The weekly Oregon Recreation Report (fishing, hunting, viewing), updated Wednesday, March 21, by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:

WILLAMETTE ZONE

FISHING

STOCKING SCHEDULE: South Willamette Watershed District: ODFW will stock Alton Baker Canal, Cottage Grove Pond, Cottage Grove Reservoir, Creswell Pond, Detroit Reservoir, Foster Reservoir and Roaring River Park Pond the week of April 2. In the North Willamette Watershed District: ODFW will stock Henry Hagg Lake, Huddleston Pond, Sheridan Pond and St. Louis Pond with legal size rainbow trout the week of April 2.

FISHING EVENTS: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Youth Angling Enhancement Program is hosting a free fishing event for young anglers at St. Louis Ponds near Woodburn on Saturday, April 7. Approximately 300 larger rainbow trout ranging from 16-18 inches will be stocked for this event in addition to over 1,500 legal size rainbow trout. ODFW supplies rods, reels and tackle for use by young anglers who don't have their own fishing equipment. Packets of information including the new Easy Angling Oregon booklets will be available to participants. The fishing event is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In the South Willamette Watershed, ODFW region staff is hosting a youth angling event Saturday, April 14 at Cottage Grove Pond in Cottage Grove, OR from 9:30am to 1:00pm. ODFW Angler Education instructors will be on hand to assist young anglers. All the supplies will be provided including rods, reels and bait. ODFW will even clean your catch for you. ODFW will stock 480 legal size rainbow trout and 250 trout twelve inches or greater. To get to Cottage Grove Pond, take the Dorena Lake exit from I-5 (Exit 174) and head east on Row River Road approximately 1.5 miles. The pond is accessed from an asphalt pathway behind the weigh station on the north side of Row River Road. Children under 14 years old do not need a license.

Steelhead counts at Willamette Falls have slowed somewhat, bringing the total winter steelhead to almost 4,500 throughout the Santiam system. Nearly 300 summer-run steelhead have also moved past the falls. Water Conditions in the mainstem Willamette and both forks of the Santiam have been good, however catching success remains slow and angling pressure has been down as well. Slightly warmer water could improve the fishery. Winter fish are present through the Santiam system and a few summers have made their way up to Foster on the South Santiam. River levels have been higher than desirable for drifting and probably will continue to be so if air temperatures remain warm and snow comes off too fast. Catch in the Santiam Rivers has been sporadic, with better success in the lower and middle reaches.

EE WILSON and JUNCTION CITY PONDS: Stocked in late February with surplus Brood Trout.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: Steelhead and chinook fishing has continued to be slow, due likely to the 44° water temperature. The river has dropped in the past week and the prediction for warmer weather should improve the conditions. Monday's flows were at 3,150 cfs (12.78') and the color was good. There were more wild winters in last week's catch than hatchery fish. An occasional spring chinook has been caught below Barton and a few fresh summer steelhead are now showing up in the catch.

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.

Boaters should be aware that early winter high water events have made changes to the river that could surprise unsuspecting boat anglers. Be very cautious of debris as well, since recent high water has likely deposited trees and logs into the river.

COLUMBIA RIVER: From the Dalles Dam to the John Day Dam, sturgeon retention will close at midnight, Wednesday, March 28 effective through the end of the year. Catch-and-release angling for sturgeon in this stretch of the Columbia is allowed throughout the remainder of the year, except during May 1 through July 31, when sturgeon angling is prohibited from the west end of the grain silo located near Rufus upstream to John Day Dam, to protect oversize spawning sturgeon. Catch-and-release sturgeon angling in this sanctuary area re-opens August 1.

DETROIT AND GREEN PETER RESERVOIRS: Waterbodies offer holdover rainbow trout and early season kokanee.

FOSTER AND DETROIT RESERVOIRS will be stocked the week of April 2.

EAGLE CREEK: Angling effort and catch has slowed as the winter run comes to an end. The creek was running moderately low and clear over the weekend. Anglers should keep in mind that water conditions on Eagle Creek can play an important part in deciding the type and color of gear to choose. Be prepared with both bright and subtle colors of jigs or spinners. Anglers may also have success with sand shrimp or small egg clusters and yarn.

The most popular spots to try include the Bonnie Lure area, the water above and below the lower fish ladder, Eagle Fern Park, and up near the hatchery. Much of the creek meanders through private property so pay attention to your location and secure permission before fishing from private property.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: will also be stocked this week for the first time this spring.

HAGG LAKE: Water temperature is 51 degrees. Fishing is excellent along shore. Anglers have reported catching bigger rainbow trout ranging from 6-14 pounds by fishing along the bottom near the shore. Fishing in the middle of the lake has been poor.

ROARING RIVER PARK POND will receive rainbow trout the week of April 2. A few sunny days will warm these ponds enough that the bass, sunfish, and catfish will begin to bite as well.

SANDY RIVER: A few winter fish were caught near the hatchery last weekend and the occasional summer is now being reported. Overall steelhead fishing has been slow in the lower Sandy. There are good numbers of wild winter steelhead just below Marmot Dam with several caught and released in recent days.

The Sandy fish are now a later returning stock versus what anglers were used to a few years ago. This is a result of the wild broodstock program initiated under the current Sandy River fish management plan.

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

Collection/recycling receptacles for discarded or lost fishing gear can now be found along the Sandy River. Look for them near boat ramps at Lewis and Clark, Dabney, Oxbow, and Dodge parks. Any tangled fishing line or old gear can be collected and disposed of in these canisters as an effort to maintain a healthy, clean Sandy River. Please use nearby garbage cans for any other types of trash.

TIMBER LINN, FREEWAY, AND WAVERLY LAKES in the Albany area were stocked by ODFW the week of March 26. WALTER WIRTH LAKE and WALLING POND in Salem were also stocked by ODFW with trout the week of March 26.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: Spring chinook fishing is slow to fair but water conditions are good. A slight increase in the water temperature could improve the fishery dramatically. Monday's flows on the Willamette showed 19,200 cfs, a temperature of 50°, and the visibility at 3.7 feet.

Winter steelhead anglers are still picking up a few fish but the catch rate has slowed in recent days. Anglers can expect the Meldrum Bar and Dahl Park areas to provide the greatest opportunity. Steelhead will usually hug the bank in this area, many trying to get into the Clackamas River water as it flows into the eastern side of the Willamette. Most of these fish are destined for the Clackamas River and Eagle Creek.

There have been fair numbers of spring chinook caught throughout the Willamette with fish taken from Coon Island in the channel all the way up to Oregon City. The Sellwood area is still the most productive section of river with boats working from below the bridge on upstream past Waverly Country Club. Overall fishing remains slow to fair.

Please note that the Willamette River, including Multnomah Channel, is open for the retention of sturgeon under recently modified rules. Effective February 1, 2007 the retention of sturgeon is allowed Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of each week until July 31, 2007. Monday through Wednesday of each week angling for sturgeon is allowed, but on a catch and release basis only. Please also note that anglers are limited to the use of only one single-point barbless hook while angling for sturgeon.

There continue to be reports of keeper and sublegal sturgeon in the Willamette catch. The sections of river both above and below the St Johns Bridge have been productive, as has Multnomah Channel. The downtown Portland harbor is also producing keeper sturgeon. Boat anglers might try the Oregon City/Gladstone area. Bank fishing for sturgeon can be found at Meldrum Bar and at the wall in downtown Oregon City. Sturgeon anglers have used fresh smelt or herring as effective bait.

HUNTING

BLACK BEAR: Hunters participating in the spring hunts are advised to keep a close eye on weather conditions before heading a field. Warm weather will bring bears out to open slopes, grassy stream and creek bottoms, and forest clearings. Hunters should be finding these types of habitats and closely monitoring the area for tracks, droppings, and other sign that indicate that bears are using this area. With limited snow pack in the coast range, hunters should have very limited problems with access but hunters looking for a bear to tag in the cascades may find access limited in some upper canyons due to persistent snow pack. For a full spring bear hunting forecast visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/hunting_forecast/index.asp

TURKEY: Spring turkey season opens April 15; youth turkey hunt April 7 and 8. Additional advice from the experts, going out hunting with only one call may make your trip home lighter than expected. Turkey hunting success increases if you are skilled at and use a variety of calls during your hunt. By having a slate call, box call for windy days and two or more mouth calls of different pitches, so you sound like more than one hen turkey, you significantly increase your opportunity to bring in a tom.

VIEWING

WILLAMETTE VALLEY: Bald eagles are active and easily located along Multnomah Channel and the Columbia River from Portland to Westport for bird watchers who have access to a boat. Bird watchers can expect to see 8-15 eagles during a day on our local rivers. Just remember to avoid disturbing them by keeping your distance and using your binoculars for viewing.

SAUVIE ISLAND WILDLIFE AREA (Portland): Sauvie Island Wildlife Area is scheduled to open Monday April 16th for another great season of hiking, birding, fishing, kayaking, picnicking, trap shooting and dog training (permit is required for dog training, call 503-621-3488 to acquire this free permit). Haldeman Pond also opens Monday, April 16 and will be stocked by ODFW with legal size rainbow trout. This is a great place to take kids fishing with plenty of excitement and after fishing, the hike around Oak Island Trail provides great wildlife viewing opportunities.

The eagles are busy on their nests but no eaglets have been spotted yet. The osprey are busy building their massive nests too. Although most of the migratory birds have moved on there are plenty of resident birds to watch. These can be viewed from Rentenaar road, the Eastside Viewing Platform or Coon Point. A parking permit is required for the Wildlife Area and can be purchased at several POS vendors. A daily permit is $3.50 and an annual permit is only $11.00.

FERN RIDGE WILDLIFE AREA (Eugene): All units are open to public use except a portion of the Fisher Butte to provide sanctuary during nesting season. Signs have been posted to clearly identify the levee boundary of the wildlife sanctuary area. Visitors are reminded that dogs are allowed but must remain on leash. ODFW is accepting public comments on the draft plan to guide the next decade of management at Fern Ridge; visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/management_plans/wild_life/index.asp for more information.

E.E. WILSON WILDLIFE AREA (Monmouth): There are large numbers of migratory birds returning. April and May are the best viewing times for birders as there are both migratory and nesting birds in the wildlife area at the same time in breeding plumage. E.E. Wilson provides a photography blind for waterfowl from April 1 through May 15 by reservation only. There are two sessions available per day, one in the morning and one in the evening. Reservations can be made by calling the office at (541) 745-5334.

NORTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

ODFW Reminds Steelhead Anglers: Many Coastal Rivers closed to steelhead fishing starting April 1. Be sure to consult the regulations prior to fishing a specific water body.

NORTH COAST LAKES: ODFW will stock the following lakes with catchable rainbow trout during the week of April 9: Cape Meares, Smith Lake, Lake Lytle, Tahoe Lake, South Lake, Hebo Lake, Town Lake, Coffenbury Lake, and Cullaby Lake. Bay City Reservoir may or may not be stocked due to access issues. Anglers should call ahead to the Tillamook office at 503-842-2741 for information. 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 for more information.

MID COAST LAKES: In the Florence Area: ODFW will stock Carter Lake with catchable rainbow trout during the week of April 2nd.

ALSEA RIVER: Hatchery steelhead returns have slowed considerably. Harvest of hatchery steelhead will be slow to fair through April but fair to good for catch and release of wild steelhead. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?TIDO3.

NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: Angling for winter steelhead has been fair to good. The catch is a mixture of hatchery and wild winter steelhead, and a few early hatchery summer steelhead are showing in the catch also. Fish are distributed throughout the river system. An early spring chinook has been reported, but expect fishing to be slow during April. Before fishing, check river levels at http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=pqr

SALMON RIVER: Closed to fishing for salmon, steelhead and trout April 1 through May 25.

SILETZ RIVER: Winter steelhead fishing is fair. Hatchery winter steelhead returns are slowing at basin traps but seeing an increase in wild fish. A few bright fish are still being harvested. Anglers should concentrate on fishing the upper river during higher water conditions. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?SILO3

SIUSLAW RIVER: Closed to fishing above tide water April 1 through May 25 except for the area from Whittaker Creek boat launch to 200 yards below Wildcat Creek boat launch which is open through April 15 for hatchery steelhead. Hatchery steelhead returns are slowing at basin traps with an increase in wild steelhead. The fishery is anticipated to remain fair through April 15th. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?MPLO3

TILLAMOOK BAY: Angling for sturgeon is fair. Sand shrimp is the preffered bait, although mud shrimp will work also. Concentrate on the channel edges on the outgoing tides for best success. Move often until you locate some fish.

WILSON AND TRASK RIVERS: Winter steelhead are available throughout the Wilson and Trask rivers. River levels are in good shape at this time. Angling has generally been good. The catch has been a mix of hatchery and wild fish, with most hatchery fish caught in the Wilson River. Spring chinook angling is generally very slow during April. Check river levels at http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=pqr prior to fishing.

HUNTING

COUGAR season is open on the north coast. These secretive animals are difficult to hunt in an active sense, by stalking or glassing areas. They are best hunted from a stand with a predator call and an aggressive calling technique.

SPRING BEAR season began April 1 in the Wilson and Trask WMUs. Bears will be active in early April, and will be busy feeding on a variety of food sources, such as skunk cabbage, insects and the cambium (under the bark) layers of younger conifer trees. As with cougar, once bears have been known to occur in certain areas, a predator call is the best bet for getting the animals within range. As the spring progresses, bears will be found occasionally in natural and created forest openings, especially in the early morning and late evening hours. Visit

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/hunting_forecast/index.asp for a complete spring bear hunting forecast.

VIEWING

The OREGON COAST BIRDING TRAIL GUIDE www.oregoncoastbirding.com is a website that highlights great birding opportunities all along the Oregon coast. It's divided into sections of coastline, and the north coast is only a click away from the main home page. On the north coast page, you can find key areas with a summary of birds typically found there along with a legend of services found nearby. Links to checklists and sponsors can be found on the home page as well.

CANADA GEESE can be seen in pastures along the lower Tillamook, Trask and Wilson Rivers near Tillamook Bay. In the area, several varieties, including Aleutian, cackling, lesser and western Canada geese can be found. Although uncommon, it's possible to also see other species such as white-fronted or snow geese, as well. These geese are feeding intensively on grass during the spring months in preparation for the long flight north to Alaska and Canada n the one exception being the western Canada goose, which is a resident bird.

TWILIGHT EAGLE SANCTUARY, located east of Astoria off of Hwy 30 near Svensen, and is an excellent place to see wintering birds in and around the Columbia River. Not only do bald eagles frequent the adjacent Wolf Bay area, but a wide assortment of water loving birds, including swans, geese, ducks, grebes and rails as well as song birds. There is a handicap accessible platform located just off of the road. Be sure to bring your binoculars and spotting scope.

In recent weeks, small numbers of dead seabirds have washed up on northern Oregon coast beaches. Most of the dead birds have been AUKLETS and PUFFINS. While the numbers are not particularly alarming, the public should be aware of the issue and report substantial die-offs to either the USFWS office in Newport or the ODFW offices in Newport or Tillamook.

GREAT EGRETS are large, elegant-looking, white wading birds about the size of a great blue heron. In recent years they have become more numerous in or near north coast estuaries. Initially noticed along Tillamook Bay and Netarts Bays, they can be seen in other estuaries to the north and south. Often times they can be in groups of 15 or more working tidal flats at low tides.

THREE ARCH ROCKS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE is a collection of several offshore rocks located near Oceanside. Not only is it home to the largest and most diverse seabird colony in Oregon, it also supports a breeding population of Steller sea lions. Although nesting season for seabirds is not here yet, large groups of common murres and other seabirds can be seen staging on the rocks or on the adjacent waters. Even when the rocks seem relatively barren, careful observation can often reveal bald eagles and/or peregrine falcons perched on top of the rocks. A good spotting scope is very helpful for viewing.

GRAY WHALES will be migrating past the northern Oregon coastline in April, on their way to the northern Pacific and Bering Sea where they will feed on rich ocean life during the summer and fall months. Along with the adults should be young calves that were recently born in southern waters off of the coast of Baja California. Bring your binoculars for the best viewing.

SOUTHWEST ZONE

Stocking is delayed for Umpqua basin ponds, lakes and reservoirs until April 9, as cold water put trout several weeks behind in their growth.

FISHING

APPLEGATE RIVER: Closed to all angling until May 26.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout and land-locked chinook salmon are available. Angling for bass and panfish should improve as the water warms and the fish move into the shallows. The Copper and Hart-Tish boat ramps are open, Updated boat access information is available by calling the Applegate Ranger District at 541-899-3800.

CHETCO RIVER: The Chetco River closed for steelhead at the end of March.

COOS COUNTY LAKES: Trout fishing is good in local lakes. The week of April 2 saw additional legal trout go into Bradley, Eel, Empire, Johnson Mill, Powers Pond, and Sru Lake. This is the second or third stocking for some of these lakes. The Millicoma Interpretive Center youth fishing pond has also been stocked again and kids have done well there. Fishing equipment is available for kids to use at the Millicoma Pond. Large "trophy" trout have been stocked in Bradley Lake, Empire Lakes, and Johnson Mill Pond. Warmwater fishing has been fair and will start to improve as we get some warmer weather.

COOS RIVER BASIN: Steelhead fishing has slowed down as we hit the tail end of the run. Effort is also dropping off, allowing the remaining anglers to fish in less crowded conditions. The West Fork Millicoma has good public access on the Elliott State Forest where many steelhead are caught. The Nesika Park area on the East Fork also has good public access. Access to the South Fork above Dellwood requires a permit from Weyerhaeuser Co., available at Airport Heights and TNT Markets. Weyerhaeuser is no longer issuing these permits at their Dellwood office. The stretch of river above Dellwood has good bank access and and an acclimation site near mile 5 where many fish are caught.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: Steelhead are still in the Coquille River but fishing has slowed as we hit the end of the run. The South Fork is still producing some fish for the few people fishing it. The South and North Fork Coquille provide good opportunities for anglers to catch steelhead. Laverne Park on the North Fork provides good bank access for anglers.

EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: ODFW stocked the week of March 19 with rainbow trout, and should offer good fishing. Bass and panfish should become more active as the weather improves. The reservoir nearly full and is turbid. Trout anglers will likely want to fish in and around the county park and boat ramps using floating bait or worms with a weight about two feet above the hook. As the water clears in the spring, trollers fishing flies, lures or a flasher and worm combination can have good success.

EXPO POND: The pond is stocked with good numbers of rainbow trout, and some adult summer steelhead are still available, along with bass and panfish. Nightcrawlers are probably the bait of choice. Fish bait either from a bobber or on the bottom with weight. Floating bait fished from the bottom is another good technique.

FISH LAKE: Rainbow and brook trout are available. Bait fishing with worms and floating bait is effective. Trollers can do very well at Fish Lake in the spring, fishing flies, lures and small spoons or spinners. The lake is mostly ice free, and the Forest Service and Fish Lake Resort boat ramps are open. Information on Forest Service campgrounds and boat ramp accessibility is available by calling the Butte Falls Ranger District office at 541-865-2700. The Fish Lake Resort can be reached at 541-949-8500.

ILLINOIS RIVER: Closed to all angling until May 26.

LAKE SELMAC: Lake Selmac is the most significant fishery in Josephine County, and is stocked heavily with rainbow trout for an early season fishery. All lake-fishing techniques can be effective. Trout anglers use floating bait or worms with a weight about 2 feet above the hook. Casting and retrieving lures or flies can be effective, along with trolling lures or flies from a boat. Largemouth bass and panfish are becoming more active as the water warms.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: Stocked rainbow trout are available. Bank anglers primarily fish either floating bait or worms. Boat anglers use a wide variety of techniques. Trollers often fish wedding ring and nightcrawler combinations behind a weight, while fly anglers can have success both trolling and casting. Angling for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish should improve as the weather warms and the fish move into the shallows.

PACIFIC OCEAN & BEACHES: Bottom fishing has been good for boats in the ocean and fair for anglers in the bay. Ocean salmon opened March 15 for all salmon except coho from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain. Few anglers have targeted ocean salmon with bottom fishing being so good recently. Fishing inside the bay has also produced some fish along the jetties. Surfperch fishing should be good now for anglers casting shrimp or other baits from the beach. Good spots for surfperch are around Horsfall Beach and Bullards Beach. Look for steep beaches or small streams entering the ocean.

REINHART PARK POND: Reinhart Park Pond is stocked with rainbow trout and fishing should be good. Adult summer steelhead, bass, and panfish are also available. Bait anglers using nightcrawlers have had some success. Other techniques include casting small spinners or spoons. Fly anglers may want to try casting leech or wooly bugger-type streamers.

ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: Spring chinook fishing picked up Sunday evening and into early this week. Boat anglers fishing the incoming tide near Elephant Rock have reported some success. Bank anglers fishing either a straight anchovy or a gold spinner have been picking up springers at most of the gravel bars. Anglers should keep an eye on flows and water temperatures as a successful spring chinook outing depends greatly on river conditions. Spring chinook tend to bite best with water temperatures between 52 and 56 F.

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: Winter steelhead are well distributed in the middle Rogue, and river conditions should mean good fishing. Flows are averaging 3160 cubic feet per second at Grants Pass as of Monday morning. Drifting with roe and puff balls or yarn, and backtrolling plugs have been successful for steelhead. Bank access for steelhead can be found at Chinook Park, Matson Park, Griffin Park and Robertson Bridge. Additional access is available below Hellgate Canyon. Gold Hill to Rogue River and Robertson Bride to Hog Creek are popular drifts for boat anglers. Anglers are reminded that the river is closed to all trout angling until May 26.

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: Counts of winter steelhead at Gold Ray Dam increased dramatically in recent weeks, and fishing should be good in the upper river. A total of 9131 winter steelhead have been counted at Gold Ray Dam as of March 28. Anglers using dark egg patterns in the deeper holes have been successful. Bank anglers drifting eggs at Casey and McGregor Parks have also been catching fish. Outflows from Lost Creek Reservoir are averaging 1399 cubic feet per second as of Monday morning; the outflow temperature of the reservoir is 46F

Bank anglers can enjoy good success between the hatchery and the Highway 62 Bridge, and at public access points such as Casey State Park, Rogue Elk Park, and Touvelle State Park.

Anglers are reminded that the river is closed to all trout angling until May 26.

SMITH RIVER: A total of 452 winter steelhead have been floy tagged and passed through Smith River Falls. Only about 20% of the winter steelhead in Smith River use the ladder, the remainder jump the falls. The steelhead run is winding down on the Smith although there still should be fresh fish to catch. Fishing should be good with the current flows and warmer water temperatures. Wild steelhead must be released unharmed from the Smith River. Hatchery clipped steelhead only may be retained.

SOUTH COAST LAKES AND PONDS Garrison, Floras, Libby, and Laird Lakes have been recently stocked and are producing limits of trout. Garrison and Floras Lakes are best fished out of a boat.

SOUTH COAST STREAMS: All south coast streams closed to steelhead at the end of March.

SOUTH COAST BEACHES: 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.

TENMILE BASIN: Steelhead fishing in Tenmile Creek should be slowing down now. Spinreel Park is a popular spot for anglers who fish within the park or walk downstream. Eel Creek is open for steelhead angling below Eel Lake, but the creek is small and brushy, and requires special techniques to hook and land fish from small pockets.

UMPQUA ESTUARY: Crabbing has been slow even with the dropping river flows. Sturgeon fishing has been spotty, but will continue to improve as shad and salmon smolts move into the estuary. Striper and pink fin perch fishing should really turn on in the next month. Stripers are moving higher in the estuary (Smith and Umpqua) to feed on salmon smolts.

UMPQUA RIVER MAINSTEM: The majority of anglers have switched to spring chinook fishing. Some chinook are being caught between Elkton and Scottsburg but it is very hit or miss right now. We are not seeing many people fishing for chinook above Elkton at this time. The few people who are still steelhead fishing are doing well and catching bright fresh fish. There are a lot of kelts in the river right now making it hard to get to the fresh fish. Water flows have dropped enough for drift boats to begin fishing again. The number of bank anglers has dropped but there are good opportunities to catch steelhead from the bank. Shad should be starting to enter the Umpqua and will provide good opportunities for bank fishermen. Fishing for shad should start in April and will last into August. Anglers may now retain one wild winter steelhead per day and five for the year.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: Winter steelhead are still crossing Winchester Dam in high numbers. The first spring chinook has crossed the dam. Spring chinook fishing has started at Amacher Park and two chinook were caught there last week. At this time winter steelhead fishing has been spotty. Drift boat fishing pressure was high last week from Colliding Rivers to Whistlers Bend Park. The best bank fishing is occurring at the Idleyld Park area. Winter steelhead counts did slow last week due to a drop in the water temperature. This is a good time to visit and see spring chinook and steelhead in the viewing windows at the dam. Winchester Dam counts show that 8,131 winter steelhead have passed over the dam through March 26th.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: Wild steelhead must be released unharmed in the South Umpqua River. The South Umpqua will remain open for steelhead fishing until April 30th. There are still good numbers of bright fish moving up the South Umpqua. Fishing around Canyonville has slowed, most fishing is occurring from Canyonville Park to Myrtle Creek. Bank fishing around Canyon Creek was very productive last week, with good numbers of hatchery fish being harvested. The drift boat slide at Rummel bar is nearly inaccessible and requires a good four-wheel drive. Bank fishing near Canyonville remains slow but there are fish to be caught as hatchery steelhead continue to keg up waiting for flows to increase allowing fish access into Canyon Creek. Hatchery clipped steelhead only may be retained.

WILLOW LAKE: Willow Lake has been stocked with rainbow trout and fishing should be good. Angling for bass and other warmwater fish should improve as the water warms and the fish move into the shallows. The store and main campground are now open.

WINCHESTER BAY: Crabbing has been slow but should improve as smaller crabs grow to legal size. Sturgeon fishing has also been slow but should improve as more food enters the estuary.

SHELLFISH

SHELLFISH: The entire Oregon coast is now open for razor clams, bay clams, and mussels. ALWAYS CHECK FOR HEALTH ADVISORIES by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Shellfish line at 1-800-448-2474 for updates. For more information about razor clams and current status of particular areas see the ODFW razor clam web page at http://www.dfw.state.`1or.us/MRP/shellfish/razorclams

Crabbing is good in the ocean but only fair in Coos Bay and the Coquille right now. 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.

HUNTING

For a complete 2007 spring bear forecast, visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/hunting_forecast/index.asp

COOS COUNTY

COUGAR: Look for areas frequented by deer and elk to hunt cougars. Roadless areas on public or private land with limited access are good choices. Remember to "ask first" before hunting private lands. Private landowners can be a valuable source of information when it comes to recent cougar sightings in the area. Some hunters find success in harvesting cougars by using predator calls in areas where cougar sign is found.

CURRY, JACKSON AND JOSEPHINE COUNTIES

COUGARS: A new regulation for 2007 allows the purchase of two cougar tags, consult regulation. Cougar season is expected to be average this year. Cougar tracks maybe easily located along ridge lines, aggressive predator calling have resulted in successful hunting.

COYOTE: Coyotes numbers have increased in our counties. Hunters will find good success by predator calling. There are plenty of public lands to hunt. If hunting private lands remember to ask for permission.

BEAR: Spring bear season will be above average this year with population showing signs of increasing. Bears will be found on open hill sides taken advantage of new green grasses. Spend time glassing these areas before season starts for better success. There are plenty of public lands available for hunting. Areas where fires have gone through in the past several years provide great grass green up.

TURKEY: Sunday April 15 is General Spring Turkey Season opener. Spring turkey season will be average this year. Turkey numbers remain high. Pre-season scouting with the use of locator calls will help in locating flocks and roosting areas. Remember that April 7 and 8 is set aside as Spring Youth Turkey Hunt, consult regulations for eligibility and bag limit.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

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

Spring Bear n The SW Oregon spring bear controlled hunt goes from April 1 to May 31, 2007. Bear numbers are good with the highest numbers at lower elevations in the coast range with lower numbers elsewhere in the coast range and Cascades. Hunters can focus on open meadows early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Successful bear hunters are reminded to turn in a bear tooth for the ongoing bear population study in Southwest Oregon.

Turkey n Spring turkey season starts April 15so start practicing your calling. Last years chick/poult counts showed above average production so hunters can expect the spring gobbler hunt this year to be above average. Over the last 10 years all indicators point to a healthy and increasing turkey population in Douglas County. While the hens are off nesting the first part of the season most gobblers are found on private land sometimes adjacent to public lands. In general, most turkeys are found on or adjacent to low-mid elevation private lands associated with oak savannah habitat. Hunters are reminded to obtain permission before hunting on private lands.

VIEWING

COOS COUNTY

This is a good time for wildlife viewing. Big game animals are becoming visible in clear cuts and other forest openings. Often south slopes are the best place to look due to the fact that these slopes warm first in the mornings and green up occurs there first.

Most bull elk have shed their antlers now. However, elk can still be seen lounging and feeding on south slopes in forest openings. Using binoculars and spotting scopes, viewers may be able to tell bulls from cows by looking for the pedicels on the heads of bulls where the old antlers were attached and new ones will grow. Viewing opportunities are good at Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area located east of Reedsport on Hwy. 38.

Black bears are becoming active as spring comes on. Those wishing to see these elusive animals may have some luck using optics to watch forest openings. Often bears will move into slides on hill sides where grass is beginning to green up. Spring bear hunting season runs from April 1 n May 31.

WATERFOWL are numerous in many water bodies now. Many of these birds are in their colorful breeding plumage. Places to look would be in the calmer waters of Coos Bay and other bays, Bandon Wildlife Refuge, Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area and flooded farm fields in the Coquille River Valley.

A good viewing opportunity available now that is unique to the coast is the viewing of SEADUCKS in the bays. Seaducks are scoters, eiders, oldsquaw harlequin ducks and others. These species are numerous along the Oregon coast now and they are in prime plumage. Look for these birds in various places in the bays or along the coast. Depending on the species in question and what they are feeding on at the time these birds could be found in many locations. Also, good numbers of brant are showing up in local bays. They stop along the Oregon coast and other places to feed on their northward migration.

Some of the early spring migrating birds are starting to appear in the county now. As an example, TURKEY VULTURES have recently started showing up in the area. As spring comes on more migrants will begin to show up. ALEUTIAN CANADA GEESE will be showing up on the south coast on their northward migration. These birds feed in pastures near Langlois during the day and roost on off-shore rocks near Bandon at night. There will be as many as 100,000 birds in the vicinity during their peak and they will leave for the Aleutian islands to nest in May.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

Waterfowl n Good early morning duck and goose viewing exists every winter at Cooper Cr. in Sutherlin plus Stewart Park in Roseburg.

Shorebirds and Raptors n Check out Plat I Reservoir in Sutherlin at Sutherlin creek inlet on the eastside of the lake for various shorebirds. This area is also a good site to see winter raptors like Black-shouldered Kites and Northern Goshawks.

Songbirds n Various songbirds like Western Bluebirds, Black-headed Grosbeaks, House Wrens, thrushes and various sparrows are present at Stewart Park Duck Pond and Stewart Park trail in Roseburg. Remember to clean out your songbird nesting boxes or put up new boxes now since courtship, nest building and raising nestlings happens for many birds in April and May.

FISH SPAWNING: Each year there is a chance to observe wild Winter Steelhead spawning just below Soda Springs dam on the N. Umpqua River 55 miles east of Roseburg.

FISH PASSAGE: This is a good time to visit the viewing windows at Winchester Dam. Dam counts show that 5,217 winter steelhead have passed over the dam through March 11. To view the migrating Steelhead go to exit 129 on I-5, proceed southeast on 99 to the fish ladder on the north side of the river.

ROGUE WATERSHED

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

LAKE SELMAC is a great place to see waterfowl, eagles, osprey and other lake shore birds. Directions from Grants Pass, take Hwy 199 west about 12 miles to lake turn off sign at Lakeshore Drive. Turn left, follow to lake.

LOST CREEK LAKE provides 30 miles of trails which includes portions of the Rogue River National Recreation Trail. Along the lake and river banks a wide variety of wildlife and wild flowers can be observed. A brochure of the trail system can be picked up at federal land agency and visitor centers in the area.

UPPER AND LOWER TABLE ROCKS rise 800 feet above the valley floor. Habitat types range form oak savanna and chaparral to woodland. On the summit a diversity of wildflowers and wildlife can be found along the trails. Spring can provide some of the best viewing times.

HARBOR SEALS can be observed in estuaries throughout the South Coast. Look for sandy haul out sites. Remember, spring is pupping season so please observe these animals from a distance. If you find pups on the beach, leave them where you found them.

CENTRAL ZONE

FISHING

Contact ODFW at the Deschutes Watershed Office (541) 388-6363 for more information.

ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: Recent warm weather has likely opened access to the reservoir. Angling for 14-18 inch carryover rainbow trout should be fair to good. Check with Ochoco National Forest 541-416-6500 for current conditions.

CLEAR LAKE: Located about 20 miles west of Maupin. Access may be difficult due to snow.

CRESCENT LAKE: The north Forest Service boat ramp is now accessible. Angling over the weekend was reportedly slow. March and April are typically good months to target brown trout and kokanee; access permitting. Trolling the shoreline areas in 15 feet of water with a variety of lures has been a successful technique during the past two weeks.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: Stream flows are approximately 250 CFS and should remain fairly stable through the spring and summer. Angling conditions are favorable, however, reports suggest the trout population continues to be down. Opportunities for whitefish are excellent.

CULTUS LAKE: Cultus Lake is now accessible with a limited amount of open water around the boat ramp. Spring is an excellent time to fish for lake trout at Cultus.

DAVIS LAKE: Davis Lake is accessible. No report on angler success.

DESCHUTES RIVER: Dry fly fishing has been slow; anglers should look at using nymphing tactics in the slow water areas.

DESCHUTES RIVER Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls: No anglers were observed on the river to as basis for a report. Deschutes River through this reach flows are over 1000 cfs making angling a little more challenging.

FALL RIVER: Observations indicate that success for rainbow trout was slow during the course of the past week.

FROG LAKE: Located about 20 miles west of Maupin. Access may be difficult due to snow.

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-18 inch rainbow and brown trout are fair to good. There are also a limited number of brood rainbow trout available.

LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: Bull trout angling was fair last week with most fish caught early in the morning or in the evening. Cove Palisades State Park is currently conducting repairs and improvements to the boat ramp on the Crooked River Arm. The only boat ramps open for launching are the upper ramp on the Deschutes Arm and Perry South on the Metolius Arm. This is scheduled to be in effect until May 15. Contact the State Park for current information at 541-546-3412

METOLIUS RIVER: Angling on open sections of the Metolius is reported to be good for redband trout and bull trout.

NORTH TWIN: Anglers saw fair success at North Twin over the weekend. Late winter/early spring at North Twin Lake provides a good opportunity for rainbow trout which carried over from the summer of 2006.

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-16 inch rainbow trout are fair to good. Boat anglers generally target the upper end of the reservoir near the mouths of Mill and Ochoco Creeks this time of year. Bullhead angling at the east end of the reservoir should be excellent

PINE HOLLOW: ODFW will stock in mid-March.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-16 inch rainbow trout are fair to good. Bullhead angling in the upper end of the reservoir should be excellent. The northside access road is scheduled to open April 15.

ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: Located near Wamic. ODFW will stocked this waterbody in the spring.

SUTTLE LAKE . No angler reports from Suttle from the last week. The kokanee fishery normally picks up in April.

WALTON LAKE: Opportunities for carryover rainbow trout up to 16 inches should be fair to good. The gate to the campground is closed and anglers will have to walk the last ¼ mile to the lake.

HUNTING

For a complete 2007 spring bear forecast, visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/hunting_forecast/index.asp

GENERAL: Spring has arrived and recreationalists should be prepared for variable weather conditions. Snow accumulations are disappearing; however some persistent drifts remain above 4000 feet. Off road motorized travel should not be attempted without proper equipment and checking with local BLM and Forest Service officials regarding motorized access restrictions in effect to protect wintering big game.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR WMA: The north side access road will open April 13. The The WMA remains closed to motorized access for the protection of wintering big game. The area is open to foot traffic and other non-motorized access.

COUGAR: Cougar are reported regularly in the Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly units, at all elevations and habitat types. Deer, elk, and pronghorn have moved off of wintering areas and are scattered at higher elevations across transition and summer ranges. Cougar will be following them and be harder to find as big game move on to the more expansive summering areas on the Ochoco National Forest.

GROUND SQUIRRELS: Squirrels are emerging and are increasing active in agricultural fields and pastures. Best opportunities are on private lands where permission from landowners is a must before hunting.

VIEWING

OCHOCO DISTRICT: Bald and golden eagles, a variety of hawks and falcons, and waterfowl are present along the Post-Paulina Highway east of Prineville. If observers extend their drive and include the Puett Road loop through the Paulina Ranger Station they have an opportunity of seeing wintering deer, pronghorn, elk, and coyotes. This route is suitable for passenger cars.

LOWER DESCHUTES WILDLIFE AREA: Visitors to this area can see California bighorn sheep on a regular basis upstream of Harris Canyon (RM 12). Access will be by boat or bicycle.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Contact Klamath Watershed Office (541) 883-5732 or the Hines Office (541) 573-6553 for more information on fishing opportunities. ODFW will begin stocking trout in this region the week of April 9.

ANA RESERVOIR: 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: Angling for rainbow trout has been good. Mayfly and caddisflies are hatching in good numbers in the early afternoon. Look for rising trout in shaded areas of the river or wait until overcast days to fish over rising fish. These fish can be very spooky so stealth is required. Flyfishing with small bead head pheasant tails (#16-18) on the swing can be a productive technique. Bait angling is productive.

BEULAH RESERVOIR: The reservoir was 80 percent full on April 1, and inflow was 141 cfs. The reservoir is ice free. Fishing is slow.

BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: The reservoir has dried completely in recent years, angling for last years rainbow trout is good. The reservoir is at half-full and declining. BLITZEN RIVER: River conditions vary as snow is beginning to come off the mountain. Flow fluctuated between approximately 108 and 185 cfs from March 19 to March 26.

BLITZEN RIVER: Recent cooler weather has led to more stable river flows. Flow fluctuated between approximately 93 and 140 cfs from March 26 to April 2

BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir was 86 percent full on April 1. The reservoir is ice-free. Angling for warmwater fish is slow.

BURNS POND: Fair angling for 12 to 16 inch rainbow trout.

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: Angling is fair to good for 10 to 18 inch rainbow trout. Fly anglers and trollers have had the best success.

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: River flows are decreasing and water temperatures are producing improved fishing conditions. Look for fishing to be best in the early mornings.

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: Angling is picking up with increasing water temperatures and the end of spawning. The best method for fishing Cottonwood Reservoir is angling from the dam or trolling minnow imitations from a boat. Cottonwood Reservoir is not stocked and the fish you catch are native redband trout produced in Cottonwood Creek.

DEEP CREEK: Angling is slow for redband trout.

DUNCAN RESERVOIR: Angling for rainbow trout has been good. Flies replicating Chironomids and water boatmen juveniles are catching trout in the late morning and afternoon. Bait near the surface and trolling lures has had some success. The Reservoir is spilling; fishing in the creek will improve but access is limited.

DELINTMENT LAKE: No angling report. Access up the Forest Service 41 road was only possible by snowmobile in late March.

FISH LAKE (Steens Mountain): The north loop road is closed at Page Springs.

FOURMILE LAKE: Access is blocked by snow.

GERBER RESERVOIR: Gerber Reservoir is open. Perch angling has been fair. Lake levels are high therefore boats can be launched. Angling for brown bullhead, largemouth bass and crappie is slow due to cold water temperatures and muddy water.HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: Access is blocked by snow

HAINES POND: Was stocked with 1000 legals week of April 2.

HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: The abundance of trout has been reduced by the illegal introduction of tui chub, larger trout are still available. Holbrook is still very difficult to access.

HWY 203 POND: Was stocked with 2000 legals week of April 2.

JUNIPER LAKE: No angling report.

KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: Angling for wild redband trout has been fair. Expect angling to improve this month as water temperatures increase which will increase redband trout feeding and activity. Most anglers have been successful casting lures or flies from an anchored boat. Some anglers have caught fish trolling lures or flies but catch rates are low. Angling from shore using bait or lures has also been effective but has been slow.

KLAMATH RIVER: Angling is poor. River flows are currently high below Keno dam and the JC Boyle Powerhouse which reduces catch rate. The river section from JC Boyle Dam to JC Boyle Powerhouse is fair for redband trout 8-12 inches. Small rooster tails and flies are the most effective method for catching redband trout in this section. Anglers can call 1-800-547-1501 for river flow information or visit the following websites http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/current?type=flow

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: The reservoir is closed to angling through April 27.

LAKE OF THE WOODS: The Lake is frozen although the warm weather has made the ice soft and the shoreline is ice free but only about to a foot of water depth. Angling is not recommended at this time. Angling for brown trout is typically good after ice out which is expected in the next few weeks. Contact Lake of the Woods Lodge at (1-866-201-4194) for recent angling update or visit their website at www.lakeofthewoodsresort.com

LITTLE HEART LAKE: Access is blocked by snow.

LOFTON RESERVOIR: The road is open to Lofton is passable; but difficult. Expect angling to be slow due to the illegal introduction of tui chub. Larger fish are still available in the lake.

LONG CREEK RESERVOIR: Ice should be unstable.

LOST RIVER: Angling has been fair for warm water game fish. A few big largemouth bass are taken each year. The boat ramp, bridge and park at Crystal Springs are closed until at least mid July. Small boats can be launched at Olene Bridge or at Big Springs in Bonanza.

LUCKY RESERVOIR: Currently reservoir is free of ice; road access is difficult with muddy conditions.

MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork Malheur River): Flows from Warm Springs Reservoir were turned-on April 1. Discharge is running about 125 cfs. Flows below Beulah Reservoir have not been turned-on; leakage is running about 6 cfs. No angling report.

MALHEUR RIVER (from the South Fork Malheur River near Riverside, downstream to Gold Creek): Flows from Warm Springs are about 125 cfs and below Beulah about 6 cfs on April 1. Angling is slow.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: Water level is about 6 feet below full pool. Water temperatures are warming 43?F. Trout angling is fair to good.

MALHEUR RIVER, NORTH FORK: Access to the North Fork remains limited by snow. Trout angling is slow. Remember to release bull trout.

MALHEUR RIVER, MIDDLE FORK: Access to the Middle Fork remains limited by snow. Trout angling is slow. Remember to release bull trout

MANN LAKE: Fair to good angling for 10 to 18 inch cutthroat trout. Fly anglers have had the best success.

MILLER LAKE: Access is blocked by snow.

MOON RESERVOIR: Angling should be good for rainbow trout. The access road was opened in late March.

MURRAY RESERVOIR: Be cautious as ice may be getting thin.

NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: Still no ice report on all of the ponds, but most should be ice-free. Access may still be limited by soft roads into some ponds. No angling report from any of the ponds.

NORTH POWDER PONDS 1 & 2: Was stocked week of April 2.

OWYHEE RESERVOIR: The reservoir was 81 percent full April 1. All boat ramps are in the water. Warmwater angling is slow.

OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): Flows below the dam averaged about 249 cfs on April 1. Angling for rainbow trout and brown trout is fair.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): Discharge at the Rome gauge averaged approximately 456 cfs on April 1. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish is slow.

PAIUTE RESERVOIR: Angling for rainbow trout is fair 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: Fishing has been fair-good for trout and perch. Trout are running 12-14 inches. Perch are 10-11 inches. Ice is off the lake. Water is rising and is at 62 percent.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: Ice is melted on the edges. Fishing is Fair-slow. Water level is at 42 percent.

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir is approximately 10 to 15 feet below full pool. Angling is fair.

POWDER RIVER: Open for catch and release upstream of Hughes Lane Bridge to Mason Dam. Artificial lures and flies only.

SHERLOCK GULCH RESERVOIR: Fishing has been fair for legal sized trout. Road is open with some muddy spots. The reservoir is near full and turbid.

SID LUCE RESERVOIR: SID LUCE RESERVOIR: Access to the reservoir is difficult and not recommended at this time due to deep mud.

SNAKE RIVER: Flow was 7,370 cfs near Nyssa and approximately 11,665 cfs near Weiser on April 1. Angling for catfish and smallmouth bass is slow.

SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: Still no ice report on all of the ponds, but most should be ice-free. Access may still be limited by soft roads into some ponds. No angling report from any of the ponds.

SPAULDING RESERVOIR: Fishing has been fair for legal sized trout. The reservoir is half-full and will decline through the summer..

THOMPSON RESERVOIR: Access to both boat ramps is open to Thompson Reservoir. Angling for largemouth bass is slow but will be getting better as water temperatures warm. Angling for trophy rainbow trout is slow but is improving. The best location to fish for bass is near the shore on both sides near the dam. Angling for rainbow trout is best near the dam and along the rocky northeast bank.

TOPSY RESERVOIR: Angling for warmwater fish is fair. Look for largemouth bass in the shallow backwater areas near J.C. Boyle Dam. 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. Angling for sunfish will improve with increased water temperatures. Sunfish can be caught from shore using small bait under bobbers or small flies.

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: Reports of trout fishing picking up. Reservoir is full.

UNITY RESERVOIR: Water level is at 93 percent. Ice should be off the lake.

WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: The reservoir was 68 percent full April 1. Inflows at the Drewsey gauge averaged 246 on April 1. Angling is slow.

WARNER LAKES (Hart, Crump, Flagstaff, etc.): Angling for crappie is slow. Crappie angling should be very good later this year.

WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: Angling for largemouth bass has been fair. Angling for largemouth bass has improved with the warming weather. Angling for largemouth bass should be very good in coming months. Crappie angling has been slow. Look for crappie and bass around the many wood and habitat structures in the reservoir. Yellow perch are very abundant but are typically small (6 inches). 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.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: Ice is off the lake. Water level is at 34 percent and rising.

YELLOWJACKET LAKE: Ice is off the lake. Fair angling for rainbow trout.

HUNTING

For a complete 2007 spring bear forecast, visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/hunting_forecast/index.asp

VIEWING

Early spring is one of the best wildlife viewing time periods in the Klamath Basin, which is a major staging area for migratory birds starting their northward migration to primary nesting areas.

NEAR BURNS: The Harney Basin, located near the town of Burns, provides good viewing opportunities during March and April for a variety of migrating birds. Thousands of migrating snow, Ross's, white-fronted and Canada geese as well as ducks, sandhill cranes and tundra swans use the basin during their annual migration north to their breeding grounds. Birds are beginning to arrive in the basin with numbers expected to peak in the next few weeks. Another attraction is viewing strutting sage grouse which do their annual mating display from mid-March through April. Sage grouse viewing is best during the first hour of daylight on days when the weather is good.

The 26th Annual John Scharff Migratory Bird Festival and Art Show will be held in Burns from April 13-15, 2007. The Festival includes events such as birding, cultural and historical tours, workshops and an art show. For more information on the Festival you can contact the Harney County Chamber of Commerce at 541 573-2636 or you can visit their web site at www.migratorybirdfestival.com.

The KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA and LOWER KLAMATH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE are excellent locations to view thousands of ducks, geese, and swans.

Upper Klamath Lake is another location to view diving ducks including bufflehead, goldeneye, scaup, ruddy duck, redhead and canvasback. Bald eagles can be found anywhere there are concentrations of waterfowl.

SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA

Viewing opportunities remain good as northward migrants and local breeding species continue return to the Wildlife Area and stage in good numbers. Favorable weather conditions prevailed during most of the past week and extensive bird use coupled with new spring arrivals made for excellent viewing conditions.

Waterfowl species remain very apparent and are widely scattered across the Area. Ducks are in their brilliant nuptial plumage now, and courtship activities are intensifying. While no weekly waterbird count was conducted, duck and goose numbers were estimated to be in excess of 15,000 each over the past week. Arctic nesting greater white-fronted and snow geese continue to stage in impressive numbers, but many snow geese have moved on north and others will soon follow. Greater white-fronted geese are widely scattered throughout the Wildlife Area, while snow geese have been actively feeding and roosting throughout the day in shallow emergent marsh found on the north and west sides of the Area.

Northern shoveler and Am. green-winged teal are staging in good numbers now. Cinnamon teal and gadwall (common Wildlife Area breeders) are increasing as migrants return. While most diving ducks (canvasback, lesser scaup, ring-necked ducks and bufflehead) have departed, good numbers and a variety of species continue to utilize the deeper ponds and lakes to forage for submergent aquatic plants and invertebrates.

Resident Canada geese are becoming very secretive as they disperse to nesting territories while non-breeding birds remain in small flocks. Typically, early broods are observed during the first week of April.

Sandhill cranes continue to increase in number, have moved to breeding territories and are becoming more apparent and vocal. Nesting is underway at this time for some of the established pairs and the seasons first colts (crane chicks) should be observed in the near future.

Early migrating shorebirds (Am. avocets, long-billed dowitchers, killdeer and yellowlegs) as well as gulls and other waterbirds continue to arrive and increase in number. Dunlins were reported during the past week.

Resident and wintering raptors remain scattered throughout the Area as well as on private lands along Highway 31. Northern harriers are especially numerous over marsh and hay meadow areas and both red-tailed and rough-legged hawks are frequently seen. Rough-legged hawks are beginning to depart, heading towards arctic nesting areas.

Prairie falcons, bald and golden eagles are frequently seen during this time of the year. Bald eagles are increasing in number as they following migrant flocks of waterfowl returning north.

Great-horned owls have been very vocal during the night, and nesting for some pairs has begun.

Passerine species (primarily sparrows) remain fairly common around the Headquarters Complex, Summer Lake Rest Area, homestead sites and shelterbreak plantings at the north end of the Area where they are attracted to tree and shrub cover found at those locations. Tree swallows are becoming very numerous, and arrival of other species continues with spring appearance of rufous hummingbirds and yellow-rumped warblers over the past week.

Viewers can expect to see increased numbers and diversity of some species on a regular basis over the next few weeks especially if favorable weather conditions continue. However, as arctic nesting migrants replenish energy reserves they will depart for other northern staging Areas and numbers will decline. Be sure to check the list at Headquarters for new arrivals and unusual birds.

Wetland habitats are in excellent condition due to the favorable weather pattern. Ponds and other still water areas remain open and ice-free. Runoff has created shallow temporary wetlands that are highly favored by many migrants.

Habitat management actions of controlled burning, drawdowns and drying of semi-permanent and seasonal wetlands are creating favorable forging sites for many species.

Natural food sources of seeds, tubers and plant parts remain very abundant and available in nearly all wetland areas. Emergent bulrushes, cattails and other sedges and rushes are lodged over due to strong winds and winter snow accumulation. Bird access and use has increased in these areas and viewing opportunities into these habitats have improved dramatically as well.

Upland sites are in excellent condition due to lush green-up of grasses and forb emergence and growth. Trees and shrubs are beginning to leaf out.

The Wildlife Viewing Loop is now open and will remain that way until next fall. Other major dike roads (Bullgate, Windbreak and Work Road) are closed to motor vehicle travel from March 15th through August 15th to reduce disturbance to northward migrants and early nesting waterbirds (primarily Canada geese, mallard and sandhill cranes).

Viewer are urged to use care when driving roads since many are soft and muddy especially edges adjacent to ponds and canals.

Secondary and minor dikes will remain closed to motor vehicle traffic and cross country travel by motor vehicles or ATV's is prohibited.

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.

For additional information on viewing opportunities please contact the Wildlife Area at phone (541) 943-3152, fax (541) 943-3204, or email at martin.j.stlouis@state.or.us

NORTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

IMNAHA RIVER: Flows are declining and steelhead angling success is improving. Results of creel surveys last week indicated catch rates of 5.8 hours per fish. Steelhead angling success is generally best between 200 and 600 cfs. You can check Imnaha River flows online at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/uv?site_no=13292000. Steelhead season on the Imnaha River ends on April 15.

JOHN DAY RIVER: Steelhead angling in the lower reaches of the river has tapered off as fish have moved upstream. Success in the Mainstem John Day River above Service Creek and in the North and Middle forks up to the Highway 395 deadlines has been good, with excellent river conditions. All angling will be closed from April 15 through May 25 upstream from Kimberly, but remains open below Kimberly year long. Smallmouth bass angling is just starting, with cool water temperatures making them pretty lethargic. Streamflow at the time this report was filed measured 3,290 cfs at Service Creek which is good level for angling. Stream flow levels are available from the Service Creek gauging station at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/uv?14046500.

LADD POND (Peach Road): Pond is open for fishing. Surplus steelhead were stocked in Ladd Pond. These fish are considered trout, and only one can be taken per day if over 20 inches.

LOWER GRANDE RONDE RIVER: Steelhead angling success has been poor because of high flow. Angling success should improve somewhat if flow recedes, but many fish bound for Wallowa system hatcheries are already upstream. Flows between 800 and 2000 cfs generally offer best fishing conditions. Check the flow at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/uv/?site_no=13333000&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060. Steelhead season on the Grande Ronde River ends on April 15.

Magone Lake: Angling success for brook and rainbow trout is good. Access is still blocked by snow from Four Corners, but is open through the Beech Creek route.

MARR POND: Was stocked recently with a small group of trout and a few early surplus steelhead, angling prospects are good.

MCNARY AND HAT ROCK PONDS: Both ponds have been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing is expected to be good.

MCKAY RESERVOIR: The water level is now at 81% of capacity. Best opportunities are for trout and yellow perch. Anglers have had good success catching 14-16 inch rainbows. Trolling throughout the reservoir has been effective as well as fishing bait or lures at the inlet. Anglers fishing at the inlet need to make sure they are fishing in the reservoir and not in McKay Creek as the creek between the reservoir and Shaw Road does not open until April 28th.

ROULET POND: Pond is open for fishing. Approximately 35 surplus steelhead were stocked in March. These fish are considered trout, and only one can be taken per day if over 20 inches.

WALLOWA RIVER: Steelhead angling has been fair to good on the Wallowa River. Creel survey data from last week indicated catch rates of 5.56.4 hours per fish. Expect good angling success as long as river conditions remain favorable. Steelhead season on the Wallowa River ends on April 15.

WALLOWA WILDLIFE AREA POND: Angling is fair to good. The pond was recently stocked with surplus hatchery steelhead and should contain fair numbers of hold-over rainbow trout.

UMATILLA RIVER: Fishing for steelhead has been good with a catch rate of 5.1 hours per fish over the past week. The best area is from Barnhart to Pendleton. River conditions are good with the flow between 700 and 900 cfs. No fish are being hauled upstream. For up-to-date flow information, visit the following website: www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/umatilla/index.html.

VICTOR POND: Angling is fair for hold-over rainbow trout.

WALLA WALLA RIVER: Water conditions are good. Anglers should find fair numbers of steelhead in the river.

WALLOWA LAKE: The ice has melted off of Wallowa Lake and angling is fair for rainbow trout. Kokanee angling should improve within the next month as the lake begins to warm.

HUNTING

Spring bear hunting through May 31. For a complete 2007 spring bear forecast, visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/hunting_forecast/index.asp

GRANT DISTRICT

COUGAR: Harvested cougars are required to be checked into an ODFW field office within 10 days of the hunt.

BAKER DISTRICT

SQUIRRELS: Excellent squirrel hunting can be found this time of year in the agricultural valleys. Many private landowners are happy to grant access to hunters who ask permission.

TURKEYS: Time to start scouting for spring turkey season which starts April 15. Look for turkeys in lower elevation forest of the Keating and Pine Creek Units.

COUGARS: Cougar numbers remain at high levels. With the absence of fresh snow cougar hunting is best accomplished with the use of calls and patience.

COYOTES: Coyote numbers remain relatively high and calling and trapping should be good. Be sure to ask permission to hunt or trap on private properties.

UMATILLA/PENDLETON DISTRICT

COUGAR: Cougars are well distributed in forested areas of the Walla Walla, Mt. Emily, and Ukiah units. Hunters will have best success by finding a fresh naturally made kill and sitting on it, or by using predator calls. Some success has come from following tracks until the cougar is located. Tracking conditions will improve with snows forecast for the end of November and December.

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

WALLOWA DISTRICT

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

COYOTE: Good numbers of coyotes can be found throughout Wallowa County. Calling is most successful in areas of reduced human activity.

SQUIRRELS: Excellent time for hunting ground squirrels. Many private landowners are happy to grant permission.

ROAD CONDITIONS: Areas above 4000 feet still have snow while lower elevations are soft and muddy, making off-roading difficult. Roads plowed for logging still provide some access, but will have log truck traffic. Noregaard, Whiskey Creek, and Shamrock travel management areas are in effect through May 31.

UNION DISTRICT

COUGAR n Locating fresh cougar tracks in the snow continues to be a good starting point on where to hunt. More hunters are starting to use remotely activated calls with good results. Finding a fresh deer or elk kill that a cougar has fed on is an excellent place to set up a blind down wind of the carcass. Cougar will cover their kills between feeding and are most active in the morning and early evening.

GROUND SQUIRRELSn As the weather warms in the next several months, ground squirrels will begin to become available. Scout agricultural grounds on the east side of the Grande Ronde Valley and southern Union County. Always ask for permission before hunting private lands. Many landowners are receptive to allowing youth ground squirrel hunters.

TURKEYn Spring turkey season opens April 15. The mild winter has resulted in excellent turkey survival. Some birds have already started moving upslope but the main movement will occur mid-March. Pre-season scouting towards the end of March is best. Most of the turkeys are located in the northern end of the county. The youth statewide turkey hunt takes place April 7-8.

BEARn Spring bear season opens April 15. Look for bears in mid to low elevations within the Starkey Unit. Elkhorn Wildlife Area is closed to all entry December 1-April 10. Successful hunters are requested to send in a premolar tooth for black bear population monitoring.

VIEWING

Bald eagles can be seen along the South Columbia River basin wildlife management areas.

BAKER DISTRICT: Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mule deer, and bald eagles can be observed along Snake River Road between Huntington and Richland. Waterfowl viewing opportunities are abundant this time of year at the reservoir and pods of the county. Listen for ruffed grouse drumming in forested areas.

WALLOWA DISTRICT: Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, elk, and mule deer can be observed at the Wenaha Wildlife Area, Troy, Oregon. Eden Bench provides a good opportunity to view deer and elk, while bighorn sheep are often observed in rim rocks above the Grande Ronde River. Bald eagles are common along the Grande Ronde River near Troy, and along the Wallowa River from Minam to Joseph.

RIDGE CREEK WILDLIFE AREA: Good elk viewing opportunities at the Bridge Creek Wildlife Area in Pendleton.

ELKHORN WILDLIFE AREAS: Reopens to public access April 10. Many migratory song birds are returning to the area.

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

FISHING

BROWNLEE RESERVOIR: Crappie fishing has picked up but the bite is soft, as the fish are deep. As the water warms, crappie should move near shore. Perch and bluegill are being caught by boat and from shore. Use worms, jigs with crappie nibbles or cutbait. A few catfish and bass are being picked up as well. The reservoir is fairly stable right now and is at 21 feet below normal. 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. For reservoir level information, visit http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/perl/dataquery.pl?k=brownlee

OXBOW RESERVOIR: Fishing is slow.

HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: Fishing is slow.

SNAKE RIVER (Below Hells Canyon Dam): Steelhead fishing should be slow.

COLUMBIA RIVER ZONE

Salmonid angler effort increased tremendously in the lower Columbia River this past weekend with 757 boats and 411 Oregon bank rods counted below I-5 on Sunday's (4/1) flight. We also observed an increase in spring Chinook catch rates over the weekend. In the Estuary boat anglers averaged 0.32 spring Chinook caught per boat, while boat anglers in the Portland to Longview area averaged 0.15 spring Chinook caught per boat. Bank anglers in the Portland to Longview area averaged 0.04 spring Chinook caught per bank rod.

Portland to Longview Boats: Weekend checking showed 19 adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook and one adipose fin-clipped winter steelhead kept, plus six unclipped spring Chinook released for 167 boats (complete trips).

Portland to Longview Bank: Weekend checking showed nine adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook and five adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus two unclipped spring chinook released for 276 bank anglers (incomplete trips).

Estuary Boats: Weekend checking showed 21 adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook kept, plus two unclipped spring Chinook released for 73 boats (complete trips).

Estuary Bank: Weekend checking showed one adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept for nine bank anglers (complete trips).

Bonneville Pool: Weekly checking showed no catch reported for three bank anglers (incomplete trips).

The Dalles Pool: Weekly checking showed no catch reported for two bank anglers (incomplete trips).

John Day Pool: Weekly checking showed three adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus three clipped and eight unclipped steelhead released for 32 bank anglers; and one unclipped steelhead released for one boat (incomplete trips).

Sturgeon

Sturgeon effort remained low in the lower Columbia River this past weekend with 41 boats and 10 Oregon bank rods counted on Sunday's (4/1) flight, although catch rates are improving.

Gorge Bank: Weekend checking showed no catch reported for six bank anglers.

Gorge Boats: Weekend checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept, plus 59 sublegal sturgeon released for six boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Boats: No report.

Portland to Longview Boats: Weekend checking showed 10 legal white sturgeon kept, plus 80 sublegal sturgeon released for 29 boats (complete trips).

Portland to Longview Bank: No report.

Estuary Boats: Weekend checking showed two legal white sturgeon kept for one boat (complete trip).

Bonneville Pool: Weekly checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept, plus four sublegal sturgeon released for 21 bank rods; and four sublegal white sturgeon released for three boats.

The Dalles Pool: Weekly checking showed eight sublegal sturgeon released for 16 bank rods; and three sublegal sturgeon released for two boats.

John Day Pool: Weekly checking showed one sublegal sturgeon released for 24 bank rods; and 24 sublegal sturgeon released for 20 boats.

Walleye

Bonneville Pool: Weekly checking showed four walleye kept for seven boats.

The Dalles Pool: Weekly checking showed 13 walleye kept for eight boats.

John Day Pool: Weekly checking showed no catch reported for one bank rod; and 25 walleye kept plus 14 walleye released for 34 boats.

MARINE ZONE

FISHING

Angler activity and success has been very good in the ocean when weather conditions permit. Lingcod fishing continues to be very good. Lingcod and cabezon move inshore to mate and lay eggs this time of year. Anglers may also find success fishing from jetties for these species. Spring is also the time that some estuaries see an influx of surfperch that come in to release their young. The marine daily bag limit for 2007 is six fish (including rockfish, greenling, cabezon 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. For illustrations and descriptions of these species see page 98 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet or download the Red Rockfish Identification Guide at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/regulations/sport_fishing. The minimum length for lingcod is 22 inches, for cabezon it is 16 inches and for greenling it is 10 inches. For complete regulations and the

Marine Sport Fishing Supplement, please see http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/

Ocean fishing for salmon, other than coho, opened March 15 south of Cape Falcon (near Manzanita) and north of Humbug Mountain (near Port Orford). This time of year, most chinook salmon are farther than 30 miles offshore and deep.

Crabbing in bays and estuaries is poor to fair. Some crabbers have had luck setting their gear higher in the estuary than normal. For sport crabbers the minimum size for Dungeness crab is 5 ¾ 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 93 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

The entire Oregon coast is open for the harvest of razor clams. There is a low-tide series in the late afternoon this week that should allow good clamming opportunities. The daily limit for razor clams is the first 15 taken regardless of size or condition. For more information on Oregon's razor clams, including tips on how to dig razor clams, visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/razorclams. Sport harvest of mussels and bay clams is open coastwide also. A shellfish license is required for taking all shellfish.

For information on domoic acid visit the Oregon Department of Agriculture website at http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/shellfish_status.shtml or call their shellfish hotline at 503-986-4728 or 1-800-448-2474.

The Pacific halibut fishery is closed until May.

VIEWING

YAQUINA HEAD OUTSTANDING NATURAL AREA Accessible tide pools reveal their secrets at low tide. See anemones, hermit crabs, sea urchins, small fish, jelly fish, sea stars, barnacles and more. Look for harbor seals and sea lions.

Whale watching continues to be good as gray whales migrate north. During the spring migration the whales are closer to shore and sometimes stop to eat. A group of more than 200 gray whales stay along the Oregon coast from the spring through fall. This resident population joins the Artic gray whales during their winter migration to the calving grounds in the Sea of Cortez and then returns each year to feed on small shrimp that live in Oregon's kelp forests.

Calmer days are better whale watching days. Any spot with an ocean view may yield whale sightings, but higher locations are better than sandy beaches. Several carter boat operations along the coast offer whale-watching trips.

This time of year is also the beginning of the courtship rituals of many seabirds that nest on the sea cliffs and rocks of the Oregon coast. Gulls, cormorants, murres and oystercatchers can all be observed along rocky coastal areas. As the large nesting colonies form, bald eagles may be seen attacking the nesting birds.