretive, but harvest success is greatest adjacent to private land with high deer populations using a predator call.

Coyote

Numbers are strong throughout Douglas County. Using predator calls to lure them in can be an effective method for harvesting coyotes. Try calling in early morning and late afternoon. Be sure to ask permission before hunting on private land.

COOS COUNTY

SPRING BEAR season continues through May 31. Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring. Bears are not very active at this point in the spring but with warmer weather they will become active. Hunters interested in hunting this early in the season should plan on being meticulous with their glassing. Bears will be found most often around clear cuts and in naturally occurring forest openings like slides.

TURKEY season is now open. Many of the hens have been bred by this time. As a result toms become active looking for those hens still interested in breeding. Therefore, toms are responsive to calls. Hunters should spend their time hunting near agricultural lands. Be sure to get permission to access private land before doing so.

COYOTE populations are good in Coos County and they will respond to calls. However, calling coyotes on the coast range is challenging due to brush. Since specific license and tag requirements exist for hunting some of these animals new hunters should contact local ODFW offices to learn more about hunting these animals before they start.

COUGAR are abundant throughout with indicators pointing to stable or increasing numbers. Hunting cougar is a challenge because these animals are very secretive, but harvest success is greatest adjacent to private land with high deer populations using a predator call. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

JACKSON, JOSEPHINE, CURRY COUNTIES

SPRING BEAR hunting is open through May 31. SW Oregon tags are sold out. This year's bear season should be average; numbers are high in most areas. At this time of year bears will be feeding in open grassy meadows and busy turning rocks. Focus on early mornings and late evening south facing hill sides. Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring.

TURKEY season is open thru May 31. Turkey numbers appear to be above average with most turkeys in low-mid elevation of oak and conifer mix forests with there associated meadows and clearings. They will be feeding on green grasses and insects. Use locator calls before light or at dusk to locate roosting trees then set up in an area of their travel and begin call as light approaches. Hunters are being asked to collect crops of harvested wild turkeys and submit them along with the hunters name, address, date and location of harvest and sex of the turkey to district and regional ODFW offices for a new food habitat study OSU is conducting.

COYOTES are abundant in our area. Spring is calf and lambing season; ranchers will have concerns with coyotes, hunters should contact ranchers for permission to hunt on private lands. Hunters will have great response to calling. Focus on areas of known prey base and use calls based on that.

General COUGAR season is open. Cougar populations continue to be abundant. Predator calling has been an effective method for some hunters. Locating deer migration trails that lead back to the higher elevations of the cascades can be helpful as cougars use these areas in search of prey. Hunters are also reminded that they must bring their cougar into an ODFW office within 10 days to be checked and tagged, refer to regulations for details. Hunters are asked to bring in cougars thawed and mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

WESTERN GRAY SQUIRREL is now open only in a portion of the Rogue unit; refer to regulations for more detail. It is open there year-round with no bag limit.

SOUTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

Pelicans on the coast

Brown pelicans can be seen on the Oregon coast. Watch for them flying single file and following the leader: when the lead pelican begins to glide on a thermal, the next pelican does the same and so on down the line. Brown pelicans can also be seen diving for fish in a similar manner.

Coos County

Commonly in Coos Bay and the lower Coquille River sea ducks like surf scoters and black scoters are present. These birds can be fun to watch as they dive along the shore line for mollusks that they feed on. Also, Loons and several species of grebes are present for viewing presently. Point Adams, located near the Charleston boat basin is a good place to see these birds and others that are moving in and out of South Slough.

With warmer weather bears will become active and viewing opportunities for them will improve. Those interested in seeing bears this spring should look for them on warm mornings or evenings in natural forest openings like slides and clear cuts.

Often in early spring some of the first migrating birds begin to appear in the Coos Bay area. Small groups of shore birds are already appearing along local beaches and inland bays. Look for these birds around mud flats at low tide. Their numbers will increase as the spring progresses.

Presently, waterfowl numbers are very good in Coos Bay and other coastal bays. Many of the diving ducks are late migrants. Good places to look at waterfowl are along Cape Arago Highway near Barview. Numbers of bald eagles and other raptors generally increase with increasing waterfowl numbers. Good places to see these birds are the Coos Bay North Spit, east side of Coos Bay, the Coquille Valley and the lower Umpqua.

Douglas County

Bullock's Oriole

The Bullock's (Northern) oriole has now arrived, and is commonly seen and heard around the Umpqua Valley. Look for their colorful orange and black bodies that are 8 in. long. The Bullock's oriole is our only oriole in Western Oregon found nesting in woodlands, orchards, riparian areas and farmland in tall shade trees like cottonwood. Their diet is insects (spiders), snails and nectar. Remember if you have an oriole feeder that you can make your own oriole food, similar to hummingbirds, 4 parts water to 1 part sugar ratio but always make sure the sugar goes completely into solution before hanging up for use.

Stewart Park Wildlife Trail

The Stewart Park ponds and nature trail system next to Fred Meyer in Roseburg is a great place to enjoy numerous wildlife species. Ducks, geese, turtles, herons, pigeons, nutria, swallows, sparrows and swifts are some of the common wildlife seen in the area. The nature trail has many interpretative signs to read along the way besides great viewing opportunities in this unique wildlife mitigation area.

Purple Martin

Purple Martins have arrived so look for them around Plat I Reservoir, Cooper Creek Reservoir and Ten Mile Lake. Purple Martin is our largest swallow in North America and is uncommon & mainly found in Western Oregon communally nesting usually near a large water body.

Vaux Swift and Swallows

The first Vaux's swifts and various species of swallows have arrived so look for them around local reservoirs and water bodies.

Turtles and other reptiles

Western Pond Turtles can be seen on warm sunny days and afternoons at all local reservoirs plus Stewart Park Pond in Roseburg. Springtime is a good time to run across snakes and lizards since they are coming out of hibernation as the temperature warms up. Most all snakes are in Western Oregon are non-venomous with the only poisonous snake being the Western Rattlesnake. Some common snakes in our area are: Sharptail, Ringneck, Common King, Gopher and Garter (4 species). The most common lizards in our area are: Alligator Lizard (2 species), Western Fence and Western Skink.

Fish Passage

Winter Steelhead and Spring Chinook migrating upstream passing through Winchester dam fish ladder on the N. Umpqua River which is free and open to the public. To view the migrating Steelhead go to exit 129 on I-5, proceed southeast on 99 to the fish ladder on the north side of the river.

Jackson, Josephine, and Curry counties

Denman Wildlife Area

This is the time of year when the Wildlife Area greens up with variety of flowers and wildlife. Goslings are starting to be seen on the wildlife area, within the next month there will be more and a few duckling will also appear. Also, the ospreys are back currently building there nest.

A covered viewing station on the Denman Wildlife Area provides a good opportunity to view waterfowl, egrets, raptors and songbirds. The structure was built by the Oregon Hunters Association and is accessed by a paved, ADA-accessible pathway. It is on Whetstone Pond, just north of the ODFW Rogue Watershed Field Office in Central Point.

Many people are visiting the area for fishing opportunities where bass, blue gills and bull head cat fish are caught. School and scout groups are scheduling appointments where Area staff has provided presentations and tours of the area.

Directions to the Ken Denman Wildlife Area: 1495 E. Gregory Road, Central Point

(541) 826-8774

From I-5: Take exit 33 at Central Point. Travel east on Pine Street to Table Rock Road. Turn left (north) on Table Rock Road to E. Gregory Road. Turn left at the wildlife area headquarters sign.

From Hwy. 62: Turn onto Agate Road. Take the first left (E. Gregory Road). Proceed one mile to the wildlife area. For more information about the wildlife area, visit ODFW's Web site.

On the Coast

Shorebirds are currently migrating north and can be observed on area beaches and the Rogue Bay. Ospreys are actively fishing in the Rogue estuary and also nesting on the Lower Rogue. Several nests are observable from the Jerry Flat Road along the Rogue River.

Harbor seals can be observed in estuaries throughout the South Coast. Look for sandy haul out sites. Remember, spring is puping season so please observe these animals from a distance. If you find pups on the beach, leave them where you found them-mother knows where they are.

CENTRAL ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities:

* Late April and May on the Deschutes River is often considered the best time of the year to catch trout on big dry flies.

* Anglers are catching bright summer and winter steelhead in the lower Hood River.

BIG LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout

Big lava is currently still ice covered and will be inaccessible for the upcoming weekend. Big Lava is a great place to catch nice rainbow trout ranging from 12 to 20 inches in length.

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

Anglers are having success catching nice rainbow trout along with a few brook trout. Crane provides great opportunity for top-of-the-line brook trout and anglers are strongly encouraged to try their hand at angling for them. Fish brook trout at dawn and dusk. Small spinners or spoons are often quite effective as are both wet and dry flies. Worms also work well. Anglers after the big brook trout should cast their fly, lure or bait close to cover such as submerged logs or undercut banks. Once you hook your brook trout head for open water as they're notorious for tangling your line around logs and rocks.

Please note new angling regulation specifying the daily trout bag may only include one non-fin-clipped rainbow trout per day. Crane is a great place to catch larger rainbow trout, though the novice angler will require patience.

CLEAR LAKE: rainbow trout

Snow is preventing access.

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

Anglers continue to have good success catching lake trout and brown trout. Kokanee anglers should start seeing a little better success as lake temperature increase.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout and mountain whitefish

Anglers continue to catch redband trout and mountain whitefish, however they are encouraged to check flows before making a trip. Consistent flows generally result in better fishing. Anglers are reminded to exercise caution when wading on the slick rocks of the Crooked River and wading in areas, marked by signs indicating redband spawning habitat is discouraged through May. It is also important to note that fishing with bait is not currently allowed; artificial flies and lures only until May 23.

All anglers should visit informational kiosks located in the BLM campgrounds in the Wild and Scenic portion of the river where a flier has been posted to assist anglers in collecting valuable information. ODFW and OSU initiated a radio telemetry study on redband trout and whitefish in the fall of 2007. ODFW and OSU deployed new radio-tags in early October in fish caught by dedicated volunteer anglers from the Central Oregon Fly Fishers, Sunriver Anglers, ODFW, and OSU. Anglers are reminded that radio-tagged fish cannot be legally harvested. To determine if a fish is radio-tagged, anglers should check for an eight-inch wire antenna protruding from the rear of both redband and mountain whitefish. A sample of redband trout and mountain whitefish are also tagged with a numbered floy tag protruding from the back. Anglers who later catch a trout or whitefish with a floy tag are encouraged to release the fish after recording the tag number, fish length and location caught. Anglers can send the information to ODFW at (541) 447-5111 ext. 24 or michael.r.harrington@state.or.us.

CULTUS LAKE: lake trout, rainbow trout

Cultus didn't see a lot of angling activity over the weekend. The fishing should be good for lake trout and fair for rainbow trout.

DAVIS LAKE: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass

Anglers reported catching a few rainbow and a fair number of largemouth bass. Remember Davis is a fly angling lake only.

DESCHUTES RIVER: steelhead, rainbow trout

Mouth to Warm Springs: steelhead, trout

The Deschutes River Canyon is full of flowering balsamroot, lupine, and hungry trout. Late April and May is often considered the best time of the year to catch trout on big dry flies. Fly anglers should look for caddis hatches during most days and large stone flies in the warm afternoons. Typically, golden stoneflies tend to primarily hatch below Maupin with salmonflies above Maupin. The highest concentration of trout and whitefish are from around Maupin upstream to the reservation boundary.

Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls: rainbow trout, brown trout

No recent reports. The flows are now well-suited for fishing. This reach of the Deschutes provides good spring angling opportunity for brown trout and redband trout.

EAST LAKE: Brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, Atlantic salmon

East Lake is still inaccessible. Please check with East Lake Resort @ EastResort.com, the Deschutes National Forest or the local ODFW office at 541 -388-6363 for up-to-date lake conditions. East Lake Resort plans to open May 22.

ELK LAKE: kokanee, brook trout

Elk Lake is not yet accessible

FALL RIVER: rainbow trout

Recent reports indicate that the angling has been fair with a few nice fish being caught. The river above the falls remains open the entire year, and is restricted to fly-fishing only. River water temperatures are generally in the 38 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit range. As mid-day air temperatures get warmer, expect insect activity to increase. This is a popular spring fishery for fly fishers.

FROG LAKE:

Snow is preventing access.

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

Rainbow trout fishing has been excellent from the shore and boats. Large fish have been active in the recent weeks with reports of 10lb rainbows being caught.

HOOD RIVER: summer steelhead, winter steelhead

Anglers are reporting catch of bright winter and summer steelhead in the lower Hood River from the mouth upstream to Powerdale Dam. Spring temperatures continue to warm water temperatures which should make steelhead more aggressive. Counts at Bonneville Dam have been improving, and anglers should be seeing increased numbers of fish. Some mint bright summer steelhead have already been caught by anglers.

Find out how many fish are being captured at the Powerdale Dam trap.

HOSMER LAKE: Atlantic salmon, brook trout

Hosmer is not yet accessible

KINGSLEY RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Kingsley has been recently stocked and should offer good opportunity for legal and trophy-sized trout.

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

Fishing in Billy Chinook remains consistent with catches similar to previous years. Angling opportunities appear to be best in the Deschutes and Crooked River Arms. Kokanee bag limit is five fish per day, included in the trout daily bag limit. Anglers should consult 2009 Sport Fishing Regulations for new angling regulations on Lake Billy Chinook.

LAURANCE LAKE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Laurance Lake has been recently stocked and should offer good opportunity for legal and trophy-sized trout.

LITTLE LAVA LAKE: Rainbow trout, brook trout

Little lava lake is still not accessible.

METOLIUS RIVER: redband trout, bull trout

Some recent reports of redband trout being active. The warmer temperatures this week should result in some great hatches and great fishing. May on the Metolius can provide a great angling experience. Please note that the reach of river from Allingham Bridge upstream to the Metolius headspring is currently closed to angling to protect spawning redband.

NORTH TWIN: rainbow trout

Fishing is reported to be fair. Good beaches, good wind protection and good numbers of stocked rainbow trout are North Twin positives.

OCHOCO CREEK UPSTREAM TO OCHOCO DAM: rainbow trout

Bait fishing is not allowed. Artificial flies and lures only, and regulations allow no more than two trout per day with only one trout greater than 20 inches and no trout under eight inches. Opportunities are good for native redband trout.

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Fishing improves at the head of the reservoir as spring runoff increases. Anglers have reported catches of large fish and fishing is expected to improve with weather.

ODELL LAKE: kokanee, rainbow trout, lake trout

Water temperature at Odell hit 42 degrees Fahrenheit and the kokanee bite switched on. Anglers fishing for kokanee are seeing great returns to the creel. The lake trout bite is still holding strong and anglers have also see success for rainbow trout. Please note that all bull trout must be released unharmed.

PAULINA LAKE: Brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout

Lake conditions are tentative. Please check with Paulina Lake Lodge 541-536-2240 for ramp access and ice conditions.

PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Pine Hollow has been recently stocked and should provide good opportunity to catch various sizes of trout, including some large trout.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, black crappie, bass

Anglers have reported good catches of rainbow trout and smallmouth bass fishing from the shore of Prineville Reservoir. Anglers should note an error in the 2009 fishing regulations for Prineville Reservoir (p. 63). The CORRECT regulation is: largemouth and smallmouth bass, 15 in. MAXIMUM length, only one of which may be a largemouth.

ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Pine Hollow has been recently stocked with trout and should provide good opportunity to catch a limit of trout.

SOUTH TWIN: rainbow trout

No recent reports. South Twin provides plenty of opportunity for rainbow trout, great wind protected shoreline and good beach-like shoreline for the kids to run around on when they're tired of catching fish. A great family lake.

SUTTLE LAKE: brown trout, kokanee

No angler reports, though the lake should provide good opportunity for anglers interested in chasing kokanee or brown trout.

TAYLOR LAKE: rainbow trout

Taylor Lake has been recently stocked with trout and should provide good opportunity to catch a fat trout. Taylor Lake is also a great spot to catch carp with flies, look for carp in the shallows as water temperatures warm with spring temperatures.

WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout

No recent reports. Gate to campground is locked, anglers must walk ¼ mile to the reservoir. Spring temperatures are likely to make ice unsafe; use extreme caution if checking ice conditions.

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

Anglers are having success catching brown trout and limited numbers of kokanee. The kokanee are in great condition with a few fish ranging up to 17 inches in length. Anglers are encouraged to work the shallows for browns and rainbow during the early morning hours and hours just before dusk.

CENTRAL ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Cougar, coyote, spring turkey, spring bear (controlled hunt)

Controlled hunts deadline extended until May 19

Deadline was extended due to license sales system slowdown, believed due to high volume of sales activity in last few days leading up to deadline. New for this year, hunters can apply online. Or apply by fax, mail order, at a license agent or an ODFW office. See big game tag proposals under Hunting Resources.

Don't forget to report your hunt results. Anyone who purchases a big game or turkey tag must report hunt results online or by phone. Reporting is required even if you did not fill your tag or go hunting. More information

Visit the turkey and spring bear hunting forecasts for tips and information about conditions in each zone.

PRINEVILLE/OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT

Most snow accumulations have receded except for a few stubborn drifts at higher elevations on north slopes across the Ochoco National Forest. Outdoor enthusiasts should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, and check with Ochoco and Prineville BLM offices for access and camping information. Deer, elk, pronghorn, and turkeys are moving to higher elevations as the spring thaw progresses.

TURKEYS have moved to higher elevations forested locations throughout the Ochoco and Grizzly units. Typically, the better concentrations of birds occur on Ochoco National Forest lands along the south slopes of the Ochoco unit, and in the Bear and Trout Creek drainages of the Grizzly unit. Hunters should consult with Prineville BLM and Ochoco National Forest offices regarding access as motorized travel may be restricted to avoid soil damage and protect wildlife habitat.

COUGARS and COYOTES are tied to deer, elk, and pronghorn and will be following dispersing animals as they move to higher elevations. Remember cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days after harvest; please bring them in thawed and with mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

GROUND SQUIRRELS are active in hay fields and pastures. The best hunting will be on private lands, particularly along the Crooked River between Prineville and Paulina. Having permission from landowners is a must before hunting.

THE DALLES WILDLIFE DISTRICT

TURKEY season continues through May 31. Toms are actively strutting, and birds continue to move to higher elevation as the snow gradually recedes.

Spring bear hunting continues through May 31; see the forecast for what to expect. Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring.

For hunters wishing to pursue COUGAR, the best opportunity will in the Deschutes and John Day River canyons. Cougars can sometimes be found near bighorn ewes that have congregated to lamb. Hunters should glass open areas near bighorn lambing cliffs. Successful cougar hunters, remember check-in is mandatory; please bring them in thawed and with mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

Those wishing to pursue COYOTE will find the best success near agricultural lands. Be sure to ask permission to hunt private lands. Limited opportunities may also be found at White River Wildlife area.

California Ground SQUIRRELS, or gray diggers, are very active with the recent warming trends in the area. The best hunting opportunities for squirrels are generally found on private agricultural ground, but good opportunity also exists on White River Wildlife area. Make sure to ask permission to hunt on private lands.

WHITE RIVER WILDLIFE AREA

TURKEY and BEAR hunting seasons continue through May 31.

COYOTE and COUGAR hunters can find success in open areas along the eastern perimeter of the wildlife area. Remember cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days after harvest; please bring them in thawed and with mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

The wildlife area is a vehicle regulated use area. Open roads have a green dot on them. Hunters bringing their ATVs are reminded that all vehicles are to stay on roads; cross country travel is prohibited. The roads for through vehicle travel have been closed for the winter and most of the roads will reopen April 1, 2009. Please use caution even on open roads, as spring moisture can create hazardous conditions. If a road appears too wet for travel, please find an alternate route.

CENTRAL ZONE VIEWING

Prineville Area

Ducks and geese are nesting along the Crooked River and Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Additionally, a variety of nesting shorebirds and birds of prey are present along the shoreline and rimrock areas. The access road along the north side of Prineville Reservoir through the WMA is open and offers great camping, hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. A map of the WMA is available from the ODFW's Prineville Office, and the Oregon State Park office located at the Prineville Res. State Park.

Directions to the WMA: From Prineville, take Paulina Highway 1.7 miles. Turn right onto Juniper Canyon Road at the Prineville Reservoir State Park sign. Take Juniper Canyon Road 12.5 miles to Prineville Reservoir State Park. Access to the WMA is via the primitive N. Side Access road at the northeast corner of the state park. Visitors can also access the WMA by continuing southeast along Paulina Highway for 15 miles (from Prineville) and turn right at the bottom of the hill after passing Eagle Rock near milepost 14 onto the signed WMA primitive road. For more information, visit ODFW's Web site.

The Dalles

Spring is here, and neotropical migrants are right behind it. This is a great time of year to take a hike in the Columbia River gorge. The gorge is host to many migrant songbirds in the spring, as well as a great place to find wildflowers and other wildlife. The Mosier Twin Tunnels provides a great hard surface trail to avoid the spring mud. For more information visit Oregon State Parks Web site, http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_155.php

White River Wildlife Area

Visitors to the area can see a wide variety of birds, including Lewis' Woodpeckers, Cooper's hawks and pileated woodpecker's.

From The Dalles, travel 34 miles south on Hwy. 197 to the blinking light at Tygh Valley. Turn right into Tygh Valley and follow the signs to Wamic on Wamic Market Road. Continue straight ahead on Dodson Road rather than follow the sharp curve. Continue on Dodson Road through three 90-degree turns. Turn left on the gravel road 1/4 mile past the last curve, and continue 1-1/2 miles to the cattleguard and area signs. The wildlife area headquarters is located 1/2 mile past the cattleguard. For more information, visit ODFW Web site.

Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area

Many different species frequent the Deschutes Canyon at this time of year with opportunities to view a wide variety of waterbirds, passerines, deer and bighorn sheep. Bighorn sheep are a common site in the canyon. One of the most popular spots to view Bighorn rams is across the river from Jones campground, along the Mack's canyon access road. Bighorn ewes are now congregating in large cliff areas to have their lambs. One area where visitors can view bighorn lambs is in the cliffs across from Beavertail campground along the Mack's canyon access road. Good binoculars and a spotting scope will improve the odds of viewing sheep.

Many different bird species are present in the Deschutes Wildlife Area, including osprey, kingfishers, great blue herons and waterfowl. ODFW's Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area is located east of The Dalles. Directions and more information about the Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities:

* Fishing for redband trout on Klamath and Agency lake has improved dramatically as water conditions improved and temperature increased.

* On the lower Owyhee River, water flows have been turned on below the dam and fishing is good for rainbow trout.

NOTE: Lake County streams that are not open year-around do not open until May 23. Please read the ODFW angling regulations carefully.

ANA RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout, hybrid bass

Ana Reservoir is open year-round for rainbow trout and hybrid bass angling. Rainbow trout angling has improved with water conditions at the reservoir. Hybrid bass angling has been very good. A record size 30 inch hybrid bass was caught in early February weighing 18lb, 9.5 oz. A large number of hybrid bass over 18 inches have been caught in the reservoir recently as well. Many hybrid bass anglers fish at night. Jigging large lures or fishing bait on the bottom of the reservoir are the most common angling methods. The use of live fish for bait is prohibited. The reservoir was stocked with fingerlings last week.

ANA RIVER: hatchery rainbow trout

Angling for rainbow trout has been very good. Rainbow trout in this river can be very spooky so stealth is required. Bait angling is allowed. Tui chub and pit roach are abundant in Ana River so large lures and flies mimicking minnows can be very successful. Hatches of midges have been occurring on the river during warm up periods. Recent sampling showed lots of large, rainbow trout available to the angler. The river was stocked with fingerlings late last week. Large lures and flies are recommended in the upper river, to keep the small, recently planted rainbow trout off your line and available to legal-sized fish.

BALM CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass

Good access to reservoir. Should be good for trout fishing.

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

With the rain last week, the reservoir water level rose slightly. The reservoir was 62 percent full and inflow averaged 246 cfs on May 10. Reservoir trout angling is slow. Angling below the dam is fair.

BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The road to Big Rock is traversable, but there are muddy depressions on the hill into the reservoir. The reservoir is at half-full. Many 8 to 10-inch fish have been caught here this month.

BLITZEN RIVER: trout

Angling should be fair to good for rainbow trout when flow conditions allow angling. However, May is usually the high flow month for the Blitzen. Flow ranged from approximately 210 to 310 cfs from May 4 through May 11. Mainstem Blitzen and tributaries (except Little Blitzen) have a two fish trout bag limit from late May through Oct. 31, and a catch and release fishery from Nov. 1 through late May. The Little Blitzen is a catch and release fishery year-round.

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

The reservoir water level continued to drop. The reservoir was 69 percent full on May 10. Angling is slow.

BURNS POND: trout, bass

The pond was stocked three weeks ago. Angling should be fair for rainbow trout.

BURNT RIVER: trout

Burnt River has been stocked with rainbow trout and will be restocked week of May 11.

CAMPBELL RESERVOIR (KLAMATH COUNTY): redband trout, largemouth bass

No report. The reservoir is three-quarters full.

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout

The reservoir is very low, and the water is turbid as a result of recent high winds. Angling is slow for 14 to 18 inch rainbow trout.

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout, largemouth bass

The lower river (downstream of Paisley including Rivers End Reservoir) is closed until May 23. Redband trout are available in the main river and tributaries; brook trout are available in Dairy and Elder Creeks. The river has greatly improved for fishing over the last week, flows are moderate and insect hatches are increasing with the warm weather. Access is open into the headwaters of the Chewaucan River.

COTTONWOOD MEADOWS LAKE: brook trout, hatchery stocked rainbow trout

Access to Cottonwood Meadows Lake is still blocked by snow drifts.

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: native redband trout

Access is open to the reservoir and boat ramp. Fishing has been slow, but large redband trout have been caught recently on spinners.

CRUMP LAKE: crappie, largemouth bass, brown bullhead

The lake went almost entirely dry in 2007. Few crappie were caught in the lake in 2008. There is a primitive boat ramp on the east side of the lake. Crappie catch rates should improve this year with better water conditions.

DEADHORSE/CAMPBELL LAKES: hatchery rainbow trout, brook trout

The USFS closed access to the lakes in 2008. Access to these lakes is currently blocked by snow drifts; however, the USFS has not opened the area for recreational use and most likely will not open this area until later this summer. Questions concerning the closure and its removal should be directed to the Paisley Ranger Station at 541 943-3114.

DELINTMENT LAKE: trout

The lake is accessible from Riley and Burns. However, we have no angling report.

DEMING CREEK: redband trout and bull trout

Angling is closed until 23 May to protect redband trout spawners. This closure includes the irrigation ditch into Campbell Reservoir. Angling is closed for bull trout.

DEVILS LAKE: Yellow perch, largemouth bass, brown bullhead

Angling is fair for yellow perch and brown bullhead.

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

The lake has received significant runoff and the lake level is high but not flowing over the spillway. The retention of redband trout is prohibited; the lake is not stocked with hatchery trout. Largemouth bass angling has been slow.

DREWS RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, brown bullhead, channel catfish, redband trout

Access is open to the reservoir and boat ramp. The water is low in the reservoir and very turbid.

DUNCAN RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Access to the reservoir is open. The water level is very high and water is spilling over the outlet. Recent fishing reports show slow catch rates. The reservoir has been very turbid. The reservoir was stocked recently with legal and trophy-sized rainbow trout.

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

The Steens Loop road remains closed. No recent angling report.

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

Access to the lake during the spring months is available by snowmobile, skis, or with a good dog team. Anglers who have ice fished the lake have caught small lake trout at 14 inches. Ice thickness and snow depth on the lake make ice fishing a challenge. The lake is frozen. Thickness of ice is unknown. Safety should be anglers' number one priority. The road into the lake should open sometime in early June.

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

Angling is slow for warmwater fish. The best angling will be for brown bullhead and yellow perch. The reservoir is very turbid. Crappie should start to bite as temperatures warm.

HAINES POND: rainbow trout

Pond has been re-stocked. Fishing should be good.

HART LAKE: crappie, brown bullhead, largemouth bass

Catch rates for crappie last summer were very good. The lake is very low. Crappie fishing is expected to improve as water temperatures increase.

HEART LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout, Kokanee

Access to the lake is open. The lake is full. The lake has not been stocked; it will be stocked later this month. Kokanee and rainbow trout are still available in the lake from prior year's stockings.

HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Access to the reservoir is open. The Reservoir has not been stocked; but will be stocked later this week. Trout are also still available in the lake from prior year's stockings.

HWY 203 POND: trout, bluegill, bass

Pond has been stocked three times. Fishing is good. A free fishing day event will take place at the pond on June 6. Activities will include fishing derby for the kids, food and prizes.

JUNIPER LAKE: cutthroat trout

The lake is nearly dry.

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass

Fishing is fair for 16 to 20 inch rainbow trout. Fly anglers have had some success using leech imitations. Bait anglers have had some success using PowerBait.

KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: redband trout and yellow perch

Angling has improved drastically. Water temperatures in the lakes has increased and redband trout are very active. The water clarity has improved. Due to a heavy rain the Lake Elevation is now only half a foot below full pool. Some redband trout and minnows have moved to the shoreline. Redband trout in Agency Lake and Upper Klamath Lake are feeding primarily on minnows, sculpins and leeches at this time. Trolling lures that mimic minnows from a boat is good.

KLAMATH RIVER: native rainbow-redband trout

Angling has been slow and the river is turbid. Water temperatures have increased into the high 50's. River flows are 534 cfs below Keno Dam which provide excellent opportunities for bank anglers. The low flows might not last through the weekend. Optimum flows for angling are below 1000 cfs. Most redband trout have completed spawning in Spencer Creek and have moved into the Klamath River. Angling is typically best in mid through late May. Anglers fishing below Keno dam should bring proper foot wear (wading boots with studs) and a wading staff for a better wading experience. The Klamath River from J.C. Boyle Dam bridge crossing to the J. C Boyle Powerhouse provides good angling this time of year for small redband-rainbow trout (6-12 inches) due to low, stable flows with higher water temperatures due to 220 cfs of spring water. Angling in the river below the powerhouse is very slow due to high flows (1880 cfs) and murky water.

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

Huge pieces of ice were moving in Lake of the Woods this week. Angling should be good this weekend. The lake was stocked with legals and trophies three weeks ago. Visit Lakeofthewoodsresort.com for more information. Fishing after ice out can be good for large brown trout and rainbow trout. Anglers might need to access the lake via Dead Indian Memorial Road but the road from highway 140 is expected to be open this weekend.

LINK RIVER: redband trout

Anglers are catching a few redband trout. Water temperatures have increased and flows have decreased. The river is turbid.

LOFTON RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Access to Lofton Reservoir is open, but the boat ramp is still frozen over with ice and snow. The Reservoir has not been stocked; and will not be stocked until later this month when the boat ramp clears. Trout are still available in the lake from prior year's stockings.

LOST RIVER: brown bullhead, yellow perch, crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill

Angling is fair for brown bullhead using bait at the Crystal Springs day use area. Anglers are also having success catching largemouth bass along certain areas of the river.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Reservoir water level continues to drop. The boat ramp is usable for small boats only. The reservoir is producing catches of 12 to 16 inch trout with a few larger fish. Angling for trout is fair.

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

Water releases from Warm Springs Dam were reduced due to the rainy conditions over the last week. Flows below Warm Springs Reservoir averaged 191 cfs on May 10. Angling for trout is fair.

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

Water releases from Beulah Reservoir were reduced due to rainy conditions over the past week. Discharge below Juntura average about 268 cfs on May 10. Angling for trout is slow.

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

Access into this area may still be limited by snow. No recent angling report. Trout angling should be slow as stream flows are high. Remember to release bull trout.

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

Access into this area may still be limited by snow. No recent angling report. Trout angling should be slow as stream flows are high. Remember to release bull trout.

MANN LAKE: trout

No recent angling report. The lake is very low, and illegally introduced goldfish have disrupted the trout fishery.

MILLER LAKE: brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout

Access to the Lake is by snowmobile, skis, or a good dog team. The lake is frozen. Ice thickness is unknown. Brown trout are available to the adventurous angler.

MILL FLAT RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Access to the reservoir is still blocked by snow and mud.

MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout

No recent angling report. The reservoir was very low after last irrigation season, but filled this spring. Angling should be fair for largemouth bass, and slow for trout.

MUD LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout

Mud Lake is very low. It may have winter killed some trout. Fall sampling in 2008 showed lots of fish available to the angler, most in the 8 to 10-inch size range.

MURRAY RESERVOIR: trout

Was re-stocked week of May 11th with legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing is good.

NORTH FORK SPRAGUE RIVER: Brown trout, redband trout, brook trout, bull trout

Flows in the North Fork Sprague are very high and water temperature is cold. Angling is very slow. The upper reaches cannot be reached due to snow.

NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: rainbow trout

Most of the reservoirs are accessible. All of the BLM ponds in the Harper-Westfall area were stocked last spring with fingerling-sized rainbow trout. Littlefield Reservoir should have a good carryover population. Squaw Creek Reservoir had a die-off this fall, so trout numbers will be low this spring.

NORTH POWDER POND 1: rainbow trout

Pond was has been re-stocked. Fishing should be good. Water is over the road on the north side of the pond but fishing is accessible on the southeast side.

OBENCHAIN RESERVOIR: bluegill, largemouth bass

The landowner has closed access to Obenchain Reservoir due to vandalism. Access is by permission only.

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

Due to the rainy conditions over the last week, the water level in the reservoir increased slightly. The reservoir was 59 percent full on May 10. Water level is at the bottom of the ramp at McCormick State Park and four feet above the bottom of the ramp at Leslie Gulch. Small boats may be launched and retrieved but larger boat owners may have difficulty. Other boat ramps are open for normal use. Angling for crappie and bass is improving.

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

Flows below the dam averaged 146 cfs on May 10. Angling for rainbow and brown trout remains good.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish

Discharge at the Rome gauge averaged 1,150 cfs on May 10. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish should be slow.

OVERTON RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Access is still blocked by snow. Few trout were captured during sampling in the fall of 2008. Spring fishing is expected to be poor.

PAIUTE RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout and hatchery Lahontan cutthroat trout

Rainbow and cutthroat trout are available. The reservoir level is extremely low, but fish are still being caught.

PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch

The Union campground is open. Trout were stocked the first week of May. The reservoir is at 85 percent full and should fill this spring.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout

Pilcher Creek Reservoir is open. Fishing has been very good for trout. Reservoir is full.

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The water level is very low. This reservoir will be drawn down to minimum levels early this summer. The reservoir does support a few large rainbow trout. Fishing is slow.

POWDER RIVER: trout

Fishing season is open in all creeks and rivers and trout have been stocked.

ROGGERS POND: hatchery rainbow trout

Access is still blocked by snow.

SEVENMILE CREEK: brown trout, brook trout, redband trout

Most of the public access fishing area is blocked by snow. The lower section is on private property therefore permission is needed to fish.

SHERLOCK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The reservoir is full, access is open. No recent fishing reports for the spring have been received. Fall sampling showed lots of trout in the 10 to 12-inch size range. Recent fishing reports show lots of trout available in the 8-inch size range.

SOUTH FORK SPRAGUE RIVER: redband trout, brook trout, brown trout

Flows in the South Fork Sprague have increased due to rain. The upper sections of the South Fork are blocked due to snow. Most of the redband trout caught range from 6-14 inches. Large brown trout over 20 inches are available as are some migratory redband trout from Upper Klamath Lake. Most brook trout are located upstream near Corral and Camp Creek. Angling will be slow.

SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: hatchery rainbow trout

Most of the reservoirs are accessible. Rain over the last week may have made the roads soft but they should firm up quickly. All of the ponds in the Jordan Valley area were stocked with fingerling trout last spring. Several reservoirs north of Jordan Valley have carryover populations.

SPAULDING RESERVOIR:

Spaulding reservoir went dry in 2007 and has not sufficiently refilled to support fish. The reservoir will not be stocked this spring.

SPRAGUE RIVER: Redband trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead, yellow perch.

Flows have increased to over 1400 cfs, which is above average for this time of year. The water clarity is poor with about a foot of visibility. Angling should be slow for redband trout. As you get higher in the system water clarity should improve. Bait angling for brown bullhead should be good in between Saddle Mtn. Pitt Bridge and Godowa Springs Road. The Chiloquin dam has been removed and angling regulation signs have been posted near where the dam used to be. The river is closed until late May below the former location of Chiloquin Dam.

SPENCER CREEK: Redband trout and brook trout

Angling is closed until May 23 to protect redband trout spawners.

SUMMIT POND: hatchery rainbow trout

Access is still blocked by snow.

SUNSTONE RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The reservoir is half-full and declining. Recent fishing reports show lots of fish available in the 8-inch size range.

SYCAN RIVER: redband trout, brown trout and brook trout

Angling should be slow for small redband trout 6-12 inches in some areas including the canyon near Coyote Bucket. Large brown trout and migratory redband trout over 20 inches are available. The upper Sycan is inaccessible due to snow. The river will be off color in the lower section but currently flows have increased due to rain. The Sycan River is a great place to fish if you do not want to see another angler.

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout

Fishing has been slow, but spring gillnets showed a few 13-inch trout and many 8 to 9-inch trout in early April. The dirt road that follows the reservoir has been upgraded to provide good access to the Powder River below the dam. Public access only goes approximately 1000 ft below the dam. Please respect private property and remain within 1000 ft of the dam.

THOMPSON VALLEY RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout, largemouth bass

The reservoir is very full, the boat ramps are usable, and good fishing is expected all spring.

TOPSY RESERVOIR: brown bullhead, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, goldfish

Angling is slow for warmwater fish. Fishing for brown bullhead or yellow perch would be your best bet at this time. Largemouth bass are starting to be captured in the backwater areas. Angling for crappie should start to improve this week.

UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie

Fishing is good for trout. Crappie and bass will be slow until water warms.

VEE LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout

Access to the lake is still blocked with snow. The lake went mostly dry last summer. It is expected to fill this spring. It will be stocked with fingerlings as scheduled. Legal and trophy trout will be added to jump start it by early summer.

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

The water level has begun to drop. The reservoir was 27 percent full on May 3. Inflows averaged 233 cfs on May 3. Fishing has been good for channel catfish, but slow for other species.

WARNER LAKES (Hart and Crump Lakes are listed separately): crappie

Most of the northern Warner Lakes went dry last fall except for Flagstaff Lake. Few crappie are expected to have survived the winter freeze in Flagstaff Lake.

WARNER POND: hatchery rainbow trout

Access to Warner Pond is open. The pond is free of ice and contains large rainbow trout. This is a great place to fly-fish and take young anglers.

LOWER WILLIAMSON RIVER: redband trout, brown trout, brook trout

The lower Williamson River is closed until 23 May to protect redband trout spawners.

UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER: redband trout and brook trout

Flows are high which will reduce catch rates. Angling should be slow for redband trout and brook trout on public land and exceptional on the private land. Anglers have the opportunity to pay to fish on the Sand Creek Ranch and the Yamsi Ranch.

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

Angling is very slow for warmwater fish. It appears largemouth bass might not have had a high survival through the winter. The reservoir is currently low and boat anglers should be aware of log hazards. New angling regulations are in place that allow only one bass harvested per day greater than 15 inches in length.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, trout

Fishing for trout is good. Trout are larger than in recent past. Reservoir is full.

WOOD RIVER: redband trout, brown trout, brook trout.

The Wood River was accidentally omitted from the 2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations. The Wood River angling regulations remain catch-and-release for trout from April 25- October 31. Flows in the Wood River have increased due to the heavy rain. For the flyfisherman there have been sparse hatches of blue winged olive and large mahogany dun mayflies after 3 p.m. Small spring stoneflies are still flying around as well as small caddis flies. Angling for trophy redband trout will be slow and most fish captured will be spawned out. Most redband trout are completed spawning and have moved out into Upper Klamath and Agency Lakes. Anglers are doing well casting lures imitating minnows for brown trout. Lure fisherman should concentrate on the deep, dark undercuts for large browns. Flyfishing for brown trout is poor but should improve with stabilizing flows and warmer water temperatures.

YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout

Angling has been fair to good for 10 to 13-inch rainbow trout. Anglers have had success with a variety of gear.

SOUTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Spring bear (controlled hunt), spring turkey, cougar, coyote

Controlled hunts deadline extended until May 19

Deadline was extended due to license sales system slowdown, believed due to high volume of sales activity in last few days leading up to deadline. New for this year, hunters can apply online. Or apply by fax, mail order, at a license agent or an ODFW office. See big game tag proposals under Hunting Resources.

Don't forget to report your hunt results. Anyone who purchases a big game or turkey tag must report hunt results online or by phone. Reporting is required even if you did not fill your tag or go hunting. More information

Visit the turkey and spring bear hunting forecasts for tips and information about conditions in each zone.

HARNEY COUNTY

COUGAR hunting is open. Populations in Southeast Zone are healthy. Don't forget successful hunters must check-in cougars no more than 10 days after harvest; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

COYOTE hunting has been slow this winter due to relatively low population levels associated with a low period in cyclic rabbit and rodent populations. Areas where big game congregate during winter months and near cattle operations with late fall or winter calves may provide the best hunting opportunity. Hunters are reminded to ask permission before entering private lands. Be aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator calls, and separate licensing and open season limitations exist for these species.

KLAMATH COUNTY

SPRING BLACK BEAR seasons are now open for South Central Controlled Hunt tag holders. Hunters should expect fair to good hunting conditions. Bears are most abundant in the Cascade Mountains zone, and hunters should look to openings created by fire or logging activity during early morning or evening hours to locate bears feeding on new grass green-up and grubs in rotten logs, stumps, and rock piles. Bears can also be found in the eastern portions of the hunt area in forested areas. Hunters are reminded to review the hunting regulations for information on hunt area boundaries and season dates. Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring.

TURKEY season is open through May 31 and hunting opportunity has been fair in the South Keno Unit.

COUGAR season remains open with good populations. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

Excellent opportunities exist for COYOTE hunting. Greatest concentrations are around foothill areas or where wintering deer are still present and adjacent to cattle operations where spring calves are being born. Hunters should ask for permission before entering private ground.

GROUND SQUIRRELS are becoming more active on warmer days. Be sure to obtain permission when entering private lands.

KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA

Hunting seasons are now closed.

In order to minimize disturbance to migrating and nesting birds, dogs are allowed only in the dog training area in Unit B from February 1 n July 31. Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit. Discharge of firearms is prohibited except by permit. If you have any questions, please contact Klamath Wildlife Area at (541) 883-5734.

Some wetland units in Subunit B are dry to facilitate habitat management activities to reduce encroaching bulrush and cattail and increase open water for waterfowl and shorebird use.

LAKE COUNTY

SPRING BEAR hunting continues through May 31; see the forecast for what to expect. Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring.

COUGAR hunting is now open. Populations in Southeast Zone are healthy. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

COYOTES are concentrated on big game winter ranges, and in the vicinity of cattle herds with late winter or spring calves. They respond well to calling, and hunters should focus efforts in sage brush areas, natural openings in forest habitats, or big game winter ranges. Hunters are reminded to ask permission before calling on private land. Be aware that cougars will respond to predator calls.

SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA

This section of the report was last updated May 11, 2009.

All hunting seasons on the Wildlife Area are now closed.

Discharging firearms is prohibited except by permit.

MALHEUR COUNTY

COUGAR hunting is now open. Populations in Southeast Zone are healthy. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

COYOTE hunting has been slow this winter due to relatively low population levels associated with a low period in cyclic rabbit and rodent populations. Areas where big game congregate during winter months, as well as areas near cattle operations with late fall or winter calves may provide the best hunting opportunity. Hunters are reminded to ask permission before entering private lands. Be aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator calls, and separate licensing and open season limitations exist for these species.

SOUTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

Harney County

Spring migration continues. Most species of breeding water-birds have arrived and can be found in good numbers around the County. Species such as cinnamon teal, gadwall, avocet, willet, and greater sandhill cranes can be readily found in the flooded meadows around Burns/Hines. Early migrants such as lesser sandhill cranes and snow geese have left the area for northern breeding grounds. Many passerine species, such as western-tanager, northern oriole, and various species of warblers have arrived. Common raptors that can be found this time of year include red-tailed hawks, ferruginous hawks and golden eagles.

The best viewing opportunities are near Burns/Hines, where open can be found along the Silvies River. Open water is limited this year as spring run-off is extremely light, resulting in fewer flooded areas than normal. The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge offers excellent bird viewing opportunities at the Refuge Headquarters and along the Central Patrol Road.

Klamath Falls Area

Spring migration is well under way and nesting season has started for early nesting species like Canada geese and mallard ducks. Several sightings of Canada goose broods have been observed around rivers and lakes in the Klamath Basin.

Western and Clark's grebes can be observed in their courtship displays on Upper Klamath and Agency Lakes. These two species look very similar in plumage but are distinguished by head and bill coloration.

Recently, white pelicans have arrived and can be located on lakes and rivers in the Klamath Basin.

Most lesser snow geese and ross' geese have migrated north from the Klamath Basin, and only a few thousand white-fronted geese remain.

Bald eagles have left wintering areas enroute to their nesting territories. Over 80 pairs of bald eagles nest in Klamath County. Nest sites are generally in fairly remote areas in close proximity to water. Bald eagles have already initiated incubation. The breeding pair at Moore Park can be observed from the lower parts of the park.

Shore birds and other spring migrants have arrived in the Klamath Basin including Killdeer, spotted sandpipers, American avocets, and black-necked stilts. Many wetland birds are concentrated in wetland areas in the Klamath Basin, including great blue heron, black crowned night herons, California and ring-billed gulls, and great egrets.

Klamath Wildlife Area

Ross's, snow, and white-front geese are continuing to arrive in the basin and are utilizing many of the open fields along Miller Island Road and can be easily seen from the main road and parking lots. As of the last aerial survey on 4/7/09 by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, there were approximately 62,000 geese on the Miller Island Unit and associated Klamath River. Bald eagles can be seen perching along the roads and fields in trees and perch poles. Most tundra swans have departed for their breeding territories. Resident Great Basin Canada geese have paired and are actively nesting.

NOTE: Public access is limited to open roads and parking areas at this time.

Songbird numbers are increasing, with waterfowl and other shorebirds beginning to increase in number as well.

American wigeon, mallard, ring-necked, gadwall, and bufflehead are present on the Miller Island Unit and associated Klamath River. Black-necked stilts have arrived, as have sandhill cranes. Cranes are most commonly seen in the fields north of Miller Island Road in the morning while foraging.

In order to minimize disturbance to migrating and nesting birds, dogs are allowed only in the dog training area in Unit B from February 1 n July 31. Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit.

Some wetland units in Subunit B are dry to facilitate habitat management activities to reduce encroaching bulrush and cattail and increase open water for waterfowl and shorebird use. If you have any questions, please contact Klamath Wildlife Area at (541) 883-5734. For more information, visit ODFW Web site.

Lake County and Lakeview Area

Early spring migrants and all winter raptors have moved north. Through the third week of May shorebird numbers and species diversity will increase as migration continues. This is the best time of year to see migrant shorebirds in breeding plumage. Neotropical migrant passerines also are arriving throughout the county. Best viewing for shorebirds is in the pastures and lake edges of the Goose Lake Valley, Warner Valley, Chewaucan Basin, Summer Lake Basin and Paulina Marsh. Occurrence of neo tropical passerines is habitat dependent but throughout the migration period the best species diversity will be along the riparian areas.

Bighorn ewes have moved into their lambing areas for birthing. Most lambs have been born and can be seen with binoculars or spotting scopes. Lambing areas are the most rugged part of any bighorn range and for the well being of both the viewer and the sheep it is not recommended that you try to get close. Best viewing opportunities are along Abert Rim and Fish Creek Rim along Crump Lake. Keep in mind that access to these areas are either state highways or paved county roads and viewers should park well out of the traffic lanes before getting out to view bighorn.

Summer Lake Wildlife Area

This section was updated on May 11. Vehicle access to the Wildlife Viewing Loop remains open through summer and into early fall. However, Bullgate and Windbreak dikes, lateral and minor dikes and the Work Road are closed to motor vehicles to reduce disturbance to breeding and migrating waterbirds. Non-motorized access remains available on all dikes and roads throughout the Wildlife Area.

Waterbird numbers are increasing since spring migration is in full swing. Viewers can expect to find numbers of breeding waterfowl species and other waterbirds to increase during the next month while large flocks of migrants have largely departed. Many species that have been absent since last fall will be making their spring arrival in the next few weeks.

Breeding season for many nesting species is underway at this time. Viewers are urged to use great care not to disturb nesting birds. Please be aware that it is unlawful to let dogs run at large from April through July.

Waterfowl

Northward migrating waterfowl have largely departed the Area at this time. Breeding ducks such as mallard, cinnamon teal and gadwall are dispersing into pairs and hens are selecting territories. During the early morning hours, pairs of mallards are easily located along roads and dikes as hens search for nest sites in nearby locations. Waterfowl have spread out across the entire area. Resident Canada geese are dispersed widely across the Wildlife Area and adjacent private lands. Most Canada geese have formed breeding pairs, nesting is underway and broods are becoming more apparent.

Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds

Spring migrants continue to return and numbers of shorebirds are increasing. American avocets and black-necked stilts are very numerous at this time, and American avocets are beginning to nest. Other migrant shorebird species are increasing in number as well. Last week, black-bellied plover, red knot, spotted sandpiper and over 4,000 long-billed dowitchers were observed. Viewers can expect to see other species returning soon and numbers will continue to remain high over the next couple of weeks.

Wading birds are beginning to arrive as well; great egrets are becoming numerous at this time. A snowy egret was observed over the past weekend. American bitterns are very obvious at this time and their "pumper-lunk" calls can be heard throughout emergent marsh area. Recent surveys have detected very large numbers of sora and Virginia rails. Both species are actively calling in the early morning and evening hours.

Most sandhill crane pairs have dispersed onto their nesting territories. A few pairs and small numbers of non-breeding cranes can be found foraging in mowed and/or newly planted grainfields at the Foster Place.

Double-crested cormorants, gulls (California and ring-billed) and grebes (eared and western) numbers are continuing to increase. Caspian terns have recently returned and are increasing in number as are Forsters terns. Black terns, Bonaparte's and Franklin's gulls and an uncommon herring gull have been observed recently.

Raptors and Others

Resident raptors remain scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Hwy 31. Many resident birds have returned to nesting territories. Meadows offer excellent foraging opportunities for many raptors. Northern harriers are especially numerous over marsh and hay meadows. Males have started their elaborate aerial courtship display at this time. Bald eagle numbers have declined dramatically but a few locally breeding pairs remain. Turkey vultures are increasing in number and are frequently observed and Swainson's hawks made their spring arrival recently. Prairie falcons, Cooper's and sharp-shinned hawks and golden eagles are sometimes seen during this time of the year. Rough-legged hawks are nearly absent at this time.

Great-horned owls are on nests at River Ranch and other sites and incubation is well underway and hatching should occur soon. Several observations of short-eared owls were noted over the past week and flammulated owls were heard at the base of Winter Ridge. The osprey pair at Ana Reservoir has returned and the nest platform is occupied at this time.

Upland game birds

California quail are beginning to break up from their large coveys now and some pairs are starting to disperse. Eurasian collared doves remain fairly numerous (15-20) at Headquarters Complex and are vigorously calling. Large numbers of mourning doves arrived over the past 2 weeks and are commonly heard throughout the day.

Passerine (perching) species, especially sparrows and finches remain fairly common around the Headquarters complex, Summer Lake Rest Area, homestead sites and shelter break plantings at the north end of the Area where they are attracted to tree and shrub cover. White-crowned sparrows remain fairly common and lark sparrows were observed over the past weekend. The early arriving yellow-rumped warbler is easily found across the Wildlife Area at this time. Black-headed grosbeaks, yellow warblers, Bullock's orioles were noted as spring arrivals last week. Song sparrows and common yellowthroat are very vocal in emergent marsh areas at present. Red-winged and yellow-headed blackbirds are increasing in number and have spread out to emergent marsh areas where males are actively singing especially on sunny days. All common swallow species have arrived and are increasing in number and are very actively inspecting nest boxes and other sites found at Headquarters and elsewhere on the Wildlife Area.

Viewers can expect returning migrants to continue to make an appearance in the near future. Please check the Wildlife observation Record in the Headquarters Lobby for recent arrivals and other species of interest.

Facilities and Access

The entire area is open to public access. The Wildlife Viewing Loop remains open, but Bullgate and Windbreak dikes, all lateral and minor dikes and the Work Road are now closed to motor vehicle travel. Non-motorized travel is permitted in these as well as lateral and other minor dikes. Viewers are urged to use caution driving open roads since shoulders and dike edges may be soft and muddy at this time.

The entire Wildlife Area is closed to cross country motor vehicle or ATV travel.

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.

Again, viewers are urged to keep pets in close control; the breeding season for many species of ground nesting birds is underway. American avocets and killdeer are nesting along road edges at this time and are very vulnerable to disturbance.

Habitat

Recent warm daytime temperatures have resulted in open conditions and emergent sedges and rushes are beginning to grow. Shallowly flooded wetland edges have are very attractive to foraging waterbirds and are receiving heavy use. Invertebrate activity has increased dramatically and large columns of midges are very apparent on sunny days. Mosquitoes are beginning to become active at this time. Many waterbird species and other insectivorous birds are taking advantage this abundant food source at this time.

Water levels are generally high throughout the Area with the exception of Gold Dike Impoundment and the River Ranch units that are being drawdown for habitat enhancement scheduled to occur later this summer. Large portions of both of these units have recently been control burned and waterbird use in these areas is increasing.

Meadows and hayfields found on adjacent private lands and in selected locations on the Wildlife Area are beginning to green-up. Some of these seasonally and intermittently flooded wetlands are being flooded at this time and are receiving considerable waterbird use.

Upland habitats are in very good condition with forbs and grasses readily available for food. Greenup of grass and forbs is becoming very extensive 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.

NORTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities

* Wallowa Lake is providing good fishing for kokanee and rainbow trout.

* Trout fishing has been good on the recently stocked Morgan Lake, and Peach and Roulet ponds.

* As flows drop on the Umatilla, fishing for spring chinook should improve.

EVENTS

Fly-Fishing for Trout, June 20, Frog Heaven Meadow Ponds near Ukiah

This beginner-level class will cover the basics of fly-fishing for trout. Registration is $40 and includes lunch, equipment and supplies. For more information contact Mary Hoverson (541) 962f-1826 or mary.e.hoverson@state.or.us

Fishing and Floating, July 18, Magone Lake near John Day

A beginner-level class that covers different types of watercraft (float tubes, pontoon boats and kayaks) and how to fish from them. Registration is $40 and includes lunch, equipment and supplies. For more information contact Mary Hoverson (541) 962f-1826 or mary.e.hoverson@state.or.us

GRANDE RONDE, WALLOWA, IMNAHA RIVERS AND TRIBUTARIES: currently

Closed. These streams will open for trout angling on May 23.

Check river flows

JOHN DAY RIVER: bass and channel catfish

Steelhead have moved into tributaries that are closed to fishing. Bass fishing will improve as snowmelt subsides. Channel catfish will not start biting for another month. Floatable flows (over 750 cfs) should last until the end of June this year.

Stream flow levels at Service Creek

Trout fishing in the upper John Day opens on May 23 and should be best on the Middle Fork and South Fork. Bass fishing on the upper John Day is also closed until May 22 and will not be good until after July 1. The North Fork usually provides the best bass fishing in the upper river.

MAGONE LAKE: trout

Magone is now accessible and ice free. The US Forest Service campground is open. Water temperatures are still too cold so fishing is only fair.

MARR, VICTOR, AND WALLOWA WILDLIFE PONDS: rainbow trout

Wallowa Valley Ponds will be stocked with rainbow trout this week. In addition, surplus hatchery steelhead have been stocked in Marr Pond and Wallowa Wildlife Ponds. Steelhead are considered trout in ponds and trout regulations apply.

McKAY RESERVIOR: trout, yellow perch, crappie, bass

Trout angling should be fair, Yellow perch, crappie, bass and brown bullhead angling will improve as water temperatures increase.

MCNARY, HATROCK and TATONE Ponds: Trout

Have been stocked, angling should be good for rainbow trout.

MORGAN LAKE: trout, bullheads, crappie

The lake is open for fishing. Legal and trophy trout have been stocked. Fishing has been good

PEACH POND: trout

The pond on Ladd Marsh has been re-stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing has been good using worms, rooster tails and PowerBait. There will be a fishing event on May 16. Extra fish will be stocked including some trophy trout. Tackle, bait, and loaner poles will be available for kids.

ROULET POND: trout

The pond has been stocked twice with legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing should be good.

ROWE CREEK RESERVOIR, BULL PRAIRIE RESERVOIR, TROUT FARM POND, LONG CREEK POND, CAVENDER POND: trout

All are now accessible and have been stocked with legal-sized rainbow, plus many hold-over trout remain from last year. Fishing is fair now but will improve with warmer weather.

UMATILLA RIVER: spring chinook

Angling has been slow for spring chinook, returns to Threemile Dam are increasing daily. The return to Threemile Dam to date is 380 spring chinook. High river flows continue to hamper anglers, angling should improve as flows drop. Spring chinook season opened April 16, only adipose fin clipped spring chinook may be kept. Bag limit: two adults and five jacks per day and 10 adults per year. The area from Hwy 730 bridge to Threemile Dam is open for spring chinook through May 22. With the completion of fish passage improvements at Feed Canal Dam all steelhead and spring chinook are being released directly above Threemile Dam.

WALLOWA LAKE: rainbow trout, kokanee

Wallowa Lake will be stocked this week and is providing fair to good angling for kokanee and rainbow trout.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, brown bullhead

Trout angling is fair for 12 to 16-inch rainbow trout; crappie angling should be good as water temperatures increase.

NORTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Spring turkey, cougar, controlled spring bear, coyote

EVENTS

Learn outdoor skills at an ODFW sponsored clinic; see Outdoor Skills Web page for more information. Contact Mary Hoverson 541-962-1826 or mary.e.hoverson@state.or.us or Mark Newell 503-947-6018 or mark.newell@state.or.us for more information.

Dutch Oven/Outdoor Cooking, June 13, La Grande. Cost: $40.

Shotgun and Sporting Clays, July 11, La Grande. Cost: $20 per adult, $10 per child.

Elkhorn Family Outdoor Day, Aug. 8, near Baker City. A multi-activity event with classes in shooting, archery, survival, outdoor cooking, camping and more. Cost: from $40.

Controlled hunts deadline extended until May 19

Deadline was extended due to license sales system slowdown, believed due to high volume of sales activity in last few days leading up to deadline. New for this year, hunters can apply online. Or apply by fax, mail order, at a license agent or an ODFW office. See big game tag proposals under Hunting Resources.

Don't forget to report your hunt results. Anyone who purchases a big game or turkey tag must report hunt results online or by phone for each tag. Reporting is required even if you did not fill your tag or go hunting. More information

Visit the turkey and spring bear hunting forecasts for tips and information about conditions in each zone.

Wolves in northeast Oregon

Wolves are protected by state and federal law and it is unlawful to shoot them. Coyote hunters in northeastern Oregon need to take extra care to identify their target as wolves can look like coyotes, especially wolf pups in the mid-summer and fall.

ODFW needs hunters' assistance to establish wolves' presence in Oregon; please report any wolf sightings or wolf sign to La Grande office (541) 963-2138 or online.

BAKER COUNTY

TURKEY season opened April 15. Visit the turkey hunting forecast to find out what to expect.

SPRING BEAR hunting season opened April 15. See the hunting forecast for what to expect. Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring.

SQUIRRELS are starting to be seen throughout the agricultural valleys. Hunters should ask permission before hunting on private land.

COUGAR season is open. Hunters experience the best success in Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee. Remember cougar check-in is mandatory; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

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

GRANT COUNTY

TURKEY season opened April 15. Visit the turkey hunting forecast to find out what to expect.

SPRING BEAR hunting season opened April 15. See the hunting forecast for what to expect. Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring.

COUGAR populations appear to be increasing, and the Desolation unit should be a good area to find them. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

COYOTES may be responding well to calls. Good areas to try are the South Fork of the John Day and on private lands between Dayville and John Day. Make sure to ask permission before hunting private lands.

MORROW, GILLIAM and WHEELER COUNTIES

SPRING BEAR hunting season opened April 15. See the hunting forecast for what to expect. Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring.

TURKEY season opened Wednesday, April 15. Snows are receding very quickly across the mountains and access is good in most areas of the Forest. The Western Route road is still closed however. Turkeys can be found throughout the forest, with higher population numbers in the southern portions of the forest. From all indications the turkey population is healthy, hunter success should be slightly higher this year over last.

COYOTE hunting will be tougher with the snow melting off and continuing warmer weather conditions. Watch wind direction to help prevent giving away your location. Calling with game distress calls can be very successful.

COUGAR numbers are increasing in most areas. Look for areas that have a lot of cougar sign as good sites for setting up a call site. In addition, be aware of ravens and other scavengers, as they can mark cougar kill sites, set up on these sites to increase your odds of finding a cougar. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

UMATILLA COUNTY

SPRING BEAR W Blue Mts hunt is on through May 31. Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring. See the forecast for information on what to expect.

TURKEY season opened April 15. Visit the turkey hunting forecast to find out what to expect.

COUGAR populations are high. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

High numbers of COYOTES can be found in the lower elevation forested areas of Umatilla County on public land. Calling will produce a number of opportunities in coyote concentration areas. Looking for tracks along roads or ridgelines will provide a good indication of the presence of coyotes in any specific area.

UNION COUNTY

TURKEY season is open. Walking into hunting areas that are not reachable by vehicles can produce enjoyable, uninterrupted hunts. Snow may limit access in the early part of the season.

SPRING BEAR hunting season is open. Look for bears on open South slopes. Hunters should watch bears carefully before taking a shot, to be sure that a sow with cubs is not taken. Cubs are quite small in the early spring and may be hard to see. Early scouting should include checking access to hunting areas that may be snowed in. Many forest roads will be soft with early snow melt, take care not to cause unnecessary ruts. Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring.

COUGAR hunting is open. Warmer weather and a rise in snow levels will make tracking more challenging. Hunters should focus there efforts near deer and elk winter range. Setting up about 150 yards downwind of a deer/elk kill site during the twilight hours can be productive. Cougars are attracted to turkey calls; however turkey loads are not legal for harvesting cougars. A shot size of #1 buck or larger or slugs are required for the legal take of cougars with a shotgun. Hunters with cougar tags are advised to carry slugs or buckshot while turkey hunting. Always prop the mouth wide open on harvested cougars and bears, this saves time when biologists pull a tooth. Hunters bringing in frozen heads with the jaw shut will be asked to return at a later date with the jaw open.

COYOTE numbers are strong throughout the county. Using predator calls as a lure and moving call sights after 20 minutes is an effective method for harvesting coyotes. Be sure to ask permission before hunting on private land.

LADD MARSH WILDLIFE AREA

Bird hunting seasons are now closed.

WALLOWA DISTRICT

TURKEY numbers have improved over last year. Access has improved in the Sled Springs unit, but snow drifts continue to block access to many areas in other units. Hunters should focus their efforts on private lands associated with the Wallowa Valley. Hunters are reminded to have permission before entering private property.

Good numbers of BEARS are available in all units. Areas that are more remote and receive less hunting pressure will provide better opportunities for success. Access has improved in the Sled Springs unit, but still continues to be difficult in other units due to snow drifts. Bear activity has improved and hunters are beginning to observe more bear activity at lower elevations. Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring.

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

COUGAR numbers are still strong through out the district. Some hunters have had success calling and using predator decoys. Hunters will improve chances of success by locating a recent kill site and calling in the area or waiting for a lion to return to a cached carcass.

TRAVEL MANAGEMENT: Noregaard, whiskey Creek, and Shamrock vehicle road closures will be in effect in the Sled Springs units.

NORTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

EVENT

MIGRATORY BIRDS CELEBRATED!

The fourth annual Birdathon was held last weekend, May 8-10, at ODFW's Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area.

Birdathon participants observed more than 110 different species from staffed birding stations and on field trips. Some highlights included a great-tailed grackle (only the second ever reported for Union County), dunlin, black-bellied plover, semi-palmated plover, sora, Virginia rail, black tern, Forster's tern, all six local swallow species and newly-hatched sandhill crane chicks.

See event photos on the ODFW Web site.

Kids in attendance had a great time: 22 of them completed the Junior Birder Program to earn a patch and field guide.

Commemorating International Migratory Bird Day, the event is scheduled at the height of spring migration and nesting in the Grande Ronde Valley. For more information.

Baker County

Red-tailed hawks have returned to the Baker Valley and can be seen making and repairing nests in larger deciduous trees. A short drive through the valley can result in many viewing opportunities. Bald and golden eagles can be seen along open water areas of the Snake River and Brownlee Reservoir. For best viewing, drive the Snake River Road between Richland and Huntington.

Gilliam, Morrow and Wheeler Counties

Sandhill cranes can be seen flying overhead, headed north for the summer, and many flowering plants are coming into bloom.

Now is a great time to view the courtship rituals of various avian species. All species have some form of ritual in mate selection, from aerobatic displays to nest building. Raptors are both the easiest to spot and the most impressive. The looping and matched flight courtship of the Northern Harriers always thrills. The light silver colored male and darker, brown female make keeping track of them through their flight pattern that much easier.

Raptor viewing is good; watch the power poles. Most common are rough-legged and red-tailed hawks, but you may be rewarded with a ferruginous or a Swainson's hawk as they migrate into the Columbia Basin and foothills of the Blues. Bald eagles can be seen along the Columbia and major waterways of the area. Sharp-shinned and Cooper's hawks can be seen along many of the waterways; Northern Harriers are found throughout the grasslands and American kestrels can be seen about anywhere. You may catch a glimpse of a prairie falcon in the foothills, and turkeys can still be seen above Monument. Try the Top road to the forest for the best chance of spotting them.

Waterfowl can be seen along the waterways and wetlands in the area. This time of year they are building their nest site and will soon, if they haven't already, lay and incubate their eggs with young hatching about 28 days later.

Union County

Canadian Geese are pairing up and can be viewed around the valley near water. Redwing Black Birds are returning and can be viewed near marshy areas throughout the county. Sandhill cranes and trumpeter swans have started arriving and can be viewed along Pierce Road and Foothill Road. Report any banded cranes to the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area office (541-963-4954). Look for eagles and rough-legged hawks along Peach road. Deer and elk can be seen around the edges of the valley.

There are still many elk at the Anthony Creek feed site on the Elkhorn Wildlife Area.

ODFW's Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, La Grande

NOTE: Please report any observations of banded sandhill cranes to the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area office (541-963-4954) or to Gary Ivey, Western Crane Conservation Manager, International Crane Foundation (541-383-2033). Please note the positions of the colors on each leg (right leg means the crane's right leg, no matter which way the bird is facing) along with the date, time and location of the observation.

The Tule Lake Public Access Area is open for the season. The auto route and trails may be slippery so use care. There are numerous quality viewing opportunities from the roads that pass through the area. Binoculars or a spotting scope will help as many animals are best viewed from a distance.

Many of the over 100 swans that have been present recently, have apparently moved on to the north although a few remain scattered around the wildlife area. Nearly all the expected duck species can been seen including mallards, pintails, gadwall, American wigeon, wood duck, ring-necked duck, scaup, redheads and cinnamon and green-winged teal.

Canada geese are present in large numbers and many have claimed nest sites and are incubating eggs. Migrating greater and lesser sandhill cranes have been seen in large numbers off Peach Road. Local, nesting pairs of greater sandhill cranes have been seen in most of the usual territories. The best places to observe these pairs are along Foothill Road and Hot Lake Lane.

Numerous birds of prey can be seen utilizing the wildlife area. Red-tailed hawks have begun nesting and great horned owl young have likely hatched. Watch for downy young owls to become visible on and around the nests in the coming weeks. Rough-legged hawks have left the area, headed for their northern nesting areas and Swainson's hawks have yet to arrive from the south although they are expected soon. Northern harriers are present in high numbers and can often be seen in aerial displays or carrying nesting material as they, too, prepare for the next generation.

Visitors are reminded not to approach nesting birds too closely to minimize disturbance during this critical season.

A few elk have been observed in the wildlife area near Pierce Road and others may still be seen on Glass Hill. Glassing the slope above Foothill Road in the morning may reveal elk high on the slope. Both mule and white-tailed deer are also using the slopes above Foothill Road.

Dogs are not permitted within the Wildlife Area, on or off leash. For more information on access rules for the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, please consult the 2008-2009 Oregon Game Bird Regulations or call the wildlife area (541) 963-4954.

Umatilla County

Umatilla County is still locked in winter conditions, but there are some signs of spring. Early migrants can be seen making appearances in the low elevation area of Umatilla County during March. Some of the more spectacular sights to see are north migrating sandhill cranes which can be seen on clear days traveling at extreme heights in V patterns toward the north. Listen for their songs which will often give the first clue to their presence even before being seen.

Migrating passerines will start to show up in riparian and shrubland areas in lower elevations in Umatilla County this time of year as well. Waterfowl will begin taking advantage of aquatic insect production in shallow sheetwater wetlands and will be visible to viewers.

Flocks of ducks and geese can be seen along the Columbia River and large reservoirs in the County. Elk will still be common along the upper open areas of the west slope of the Blue Mountains. Deer will be seen in herds from the valley floor to the upper Blue Mountains. The riverine and agricultural areas near the base of the mountains will be dominated by white-tailed deer. The desert and mountain areas will be inhabited primarily by mule deer. Elk can be viewed throughout the day while deer will be most visible in the first and last two hours of the day.

Gulls and raptors including bald eagles can be seen along the Columbia River. Visit local wildlife areas to see shore and marsh birds in addition to perching birds and raptors. Wood ducks, mallards and mergansers can be seen traveling in flocks up and down the river systems that have cottonwood trees along the banks.

Wallowa County

Warmer days in Wallowa County have resulted in snow receding in the valley and more opportunities to get out and about.

Bald Eagles

Bald eagles are common in the Wallowa Valley now. Eagles are currently gathering along Prairie Creek 2-3 miles east of Enterprise, and can be observed from Highway 82. They can also often be observed from Highway 82 in the vicinity of the Wallowa River. The Wallowa River in the Minam canyon is another good place to observe eagles.

Raptors

Several species of raptors, including red-tailed, rough-legged, and ferruginous hawks, can be observed during winter months in the Wallowa Valley. Most raptors can be easily observed from county roads. A good pair of binoculars will improve viewing opportunities.

Rocky Mountain Elk

Elk can be observed on the Wenaha Wildlife Area. Eden Bench, southwest of Troy, is a good area to view elk early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Bighorn Sheep

Bighorn sheep can often be observed along the canyon walls of the Grande Ronde River when driving both up and down stream from the town of Troy.

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

FISHING

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

Crappie are biting well on jigs about 2-8 feet down. Generally the best jigs to use are chartruese, red & white, or yellow & white. Perch were biting well all over but are now spotty and in schools. Catfish and bass angling is fair but will pick up as the water warms. The reservoir is rising and the level is at 14 feet below normal. Call Idaho Power Company's recording at 1-800-422-3143 to get information on access at recreational sites or visit their Web site under the "Rivers and Recreation" heading.

Reservoir level information

OXBOW RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass, catfish

No recent report, but crappie, bass and catfish angling should be picking up.

HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass, catfish

No recent report, but crappie, bass and catfish angling should be picking up.

SNAKE RIVER below HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, smallmouth bass

No recent report.

Get updated information on flow levels.

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

Flows remain high and turbid Flows near Nyssa have stabilized, fluctuating from 18,000 to 22,000 cfs from May 6 through May 11. Flows near Weiser fluctuated from 27,000 to 34000 cfs from May 6 through May 11. Catch rates are slow for smallmouth bass and fair to good for catfish.

COLUMBIA ZONE

FISHING

COLUMBIA FISHING

Weekend Fishing Opportunities

* Because of lower than expected spring Chinook returns, staff will hold a Joint State Hearing with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife on Wednesday May 13 at 11 a.m. to consider modifying the permanent rules for steelhead and shad fisheries in the Columbia River scheduled to open Saturday, May 16.

* Sturgeon catch rates in the lower Columbia below Bonneville dam are improving.

Columbia River Fish Counts:

Regulations:

SALMON, STEELHEAD AND SHAD:

Angling for spring chinook, steelhead and shad is prohibited in the lower Columbia River below Bonneville Dam. Salmon and steelhead angling is prohibited between Bonneville Dam and the Oregon/Washington border; however, shad angling is allowed.

STURGEON:

The Columbia River Compact met on Thursday December 18 and adopted new sturgeon regulations for 2009. For the news release, please check the link below:

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2008/december/121808.asp

Sturgeon anglers are reminded that effective Jan. 1, 2009, a new method of measuring sturgeon for retention will take effect statewide. Under the new rules, sturgeon will be measured from the tip of the nose to the fork in the tail (rather than the tip of the tail). The resulting allowed retention measurements are slightly shorter than the old method. As a result, the 2009 slot measurement for sturgeon caught in the Columbia River downstream of The Dalles Dam to the Wauna Power lines, including tributaries, will be 38 to 54 inches FORK LENGTH. Upstream of The Dalles Dam to the Oregon/Washington border, the fork length for sturgeon retention will be 43 to 54 inches beginning on Jan. 1. Below the Wauna power lines, the fork length will likely change to 41-54 inches after April 2009, although those rules have not yet been adopted (see emergency rule changes for exact dates as the season approaches for sturgeon fishing below the Wauna power lines). Remember, all of these figures are simple conversions of the old method of measuring sturgeon. It does not mean you can keep smaller fish, only that the method of measuring "keepers" has changed. So, from Jan. 1 on, make sure that your sturgeon is of legal length under this NEW measurement technique.

On the lower Columbia River this past weekend anglers had the best luck in the gorge below Marker 85 where boat anglers averaged 3.26 legal white sturgeon caught per boat. All sturgeon angling is prohibited from Marker 85 upstream to Bonneville Dam during May 1 through July 31 to protect spawning sturgeon.

Gorge Bank:

No report.

Gorge Boats below Marker 85:

Weekend checking showed 62 legal white sturgeon kept, plus 88 legal, 12 oversize, and 202 sublegal sturgeon released for 46 boats (141 anglers).

Troutdale Boats:

No report.

Portland to Longview Bank:

Weekday checking showed one sublegal sturgeon released for 12 bank anglers.

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed four legal white sturgeon kept, plus one oversize and 106 sublegal sturgeon released for 54 boats (134 anglers).

Estuary Boat & Bank:

No report.

Bonneville Pool Boat and Bank:

As of March 31, anglers have caught 291 legal white sturgeon out of their 700 catch guideline for 2009. Weekly checking showed two legal white sturgeon kept, plus 35 sublegal sturgeon released for 64 bank anglers; and two legal white sturgeon kept, plus 22 sublegal sturgeon released for five boats (13 anglers).

The Dalles Pool Boat and Bank:

Effective 12:01 a.m., Sunday, April 19, the retention of sturgeon in The Dalles Pool and tributaries is prohibited because the harvest guideline of 300 legal white sturgeon has been reached.

John Day Boat and Bank:

Effective 12:01 a.m., Monday, April 13, the retention of sturgeon in the John Day Pool and tributaries is prohibited because the harvest guideline of 165 legal white sturgeon has been met.

WALLEYE:

Troutdale Boats:

No report.

Bonneville Pool Boats:

No report.

The Dalles Pool Boats:

No report.

John Day Pool Boats:

No report.

MARINE ZONE

FISHING

Pacific halibut fishing was good over the weekend with more than 90 percent of anglers getting their fish. See the halibut fishing details on the 2009 season map available at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/finfish/halibut/index.asp.

Lingcod catches were also up from the past few weeks with about nine fish for every 10 anglers in Astoria, Depoe Bay and Brookings. Other ports reported catch of one fish for every two or three anglers. Rockfish and cabezon together made up the rest of the catch for marine anglers with two or three per angler.

The marine bag limit has been increased from six marine fish to seven effective May 1. This is the highest marine bag limit since summer of 2005. The marine fish bag includes rockfish and other species such as greenling and cabezon. The increased bag limit is based on a favorable stock assessment for black rockfish, the dominant species in the nearshore groundfish fishery.

Along rocky shore and inside jetties, fishing for bottomfish can also be productive this time of year.

Bottomfish anglers need to stay shoreward of the 40-fathom line through Sept. 30 to protect yelloweye rockfish. This regulation applies to lingcod, rockfish, cabezon, flatfish and other species listed on page 100 of the 2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations. The 40-fathom line is defined by latitude and longitude; coordinates are online at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp.

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.

Spring is a good time to try for saltwater perch in estuaries from shore or boats. Try a small hook size of #4 or #2 secured 24 to 30 inches below a 1- or 2-ounce sinker on 8- to 10-pound test line. Alternatively, hooks may be secured a foot or so above the sinker. Popular baits include sand shrimp, sand worms, kelp worms, clam necks and mussels. Keep the bait close to structure such as rocks, jetties, pilings or sunken ships. Most anglers fish an incoming tide. The daily bag limit is 15.

All salmon fishing in the ocean is closed. The 2009 salmon season looks exceptionally good for coho with the highest quota in more than a decade. Visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/salmon/Regulations/OceanSport2009.asp for season details.

SHELLFISH

The next minus tide series starts the morning of May 22 at about 5:30 a.m. at Newport and ending around noon on May 30. Tide times can vary up to a couple of hours, depending where you are on the coast. Consult the tide table for the area where you will be.

The entire Oregon coast is open to the recreational harvest of mussels, clams and other shellfish. However, harvesters should check for current closures on the ODA shellfish safety page or call the shellfish hotline, 503-986-4728 or 1-800-448-2474. Waters can be closed on short notice because of contaminated waters due to coastal flooding and because of elevated levels of naturally occurring toxins.

Check out the recreational clam pages on the ODFW Web site: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/ then click on the shellfish icon. The pages contain everything you need to know for identifying and harvesting Oregon's clams.

CRABS

In most Oregon ports last week crabbers averaged between two and three crab, except in Charleston where they averaged seven.

Success is often best at high tide or low tide when crabs are looking for food. Recreational Bay Crab Survey data on catch statistics are updated every month during the winter on the ODFW Web site at the recently-launched Crabbing Reports page. This provides prospective crabbers some information on the recent success of other crabbers in the three bays that are sampled during the winter: Yaquina Bay, Alsea Bay and Coos Bay.

Sport crabbing is also open in the ocean.

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. For a photograph and diagram see page 96 of the 2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

MARINE ZONE VIEWING

EVENT

Plan ahead

June 13 is Sand Castle Day at Cannon Beach.

Sea Foam

Strong waves and wind injecting air into the ocean and the presence of dissolved organic matter can form sea foam. The organic matter is mostly made of dead phytoplankton. The protein from the phytoplankton gives the water enough surface tension to form bubbles. Surf and winds cause the bubbles to pile up in suds-like masses that are often blown up on the beach. Although this may look worrisome, it is a perfectly natural process that helps the ocean purify its self. Viewed under a microscope, sea foam contains the extraordinarily beautiful glass-like skeletons of the phytoplankton.

Shore birds

Shore birds will be continue to show up through May. Oregon coastal bays and estuaries will be covered with tens of thousands of shore birds stopping to feed and rest on their way to breeding grounds in the south.

Peregrine falcons

Peregrine falcons are nesting this time of year. One pair are on two eggs at Cape Meares west of Tillamook. U.S. Fish and Wildlife volunteers will be on hand to point out the birds to visitors. The two eggs can be plainly seen when the pair trade off incubating responsibilities.

Amphibians

The amphibian hatch is occurring everywhere in freshwater wetlands along the coast. The best time to visit a wetland is around dusk. Listen for red legged and Pacific chorus frogs.

Songbirds

All of Oregon's migratory song birds will show up from mid April to mid May. Swallows are also back this time of year and now is the time to put out swallow boxes. Humming birds are also back, so fill up those feeders. Make sure they are well-cleaned!

Tidepooling

May has two morning negative tide series. On the central coast the first one starts around 5 a.m. on May 6 and goes through May 14 getting about 45 minutes later each day. The other starts on the morning of May 22 at about 5:30 a.m. and ending around noon on May 30. Check the local tide book for the low-tide times in your area. Or visit http://www.protides.com/oregon/

Look for green anemones, hermit crabs, sea urchins, small fish, jelly fish, sea stars, pinkish corraline algae, lime green anemone, dark green sea lettuce, barnacles and other animals of the intertidal region.

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