The Oregon Recreation Report (fishing, hunting, viewing), updated Sept. 5 by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:

Fishing opportunities are plentiful throughout the state

Cutthroat trout fishing should be picking up in some rivers in the Northwest Zone. Fall chinook are starting to return and numbers should improve from late September through mid October. Some lakes in the Southwest Zone are providing good opportunities for largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. Try fishing during mornings and evenings for best results. In central Oregon fishing for rainbow trout at Crane Prairie Reservoir is good and anglers are catching kokanee, brown trout and rainbow trout at Paulina Lake. Some reservoirs in the Southeast Zone are providing good opportunities to catch rainbow trout and largemouth bass. Lake of the Woods was recently stocked to provide anglers with opportunities to catch legal sized rainbow trout.

Medford Area: Sunflowers and songbirds

September is a good time to visit Denman Wildlife Area near Central Point?sunflowers are in full growth bringing in large flocks of songbirds that are visible in the morning and evening. Young ospreys have fledged and are easily viewed over Whetstone Pond. Songbirds and raptors are beginning to show up in the area and should increase in abundance into September. The area provides a covered viewing station with a good opportunity to view waterfowl, egrets, raptors and songbirds. For directions and more information, see the Southwest Zone Viewing Section.

Portland Area: Spectacular Swifts

Join Portland Audubon volunteers from Sept. 6 to Sept. 26, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Chapman School, N.W. 27th and Pettygrove in Portland. Watch the spectacular aerial display of as Vaux's swifts gather and spiral into the school's chimney to roost. Volunteers will be on hand nightly to answer questions and offer views through spotting scopes. See the Willamette Zone Viewing Section for more information.

September Canada goose season opens Sept. 8

Waterfowl hunters who can't wait for migratory birds to arrive and the opening of duck and goose season in October can take advantage of the September Canada goose seasons opening on Saturday. The season runs Sept. 8-16 in most of the northwest region and Sept. 8-13 in the rest of the state. Resident Canada geese are present statewide and this early season provides opportunity for hunters and helps address agricultural depredation by the geese.

New for the 2007-08 season, the bag limit in all eastern Oregon counties was reduced from five to three due to an overall decline in numbers of resident Canada geese in the region.

WILLAMETTE ZONE

FISHING

Daily passage numbers for summer steelhead moving through the Willamette Falls fishway have remained low this past week. The summer-run steelhead counted through August 29 total 13,820. Most of the fish have moved to the middle and upper reaches of the tributaries, though there are some traveling through the lower stretches. Recycling of steelhead from the traps at Foster and Minto, combined with first-run fish, means there are good numbers of fish in the rivers.

Flow out of Foster Dam on the South Santiam will be held constant until fall rains start. Flow from Big Cliff Dam on the North Santiam increased a little this week to provide additional spawning habitat for chinook, as well as to begin the fall drawdown of the reservoir. Water conditions in the mainstem Willamette and in both forks of the Santiam are good, but pressure remains relatively light. Angling effort on the Lower Willamette is predominantly focused on warm water species and white sturgeon. Counting for spring chinook passage ended on August 15. The official total passage number for spring chinook swimming past the viewing window at the fish ladder is 22,818. The fall chinook passage counts started August 16 and coho counting started on August 19.

STOCKING SCHEDULE:

South Willamette Watershed District: ODFW will stock McKenzie below Leaburg Lake with 3,000 legal-sized rainbow trout the week of Sept 3.

In the North Willamette Watershed, ODFW will stock Faraday Lake, North Fork Reservoir, and Small Fry Lake with legal-sized rainbow trout the week of Sept. 3.

BREITENBUSH RIVER AND NORTH SANTIAM: trout

The Breitenbush, North Santiam above Detroit and Quartzville Creek above Green Peter are still holding good numbers of stocked trout. Baits, flies or small spinners work well.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: chinook, steelhead, trout

Summer steelhead continued to show up in the catch reports this past week but low water is making boat access difficult on the river. The best fishing success remains above Barton while a few spring chinook have been caught up near Rivermill Dam. The spring chinook catch numbers are declining and at this late date the quality of these fish will be suspect. The area from Dog Creek up to Rivermill Dam is providing the greatest opportunity for steelhead bank anglers. Boat anglers are picking up an occasional fish from Dog Creek down to Feldheimer's, with a few summers near Barton. The number of spring chinook swimming into the hatchery trap has been decreasing but over 4,000 springers have returned to the hatchery this season. The hatchery has also recycled over 500 summer steelhead back down to Riverside Park to give anglers another chance at them. These fish will have a "hole punch" in their gill plate. Anglers could try the river section below Carver to get the first shot at these recycled summer steelhead.

The latest news on coho is that a few have entered the lower Clackamas with reports of some being picked up. Early in the run the greatest opportunity will likely be down in the Gladstone area closer to the river mouth. This is expected to be a good coho season but some improving water conditions would go a long way towards successful coho angling.

The river was up only slightly from last week and low flows should be expected to hold until some good fall rain arrives. The Tuesday readings for the Clackamas showed flows at 888 cfs (10.84').

The warm summer days mean that anglers should expect to share the river with rafters and inner-tubers, particularly between Barton and Carver. Planning a fishing trip for the early morning or late evening hours is likely to leave you with less company on the river. With school back in session this should only be a weekend issue.

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.

Boaters should be aware that at these low summer flows many stretches of the river may only be accessible with a drift boat. Even with a drift boat or raft you could still be out walking through some very thin spots. With current water levels the river is no longer maneuverable by motorized boat. This is particularly true above the Barton area.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: Rainbow Trout

Detroit Lake is down about 17 feet from full and some of the boat ramps will soon be marginal usable. The lake is full of trout, but most of them are at 40-60 feet below the warm surface water. Trolling flashers and bait at these depths will work best.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: Rainbow Trout

Foster Reservoir is full and providing opportunities for bass and sunfish, primarily along the face of the dam or around the peninsula between the two arms. Rainbow and kokanee are available by fishing deeper.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: kokanee, chinook

Some trout are still available in Green Peter Reservoir. Anglers will find better success fishing at depths 25 feet or greater.

HENRY HAGG LAKE: trout, bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish

Anglers are reporting success of catching fish in Henry Hagg Lake including bass, trout, bluegill, crappie and catfish. Powereggs and nightcrawlers remain a favorite at Henry Hagg Lake. On warm days, anglers have been showing success fishing with a slip sinker about 36 inches off the bottom. On rainy days, fishing with a bobber is the best bet.

The small and largemouth bass are very active as they have entered their second spawning along the creek the beds which will last up to three weeks.

HERMAN CREEK: summer steelhead, coho salmon, chinook salmon

The Herman Creek slough west of the Peninsula has been 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. This change took effect Aug. 11. All other regulations regarding Herman Creek remain the same.

HORSE LAKES: cutthroat trout, brook trout

Lower, middle and upper Horse lakes in the Three Sisters Wilderness area are fishing well for cutthroat and brook trout. Fly angling as well as a bubble and fly with a spinning rod work well.

SUNNYSIDE POND: trout, bass, sunfish, catfish

Trout stocking in the valley ponds is mostly completed for the season as water is warming up. All of these ponds support several species of warmwater game fish. Success for bass, sunfish, and catfish can be had by using bait and being patient.

SANDY RIVER: steelhead, chinook

Angling activity on the Sandy remains slow for both summer steelhead and chinook with a few fish reported caught from Dodge down through Dabney. The Cedar Creek area near the hatchery is fairly quiet for both summer steelhead and spring chinook, but the creek remains at extremely low summer flows. At this late date spring chinook quality will be questionable. With a good run of coho expected they should be showing up in the lower river anytime now. Anglers can hope for a good shot of fall rain to make this coho fishery successful.

Mainstem Sandy River water levels are still very low and boaters need to watch for submerged logs and rocks. Work at the Marmot Dam removal site could be affecting conditions further upstream. Tuesday's readings showed flows up somewhat to 389 cfs (7.87') with the river water temperature holding near 58°.

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

The recent removal of Marmot Dam has left many changes in the river. One of note to anglers is the temporary fishway that was built several hundred feet below the dam. This fishway and ladder still fall under the written angling regulations. Therefore activity of any kind, fishing or otherwise, is forbidden and unlawful within 200 feet of this temporary structure. The entire Marmot Dam area is posted as a hazardous construction zone and the public is required to avoid the area until the project is completed.

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.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: shad, sturgeon, warmwater species

Angling effort is now directed towards white sturgeon or warmwater fish in the lower Willamette. Coho could also be available near the mouth of the Clackamas. The September 4 conditions showed Willamette flows at 6,600 cfs, a water temperature reading at 72°, and the visibility at 6.7 feet.

If you are out on the river use extreme care during these low river flows. With the current summertime water levels boaters need to be especially aware of "deadheads" and slightly submerged rocks that can do great damage to a boat and motor, along with putting people at risk. Proceed cautiously, particularly up near the Willamette Falls area and in the narrows near Lake Oswego and Milwaukie.

Please note that the Willamette River, including Multnomah Channel, is operating under recently updated and modified rules. Effective August 18, 2007 through September 30, 2007 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 catches have been slow in most sections of the lower Willamette. From the lower Portland Harbor near St Johns up through the Milwaukie/Oregon City area sublegal sturgeon have provided much of the catch. 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 or herring as effective bait.

Anglers are reminded that the Willamette also provides an excellent warm water fishery in the summer months. You can expect to find an abundance of bass, crappie, and bluegill available. Target the rocky outcroppings, structures, or old pilings. Casting a variety of plugs or jigs near the shoreline can be successful. The local tackle shops can set you up with the right gear and direct you to the best spots.

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. Be prepared for cool nights as the fall season arrives. The high lakes have been aerial stocked and provide an angling experience unlike the more crowded, close-in waters. Bank fishing or float-tubes are 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. Please be aware of current campfire rules as extreme fire conditions exist in much of the state. 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 the summertime angler. Some of the waters to try include the Willamette River (including Multnomah Channel), Commonwealth Lake, Hartman Pond, Salish Ponds, and Vernonia Pond. Please refer to the ODFW Web site for additional warm water angling locations.

WILLAMETTE ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: blue grouse, mourning dove, ruffed grouse and mountain quail, bear, cougar, general deer and elk bow seasons, western gray squirrel, September Canada goose (Sept. 8-16)

Sporting Clays and Shotgun Clinic, Oct. 6 in Gervais, hosted by ODFW's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program. Mitchell's Clay Target Sport Center will provide the facilities for this exciting hands-on workshop. No matter what your skill level, sporting clays is a great way to improve your existing skills or learn some new ones. All the basics of shotgunning will be covered and there will be ample time on the range to put your new skills to work. This workshop is focused primarily towards women.

YOUTH HUNTING EVENTS:

Fern Ridge Youth Pheasant Hunt, September 8-9

No advanced registration is required. Youth hunters check in at the check station located in the Nielson Road parking lot. Check station opens at 6:30 a.m. For information call (541) 935-2591. See page 23 of the Game Bird regulations for more information.

Sauvie Island Youth Pheasant Hunt, September 15 & 16 n Registration for the Youth Pheasant Hunt begins September 4. To register, call the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area at (503) 621-3488 ext. 0. Please provide youths name, address and date they wish to hunt. Hunt is limited to only one day per youth with a maximum of 50 youth hunters per day. Prior to the hunt, a confirmation letter will be sent to the youth hunter explaining all requirements. This is a great opportunity to experience the thrill of pheasant hunting. Please refer to pages 22 and 23 in the Game Bird Regulations for information on this youth hunting opportunities. All vehicles parked at Sauvie Island Wildlife Area are required to display a valid SIWA parking permit.

Sauvie Island Youth Waterfowl Hunt, September 22 & 23 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.n Sauvie Island Wildlife Area's Westside Unit will open for a youth waterfowl hunt. No reservations are required just show up one hour and a half before shooting time to participate in the lottery draw for unit and blind. Check station opens at 6:30 a.m. Please refer to the Game Bird Regulations for more information. All vehicles parked at Sauvie Island Wildlife Area are required to display a valid SIWA parking permit.

EE Wilson Youth Pheasant Hunts, Sept. 22 n 23 & Sept. 29 n 30; Registration begins September 1 for the EE Wilson Youth Pheasant hunts in September. To register call (541) 745-5334. See page 23 of the Game Bird Regulations for additional information. A shotgun skills clinic for youth will be held the weekend of Sept. 29-30 at EE Wilson.

Blue grouse, ruffed grouse, mountain quail, mourning dove

Mountain and California quail, blue & ruffed grouse season opened Sept. 1. Look for these birds 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. At EE Wilson Wildlife Area, 42 doves and 12 quail were harvested in the first three days of the season.

September Goose

The early, or September, goose season runs Sept. 8-16 and is an opportunity to harvest local Canada geese before the migratory geese arrive from the north. The local geese tend to be wary and become more so after opening weekend.

Deer and elk

Overall deer populations remain lower than desired but buck ratios are good in many units in the Cascades including the Santiam and McKenzie units. Highest deer densities tend to occur on land with abundant early seral stage habitat. On private timberland, look for areas with clear cuts ranging from 2 to 10 years old. Please check access restrictions before hunting on private lands. On public lands look for deer in high elevation areas around old timber harvest units that are still producing forage or in burn areas.

Bull elk ratios are good in the Cascades units McKenzie, south Santiam, and north Indigo units. Overall elk populations are stable to declining in the area but increasing on lower elevation private timber and agricultural lands.

Check the latest fire closure restrictions on industrial forest lands and access opportunities http://egov.oregon.gov/ODF/FIRE/OPS/daily.shtml

At EE Wilson Wildlife Area, black tail deer have been spotted at the Coffin Butte tract. Reports of deer have been seen low on the other portions of the wildlife area as well. Dove and quail numbers also look good. Although the Coffin Butte tract at EE Wilson is in the Alsea Unit, the rest of the wildlife area is in the Willamette Unit. The Willamette deer tag recently opened Sept. 1. Hunters with the Willamette any deer tag can also hunt several state parks and Willamette greenways. Directions. http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/eewilson.htm

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. Armenian (Himalayan) Blackberries are ripe at lower elevations and bears are foraging heavy in these berry patches. Bears often wade into the middle of these patches making it possible for hunters to determine if a bear has been using the area. At higher elevations hunters should target areas with western raspberry, trailing blackberry, thimbleberry or other ripe berries. Blue huckleberries are beginning to ripen. A recent check of berries at 5,000 elevation in the McKenzie Unit showed some huckleberries are now ripe. Bear should be foraging in these areas soon. During these hot summer days bears will likely be most active in the mornings and evenings. Predator calls can be used effectively this time of year.

INDIGO UNIT BEAR HUNTERS: On Aug. 6, ODFW returned a two-year-old black bear to the wild from within the city limits of Eugene. Tranquilizers were used during the operation. These drugs can stay in the bear's system for up to 30 days, and the animal's meat is not safe to consume during that time. Should you harvest a bear in the area, be on the lookout for metal and plastic ear tags identifying the bear and call ODFW before consuming the meat, tel. (541) 726-3515. More information:

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2007/august/080707a.asp

Western gray squirrel are most likely to be found in mixed deciduous-conifer forests amid oak and maple trees and in filbert orchards.

WILLAMETTE ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS:

Swift Watch 2007, Sept. 6 to Sept. 26, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Chapman School, N.W. 27th and Pettygrove, Portland

Join Portland Audubon volunteers on the lawn at Chapman School to watch the spectacular aerial display of Vaux's Swifts as they gather and spiral into the school's chimney to roost. Volunteers will be on hand nightly to answer questions and offer views through spotting scopes. The swifts begin gathering in the sky above the Chapman School neighborhood in large numbers 40 to 60 minutes before sunset. Closer to sunset the swifts begin circling directly above the school chimney in a large flock n this is a dramatic sight and ideally you will be there before it begins. They begin to enter the chimney within 10 to 30 minutes after sunset. Time between first and last bird entering the chimney varies from 10 to 30 minutes. For more information, http://www.audubonportland.org/science/swift_watch

Nature Night: Sea Turtles, Portland Audubon Society, Sept. 11, 7-8:30 p.m.

Portland Audubon Society offers a presentation on the majestic world of sea turtles. Learn about the sea turtles' lives and mysterious habits and why they are endangered. For more information, http://www.audubonportland.org/events/sea_turtles

Throughout the Valley

Osprey are fledging their young at this time of year. These fish-eating birds build large twiggy nests on the top of tall trees. In urban areas, they can be found on the top of human-made structures such as cell phone towers and telephone poles. A concentration of sticks on the tops of these structures is indicative of an osprey nest. Osprey are a protected species under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so be careful not to disturb a nest.

Other areas of interest in September:

EE Wilson Wildlife Area

In addition to seeing a variety of birds and animals at ODFW's EE Wilson Wildlife Area, three Bobwhite quail have been added to the show pens and are on display for visitors. Other animals in the show pens include, mountain quail, ringneck and sichuan pheasants, silver and swinhoe pheasants, mallards, Rio Grande turkeys, chukar, Egyptian geese and golden pheasants.

For directions, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/eewilson.htm

Eugene Area

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area

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

Hillsboro Area

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

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

Wild Himalayan blackberries are ripe and ready to be picked. Visitors to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area are welcome to pick the berries after obtaining a free permit from the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area office at 18330 NW Sauvie Island Road

Take Hwy. 30 to the Sauvie Island Bridge. After crossing the bridge, stay on NW Sauvie Island Road for about two miles. Stay left at the "Y" intersection. The wildlife area office is on the right about 1/4 mile from the intersection.

Help us keep the wildlife area open: If you come, please be a good wildlife steward and pack out your trash-or someone else's! Unfortunately, the Big Eddy gate has been closed for the remainder of the season due to excessive trash.

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. Disabled anglers can gain access to the Big Eddy gate by obtaining a permit at the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area office. Directions to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area. http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/sauvieisland.htm

NORTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

NORTH COAST LAKES:

NORTH COAST LAKES: Angling for warm water species should be fair to good. Cape Meares, Lytle, Sunset, Cullaby, and Coffenbury lakes offer good opportunities for warm water fish, particularly largemouth bass. Trophy trout are scheduled to be stocked in Town, Cape Meares, Lost, Coffenbury and Sunset lakes the week of September 10th. Anglers should use caution when heading to Lost Lake (Clatsop County) as active logging and travel restrictions are in effect. Call the Tillamook office at 503-842-2741 or Astoria Oregon Department of Forestry at 503-325-5451 for more information.

MID COAST LAKES:

Rainbow trout stocking of the Mid Coast lakes is complete for the year. Warm water fishing is good in the following lakes: Devils Lake near Lincoln City and Mercer Lake, Munsel Lake, Woahink Lake, Siltcoos Lake and Tahkenitch Lake near Florence have good populations of warm water fish species such as large mouth bass, blue gill, yellow perch, crappie, and brown bullhead. Typically good fishing occurs from late spring through early fall for these species. A variety of lures and baits can be effective with the best fishing in the morning and late afternoon hours.

ALSEA RIVER: cutthroat trout, chinook

Anglers can expect good fishing for cutthroat trout. Sea run cutthroat (Bluebacks) will continue to return in good numbers well into September. They can be found throughout much of the main stem river but typically the higher concentrations are in upper tidewater and the lower river area. Bank fishing and trolling in tide water with small lures (spinners, spoon or plugs) is very effective. During warm river temperatures fish tend to hold near cool water or shaded areas. Fall chinook are starting to return and can be found from the lower bay through tide water. The peak run is typically around late September through mid October. Trolling in tide water is the most effective during the early portion of the run until fish push up into the mainstem river. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?TIDO3.

BIG CREEK: all species

The area downstream of the hatchery is closed to all angling thru September under emergency regulations. Returns of fall chinook are expected to be low, and the closure is necessary to protect fish for hatchery broodstock.

NECANICUM RIVER: cutthroat trout

Catch and release angling for sea-run cutthroat should be fair to good.

NEHALEM RIVER AND NORTH FORK NEHALEM RIVER: chinook, cutthroat trout

Angling for chinook in Nehalem Bay is fair overall. The catch has been sporadic, with a few fish caught as groups of fish move into the bay, and periods of little activity. Fish should be spread through tidewater. Some hatchery coho should be entering the bay also. A few chinook are also being caught in the nearshore ocean when conditions allow boats to get outside. Catch and release cutthroat trout fishing should be good. Small lures or flies should produce good results.

NESTUCCA RIVER: steelhead, trout

Fall chinook are being caught in Nestucca Bay. Angling is slow to fair, but generally improves after Labor Day. Angling for summer steelhead is slow. Good numbers of summer steelhead are in the river, and are visible in the low, clear water. Best fishing has been very early in the morning. Catch and release fishing for cutthroat trout should be good. River levels are available at http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=pqr.

SALMON RIVER: cutthroat trout

Anglers can expect good fishing for resident and sea run (Bluebacks) cutthroat trout. Bank fishing and trolling in tide water with small lures (spinners, spoons, plugs) is very effective. Bluebacks can be found throughout much of the main stem river but typically the higher concentrations are in upper tidewater and the lower river area. Anglers should concentrate effort in slow moving pools and holes with structure and shade. Fall chinook are starting to return and can be found from the lower bay through tide water. The peak run is typically around late September through mid October. Fishing in tide water is the most effective during the early portion of the run until fish push up into the main stem river. Coho salmon hatchery returns typically start to show in tidewater around late September and peak by late October.

SILETZ RIVER: steelhead, cutthroat trout, chinook

Steelhead fishing is slow as river conditions stay warm, low and clear. The best harvest opportunity is in the upper river from Moonshine Park to the fishing deadline and in the lower river just above tide water as a few later returns continue to pulse through. Anglers are using a variety of baits, jigs, spoons and spinners with the best success in the morning and evening hours or around a rain event. Steelhead fishing typically improves in late September after the rains start. Resident cutthroat trout and sea run cutthroat (Bluebacks) fishing is good throughout most of the river. Anglers should concentrate in areas with structure, shade and cool water sources. Small lures (spinners, spoon or plugs) and bait (shrimp, eggs, worms) are very effective. Fall chinook are starting to show and be caught in tide water and the lower section of the river. Goods numbers typically start returning around mid to late September. The best opportunities during the early portion of the run are in tidewater or in deep pools in the lower mainstem. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?SILO3

SIUSLAW RIVER: cutthroat trout, chinook

Resident cutthroat trout and sea run cutthroat (Bluebacks) fishing is fair to good throughout much of the basin. Blueback fishing is typically best in tidewater and the lower main stem river. During warm river temperatures, anglers should concentrate near cool water areas or shaded sections with structure. Trolling or bank fishing with small lures (spinners, spoons or plugs) works well. Some fall chinook are starting to show and be harvested in tidewater. Typically fair numbers start to return in mid to late September and peak around mid October. The best harvest opportunity is in tidewater or fishing the lower river from the bank until rain events pull fish up into the main stem river. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?MPLO3.

TILLAMOOK BAY: chinook, coho

Some fall chinook have been reported caught in the lower bay between the jetties. A few hatchery coho should be available also. Reasonable numbers of fish should be in the bay by mid-September.

WILSON AND TRASK RIVERS: steelhead, chinook, cutthroat trout

Angling for summer steelhead is slow. Fish are spread out through the rivers, which are very low and clear. Use light gear and small lures or bait, and fish early or late in the day for best results. Catch and release fishing for sea-run cutthroat trout should be good. Check river levels at http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=pqr prior to fishing.

YAQUINA RIVER: cutthroat trout

A few fall chinook are starting to show in the lower portion of tidewater. Typically good number start to return by late September with the best opportunity trolling in tidewater or fishing from the bank in the lower mainstem. Sea run cutthroat trout (Bluebacks) and resident cutthroat trout fishing is fair to good throughout upper tidewater and the mainstem. Bank fishing or trolling in tidewater with small spinners, spoons or plugs on light tackle works well for cutthroat trout.

NORTHWEST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: blue grouse, mourning dove, ruffed grouse and mountain quail, bear, cougar, general deer and elk bow seasons, western gray squirrel, September Canada goose (open Sept. 8-16)

HUNTING EVENT: Dec. 1-2 - Build Your Own Longbow in Tillamook.

Hosted by ODFW's Passport to the Outdoors Program, this workshop will allow you to create your own wooden longbow. Master Bowyer, John Strunk, will share his knowledge and expertise with you as he takes you through the process from wood stave to finished bow. No prior experience is necessary to create your own one-of-a kind work of art. Adult men and women are invited to attend this workshop.

Visit web site below to register or email Nancy.E.Smogor@state.or.us.

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/outdoor_skills/bow/registration_form.pdf

September Goose

The early, or September, goose season begins on Sep. 8 for the northwest zone, and is an opportunity to harvest local Canada geese before the migratory geese arrive from the north. The local geese tend to be wary and become more so after opening weekend. The lower Columbia River, and estuaries like Tillamook and Nehalem Bays, are excellent places to hunt these birds. Some public lands are available for walk-in hunters, but boat-in access is plentiful.

Blue grouse, ruffed grouse, mountain quail

Mountain quail, blue & ruffed grouse season began Sept. 1. Look for these birds while they search for their meal of seeds, berries and insects 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. ODFW staff observed higher than average number of grouse and moderate numbers of mountain quail in the Coast range.

General Archery season opened Aug. 25.

BLACK-TAILED DEER tend to be quite active during the daylight hours in late summer but will restrict their activities more and become more wary as the fall progresses. Best bets are to scout along older, brushed-in clearcut edges near bigger timber. While deer numbers overall are moderate, buck escapement from last year's seasons was high, but leaning towards older bucks. Entry-level bucks (which tend to make up more of the usual harvest) may be in shorter supply.

ELK are numerous in the Coast Range in general and bull ratios were at or above management objective in the Trask, Wilson and Saddle Mountain units. Early season hunting may be difficult if dry conditions persist and access to private land is restricted due to fire danger. September rains and the arrival of the rut will make for better chances of success. Bull elk have become more vocal and active in the rut as bugling can be heard in many areas of the north coast.

Check the latest fire closure restrictions on industrial forest lands and access opportunities http://egov.oregon.gov/ODF/FIRE/OPS/daily.shtml

Bear and cougar

Black Bear are actively feeding, especially on the very abundant wild berry crops from this summer. A strategy for hunting them in the early morning and late evening hours is watching clearcuts 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.

Western gray squirrels are most likely to be found in mixed deciduous-conifer forests amid oak and maple trees and in filbert orchards. Unlike in southern Oregon, these native squirrels occur at naturally low densities in north coast forests.

NORTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

Elk Breeding Season Begins

Elk are becoming more visible at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area now that the fields have been hayed and the calves are growing in size. The elk are visible mainly in the early morning and late evening hours while the weather is warm. The elk breeding season or "rut" has begun and should last throughout September and into the first couple weeks of October. Bulls are bugling now, especially from dusk to dawn and will battle for dominance. The whole process can be quite a sensory experience for the ears and eyes!

Visitors to the wildlife area are reminded that areas posted as "Wildlife Refuge" are closed to entry all year and posted portions of the Beneke Tract are closed during elk hunting seasons including general archery season. Consult the 2007 Big Game Regulations for more information on hunting seasons: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/OFWbiggamerevised12-20-06%20(2).pdf

Jewell Meadows is located in central Clatsop County along Hwy 202.

Directions and information:

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

Birds of a Feather

Birding hot spots from Astoria to Lincoln City:

http://www.oregoncoastbirding.com/PDFs/2%20North%20Coast%20Listings.pdf

Brown pelicans are often plentiful on the north coast in early fall. They usually roost on near-shore rocks and feed on fish in the ocean and north coast estuaries, including the Columbia River. During low tides, Netarts Bay has been host to hundreds, if not thousands of the birds, fishing in its shallow waters. Brown pelicans are both humorous and awe-inspiring to watch. This big, gangly bird that almost recklessly dives into the water can glide over the ocean waves gracefully with its wing tips seemingly inches from the waves.

Information about the species: http://www.fws.gov/oregonfwo/Species/Data/BrownPelican/default.asp

With berry crops ripe, many species of birds can be observed taking advantage of the opportunity. Band-tailed pigeons can be seen working elderberries and cascara in the coast range foothills. Wild currant is a favorite of grouse. Cedar waxwings may dine on backyard berries, but are especially numerous along bays and waterways. Since insects also tend to be abundant around berry patches, insectivorous birds like flycatchers, thrushes, swallows and wrens may be spotted as well.

Astoria area

Several other viewing opportunities exist in the greater Astoria area for birdwatchers. The viewing bunker at Ft. Stevens State Park overlooks Trestle Bay and offers viewing of gulls, terns, pelicans and some waterfowl. Binoculars or a spotting scope are helpful to enhance viewing. The nearby South Jetty platform on the western side of Clatsop Spit is a great place to observe brown pelicans and occasionally seabirds. It's best to bring binocular to view from the platform.

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

The Twilight Eagle Sanctuary is located east of Astoria just off of Hwy 30 adjacent to Wolf Bay on the Columbia River. The platform there offers great viewing of resident waterfowl, some shorebirds and will soon be host to early migrating waterfowl. Spotting scopes are very useful at this platform.

The Twilight Creek Eagle Sanctuary is about six miles east of Astoria:

http://www.nwsource.com/travel/scr/tf_detail.cfm?dt=5030&cid=2&pageid=OR&cityid=60

Yaquina Bay

Harlequin ducks are often sighted at the Yaquina Bay south jetty and at Seal Rocks. Numerous species of waterfowl and shorebirds are actively feeding in and around coastal estuaries and lakes.

At Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area see colonial nesting birds such as common murre, Brandt's cormorant and pigeon guillemot. Nearby shores and rocky beaches are good locations for spotting harbor seal and California sea lion. The Historic Lighthouse just off Hwy 101 is a great place to view migrating gray whales. The trail leading to the tide pools is ADA accessible.

SOUTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

Anglers are reminded that starting Sept 1, angling is restricted to the use of artificial flies only between Gold Ray Dam and Cole Rivers Hatchery on the Rogue River. Consult the regulations for more information.

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

Fishing has been good for largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. Fishing will be best during mornings and evenings. Good catches of crappie have been reported in recent weeks. Boat anglers fishing deep water, up to 20 feet, are having the best success. Try tolling small plastic twisters or jigs.

APPLEGATE RIVER: trout

Open for trout.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Angling has been good for trout, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. Fishing will be best during mornings and evenings. Find sunken or overhanging trees to catch fish on Sinkos and small jigs. Pressure at Applegate has been light, even on weekends. Fish deeper water during daylight hours.

BABYFOOT LAKE: rainbow trout

Access is by forest service trail located off Eight Dollar Road. The trail is 1 mile long. Flies or small spinners tend to work the best for 10-12 inch rainbows. Anglers wanting to fish the lake should contact the USFS Ranger District office located in Cave Junction for maps and road closure information.

BURMA POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass

Angling for rainbow trout is fair. Largemouth bass and panfish are also available. The water level in the pond has been lowered to facilitate repairs to the dam and will remain low through the summer.

CHETCO RIVER: cutthroat trout, fall chinook

Access is excellent for bank and boat anglers. Cutthroat fishing has slowed. Anglers wishing a wilderness experience can access the upper Chet co River Watershed at several trail heads. Anglers can contact the USFS Ranger District office in Brookings for maps and trail conditions. Spinners or flies tend to work the best.

Fall Chinook have started nosing into the estuary, following bait fish. High tide is the best time to target fall Chinook in the estuary.

COOS COUNTY LAKES: trout, bass

High water temperatures will likely slow angling during the middle of the day. Anglers should concentrate their efforts in the morning and evening. Trout may become more difficult to catch but bass and other warmwater fish should be good through the summer. Warmwater fishing is fair with nice bass being caught at Tenmile Lakes. Yellow perch and black crappie have been biting at Tenmile. These fish offer a great opportunity for kids as the bites are frequent. Anglers should consider Eel Lake for bass also. The shores are undeveloped and boats have a 10 mph limit creating a peaceful setting for fishing. There is a trail along the southeast shore providing bank access and a fishing dock near the boat ramp accessible to all abilities.

COOS RIVER BASIN: searun cutthroat trout, chinook

Chinook salmon fishing has been good in Coos Bay. The Marshfield Channel produced well recently. Fish should also be available around the 101 bridge. Fall chinook fishing is usually good through October. Chinook are generally caught by trolling herring or spinners close to the bottom. Bank anglers have some success casting spinners from shore near the highway 101 bridge, and in Isthmus Slough. Searun cutthroat trout have entered the estuary, and should be in upper tidewater at this time. Purple lures and flies are a favorite for searuns. Surf perch and other marine fish are available in Coos Bay. Anglers should concentrate around rock structure or pilings.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: chinook salmon, striped bass, searun cutthroat trout

Some good catches of chinook have been reported on the Coquille lately. Chinook are generally caught by trolling herring or spinners close to the bottom. Striped bass are available in the Coquille estuary where anglers usually do better after dark. Sand shrimp and large plugs that imitate small fish can be effective with most fishing taking place up to Arago. The dike at Johnson Mill Pond can be a good place to catch stripers. Searun cutthroat trout have entered the basin, and should be in upper tidewater at this time. Purple lures and flies are a favorite for searuns.

DIAMOND LAKE: rainbow trout

Fishing remains good and fishing pressure has been light during the weekdays with an increase in pressure for the weekends. Those who are going to the lake are still catching some limits. We are starting to see some of the fingerlings (planted at 3-4 inches) show up in the creel (8-9 inches). There are still a few of the 5-6 lb fish showing up in the creel as well. The best fishing remains on the south end of the lake. Trolling fly's has been very effective the last couple of weeks. Water clarity remains the best that it has been in many years. Anglers need to remember that the limit is five fish per day, and only one trout over 20" may be harvested per day.

DUTCH HERMAN POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill

Fishing should be fair.

EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Angling for rainbow trout, bass, and panfish should be good. Fishing will be best during mornings and evenings. Anglers are reporting good catches of largemouth on buzz baits in the evening around flooded willows or other structure. Some excellent largemouth action on topwater lures has been reported. During daylight hours, fish deeper water for crappie and bass.

EXPO POND: rainbow trout, bass, panfish

Fishing for trout, bass, and panfish should be fair. Fishing will probably be best during mornings and evenings as the weather heats up.

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout

Fishing for stocked rainbow trout has been fair. Trout have been observed feeding on small chub fry near the lake shore.

GARRISON LAKE: trout, largemouth bass

Located in Port Oxford. The boat access is off the 12th street boat ramp. Bank access is limited to Striatum State Park, 12th street boat ramp, Paradise Point Road, and Arizona Stet. Weed growth and high winds will make for tough fishing the next couple of weeks. Some largemouth bass can be caught out of the mill pond on the east side of Arizona Street in Port Oxford.

HOWARD PRAIRIE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass

Anglers are catching a few large, hold-over rainbow trout, as well as the recently planted legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass should be good.

HYATT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass

Anglers are catching a few large, hold-over rainbow trout, as well as a few legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing for largemouth bass continues to be good. Smaller size largemouth are plentiful and easy to catch. Plastic worms and Sinkos have produced larger fish for some anglers.

ILLINOIS RIVER: trout, steelhead

Steelhead and half-ponders have started moving into the lower 8 miles. These fish will hold in the lower river all summer and early fall. Fly-fishing tends to produce the best catches. Anglers should fish at first light or late evening.

Open for trout and steelhead; however, fishing is slow.

LAIRD LAKE: trout

Located approximately 15 miles up Elk River road. The road is gravel for the last 8 miles. The lake is small with a lot of woody material. Bank access is good, with a float tube or small inflatable boat a good choice. The lake is full of 8-10 inch trout. Small spinners, single eggs, or flies all work well.

LAKE SELMAC: trout, bass

Fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and bullheads continues to be good. Fishing will be best during mornings and evenings. Fish deeper water during daylight hours.

LEMOLO LAKE: brown trout, rainbow trout

The blue green algae warning is no longer in effect at the lake. Fishing should be improving with the cooler water temperatures. The lake is still open for camping and fishing.

LIBBY POND: trout

Located approximately 8 miles up the north bank of Rogue River Road. Bank access is excellent. No boats are allowed. Trout were stocked several times in the spring. Power bait fished just off the bottom is the lure of choice with most anglers.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, smallmouth bass

Fishing for trout and smallmouth bass has been fair. Trout are fairly deep and fishing is best on the upper reaches of the lake early and late in the day.

MEDCO POND: trout, largemouth bass, panfish

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

PACIFIC OCEAN & BEACHES: chinook, halibut

The selective coho season in the ocean from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain is open now. Ocean salmon fishing has been slow lately but bottom fishing is good. Sport boat anglers may no longer keep cabezon but shore anglers may continue to retain legal sized cabezon. All-depth halibut days are now scheduled for every Friday through Sunday until the quota is reached or Oct. 28, whichever comes first. Halibut fishing has been good on the all-depth days. Surfperch anglers should concentrate on steep beaches or small streams entering the ocean. Surfperch can also be found along jetties and pile structures. Sand shrimp, clam necks, mussels, and marine worms are all popular choices for bait. Striped bass occasionally surprise surf fishers also.

POWERS POND: largemouth bass

Recent sampling observed many quality-sized bass. Aquatic weeds are present in some isolated areas but anglers should have no trouble finding open water to fish. Mornings and evenings are likely best.

REINHART PARK POND: trout, bass

Fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and panfish should be fair. Fishing will be best during mornings and evenings.

ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: fall chinook, steelhead

Fall chinook fishing has been slow in the bay and lower river. The bay continues to be the best spot to catch a chinook. Most anglers are trolling an anchovy with a spinner blade. Steelhead fishing has been spotty throughout the lower river. Anglers targeting steelhead have been doing the best with spinners or flies. Anglers should try early mornings or late evenings for best results. Fishing should improve for both steelhead and chinook this week as water temperatures have dropped.

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: chinook, trout, steelhead

Flows were 1840 cubic feet per second at Grants Pass as of Monday morning. Summer steelhead are reportedly being caught throughout the middle river. Spoons are catching fish as well as quickfish. Bank anglers may also have success using nightcrawlers and dark corkies, like black with green spots. Boat anglers side-drifting pink corkies or pulling small plugs like Hot Shots or crayfish patterns may also have success. Panther Martins are also catching fish. Fishing is best during mornings and evenings when the sun is off the water. Only adipose fin-clipped steelhead may be harvested. A few catches of fall chinook are being reported below Hog Creek and downstream of Gold Hill. Overall, fall chinook fishing has been slow. More fall run chinook salmon should be arriving in the middle river in coming weeks. The Rogue River from Whiskey Creek to Hog Creek Boat Landing reopened to the retention of nonadipose fin-clipped chinook salmon per zone regulations on August 1 to allow anglers to harvest the more abundant wild fall chinook. The Rogue River from Hog Creek Boat Landing to Gold Ray Dam reopened to the retention of nonadipose fin-clipped chinook salmon per zone regs on August 15. The Rogue River is open to trout angling; however, only adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout may be kept.

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: chinook, trout, steelhead

The Rogue River above Gold Ray Dam is closed to all chinook salmon angling. Summer steelhead fishing slow though some anglers are. reporting success on summers side-drifting bait, pulling plugs or casting spinners. Nymphing flies on or near the bottom may also produce fish. The best fishing is likely to be mornings and evenings when the sun is off the water. Only adipose fin-clipped steelhead may be harvested. Anglers are reminded that starting Sept 1, angling is restricted to the use of artificial flies only between Gold Ray Dam and Cole Rivers Hatchery. Consult the regulations for more information. The numbers of summer steelhead over Gold Ray are increasing with 3417 counted at Gold Ray Dam as of August 30. The outflows from Lost Creek Reservoir were 1800 cubic feet per second and the outflow temperature was 56 as of Tuesday morning. The Rogue River is open to trout angling, however, only adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout may be kept. Trout fishing continues to be good on flies, spinners and nightcrawlers with occasional large cutthroat and residual rainbow being caught. Targeting trout is a great alternative when steelhead aren't biting or to pass the daylight hours between morning and evening steelhead sessions.

ROGUE RIVER, ABOVE LOST CREEK DAM: rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout

Legal-sized rainbow will be stocked again this week at most of the campgrounds and major access points along the river between Prospect and Minnehaha Creek. Brook trout and a few brown trout are available as well.

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: cutthroat trout

Fishing should be good. Small spinners and rooster tails generally work the best. Fall chinook fishing in the Smith River estuary has improved but is very spotty. Striper fishing has been good, with some very nice stripers being caught in lower Smith River. Mainstem Smith River below Sisters Creek is catch and release only on trout. Tributaries and the mainstem above Sisters is open for harvest of trout.

SOUTH COAST LAKES AND PONDS: trout

Garrison Lake is still the number one choice for trout anglers. The fish seem to be concentrated on the North side of the lake. Anglers will need to fish a boat to keep outside the weed line.

SOUTH COAST STREAMS: cutthroat trout

Cutthroat fishing has slowed. Water temperatures and low flows have made for tough fishing. Anglers targeting the esturaries in early morning have had limited success. Anglers are reminded to carefully release all undersized fish.

SOUTH COAST BEACHES: perch

Perch fishing has been good. Anglers should keep an eye on surf conditions and tides before heading out. Usually the best perch fishing in on an incoming tide.

SPAULDING POND: rainbow trout

Fishing is fair for stocked rainbow trout.

TENMILE BASIN: searun cutthroat trout

See Coos County lakes. Searun cutthroat should begin appearing in the lakes and in Tenmile Creek at any time. Purple lures and flies are a favorite of searuns.

TOKETEE LAKE: brown trout

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

UMPQUA ESTUARY: sturgeon

Fall chinook and coho fishing has finally started to improve. Fishing has been spotty with the majority of the fish being caught below the 101 bridge. 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 occurs early in the morning and late in the evening. Check with the local Forest Service ranger districts on local fire conditions.

UMPQUA RIVER MAINSTEM: shad, bass

There are small numbers of fall chinook throughout the river. These numbers will continue to increase as more fish move through the bay. Smallmouth fishing is excellent right now; worms and crawfish plugs are working the best. Remember this section of the river is closed to wild steelhead retention.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead

Spring chinook and summer steelhead numbers crossing at Winchester Dam have improved with the rain and lower water temperatures. Steelhead fishing throughout the North Umpqua has been very poor this year. The fly water (Rock Creek to Soda Springs Dam) is normally very productive this time of year. Summer steelhead fishing in the fly water is very slow, although in the last week a few more fish have been caught. Winchester Dam counts show that 6,563 spring chinook and 3,501 summer steelhead have passed over the dam through August 27.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: trout, bass

The South Umpqua is open for trout season. Smallmouth bass fishing is excellent right now, and will only get better as stream flows continue to drop. Anglers need to be aware that the South Umpqua will close to all fishing on September 16th to protect the fall chinook run.

WILLOW LAKE: trout, bass

Angling for trout, bass and other warmwater fish is fair and is best during the morning and evening hours.

WINCHESTER BAY: sturgeon

Crabbing has been slow most limits are being taken just outside the jetties. Some early chinook are being caught in the bay and around Big Bend. Some fall chinook and coho are being caught at Osprey Point and into Salmon Harbor.

SHELLFISH

South coast beaches are open for clam and mussel harvest. 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. Crabbing inside Coos Bay picked up recently with boats returning with good numbers of crab. Some crab are likely to be soft this time of year. Crabbers are encouraged to check the hardness of crab and throw back the soft ones that only have a little meat in them. 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: forest grouse, mourning dove, mountain quail, bear, cougar, general deer and elk bow seasons, western gray squirrel, September Canada goose (Sept. 8-13, South Coast zone is closed)

DOUGLAS COUNTY

Deer: Bow season is currently open. Deer populations are similar to last year, with low levels at higher elevations and higher population levels on the Umpqua Valley floor. Most low elevation lands are privately owned so hunters are reminded to obtain permission before hunting on those lands. Since the early part of the bow season is hot & dry then hunters should look for deer on the northerly slopes and near water and green up areas. Check local fire restrictions due to fire danger before hunting.

Elk: Bow season is currently open. Elk populations are similar to last year so this hunting year will be average. The early part of the archery season has been hot & dry so hunters should find elk on the northerly slopes and in dense conifer stands. Elk numbers are highest in the Tioga with lower levels in the Dixon, S. Indigo and Melrose units. Hunters are reminded that some of the local private timberlands are restricting access due to the high fire danger so contact them for information on any restrictions before hunting.

Bear: General bear season is now open. Hunters can expect an average year. The current dry weather conditions will concentrate bears near streams where foraging will be better. Hunters should concentrate their efforts in the berry patches in early morning and late afternoon. Bear numbers are good with the highest numbers in the coast range, and with smaller populations in the Cascades. Successful bear hunters are asked to turn in a bear tooth for the ongoing bear statewide population study.

Cougar: 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 is a challenge because these animals are very secretive, but harvest success is greatest adjacent to private land with high deer populations using a predator call.

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

UPLAND GAMEBIRDS

Grouse & Quail: Grouse & Quail n The season is currently open. Hunters can expect a good hunt year similar to last year.

Hunting availability and success for forest grouse should be also be good with average production this year for forest grouse. 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. Hunters that kill grouse are asked to drop off in a paper bag the frozen wing and tail of each grouse at the local ODFW office. Please use 1 bird per bag with each frozen bag of grouse parts including the species, sex, age, unit and general area of harvest for proper analysis.

Nesting season was average for California quail and Mountain quail so hunting opportunity should be good. Success is best in the lower elevation agricultural lands for California quail and mid-elevations of the Cascades and Coast Range near brushy clear cuts on secondary forest roads for Mountain quail.

MIGRATORY GAMEBIRDS

Mourning Doves: Mourning Doves - Hunters can expect an average year. The season is open through Sept. 30, and the number of doves should be high until the first big rains occur. Don't forget to ask for permission from local landowners before hunting doves on private land.

Band-tailed Pigeons- Hunters can expect an average year. The permitted season is coming up Sept 15 - Sept 23. Hunters should concentrate their efforts on forested ridgelines with regenerated clear-cuts having adequate berry producing areas.

WATERFOWL: Early goose season in Central Douglas County is from Sep. 8 n Sep. 13. Goose hunters can expect an average to above-average year. Hunting for resident geese in Douglas County should be very good because of an excellent production again this year. Nearly all goose hunting in the Umpqua Valley is on private property and hunters should obtain landowner permission before hunting.

JACKSON, JOSEPHINE, CURRY COUNTIES

The Oregon Dept. of Forestry fire restrictions has been raised to extreme in Jackson and Josephine counties because of dry, hot conditions. This restricts chain saw use and other activities including: no campfires, vehicles restricted to improved roads, restricted chainsaw use. All private timberlands have fire restrictions concurrent with state forestry lands.

More information:

* http://oregon.gov/ODF/FIRE/fire.shtml#Forest_Restrictions___Closures

* http://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2007/august/082207.asp

Best hunting times will be early mornings and evenings. In many of the higher elevations heavy dew is found with cooler nights.

Deer: Archery hunters have found the weather to hot and dry during the holiday weekend. Much effort was put in for the opening weekend and has slowed this last week. With the fluctuation in weather hunters should focus there time hunting on days of cool wetter conditions when animals maybe out more and ground will be quieter.

Elk: Hunters have reported taken a few elk in the last two weeks, mostly by the use of cow calling. As the temperatures cool down the rut activity will increase. Hunters should be flexible for when they go hunting with concentrating on the cooler wetter days.

Bear: Bear observations have slowed. Hunters are encouraged to use predator calls and focus on areas were bears are looking for grubs. Hunters are reminded to turn in their bear tooth for the statewide population study.

Cougar: Cougars are plentiful, although they provide a challenge to locate and harvest. Most cougars are taken while hunting other big game. Hunters have located main ridge line and have used predatory calls to bring in cougars. Current and upcoming fall hunting seasons are a great time to carry a cougar tag.

Grouse & Quail: Upland bird hunting should be good as brood counts performed this summer in the region show an increase in numbers of birds. Hunters reported fair number of quail out this weekend and only few forest grouse.

Mourning Doves: Dove season opened this last weekend. Hunters found moderate number of doves with a fair harvest. Rains prior to season openers did push some of the doves south.

COOS COUNTY

Bear populations are stable and dense. Black berries are just starting to become ripe so bears will soon be feeding on them heavily as they are a key fall food for bears. Hunters may find success hunting bears near berry patches. Also, calling bears with predator calls may be especially effective now, before blackberries become the bears feeding target.

Deer populations have been showing some increase over the past two years due to good fawn production and a reduction in the prevalence of Deer Hair Loss Syndrome. Recent rain has allowed fire precautions to be reduced. The rain may, also cause deer to become active.

Moist, cool conditions are expected to make elk active through out the day. Due to the fact that elk generally rut later in September calling may not be the most effective method to hunt elk. Thanks to the moist conditions still hunting should be effective.

SOUTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

Biologist Terry Farrell, Roseburg, reports that many species of birds are starting their southward migration so look for species congregating at roosts and feeders or in the air just before or during migration. Some migratory species to watch are: ospreys, turkey vultures, swifts, swallows, cedar waxwings, and some species of flycatchers, warblers, finches and shorebirds. To see an illustration and hear the call of a cedar waxwing, visit http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/159/_/Cedar_Waxwing.aspx

Bats can be seen foraging for insects from dusk to after well after dark. Look off into the lighted horizon to see their erratic and uneven flight. Some of the common species that can be observed are big brown bat, Brazilian free-tailed bat and several species of small bats (Myotis group). Bats are the nighttime equivalent of daytime insect-eating birds like swifts, swallows, kingbirds, etc.

Coos County

California brown pelican numbers are increasing in number along the coastline and in bays. This is the time of year that non-nesting adults begin to congregate in larger numbers. Information about the species can be found on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Web site, http://www.fws.gov/oregonfwo/Species/Data/BrownPelican/default.asp

For good wildlife viewing, visit Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area located east of Reedsport on Hwy. 38 and Bandon National Wildlife Refuge near Bandon. For more information. http://www.co.douglas.or.us/countyinfo/elk.html

Curry County

The Kalmiopsis Audubon Society, Curry County, has a list of Great Birding Spots online,

http://www.harborside.com/~pfandha/audubon/birds2.htm

Douglas County

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

Medford Area

Denman Wildlife Area

Dan Ethridge, ODFW wildlife technician, reports this is a good time to visit Denman Wildlife Area near Central Point?sunflower fields are in full growth bringing in large flocks of songbirds that are visible in the morning and evening. Young ospreys have fledged and are easily viewed over Whetstone Pond. Songbirds and raptors are beginning to show up in the area and should increase in abundance into September. The area provides a covered viewing station with a good opportunity to view waterfowl, egrets, raptors and songbirds.

Directions: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/denman.htm

Both Lower and Upper Table Rocks have trail systems on them that provide great opportunities to see raptors and buzzards flying high in the skies along. Watch for a wide variety of reptiles along the path. Table Rocks are located north of Medford and just south of Hwy 234.

CENTRAL ZONE

FISHING

ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Angling for rainbow trout is poor. Water temperature is warm and fish are concentrated in the deeper water and lethargic. Opportunities should pick up in the fall.

BIG LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout

Fishing has been slow. The bier should begin to pick up with the cooler temperatures.

CLEAR LAKE: rainbow trout

Clear Lake has been stocked several times this spring with both legal and trophy sized rainbow trout. Fishing should remain good as long reservoir levels remain full.

CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Anglers are having good success for rainbow trout in the 10 to 12 inch range. For best results work the Deschutes channel area. Some very nice larger rainbows up to 23 inches have also been caught recently.

CRESCENT LAKE: brown trout, kokanee

According to reports the fishing has slowed.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout

Opportunities for rainbow trout are fair. Recent surveys indicate the trout population remains low compared to previous years. Whitefish are very abundant. Anglers are encouraged to harvest this highly edible game fish.

CULTUS LAKE:

No recent reports.

DAVIS LAKE: largemouth bass, redband trout

Fishing has been fair to good. Water levels are low making boat launching a challenge.

Deschutes River - River users should be aware that recent wildfires have burned along both banks of river from Heritage Landing State Park (rivermile 0.4) upstream to the Sharps Bar area (rivermile 6.0). Both sides of the river suffered intermittent burning into the streamside vegetation. Public access is still open throughout the area, but anglers should be prepared to encounter burned conditions, which may limit camping opportunities in this area. Camping is not affected at Heritage Landing State Park.

Sherars Falls to Warm Springs n Trout anglers should find good success in both the early morning and late evening. Generally large insect hatches are limited, but small hatches still occur frequently. Anglers should focus their efforts in the morning and evening hours when river temperatures are coolest. A few steelhead are now moving upstream of Sherars Falls, and should begin to provide anglers some opportunity.

Mouth to Sherars Falls n Steelhead are dispersed from the mouth upstream to Sherars Falls. The best steelhead fishing has been from Macks Canyon downstream. Walk in anglers from Heritage Landing have been reporting good success in the lower river. Anglers should focus their efforts on morning and evening hours, as the sun leaves the river. A few early Fall Chinook have been caught in the Sherars Falls area, along with a few steelhead.

Trout Anglers:

Fly anglers in the Warm Springs Area continue to find good success on the tail end of the salmonfly and golden stone hatch. Downstream of Trout Creek fly anglers should begin focusing on nymphs and other hatches such as caddis or mayflies. Anglers should focus their attention near the river bank or in back eddies. Angers are reminded that extremely warm temperatures may trigger glacial melting on the White River, and fishing conditions in the Deschutes downstream of White River may be less than optimal due to turbid waters.

Spring Chinook:

Fishing has slowed considerably in the Sherars Falls area. The bulk of the catch is beginning to be comprised of jacks, indicating most of the run has likely past upstream.

DESCHUTES RIVER: Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls:

No anglers were observed on the river as basis for a report.

Benham Falls to Wickiup Reservoir:

No recent reports.

Wickiup to Crane Prairie Reservoir:

No recent report.

Crane Prairie to Little Lava Lake:

No recent reports.

EAST LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout

Anglers are reportedly catching rainbow trout, brown trout and Atlantic salmon. The fishing tends to be a little better in the evening when the temperatures start to drop.

ELK LAKE: brook trout, kokanee

No recent report.

FALL RIVER:

Anglers are reporting fair to good success.

FROG LAKE: rainbow trout

Frog Lake was recently stocked with legal and trophy sized hatchery rainbow trout. Anglers should expect good success.

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

Opportunities for 12-18 inch rainbow and brown trout are poor.

HOOD RIVER: spring chinook, summer steelhead

Steelhead fishing has been slow on the Hood River, as warm temperatures have caused glacial melting, resulting in turbid river conditions much of the time. Anglers should watch river conditions, as fresh steelhead will be available when water conditions improve. Anglers are reminded that Chinook angling is closed on the Hood River.

HOSMER LAKE:

Angling has been slow.

LAKE BILLY CHINOOK:

Bull trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, smallmouth bass Kokanee angling has been picking up with good catches reported in all three arms of the reservoir. Fish are larger this year with the average size 12-14 inches.

LAKE SIMTUSTUS: rainbow trout

Opportunities for 8-10 inch rainbow trout are excellent. A limited number of carryover trout from 14-18 inches are also available. Tribal angling permit as well as State license is required.

LAURANCE LAKE: rainbow trout, smallmouth bass

Laurance Lake has been stocked with fin clipped hatchery rainbow trout. Anglers should find good success on both hatchery trout, and naturally produced wild trout. Anglers are reminded that only artificial flies and lures are allowed, and only fin-clipped trout can be kept. Anglers are encouraged to keep all smallmouth bass caught.

LITTLE LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout

Anglers reported good success over the weekend.

LOST LAKE: rainbow trout

Lost Lake has been recently 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 success for rainbow trout.

NORTH TWIN: rainbow trout

Angling has been slow.

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Opportunities for 12-16 inch rainbow trout are fair to good. Black crappie angling has been excellent. Anglers should target areas with cover near the shoreline.

ODELL LAKE: kokanee

The kokanee bite has slowed though folks are still picking up few. The three and four year fish have yet to show sign of moving into the spawning phase.

PAULINA LAKE: kokanee, brown trout

The bite for kokanee continues to be good. The kokanee are starting to show signs of moving into their spawning phase. A few folks are catching browns and some nice rainbow trout have also been reported to have been caught.

PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Pine Hollow Reservoir was stocked several times with legal and trophy size hatchery rainbow. Warm water anglers should begin finding good success as temperatures warm.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Opportunities for 12-16 inch rainbow trout are fair to good.

ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Rock Creek Reservoir has been stocked several times with legal and trophy size hatchery rainbow. Fishing should remain good until reservoir levels begin dropping.

SOUTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout

Fishing on South Twin has picked up with a fair number of 10 to 12 inch rainbow trout caught and a few larger rainbow also caught.

SUTTLE LAKE:

No recent report.

WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout

Opportunities for legal-sized rainbow trout should be good.

WICKIUP RESERVOIR: kokanee, brown trout

Reports of some nice brown trout fishing and some nice sized 22 inch to 23 inch kokanee being caught, though the kokanee have pretty much moved into their spawning phase.

CENTRAL ZONE HUNTING

Open: General deer and elk bow seasons, forest grouse and mourning dove, mt quail in Hood River and Wasco counties, pronghorn antelope, cougar, bear, September Canada Goose (open Sept. 8-13)

The bag limit for September Canada geese in eastern Oregon was reduced from five to three this year due to declining populations.

The Dalles Wildlife District

Maupin and West Biggs offer the highest bull ratios for deer archery hunters in the district but most of the units are private lands and permission must first be obtained. A mild winter helped with fawn survivability.

Surveys show bull elk ratios have met management objectives in the White River and Hood units.

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.

Grouse wing barrels are scattered around the White River and Hood units to collect wings of blue and ruffed grouse and mt. quail. We ask each successful hunter to contribute a wing and tail off of each harvested bird.

White River Wildlife Area near Tygh Valley is a popular destination for deer, elk and turkey hunters. ODFW is accepting public comments on a draft plan (pdf) to manage the area for the next 10 years. Among the issues the department will consider are any recommended changes to rules for off highway vehicle use and shed antler collecting, activities which are increasing on the area.

Comments on the plan can be emailed to ODFW.Comments@state.or.us by Sept. 14.

Prineville Wildlife District

Cooler temperatures and rain last week have improved hunting for archers. Archery hunters are reminded a controlled elk tag is needed to hunt in the Ochoco Unit. The Maury and Ochoco units offer the most public land, and this year have a good carry over of mature bucks. Additionally a bumper calf crop from last year, plus above average bull survival should provide good opportunities for bull elk. The Ochoco Unit also contains the South Boundary Travel Management Area on the Ochoco National Forest where motorized vehicle restrictions are in effect. The Grizzly unit also has good deer and elk numbers, but is mostly private land where you must have permission from landowners to hunt.

Early antlerless elk hunts currently ongoing in portions of the Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly units primarily on or near agricultural private lands. These hunts are intended to help manage elk on private lands and hunters need to contact and have permission from landowners to hunt.

Mourning Dove: The Sept. 1 opener was good due to the weekend's mild weather. As long as weather continues to be good, expect doves to stick around and hunting to be good; once it gets to be freezing doves will head south. Mourning dove counts this year were above average and production excellent for Crook and Jefferson counties. The largest numbers of birds have been around agricultural lands, but good numbers have also been using springs and water sources located on nearby BLM and Crooked River National Grasslands. Hunters are reminded permission is needed to hunt private lands, and to consult local BLM and Grasslands offices regarding fire restrictions.

CENTRAL ZONE VIEWING

Fall migration of birds is underway. Visit Sawyer and Shevlin Parks in Bend, Wychus Creek near Sisters and Crooked River near Smith Rock State Park. For passerine species such as warblers, vireos, sparrows and other small birds a good place to search are riparian vegetation along the Deschutes River and tributaries. Passerine birds are perching birds, that is they have feet that allow them to hold onto branches and other perches.

Swallows are starting to gather for the southern migration. Look for large numbers of them sitting together on a telephone wires. Rural areas near water are best bets for seeing these "staging" birds.

With the cooling temperatures of late summer, the twilight hours along blacktopped roads attract a lot of flying insects. It's not uncommon to see good numbers of nighthawks "hawking" for these insects. Some warm roads also attract bull snakes and lizards that seek out the comfort of warm pavement.

Juvenile peregrine falcons are dispersing this time of year and can be seen in many locations. Areas where shorebirds and waterfowl concentrate are good places to search. Look along the shoreline around Wickiup Reservoir, along the Columbia River and at Summer Lake Wildlife Area. For information on the successful recovery of peregrine falcons in Oregon, visit http://www.audubonportland.org/peregrine_delisting

Prineville Area

Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Area offers opportunities to see a wide variety of waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors including bald and golden eagles and osprey, furbearers such as beaver, otter, and raccoons. The early morning or late afternoon offer the best viewing times, and visitors should use the north side access road. The road is unimproved so a high clearance SUV or pickup is recommended. There is access by canoe or kayak which offers a wonderful opportunity to see areas not accessible by foot or vehicle.

For directions.

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

Redmond Area

Visit Smith Rock State Park for good birdwatching, hiking, sightseeing and biking. http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_51.php

SOUTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Contact Klamath Watershed Office (541) 883-5732, the Hines Office (541) 573-6582, or the La Grande Office (541) 963-2138 for more information on fishing opportunities.

Stocking schedule for the Klamath-Malheur watersheds: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ODFWhtml/InfoCntrFish/trout_stocking_sched/2007/southeast/Klamath Malhuer.html

ANA RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, hybrid bass

Angling for rainbow trout has been fair. Most angling occurs from the bank using bait. Angling for hybrid bass has been slow. The reservoir is full.

ANA RIVER: rainbow trout

Angling for rainbow trout has been slow. Look for rising trout in shaded areas of the river or wait until overcast days to fish over rising fish. Fingerling rainbow trout below the dam will take most bait and flies which make it difficult to catch larger fish. These fish can be very spooky so stealth is required. Bait angling is allowed and productive.

ANTHONY LAKES: rainbow trout, brook trout

Restocked with legal rainbows in late July. Has been good for rainbows and brook trout.

BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, whitefish, bull trout

The reservoir went dry on August 31, and inflow was 27 cfs. This reservoir has no dead storage. Fishing is poor.

BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Angling is slow as the reservoir is low.

BLITZEN RIVER: trout

Fair angling for redband trout. Flow fluctuated between approximately 31 and 34 cfs from August 24 through August 31. Flow was 32 cfs August 31.

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

The reservoir was 9 percent full on August 31. At current releases, this reservoir may last into the middle of September. Angling is poor.

BURNS POND: trout, bass

Slow angling for 8 to 12 inch rainbow trout using spoons, spinners, or powerbait. No angling report for bass.

CAMPBELL/DEADHORSE: rainbow trout and brook trout

Angling has been fair. The last stocking of legal and trophy rainbow trout occurred in July.

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout

Fair angling for 13-15 inch rainbow trout. Anglers have had the best success trolling or casting flies.

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout

Look for fishing to be best in the early mornings. Angling is fair below Marsters Campground downstream to near Paisley. Water temperatures are cooling so angling should get better as fall approaches.

COTTONWOOD MEADOWS LAKE: Rainbow trout and brook trout

Access is open, fishing has been fair. Aquatic vegetation growth in the lake makes angling difficult with bait and from the shore. Angling is improving as colder weather has decreased water temperatures.

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: redband trout

Angling is slow. The best method for fishing Cottonwood Reservoir is angling from the dam or trolling minnow imitations (spoons and deceiver flies) from a boat. Cottonwood Reservoir is not stocked and the fish you catch are native redband trout produced in Cottonwood Creek.

DELINTMENT LAKE: trout

Delintment Lake is now open to public access. No angling report.

DEEP CREEK: redband trout

Angling is slow for redband trout. Flows are low.

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

Fishing for bass has been slow, but numerous large bass have been caught recently out of Dog to make it worth the effort. Fishing for crappie has been good.

DUNCAN RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Angling for rainbow trout has been slow. The reservoir has lots of vegetation on the south end which makes for difficult angling. The fingerling rainbow trout make up most of the catch and make catching larger fish difficult. Water temperatures are warm so the best fishing will occur in the early mornings.

EAGLE CREEK and TRIBUTARIES: trout

Has been good for trout and was stocked twice in July.

FISH LAKE (Halfway): brook trout, rainbow

Has been good for rainbow and brook trout.

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

Angling should be fair to good for 8 to 14 inch brook trout and rainbow trout. Fly anglers usually have the best success using small nymphs. Spinners and bait should also work well.

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

Angling is fair for rainbow trout and good for lake trout. Most lake trout are running 14 -19 inches with a few in the 8-9 lb range. Angling is slow for Kokanee and they are averaging around 12 inches. Angling is slow for brook trout. Trolling spoons, spinners or other lures can be effective. Downriggers are often needed to catch kokanee and lake trout as they are often in deep water. Jigging in deep water can also be effective on kokanee and lake trout. A fish finder will assist in locating lake trout and kokanee. The northwest side of the lake is a good place to begin angling. Angling with bait from shore is usually slow.

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

Angling for crappie is fair. 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. Angling for largemouth bass has been unusually good. For more information on warmwater fishing in Gerber Reservoir and other Warmwater fisheries visit your local ODFW offices for warmwater fishing pamphlets.

GRANDE RONDE LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout

Fishing should be good.

HIGGINS RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Should provide fair angling for 10-18-inch rainbow trout. Higgins Reservoir is located on private land, and the landowner allows public access for angling but has limited it to walking access only. There is a gate approximately ¾ mile from the reservoir.

HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

The abundance of trout has been reduced by the illegal introduction of tui chub, larger trout are still available.

JUNIPER LAKE:

No recent report.

UPPER KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKE: redband trout and yellow perch

Angling for wild redband trout has been good. Redband trout have moved into the many cold water spring areas around the lake and the mouths of the Williamson and Wood River. Flyfishing is more productive in the Lake this month because redband trout have become more concentrated. Catch rates are typically one fish per ten hours of fishing.

KLAMATH RIVER: rainbow-redband trout

Angling below JC Boyle Powerhouse is fair due to flow fluctuations. River flows below the Powerhouse will be 1500-2000 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 6-9 am and late evening 8-9 pm. The river section from JC Boyle Dam to JC Boyle Powerhouse is good 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. Call 1-800-547-1501 for river flow information

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass

Fair angling for 12 to 18 inch rainbow trout. Fair angling for largemouth bass. There is good bank access near the boat ramp and on the southwest shoreline. There is also an accessible fishing platform near the boat ramp. No reports on what gear has been most effective

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, kokanee and brown trout is fair. Angling for yellow perch is good but most yellow perch are small (< 6"). Angling for brown bullhead can be excellent with a worm near the bottom of the lake. Contact Lake of the Woods Lodge at (1-866-201-4194) for recent angling update. Angling should be very good for rainbow trout. 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. Many large trout up to 6 lbs have been taken out of Lake of the Woods this year. Lake of the Woods was stocked with 4000 legal rainbow trout therefore catch rates should be high.

LINK RIVER: redband trout

Angling is slow as many redband trout have moved through Link River. Most anglers use minnow imitations. 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.

LITTLE HEART LAKE: rainbow trout

Access is open and fishing is slow due to the illegal introduction of minnows into the lake.

LOFTON RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Expect angling to be slow due to the illegal introduction of tui chub. Larger fish are still available in the lake.

LONG CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

Fishing is fair for small trout.

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

Angling has been slow for warm water game fish.

LOWER WILLIAMSON RIVER: Large redband trout and brown trout

Angling is fair. Flyfishing from a drift boat is the most popular method to catch large redband trout. Anglers can also troll spoons and lures below the Modoc Point bridge. A few brown trout are available but difficult to catch. Look for trico and other small mayfly hatches especially during inclement weather. There are good numbers of redband trout in the 18-20" range.

LUCKY RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

The road into Lucky has been improved. Angling has been slow due to warm water temperatures.

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

Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir has dropped to 24 cfs on August 31; it should be near zero by the end of next week. 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 24 cfs, and discharge from Beulah Reservoir was 65 cfs on August 31. Flows should be at or near minimums by the end of next week. Angling is poor.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Water level continues to drop. Trout angling is fair. With the summer heat, fishing is best during the early morning and late evening hours. Good numbers of trout from 10 to 16 inches are being caught. The reservoir was stocked with both fingerling and legal sized trout the last week in May.

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

No recent report.

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

No recent report.

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

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

MANN LAKE: trout

Angling should be slow for cutthroat trout.

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

Angling is fair for brown trout. Angling with downriggers is the most effective method. Brown trout are feeding on kokanee and stocked rainbow trout.

MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout

No recent angling report. Angling should be fair for bass and slow to fair for rainbow trout. Shoreline access is good near the dam, but difficult along much of the reservoir. Boat anglers have had the best success.

MOUNTAIN AND SKY HIGH LAKES (KLAMATH COUNTY): brook trout and rainbow trout

Most of these lakes require long distances to hike over rugged terrain. This is one of the best months to fish the high lakes as brook trout begin to move into shallows to prepare to spawn. Angling is typically slow during the middle of the day but success increases dramatically in the morning or evening. In many of the lakes a floating device is necessary to catch fish. Another popular method is to use a spinning rod with a fly and bubble which you can cast long distances. Bring your mosquito spray. Call the Klamath office (541) 883-5732 for more information of which high lakes are stocked.

NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: rainbow trout

No angling report from the ponds. Squaw Creek and Littlefield reservoirs were stocked with rainbow trout fingerling the last week of May. Anglers should check with Vale BLM for current road closures.

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

The reservoir was 29 percent full August 31. The boat ramp at the state park and Leslie Gulch are out of the water. The rest of the boat ramps are in the water. Angling is fair. Check with Vale BLM for current road closures.

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

Flows below the dam averaged about 232 cfs on August 31. Angling for rainbow trout and brown trout is good. The river was stocked with rainbow trout fingerling from the gingerbread house downstream to the concrete bridge the last week of May. The river upstream of the power lines was stocked with large fingerlings on July 17.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish

Discharge at the Rome gauge averaged approximately 59 cfs on August 31. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish is fair.

PAIUTE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout and cutthroat trout

Angling for rainbow trout is slow with bait. A boat is not needed to catch fish successfully on Paiute Reservoir. A few Lahontan cutthroat trout are available. The reservoir is at half full, and will progressively get lower.

PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch

Fishing has been fair for trout and perch. Trout are running about 12-14 inches. Perch are varying between small young of the year to 9-12 inches. Use worms or cut bait for perch and fish early for best results. Fish are close to the bottom this time of year. Water level is at 13 percent.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout

Campground is open. Crappie fishing has picked up from a few weeks ago. Boat ramp is out of the water, but small boats can still be launched near the dam.

PINE CREEK: trout

Was stocked in July with legal rainbow trout. Fishing has been good near Cornucopia.

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The water level at Pole Creek Reservoir is very near minimums. Weeds are visible in the middle of the pool. Angling is poor.

POWDER RIVER: trout, spring Chinook

Spring chinook (jacks) have been stocked below Mason Dam, and will be open for fishing through Sept. 30. The open area is from Hughes Lane Bridge near Baker City to Mason Dam. Daily bag limit is 5 jacks. A salmon tag is needed. These are surplus fish that have returned to the Imnaha River Weir. Please "ask first" if entering private lands to fish.

SEVENMILE CREEK: brook trout and brown trout

Angling is good for brook trout above Nicholson road crossing. This is a small rugged stream and most brook trout are small (6-8").

SHERLOCK GULCH RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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

SID LUC RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Access to the reservoir is difficult and fishing has been fair.

SNAKE RIVER: catfish and smallmouth bass

Angling for catfish and smallmouth bass is fair.

SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: hatchery rainbow trout.

Fires are contained. Anglers should continue to use caution when angling in this area.

SPAULDING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Angling is slow as the reservoir is extremely low and water temperatures warm.

SPRAGUE RIVER: redband trout, large brown trout, brook trout

Angling is slow for redband trout in the mainstem Sprague. Angling is fair for brown bullhead and largemouth bass. A few large brown trout and redband trout are available. Angling is good for redband trout, brook trout and brown trout in the North and South Forks of the Sprague. Large brown trout can be found in the North Fork Sprague above and below the 3411 road crossing. Bull trout can be encountered in the North and South Fork of the Sprague so know your fish species.

SUNSTONE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Sunstone Reservoir is dry.

SYCAN RIVER: redband and brook trout

Angling is fair for brook trout above Pikes Crossing and good for redband trout below Pikes Crossing.

THOMPSON RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, rainbow trout

Angling for largemouth bass is good. The best location to fish for bass is near the shore on both sides near the dam. Most trophy bass are feeding on tui chub or stocked rainbow trout. Angling for rainbow trout is best near the dam and along the rocky northeast bank. Angling for stocked rainbow trout is slow.

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. Angling 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

Reservoir is dropping and is at 13 percent. Crappie fishing has slowed but the trout fishing has picked up. Docks have been taken out and ramp is out of the water, but small boats can still launch.

UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER: redband and brook trout

Angling is typically slow unless a hatch is in progress. Grasshopper patterns can be effective. Redband trout are available from six to over twenty inches with the average fish twelve inches. Brook trout are more abundant as you progress upstream and ODFW encourages unlimited harvest of brook trout.

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

The water level in the reservoir is near or at dead storage, inflow at the Drewsey gauge averaged 1 cfs on August 31. Angling is poor.

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

Angling for crappie has been hit or miss with most of the best angling occurring in Hart and Crump Lakes. Angling for small crappie is good in Flagstaff Lake.

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

Angling for largemouth bass has been fair. 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. 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.

WOOD RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES: redband and brown trout

Angling is fair for redband trout and brown trout. Most angling is done from a drift boat as public access is limited. Grasshoppers are out in abundance so a grasshopper pattern with a nymph dropper cast to the undercut banks has produced. Redband are beginning to move into the river in good numbers as the spawning urge increases. Most redband trout are located in the lower river whereas brown trout angling is better upstream of Weed Road.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR:

Crappie fishing has picked up. Reservoir is dropping again and is currently at 7 percent.

YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout

Yellowjacket Lake is now open to public access. Angling for rainbow trout should be fair using bait, flies, or spinners.

SOUTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

Open: General deer and elk bow seasons, controlled pronghorn antelope, cougar, bear, forest grouse and mourning dove, September Canada goose (open Sept. 8-13)

The bag limit for September Canada geese in eastern Oregon was reduced from five to three this year due to declining populations. Klamath County Zone and Summer Lake Wildlife Area are closed to September Canada goose hunting.

FIRE CLOSURES:

The latest on Egley Complex Fire Area Closures: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/malheur/

DEER

While overall deer populations are down, buck ratios are at or above management objectives in most areas. Summer has been extremely hot and dry so hunters may experience difficult hunting conditions. Expect to see deer concentrated around water unless we get fall rains before the rifle season. The Egley Complex fire burned 140,000 acres of deer habitat in Silvies and other units were also affected by fires this year; realize deer may have moved on to unburned habitat.

ELK

Hunting should be average this year. Bull ratios are above management objectives in many units. The Egley Complex fire burned 140,000 acres of deer habitat in Silvies and other units were also affected by fires this year; realize elk may have moved on to unburned habitat.

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.

COUGAR

Cougar populations are healthy in the Southeast zone.

UPLAND BIRDS

Upland bird production across the region varied but hunters should find plenty of opportunity.

HUNTING EVENT: Pheasant Hunting Clinic, Sept. 15, Klamath Wildlife Area in Klamath Falls.

ODFW's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program will host this workshop which includes sessions on shotgun safety, upland bird hunting techniques and hunting with dogs. A field experience will be offered as part of the workshop with volunteer guides, dogs and support provided by the Klamath Chapter of the Oregon Hunters Association and Pheasants Unlimited.

For additional information about these workshops, contact Nancy Smogor by e-mail at nancy.e.smogor@state.or.us or visit

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/outdoor_skills/bow/index.asp

SHOTGUN SKILL CLINICS: Oct. 5 and 6, 11 a.m. n 4 p.m. at Summer Lake Wildlife Area.

Bird hunters seeking to improve their shooting skills and overall success in the field are encouraged to attend free shooting clinics being offered through the Cooperative North American Shotgunning Education Program (CONSEP) and ODFW. Arrive anytime to receive about one hour of training.

Summer Lake Wildlife Area, a popular destination for waterfowl hunters, is taking public comments on a draft plan to govern management of the area for the next ten years. E-mail comments by the deadline of Sept. 14 to ODFW.Comments@state.or.us.

WNV found at Summer Lake Wildlife Area:

Hunters and other visitors, West Nile Virus was detected in a pelican found dead at Summer Lake Aug. 20. Mosquito activity and WNV is expected to peak this month and slow with cooler weather. Protect yourself from WNV by wearing mosquito repellant, long sleeves and long pants.

More information:

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2007/august/082807.asp

Archery hunters can find limited opportunities available on Summer Lake Wildlife Area. Very few hunters participated over the weekend, and no bucks were reported taken. Mule deer are found predominantly at the north end of the Wildlife Area near old homesteads, agricultural areas and in the grass/shrub uplands.

Mourning dove hunting season opened on Sept. 1 and 10 hunters checked-in and reported the harvest of 34 doves per hunter over the weekend. Limited opportunities are available due to low numbers of doves found on the Area. Hunters should check out north end agricultural areas and tree/shrub plots for dove activity.

Hunters need to be aware that Summer Lake Wildlife Area is closed during the special September Canada goose hunting season.

Hunters are reminded they need to have a daily hunting permit in their possession. Free permits are available 24 hours at the Checking Station located about 1.3 miles south of the town of Summer Lake.

Summer Lake Wildlife Area, a popular destination for waterfowl hunters, is taking public comments on a draft plan to govern management of the area for the next ten years. E-mail comments by the deadline of Sept. 14 to ODFW.Comments@state.or.us.

SOUTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

Burns Area

Many northern breeding species of shorebirds are beginning fall migration and can now be found staging on the mud flats around Malheur and Harney Lakes. Long-billed dowitchers, greater and lesser yellowlegs and many other species will continue to become more common over the next few weeks. Canada geese are becoming more apparent as goslings have fledged and joined into larger groups. Canada geese can be found in the mornings and evenings throughout the Harney Basin traveling from roosting areas to feed in local agricultural lands.

Harney County

Good numbers of pronghorn can be found on Steens Mountain, the Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge, and between Jack Mountain and Foster Flat in the Juniper wildlife management unit.

Mule deer can be found throughout the county, however good numbers of deer can be seen on the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge from Highway 205 or the center patrol road. Look closely at the groups of animals and you may spot some fawns which were born during late spring. The white spots are beginning to fade on mule deer fawns as they start to grow their winter coat of hair.

September is a good month to see American white pelicans, greater sandhill cranes, white-faced ibis, long-billed curlews, golden eagles, Swainson's hawks and ferruginous hawks.

American white pelicans are often seen from Highway 205 near Malheur and Mud Lakes, while white-faced ibis and long-billed curlews can be seen in the Harney Basin, near Burns, feeding in shallow wetlands and irrigated areas. Greater sandhill cranes can be observed feeding in meadows on the Malheur Refuge and in the Harney Basin.

Golden eagles use cliff and rim rock areas throughout Harney County, however good populations are located along Catlow Rim on the east side of Catlow Valley. The best opportunity to view Swainson's and ferruginous hawks is in agricultural areas and adjacent rangelands near Crane and Princeton.

Klamath Falls Area

Early fall migratory birds are just starting to show up around area lakes, rivers and wetlands. Check around Upper Klamath Lake just north of Klamath Falls from Highway 97 or Highway 140 to view thousands of lesser scaup using the edge of the lake. These areas are also good to view black-crowned night heron, western grebe, Clark's grebe, white pelican and many other wildlife species.

For an excellent place to view local avian fauna, a trip to Moore Park located on the south end of Upper Klamath Lake just outside Klamath Falls provides great viewing opportunities. White-headed woodpecker, Lewis' woodpecker, red-shafted flicker and many other passerine (perching) birds can be found within the park.

Another great viewing area is the Wingwatcher's trail next to Veteran's Park and Lake Ewuana in downtown Klamath Falls. Shorebirds including solitary sandpiper, greater yellowlegs, long-billed dowitchers, least and western sandpipers, killdeer and black-necked stilt can be viewed and photographed in close proximity.

Klamath Wildlife Area

See Great Basin Canada Geese with broods, sandhill cranes with colts, ducks and ducklings. There are also a lot of shorebirds: avocet, black neck stilt and dowitchers. Western pond turtles-one of our two native turtle species-can be seen basking in or near ponds. 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

Early fall migrating shorebirds are starting to arrive. Best viewing opportunities are along the Warner Valley lakes, Goose Lake at Goose Lake State Park and along the shores of Lake Abert. Early migrating ducks also can be viewed at the above locations. Resident and migrating raptors can be viewed throughout the Goose Lake and Warner Valleys.

For information on Goose Lake State Recreation Area, a green and shady lakeside destination of wildlife and wildlife watchers, visit http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_1.php

Summer Lake Wildlife Area: The Migration Begins

Fall migration is well underway and intensifying. Several species of birds have flocked up and staging for migration is well underway. Unsuccessful or failed breeders are returning from northerly breeding locales and molting waterfowl are staging in Area wetlands.

Shorebirds are staging for migration and migrants heading south are passing through in good numbers. Early migrating species such as cinnamon teal are beginning to flock-up for departure to Southern California and Central America.

Greater white-fronted geese just arrived from breeding grounds in the Lower Cook Inlet of Alaska. Staging numbers will increase over the next 6 weeks as geese stop and replenish energy reserves needed to complete their migration to California.

Sandhill Crane are beginning to flock up and stage for migration. The Foster Place is a good location to view staging sandhill cranes.

Swallow nesting activity is nearly over with the exception of barn swallows, a late nesting species. Most swallows are congregating into flocks as they stage for migration and several species have departed.

Waterfowl

Ducks are very numerous and are widely scattered across the Area. Drakes have lost their brilliant nuptial plumage and are molting. They are very dull and drab in this eclipse plumage.

Resident Canada goose family groups have joined others and are forming small flocks that are dispersing widely across the Wildlife Area. They can be found in most wetlands or recently hayed meadows in the surrounding area.

Shorebirds

Shorebirds have completed their breeding season activities. Early nesting species such as long-billed curlew and western willet have largely departed to staging or wintering areas further to the south. Other species are forming post-breeding season assemblages to forage in wildlife area wetlands as they prepare for fall migration. Southern migrants, greater and lesser yellowlegs, long-billed dowitchers, peeps (least and western sandpipers) and phalaropes (red-necked and Wilson's) as well as other migrating shorebird species can be found now. Now is a good time to encounter rare or unusual species passing through the Wildlife Area.

Bypass Unit and the alkaline flats near Windbreak Campground are excellent sites to view a wide variety of shorebirds.

Waders and other waterbirds are increasing in number and species. American white pelicans, great egrets, gulls (primarily ring-billed) and terns are very numerous now taking advantages of forage fish found in canals and ponds. Black terns, Bonapartes gull and Franklins gull were observed recently. Post breeding season dispersal is occurring and many young waterbirds can be found foraging in semi-permanent and seasonal wetlands. Flocks of foraging white-faced ibis and white pelicans were numerous in shallowly flooded wetlands, canals and ponds over the past week. Nearly 200 white pelicans were present on the Area over the past week. Look for them on larger ponds such as Gold Dike Impoundment, Jack Lake and County Road Ponds. Ibis are widely scattered throughout emergent marsh areas.

Raptor and Others

Resident raptors remain scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Highway 31. Meadows have been hayed recently and now 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. 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. Osprey are common at Ana Reservoir and are frequently observed along Ana River near the River Ranch.

Ring-necked pheasant and California quail brood observations have been numerous and small coveys of quail are beginning to form. Watch carefully along road shoulders in upland areas to spot broods closely attend by hens, and in the case of quail, both parents.

Hummingbirds remain very active at ODFW headquarters feeders?black-chinned, calliopes and rufous are regularly observed. Eurasian collared doves are easily observed at the Headquarters complex.

Passerine (perching)species 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. Many forest breeding species are passing through the area now.

Invertebrate activity remains high due to the warm temperatures and provides considerable food to insectivorous birds across the Area. Biting insects remain very numerous. Bring bug repellant.

Facilities and Road closures

The Wildlife Viewing Loop is open and will remain so until early fall. Major dike roads (Bullgate, Windbreak and Work Road) are open to motor vehicle travel until September 19th (three days prior to and including the Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend). The Wildlife Viewing Loop will be closed during this time period (Sept. 19-23) as well. Those dikes and roads will reopen following the end of the Youth Hunt and remain open until October 3rd when they will close for the General Waterfowl Hunting Season (ending on January 27, 2008).

Viewers are urged to use care when driving roads since several species of birds may be nesting or have broods along edges. Secondary and minor dikes will remain closed to motor vehicle traffic and cross country travel by motor vehicles and ATVs is prohibited.

Special care and attention is also necessary since several habitat improvement and maintenance projects are underway. Heavy equipment and dump trucks may be encountered while driving Area roads. Please be especially aware along the east side of the Wildlife Area in the Schoolhouse Lake and Deep Water Canal areas.

Non-motorized access and viewing opportunities are available across the entire Area at this time. Camping is permitted at four sites on the wildlife area.

Habitat

Wetland habitats remain in good condition; all emergent marsh plants are showing considerable growth. Seeds and submerged vegetation is very abundant at this time. Invertebrate populations are very abundant due to warm water temperatures and are providing food to many species.

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

Habitat enhancement and restoration activities are underway 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 will be reflooded in early fall, while Link Marsh will remain dry until fall 2008. These areas are now being mowed and disked to reduce dense monotypic stands of tall emergent vegetation. Viewers will find these traditionally flooded areas dry and with very little bird activity. However, water birds have shifted their use to other portions of the wildlife areas that remain flooded. The nearby Bypass Unit is full and receiving good waterbird use at this time.

Westside areas, especially along Dutchy and Rest Lakes, Windbreak Dike and Work Road Ponds remain well watered and are receiving considerable waterbird use at this time. Natural food sources of seeds, tubers and plant parts remain very abundant and available in nearly all wetland areas. 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 now.

Of special interest to wildlife viewers and Area users is that public comments are being taken regarding Summer Lake Wildlife Area's draft long range management plan. Email comments by the deadline of Sept. 14 to ODFW.Comments@state.or.us. To view the plan go to the ODFW website at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/commission/minutes/07/july/index.asp Scroll down to Exhibit F then click on Summer Lake.pdf.

NORTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

CUTSFORTH POND: trout

The pond was stocked with legal-sized and trophy-sized trout. Fishing success is being affected by warm water temperatures.

HONEYMOON AND TEPEE PONDS: trout

These small quarry ponds are located on the WallowanWhitman National Forest, north of Enterprise and accessed via the 46 Road. They have been stocked with legal size rainbow trout.

JOHN DAY RIVER: bass

Smallmouth bass angling has been good. Water levels are very low (34 cfs at the time of this report), which will limit boat access.

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

JUBILEE LAKE: trout

Fishing is good for 8 to 12 inch and 2 pound trophy-sized rainbow trout. The lake was stocked with 4,000 legal-sized trout and 500 trophy-sized trout. Boat anglers have done the best catching the trophy-sized fish.

KINNEY LAKE: trout

The Lake is well stocked. Trout angling is good. Rainbow trout to several pounds, most in the 8-12" range, conditions are good and should remain so, bank angling only, use lures or bait and bobber.

LONG CREEK POND, SEVENTH STREET POND, ANSON WRIGHT POND, MORROW COUNTY OHV PARK PONDS, MCHALEY POND AND BRANDON'S POND:

Have all been stocked with legal sized rainbow trout, although warm water will reduce angler success.

LOWER GRANDE RONDE RIVER: bass

Bass angling is good for fish up to 16", use hardware, plugs and rubber worms.

MAGONE LAKE: trout

Angling success for brook and rainbow trout is fair. The most successful anglers are fishing relatively deep.

MCKAY RESERVOIR: crappie, perch

The reservoir is approximately 50% full and being drawn down. Fishing for crappie has been fair with some larger fish reported. The best angling has been near the dam in the evenings after sunset.

MCNARY, HAT ROCK AND TATONE PONDS: trout

Angling success will be poor with higher water temperatures.

PENLAND LAKE: trout

Fishing is fair for rainbow trout 10-13 inches with an occasional fish in the 13-18 inch range. Weed growth has limited fishing to only small areas of the lake.

SALT CREEK AND MCGRAW PONDS: trout

Small forest setting ponds southeast of Joseph, off the 39 Road, stocked with legal rainbow trout up to 12 inches, use lures or bait and bobber, great places to get away on hot days.

UMATILLA FOREST PONDS: trout

All ponds north of Ukiah and along the summit road have been stocked and fishing is good. However, warm water temperatures will slow down the bite.

UMATILLA RIVER: trout

Open for warm water game fish. Trout angling is open above the Reservation boundary but is restricted to artificial flies and lures. All fish must be safely released.

WALLOWA LAKE: trout, kokanee

Fair angling for kokanee to 15" and good for stocked rainbow trout to several pounds, lake conditions are good, windy days can be a challenge, try the north end for kokanee and the south end for rainbow, boat angling is best but the south east shore can be productive for rainbow and kokanee. Most fish are caught with troll gear, flashers followed up with a wedding ring and maggots, corn, or worms. Kokanee anglers are having their best success trolling at 60 to 50 feet deep. Lures or worm and bobber can be effective for rainbow from the bank.

WALLOWA AND IMNAHA RIVERS: trout

Flows are low and fishing conditions are good. Expect fair to good angling for trout.

WALLOWA VALLEY PONDS (Marr, Victor and Wallowa Wildlife ponds): trout

These ponds have been stocked with legal size trout. Marr Pond has been stocked with trophy trout as well. Angling is only fair this late in the season due to warm water conditions.

WESTON POND: trout

Fishing will be poor with weeds and warm water limiting trout activity.

WILLOW CREEK: trout

This stream bas been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout through the towns of Heppner, Lexington and Ione. Low water is limiting trout activity to early morning hours only.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, bullhead catfish

The reservoir is being drawn down. Fair fishing for small crappie and catfish

For more information contact Jeff Neal, District Fish Biologist, at 541-276-2344.

NORTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

Open: General deer and elk bow seasons, cougar, bear, forest grouse, mourning dove, September Canada goose season (Sept. 8-13)

Hunters, the northeast region is in the 5th year of a drought. Deer and elk will be looking for food, cover and cool conditions; hunters should do the same and not rely only on disturbed habitat like fire and clear-cuts.

Some areas are closed for September Canada goose season; see page 16 of the Game Bird regulations for details. The bag limit for eastern Oregon was reduced from five to three this year due to declining resident geese populations.

UNION COUNTY

Deer populations are doing well in Starkey and are stable in east Mt. Emily; the Sled Springs population is below management objectives. If hot and dry summer conditions continue, hunters should concentrate efforts on north aspects, stream bottoms and moist areas.

Overall elk numbers are good, though the area continues to struggle with low calf survival. If your traditional hunting areas are burned from fires over the past year, expect elk to have moved to the nearest unburned habitat.

Upland bird hunting should be similar to last year.

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

GRANT COUNTY

Deer should be widely distributed throughout the area. Hunters should look at high elevations; it has been a dry year so also look for shrubs and water sources.

Elk hunting should be good this year. Since it's been a dry year, focus on high elevation, north slopes and try to find consistent water sources.

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

Deer and elk hunters can expect an average year. Upland bird production was down in the district this year. Bear populations are naturally lower in the district. Cougar populations are healthy.

WALLOWA DISTRICT

Hunters should contact local US Forest Service and state forestry offices to obtain up to date information on campfire restrictions.

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.

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.

Black bears are abundant in all units. Bear hunting is best in drainage bottoms along riparian areas where bears are feeding on berries. Early in the morning and the last hour of daylight are best times to observe bears.

Archery hunter success has improved with cooler weather patterns. Hunters can expect to find fewer yearling bucks in all units. Elk populations are stable with good bull to cow ratios. Elk will continue to utilize timber stands where they can find green feed and escape the heat.

The forest grouse and dove seasons opened September 1. Grouse hunters can find blue grouse along ridges associated with older timber stands and near water sources. Hunter success is expected to be fair for blue grouse as chick survival improved slightly over last year. Ruffed grouse are common in riparian areas, and hunters should find good numbers in most areas. Doves are not very abundant in Wallowa County, but hunters often find a few birds utilizing stock ponds near harvested grain fields.

UMATILLA DISTRICT

Deer hunting should be average. Elk hunting should be good for more mature bulls but more difficult for spike only hunters due to continued low fawn recruitment.

Upland bird hunting should be average this year.

Remember September Canada goose season is closed in Umatilla County except for the Boardman area.

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.

BAKER COUNTY

Bowhunters who are willing to put in some time this year should experience good success. Target high elevation areas with green forage and available water or areas were forest borders agricultural land. Excellent bowhunting can be found throughout the county but several areas to try are the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area, Lookout Mountain, and the Elkhorn Mountains. Successful hunters use a variety of tactics including spot-and-stalk, calling, still hunting, and treestand hunting n just remember to stay versatile and adapt to the conditions.

Bear hunters should target areas of the county with abundant fruit and berry production. Try hunting the early morning and evening hours in the mid to high elevation areas of the Wallowa or Elkhorn Mountains.

Cougar populations are high across the county. Cougar hunting can be difficult this time of year, for greatest success try spot-and-stalk or calling tactics.

Forest Grouse: Hunters should find fair to good numbers of ruffed and blue grouse in forested areas of Baker County. ODFW does not conduct formal grouse surveys in the county but staff have not seen many grouse broods this year. For a mixed bag of ruffed and blue grouse target riparian areas and ridge lines on the Wallowa Whitman National Forest.

NORTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

Baker County

Bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain Goats: California bighorn sheep can be viewed in the Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee or along the Snake River Road south of Richland. Hikers along the Elkhorn Crest Trail continue to report excellent viewing opportunities for Rocky Mountain goat. Goats have been reported recently along the Elkhorn Crest Trail in the area of Twin Lakes, Rock Creek Lake, Pine Creek, and Summit Lake. Goats will be active in the morning and evening. During the day, look for them bedded in the shade of rock ledges.

Birdwatchers: try the west end of Philips Reservoir off of Hwy 7. Look in the meadows and dredge tailings ponds for waterfowl broods, sandhill cranes, passerines, and several mule deer does and fawns that have been using the abundant wetland forage. View is best in the early morning or late evening. For greatest species diversity try birding at the Powder River Recreation Area along Hwy 7 downstream from the dam on Phillips Reservoir. An ADA accessible path leads along the river. A variety of birds can be seen including hummingbirds, dippers, woodpeckers, warblers and raptors. Directions to Powder River Recreation Area,

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/w-w/recreation/trails-brd/TR-Powder-River-Rec.shtml

Blue Mountain Viewing

Birdwatchers will find a profusion of bird species in the varied habitats found throughout the forested areas. Short walks along creeks or across timbered flats should net good numbers of passerine birds as well as some owls or goshawks. The owls that are found in the forested areas are generally great horned owls. Occasional great gray, long-eared, screech, and saw-whet owls are sighted. These owls can be seen during the day if disturbed. Otherwise, they are often heard calling in the twilight hours or after dark. If one knows what to listen for, it is neat to hear. Hear the whistling call of a saw-whet owl and see an illustration, http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/9/_/Northern_Saw-whet_Owl.aspx

Grande Ronde Valley

Mourning doves can be seen around the valley until the first frost, when they head south to warmer climates. Deer fawns can be seen with does in irrigated fields and near cover in the early morning and at dusk. Juvenile red-tailed and Swainson's hawks are visible, perched on power poles and irrigation structures. Young osprey are fledging and can be seen along Woodell Lane and Courtney Lane, as well as other locations around the Union county.

Heppner Area: Morrow, Gilliam, and Wheeler Counties

Mountain quail broods are visible in the lower portions of North Fork John Day River below the Monument fire.

The Umatilla National Forest provides good birding opportunities for song birds, woodpeckers, forest grouse, turkeys, and raptor species. Deer and elk can also be seen in the forest. Information about the forest, http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/uma/

Elk can be seen from Highway 19 by glassing the agricultural fields on the southern side of the John Day River from Heppner/Spray junction. Elk can also be spotted further south on 19 to about Kimberly. Dusk and dawn are the best times to spot elk in the fields.

Union County

La Grande

Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area: Fall shorebird migration is in progress with sightings of least, western and semipalmated sandpipers, red-necked phalaropes, long-billed dowitchers and marbled godwits among others. A single stilt sandpiper was reported in August near Hot Lake. The best place to watch for shorebirds is on the Tule Lake Public Access Area adjacent to any remaining water. Also, watch for turtles basking on logs near the auto route in the mornings. Pheasant, quail and Hungarian Partridge broods can be seen along gravel roads in the early morning and around sunset.

Elk have been moving into the wildlife area in recent days and may be seen from Pierce Road, Foothill Road or Hot Lake Lane. Use binoculars or a spotting scope for the best views as the wildlife area is closed to public entry at this time. Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, a popular bird and wildlife viewing area, is located south of La Grande off I-84. Directions, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/ladd_marsh_wildlife.htm

Umatilla County

Along the Columbia River, waterfowl, gulls and raptors can be seen. Visit area wildlife areas to see shore and marsh birds in addition to perching birds and raptors.

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.

During early morning and late evening hours mule and white-tailed deer are common in alfalfa pastures along Highway 82. If you travel down the rough Dug Bar Road, you may see bighorn sheep below the Cow Creek Bridge.

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

FISHING

BROWNLEE RESERVOIR:

Fishing for all species has been good last couple of weeks. Large crappie can be caught if you can get deep enough to get below the samller ones. Bass fishing has been good using gitzits and worms. Catfish angling is good n fair. Use worms or cutbaint in shallow water. The reservoir is stable and is at 23 feet below full.

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:

Crappie, bluegill and perch angling is good-fair. Crappie are in 30-35 feet of water. Bass fishing has been very good. There is a slot limit on bass (see regulations for more details). Catfish angling has been good below the powerhouses. Trout are at the mouth of streams.

HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR:

Crappie, bluegill and perch angling is good-fair. Crappie are in 30-35 feet of water. Bass fishing has been very good. There is a 12 inch minimum on bass. Catfish angling has been good below the powerhouses. Trout are at the mouth of streams.

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

Flow was 6,819 cfs near Nyssa and approximately 8,931 cfs near Weiser on August 31. Angling for catfish is fair to good and angling for smallmouth bass is good.

COLUMBIA ZONE

SALMON, STEELHEAD, AND SHAD:

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Buoy 10 Line upstream to Tongue Point:

Effective August 1 this section of the Columbia River is open for adipose fin-clipped adult coho (greater than or equal to 16 inches) and adipose fin-clipped steelhead with a two fish daily limit. Chinook retention will be allowed from Wednesday August 22 through Monday September 3 and from Monday October 1 through December 31, 2007 or until catch guidelines have been reached with a daily bag limit of two fish, only one of which may be a Chinook.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Tongue Point to Bonneville Dam:

Effective August 1 through December 31, 2007 this section of the Columbia River is open to angling for fall Chinook, adipose fin-clipped coho, and adipose fin-clipped steelhead: however, Chinook retention is prohibited downstream from a line projected from Warrior Rock to the bottom of Bachelor Island during September 5 n 30. The daily bag limit is two adult salmonids, only one of which may be an adult Chinook salmon, and five jack salmon. Jack salmon are Chinook less than or equal to 24 inches and coho less than or equal to 20 inches.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Bonneville Dam to the Oregon/Washington Border:

Effective August 1 through December 31, this section of the Columbia River is open to angling for fall Chinook, coho (only adipose fin-clipped coho may be retained between Bonneville Dam and the Hood River bridge), and adipose fin-clipped steelhead. The daily bag limit is two adult salmonids and five jack salmon. It is unlawful to angle for jack salmon after the daily bag limit has been reached.

On Saturday's (September 1) flight there were 650 boats counted at Buoy 10 and 1378 boats counted in the mainstem lower Columbia. In the mainstem Columbia, salmonid anglers had the best success in the Portland to Clatskanie area where boat anglers averaged 0.21 fall Chinook, 0.01 coho, and 0.02 steelhead caught per boat. In the Gorge boat anglers averaged 0.15 fall Chinook, and 0.05 steelhead caught per boat, while anglers in Troutdale averaged 0.11 fall chinook, 0.03 coho, and 0.02 steelhead caught per boat. Bank anglers in the Gorge averaged 0.15 fall Chinook and 0.05 steelhead caught per bank rod.

Gorge Bank:

Weekend checking showed six fall Chinook adults, one fall Chinook jack, and two adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept for 39 salmonid anglers.

Gorge Boats:

Weekend checking showed four fall Chinook kept for 25 salmonid boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Boats:

Weekend checking showed 19 fall Chinook adults, two fall Chinook jacks, and four adipose fin-clipped coho kept, plus one unclipped coho and two unclipped steelhead released for 180 salmonid boats (complete trips).

Portland to Rainier Bank:

Weekly checking showed no catch reported for eight salmonid anglers.

Portland to Clatskanie Boats:

Weekend checking showed 50 fall Chinook adults, two fall Chinook jacks, three adipose fin-clipped coho, and three adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept, plus two fall Chinook, and two unclipped steelhead released for 252 salmonid boats (complete trips).

Estuary Bank:

No report.

Estuary Boats:

Coho catch rates have picked up and Buoy 10 is currently closed for Chinook.

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, 2007. 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 Saturday August 18 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 effective through Sunday September 30. 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. The catch guideline of 700 legal white sturgeon was reached in the Bonneville pool on Sunday July 29. 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 guidelines were reached in The Dalles Pool on March 28 and in the John Day Pool on June 10. Catch and release angling is allowed until the end of the year.

In the lower Columbia River sturgeon angling was best in the Gorge where boat anglers averaged 0.5 legal white sturgeon caught per boat. Catch rates in the remainder of the river continue to be fair.

Gorge Bank:

Weekend checking showed 21 legal white sturgeon kept, plus two legal, 13 sublegal and seven oversize sturgeon released for 122 bank rods.

Gorge Boats:

Weekend checking showed six legal white sturgeon kept, plus two legal, 226 sublegal, and two oversize sturgeon released for 16 boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Bank:

No report.

Troutdale Boats:

Weekend checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept, plus 63 sublegal and four oversize sturgeon released for 12 boats (complete trips).

Portland to Longview Bank:

Weekend checking showed no catch reported for two bank rods.

Portland to Clatskanie Boats:

Weekend checking showed four legal white sturgeon kept, plus 51 sublegal and one oversize sturgeon released for 12 boats (complete trip).

WALLEYE:

Gorge:

Weekend checking showed two walleye kept for one boat.

Troutdale:

Weekend checking showed 23 walleye kept, and four walleye released for five boats.

COLUMBIA ZONE VIEWING

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

Events:

The Newton Clark Glacier: Ice, Rocks & Mud, Sept. 14, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Take a guided hike through Newton Clark Glacier on Mt. Hood to learn about recent geologic activity including flows and glacial recession. The strenuous 7-mile hike begins at the Cloud Cap trailhead encompassing a 2,200 ft elevation change to the high vantage point, Gnarl Ridge. Registration is $15 and includes transportation from Hood River to the Cloud Cap trailhead. For more information, contact Jamie Gomez at the Hood River Watershed Group (541) 386-6063. To register, contact Hood River Community Education at 541-386-2055.

Prehistory of the John Day Basin, September 14 and 15

Take a trip back in time with USFS Archaeologist Don Hann to see how humans lived in the John Day Basin more than ten thousand years ago. Visit sites and learn how they lived and how native fish and wildlife played a vital role in their everyday life. Fee is $45 which includes lunch both days. Call (541) 763-4480 for more information, www.opli.org

Raptor Migration Experience, Government Camp, now through Oct. 31

Visit Bonney Butte in Mt. Hood National Forest to take advantage of the environmental education programs and the great hawk watching site during the fall raptor migration. The most commonly seen species are the sharp-shinned hawk, red-tailed hawk, Cooper's hawk, turkey vulture and golden eagle, but this site is noted for relatively high numbers of merlins (up to 100 or more per year). While you're there, take the time to learn about the ecology and conservation needs of raptors through the on-site environmental education and interpretation conducted by their full-time on-site educator. More information.

http://www.traveloregon.com/Explore-Oregon/Mt-Hood-Columbia-River-Gorge/Upcoming-Events/Animals-and-Agriculture/Raptor-Migration-Experience.aspx

MARINE ZONE

FISHING

Salmon anglers can rejoice at the re-opening of the recreational salmon fishery between Leadbetter Point, Washington, and Cape Falcon, Oregon, effective Sept. 2. The bag limit remains two legal-size salmon but no more than one chinook, and all coho must have a healed adipose fin clip. This recreational salmon fishery had previously been closed due to attainment of the coho quota. However, a subsequent transfer of coho quota from the Westport Ocean Area is expected to allow the Columbia Ocean Area fishery to continue through most of the remainder of September.

At the other end of Oregon, in the area between Humbug Mt. and the Oregon/California border, the recreational salmon fishery is closed beginning September 5.

Unfortunately, due to the Labor Day weekend, catch reports were not available for this report.

Historically, tuna fishing usually continues through September off the Oregon coast.

Pacific halibut sport fishing in the Columbia River sub-area is closed. However, a possible reopening of this fishery will be discussed during a conference call on Sept. 4. In-season updates are posted at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/finfish/halibut/index.asp.

South of Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain (central Oregon) the all-depth Pacific halibut fishery is open every Friday through Sunday until the catch limit is reached. The nearshore fishery in the central Oregon area (shoreward of 40-fathoms) remains open seven days a week. South of Humbug Mountain fishing for halibut continues until Oct. 31.

Clatsop County beaches north of Tillamook head are closed to razor clams from July 15 to Sept. 30. The rest of the 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.

Sport harvest of mussels and bay clams is open coastwide also. A shellfish license is required for taking all shellfish.

Information on domoic acid: http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/shellfish_status.shtml

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

Everything you need to know for identifying and harvesting Oregon's plentiful bay clams: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/bayclams/index.asp

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.

Average catches of rockfish were about three per angler coastwide. Species illustrations and descriptions are in the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet (page 98) and The Red Rockfish Identification Guide.

The marine daily bag limit for 2007 is six fish (including rockfish, greenling and other marine species) and two lingcod and 15 surfperch. New this year, the daily limit for flatfish (flounders, soles, sanddabs, turbots and halibuts except Pacific halibut) is 25. Canary rockfish and yelloweye rockfish may not be retained.

Additional regulations are in the 2007 Oregon Sport Ocean Regulations for Salmon, Halibut and other Marine Fish Species and 2007 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklets.

Crabs: Crabbing is closed in the ocean until Dec. 1, but bays and estuaries remain open. Crabbing success is about three crab per angler. 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

Watch for gray whales off the coast. Tide pooling is good at low tide. Look for anemones, hermit crabs, sea urchins, small fish, jelly fish, sea stars, barnacles and other animals of the intertidal region.

Tufted Puffins

See tufted puffins on Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge. This sanctuary about two miles south of Cape Meares and one-half mile offshore west of Oceanside in Tillamook County. The three large rocks and six smaller ones make up the refuge, which is home to 12 species of seabirds breed here totaling 226,093 birds. This includes 30 percent of the Common murres breeding in Oregon and 21 percent of all common murres breeding in the eastern Pacific south of Alaska. This site also harbors 60 percent of the tufted puffin breeding population in Oregon. More than 800 brown pelicans have been seen here roosting and up to 13 bald eagles have been observed preying on seabirds.

Three Arch Rocks NWR can best be viewed from the mainland at Cape Meares and at Oceanside. To prevent disturbance to extremely sensitive seabirds, Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge is closed to public entry year-round and waters within 500 feet of the refuge are closed to all watercraft from May 1st through September 15th.