The Oregon Recreation report (fishing, hunting, viewing), updated Tuesday, Nov. 20, by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildelife:

HUNTING: Last chance for forest grouse; elk bow season reopens

This is the last week for forest grouse hunters in eastern Oregon (season closes Nov. 25). That means there is still a few days left to try to harvest what many think is the tastiest upland game bird - the ruffed grouse. Look for these birds in mid-elevation riparian areas and pole thickets. The current lack of leaves on trees and shrubs should improve late-season hunting conditions. Blue grouse will be difficult to hunt at this time as most have shifted their diets to conifer needles and spend most of their time in the trees.

If you don't get enough turkey this week, note there are still more than 700 fall turkey tags available for purchase ($18 for residents). General season ends Dec. 31.

General season elk archery hunters that didn't fill their tags in early fall can head out for a second season opening Nov. 24 in portions of western Oregon. Elk will be moving into their winter range at this time.

FISHING: High tidal exchanges on the coast

For those heading to the coast for the Thanksgiving Holiday, be aware that next week will have some of the highest tidal exchanges of the year. Saturday, Sunday and Monday will have tidal exchange of almost 13 feet: a high of 10.6 and a low of -2.2. Use caution when fishing in bays and estuaries because of higher than normal currents. Since the fish will most likely hunker down during the big exchanges, the best fishing should be at slack tide.

VIEWING: Look for American beavers

November is a good time of year to look for the American beaver, our state animal. While recreating along the Columbia River, look for trees beavers may have chewed or for a slide mark where a beaver slid into the water from the bank. To find beaver dams, try searching an area with a narrow passage where the water is slow moving. In Union County, watch for river otters and beaver along the Grande Ronde River. In the Coast Range, visit the Oregon Hatchery Research Center in Alsea where beavers are busy building in Fall Creek. In Linn County, look along the Santiam River.

For more information about Oregon's beaver:

http://bluebook.state.or.us/kids/symbols/symbols01.htm

WILLAMETTE ZONE

FISHING

Trout fishing has closed in streams (including tidewaters and bays), except as otherwise noted in regulations. Some lakes in the Willamette zone are also closed including Erma Bell Lakes, Estacada Lake, Gold Lake and North Fork Reservoir.

STOCKING SCHEDULE:

The South Willamette Watershed District will stock Walling Pond and Walter Wirth Lake the week of Nov. 19 with legal and larger size rainbow trout. The next scheduled stocking will be the week of Dec. 3.

The North Willamette Watershed stocked Mt. Hood Pond with both legal and larger sized rainbow trout the week of Oct. 15. The next scheduled stocking for the North Willamette Watershed will occur the week of Dec. 17.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: steelhead

Summer steelhead angling has slowed down as available numbers of summer steelhead still in the river are decreasing. However, there have been reports of some nice summer fish caught in the McIver park area. It may seem late in the year but a few fish are still around. Anglers are reminded that the Clackamas River closed for coho retention after Oct. 31.

ODFW and OSU have released 80 hatchery summer steelhead implanted with radio-tags into the Clackamas River downstream of River Mill Dam as part of a study to monitor adult summer steelhead behavior. The fish in the study can be identified by an antenna trailing from the abdomen, and a blue plastic tag carrying a unique number inserted just below the dorsal fin on the back of the fish. The department reminds anglers it is against the law for anyone to retain a radio-tagged fish in this river, and these fish must be released unharmed. In addition, these fish have been anesthetized for surgery to implant the radio tags and are not fit for human consumption. Anyone who catches one of the tagged summer steelhead is asked to record the number printed on the plastic tag, without removing the tag from the fish, and notify ODFW of the date and location where the fish was caught and released by calling the Clackamas Office any time at (971) 673-6000. Anyone witnessing a tagged fish in the water is also asked to call. All reports of tagged fish will provide important information for the study.

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 near Dog Creek, and from the McIver Park boat ramp on up to River Mill Dam.

Bank anglers need to be aware that with the new fish ladder at Rivermill Dam there has been a change to the angling deadline. This change is particularly noticeable on the McIver Park side of the river where a new fishway entrance was installed. The new angling deadline is clearly visible in bright yellow painted rocks on both the park side and Estacada side. Anglers must adhere to this deadline, making sure to fish and cast downstream of the line. The new deadline is being strictly enforced by law enforcement.

EAGLE CREEK: steelhead, coho

Although water levels have risen, fishing opportunities are poor on Eagle Creek. It is still too early for winter steelhead and coho angling is coming to an end with most fish very dark.

The most popular spots to try include the Bonnie Lure area, the water above and below the lower fish ladder, Eagle Fern Park, and up near the hatchery. Much of the creek meanders through private property so pay attention to your location and secure permission before fishing on private land. Eagle Creek will remain open for coho angling until Nov. 30 with a bag limit of three adipose fin-clipped fish.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: Rainbow Trout

Rainy weather will help raise water levels and improve opportunities for angling. Late-season trout angling has picked up for 11-13 inch rainbow trout.

HENRY HAGG LAKE: (Closed Nov. 18)

Henry Hagg Lake closed Nov. 18 and will reopen the first weekend in March.

HERMAN CREEK: summer steelhead, coho salmon, chinook salmon

The angling at Lower Herman Creek has been very good with lots of coho in the lagoon. The anglers in the now handicapped only are having much better success at catching fish since the change took effect in August. The Herman Creek slough west of the Peninsula was changed to handicap access only for the retention of chinook, adipose fin-clipped coho salmon and adipose fin-clipped steelhead consistent with regulations recently adopted by the ODFW Commission. All other regulations regarding Herman Creek remain the same.

NORTH AND SOUTH SANTIAM: steelhead

North and South Santiam river levels are high, but may be dropping back into shape around Nov. 23. Some summer steelhead are still around in the upper reaches of the rivers.

SUNNYSIDE POND: trout, bass, sunfish, catfish

As the weather cools down, opportunities for warmwater fish will decrease. Valley ponds support several species of warmwater game fish.

SANDY RIVER: Closed Oct. 31 for coho

Anglers are reminded that coho angling on the Sandy closed on Oct 31. Please obey all parking instructions in the area of the hatchery. The hatchery has had over seven thousand fish return to the trap.

The Oct. 19 breaching of the coffer dam at Marmot has the potential to affect conditions downstream of that area for several weeks or longer. The entire section of river near the dam removal site is a hazardous construction zone with no public entrance allowed at this time.

Access to the river can be gained 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. Please use nearby garbage cans for any other types of trash.

WALTER WIRTH LAKE/WALLING POND: Rainbow trout

Walter Wirth Lake and Walling Pond in Salem are scheduled to be stocked with rainbow trout the week of Nov. 19.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: sturgeon, winter steelhead

Angling opportunities will soon pick up for winter steelhead as the traditional "season opener" usually begins the weekend of Thanksgiving in the Meldrum Bar area. The Lower Willamette below the falls closed for coho angling on Oct. 31.

Please note that the Willamette River, including Multnomah Channel, is operating under recently updated and modified rules. Effective Oct. 1, 2007 through Dec. 31, the retention of sturgeon is allowed on all seven days of the week. Please also note that anglers are limited to the use of only one single-point barbless hook while angling for sturgeon.

Sturgeon angling has improved on the Lower Willamette as the fish move in from the Columbia. Reports indicate good catches of keepers and shakers from the St Johns area all the way up into Oregon City. Don't let the turbid water keep you off the river when sturgeon fishing.

Bank fishing for sturgeon can be found at Meldrum Bar and at the wall in downtown Oregon City. Sturgeon anglers have been using frozen smelt, herring, or sand shrimp as effective bait.

HIGH LAKES:

There are many mountain lakes available in the area for day use or overnight camping that require only a short hike in to them. The remoteness of the lake will usually dictate the degree of difficulty of the hike. Please be aware that early snowfall may occur and that heading into November the weather can turn at anytime. The high lakes have been aerial stocked and provide an angling experience unlike the more crowded, close-in waters. Bank fishing is the way to fish on these small mountain lakes, with the greatest chances for success likely to be found by fishing in mornings and evenings. Of course always pack out what you pack in. Maps should be available at the local U.S. Forest Service office.

WARM WATER ANGLING:

The Portland metropolitan area, as well as the entire Willamette zone, offers many warm water fishing opportunities. A variety of species, including bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and perch are available to anglers. Some of the waters to try include Hartman Pond, Henry Hagg Lake, Salish Ponds, and Wilsonville Pond. Please refer to the ODFW Web site for additional warm water angling locations.

WILLAMETTE ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Waterfowl, pheasant, blue grouse, ruffed grouse, California quail, mountain quail, bear, cougar, crow, turkey, coast bull elk (closes Nov. 23), late archery deer, late archery elk (opens Nov. 24)

Turkey - The South Willamette district where the general season is open supports large numbers of turkeys. Unfortunately, many flocks occur near urban areas. Huntable flocks are distributed on low elevation private property. Most public lands in the zone do not have suitable habitat to support turkeys so hunters will need to have access to private land for good turkey hunting. If you are lucky enough to have that access, the season should be excellent.

Late Archery Deer- The General Archery deer season is open for the late season in the Willamette, Santiam, McKenzie, Stott Mnt, Alsea, Siuslaw, and the northern portions of the Indigo Unit. Please refer to the regulations for details. The rut is in progress and bucks can be found pursuing does. This is a good time for hunters to try rattling and calling.

Late Archery Elk (opens Nov. 24)n The General Archery Elk season re-opens for the late season in the Alsea, McKenzie, Stott Mnt, northern portions of the Indigo, and the southwest portion of the Santiam Unit. Please refer to the Big Game Regulations for details. Hunters are reminded that the bag limit is one antlerless elk. Elk are moving out of their summer range habitats and in to wintering areas.

Coast Bull Elk (Nov. 17-23) nFor the weekend of Nov. 17-18, hunters had a low success rate. Weather was poor for camps.

ODFW can use your biological samples from all harvested elk. Call the nearest ODFW office for drop off locations. The samples are useful tools for ODFW in testing for chronic wasting disease as well as aging the animals. Hunters who submit an elk sample, will receive a notification by mail regarding the age of the animal harvested.

Hunters are reminded of the spike-only bull bag limit in the Wilson and Trask units during the second season.

Blue grouse, ruffed grouse, mountain & California quail - Look for Mountain and California quail, blue and ruffed grouse while they search for their meal of berries and insects along graveled roads. Hunters targeting the blue grouse should look in upper elevations, openings and clear cuts. Ruffed grouse are more common along streams. Mountain quail should be found in 3-5 year-old clear cuts.

ODFW staff observed good populations of blue and ruffed grouse in the Cascades. The number of grouse chicks observed along the Coast range appears average. Hunters have reported success of ruffed grouse in lower elevations along rocky roads close to water and blue grouse in higher elevations.

Department surveys for California and Mt. Quail showed poor chick survival in the North Willamette Watershed District management units this summer. Hunters will need to look for a variety of berries, grains and other food sources that will concentrate birds.

Hunting after or during rainfall makes the woods quieter and easier to sneak up on prey.

Waterfowl:

Duck, merganser, goose, snipe - Willamette Valley waterfowl season is in full swing with most of the available ducks being mallards and other local birds although a few migrants are starting to arrive from the north. The weather usually plays a large role in the success of hunters on a given day, with the best conditions being on the onset of storms when birds are leaving the large water bodies and seeking shelter in vegetated areas along the edges of estuaries and lakes. Hunting on windy and rainy days can improve a hunt whereas the birds will fly lower to the ground, and easier to shoot.

Bear and cougar - In North Willamette Watershed, bear and cougar are rare in Scappoose, east Trask, northeast Stott Mt. and Willamette units; populations are higher in north Santiam unit. The highest densities of bears in the South Willamette Watershed can be found in the Siuslaw and Indigo units.

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

An aerial survey conducted Nov. 14 found more than 107,000 waterfowl on the Island. Sauvie Island Wildlife Area success rates are as follows: Nov. 18 averaged 1.2 birds per hunter with Johnson and Racetrack units leading; Nov. 16 averaged 1.9 birds per hunter with Johnson, Racetrack and Malarky units leading; Nov. 14 averaged 1.5 birds per hunter with Malarky and Racetrack leading.

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area hunters should enjoy a potentially excellent waterfowl season. Oregon's waterfowl population is up 27 percent and nationwide up 14 percent. The food crops and moist soil plants are in excellent condition and will provide good feeding opportunities well into the season. All hunt units will have flooded areas with opportunities for decoy use.

EE Wilson Wildlife Area

The week of Nov. 12, EE Wilson reported 119 hunters with a harvest of 59 rabbits, 4 ducks, and 1 pheasant. Rabbit hunting continues to show success and hunters with dogs have shown even greater success. Waterfowl should improve with recent rains. Pheasants are no longer being released, however, some residual pheasants remain on the wildlife area and are available for hunt without a fee pheasant tag until the end of the season.

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area

For reservation hunt opener on Fern Ridge Wildlife Area, hunters harvested 33 birds on Nov. 17 and 28 birds on Nov. 19.

The Fisher Butte and Royal Amazon units are currently open for hunting daily with a 1:00 p.m. closure on hunting and a 2:00 p.m. closure for public access. The closure is in effect to provide daily periods of sanctuary for waterfowl. The exception to the 2:00 p.m. closure is that the Royal Avenue roadway and the trail to the Fisher Butte unit viewing blind remain open all day, year-round.

The East and West Coyote units are open to entry in conjunction with the reservation waterfowl hunt. Hunters who missed the reservation cut-off date are welcome to attend the reservation hunt and take their chances as a stand-by hunter any Mon-Wed-Sat mornings.

Units that are open to hunting are also open to pheasant hunting during general pheasant season and the fee hunt tag is no longer required. One of the best bets is the large grassland field in the southern portion of the Fisher Butte unit accessible by the parking area on Highway 126.

Winter drawdown of Fern Ridge lake is well underway to provide flood storage capacity in the Willamette basin system. Hunters using boats on the lake are cautioned to watch for exposed stumps and shallow water areas as the lake level continues to drop daily. In order to make your visit with local game troopers a pleasant one, be sure to check your license documents before heading to the field, double check to see if your plug is still in your shotgun, and be sure to pack only non-toxic shot. Call the wildlife area headquarters at (541) 935-2591 for updates and additional information.

WILLAMETTE ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS:

Guided nature hike: Conifers at the creek, SW Portland, Nov. 24, 10:00 am

Join a park naturalist for a guided nature hike to explore the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. All ages welcome; parents must accompany kids.

For more information:

http://www.metro-region.org/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=24433

Smith and Bybee Wetlands paddle trip, North Portland, Nov. 24, noon

Traveling by canoe or kayak is the best way to explore Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area in North Portland. Meet at the parking lot on North Marine Drive. Bring your own kayak or canoe and personal flotation device. The trip leader will contact participants if it is necessary to cancel the trip due to low water levels. Contact Metro to register.

For more information:

http://www.metro-region.org/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=24433

Portland Audubon's Thanksgiving Bird Count, Nov 22, 6:00 am to 9:00 pm

Thanksgiving Bird Counts take place on Thanksgiving Day, and last only one hour. The counter chooses the time of day that best fits his or her holiday schedule. The count is to be made in a 15-foot diameter circle, the location of which is the counter's choice.

For information on how to participate in the Thanksgiving Bird Count:

http://www.audubonportland.org/events/tgiving_count

Eugene Area

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area

The wildlife area encompasses a variety of habitats including a reservoir, marshes, grasslands and forest. This habitat diversity makes great conditions for migratory waterfowl such as ducks, geese, swans, egrets and various shorebirds during the fall and winter. Be sure to bring your binoculars or spotting scope for optimal viewing.

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area:

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/fernridge.htm

Hillsboro Area

Henry Hagg Lake

Henry Hagg Lake is home to many Oregon mammal species. Beavers, otter, mink and other aquatic-linked species are seen early in the morning before there are too many people about. These animals spend a little more time out in the open down along Scoggins Creek below the dam.

Henry Hagg Lake:

http://www.co.washington.or.us/deptmts/sup_serv/fac_mgt/parks/hagglake.htm

Molalla Area

See migrating geese at Feyrer Park

ODFW staff report seeing hundreds of migrating geese congregating in an open field near Feyrer Park in Molalla. Several varieties of geese are abundant in the field, feasting on the vegetation before continuing on their southern migration. Several migrations travel at night. When you can't watch them travel, you can listen for their call.

For information on Feyrer Park: http://www.orparks.org/a_oregonparks/clackamas.htm

Sauvie Island

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

While the fall migration of Sandhill Cranes is winding down, crane enthusiasts can still view population of Sandhills that winter on Sauvie Island. For a novice birder, Sandhill cranes and great blue herons can look similar. One way to tell them apart is the "s" curve of the heron's neck versus the straightened neck of a crane. Another way to distinguish the two is by coloring. Cranes are generally all one color while herons will have white and black feathers in addition to their plumage of blue-grey.

Viewing areas currently open to the public are Coon Point, the Eastside Viewing Platform and Rentenaar Road. A variety of waterfowl and migratory birds are easily viewed on the wildlife area including Aleutian cackling and dusky Canada geese.

A parking permit is required for the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area and can be purchased at ODFW Point of Sale vendors. A daily permit is $3.50 and an annual permit is only $11.00.

Directions to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/sauvieisland.htm

NORTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

Trout fishing has closed in streams (including tidewaters and bays), except as noted in regulations.

NORTH COAST LAKES:

Surplus hatchery summer steelhead were released in Town and Cape Meares lakes recently. Approximately 175 fish have been released in Town Lake and 70 in Cape Meares.

Anglers should use caution when heading to Lost Lake (Clatsop County) as logging activities are continuing. Call the Tillamook office at (503) 842-2741 or Astoria Oregon Department of Forestry at (503) 325-5451 for more information.

MID COAST LAKES:

Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes (located just south of Florence along Hwy 101) are open to wild coho salmon retention through Dec. 31. The daily bag limit is one adult coho salmon and one jack coho salmon. Anglers are limited to retaining five adult coho, in combination, from Siltcoos and Tahkenitch lakes during the season. Some coho have entered the lake with fishing being mostly slow but fair at times. The fishery is anticipated to pick up following the next big rains. Trolling or casting lures and fishing bait from a bobber are effective methods. The coho fishing boundaries are as follows.

The waters of Siltcoos Lake open for coho angling are defined as that area upstream from the Highway 101 Bridge and downstream of the railroad trestle on the Maple Creek arm and the Fivemile Road crossing on the Fiddle Creek arm.

The waters of Tahkenitch Lake open for coho angling are defined as that area upstream from the Highway 101 Bridge and downstream of the first road crossing on the Leitel Creek arm and the ODFW Marker at the bridge on the 059 Road just west of Douglas County Road 49.

ALSEA RIVER: chinook

Anglers have been picking up a few fall chinook in the mainstem river but most fish are dark this time of year and are preferred to be released to spawn. Both drift boat fishing and bank angling has been productive floating eggs or back trolling. Rising river levels should move fish around this week and possibly bring in a few late bright fish.

Current river levels: http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?TIDO3

BIG CREEK: steelhead

A few early winter steelhead should be arriving soon. Expect angling to improve in December.

NECANICUM RIVER: chinook, steelhead

Angling for chinook is slow to fair. Many fish are dark and should be released. A few early winter steelhead should be available.

NORTH FORK NEHALEM RIVER: chinook

Angling for chinook is slow to fair. River levels have risen with recent storms. Fish will be distributed further upstream. Look for the brightest fish to be lower in the system. Bobber and bait fished in the deeper holes should be effective. The first winter steelhead of the year have arrived. Expect fishing to pick ups in December. Anglers may call 503-368-5670 for recorded fishing information.

NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: chinook, steelhead

Fall chinook angling is slow to fair. Target the chinook in deeper holes with eggs and/or shrimp, or large diving plugs. Large marabou jigs fished under a bobber will also produce fish at times. A few early winter steelhead should be arriving in the lower river.

River levels: http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=pqr

SALMON RIVER: chinook, coho

Fishing for Chinook and hatchery coho is slow as overall returns are down this season. Most fish are dark and starting to spawn, these fish should be released. A few fresh fish will continue to return in November but not expected in big numbers. Fishing upper tidewater and the lower river from the bank remains the best option.

SILETZ RIVER: chinook, steelhead

The fall Chinook fishery is slow throughout the basin. With a small return this season anglers are having a difficult time catching fresh bright fish. Most fish this time of year are dark and are preferred to be released to spawn. A few bright fish may continue to show through November but likely not in big numbers. Summer steelhead fishing is slow to fair in the upper river.

Current river levels and forecasts: http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?SILO3

SIUSLAW RIVER: chinook

The fall chinook fishery is slow to fair in the lower river. Bank fishing is providing some fish as they are moving up stream to their spawning areas. Most fish this time of year are dark and ready to spawn, these fish should be released unharmed. Some bright fish should continue to return through November but in small numbers.

Current river levels and forecasts: http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?MPLO3

TILLAMOOK BAY: chinook, sturgeon

Fall chinook fishing has been fair. Fish are moving upstream after recent rains, but new fish will be available into December. Troll herring, spinners or large plugs for best results. In tidewater areas, bobber and bait will also produce fish.

Angling for sturgeon should begin to improve. Angling generally gets good after the first major fall/winter storm. Look for fish to be distributed throughout the bay.

WILSON, TRASK, and KILCHIS RIVERS: steelhead, chinook,

Fall chinook have entered the lower rivers. Angling has been fair to good, with some good bites reported recently in the lower river/upper tidewater areas. Bobber and bait or casting spinners will produce some fish. Boaters should try backbouncing bait or backtrolling plugs also. Look for a few early winter steelhead to be available in the lower rivers.

River levels: http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=pqr

YAQUINA RIVER: chinook

The fall Chinook fishery is slow with a few Chinook being picked up in upper tidewater. Some fresh Chinook should continue to return through November but most are dark and ready to spawn. The best results are occurring around the high tide cycle and just after rain events.

NORTHWEST ZONE HUNTING

Visit the region's Fall Hunting Forecast

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/hunting_forecast/2007_fall_northwest.asp

OPEN: Waterfowl, pheasant, blue grouse, ruffed grouse, California quail, mountain quail, bear, cougar, crow, general coast elk rifle (Nov. 17-23)

Forest grouse and mountain quail

Look for these birds while they search for their meal of seeds, insects and grit along graveled roads in the forest. Hunters targeting the blue grouse should look in upper elevations, especially forested areas on ridge tops. Ruffed grouse are more common along stream bottoms and mid-slope areas. Mountain quail should be found in older, brushy clear cuts, especially on south facing slopes, and tend to be more abundant in the eastern half of the coast range than the western half. ODFW staff observed higher than average number of grouse and moderate numbers of mountain quail on summer surveys in the Coast range.

Waterfowl

Duck season on the north coast generally improves in November with more migrants arriving from the north. With new groups of mallards, wigeon, pintails and teal on north coast estuaries, the "rafts" of ducks on the bays are larger than earlier in the season. Generally, the weather usually plays a large role in the success of hunters on a given day, with the best conditions being on the onset of storms when birds are leaving the large water bodies and seeking shelter in vegetated areas along the edges of estuaries and lakes. When hunting estuaries or other tidally influenced areas, be mindful of tide swings, especially when hunting from a boat.

General Coast Elk (closes Nov. 23)

Bull escapement from last year's hunting seasons was at or above the management goal in both the Trask and Wilson units, and with good calf recruitment there should be an ample supply of bulls in both units. More timber harvest on the state forest lands in recent years should allow for good access to bulls on those lands. When hunting industrial forest lands, please make sure you understand the landowner's access policy. Most landowners will have gates open on their larger blocks of land, especially on the opening weekend, while smaller blocks tend to be designated as non-motorized access only. Hunters are reminded of the spike-only bull bag limit in the Wilson and Trask units during the second season.

At Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area, two elk were harvested at Beneke tract during the first elk season.

Bear and cougar

Black Bear are actively feeding as the fall progresses, and have largely switched from the very abundant wild berry crops of this summer to later fruit crops, such as apples and pears from abandoned orchards in the forest. A strategy for hunting them in the early morning and late evening hours is watching clear-cuts, old meadows and natural openings. At other times during the day, use of a predator call is the best approach. Generally, long and persistent calling is the most effective way to call them in.

All indicators point to the north coast as having relatively low cougar densities, when compared to most of the rest of the state. However, they can still be located, especially if hunters are dedicated to using calls as their primary strategy. Like with black bear, cougar are probably most effectively hunted by long and persistent calling with a predator call.

NORTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS:

Visit OMSI's Earth Science Lab and Learn about the Northwest

Kids off school? OMSI's Watershed Lab allows visitors to create their own rivers; watch salmon develop from eggs to smolts; explore the microscopic world that supports us all, and see how we all fit into the region we call the Northwest.

The Earth Science Hall also houses the Paleo Lab, where staff and volunteers excavate real dinosaur and ancient Oregon fossils from plaster casts in a setting open to the public. For hours, admission prices and schedules,

http://www.omsi.edu/visit/schedules.cfm

Whether you're in the Astoria, Tillamook or Seaside areas, there's plenty to see this time of year. Watch for whales off the coast or just enjoy the coastline.

Birders, look for mallards, wigeon, pintails and teal have been seen on north coast estuaries. Several species that are not resident to the north coast may make an appearance and can be viewed during this time, including white-fronted and snow geese.

Astoria Area

Ft. Stevens State Park

While at Ft. Stevens State Park, visit the viewing bunker that overlooks Trestle Bay to see a variety of gulls, terns, pelicans and waterfowl. Binoculars or a spotting scope are helpful to enhance viewing. Golden-crowned Kinglets have been seen recently in the Ft. Stevens area. This is the time of year when they are more visible due to the loss of leaves on the trees. It is easier to view Golden-crowned Kinglets and other warblers as they are gleaning insects from foliage of the lower canopies.

Ft. Stevens Park: http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_179.php

Cape Meares Lake

Cape Meares Lake, located west of Tillamook on Bayocean Spit, is a spot to find migrating waterbirds such as grebes, coots and loons. Occasionally, bald eagles can be seen roosting in the tall spruce trees just south of the lake. Recent observations have shown that some migrating ducks from the north have arrived, and the lake is a favorite hangout of canvasbacks.

Seaside Area

Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area

As fall hunting seasons come to a close and colder weather sets in, elk at Jewell Meadows Wildlife area should be visible throughout most days. Best viewing times are from daylight to about noon and just before dark.

Starting in December wildlife area staff allow the public to assist with the winter feeding program to the resident elk herd through winter elk feeding tours. Due to the popularity of this program, reservations are required and can be made by calling the wildlife area (503-755-2264) starting on Dec. 1 at 8:00 am. Tour groups are taken out once each morning from December through the end of February. Tours generally last about 1 hour and can accommodate a group of up to 15 people.

Jewell Meadows is located near Seaside along Hwy 202.

Directions and information: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/jewellmeodows.htm

Tillamook Area

Bay Ocean Peninsula

The Bayocean Peninsula, or Bayocean Spit, near Tillamook is popular place to watch the early fall migration of gray whales and occasionally orcas stray into the bay to hunt for harbor seals. Whales can be seen on the ocean side of the peninsula beginning in November lasting through April.

Harlequin Ducks

Late fall is a great time to view harlequin ducks along the Oregon Coast particularly in the Tillamook Bay just west of Garibaldi at Harlequin Duck Rocks and Seal Rocks just off Hwy. 101 in Seal Rock, Ore . This pretty and unusual bird is characterized by black-bordered white bars along their back, breast and neck. The female has white spots in front and behind the eyes.

SOUTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

Trout fishing is now closed in streams (including tidewaters and bays), except as noted in regulations.

AGATE LAKE: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, bullhead

Now that winter is coming on, try fishing in deeper water. Fishing for warmwater fish tends to slow at this time of year. Agate Lake was stocked with 5,000 three inch rainbow fingerling on November 7, 2007.

APPLEGATE RIVER: trout

Open for adipose fin-clipped trout. Trout fishing has slowed. Anglers are catching and releasing wild rainbow trout from 15 to 16 inches between Jackson Picnic Park and the deadline below the dam. Rainbow trout over 16 inches are considered steelhead and must be released unharmed.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

People are still catching fish, but it has slowed.To improve trout fishing next spring and summer, the lake was stocked with about 20,000 three inch fingerling on November 7, 2007.

BABYFOOT LAKE: rainbow trout

Snow week of Nov. 13 has shut down fishing. Anglers should look to lower elevation lakes to fish.

CHETCO RIVER: fall chinook

The Chetco River was blown out all the last week of Nov. 13. Look for salmon fishing to be excellent by the weekend. Anglers will find Chinook and a few steelhead throughout the river. Drift boat anglers fishing from Loeb State Park to Social Security Bar will do the best. Kwikfish with a sardine wrap or back bouncing salmon eggs work the best. Anglers can keep an eye on the flow by looking at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/uv?14400000. The best flows to fish the Chetco are 4,000 cfs and dropping.

COOS COUNTY LAKES: trout, bass

Fish stocking is over for the year but holdover fish from this stocking should be available into the winter. Many of these lakes hold warmwater fish species such as bluegill and crappie. Although the bite will be slower this time of year, warmwater fish can still be caught in cooler temperatures.

COOS RIVER BASIN: Winter steelhead

Chinook salmon fishing is still open but effort and catch has dropped off. A few fish will still be in upper tidewater with rainstorms but will likely be on the dark side. Anglers should begin gearing up for winter steelhead. A couple early steelhead have already been caught and fishing should improve over the next few weeks.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: Winter steelhead

Fishing for Chinook salmon is still open but effort has stopped and any fish caught now will likely be dark. Anglers should begin gearing up for winter steelhead, which usually arrive around Thanksgiving in local rivers.The South Fork and North Fork Coquille provide good opportunities for anglers to catch steelhead. Laverne Park on the North Fork provides good bank access for anglers. Anglers are reminded that the East Fork Coquille does not open for steelhead angling until Dec 1.

DIAMOND LAKE: rainbow trout

The lake is now closed to fishing.

ELK/SIXES RIVER: fall Chinook

Elk and Sixes River were blown out last week. Chinook fishing will be excellent by Thanksgiving and continue through the weekend. Elk River clears the earliest, followed by Sixes a couple days later. Elk River fishes best at 5.0 feet and dropping. Anglers can call Elk River Hatchery to get the latest gage heights. Kwikfish with a sardine wrap or back bouncing salmon eggs will work the best.

EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Fish deeper water for crappie and bass. The lake was stocked with about 1,000 three inch rainbow trout fingerling on Nov. 7.

EXPO POND: rainbow trout, bass, panfish

Fishing for trout, bass, and panfish should be fair.

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout

The lake was stocked with about 9,600 three inch rainbow trout fingerling on Nov. 7, 2007. Pressure is light and there are 2 inches of snow on the ground

GALESVILLE RESERVIOR: rainbow trout, bass

Galesville Reservoir is open to angling year-round. Fishing for trout is currently fair. Some anglers report seeing external "worms" on a few of the trout, and in some trout's gills. These are copepods, a fish parasite, which occurs naturally throughout the watershed. The copepods can be removed and the fish safely consumed. Anglers at Galesville are catching some of the 26,000 sub-legal sized trout which were stocked in early October. These fish, while still too small to keep, have grown nicely and are now about 6 inches long. They should help provide an excellent spring fishery. The harvestable trout were 10 n 12 inches. A few 10 inch, coho have also been caught.

GARRISON LAKE: trout

Rains week of Nov. 13 opened Garrison Lake outlet to the ocean. Cutthroat will be entering the lake all winter, providing anglers an opportunity to catch some decent size fish. Garrison is also a good bet for rainbow trout.

ILLINOIS RIVER: trout, steelhead

No report as of Nov. 13.

LAKE SELMAC: trout, bass

Angling pressure is down, with only a few boats on the lake. About 5,000 three inch rainbow trout fingerling were released on Nov. 7 in an attempt to increase the number of legal sized trout available in the spring.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, smallmouth bass

The reservoir was stocked the first week in October with 7,500 legal sized rainbow trout and with about 9,600 5-6 inch fingerling on Oct. 25. Anglers are doing well trolling for rainbows up to 14 inches upstream of the Hwy 62 Bridge at the East end of the lake.

MEDCO POND: trout, largemouth bass, panfish

Fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and panfish should be fair.

PACIFIC OCEAN & BEACHES: chinook, bottomfish

Salmon fishing in the ocean closed Oct. 31. Bottom fishing can be excellent in the winter when the weather cooperates. Anglers should be cautious of the ocean and bar conditions which can change quickly. Sport boat anglers may no longer keep cabezon but shore anglers may continue to retain legal sized cabezon. The Pacific halibut sport fisheries are closed for the remainder of 2007.

POWERS POND: trout, warmwater fish

Powers Pond was stocked with trout "Pounders" and a few 5 pound fish the week of Oct. 22. This was the last stocking for 2007 but holdover fish should still be available.

REINHART PARK POND: trout, bass

Fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and panfish should be fair.

ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: steelhead

Increased flows has slowed half pounder fishing. A few winter steelhead will be on the move with the increased flows. Anglers will fair best running hot shots from a boat or plunking spin and glows from the bank. Some of the best early spots to fish are from Quosatana Creek campground downstream to the Ferry Hole. Anglers can keep an eye on Rogue River flows at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/uv?14372300. Bank anglers will fair best when flows hit 8,000 n 9,000 cfs and dropping.

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: chinook, trout, steelhead

The flow on Nov. 19 was 5,050 cubic feet per second at Grants Pass. Coho salmon are being caught in the Grants Pass area on Cleos, Gibbs Koho spoons, Blue Fox spinners in pink and chartreuse, and Mepps Flying C spinners. Fish the slack water areas, such as Baker Park, 50 Rocks, and below Savage Rapids Dam. Pieces of roe/puff ball are also working for steelhead.

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: trout, steelhead

Weekend fishing (Nov. 17-18) in the upper river was good for coho and steelhead in spite of the rainfall. Steelhead are being taken on small nymphs. Fishing deep with nymphs has worked well at this time of year in the past. The number of summer steelhead over Gold Ray increased to 6,105 as of Nov. 12. The outflow from Lost Creek Reservoir was 2,248 cubic feet per second and the outflow temperature was 43 as of Monday morning.

Regulations: Angling is restricted to the use of artificial flies and lures between Gold Ray Dam and the Shady Cove Boat Ramp starting Nov. 1. Consult the regulations for more information. Steelhead anglers should target riffles, runs, and slots, though fish can be found in a variety of waters. Only adipose fin-clipped steelhead, trout, and coho salmon may be harvested.

ROGUE RIVER, ABOVE LOST CREEK DAM

Trout fishing closed as of Nov. 1.

SODA SPRINGS RESERVOIR: brown and rainbow trout

Soda Springs reservoir is open all year round for brown and rainbow trout. The road to Soda Springs dam is currently closed due to a high volume of dump trucks and heavy equipment. At this time the only access into the reservoir is at Medicine Creek bridge.

SMITH RIVER: striper

Striper fishing has been good, with some very nice stripers being caught in lower Smith River. Trout season is now closed in the Smith River and tributaries.

SOUTH COAST LAKES AND PONDS: trout

Fishing is slow on all lakes and ponds.

SOUTH COAST STREAMS: fall chinook, cutthroat trout

Trout season closed in the Umpqua, Smith River, South Umpqua and Cow Creek basins. The North Umpqua mainstem is still open for catch and release trout fishing, from the mouth upstream to Soda Springs Dam, but the tributaries are closed. The North Umpqua and tributaries are closed however from Soda Springs Reservoir upstream.

SOUTH COAST BEACHES:

No report.

TENMILE BASIN: yellow perch, trout, largemouth bass, winter steelhead, warmwater fish

Streams closed to trout fishing as of Nov. 1. Lakes are open year-round, and holdover fish are available. Yellow perch have been biting well at the county docks. Winter steelhead will be arriving, but they usually appear later in December, which is later than other river basins like the Coos and Coquille. Warmwater fish species such as bluegill and crappie are in Tenmile Lakes. Although the bite will be slower this time of year, warmwater fish can still be caught in cooler temperatures.

TOKETEE LAKE: brown trout

Fishing is open in Toketee all year round. Fishing has been slow but the best fishing occurs early in the morning.

UMPQUA ESTUARY: sturgeon

Fall chinook and coho fishing has been spotty. Sturgeon fishing has been slow, some large green sturgeon are being picked up in the Big Bend area. Crabbing has improved with a few limits being caught, the best crabbing is occurring in the half-moon bay area.

UMPQUA HIGH LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

Brook trout fishing has slowed with the warmer days. The best fishing in the high lakes is occurring later in the day as the temperatures warm. Check with the Forest Service for road conditions as it starts snowing in the mountains. Diamond Lake and Lemolo Lake are closed starting Nov. 1. However the other high cascade lakes are open year-round.

UMPQUA RIVER MAINSTEM: shad, bass, chinook

The river rose this past weekend (Nov. 17-18), but should continue to drop through Thanksgiving. As it drops coho and steelhead fishing will improve.

On the Mainstem Umpqua, non-adipose fin-clipped (wild) steelhead can be kept, 1 per day, 5 per year from Dec. 1 n 31, 2007. Beginning Jan. 1, 2008, this fishery is closed and only adipose fin-clipped steelhead (hatchery) can be harvested.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead, coho

Coho are starting to move in to the North Umpqua, with already over 2,700 coho past the dam. Coho fishing is currently fair, and should improve as the coho run continues. Steelhead fishing should also improve. Only adipose fin-clipped steelhead can be harvested on the North Umpqua for the remainder of this year and in 2008 due to new regulations that closed the wild steelhead harvest.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: closed

The South Umpqua remains closed to all angling until Dec. 1. The South Umpqua will open for adipose fin-clipped steelhead, Dec. 1 n 31, and Jan. 1 n April 30.

WILLOW LAKE: trout, bass

Angling for trout should still be good with catches up to 14.5 inches reported in recent weeks.

WINCHESTER BAY: sturgeon, coho, chinook

Fishing remains slow.

SHELLFISH

All areas south of Siletz Bay on the Oregon Coast remain open to recreational and commercial shellfish harvest. Areas north of the Siletz are closed to mussel harvest due to elevated levels of PSP. ALWAYS CHECK FOR HEALTH ADVISORIES by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Shellfish line at 1-800-448-2474 for updates.

More information about razor clams and current status of particular areas: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/razorclams

Ocean crabbing is closed now through Dec. 1. Bay crabbing is open the entire year. The next few months are a great time for bay crabbing. Crab are generally full of meat and available in good numbers in coastal bays. Crabbing inside Coos Bay has been good recently with boats returning with nice catches of crab. Shore based crabbers are also getting some keeper crabs. The COOS BAY shoals (20-30 feet deep) along the inside of the North Spit from Empire to Charleston is a good area for crabbing. Public crabbing docks can be found in Winchester Bay, Bandon, Charleston, and Empire.

Information about bay clams: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/bayclams/

SOUTHWEST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Pheasant, fall turkey, blue grouse, ruffed grouse, cougar, bear, California quail, mt. quail, Coast bull elk (2nd season open Nov. 17-23 in some units), bow buck deer (open in some units), duck, goose

Visit the Southwest Fall Hunting Forecast

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/hunting_forecast/2007_fall_southwest.asp

DOUGLAS COUNTY

BIG GAME:

Deer - General bow deer season is open until December 12th in the Melrose, Siuslaw and Evans Creek units for Douglas County. Otherwise, only a few controlled hunts are open at this time. Deer populations are similar to last year.

Elk - General coast bull elk rifle 2nd season closes Nov. 23 in the Melrose and Siuslaw units in Douglas County. Hunters are reminded that all other elk hunts in Douglas County for the rest of the hunt year are controlled hunts. Elk populations are similar to last year so this hunting year will be average.

Bear - General bear season is now open. Hunters can expect an average year. Successful bear hunters are asked to turn in a bear tooth for the ongoing bear statewide population study.

Cougar n Cougar season is open. Hunters can expect an average year. Cougars are abundant throughout with indicators pointing to healthy population and wide distribution. Hunting cougar can be successful adjacent to private land with high deer populations using a predator call.

UPLAND GAMEBIRDS:

Grouse & Quail n The season is currently open. Blue grouse success is best in mid to high elevations of the Cascades in partly open conifer stands. Ruffed grouse can be found near creeks mostly at mid elevations of both the Cascades and Coast Range. Success is best in the lower elevation agricultural lands for California quail and mid-elevations of the Cascades and Coast Range near brushy clear cuts on secondary forest roads for Mountain quail.

Fall Turkey n The season is currently open. Hunters can expect an above average year. Most turkeys are on or adjacent to low-mid elevation private lands associated with oak savannah habitat. Some good public hunting spots are:

* N. Bank Habitat Mgt Area (BLM) which is located NW of Roseburg on N. Bank Road. This area is closed to vehicle traffic so it allows ample opportunity for walking and hunting of turkeys.

* Illahae Rock & Dry Creek which is located 45 miles up the North Umpqua Highway. This area is mostly USFS land but a few private land parcels are in the area.

* Jackson Creek off the S. Umpqua River near Tiller which is 25 miles east of Canyonville.

WATERFOWL:

The season for ducks, geese, snipe and coot is currently open. Hunting ducks and geese in Douglas County is very good because of an excellent local production and good migratory numbers continuing to arrive. Nearly all waterfowl hunting in the Umpqua Valley is on private property and hunters should obtain landowner permission before hunting.

MIGRATORY GAMEBIRDS:

Crow n The season is currently open. Hunters can expect an average year. Crow are abundant and widely distributed on the Umpqua Valley floor. Hunting crow is a challenge with most being on or adjacent to private lands.

TRAPPING & HUNTING:

Furbearers n A reminder to trappers and hunters that specific licenses and tags are required to hunt many furbearer species, and hunters should refer to the 2006-08 Oregon Furbearer Trapping and Hunting Regulations for details.

Bobcat - Healthy populations throughout Western Oregon. Harvest season is currently closed but the season opens on December 1, 2007. Pursuit season is currently open for bobcat. The last day of the season for this species is February 28, 2008.

River Otter, Beaver, Mink/Muskrat, Red Fox, Gray Fox & Raccoon n Healthy populations throughout Western Oregon. The harvest season opened for red fox, gray fox, mink/muskrat, river otter, beaver and raccoon is open. Pursuit season for fox and raccoon opened September 1, 2007.

Marten n Healthy populations are available at higher elevations of the Cascades. The season is currently open. The last day of the season is January 31, 2008.

JACKSON, JOSEPHINE, CURRY COUNTIES

BIG GAME:

District staff encourages hunters to wear blaze orange.

TURKEY: Season opened Oct 15 and will run through Dec. 31. Hunters will find a new type of challenge in hunting turkey in the fall season. They are not as responsive to call but yet they may not be as weary of humans either. Hunters have had success in ambushing or scattering flocks and using the lost call as they begin to regroup. A reminder that either sex can be hunted in the fall, tags are available at first come first serve bases.

Some of the best public hunting spots for turkeys are areas within the Jackson Cooperative Travel Management Area. These areas are Boswell mountain area west of Hwy 62 near Shady Cove and Camel Hump area east of Shady Cove. Another area within the TMA is the Green top unit off of Worthington road north of Hwy 140 north east of Eagle Point. These areas all have road closure periods and maps are available at local ODFW office.

Deer n Nov. 10 thru Dec. 2, general buck deer bow season is open in the Evans Creek and Rogue units and muzzleloader hunting in the Applegate unit. For both of these seasons, deer will be in the rut, so consider rattling to bring in the curious animals. Try low elevations where oak trees and buck brush is located. Hunters are finding wet conditions, which provide archers and muzzleloaders the opportunity to use their stalking skills to harvest animals. Similar conditions should continue week of Nov. 19, with slightly cooler temperatures.

Elk - The Southwest Cascades controlled muzzleloader elk hunt ended Nov. 16. General Coastal bull elk rifle 2nd season is Nov. 17 thru 23 with Applegate unit the only open unit in the SW region (Chetco unit is a controlled hunt). Elk populations in the Applegate unit are minimal, however some herds can be found in select drainages. It is best to scout out where the elk are located before hunting the Applegate unit. Elk numbers in the Chetco Unit are low, but populations are stable to increasing.

Bear n Now that the general deer and elk season is over hunters will now turn back to filling there bear tags. Bear population continue to remain high. Bear can be located in and around oak trees feasting on acorns, green grasses and fruits and berries. Hunters need to remember that in order to be hunting bear during the Coast bull elk firearm season, they need to have a valid unused elk tag while in that area. In other words, as soon as your elk tag is filled, you cannot hunt bears until elk season is over. Hunters are reminded to turn in their bear tooth for the statewide population study.

Cougar - Cougars are plentiful, although they are a challenge to locate and harvest. Cougars are best hunted with the use of predatory calls in and around areas of the prey base. Locate major ridge lines and rocky out cropping as areas of travel within their home range. Hunters cannot hunt cougars during the Coast bull elk firearm season unless they have a valid unused elk tag while in that area. In other words, as soon as your elk tag is filled, you cannot hunt cougars until elk season is over.

Western Gray Squirrel n General Western Gray squirrel season closed on Nov. 7 except for that portion of the Rogue unit which is open year round with no bag limit; refer to regulations for more detail. Squirrels are found throughout Rogue River Watershed with only a few hunters taking advantage of another hunting opportunity. Squirrels are found from oak savanna habitat to conifer habitat types. Squirrel hunting is a great opportunity for young hunters to hone their hunting skills.

Grouse & Quail n Successful hunters are locating grouse and quail along closed forest roads and known habitat types. Look for ruffed grouse in timbered creeks and blue grouse on high mountain ridges. Mountain quail will be located in mid-elevation brush fields and California quail will be found in low elevation brush fields. The use of dogs will aid greatly in retrieval of these well camouflaged birds.

Waterfowl:

Local waterfowl numbers are good and migrating birds are already starting to show. Hunter success will depend on storms to make birds fly and bring more birds into the area. Public waters are limited in the area, with the Rogue River and public lakes and reservoirs open. All fields on Denman Wildlife Area are flooded; storms have led to better hunting conditions and improves success rates. Through the end of waterfowl season, the Hall Tract is open Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas day only. Other tracts are open every day.

COOS COUNTY

ELK

Elk populations are increasing in much of Coos County. Generally bull ratios are very good as well. Hunters should have little problem finding elk. The forecast for rainy weather should make elk active. South slopes with mixed forest clearings and heavier cover will be good places to find them.

BEAR

Bear populations are stable and dense. Huckleberries are beginning to wane as fall progresses. Bears often become very active this time of year in their search for food to put on weight for winter. Calling bears with predator calls is likely to be effective.

DEER

General Deer seasons are now closed but there are a few controlled seasons to come. A key factor in finding bucks at this time of year is finding does. Bucks will be attracted to them. Many deer will be found on south slopes where green up is occurring.

COUGAR

Cougar populations appear to be healthy in Coos County. The animals use very large home ranges. To hunt them hunters should take clues from the cougar's prey, deer and elk, to locate cougars. In areas with high densities of deer and elk hunters may find success attracting cougars with predator calls. These animals can be very illusive and represent a supreme challenge for hunters.

UPLAND BIRDS

Late fall is a good time to hunt grouse and quail in Western Oregon. As the leaves of deciduous trees fall, it becomes easier to see birds in the brush as they flush. Hunting closed roads and creek bottoms for grouse and ridge tops for mountain quail should prove effective to the persistent hunter.

Waterfowl

Ducks are presently very numerous on local bays. Birds generally move up into the bay with an incoming tide and they move toward the coast as the tide goes back out. These birds will stay in or near the bays until fall rain fills inland valleys. This will cause birds to move to these valleys and the number of birds available in the bays will decline. Hunters are reminded they need to get a Sea Duck Permit to hunt sea ducks such as Harlequin, scoter, ling-tailed and eider ducks.

SOUTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

Coos County

Aleutian Canada geese are moving through the area on their southward migration to California inland valleys. Generally, these birds stay out to sea on their trip south but when storms begin moving from the ocean landward the birds tend to follow the shoreline.

Migrant waterfowl and can be seen in large groups feeding in mud flats and other areas. The majority of these are American widgeon, gadwall, mallards and shovelers. Viewers should scan flooded grasslands in upper bays at high tide and mud flats in lower bays at low tide for congregations of birds.

Douglas County

Bald Eagles-Bald Eagles are now commonly seen along the mainstem portion of the Umpqua River from Roseburg to Reedsport.

Fish Passage-Coho Salmon are now migrating upstream and passing through Winchester dam fish ladder on the N. Umpqua River in large numbers. The fish ladder is free and open to the public with the best viewing in the afternoon hours. To view the migrating fish go to exit 129 on I-5, proceed southeast on 99 to the fish ladder on the north side of the river. The historic Winchester Bridge is currently under renovation but the fish ladder is still open for public viewing.

Winter Raptors -Wintering raptors, especially hawks, can commonly be seen along highways throughout the county.

Jackson County

Cole Rivers Fish Hatchery

ODFW David Pease, assistant manager at Cole Rivers Fish Hatchery in Trail, reports hundreds of waterfowl near Lost Creek Lake this week. See blue and green heron, kingfisher, osprey, geese, ducks and many more. A pair of bald eagles has been seen every week, indicating they are nesting in the area.

Pease reports chinook salmon spawning at the Hatchery is about over, but there are coho and steelhead coming up river.

He also recommends the walking trail at McGregor Park located 30 miles northeast of Medford along Highway 62 just below Lost Creek Lake and near Cole Rivers Fish Hatchery. There is a picnic area, recreation facilities, an overlook and a visitor center. The site is ADA accessible.

For information on McGregor Park, http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/mcgregor/

For directions to Cole M. Rivers Hatchery, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/hatchery/colerivers.htm

FISHING

Trout fishing closed in streams (including tidewaters and bays) on Oct. 31, except as noted in regulations.

ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

No recent reports.

CLEAR LAKE: rainbow trout

No recent reports.

CRESCENT LAKE: brown trout, kokanee

Brown trout fishing has reportedly been very good. This is typically a good time of year to target both brown trout and lake trout on Crescent. Kokanee is slow.

CROOKED RIVER MAINSTEM: rainbow trout

Reports of some good to fair angling for rainbow trout.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout

No recent reports. ODFW and OSU have initiated a radio telemetry study on redband trout and whitefish, and 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.

CULTUS LAKE:

No recent reports.

DAVIS LAKE: largemouth bass, redband trout

Recent snowfall may prevent access at this time (Nov. 20). No reports from the past week. Water levels are low making boat launching a challenge though the lava flow campground boat ramp is open.

DESCHUTES RIVER:

Sherars Falls to Warm Springs n Trout anglers will be successful by using nymphs. Water temperatures continue to cool and fewer bug hatches are occurring. Steelhead are in this section in good numbers and water temperatures and clarity are great for steelhead fishing. The entire Deschutes River closed Oct. 31 to the retention of Fall Chinook.

Mouth to Sherars Falls n Steelhead anglers are reporting decent catches, as effort on the river has declined significantly. Many large B-run steelhead are being captured, especially in the area downstream from Macks Canyon. The entire Deschutes River closed Oct. 31 to the retention of Fall Chinook.

Spring Chinook:

No recent report.

DESCHUTES RIVER: Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls:

No anglers were interviewed as basis for a report. Please note that recent increased flow makes this stretch a little more of a challenge for anglers.

ELK LAKE: brook trout, kokanee

No recent report.

FALL RIVER:

Anglers are reporting fair to good success. Remember angling is closed downstream the falls.

FROG LAKE: rainbow trout

No new report.

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

Fishing is reported to be a little on the slow side.

HOOD RIVER: summer steelhead, fin clipped coho

Steelhead fishing has been improving on the Hood River, as cooler temperatures have improved water quality. Anglers are reminded that chinook angling is closed and coho must be fin-clipped for retention. Trout fishing is closed.

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

Angling is slow for bull trout. A few anglers are having some success for rainbow trout and brown trout on the Deschutes River arm. Please note that the Metolius arm of the reservoir is closed to angling for the season beginning Nov. 1. Anglers should be advised that the recommended boat launching facility is the upper Deschutes arm ramp of the reservoir.

LAURANCE LAKE: rainbow trout, smallmouth bass

Closes to angling as of Nov. 1.

LITTLE LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout

No report

LOST LAKE: rainbow trout

Lost Lake has been stocked with legal and trophy sized hatchery rainbow trout. Some naturally produced brown trout are also available for anglers. Anglers should focus on the shallower shoal areas for best success.

METOLIUS RIVER:

Reports of anglers having fair success for brown trout and mountain whitefish.

NORTH TWIN: rainbow trout

No report

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

No recent reports. Anglers targeting rainbow trout should consider fishing the upper eastern end of reservoir.

PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

No recent reports, but fall and early winter fishing can be productive at Pine Hollow.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Opportunity is good for 12 to 16 rainbow trout. No reports on recent angler success.

ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Low reservoir level will limit both access and success.

SUTTLE LAKE:

No recent reports.

WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout

No recent reports.

CENTRAL ZONE HUNTING

Visit the region's Fall Hunting Forecast

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/hunting_forecast/2007_fall_high_desert.asp

Open: Pheasant, chukar, duck, forest grouse (closes Nov. 25), California quail, mt quail (open in Wheeler, Hood Rvr and Wasco counties) cougar, bear, crow

Ochoco Wildlife District

Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Management Area: Remember that on November 15 the gates on the North Side Access Road closed between Jasper Point and Old Field to protect wintering mule deer and elk, and to prevent soil damage. The closure only restricts motorized access. Non-motorized access from hunters, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts is welcome. The closure is seasonal, has been occurring for many years with the road reopening for motorized travel in the spring.

Late November Antlerless elk hunts open in the Ochoco unit, and portions of the Maury unit November 17. Hunters should come prepared for cold winter weather conditions. The recent bull seasons have scattered herds, and hunters may have to spend considerable time scouting to find elk.

Hunters are reminded the South Boundary and Rager Green Dot Travel Management Areas (TMA) with restrictions on motorized vehicles are in effect in the Ochoco unit. Maps are available at portal signs as you enter the TMA's, or from local ODFW and forest service offices.

Cougar are scattered at all elevations across both public and private lands. With deer numbers are greatest at higher elevations on the Ochoco National Forest; hunters can expect cougar to be present as well. Areas to consider include Lookout and Pisgah Mountains and Sunflower Creek (Ochoco unit) and Green Mountain and Mill Creek (Grizzly unit).

Valley quail numbers appear strong, with the best opportunities on agricultural private lands throughout Crook and Jefferson Counties. Springs, stream areas, and other rangelands with cover and water on the Crooked River National Grasslands and BLM lands would also be good area to check.

Chukar are more limited in distribution, with areas along the Crooked, Deschutes, and John Day Rivers offering the best opportunities. Much of this involves private lands where permission from the landowner is needed.

The best opportunities for blue and ruffed grouse will be on the higher elevations on the Ochoco National Forest. The better areas will be on the heavier forested north slopes across the Paulina and Lookout Mountain Ranger Districts. Hunters are reminded the season closes Nov. 25 in eastern Oregon.

Duck and goose hunters will find most birds present are residents, with migrating birds yet to arrive in any numbers. This area is challenging as most of the better hunting is on private lands. There are limited opportunities on public land around Prineville Res., and along the Crooked River.

The Dalles Wildlife District

The Hood unit and the forested portion of White River Wildlife Area can provide excellent opportunity for bear hunters, especially in clear cuts and huckleberry fields. Hunters should focus on still hunting in clearings, spending a good deal of time glassing.

With the onset of winter weather conditions, deer and elk have begun their annual migration into lower elevations. For hunters wishing to pursue mountain lions, this means that hunting effort should be focused on areas where big game winter. Blinding up over a fresh lion kill is a productive strategy to hunting cats.

Waterfowl season is open within the district. The majority of waterfowl hunting opportunities are present on private lands, with a few exceptions along the Columbia and Deschutes rivers.

Upland game birds are found throughout the district. Bird production was fair in the area this year, with populations being at or near the ten year average. Hunters wishing to target pheasant and quail should focus on areas in and around streams or near agricultural areas. Public access can be found on the Lower Deschutes and White River Wildlife areas, as well as BLM property in the Deschutes and John Day canyons. Hunters should be aware that bird hunting is prohibited within ¼ mile of the John Day River from the Columbia upstream to Thirtymile Creek.

CENTRAL ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS

KID'S DAY AT THE SUNRIVER NATURE CENTER, SATURDAY, 11/24, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

A special day just for kids, filled with nature, science talks and activities. Free admission for all children ages 12 and under when accompanied by an adult. Free admission for members. More information at www.sunrivernaturecenter.org

Focus on The Dalles, Mid-Columbia Region and Northern Wasco County

NEW: Wintering wonderland

As the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, White River Wildlife area begins to see migrating deer and elk. Visitors wishing to view wintering deer are best served in the Smock Prairie area, where deer will congregate in open meadows to feed, while those wishing to view elk are more likely to be successful in the Friend area.

Wintering raptors are also increasing in numbers throughout the region. Visitors along the Columbia River are likely to find bald eagles congregating near the mouths of tributary streams such as Mosier Creek or the Klickitat River.

For those who may want to watch hawks on the hunt, the open habitats in Sherman and southern Wasco counties can provide ample opportunities to see Redtail, Swainson, and Rough-legged hawks in action. There are also Prairie falcons, northern harriers, and kestrels that can be seen.

Along the Columbia River

All along the Columbia large rafts of Canada Geese, Lesser Scaup and American Coots can be seen from the freeway. A great place to jump of the freeway for a closer look is Government Cove which provides a sheltered spot off of the Columbia River for a wide variety of wintering waterfowl, as well as bald eagles and osprey.

Here are directions to Government Cove, City of Cascade Locks. From I-84, westbound Exit 47 E of Cascade Locks; N 0.1 mi across railroad tracks to entrance; eastbound Exit 44; E on Hwy 30 (Wa Na Pa Street) for 1 mi; E on Forest Lane for 2 mi; E for 0.9 mi and cross I-84 overpass; bear left and yield; N 0.1 mi under I-84 overpass; cross railroad tracks to entrance.

Geese and swans move south through Central Oregon

Canada Geese, Snow Geese and Tundra Swans are migrating. They are often heard overhead before being seen. The flight calls are pretty distinct for each of these species. Look for geese along river corridors and near local wetlands.

Sandhill cranes are also occasionally heard and seen overhead in migration. Their call is easily recognized. Cranes can be seen migrating from Harney Basin, through Warner Basin, the Lake Abert area and south to Klamath Basin and into northern California. They return north starting in mid to late February.

In the central Oregon area, wintering birds are showing up in parks and towns. Varied Thrushes, northern Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Pine Siskins and White-crowned Sparrows are some of the species regularly observed. This time of year Townsend's Solitaire are commonly found calling and singing in juniper and juniper/ponderosa pine habitats in Harney, Lake, Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. Recent sightings of Black and White-winged Scoters, and a Parasitic Jaeger at inland lakes and reservoirs were reported shortly after the windy storm events of mid October. These marine species are often blown inland, into central Oregon, when big storms hit the coast.

Prineville Area

This is a good time to view big game, particularly mule deer using private lands along the Crooked River between the eastern end of Prineville Reservoir and the town of Paulina. Drivers will need to turn south off of Hwy. 26 at the east side of Prineville, onto the Post/Paulina highway, with the best viewing between milepost 20 and milepost 60. The largest numbers of animals will be in the early morning or late afternoon, and drivers need to be careful of animals crossing the highway. In addition to big game, viewers will have opportunities to see ducks, geese and a variety of birds of prey.

Recent winter-like weather appears to be triggering increasing movements of winter migrating birds to and through Central Oregon. Local reservoirs offer viewing of waterfowl and shorebirds as they feed, rest and prepare for fall migrations. Flocks of Canadian geese and ducks have been using the mudflats at the eastern end of Ochoco and Prineville Reservoir. Ochoco Reservoir is visible from Hwy. 26, eight miles east of Prineville. Migrating and wintering birds of prey are on the increase, with sightings of Redtail Rough-legged, and Swainsons Hawks; Northern Harriers; bald and golden Eagle; and Kestrels increasing.

The Crooked River between Bowman Dam and Prineville offers spectacular cliff scenery interspersed with close views of the Crooked River. Bald and golden eagles frequent this stretch of river and use the cliffs and pine trees for perching and roosting. Otter, beaver, raccoons and a variety of waterfowl and wading birds are also present in the river.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Trout fishing closed in streams (including tidewaters and bays) on Oct. 31, unless otherwise noted in regulations.

The desert in Lake County has received substantial precipitation and road conditions will be muddy and difficult to travel unless frozen.

ANA RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, hybrid bass

Angling for rainbow trout is very good. Every method is catching rainbow trout (bait, flies, and spinners). Most anglers fish from shore on the east shoreline. Juvenile hybrid bass were recently stocked. Night fishing for hybrid bass is slow.

ANA RIVER: rainbow trout

Ana River is open year long and water temperatures tend to stay warmer due to spring input out of Ana Reservoir. This is a great place to fish during late fall and winter. Angling for rainbow trout has been very good. The river level is high. Rainbow trout can be very spooky so stealth is required. Bait angling is allowed and productive. Expect good hatches of various mayflies during cloudy weather. Mosquito and caddis patterns are working well. Tui chub and pit roach are abundant minnows in Ana River therefore LARGE minnow lures/flies can catch the larger rainbow trout while not catching as many little fingerling rainbow trout. Concentrate your efforts on the shady spots on the river.

BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, whitefish, bull trout

The reservoir went dry on Aug. 31. The reservoir is 7 percent full and inflow was 63 cfs on November 18. Fishing is poor.

BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Big Rock Reservoir is almost dry, one small, deep pool is still open. Very few fish are available in this pool. BLM and ODFW are working cooperatively to improve water retention in the reservoir.

BLITZEN RIVER: trout

Check special angling regulations. Catch and release angling from Nov. 1 through the end of May. Fair angling for redband trout. The water has cooled down, and there may be some edge ice. Flow fluctuated between 33 and 59 cfs from November 12 through November 19. Flow was 47 cfs November 19.

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

The reservoir is 7 percent full on Nov. 18. Angling is poor.

BURNS POND: trout, bass

Angling is slow to fair 10 to 14 inch rainbow trout using spoons, spinners, or powerbait. The pond was still open November 19, but skim ice could form soon.

CAMPBELL/DEADHORSE: rainbow trout and brook trout

Angling has been good. Fishing at Campbell and Deadhorse has improved with colder weather. Access is still open.

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout

Angling is fair to good for 15 to 20 inch rainbow trout using a variety of gear. The reservoir still had all open water November 19, but skim ice could form soon.

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout

Angling has improved with lower water temperatures and increased flows. Highest redband trout densities occur below Marsters campground. Angling is closed below Paisley.

COTTONWOOD MEADOWS LAKE: Rainbow trout and brook trout

Catch rates are good for rainbow trout and brook trout. Look for brook trout to be concentrated at the three inlet streams. At times brook trout can be very easy to catch while spawning. Access is still open.

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: redband trout

Angling for redband trout is good. Angling with bait from the dam is a popular method. This is a large impoundment so covering lots of water while trolling from a boat can be productive. Fat head minnows occur in the lake therefore flies and lures which mimic minnows produce well.

DELINTMENT LAKE: trout

No recent angling report. The lake still had all open water November 19, but skim ice could form soon.

DEEP CREEK: redband trout

Angling for redband trout has improved with colder temperatures and higher flows.

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

The warm water fishery at Dog Lake has declined with cold weather and will continue to be poor until spring and warmer temperatures.

DUNCAN RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Angling for rainbow trout is good. Dark caddis patterns are working well. The vegetation line has receded and opened up more water at Duncan. A 22" inch trout was caught and released during ODFW surveys.

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

Check for access to the lake. There is snow at high elevations on Steens Mountain, and the lake probably has skim ice.

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

Access will soon be blocked by snow. Angling is fair for rainbow trout and good for lake trout. Recent net sampling showed an abundance of 12-16" lake trout cruising the shallows. These lake trout are eating insects. The most abundant insect in lake trout and rainbow trout stomachs were midge larvae. Angling for brook trout should be good. Trolling spoons, spinners or other lures can be effective. A fish finder will assist in locating lake trout and brook trout. Angling for kokanee is poor as most kokanee are spawning. Kokanee averaged 14" with some kokanee up to 16" in recent net sampling. Length of kokanee is at an historic high. The northwest side of the lake is a good place to begin angling. Angling with bait from shore is usually slow. Fourmile can be very windy in the afternoon with the morning and evening typically calm.

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

Angling for crappie is slow. Most crappie are in the 8-10 inch range but larger crappie are available. The best method is to fish a crappie jig under a bobber. Yellow perch angling has been slow. Lake levels are high therefore boats can be launched. Angling for brown bullhead is fair. For more information on warmwater fishing in Gerber Reservoir and other Warmwater fisheries visit your local ODFW offices for warmwater fishing pamphlets.

HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Recent sampling by the ODFW showed an abundance of large trout still available for harvest. Trolling with spinners and flies in the deeper parts of the lake is recommended. Access is open.

JUNIPER LAKE: cutthroat trout

No recent report. The water level was very low this year.

UPPER KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKE: redband trout and yellow perch

November is one of the best months to catch large redband trout. Redband trout are scattered throughout the lake. Flyfishing and lure fishing can be productive as redband trout begin to feed actively on minnows after a long summer of reduced food consumption. Angling has been good from shore near Sesti Tgwalls point and Howard Bay. Catch rates are typically one fish per ten hours of fishing.

KLAMATH RIVER: rainbow-redband trout

Angling for wild redband trout has slowed down. River flows remain below 1000 cfs below Keno dam which is ideal for successful angling. Water temperatures remain relatively warm for this time of year which increases redband trout activity. Wading below Keno dam is difficult as the water is turbid and the substrate is made of slick boulders. A wading staff, studded wading boots, and wading belt is recommended. Flies and lures imitating minnows are producing well. To be successful flies and lures should be fished slow and deep. Angling below JC Boyle Powerhouse is fair due to flow fluctuations. River flows below the Powerhouse will be 1800 cfs during most of the daylight hours which creates difficult angling conditions; however some trout can be captured in the shallow, slow moving water near shore using spinners. Redband- rainbow trout are concentrated so covering lots of water will increase your odds of catching fish. The best time to angle is early morning 7-9 am. The river section from JC Boyle Dam to JC Boyle Powerhouse is fair for rainbow-redband trout 6-12 inches. River flows in this section are a constant 380 cfs. Small spinners and flies are the most effective method for catching rainbow- redband trout in this section. The Klamath River provides one of the best opportunities to fish for trout during the fall and winter.

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

Angling for largemouth bass, crappie, smallmouth bass, and kokanee is slow. Recent net sampling has shown abundant Kokanee in the shallows that average 11". Brown trout are also cruising the shallows looking for a place to spawn. Angling for yellow perch is slow but most yellow perch are small (< 6"). Angling for brown bullhead is fair due to colder water temperatures. Contact Lake of the Woods Lodge at (1-866-201-4194) for recent angling update or visit their website at http://www.lakeofthewoodsresort.com. Anglers continue to catch trophy rainbow trout up to 20". The best method to catch rainbow trout is to troll using spinners or fishing bait from a boat. Most rainbow trout are in the middle of the lake.

LINK RIVER: redband trout

River flows are low. Most anglers use lures and flies that mimic minnows. Access is available along the entire west side and boats can be launched at Veterans Park and motored upstream to the powerhouse. Catch rates are typically low and a good day is landing a few redband trout. The Link River is open year long.

LITTLE HEART LAKE: rainbow trout, kokanee

Access is open but fishing is slow, large trout are available as are kokanee. Access is open.

LOFTON RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Larger fish are still available in the lake. The Reservoir is low, launching from the boat ramp is difficult. Access is open.

LOST RIVER: largemouth bass, yellow perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, crappie, bullhead catfish

Angling has been slow for warm water game fish.

LUCKY RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

The road into Lucky has been improved. Access is open, expect the road to be muddy and difficult unless frozen. Angling should be good. The reservoir is always very turbid.

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

Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir was 0 cfs on November 18. Angling is poor.

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

Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir was approximately 0 cfs, and discharge from Beulah Reservoir was 0 cfs on November 18. Angling is poor.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Boat ramp is still in water and useable. Water releases were shut-off in late September. Trout angling is fair.

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

No recent angling report. Remember to release bull trout.

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

No recent angling report. Remember to release bull trout.

MALONE RESERVOIR (Lost River): yellow, brown and black bullhead

Angling for yellow, brown and black bullhead is slow. Angling for sunfish and largemouth bass is slow.

MANN LAKE: trout

Angling is slow for cutthroat trout.

MILLER LAKE: large brown trout, rainbow trout and small kokanee, brook trout

Access into Miller Lake will soon be blocked by snow. This is a good time of year to fish for brown trout as many brown trout are cruising the shallows looking for a place to spawn. Recent net sampling has shown abundance and size of brown trout are at an all time high. Seventeen percent of the brown trout captured in the net were over 24" and up to 31". Brown trout are feeding on kokanee and stocked rainbow trout. Kokanee and rainbow trout angling is very slow. Most kokanee are under 8" and spawning at this time. Brook trout are very rare but can be caught on occasion at the mouth of Miller Creek.

MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout

The reservoir is very low. Angling is slow for trout and bass.

NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: rainbow trout.

Recent rains have softened access roads, so anglers need to show caution. No recent angling report from these ponds.

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

The reservoir was 21 percent full Nov. 18. The county ramp near the powerhouse and the ramp at the resort are still useable the other three are not. Angling is fair.

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

Irrigation releases below the dam were shut-off on Oct. 12. Brown Trout are spawning so anglers need to be careful around spawning areas to protect redds. Angling for rainbow trout and brown trout is fair.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish

Discharge at the Rome gauge averaged approximately 149 cfs on Nov. 18. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish is slow.

PAIUTE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout and Lahontan cutthroat trout

Angling for rainbow trout and cutthroat trout has been good recently. The reservoir is at half full, and recent precipitation will be adding to the reservoir.

PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch

Fishing is fair for trout and perch. Water level is at 7 percent.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout

Fishing is slow. Water levels are very low.

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The water level at Pole Creek Reservoir is very near minimums. Water levels have increase slightly. Rainbow Trout angling is slow.

POWDER RIVER: trout, spring chinook

Fishing for rainbow trout is closed from HuntingtonnRichland road bridge to Hughes Lane bridge in Baker City. Above Hughes Lane to Phillips Reservoir is open to catch and release, and use of artificial flies and lures only.

SHERLOCK GULCH RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Fishing has been fair for legal sized trout. The reservoir is half full and turbid.

SID LUCE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Access to the reservoir is always difficult. Fishing has been good, expect windy conditions. as they occur most of the time. Rainbow trout appear to be concentrated near the outlet. Road conditions have been muddy, expect travel to be difficult unless frozen.

SNAKE RIVER: catfish and smallmouth bass

Angling for catfish and smallmouth bass is fair. See Snake River zone for more information.

SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: hatchery rainbow trout.

No recent angling report from these ponds.

SPAULDING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Spaulding Reservoir is dry.

SUNSTONE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Sunstone Reservoir is dry.

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout

The reservoir is filling but fishing is expected to be slow for a few months. Fingerlings were stocked in October.

THOMPSON RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, rainbow trout

Angling for largemouth bass is slow and will decline with decreasing temperatures. Angling for rainbow trout is best near the dam and along the rocky northeast bank. Angling for rainbow trout has improved as temperatures have dropped. The algae bloom has disappeared. Anglers are catching trout on spinners and bait. Numerous, large Rainbow trout have been caught in Thompson Reservoir recently.

TOPSY RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, crappie, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed sunfish

Angling for warmwater fish is slow. Look for largemouth bass in the shallow backwater areas near J.C. Boyle Dam or near the Klamath River. Fishing from a boat is more productive for largemouth bass and crappie than angling from shore. Angling with bait from shore can be productive for catching brown bullhead. Sunfish can be caught from shore using small bait under bobbers or small flies.

UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie

No recent report. Ice fishing is usually good later in the winter.

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

The reservoir is 3 percent full, inflow at the Drewsey gauge averaged 89 cfs on Nov. 18. Fishing is poor.

WARNER LAKES (Hart, Crump, Flagstaff, etc.): crappie, brown bullhead, largemouth bass

The Warner Lakes/Crump fisheries are still suffering from low water. Crump went dry this summer but is increasing with recent precipitation. Hart Lake and the Warner series of lakes retained sufficient water to winter Crappie. Expect catch rates to increase next spring with warmer temperatures and larger Crappie.

WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch and Lahontan cutthroat

Angling for largemouth bass has been slow. Increased effort by anglers has made largemouth bass more difficult to catch. Crappie angling has been slow. Look for crappie and bass around the many wood and habitat structures in the reservoir. Lahontan cutthroat are available but rare in the catch. The most effective way to fish Willow Valley is from boat but largemouth bass can be captured at the boat ramp and all along the dam. Launching a boat is difficult due to low water levels. Recent sampling has shown largemouth bass and bluegill to be abundant in the reservoir. Most bluegill are small. Black crappie are common and in the 8-10" range. The yellow perch population has decreased substantially and not worth angling for.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, trout

No recent report. Reservoir is very low (6 percent). Ice fishing can be good later in the winter.

YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout

Angling for rainbow trout is fair using bait, flies, or spinners. As the weather cools, angling conditions could change quickly. The lake still had all open water November 19, but skim ice could form soon.

SOUTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

Visit the region's Fall Hunting Forecast

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/hunting_forecast/2007_fall_high_desert.asp

Open: Pheasant, chukar, duck, goose, cougar, bear, forest grouse (closes Nov. 25), crow, California quail, mt. quail (open in Klamath County)

NEW LANDS OPEN TO HUNT: More than 42,000 acres of private land in Malheur and Harney counties is now open to public hunting access, thanks to ODFW's Access and Habitat Program. More information:

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2007/November/110107.asp

Chukars will not be released in the Lower Klamath Hills Regulated Hunt Area this year (referred to on bottom of page 28 of the 2007-08 Game Bird Regulations). ODFW and the Klamath Chapter of the Oregon Hunters Association had planned to release chukars weekly from the opening of the season (Oct. 6) through Thanksgiving to provide a chukar hunting opportunity. Unfortunately, ODFW was unable to find a supply of chukars to release.

BEAR

Bear numbers are lower in Southeast zone than in other portions of the state due to limited habitat but populations are stable to increasing. Look in forested areas within the zone. Hunters should note that Bear season ends November 30 in Eastern Oregon.

COUGAR

Cougar populations are healthy in the Southeast zone. Snow should help improve hunting conditions.

UPLAND BIRDS

The Malheur River and Owhyee River corridors are the best areas in Malheur County, in Lake County the best areas are Abert Rim, Coleman Rim and Guano Rim-chukar numbers are down from last year due to poor hatch success. Most quail and pheasants are on private land and hunters will need to obtain permission before hunting. Hunters should focus on permanent springs and seeps that still have water.

Years of dry conditions are sending some hunters to Klamath Wildlife Area's Miller Island Unit on the WA because the waterfowl habitat also provides good cover for upland birds. Pheasant hunting on the area is primarily "put and take" with the majority of birds provided by local sportsman group Unlimited Pheasants.

WATERFOWL

Duck and goose hunting on the Snake River and major reservoirs in Malheur County should be fair for local birds. In Lake County, best areas are Warner Valley, Abert Lake and Summer Lake Wildlife Area.

The best advice for duck hunters in the Klamath Basin is to go early and go often. Success rates will decline by mid-November. Good walk in hunting is available on Klamath Wildlife Area, Wood River Wetlands, and Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. Waterfowl hunting around the wetlands on Upper Klamath and Agency lakes is excellent with boat access from county parks around the lake.

Goose hunting in the Klamath Basin has been slow but should improve with colder weather.

KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA

Hunters should find fair opportunities at this time due to good bird numbers and good habitat conditions. Favorable weather conditions will play a major role in hunting success. In calm, mild and warm conditions, hunting will be poor. Hunters using decoys and willing to spend time in the marsh should see good results. Winter freeze-up of pond units on Miller Island usually occurs by the end of November which results in an end to duck hunting. Duck hunting is closed in Zone 2 on Dec. 5-6, and all goose hunting is closed in Klamath County from Nov. 26 to Dec. 21.

Wetland habitat conditions are very favorable across the entire Wildlife Area with nearly all units being well flooded.

Pheasant and valley quail are found predominantly in upland habitats. Pheasants are released on non-hunt days on the Miller Island Unit until the middle of November. These birds are provided to ODFW by the local chapter of Unlimited Pheasants. Hunters, especially those using dogs, should find fair to good success in most areas.

Hunting permits are required on the Miller Island Unit for all hunters and are available at the checkstation located on Miller Island. The checkstation opens 1.5 hours prior to waterfowl hunting hours. Hunt days are odd days in November and December, and even days in January. Free daily hunting permits are available at the checkstation on hunt days. All units on the Miller Island Unit are open to hunting with a maximum number of thirty-five hunters in each of three units (A, B, and C) until 1PM when there is a mandatory check-in. At 1PM, self-service permits are set out for hunters to hunt Unit C only with no limit on hunter numbers. Units A and B are closed to hunting after 1PM until December 10th when all units will remain open all day. Permits must be carried while in the field hunting and check-out is mandatory.

Shoalwater Bay Unit, Sesti Tgawaals Unit, and the Gorr Island Unit are open to public hunting seven days a week without a permit.

Please remember to have current year HIP, Upland game bird and/or waterfowl validations prior to arriving.

Hunters are reminded that the area south of the boat ramp road in Unit B will be held dry during the entire hunting season due to ongoing marsh management activities. Though hunters might see a short-term impact to their regular hunting spot because of the work, these habitat improvements occurring on areas of Klamath Wildlife Area over several years will improve conditions for waterfowl and for hunters over the long term.

Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit.

Please contact Klamath Wildlife Area at (541) 883-5734 or email lanny.a.fujishin@state.or.us for additional information.

SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA

Daily hunting permits are required of all hunters and are available at the Checking Station located 1.3 miles south of the town of Summer Lake. Free daily hunting permits are available self serve in the Checking Station lobby 24 hours a day and Check-out is mandatory!

Sixth week of the season waterfowl hunting was fair to good due to very favorable weather conditions most of the week and especially over the weekend. Daily bird per hunter averages ranged from a high of 2.22 on Saturday to a low of 0.76 on Thursday. Weather conditions were generally unsettled most of the week with a major storm and wind event hitting the Area over the weekend. Two hundred and thirty-eight (238) hunters checked-in for the week, up about 14% from the same week last year. Hunters averaged 1.65 birds per hunter for the week, which was a

33.6% increase from 2006.

Total duck harvest (147; primarily mallards, Am. wigeon, N. shoveler , and gadwall) was down 10.9% compared to last year, while goose harvest (182; 91% snow geese) was up over 300% from the same week in 2006. A total of 25 American coots were harvested during the entire week but no upland game birds were reported. Nearly all hunting pressure was focused on waterfowl or American coots.

On Nov. 14, about 23,000 ducks and 4,400 geese were counted on the Area. Another count will be conducted later this week (Nov. 21) and results will be posted on the department website and Wildlife Area telephone answering machine by the weekend.

No evidence of southbound migrants have shown up at the wildlife area over the last week, but birds have started migrating south towards wintering areas as shown by the weekly counts. A majority of birds using the Wildlife Area are found on Summer Lake proper or in Refuges.

Due to declining bird numbers and the approach of winter hunting success should continue to be only fair to poor unless favorable conditions prevail. As fall progresses towards winter, freezing conditions will occur and still, open water areas will ice over. Favorable weather conditions (cold, stormy and windy) will be needed to increase hunter success. Hunters using decoys and willing to spend time in the marsh should see good results. Pass shooting will be very slow and unproductive during this time.

At present, wetland habitat conditions remain favorable across the entire Wildlife Area with nearly all units being well flooded. All open water areas remain ice-free with the exception of skim-ice in some early morning hours. Predicted cold weather will cause freeze-up of most ponds and still water areas in the near future. Ana River and channels of moving water, especially those below water control structures should remain open.

Hunters are reminded that the Link Marsh area will be held dry during the entire hunting season due to ongoing marsh management activities. Though hunters might see a short-term impact to their regular hunting spot because of the work, these habitat improvements occurring on areas of Summer Lake over several years will improve conditions for waterfowl and for hunters over the long term.

Pheasants and quail are found predominantly in upland habitats in the north portion of the Wildlife Area. These areas provide excellent grass and shrub cover and an abundance of natural and planted foods. Hunters, especially those using dogs should find fair success in most areas.

Please remember to have current year HIP, Upland game bird and/or waterfowl validations prior to arriving. Permits must be carried while in the field hunting and check-out is mandatory. Hunters can check-out by filling out the number of birds harvested and hours hunted and dropping off their permits in boxes located at each campground and major access areas.

Camping is available at four sites located on the Area. Campgrounds are primitive but each has vault toilets, trash barrels and a few picnic tables.

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

SOUTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

Klamath Falls Area

ODFW biologist Tom Collom reports that with atypical milder weather over the last few weeks, greater numbers of ducks still remain in the Basin. However, as soon as freezing conditions occur, many ducks will migrate south to wintering areas in California. Thousands of diving ducks including lesser scaup and canvasback can still be found along the east side of Upper Klamath Lake.

Bald eagles numbers will continue to increase as they migrate into the lower Klamath Basin from northern nesting areas. Good viewing areas are in the vicinity of Township Road and Stateline Roads where they can be found scavenging on sick or dead waterfowl. Also look for rough-legged hawks in agricultural areas.

Recently pinyon jays were observed in the area of Moore Park located on the south end of Upper Klamath Lake just outside Klamath Falls. White-headed woodpecker, Lewis' woodpecker, red-shafted flicker and many other passerine (perching) birds can be found within the park.

Klamath Wildlife Area

Dan Ethridge, assistant wildlife area manager, reports good birdwatching near the area's office at Whetstone Pond. See birds, ducks and geese. Good viewing of raptors is available including northern harrier hawks, red-tailed hawk and rough-legged hawk.

Whetstone Pond is located at 4195 E. Gregory Road and is wheelchair accessible. The Wildlife Area is located four miles south of Klamath Falls. For directions and more information, visit the ODFW Web site. www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/klamath_wa.htm

Lake County and Lakeview Area

Common raptors wintering throughout the county are present including rough-legged hawks, harriers, red-tail hawks and golden eagles. Waterfowl are abundant at this time and those shorebird and passerine species that will winter in the county are present. Most migrating shorebirds and passerines have moved through the county to winter ranges south of Oregon. Best viewing opportunities are along the Warner Valley lakes, Goose Lake at Goose Lake State Park and along the shores of Lake Abert. Resident and migrating raptors can be viewed throughout the Goose Lake and Warner Valleys.

Summer Lake Wildlife Area

This section was updated on November 19, 2007.

Note: Though many areas remain open to viewing, with waterfowl hunting season in progress, this is not the most ideal time to visit Summer Lake to view wildlife. Refuge areas are closed to all entry during hunting seasons.

Wildlife viewers are permitted to access the Viewing Blind situated adjacent to the Schoolhouse Lake Refuge to observe migrant waterbirds. Hunting is not allowed in this area. The Wildlife Viewing Loop and major dike roads are closed and will remain that way through the end of General Waterfowl Hunting Season.

Fall migration

Fall migration is beginning to wind down and many staging birds have moved onto wintering areas in California or locales further south.

Shorebird migration is over and only a few hardy late season migrants remain.

Waterfowl

Ducks remain fairly numerous although many have migrated south. They remain widely scattered across the Area. Nearly all ducks have completed their molt and are in their bright and colorful nuptial plumage commonly seen during fall and winter.

Resident Canada goose flocks are dispersed widely across the Wildlife Area and adjacent private lands. They can be found in most wetlands and hayed meadows in the surrounding area. Nearly all migrant arctic nesting geese (snow, Ross' and greater white-fronted) have departed to California wintering grounds. The last weekly waterfowl count (Nov. 14) found about 3,700 using the Wildlife Area at that time.

Tundra swans continue to return to Summer Lake Wildlife Area from arctic breeding grounds enroute to wintering locales in California. Some (1,000-2,000) will spend the winter. Swan numbers increased to over 2,800 birds during the last count, up considerably from the previous week, and probably nearing their peak staging population. Look for swans in large open water bodies where they can be observed feeding on submerged aquatic plants.

Shorebirds

Nearly all shorebirds have migrated through the Area but a few late migrants can continue to be found. Hardier species such as greater yellowlegs, killdeer and long-billed dowitchers will be present for about another month, or until harsh weather conditions (cold temperatures and frozen wetlands) usher them on south.

Most waders and other waterbirds have also migrated south. A few can still be found along canals and in ponds scattered across the Area.

Raptors and Others

Resident raptors remain scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Highway 31. Meadows offer excellent foraging opportunities for many raptors. Migrant raptors are staging in good numbers throughout the Summer Lake Basin and are very apparent along Highway 31. Young of the year are quite numerous and offer excellent viewing. Migrating and wintering Cooper's and sharp-shinned hawks have been observed regularly over the past week. Northern harriers are especially numerous over marsh and hay meadows. Bald eagles are commonly seen along the Ana River near the River Ranch. Prairie falcons and golden eagles are sometimes seen during this time of the year, and peregrine falcons make occasional appearances. Arctic nesting rough-legged hawks have arrived and numbers are expected to increase as winter progresses. Of interest is a red-shouldered hawk that remains near the Headquarters Complex. Look for this species in tree cover where it behaves similar to accipiters (Cooper's, goshawks and sharp-shinned hawks).

For facts about accepters, http://www.theraptortrust.org/the-birds/hawk-facts/accipiters

Eurasian collared doves, present throughout the breeding season remain at Headquarters Complex.

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. Wintering species are arriving now.

Facilities and Access

Non-motorized access and viewing opportunities are available in most of the Area at this time. Posted refuge areas are closed to all entry since game bird hunting seasons have started. Camping is permitted at four sites on the Wildlife Area.

The Wildlife Viewing Loop closed on October 3 and will remain so through the General Waterfowl Hunting Season (ending on January 27, 2008).

Secondary and minor dikes remain closed to motor vehicle traffic and cross country travel by motor vehicles and ATVs is prohibited.

Habitat

Wetland habitats remain in good condition and nearly all areas are well flooded. When the currently mild fall conditions give way to harsh winter weather, a majority of the Area's wetlands will freeze over. Ana River and moving water, such as channels below water control structures will remain open unless cold temperatures become harsh and prolonged. As storms continue to move through the area, tall and erect emergent marsh plants (bulrush and cattails) will become lodged over and increase visibility across wetlands. Seeds and submerged vegetation is very abundant at this time, but will be greatly reduced once freeze-up occurs.

Meadows and hayfields are found on adjacent private lands and in selected locations on the Wildlife Area. These areas will provide tremendous hunting sites for raptors and when flooded, shallow water feeding sites for many species of waterbirds.

Habitat enhancement and restoration activities continue in Bullgate Refuge, Link Marsh and East Link Units. These areas were controlled burned in spring and dried out to mimic drought conditions that historically restored productivity to semi-permanent wetlands. Bullgate Refuge Unit is fully flooded at this time, while East Link and Link Marsh units will remain dry until fall 2008. These areas have been mowed and portions will be disked next field season to reduce dense monotypic stands of tall emergent vegetation. Bullgate Refuge continues to hold a large number of raptors and waterfowl

Natural food sources of seeds, tubers and plant parts remain very abundant and available in nearly all wetland areas. Virtually the entire area is open and ice-free. Only on a couple of days recently has skim ice formed on ponds in the early morning. Upland sites are in excellent condition due to lush growth of grasses and forbs. All plant species have produced seeds that are being utilized by many species of wildlife. Trees and shrubs have produced an abundance of fruits and seeds that are being utilized by a wide variety of wildlife species now.

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

NORTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Trout fishing in most Northeast Zone streams and Kinney Lake is closed until May 24, 2008. Check regulations for exceptions.

GRANDE RONDE, WALLOWA AND IMNAHA RIVERS: steelhead

Trout fishing is closed until Spring. Steelhead angling in the lower Imnaha and Grande Ronde Rivers is good. Steelhead anglers surveyed on the lower Grande Ronde River last week averaged one steelhead for every 15.3 hours fished, a little lower catch rate than previous weeks. No creel data for last week. Counts of adult steelhead moving upstream at lower Snake River dams are exceeding last years counts and the ten year average. Good steelhead angling should continue.

JOHN DAY RIVER: bass and steelhead

Steelhead fishing has been good. Substantial rain in the upper basin has caused the river to become high and muddy so angler success will likely taper off. After flows recede new fish will be moving through so there is good potential for steelhead from Cottonwood Bridge down to the deadline at Tumwater Falls through the end of the year. Remember to keep those clipped hatchery fish and release the unmarked ones.

Stream flow levels, Service Creek gauging station: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/uv?14046500.

The John Day River above Kimberly and all tributaries are closed to trout angling. The John Day River below Kimberly is open to angling for steelhead and bass all year.

LAGRANDE RESERVOIR: Closed to fishing until next spring.

MAGONE LAKE: trout

Angling success for brook and rainbow trout has been fair. Rainbows to 14" will be available to boaters and bank anglers until ice covers the lake. Once ice becomes safe to walk on, anglers should have fair to good success fishing through the ice.

MORGAN LAKE: Closed to fishing until next spring.

UMATILLA RIVER: steelhead, salmon

Fishing is fair to good for steelhead and coho below Threemile Dam. Open for adipose fin clipped steelhead through Dec. 31. Open for coho salmon and jack fall Chinook through Nov.30. Adult returns to Threemile Dam to date are 2,872 Coho, 1,318 Fall Chinook and 200 Summer Steelhead.

WALLOWA LAKE: trout

Fair for stocked rainbow trout. Lake conditions are good but the boat launches are a challenge because water levels are low and boat docks have been removed for the winter. Rainbow should be distributed throughout the lake and bait angling will be most effective for rainbow from the bank.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: Trout, crappie, bullhead catfish

Trout angling is fair.

NORTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

ATV users, please respect road closures designed to protect wildlife and improve the hunting experience.

Visit the Northeast Fall Hunting Forecast

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/hunting_forecast/2007_fall_northeast.asp

Open: Pheasant, cougar, bear, forest grouse (closes Nov. 25), controlled fall turkey (Blue Mtn closes Nov. 30), chukar, duck, mt. quail (open only in portions of zone) and California quail

UPDATE: The Malheur National Forest recently announced that the planned Murderers Creek closure will be further limited because salvage logging has been delayed. Forest Road 2150 going to Aldrich Lookout will remain open 7 days a week, throughout hunting season. Additionally, hunters may now access the entire Shaketable Complex Fire area in the Murderers Creek Hunt Unit by foot.

For public safety, the following restrictions still apply:

* Forest Road 2140 will remain closed to motorized vehicles. Foot travel is permitted.

* Forest Road 2170 where it travels into the fire perimeter remains closed to motorized vehicles. Foot travel is permitted.

* Off road motorized vehicle travel within the Shaketable Complex Fire Area is prohibited.

UNION COUNTY

Fall turkey hunting has been very productive for those with tags. Hunters should contact the Northeast Regional Office @ 541-963-2138 for a list of landowners with fall turkey damage.

Waterfowl hunting will improve later in the season as standing water becomes more abundant.

Upland bird production is about average. Pheasant numbers appear slightly better than last year, probably due to the dry spring.

Bear and cougar populations are healthy to increasing in the area. Bears are congregated in drainages and low lands, feeding on fall fruits. Remember that a valid, unused deer or elk tag is required to be on your person to hunt bear or cougar with a centerfire or muzzleloading rifle during Eastern Oregon controlled buck deer centerfire firearm season.

LADD MARSH WILDLIFE AREA

No new report this week but last week, bird hunting conditions were slowly improving with the lower temperatures; about 50% of the wetlands have water. If you are interested in hunting Ladd Marsh, watch the weather report for La Grande. If the weather is going to be overcast and windy, it will be a good day. Hunters are always encouraged to let the birds work; do not shoot at birds out of range (skybust) as this can ruin other people's hunt.

GRANT COUNTY

The planned Murderers Creek access closure has been further limited; Forest Road 2150 gong to Aldrich Lookout will remain open seven days per week and hunters can access the entire Shaketable Complex Fire area by foot.

Chukars and Huns can be found on open slope where green up has started growing. Over all numbers of birds are low but chicks per brood is fair. Quail can be found in brushy draws and riparian areas along river system. Production is fair around the county.

Look for forest grouse in open ridges at high elevations and ruffed grouse in riparian areas. Philip W. Schneider Wildlife Area near John Day is open to the public and offers good bird hunting. Mt. quail season is open in Grant District.

Bear and cougar populations are healthy and increasing in the area.

MORROW COUNTY

TURKEY: For fall turkey hunters planning on hunting in the Heppner and Fossil units, the turkey populations are doing well. They are well distributed throughout the forest, although not as common in the higher elevations areas. In the Heppner unit, the Southern part of the forest from Tamarack to Indian Creek has the most consistent activity. Fossil unit hunters should focus on the Northern side of the Forest.

Upland bird production was down in the district this year. The Chukar and Hun numbers about the same as they were last year. Quail and Pheasant numbers are down compared to last year. Overall hunters should expect a similar season to last year.

Bear populations are naturally lower in the district.

Cougar populations are healthy. As the winters snows arrive is the time to look for fresh cougar sign and calling with distress type calls or recorded cougar vocalizations can be effective. Dawn and dusk are the best times for calling.

Coyotes are abundant in the district. Finding a good location with coyote sign, watching the wind direction and using distress type calls or howlers can be effective.

WALLOWA DISTRICT

COUGAR: Cougar are abundant throughout Wallowa County, but can be difficult to observe. Locating fresh cougar sign and patiently calling attempting to imitate a fawn or calf in distress can sometimes be an effective technique.

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

CONTROLLED ANTLERLESS ELK: Imnaha unit hunters experienced good success in lower elevation areas close to winter ranges. Sled Springs tag holders had good success opening weekend. Elk are widely distributed over the unit. Recent snow has improved hunting conditions.

MOOSE: Hunters may encounter moose during their travels, particularly in the Wenaha unit, and are encouraged to report sightings to the ODFW Enterprise district office.

UPLAND BIRDS: Chukar hunters can expect birds to be widely scattered as populations are still below normal.

WATERFOWL: Duck hunting has improved a little with increased numbers of migratory birds showing up in the valley. Currently jump shooting provides the best opportunity for hunters.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS: Noregaard, Whiskey Creek, and Shamrock travel management areas in the Sled Springs unit will be in effect.

UMATILLA DISTRICT

TURKEY: In the Umatilla district, turkeys are almost everywhere in little bunches and groups so a hunter won't go wrong in almost any national forest area. If you get to an area, and no turkey evidence turns up, just move because the next spot will likely be good.

Grouse: Blue grouse continue to be distributed along ridges with pine/Douglas fir overstory and deciduous shrub understory such as snowberry. Running timbered edges along the edges of canyons should net some birds. Ruffed grouse are going to continue to be found in forested bench or riparian areas dominated by shrubs. Old clear cuts with numerous sapling trees will also hold ruffed grouse in good numbers.

Waterfowl: Hunters can expect normal numbers of early local birds in areas on or adjacent to the Columbia River. Rivers and creeks will provide consistent jump shooting opportunity throughout the season with brief times of high quality hunting in below freezing cold snaps.

Pheasant: Good numbers of pheasants are being sighted as a result of average production from this last spring's hatch. Hunters should concentrate on brushy areas along creeks in agricultural areas.

Quail: Numbers are good and will provide some good recreation throughout the season. Hunters will be served best by concentrating on Shrub areas along creeks in low areas. The Columbia River Wildlife Areas are good locations for quail hunting (Irrigon, Power City, Coyote Springs, and Willow Creek Wildlife Areas).

Bear and cougar populations are healthy to increasing. Bear densities are higher north of I-84 due to increased mast and berries which the bears feed on. Bears will be pulling down into lower areas to feed on hawthorn berries as the fall progresses. Most bears will be heading for the den soon.

Cougar numbers are high throughout the forested areas of Umatilla County. Hunters will find the best success by finding a fresh natural kill and sitting by it for the cougar to return, or by calling in areas near the snowline.

BAKER COUNTY

Chukar/Hun: While chukar numbers are low this year, decent bird hunting can still be found. For best success try portions of the Pine Creek and Lookout Mountain Units located along Brownlee Reservoir. Decent hunting can often be found for Hungarian Partridge which are an often underutilized opportunity.

Grouse: Blue grouse can be found along timbered ridges while ruffed grouse should be targeted in riparian corridors with abundant vegetation. Remember grouse season ends November 25.

Quail: Look for quail around agricultural areas or lowland riparian areas with abundant forage. Try along Snake River Road in eastern Baker County.

Waterfowl: Waterfowl hunting has improved as cold fronts have moved through the area.Try areas along the Powder River.

Cougar: Populations are high across the county. Calling tactics or tracking once snow falls are good methods. Try Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee.

NORTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

Baker County

NEW: Mule deer does have begun to head down to the winter range, with mature bucks in hot pursuit as the breeding season progresses. For the best viewing opportunities look at middle to lower elevation slopes with a southern exposure

Bighorn sheep can be viewed in the Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee or along the Snake River Road south of Richland.

For an opportunity to see a wide variety of waterfowl, try viewing the gravel ponds from Best Frontage Road in eastern Baker City.

Gilliam, Morrow, and Wheeler Counties

Rough-legged hawks (Buteo lagopus) are showing up in their wintering areas in the area. Rough-legged hawks summer at the artic tree line and winter down here in Oregon's open country. The open grass lands in the lower foot hills of the Blues will give one the best chance of seeing a Rough-legged hawk. Drive any of the highways in the Heppner area and one is sure to see a few on the power poles.

Columbia River

Look for beaver in November. Waterfowl and osprey can also be seen along the river. Raptors and shorebirds can be seen along the areas wetlands and waterways.

Umatilla National Forest

The Umatilla National Forest provides good birding opportunities for songbirds, woodpeckers, forest grouse, turkeys and raptor species. Deer and elk can also be seen in the forest. Once winter snows have fallen it is a great time to find tracks of various animals as the cross the road or trail. Snowshoe hares, deer, elk, coyotes, bobcats, and cougars are some of the most common and easiest to identify.

Information. http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/uma/

Union County

NEW: Turkeys are congregating in the lowlands within the county. Look for large numbers of birds in the Catherine Creek valley, east of Union and the Plamer Valley North of Elgin.

Whitetail and mule deer bucks are rutting and are visible throughout the day. Look for bucks along forest roads and in agricultural fields. The Palmer valley north of Elgin is a good area to view both species of deer.

Watch for river otters, beaver, mergansers and wood ducks along the Grande Ronde River; driving west on Highway 244 from La Grande provides good access to river viewing.

Umatilla County

Along the Columbia River, gulls and raptors including bald eagles can be seen. As cold weather settles in, waterfowl numbers will increase. With the Columbia Basin experiencing an increase in field corn production, the area is positioned to experience a large increase in wintering waterfowl with the dominant species being mallards. If this waterfowl wintering concentration develops, impressive numbers of ducks will be observed going out from and returning to the Columbia River on feeding flights. These flights of waterfowl will occur in the first half hour of light in the morning and last half hour of light in the evening. Visit area wildlife areas to see shore and marsh birds in addition to perching birds and raptors.

Wintering rough-legged hawks and short-eared owls will be common sights in grassland areas. Wood ducks are flocking up at this time and can be seen traveling in flocks up and down the river systems with cottonwood trees along the banks.

Swainson's hawks are starting to accumulate for migration and can often be seen traveling in large groups in the Hermiston/Echo area during the early and late hours of the day. With the bat migration on, elevated numbers of bats can be seen at twilight near bodies of water and cliff areas foraging on insects. All forested habitats in the east and southern portions of the County will have large numbers of migrating birds during the September to mid October timeframe. Riparian and deciduous flat areas will offer the best viewing.

White-tailed deer can be seen in foothill areas near the base of the Blue Mountains in the early morning and the last hour of light in the evening. Mule deer can be seen out in the desert areas west of Highway 11 and 395 south of Pendleton during the same hours as white-tailed deer.

ODFW's Willow Creek Wildlife Area, Pendleton

Visit the Willow Creek Wildlife Area to see waterfowl, raptors, game birds and passerines (perching birds). On the road through the farm lands to the Wildlife Area, glassing the irrigation pivots can reward the viewer with some of the areas rare visitors, Gyrfalcons, the largest of all falcons, and Snowy owls (Artic owl) if the winter is cold enough to bring them this far south.

The habitat varies from open water to riparian woodlands. Bald eagles are an occasional visitor. The brush and thick vegetation areas in the uplands and fields are good spots for pheasant and California quail. The Wildlife Area is open to hunting. Take exit 151 off I-84, go south and follow the signs.

Snowy owls: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Snowy_Owl.html

Wallowa County

Great Blue Herons are common along rivers and streams throughout the Wallowa Valley. For hikers in the higher elevation alpine habitats, look along ridge tops for gray-crowned rosy finches and prairie falcons that are often observed along with mountain goats. Various raptor species including Ferruginous and Swainson's hawks can be observed in the Zumwalt Prairie grassland habitats. Mid-elevation timber habitats north of Enterprise and Wallowa are great places to see a variety of song birds and well as elk in meadow habitats during early morning and late evening hours.

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

FISHING

BROWNLEE RESERVOIR:

Bluegill angling has been good in the main reservoir. Many small crappie are being caught near Hewitt Park in the Powder River Arm. A few large crappie are being caught at night. Bass fishing has slowed. Perch angling is good if you can find them, as they are in tight schools scattered around the reservoir. Catfish angling is slow. The reservoir is rising which throws the bite off temporarily, but as levels stabilize fishing will pick up.

Call Idaho Power Company's recording at 1-800-422-3143 to get information on access at recreational sites or visit www.idahopower.com under the "Rivers and Recreation" heading. Reservoir level information:

http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/perl/dataquery.pl?k=brownlee

OXBOW RESERVOIR: trout

Trout are at the mouth of streams. Bass fishing is fair to good.

HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout

Trout are at the mouth of streams. Bass fishing is fair to good.

SNAKE RIVER below HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: steelhead, trout

Steelhead fishing has been good below the dam. Using corkies and eggs from the bank is successful. If fishing from a boat, plugs and sandshrimp with a diver has been working from the dam to Wildsheep. Trout fishing has been very good also.

SNAKE RIVER below HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: steelhead, trout

Steelhead fishing has been good below the dam. Trout fishing has been very good also.

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

Flow was 8,220 cfs near Nyssa and approximately 12,873 cfs near Weiser on November 19. Angling for catfish and smallmouth bass is slow.

SNAKE RIVER ZONE FALL VIEWING

Bighorn sheep can often be sighted in the cliffs along the Snake River from Cherry Creek to Temperance Creek. Bald eagles will also become common along the river as winter approaches. River otter are often spotted in small groups feeding in areas where the water is not very swift. Great blue herons are also a common species through out Hells Canyon.

During your visit to the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA), observe the wildlife that live in one of the most varied habitats in the nation. http://www.fs.fed.us/hellscanyon/life_and_the_land/wildlife/

COLUMBIA ZONE

FISHING

SALMON, STEELHEAD, AND SHAD:

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Buoy 10 Line upstream to Tongue Point: This section of the Columbia River is currently open through the end of the year to the retention of Chinook, adipose fin-clipped coho and adipose fin-clipped steelhead. The daily bag limit of two adult salmon or steelhead (only one of which may be a Chinook) has been modified to allow the retention of two additional fin-clipped adult coho. The retention of chum salmon is prohibited. Effective Oct. 1 this section is also open to the retention of jack salmon with a daily bag limit of five jacks.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Tongue Point to Bonneville Dam: This section of the Columbia River is currently open through the end of the year to the retention of Chinook, adipose fin-clipped coho, and adipose fin-clipped steelhead. The daily bag limit of two adult salmon or steelhead (only one of which may be a Chinook), and five jacks has been modified to allow the retention of two additional fin-clipped adult coho. It is unlawful to angle for jack salmon after the daily bag limit has been reached. The retention of chum salmon is prohibited. Effective Nov. 1-Dec. 31, angling for salmon from a floating device is prohibited between Beacon Rock and Bonneville Dam.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Bonneville Dam to the Oregon/Washington Border: This section of the Columbia River is currently open to angling for Chinook, coho (only adipose fin-clipped coho may be retained between Bonneville Dam and the Hood River bridge), and adipose fin-clipped steelhead. The daily bag limit is two adult salmon or steelhead and five jacks. It is unlawful to angle for jack salmon after the daily bag limit has been reached. The retention of chum salmon is prohibited.

Steelhead fishing was good in the Columbia above John Day Dam and in the John Day Arm last week. The salmonid creel program on the lower Columbia has ended for the year and will resume next February.

John Day Pool (Columbia River above John Day Dam and John Day Arm):

Weekly checking showed two adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept and six unclipped steelhead released for 34 bank rods; and 17 adipose fin-clipped steelhead plus 15 unclipped steelhead released for 54 boats.

STURGEON:

BUOY 10 UPSTREAM TO WAUNA POWERLINES (including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries):

This section of the Columbia River is closed to the retention of sturgeon through Dec. 31. Catch and release will be allowed during the retention closure.

WAUNA POWERLINES UPSTREAM TO BONNEVILLE DAM (including all adjacent Washington tributaries and the Willamette River downstream of Willamette Falls including the Multnomah Channel):

Effective Monday Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2007, this section of the Columbia River is open to the retention of sturgeon seven days per week with a daily bag limit of one sturgeon between 42-60 inches in length and an annual limit of five fish. The retention of green sturgeon is prohibited.

BONNEVILLE DAM UPSTREAM TO THE DALLES DAM:

The retention of sturgeon in the Bonneville pool is currently closed through the end of the year. Catch and release will be allowed during the retention closure.

THE DALLES DAM UPSTREAM TO MCNARY DAM:

The retention of sturgeon in The Dalles and John Day pools is currently closed through the end of the year. Catch and release will be allowed during the retention closure.

In the lower Columbia River this past week, inclement weather dampened fishing effort. Sturgeon anglers had the best success in the Gorge where boat anglers averaged 0.36 legal white sturgeon caught per boat, and bank anglers averaged 0.07 legal white sturgeon per bank rod.

Gorge Bank:

Weekly checking showed seven legal white sturgeon kept, plus one legal, 38 sublegal, and three oversize sturgeon released for 104 bank anglers (incomplete trips).

Gorge Boats:

Weekly checking showed 10 legal white sturgeon kept, plus 405 sublegal and six oversize sturgeon released for 28 boats.

Troutdale Boats:

No report.

Portland to Longview Bank:

Weekly checking showed no catch for two bank anglers.

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed 42 sublegal sturgeon released for 17 boats (incomplete trips).

WALLEYE:

Troutdale:

No report.

COLUMBIA RIVER ZONE VIEWING

Look for Beavers

In addition to birds of prey such as hawks and eagles, autumn is a good time to look for beaver sign along the Columbia River. While recreating along the river, look for any beaver damage where they have chewed on trees. Another indicator is a slide mark where the beaver has slid into the water from the bank. If looking for beaver dams, try searching an area with a narrow passage where the water is slow moving.

For more information about Oregon's beaver: http://bluebook.state.or.us/kids/symbols/symbols01.htm

http://www.metro-region.org/article.cfm?articleID=150

Migrating Waterbirds

All along the Columbia large rafts of Canada Geese, Lesser Scaup and American Coots can be seen from the freeway. A great place to jump of the freeway for a closer look is Government Cove, Cascades Locks, which provides a sheltered spot off of the Columbia River for a wide variety of wintering waterfowl, as well as bald eagles and osprey.

Here are directions to Government Cove, City of Cascade Locks. From I-84, westbound Exit 47 E of Cascade Locks; N 0.1 mi across railroad tracks to entrance; eastbound Exit 44; E on Hwy 30 (Wa Na Pa Street) for 1 mi; E on Forest Lane for 2 mi; E for 0.9 mi and cross I-84 overpass; bear left and yield; N 0.1 mi under I-84 overpass; cross railroad tracks to entrance.

MARINE ZONE

Fishing

As if the usual high winds and big swells weren't enough of a challenge, next week will have some of the highest tidal exchanges of the year. Saturday, Sunday and Monday will have tidal exchange of almost 13 feet: a high of 10.6 and a low of -2.2. Use caution when fishing in bays and estuaries because of higher than normal currents. Since the fish will most likely hunker down during the big exchanges, the best fishing should be at slack tide.

When fishers could get out the average catches of rockfish were about two per angler coastwide. Species illustrations and descriptions are in the The Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet (page 98) and The Red Rockfish Identification Guide.

About one in two of the fishers going after lingcod were successful. The minimum length for lingcod is 22 inches, for cabezon it is 16 inches and for greenling it is 10 inches. Fishing for cabezon from a boat is closed, but cabezon may still be caught from shore and by shore-based divers.

Fishing for bottom fish outside of the 40-fathom curve opened to anglers on Oct. 1. Remember: yellow eye rockfish and canary rockfish may not be retained. Also, the Stonewall Bank Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area approximately 15 miles west of Newport is closed to the harvest of rockfish, ling cod and flat fish. The waypoints for the Stonewall Bank YRCA may be found at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/regulations/sport_fishing/stonewall.asp

The marine daily bag limit for 2007 is six fish (including rockfish, greenling and other marine species) and two lingcod and 15 surfperch. Complete regulations are in the 2007 Oregon Sport Ocean Regulations for Salmon, Halibut and other Marine Fish Species.

Fishing for Pacific halibut is closed for the year.

All salmon in the ocean is closed except: the Elk River Ocean Terminal Fall Chinook Salmon Fishery from Humbug Mountain on the south to Cape Blanco on the north and out three miles, which is open until Dec. 15.

Clams

A series of minus tides in the early evening on Thanksgiving Day and continuing for a week will provide good opportunity for clam diggers with lanterns providing surf conditions permit. The entire Oregon coast is open for the harvest of razor clams. The daily limit for razor clams is the first 15 taken regardless of size or condition.

More information on Oregon's razor clams, including tips on how to dig razor clams is available at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/razorclams/index.asp

Mussel harvesting is closed from north of Siletz Bay to the Columbia River. All other shellfish species are open at this time. For information on domoic acid or PSP see:

http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/shellfish_status.shtml

or call the shellfish hotline, 503-986-4728 or 1-800-448-2474.

Check out the new recreational bay clam pages on the ODFW Web site: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/bayclams/index.asp

They contain everything you need to know for identifying and harvesting Oregon's plentiful bay clams.

Crabs

Crabbing is closed in the ocean until Dec. 1, but bays and estuaries remain open. Be careful of large tidal exchanges this week. Crabbing success is good. Many fishers report good success using chicken for bait. For sport crabbers the minimum size for Dungeness crab is 5¾ 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 97 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

MARINE ZONE VIEWING

Sea Palms Cling to Rocks

Sturdy sea palms take a beating while holding fast to coastal rocks at the surf line. This 18-inch high, greenish-brown kelp grows on the most wave-exposed intertidal slopes forming what looks like forests of small palm trees. An annual, the sea palm forests will soon die out to be replaced next season. The sea palm is also eatable, but because spores germinate very close to the parent plants an excessively harvested patch of sea palms will be slow to recover.

When you see this plant alive on tide pool rocks, be wary of big waves!

For information on sea palm kelp, http://www.beachwatchers.wsu.edu/ezidweb/seaweeds/Postelsia.htm

Fall Migrants

Nestucca Bay, Siletz Bay and Bandon Marsh are excellent places to watch for migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. Waterfowl that will winter along the coast begin to arrive at this time.