Posted: Wednesday, March 4, 2009 12:00 am
The Oregon Recreation Report (fishing, hunting, viewing), updated Tuesday, March 3, by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:
Underwater fish and wildlife viewing
Calling all scuba divers. Winter is prime time for scuba diving on the Oregon coast. While wind and waves can make an open ocean dive difficult or impossible, there are some sheltered areas of the coast where divers can safely see the wonders of our emerald ocean even when the waves are marching in. While outside winter temperatures drop, the ocean remains about the same n about 48 to 54 degrees. In fact, the sea temperature during the winter is usually a few degrees warmer in the winter than in the summer. Visit the Marine Zone viewing section to learn about two popular dives on the central Oregon coast.
Start scouting for turkey
Now is a good time to begin scouting turkeys as they will move out of wintering areas with increasing temperatures. Finding areas the birds are using should improve your success when April rolls around.
Mandatory hunter harvest reporting
Whether or not you filled your tag, don't forget to report the results of your hunt online or by calling 1-866-947-ODFW (6339). Reporting is mandatory for every big game and fall turkey tag purchased except bighorn sheep and Rocky Mtn goat.
License dollars at work
A new opportunity for youth angling on the Southern Oregon Coast
Young anglers have a new opportunity to try their hand at trout fishing on the Southern Oregon Coast. Through a partnership with the ODFW Gold Beach Office and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's (OPRD) Humbug Mountain State Park, Arizona Pond is getting a make-over. Read more.
WILLAMETTE ZONE
FISHING
Weekend fishing opportunities:
* Henry Hagg Lake was stocked with 18,000 legal-sized trout this week in preparation for the opening of trout season on Saturday.
* Fishing for winter steelhead is fair and improving on the Clackamas and Sandy rivers following recent rain and warmer temperatures over the past week.
* A few spring chinook salmon have been caught on the Willamette River, and effort is increasing.
* Sturgeon fishing has been fair to good on the lower Willamette River. Remember, the season is now open 3 days a week n Thursday, Friday and Saturday n and the new fork length standard for keepers is now in effect.
EVENTS
ODFW's Springfield Field Office, Angler Education Instructors and local volunteers will be hosting a free youth fishing event Saturday, March 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cottage Grove Pond 1.5 miles east of Cottage Grove. Call the Springfield Field Office at 541-726-3515 for additional information.
STOCKING SCHEDULE
The 2009 trout stocking program for Willamette Valley lakes, ponds and streams starts ramping up this month and will continue through most of the year. The schedules are now posted at our website.
North Willamette stocking schedule
South Willamette stocking schedule
WARM WATER ANGLING:
Warmwater fishing is slow at most locations in the Willamette Zone.
ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL: rainbow trout
Alton Baker Canal was recently stocked with 1,500 legal-sized trout and 400 larger trout.
CLACKAMAS RIVER: steelhead
The river came up over the weekend and was in excellent shape at mid-week. The effort increased considerably and the river is now navigable for both jet sleds and drift boats. Catch has improved and reports would put it in the fair but improving category. River forecasts indicate that conditions should remain stable over the next few days into the coming weekend.
The Clackamas River flows increased over the past week. Monday readings for the Clackamas showed flows up to 3,300 cfs (12.87') with a water temperature of 43°.
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.
DETROIT, GREEN PETER AND FOSTER RESERVOIRS: rainbow trout, chinook salmon
Boats can once again access Foster Reservoir at the Sunnyside boat ramp now that emergency spillway gate repairs at Foster Dam are complete and lake levels have been raised. Additional information can be obtained at the Army Corps Web site. Green Peter Reservoir is currently accessible to boats via the Thistle Creek ramp.
DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout
Dexter Reservoir will be stocked this week with 2,900 legal sized rainbow trout.
EAGLE CREEK: steelhead
Eagle Creek is running cold and clear, the flows have increased, and the water is in great shape. Effort has slowed and the catch has been sporadic. This is typical for early March as the hatchery run begins to wind down. To date Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery has processed 69 winter steelhead but there are about 100 fish in the holding pond. ODFW surveyors report observing several steelhead in the creek between the hatchery and Eagle Fern Park.
Winter steelhead are now spread throughout the creek. Quality winter steelhead angling will hold through the winter months. Fresh sand shrimp or a simple corkie with yarn are both popular methods on Eagle Creek. Fly fishing for steelhead has also become a popular and successful angling technique in the creek.
The most popular spots to try include the Bonnie Lure area, the water above and below the lower fish ladder, Eagle Fern Park, and up near the hatchery. Much of the creek meanders through private property so pay attention to your location and secure permission before fishing on private land.
EE WILSON POND: trout
Recently stocked with legal-sized trout and 400 larger trout.
HENRY HAGG LAKE n trout, warmwater fish
Henry Hagg Lake opens to fishing on Saturday, March 7. The lake was stocked with 18,000 legal-sized trout this week. The lake has also been stocked with several hundred large brood fish. Water levels are lower and clearer than usual and conditions are good for fishing. Boat ramps are clean and ready to go, although boaters are advised to be on the lookout for floating debris. Hagg Lake is a 1,110-acre lake located 7 miles southwest of Forest Grove off of Hwy. 47.
JUNCTION CITY POND: rainbow trout, steelhead
Recently stocked with 800 legal-sized rainbow trout and 400 1 to 1.5 pound trout. An assortment of large fish stocked earlier in the season (rainbow and brook trout brood fish, larger trout, steelhead) should also still be available for harvest. Anglers who catch a tagged steelhead are asked to call the hatchery to report the tag number, date caught and condition of the fish. For more information, contact Leaburg hatchery at 541-896-3294. Junction City Pond is located on the west side of Hwy. 99, three miles south of Junction City.
MCKENZIE RIVER: catch-and-release trout
No fishing report.
MOLALLA RIVER: steelhead
The Molalla should a great place to take advantage of excellent catch and release steelhead fishing as the winter progresses.
MT. HOOD POND: trout
Will receive 1,000 legal-sized trout this week. Mt. Hood Pond is a 5-acre trout pond on the campus of Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham.
NORTH AND SOUTH SANTIAM: steelhead
There have been reports of a few wild winter steelhead being caught around Mehama on the North Santiam. Prospects should improve for catch and release angling in both the North and South Forks as the season progresses and fish numbers increase.
SALISH POND n rainbow trout, brook trout
Recently stocked with 500 larger trout. Salish Pond is on E. Glisan between 201st and 207th. From I-84, take 207th Avenue exit and head south to Glisan and turn right.
SANDY RIVER: steelhead
Conditions have improved tremendously over the week on the Sandy. Angler effort has picked up and catch rates have followed suit. Success has been slow to fair in the lower stretches of the river with the best catch reports in the Cedar Creek and Dodge areas. A few were also taken near the old Marmot Dam site. Both boat and bank anglers seem to be having similar levels of success. Water levels on Monday showed flows up to 2,470 cfs (9.95') and a water temperature holding near 43°.
As of Monday, 96 steelhead had arrived in the trap at the Sandy Hatchery, which is low, but a big improvement over a week ago. Historically, February and March are the peak months for steelhead fishing on the Sandy.
Anglers can access the river from many parks including Lewis and Clark, Dabney, Oxbow, and Dodge. Bank access is also available to the Cedar Creek area at the Sandy Hatchery. When fishing the Oxbow Park area, remember that there is no angling from a floating device upstream from a point that is 200 feet below the Oxbow Park boat ramp.
Collection/recycling receptacles for discarded or lost fishing gear can now be found along the Sandy River. Look for them near boat ramps at Lewis and Clark, Dabney, Oxbow, and Dodge parks. Any tangled fishing line or old gear can be collected and disposed of in these canisters as an effort to maintain a healthy, clean Sandy River. Littering has become a big problem on the Sandy below Cedar Creek. In other areas along the Sandy this has been cited as the rationale for restrictions on access. Please use nearby garbage cans for any other types of trash.
SHERIDAN POND: rainbow trout
Recently stocked with 500 legal-sized trout. Sheridan Pond is located on the outskirts of Sheridan just off Highway 18.
ST LOUIS PONDS n rainbow trout, crappie, catfish
The road to St Louis Ponds is now open and the ponds have been stocked this week with 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout and approximately 400 1.5- to 2-pound brook trout. This 54-acre complex of 7 ponds is owned and managed by ODFW, and in addition to stocked trout contains several species of warmwater fish. The site is located west of the town of Gervais. Take St. Louis Road west to Tesch Lane, turn left and follow the road to the ponds.
WALLING POND: rainbow trout
Recently stocked with 400 legal-sized trout and 50 1- to 1.5-pound trout. Walling Pond is located in an old gravel pit within Salem city limits west of I-5. Take Turner Road off Mission St. (Hwy. 22).
WALTER WIRTH POND: rainbow trout
Recently stocked with 1,700 legal-sized trout and 150 1 to 1.5 pound trout. Walter Wirth Lake is located east of Salem within Cascade Gateway Park, west of I-5 at Hwy. 22. Take Airport Road or Turner Road to reach the lake.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: sturgeon, steelhead, warmwater species
The sturgeon angling was very good on the lower Willamette last week. Angler surveys during last week's retention period counted 248 boats catching 223 legals, 2,154 sublegals, and 14 oversize. The greatest boat angling success was again in the St Johns area, but the Milwaukie/Gladstone stretch of river produced some very good catches. Bank fishermen in Oregon City totaled 16 anglers with 3 legals and 6 sublegals.
Bank fishing for sturgeon can be found at Meldrum Bar, at the Hwy 99 wall in downtown Oregon City and at Kelly Point on the St. Johns peninsula. Sturgeon anglers have been using frozen smelt, squid, herring and anchovies as effective bait. As in any fishery, anglers are reminded that all sturgeon released should be done so unharmed.
Sturgeon anglers are reminded that effective Jan. 1, 2009, sturgeon fishing on the Willamette is allowed 3 days a week n Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Also new for this year is the method of measuring sturgeon for retention. Under the new rules, sturgeon are now measured from the tip of the nose to the fork in the tail (rather than the tip of the tail). The resulting allowed retention measurements are slightly shorter than the old method. As a result, the 2009 slot measurement for sturgeon caught in the Willamette River will be 38 to 54 inches. Remember, this is a simple conversion of the old method. It does not mean you can keep smaller fish, only that the method of measuring "keepers" has changed. For a detailed explanation of how to measure sturgeon under the new rule, please visit our Web site.
The spring chinook catch numbers are still fairly low, but it's very early in the season. The Oregon City area and the middle river between Sellwood and the downtown harbor are the best bets to provide late February or early March catch. Multnomah Channel will often produce an early season springer as well.
Winter steelhead passage counts at Willamette Falls showed some improvement in the past few days. As of Feb. 26, there have been 992 winter steelhead counted passing through the Willamette Falls fishway. It is still too early to expect any spring chinook passage.
Hatchery winter steelhead returning to Eagle Creek hatchery on the Clackamas as well as early wild winter steelhead can provide good opportunity in the Willamette between the mouth of the Clackamas and Meldrum Bar. Fish will tend to hold in this area as they wait for cues to move into tributaries or above Willamette Falls. Low river flows or cold snaps will tend to slow fish down and the big water of the Willamette can provide some intriguing opportunities early in the year.
Hydro readings at Willamette Falls on Monday showed flow up to 34,000 cfs, a temperature of 43° and visibility down at less than 1.0 feet.
The Willamette provides an excellent warm water fishery in the summer and early fall months. You can expect to find an abundance of bass, crappie, and bluegill available. Target the rocky outcroppings, structures, or old pilings. Casting a variety of plugs or jigs near the shoreline can be successful. A simple bobber and night crawler might prove to be the right choice also. The local tackle shops can set you up with the right gear and direct you to the best spots. Lately, warm water anglers have reported catching primarily smallmouth bass at depths of 30 to 40 feet.
WILLAMETTE ZONE HUNTING
OPEN: Cougar, coyote, selected furbearers (see regulations)
NW permit goose season is now closed.
A few late season controlled ELK hunts are still ongoing for those hunters that were lucky enough to draw the tag. Snow in the foothills and upper slopes of both the Coast and Cascades has melted with the warmer weather and access has improved in most areas. Hunters willing to spend the time scouting along forested south facing slopes adjacent to food sources such as clear cuts, pastures, meadows and hay fields should have the best chance for success. Please check the regulations for the specific dates and locations of your controlled elk hunts and purchase your 2009 hunting license before you head to the woods. Hunters are also reminded to obtain permission to hunt before entering private land.
COUGAR hunting should continue to be productive for those hunters heading for the Cascade and Coast mountains. Finding concentrations of deer and elk or fresh cougar tracks in the snow will increase a hunter's chance of tagging a cougar, but hunters don't necessarily need to locate a lot of cougar sign to be in the right location. Try predator calling using a fawn bleat or jack rabbit screams along ridges and other natural travel corridors above deer and elk wintering areas. Weather conditions can change from good to miserable very quickly this time of year so hunters need to be prepared and need to have their vehicles equipped for bad weather conditions. Place your survival equipment such as food, water, sleeping bag, fire starting material, space blanket, compass/GPS and cell phone in a backpack that you can grab quickly as you leave your vehicle and have additional equipment stored in your vehicle. Don't forget to take along tire chains, a shovel, and other equipment necessary to keep you vehicle running. Always let someone know where you will be and when you expect to return just in case your vehicle becomes stuck. In the South Willamette Watershed cougars can be found throughout the area with the exception of the Willamette Valley Floor. Remember cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest; please bring them in thawed and with mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
FURBEARER trappers and hunters should be getting out in the field. Bobcat and gray fox seasons closed on Feb 28. Beaver, raccoon and river otter seasons closes on March 15. Bobcat and river otter trappers and hunters are reminded to bring their trapping license, harvest card, pelts and a lower jaw of any bobcat or river otter taken to an ODFW office within five (5) business days after the season closes to have an ownership tag affixed. The deadline to get ownership tags affixed on bobcats is Friday, March 6. Please call ahead to ensure that an ODFW staff person will be available to tag your pelts. Trappers are reminded that waters within the exterior boundaries of the Mt. Hood National Forest are closed to beaver trapping (see page 2 of the Oregon Furbearer Trapping and Hunting Regulations). Hunters concentrating on coyotes should be switching over to coyote vocalizations. Interrogation howls, male challenge howls and pup distress calls should be more productive as coyote's progress through the breeding season. Hunters are advised to keep a close watch downwind of their position when predator calling. Coyote and gray fox will tend to circle downwind and once they have your scent n it is all over.
EE WILSON WILDLIFE AREA
Hunting is now closed. The photo blind will be available April 1. Call the wildlife area for reservations 541-745-5334. EE Wilson Wildlife Area is located approximately 10 miles north of Corvallis on Hwy. 99W. The address is 29555 Camp Adair Road, Monmouth, OR 97361.
FERN RIDGE WILDLIFE AREA
Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is now closed to hunting.
SAUVIE ISLAND WILDLIFE AREA
Waterfowl hunting on in the Wildlife Area is now closed for the season.
WILLAMETTE ZONE VIEWING
Valleywide
Tree frogs are the most abundant frog in Willamette Valley wetlands. They can be heard this time of year on wet nights especially if the temperature is above 40° F. These frogs are only about an inch long and can be hard to see even where they are plentiful. Although tree frogs are excellent climbers they are rarely found in trees. They can be found at night with a flashlight by quietly following the sound to the source although they will quit calling when you get close. During the day they can often be found under boards or other cover in or near wetlands. They are not common in deeper ponds and permanent water bodies, which are occupied by bullfrogs that will eat the smaller tree frogs. Just about any wetland habitat that has shallow standing water that does not dry up before June is a good place to hear and find these frogs. Their eggs can be located in shallow water seasonal ponds during the month of March. Eggs are about the size of a grape and are actually a cluster of eggs that often appear as one large egg. These egg masses are usually attached to a blade of grass or a twig.
Now is a good time to watch for signs of spring. Indicators include the first blooms on trees and the arrival of sparrows, tree swallows, robins and turkey vultures.
EE Wilson Wildlife Area
Bare trees bird watching for perching birds (such as raptors, and hawks) more accessible. Waterfowl and shorebirds numbers will build with the wetter weather.
Wildlife viewing will be improving over the next several months. A waterfowl blind is available to photographers. Call the office at 541-745-5334 to reserve the blind.
From Albany, take Highway 20 toward Corvallis and after 5 miles turn right on Independence Highway. Go 3 miles and turn left on Camp Adair Road, then proceed 2 miles to the wildlife area. Find directions to EE Wilson Wildlife Area.
Fern Ridge Wildlife Area
The East Coyote, West Coyote Fisher Butte and Royal Amazon units are now closed to public access six days a week to provide sanctuary for ducks, geese and other birds that are nesting in preparation for the upcoming migration. The closure will be in effect, except on designated trails, through April 30. These areas are open to public access on Saturdays.
Wintering concentrations of waterfowl can still be observed on the lake and surrounding mudflats and wetlands. Several thousand Canada geese use Fern Ridge Lake for an evening roost site and the sunset and sunrise departures and arrivals of the large flocks of geese provides an outstanding viewing opportunity. Observant visitors may also catch a glimpse of black tailed deer and furbearers including beaver, otter, mink, red fox and coyotes.
Royal Avenue and the trail to the Fisher Butte viewing platform remain open all day every day year round. There is a second elevated viewing platform in the Fisher Butte unit located 1/4 mile north of the Fisher Butte unit parking lot on Hwy 126.
The majority of Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is open daily for public use providing great wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors are reminded there are seasonal access restrictions in place in five units during the fall and winter to provide wildlife sanctuary.
The entire Fern Ridge lake water area and surrounding mudflats remain open daily year-round. The mudflats surrounding the lake low winter pool can provide for excellent hiking on a sandbar type lake bottom that extends for miles.
Dogs are allowed on the Wildlife Area but now that hunting season is closed must be leashed.
Parking areas are located along Highway 126, Nielson Road, Cantrell Road, Territorial Highway, and Clear Lake Road. Contact the wildlife area headquarters, (541) 935-2591 if you have any questions.
Sauvie Island Wildlife Area
Sauvie Island Wildlife Area will be remained closed through April 15 for the protection of wintering waterfowl, except at designated viewing areas.
Access to the lake itself is closed this time of year in an effort to minimize any human impacts on the birds. However, they are still quite visible from the viewing station, which is located next to Reeder Road across from Sauvie Island Kennels. An abundance of ducks and geese can likewise be seen from many other points around the island, as can raptors, including bald eagles, northern harriers, sandhill cranes, red-tailed hawks and American kestrel. This year, eagles have been observed rebuilding nests on the island.
Sauvie Island is a main stopping point for migratory birds as they travel along the Pacific Flyway, and ODFW actively manages the Wildlife Area to provide food and cover for these creatures.
In addition to Coon Point, the best viewing opportunities can be found at the Eastside Viewing Platform and Rentenaar Road. All three require a Sauvie Island Parking Permit.
Sauvie Island Wildlife Area is located on Sauvie Island, only 10 miles north of Portland off Highway 30. A parking permit is required for the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area and can be purchased at ODFW License vendors or at the Sauvie Island ODFW office, Monday through Friday during office hours. For more information, call (503) 621-3488. Directions to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area
NORTHWEST ZONE
FISHING
Weekend fishing opportunities:
* Recent rains raised rivers to good fishing levels, and steelhead fishing improved markedly. Look for fishing to remain fair to good as long as rivers are in good fishable condition.
NORTH COAST LAKES
Surplus adult hatchery summer steelhead were stocked in Town Lake and Cape Meares Lake earlier this fall. Coffenbury and Vernonia lakes have received surplus hatchery winter steelhead.
Cape Meares, Lytle, Spring, Hebo, Town, Coffenbury, Lost and Vernonia lakes are scheduled to stocked the week of March 9th. Numbers of fish may be reduced for the early stocking due to reduced growth rates of fish over the winter. Numbers will be made up later if necessary. The 2009 stocking schedule is now online.
MID COAST LAKES
Trout stocking on Mid Coast Lakes is underway. The following lakes have recently been stocked with rainbow trout: Alder Lake, Big Creek reservoirs, Buck Lake, Cleawox Lake, Dune Lake, Georgia Lake, North Georgia Lake, Munsel Lake, Olalla Creek Reservoir, Perkins lake, Siltcoos Lagoon and Thissel Pond.
WARM WATER FISH ANGLING OPPORTUNITIES
The mid coast has numerous lakes or reservoirs which offer good angling for naturally produced warm water fish species, such as large mouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, brown bullhead and crappie. Typically the best fishing is from late spring to mid fall while water temperatures are warm. Tactics such as casting or trolling lures, jigging baits near bottom or using the traditional bait and bobber technique are all productive from either a boat or from shore. Below is a list of lakes near local coastal cities that offer warm water angling opportunities.
Devils Lake (Lincoln City): Offers fair to good year-round trout fishing and also has slow to fair angling for largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill.
Big Creek Reservoirs 1 & 2 (Newport): Offers fair largemouth bass fishing, slow to fair angling for yellow perch and bluegill and good year-round angling for rainbow and cutthroat trout.
Olalla Reservoir (Toledo): Offers fair largemouth bass fishing, slow to fair angling for yellow perch, bluegill and brown bullhead and good year-round angling for rainbow and cutthroat trout.
Sutton and Mercer Lakes (northern Florence): Fair to good angling for largemouth bass and decent angling for bluegill, and potential for crappie and brown bullhead. Offers year-round rainbow and cutthroat trout fishing.
Woahink Lake (southern Florence): Can be good to very good for yellow perch and offers fair to good angling for largemouth bass and bluegill.
Siltcoos Lake (south of Florence): A large lake with numerous fingers, lots of shoreline structure and a couple large tributaries. Offers fair to good angling for largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch and brown bullhead. There is good year-round rainbow and cutthroat trout fishing and a good seasonal fishery for coho salmon.
Tahkenitch Lake (south of Florence): A large lake with numerous fingers, lots of shoreline structure and a couple large tributaries. Offers good to very good angling for largemouth bass and yellow perch, and fair to good angling for bluegill, crappie and brown bullhead. There is good year-round cutthroat trout fishing and a good seasonal fishery for coho salmon.
ALSEA RIVER: winter steelhead
Steelhead fishing is good in the mid to upper river as recent rains and good river conditions have helped to move fish up river and become more active. Both bank and boat anglers should have good success for the week.
KILCHIS RIVER: steelhead
Winter steelhead angling has improved with recent rains. Fish are moving through the system.
NECANICUM RIVER: steelhead
Winter steelhead angling is fair. New fish entered the river with recent rains.
NORTH FORK NEHALEM RIVER: steelhead
Winter steelhead fishing has improved, with a few hatchery fish still showing in the mix. Call 503-368-5670 for recorded fishing information.
NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: steelhead
Winter steelhead angling is fair. Fish are moving upstream quickly with recent higher water. Fishing effort has been heavy. Be persistent and cover lots of water to find fish. Fish have moved well upstream, and are available up to the deadline at Elk Creek. Most hatchery fish are caught below Blaine.
SILETZ RIVER: winter steelhead
Steelhead fishing has picked up following recent rain events and good river angling conditions. Steelhead can be found throughout the basin with bank and boat anglers having the best success in the mid to upper river. The best opportunity for bank anglers is from Moonshine Park and up and for boaters from the park on down to the town of Siletz. Drifting jigs or bait near the bottom or casting spinners can be effective.
SIUSLAW RIVER: winter steelhead
Angling for winter steelhead is productive as the good steelhead weather and river conditions is moving fish up river. Anglers should continue to have good success in the mid and upper sections of the Siuslaw and Lake Creek. Both bank and boat fishing around Whittaker Creek and down should be productive this week.
TILLAMOOK BAY: sturgeon
Angling for sturgeon has improved slightly after recent storms. Sand shrimp fished on the bottom in the deeper channels will produce the best results. Move frequently to find fish if you are not getting bites.
TRASK RIVER: steelhead
Winter steelhead angling is fair and improving. Fish seem to be spread out through the river system, with some fish available in the north and south forks. Wild steelhead are being tagged as part of a research project in the East Fork Trask. Anglers catching a tagged fish should report the tag number to ODFW in Tillamook at 503-842-2741. Do not remove the tag from fish.
The road shoulder has been widened at the Cedar Creek boat launch, which will allow vehicles to pull off the road while launching. Anglers should use caution to avoid disturbing fresh fill in the area. Plans are in the works to construct a new boat slide at the site in the near future. Please do not block boat launching at this site. Contact ODFW in Tillamook at 503-842-2741 for details.
WILSON RIVER: steelhead
Winter steelhead angling is fair to good. Fishing effort has been heavy. Fish are spread through the system. Fish larger, more colorful baits and lures while the water has some color.
YAQUINA RIVER: winter steelhead
Winter steelhead angling is slow to fair. The hatchery run is typically slowing by this time. However, more native steelhead start to show and can offer fair to good catch and release fishing. Best opportunities are fishing Big Elk Creek where public access is best in the upper river around Deer Creek upstream to Grant Creek.
NORTH COAST HUNTING
OPEN: Cougar, selected furbearers (see regulations)
NW permit goose season is now closed.
Densities of COUGAR are relatively low on the north coast, and the animals are hard to find unless you specifically target them. One of the most effective ways to hunt them is by using a predator call. An aggressive calling strategy works best on these shy and reclusive cats. Remember cougars must be checked-in no more than 10 days after harvest at an ODFW office; please bring them in thawed and with mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
NORTHWEST ZONE VIEWING
North Coast Viewing
The Oregon Coast Birding Trail www.oregoncoastbirding.com is a great resource to find birding opportunities throughout coastal Oregon. If you click on the link and then again on the north coast section on the home page, it will open up a pdf file with lots of excellent spots to see birds in various habitats. Of course, other sections of the coastline are featured as well.
Astoria Area
Ft. Stevens State Park, located west of Astoria, is host to a large variety of coastal habitats including freshwater lakes and wetlands, upland and wetland conifer forests, dunes, grassy meadows, beaches, estuarine areas. This makes the park a birder's paradise, especially during the winter months. A handy network of paved trails and local roads makes for easy access to the various habitats out there. One of the viewing highlights is the viewing bunker at Trestle Bay. It is reached by going all the way to the end of the Clatsop Spit road to Parking Lot "D". From the bunker various waterfowl and shorebird species can be seen, depending on the level of the tide.
Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area
A day trip to Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area gives you an excellent chance to see lots of Roosevelt elk. Bring your binoculars and your lunch - there are picnic tables and restrooms. The wildlife area is located about 60 miles west of Portland.
Wildlife viewing for Roosevelt elk is excellent, with large herds visible on a daily basis. Look for elk at the main viewing area, along Highway 202, and Beneke Creek Road. About 30 large bulls can be seen from the west viewing area most days. Best viewing times are from 9 a.m. to about noon, but elk can normally be seen throughout the day.
Area staff tries to feed the elk herds fairly close to the viewing areas on the weekends to enhance viewing opportunities. Other wildlife to watch for include: song birds at the viewing area feeders, coyotes in the fields, and bald eagles perched high in trees near the creeks.
From Portland, travel west on Hwy. 26 to the Jewell Junction, just west of Elderberry Inn. Turn north on Hwy. 103, which parallels the Nehalem River for nine miles to Jewell. At Jewell, travel 1.5 miles west on Hwy. 202 to the refuge area on Fishhawk Creek. Parking areas are provided at strategic points to aid viewing. The Beneke Creek tract is north of Jewell on Beneke Creek Road. For more information, visit the ODFW Web site Visitors' Guide.
Reservations for winter elk feeding tours have been completely filled for this winter.
Tillamook Area
In winter and early spring, the rocks at Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge, located west of Oceanside, are dominated by peregrine falcons and bald eagles, which are often seen perched on the tops of the rocks, looking and waiting for prey. Down below on the smaller rocks, Steller sea lions are usually found hanging out near the surf. These sea lions are federally listed as "Threatened" under the Endangered Species Act, and are larger and lighter colored than their more numerous cousins, the California Sea Lion.
Newport Area
The trail behind the Mark O. Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport is a good place to observe shorebirds and waterfowl in the Yaquina estuary.
SOUTWEST ZONE
FISHING
Weekend opportunities:
* The 2009 trout stocking program has begin in earnest. To find out what's happening on your favorite lake or reservoir, check out the reports below, or go the 2009 trout stocking schedule.
* Recent rains have got steelhead moving again, and when water levels recede anglers can expect good fishing on the Chetco, Elk, Sixes and lower Rogue Rivers.
* Steelhead won't be the only fish on the move, and some lucky angler on the south Rogue and mainstem Umpqua might just land an early spring chinook.
APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass
Applegate Reservoir offers winter fishing for rainbow trout and land-locked juvenile spring chinook salmon. Fishing for trout has been fair off the points near French Gulch and the Squaw Creek arm of the lake. Bank anglers will likely fish either floating bait or worms, while trollers can do well fishing a spinner and worm combination. The reservoir level is 1913 feet and the French Gulch boat ramp is open. Please contact the USFS at 899-3832 for updates on the boat ramp. As of March 2 the reservoir outflow was 142 cfs and the river temperature was 41o F.
APPLEGATE RIVER: steelhead, rainbow trout
Recent rains have brought the river up a little and should get fish moving again. Fishing for steelhead has been best in the lower river downstream of Fish Hatchery Park. Fly-fishing with egg patters or casting small lures can be successful for steelhead; nightcrawlers and corkies can also be effective. The Applegate River is open for the harvest of adipose fin-clipped steelhead. The Applegate is also open for trout fishing with a limit of 2 adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout per day, 8 inch minimum length. Non-adipose fin-clipped steelhead and rainbow trout and all cutthroat trout must be released unharmed. The use of bait is allowed.
Applegate River flows at Wilderville
BEN IRVING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass
Ben Irving Reservoir, west of Winston, will start being stocked this week. The first stocking will be about 2,500 trout.
CHETCO RIVER: steelhead
Steelhead fishing has been hit and miss with the latest round of storms. With the high flows, plunkers will have the best opportunity to pick up a fresh steelhead or two. As the river comes back into shape look for some a pretty good steelhead fishing for both fresh fish and spawned out steelhead. March can also be a good month to try running plugs, fly fishing, or casting spinners as the water temperatures start to rise and steelhead become pretty aggressive.
Chetco River flows near Brookings
COOPER CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Cooper Creek was stocked with 500 legal sized trout and about 50 trophy trout last week for the Umpqua Fishery Enhancement kids event. This is our first stocking for 2009. Cooper Creek will receive another 2,000 trout this week. Bass fishing at Plat I is now open to harvest. The limit is 5 per day with only 3 over 15 inches per day. Plat I will also be stocked this week with about 1,500 trout.
COOS COUNTY LAKES: rainbow trout
Trout stocking will begin this week in Bradely Lake, Empire Lakes, Johnson Mill Pond, Powers Pond, and Saunders Lake. This will be the first stocking for 2009 but some holdover rainbow trout are still being caught in area lakes like Eel Lake. Still fishing with your bait near the bottom or under a bobber is an effective technique for catching trout. Another way to catch trout is by trolling a flasher or a worm.
COOS RIVER BASIN: winter steelhead, Dungeness crab
With the recent rain the rivers in the Coos system are up and muddy. We are anticipating a low return of hatchery steelhead to the Coos River basin this winter because most of the hatchery steelhead smolts for the Coos River basin had to be destroyed due to IHN disease two years ago. These fish would be three years old and would typically make up the majority of the steelhead harvest. There will still be a few two- and four-year-old hatchery steelhead available to catch. Access to the South Coos River above Dellwood is by permit from Weyerhaeuser Company, and is subject to their rules. Anglers can call the Weyerhaeuser hotline number at 1-888-741-5403 for recorded information on access and permit purchases.
Trout fishing is closed in Coos Bay and the rivers until May 23.
People crabbing from a boat are getting a mixture of legal Dungeness and red rock crabs but there were not many limits. The best area to crab from a boat is from the North Jetty inside the bay to Clam Island. Crabbing from the Charleston docks is producing mainly red rock crabs with an occasional Dungeness crab. The best crabbing docks have been the B/C and D/E docks in Charleston. The best baits for crabbing are fish, chicken or turkey legs. The best time to crab is two hours before high tide through two hours after.
COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: winter steelhead
Steelhead were being caught over the past week in the Coquille system. We received a lot of rain over the weekend and most of the rivers are high, muddy, and unfishable at this time. Remember to be courteous to other anglers and respect private property. Drifting eggs or sand shrimp along the bottom or drifting a jig under a bobber are the preferred ways to fish in the forks of the Coquille. ODFW is currently under way with a steelhead radio telemetry project and will be tagging both hatchery and wild steelhead for the next two months. Just a reminder that all radio tagged steelhead must be released alive.
DIAMOND LAKE: rainbow trout
Closed to fishing, including ice fishing, until April 25, 2009. Open for other winter sports. Diamond Lake won't be mentioned in the SW Region Trout Stocking Schedule this year since the lake will only be stocked with fingerling trout this summer. However, we anticipate nearly 140,000 catchable sized trout in the lake this year from the 200,000 fingerlings released in 2008 plus another 25,000 catchable fish leftover from last year's stocking.
ELK/SIXES RIVER: steelhead
High flows early in the week should lead to some excellent steelhead fishing when the rivers drop back into shape. Both the Elk and Sixes can fish very well in March, with anglers picking up both fresh and spawned out steelhead. Anglers can call Elk River Hatchery (541-332-7025) for the latest river heights and water color. Anglers will want to target Elk River when the river gauge at Elk River Hatchery is reading five feet and dropping.
EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie
Rainbow trout are available, but little pressure has been reported at Emigrant. Bank anglers have been catching trout on power bait in the Emigrant Arm, Songer Wayside, and the dam. Boat anglers have caught a few crappie, trout and perch on worms.
Anglers should be aware that a health advisory has been issued recommending limits on consumption of all fish from Emigrant except rainbow trout. Information on the Emigrant Reservoir advisory, along with general information on mercury and fish can be found on the DHS Web site.
FISH LAKE: rainbow trout
Rainbow and brook trout are available. Anglers should be prepared for winter conditions and varying levels of ice coverage. Power bait and worms are the most popular baits used by bank anglers.
GALESVILLE RESERVIOR: rainbow trout, bass
Galesville Reservoir is open to angling year-round. Galesville was stocked with 8,000 catchable trout in 2008, plus 25,000 2007 sub-legals that became legal size in 2008. The reservoir was also stocked with about 55,000 adipose-clipped hatchery coho which are now legal size. In Galesville Reservoir, all landlocked salmon are considered trout. Thus, there is a 5 per day trout limit, with only one trout over 20 inches in length allowed for harvest. The 2009 stocking season will begin this week with an anticipated 2,000 trout being stocked in Galesville. Anglers are reminded all bass between 12 and 15 inches must be released, and only one bass over 15 inches may be taken per day. Galesville does have a campground now which is open year-round. For information call 541-957-7001.
GARRISON LAKE: rainbow trout, cutthroat trout
ODFW recently sampled Garrison Lake and found as usual an excellent population of carry over trout in the 13 to 16 inch range. Garrison is also scheduled to be stocked with catchable trout next week which should make for some excellent fishing. The best way to fish is by boat, but there is some bank access at the State Park or ODFW's access site on 12th street. Fly fishing or slow trolling wedding ring spinners are regular producers.
HERBERT'S POND: rainbow trout, warm water fish
Herbert's Pond is a small pond just east of Canyonville on Tiller Highway. The pond has a good warm water fishery for kids including bluegill, crappie, and bass. The pond has very good bank access. Through March, the ODFW will occasionally recycles a hatchery steelhead into Herbert's Pond. These fish will be adipose marked and have an additional mark identifying it as a recycled steelhead. Only one of these fish can be harvested per day.
ILLINOIS RIVER: steelhead, trout
Recent rains have brought the river up and fish should be moving again. A few fish have been caught on small spoons upstream of Briggs Creek and near Eight Dollar Bridge.
Illinois River flows at Kerby
The Illinois River is open for steelhead and adipose fin-clipped trout Jan 1nMar 31 and May 23-Dec 31. Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures only. Non-adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout, steelhead, and cutthroat trout must be released unharmed and should not be removed from the water, except for a new regulation in 2009 that allows a limited opportunity to harvest wild steelhead on the Illinois. Beginning January 1st in the mainstem Illinois River from the confluence with Briggs Creek upstream to Pomeroy Dam, non-adipose fin-clipped (wild) steelhead at least 24 inches in length may be kept, one per day, five per year, as part of the daily or annual steelhead/salmon catch limit.
LAKE MARIE: rainbow trout
Lake Marie is at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park near Winchester. The lake was stocked with 4,000 trout in 2008.
LAKE SELMAC: trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie
Lake Semac has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing was fair with little pressure over the weekend. Trout anglers often 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 or panfish are also available but fishing for them has been slow.
LEMOLO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout
Closed to fishing until April 25, 2009. Open for other winter sports.
LOON LAKE: rainbow trout
Loon Lake was stocked with about 7,000 catchable trout plus some trophy trout in 2008. This year's stocking season will begin this week with a planting of about 2,000 trout.
LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass
Trolling for trout has been good with some limits of trout being caught. Anglers should try trolling a variety of depths with wedding ring lures, worms, or spinners. Bank anglers using PowerBait near Takelma Boat Ramp have been catching limits of trout, including some fish over 15 inches.
PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: bottomfish, surf perch
When the ocean has been "calm" fishing for rockfish, greenling and lingcod has been good.
Fishing the surf for surfperch is just starting to get underway. Fishing should improve in the next couple of months. While fishing ocean beaches for surfperch concentrate your fishing efforts near areas with rocky outcroppings, drop-offs/ledges, or rip tides.
Sand shrimp is a great bait to use for catching surfperch.
REINHART POND: rainbow trout, warm water fish
Reinhart Pond (formerly All Sports Pond) in Grants Pass is scheduled to be stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Anglers should try fishing with nightcrawlers or casting small spinners or spoons. Fly anglers may want to try casting leech or wooly bugger-type streamers. Largemouth bass and bluegill are available; anglers should try fishing for these fish in the afternoon when temperatures are warmer.
ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: steelhead, spring chinook
Steelhead fishing picked up late last week and over the weekend with many anglers reporting catching multiple fish. With the high flows from recent storms, anglers can expect the steelhead action to continue once the river drops. Anglers fishing from the bank with spin and glows will fair the best. Another bonus for anglers waiting for the river to drop is river conditions should be excellent for some lucky bank angler to catch the first spring chinook.
Rogue River flows
ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: trout, steelhead
Fishing should pick up following this week's storms. Anglers should try side-drifting roe, worms, or yarn flies in the area below the Applegate down to Robertson Bridge. The flow at Grants Pass on March 2 was 1962 cubic feet per second.
Bank access for steelhead angling 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 Bridge to Hog Creek are popular drifts for boat anglers.
ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: trout, steelhead
Fish should be moving up after the recent rains. Side-drifting roe or egg patterns near the banks can be effective for winter steelhead. As of March 2, the flow out of William Jess Dam (Lost Creek) was 860 cfs and the outflow temperature was 41 degrees. At Gold Ray Dam, the Rogue was flowing at 1914 cfs.
As of Feb. 24, 1425 winter steelhead have been counted at Gold Ray Dam. The river is open to the harvest of adipose fin-clipped steelhead year-round. The Rogue is also open for trout fishing with a limit of five adipose fin-clipped trout per day, 8 inch minimum length, but all non-adipose fin-clipped rainbow and all cutthroat trout must be released unharmed. 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.
SODA SPRINGS RESERVOIR: brown and rainbow trout
Soda Springs Reservoir remains open, but mainstem above and the tributaries upstream of Soda Springs are closed for trout until Apr. 25.
SMITH RIVER: striped bass, trout, fall chinook, steelhead
Open for adipose fin-clipped steelhead from mouth to Sisters Creek and North Fork from mouth upstream to Bridge 10. Trout season closed until May 23. Striped bass season is open year-round, two fish per 24 hours, 24-inch minimum size. The North Fork is open from mouth to Johnson Creek for stripers.
SOUTH COAST STREAMS: trout
Trout season in the Umpqua tributaries, Smith River, South Umpqua, North Umpqua tributaries below Soda Springs Reservoir and Cow Creek basins is closed until May 23. The mainstem Umpqua and mainstem North Umpqua to Soda Springs Dam are open year-round for catch and release trout. North Umpqua mainstem and tributarties above Soda Springs Reservoir close to trout angling until April 25.
TENMILE LAKES: warmwater fish
The water temperature in Tenmile Lakes has been in the upper 40s. Even with the cool water temperatures largemouth bass have been biting. Bass have been hitting a variety of lures from jigs, soft plastics, and even crankbaits. The largemouth bass are being caught in both shallow and deep water. Yellow perch will be close to spawning and are usually fairly aggressive this time of the year. You will find yellow perch in deeper water next to weedlines. Use a piece of worm on a small hook or jig to catch yellow perch. There are lots of smaller perch in the lake so you will have to do some sorting to have enough for a meal.
TOKETEE LAKE: brown trout
Fishing is open in Toketee year-round, and the best fishing occurs early in the morning. The lake has both good bank and boat access throughout.
UMPQUA ESTUARY: sturgeon, bass, chinook,
Both sturgeon and striped bass fishing have been slow in the lower Umpqua. With higher river flows during the winter months, sturgeon success should be improving. Crabbing is still good. Note change in measuring sturgeon on page 19 of the 2009 Angling Regulations booklet.
UMPQUA HIGH LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout
The last stocking was Labor Day Weekend for Clearwater Forebay #2 and Hemlock Lake. Other high lakes such as Maidu, Bull Pup, Connie, Skookum, Calamut, Fuller, Wolf, Cliff, Buckeye, Linda, and Big Twin Lakes were stocked with brook trout this year. The recent cold weather and snow has likely closed access to most of these lakes for the winter.
UMPQUA RIVER MAINSTEM: steelhead, spring chinook, smallmouth bass
Umpqua Basin Note:
Due to high mortality of hatchery steelhead, smolt releases in 2007 were much lower than normal. Consequently, fewer hatchery steelhead will be returning to the Umpqua basin this winter. Angling opportunity and catch rates throughout the basin will still be good due to the strong wild steelhead population, however only hatchery steelhead can be harvested.
The basin finally got some rain. The main is high and muddy, but the water temperatures rose and bank fishing should be fairly good. For bank anglers, plunking with eggs or spin-n-glo's is the preferred method. Remember the main stem Umpqua is closed to wild steelhead harvest, but remains open year-round for adipose fin-clipped steelhead. The recent rain should get the spring chinook season started below Scottsburg.
Umpqua River flows near Elkton
UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead
Prior to this week's rain, nearly 2,000 winter steelhead had crossed Winchester Dam. The fish are actively moving now with the increased flows and warmer water. The North has maintained its color so it should be good for both bank and boat anglers, but more rain is in the forecast. Remember that only adipose fin-clipped steelhead can be harvested on the North Umpqua. The best flows for fishing tend to be between 1,600 n 6,400 cfs. The North is open to catch and release trout fishing from the mouth upstream to Soda Springs Dam. Spring chinook opened Jan. 1, but the first fish isn't usually seen at the dam until the first week of April.
North Umpqua River water levels at Winchester Dam
UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: winter steelhead
The South Umpqua opened Dec. 1 for winter steelhead fishing. Only adipose-clipped steelhead can be harvested. The recent rain caused the South to be muddy and high, however the warmer water temperature should have the fish moving. Plunking will be the best angling method until the water drops. Best boat fishing flows tend to be between 3,000 n 6,500 cfs. A few steelhead have been caught in the Canyonville area.
South Umpqua River water levels near Riddle
WINCHESTER BAY: sturgeon, coho, chinook
Fishing is picking up a little for sturgeon. Note new sturgeon measuring method in the 2009 Angling Regulations. Crabbing has been good.
MOST RECREATIONAL SHELLFISH IS OPEN
The entire Oregon coast is open for recreational shellfishing. In addition, only the adductor muscle of scallops are safe to eat; consumption of whole scallops from the recreational fishery is not recommended.
Always check for health advisories by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Shellfish line at 1-800-448-2474 for updates.
Razor clams and current status of particular areas
Crabbing has been a little slow but picked up recently. Crabbers are encouraged to return soft crabs with little meat back to the water. Crabbing from public docks or boat if available is a great opportunity for families to catch a delicious dinner. Kids often enjoy sorting out the smaller crab that can be abundant. Public crabbing docks can be found in Winchester Bay, Bandon, Charleston, and Empire.
Clamming effort in Coos Bay has slowed down but there are still lots a clams available. A couple of areas to try are Pigeon Point off the Cape Arago Highway and the Charleston Flat south of the Charleston Bridge.
* ALWAYS CHECK FOR HEALTH ADVISORIES by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Shellfish line at 1-800-448-2474 for updates.
* Razor clams and current status of particular areas
* Bay clams
SOUTHWEST ZONE HUNTING
OPEN: Late-season goose (open through March 10 in south coast zone), cougar, coyote, selected furbearers (see regulations)
SW Oregon spring bear tags are sold out.
See page 16 of the Oregon Game Bird Regulations for information about the late season for goose in the South Coast Zone (Feb. 21-March 10, west of Hwy 101 in Coos, Curry and Douglas counties). Contact ODFW's Gold Beach office 541-247-7605 for a map and contacts to hunt on private lands that make up the New River Access Area, an Access and Habitat property.
DOUGLAS COUNTY
BIG GAME:
Elk - A few controlled hunts are open. Elk populations are similar to last year.
Cougar n Opened on January 1, 2009. Hunting cougar is most successful adjacent to private land with high deer populations. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
TRAPPING & HUNTING:
A reminder to trappers and hunters that specific licenses and tags are required to hunt many furbearer species, and hunters should refer to the Oregon Furbearer Trapping and Hunting Regulations for details. Raccoon pursuit season ends March 15, 2009.
River Otter, Beaver & Raccoon n Currently open. Healthy populations throughout Western Oregon. The last day of the season for these species is March 15, 2009.
Mink & Muskrat n Currently open. Healthy populations throughout Western Oregon. The last day of the season for mink and muskrat is March 31, 2009.
COOS COUNTY
SOUTH COAST ZONE GOOSE: Western Canada goose populations in Coos County, including that portion that is open for hunting in the late season, are high. Geese are paired up at this point so large flocks will not likely be found. Using small groups of decoys will be more attractive to these birds that large spreads. Aleutian cackling Canada geese will soon be appearing in agricultural fields in the south part of the county. These birds will be more attracted to large spreads of decoys.
LATE SEASON HUNTING: Now that most big game seasons are closed some hunters have chosen to extend their hunting season by turning to hunting furbearers and other species. Coyote populations are good in Coos County and they will respond to calls. However, calling coyotes on the coast range is challenging due to brush. Bobcat populations are high and hunting them can be a worthwhile endeavor, as well. Since specific license and tag requirements exist for hunting some of these animals new hunters should contact local ODFW offices to learn more about hunting these animals before they start.
COUGAR are abundant throughout with indicators pointing to stable or increasing numbers. Hunting cougar is a challenge because these animals are very secretive, but harvest success is greatest adjacent to private land with high deer populations using a predator call. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
JACKSON, JOSEPHINE, CURRY COUNTIES
GOOSE South Coast Zone hunt is open until March 10. Aleutian goose numbers are currently fair. Combination of weather and hunting pressure in California has not caused them to migrate. Contact ODFW's Gold Beach office 541-247-7605 for a map and contacts to hunt on private lands that make up the New River Access Area, an Access and Habitat property.
The Jackson Cooperative Travel Management Area is in effect. This agreement between government agencies and private partners provides hunters with access to a variety of lower elevation areas to hunt. Now that hunting seasons are over the roads continue to remain closed within designated areas unless posted to provide very little disturbance to wildlife especially deer and Elk. Maps can be obtained online through ODFW's website; click on the Oregon Hunting Access Map
COYOTES are abundant in our area. This is one of the best times of year for coyotes their coats are heavy and thick. Hunters will have great response to calling. Focus on areas of known prey base and use calls based on that. Remember to ask for permission to hunt on private lands.
General COUGAR season is open. Cougar populations continue to be plentiful. Predator calling has become one of the best methods for hunters. Current snow conditions provide hunters with the abilities to find tracks that will aid greatly for calling in cougars. Focus on spots where there are high populations of wintering deer. Hunters are reminded that they must bring their cougar into an ODFW office within 10 days to be checked and tagged, refer to regulations for details. Hunters are asked to bring in cougars thawed and mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
WESTERN GRAY SQUIRREL is now open only in a portion of the Rogue unit; refer to regulations for more detail. It is open there year-round with no bag limit.
Trapping and Hunting
Furbearers: A reminder to trappers and hunters that specific licenses and tags are required to hunt many furbearer species and hunters should refer to the Oregon Furbearer Trapping and Hunting Regulations for details.
River Otter, Beaver and Raccoon: Healthy populations throughout Western Oregon. The last day of the season for these species is March 15, 2009.
Mink and Muskrat: Healthy populations throughout Western Oregon. The last day of the season for mink and muskrat is March 31, 2009.
SOUTHWEST ZONE VIEWING
Coos County
Often in early spring some of the first migrating birds begin to appear in the Coos Bay area. Small groups of shore birds are already appearing along local beaches and inland bays. Look for these birds around mud flats at low tide. Their numbers will increase as the spring progresses.
Presently, waterfowl numbers are very good in Coos Bay and other coastal bays. Many of the diving ducks are late migrants. Good places to look at waterfowl are along Cape Arago Highway near Barview. Numbers of bald eagles and other raptors generally increase with increasing waterfowl numbers. Good places to see these birds are the Coos Bay North Spit, east side of Coos Bay, the Coquille Valley and the lower Umpqua.
Large numbers of elk can be seen in the fields of Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area which is located a few miles east of Reedsport along Hwy. 38.
Douglas County
Songbird Boxes
Springtime is just around the corner. Now is just a good time to clean out your songbird and wood duck boxes for use. Always remove old nesting material to encourage birds to take up residence. The most common birds that use songbird nest boxes are bluebird, swallow, chickadee, nuthatch and wren. Other species that can use other types of nesting boxes and nesting structures are wood duck, Canada goose, purple martin, robin, flicker, downy woodpecker, screech and barn owl and sparrow hawk.
Fish Passage
Winter Steelhead are migrating upstream and passing through Winchester dam fish ladder on the N. Umpqua River. The fish ladder is free and open to the public with the best viewing in the late afternoon hours when the water is not muddy. To view the migrating fish go to exit 129 on I-5, proceed southeast on 99 to the fish ladder on the north side of the river.
Amphibians
The pacific (chorus) tree frog is starting to vocalize around ponds, puddles and other watered areas getting ready for spring breeding season. They can be heard vocalizing on warmer days and afternoons.
Owls
Great horned owls and other smaller owls are calling in the evenings or early mornings in areas of wooded habitat.
Turkey Vultures
A few turkey vultures have arrived in the Umpqua Valley. Look for more turkey vultures returning from their wintering grounds in Mexico and points south.
Jackson, Josephine, and Curry counties
Turkey vultures have returned to the Rogue Valley. They can often be seen flying in circles floating on the thermal air currents. Many bald eagles have been spotted throughout the area. There are a mature and an immature bald eagle around Coker Butte. One is regularly sighted along the Rogue River near Casey State Park, and one has been spotted in the Denman Wildlife Area along Whetstone Pond.
A covered viewing station on the Denman Wildlife Area provides a good opportunity to view waterfowl, egrets, raptors and songbirds. The structure was built by the Oregon Hunters Association and is accessed by a paved, ADA-accessible pathway. It is on Whetstone Pond, just north of the ODFW Rogue Watershed Field Office in Central Point. For more information about the wildlife area, visit ODFW's Web site.
Harbor seals can be observed in estuaries throughout the South Coast. Look for sandy haul out sites. Remember, spring is puping season so please observe these animals from a distance. If you find pups on the beach, leave them where you found them-mother knows where they are.
CENTRAL ZONE
FISHING
If your favorite fishing spot is no longer listed
It's probably because that river, lake or reservoir is closed for the season, inaccessible due to snow and bad roads, or offers limited fishing opportunities during the winter months. These waterbodies will re-appear in the Recreation Report when they re-open next spring, or when access and/or opportunity improves.
Weekend fishing opportunities:
* Some very large trout have been active in Haystack Reservoir, including a 10-pounder landed in late February.
* Anglers are reporting catch of bright winter steelhead in the lower Hood River from the mouth upstream to Powerdale Dam.
* Anglers on the Crooked River have been reporting good catches of redband trout.
CLEAR LAKE: rainbow trout
No recent reports.
CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout and mountain whitefish
Fishing with artificial flies and lures only, no bait. Anglers are reporting improved catches of redband trout with steady whitefish success. The river is currently flowing at 57 cfs, and is expected to rise in the next couple of weeks.
All anglers are encouraged to visit informational kiosks located in the BLM campgrounds in the Wild and Scenic portion of the river where a flier has been posted to assist anglers in collecting valuable information. ODFW and OSU initiated a radio telemetry study on redband trout and whitefish in the fall of 2007. ODFW and OSU deployed new radio-tags in early October in fish caught by dedicated volunteer anglers from the Central Oregon Fly Fishers, Sunriver Anglers, ODFW, and OSU. Anglers are reminded that radio-tagged fish cannot be legally harvested. To determine if a fish is radio-tagged, anglers should check for an eight-inch wire antenna protruding from the rear of both redband and mountain whitefish. A sample of redband trout and mountain whitefish are also tagged with a numbered floy tag protruding from the back. Anglers who later catch a trout or whitefish with a floy tag are encouraged to release the fish after recording the tag number, fish length and location caught. Anglers can send the information to ODFW at (541) 447-5111 ext. 24 or michael.r.harrington@state.or.us.
DESCHUTES RIVER: steelhead, rainbow trout
Mouth to Warm Springs: steelhead, trout
Winter angling for trout, whitefish and steelhead on the lower Deschutes can be a fun way to enjoy a quiet winter day. Angling is open for these species year round in the Deschutes from the Columbia River upstream to the Northern Boundary of the Warm Springs Reservation. The highest concentration of trout and whitefish are from around Maupin upstream to the reservation boundary. Steelhead can occasionally be caught in these areas as well. Trout anglers should focus on the slower water due to the colder water temperatures, back eddies are typically the most productive in winter. Fly anglers can be successful using an indicator with a large stonefly and a small dropper.
Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls: rainbow trout, brown trout
No recent reports. This reach of the Deschutes currently provides winter angling opportunity for brown trout and redband trout. River flow below Bend is currently running 800 cfs.
FALL RIVER: rainbow trout
Recent reports indicate that the angling has been fair. The river above the falls remains open the entire year, and is restricted to fly-fishing only. River water temperatures are generally in the 38 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit range. This is a popular winter fishery for fly fishers.
HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout
Opportunities for rainbow and brown trout are fair to good. Large fish have been active in the recent weeks with reports of a 10lb rainbow caught in late February.
HOOD RIVER: summer steelhead, winter steelhead
Anglers are reporting catch of bright winter steelhead in the lower Hood River from the mouth upstream to Powerdale Dam. Recent rains have improved river conditions. Counts at Bonneville Dam have been improving, and anglers should be seeing increased numbers of fish. Anglers should watch for warmer air temperatures later to warm the water and improve fishing. Winter steelhead numbers will continue to increase throughout the remaining winter.
Find out how many fish are being captured at the Powerdale Dam trap.
KINGSLEY RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Access is likely marginal due to heavy snow and the reservoir is likely frozen.
LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: bull trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, smallmouth bass
Bull trout and kokanee angling opportunities in the Deschutes and Crooked River Arms are fair to good. Kokanee bag limit is five fish per day, included in the trout daily bag limit. Anglers should consult 2009 Sport Fishing Regulations for new angling regulations on Lake Billy Chinook.
METOLIUS RIVER: redband trout, bull trout
No recent reports. February and March can provide a nice midday opportunity for anglers. As day time temperatures start climbing into the higher 40s and lower 50s range there tends to be an increase in activity. Please note that the reach of river from Allingham Bridge upstream to the Metolius headspring is currently closed to angling to protect spawning redband.
OCHOCO CREEK UPSTREAM TO OCHOCO DAM: rainbow trout
Bait fishing is not allowed. Artificial flies and lures only, and regulations allow no more than two trout per day with only one trout greater than 20 inches and no trout under eight inches. Opportunities are good for native redband trout.
OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Reservoir has thin ice cover ice fishing not recommended. Use extreme caution when evaluating ice conditions.
PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
No recent reports, but the reservoir is likely frozen. Earlier in the year the reservoir received additional allocations of hatchery fish originally destined for (inaccessible) high elevation lakes.
PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, black crappie, bass
No recent reports. Anglers should note an error in the 2009 fishing regulations for Prineville Reservoir (p. 63). The CORRECT regulation is: largemouth and smallmouth bass, 15 in. MAXIMUM length, only one of which may be a largemouth.
ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
No recent reports. Rock Creek reservoir is likely frozen.
TAYLOR LAKE: rainbow trout
Taylor Lake is free of ice and should provide good opportunity for catching a fat hungry trout.
WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout
Gate to campground is locked, anglers must walk ¼ mile to the reservoir. Ice fishing opportunities for carryover rainbow trout up to 18 inches are excellent. Anglers are encouraged to use caution when evaluating ice conditions. This is a beautiful location to get away during the winter. Forest Service Road 42 to the gate is plowed throughout winter.
CENTRAL ZONE HUNTING
OPEN: Cougar, coyote, selected furbearers (see regulations)
CENTRAL OREGON SPORTSMAN SHOW: Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond, March 5-8. Visit ODFW's booth at the show.
PRINEVILLE/OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT
Snow is present at mid and high elevations, with most national forest roads impassable. Outdoor enthusiasts should be prepared for cold temperatures and difficult driving. Conditions can change rapidly, and hunters should dress and be equipped to handle cold weather and walking and/or driving through everything from dry ground, to mud and snow. In most areas deer and pronghorn remain on winter ranges.
COUGARS are tied to where deer, elk, and pronghorn are wintering in the Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly units. Areas to consider include BLM lands on the south side of Maury Mountains and S. Fork Crooked River in the Maury; N. Fork Crooked River and S. Fork John Day River in the Ochoco; and upper Mill, Trout, and Mckay Creeks in the Grizzly unit. Remember cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days after harvest; please bring them in thawed and with mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
COYOTE are plentiful throughout the district, but the Maury and Ochoco units offer better opportunities on public land. Hunters should scout at lower elevations for concentrations of deer or pronghorn as coyotes will likely be present as well.
THE DALLES WILDLIFE DISTRICT
The LOWER DESCHUTES WILDLIFE AREA is still accepting comments on its draft management plan which will guide management for the next 10 years. More information
For hunters wishing to pursue COUGAR, the best opportunity will in areas where wintering deer and elk are congregating. One of the better areas is generally around White River Wildlife area, where both deer and elk winter in fair numbers. As spring conditions begin to show themselves, deer and elk are spending more time on open hillsides taking advantage of green-up. Cougar will be in close proximity. Successful cougar hunters, remember check-in is mandatory; please bring them in thawed and with mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
Those wishing to pursue COYOTE will find the best success near agricultural lands. Be sure to ask permission to hunt private lands. Limited opportunities may also be found at White River Wildlife area.
California Ground squirrels, or gray diggers, start to come out of hibernation this time of year as temperatures start to increase. The best time of the day to find active squirrels is in the afternoon, when temperatures are the warmest. Make sure to ask permission to hunt on private lands.
Now is a good time to begin scouting TURKEYS as they will move out of wintering areas with increasing temperatures. Finding areas the birds are using now may improve hunter success when April rolls around.
WHITE RIVER WILDLIFE AREA
COYOTE and COUGAR hunters can find success in open areas along the eastern perimeter of the wildlife area. Please take caution to reduce disturbances to wintering wildlife in the area. Remember cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days after harvest; please bring them in thawed and with mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
The wildlife area is a vehicle regulated use area. Open roads have a green dot on them. Hunters bringing their ATVs are reminded that all vehicles are to stay on roads; cross country travel is prohibited. The roads for through vehicle travel have been closed for the winter and most of the roads will reopen April 1, 2009.
CENTRAL ZONE VIEWING
Prineville Area
Big game remain on winter ranges and conditions are excellent for viewing mule deer, antelope, and elk, and coyotes hoping to make a meal of them. At the same time there are good numbers of wintering geese and ducks using open water sections of the Crooked River east of Prineville Reservoir. These waterfowl have in turn attracted the attention of hungry golden and bald eagles, prairie falcons, northern harriers, red-tailed hawks, rough-legged hawks and Swainson's hawks.
Wildlife Viewing Road Trip
For good viewing experience, drive from Prineville east along the Crooked River to the Paulina Ranger Station. To take this trip, turn south off Highway 26 at the east end of Prineville onto the Paulina Highway (Hwy 380). Proceed east on the Paulina Highway through the small communities of Post and Paulina. The best viewing for hunting birds of prey will be between MP 20 and 50. Approximately four miles east of Paulina proceed north to Paulina Ranger Station using Puett Road. Pay particular attention during this section for wintering deer, elk, and pronghorn using the western slopes of Powell Mountain visible from Puett Road. This drive is suitable for cars and is approximately 180 miles round trip from Prineville. Drivers should be prepared for winter driving-the trip will take 6 n 8 hours. In addition to warm clothing, bring binoculars, spotting scope, a camera, snacks and your favorite warm beverages. Food and fuel is available at stores in Post and Paulina.
The Dalles
NEW: Spring is right around the corner, and neotropical migrants will be right behind it. This is a great time of year to take a hike in the Columbia River gorge. The gorge is host to many migrant songbirds in the spring, as well as a great place to find wildflowers and other wildlife. The Mosier Twin Tunnels provides a great hard surface trail to avoid the spring mud. For more information visit Oregon State Parks Wev site, http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_155.php
A few eagles are still being seen along the Columbia River. The best viewing areas for eagles are at Government Cove near Cascade Locks, and near Mayer State Park. For directions and more information on Mayer State Parks visit http://www.stateparks.com/mayer.html.
White River Wildlife Area
Elk are still near the feed sites on the area. The best viewing opportunity is generally found in and around the headquarters of the wildlife area or from the view site off of the 48 road.
Visitors to the area can see a wide variety of birds, including Lewis' Woodpeckers, Cooper's hawks and pileated woodpecker's. Deer are using the feeders throughout the area. Visitors are asked to maintain some distance between themselves and wintering deer to reduce disturbance to the animals.
From The Dalles, travel 34 miles south on Hwy. 197 to the blinking light at Tygh Valley. Turn right into Tygh Valley and follow the signs to Wamic on Wamic Market Road. Continue straight ahead on Dodson Road rather than follow the sharp curve. Continue on Dodson Road through three 90-degree turns. Turn left on the gravel road 1/4 mile past the last curve, and continue 1-1/2 miles to the cattleguard and area signs. The wildlife area headquarters is located 1/2 mile past the cattleguard. For more information, visit ODFW Web site.
Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area
Many different species frequent the Deschutes Canyon at this time of year with opportunities to view a wide variety of waterbirds, passerines, deer and bighorn sheep. Bighorn sheep are a common site in the canyon. One of the most popular spots to view Bighorn rams is across the river from Jones campground, along the Mack's canyon access road.
Many different bird species are present in the Deschutes Wildlife Area, including osprey, kingfishers, great blue herons and waterfowl. ODFW's Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area is located in The Dalles. Directions and more information about the Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area.
SOUTHEAST ZONE
FISHING
Weekend fishing opportunities:
* Fishing for rainbow trout on the Ana River has been good n fly fishers should watch for midge hatches during warmer periods.
* Trout fishing continues to be good on the lower Owyhee River.
ANA RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout, hybrid bass
Ana Reservoir is open year-round for rainbow trout and hybrid bass angling. Rainbow trout angling has improved with water conditions at the reservoir. Hybrid bass angling should improve; February is usually the most productive month for bass angling. Many hybrid bass anglers fish at night. Jigging large lures or fishing bait on the bottom of the reservoir are the most common angling methods. The use of live fish for bait is prohibited.
ANA RIVER: hatchery rainbow trout
Angling for rainbow trout has been good. Rainbow trout in this river can be very spooky so stealth is required. Bait angling is allowed and productive. Tui chub and pit roach are abundant in Ana River so large lures and flies mimicking minnows can be very successful. Hatches of midges have been occurring on the river during warm up periods.
BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, hatchery rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout
The reservoir has two large openings in the ice. One opening is near the dam and the second is near Warm Springs Creek. Ice thickness is unknown at this time. The reservoir was 33 percent full and inflow averaged 72 cfs on March 1. Angling is slow.
BLITZEN RIVER: trout
Mainstem Blitzen and tributaries (except Little Blitzen) have a two fish trout bag limit from late May through Oct. 31, and a catch and release fishery from Nov. 1 through late May. The Little Blitzen is a catch and release fishery year-round. Angling should be fair for 10 to 16-inch redband trout if conditions allow. Flow averaged 75 cfs Mar. 2, and ranged from approximately 23 to 350 cfs Feb. 23 through Mar. 2.
BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: bass, white crappie, yellow perch, catfish, and trout.
The large opening in the ice near the canal inflow has expanded across the face of the dam and around the near shore to the boat ramp. The upper quarter of the reservoir is also open. The rest of the reservoir is covered with ice. Ice thickness is unknown. The reservoir was 49 percent full on March 1. Angling is slow.
BURNS POND: trout, bass
There is standing water on the ice and a few feet of open water at the shoreline.
CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout
The reservoir is almost completely free of ice. No recent angling report, but angling should be fair to good as the water begins to warm up.
CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout, largemouth bass
The lower river (downstream of Paisley including Rivers End Reservoir) closed Oct. 31. Redband trout are available in the main river and tributaries; brook trout are available in Dairy and Elder Creeks. Access has improved recently. Large sections of the river are free of ice and snow.
COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: native redband trout
The reservoir is covered in ice of unknown thickness. Ice fishing for native, redband trout is slow. Muddy roads and snow drifts make access difficult into the reservoir.
DELINTMENT LAKE: trout
Watch for thin ice. No report on ice thickness. The lake is only accessible by snowmobile.
DOG LAKE: largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, brown bullhead
Access is extremely hazardous in winter due to snow drifting and ice. Ice fishing for yellow perch and bluegill can be very good during the late winter months. The retention of redband trout is prohibited; the lake is not stocked with hatchery trout.
DUNCAN RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
The reservoir is covered with ice, but we have no report on ice thickness. Ice fishing can be very good for hatchery stocked trout during later winter months.
FISH LAKE (Steens Mountain): brook trout, rainbow trout
Watch for thin ice. The Steens Loop road remains closed. No recent angling report.
FOURMILE LAKE: rainbow trout, lake trout, kokanee, brook trout
Access to the lake during the winter months is available by snowmobile, skis, or with a good dog team. Anglers who have ice fished the lake have caught small lake trout at 14 inches. Ice thickness and snow depth on the lake make winter ice fishing a challenge. The lake is frozen. Thickness of ice is unknown. Safety should be anglers' number one priority.
GERBER RESERVOIR: crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead and largemouth bass
Gerber Reservoir is located over 5,000 feet elevation. Water temperatures are cold at this time and angling for most fish species is slow. Some yellow perch can be caught this time of year. The reservoir is frozen. Ice fishing is taking place. Ice is melting with the warm weather. Ice thickness is unknown. Safety should be anglers' number one priority.
JUNIPER LAKE: cutthroat trout
The lake is nearly dry.
KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass
Krumbo Reservoir is closed to angling until late April.
KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: redband trout and yellow perch
Most of the boat ramps are accessible to Upper Klamath Lake. The boat ramp at Rocky Point is a one way narrow path through snow and might be difficult to launch a boat. Some ice does exist in the southern end of Howard Bay. Anglers are beginning to catch redband trout from the bank using bait. Anglers are also catching fish trolling lures slowly in a boat. Due to low water temperatures angling is slow but has improved from last week.
KLAMATH RIVER: native rainbow-redband trout
Access to the Klamath River below Keno dam can be difficult in places due to snow depth. Angling has been slow. River flows are 851 cfs which provide good opportunities for anglers. The Klamath River from J.C. Boyle Dam bridge crossing to the J. C Boyle Powerhouse provides fair angling this time of year for small redband-rainbow trout (6-12 inches) due to low, stable flows with higher water temperatures due to 220 cfs of spring water. Angling in the river below the powerhouse is very slow due to high flows (1800 cfs) and murky water.
LAKE OF THE WOODS: hatchery rainbow trout, kokanee, hatchery brown trout, yellow perch, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, crappie, and smallmouth bass
The lake is frozen. The thickness of the ice is unknown. Safety should be anglers' number one priority. The main road into Lake of the Woods is not open due to snow. Anglers will need to access the lake via Dead Indian Memorial Road.
LINK RIVER: redband trout
Anglers are catching a few redband trout. Water temperatures are cold and flows are low.
MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
No recent report on ice conditions. The reservoir was still ice covered as of February 20, and ice was reported to be 6 to 10 inches thick at that time. Anglers should be cautious as ice is beginning to soften with recent warm weather. Catch rates have been fair for rainbow trout running from 13 to 16 inches.
MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork Malheur River): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout
Discharge below Warm Springs Dam has been shut off for the winter. Flow in the river is limited to seepage from Warm Springs Reservoir. Angling for trout is slow.
MALHEUR RIVER (from the South Fork Malheur River near Riverside, downstream to Gold Creek): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout
Flow is very low in this stretch of the river since discharge from both Warm Springs Reservoir and Beulah Reservoir has been shut off for the winter. Angling for trout is slow.
MALHEUR RIVER, NORTH FORK: redband trout, whitefish, and bull trout
Access into this area is limited by snow. It will not open up again until spring. No recent angling report. Trout angling should be slow. Remember to release bull trout.
MALHEUR RIVER, MIDDLE FORK: redband trout, brook trout, and bull trout
Access into this area is limited by snow. It will not open up again until spring. No recent angling report. Trout angling should be slow. Remember to release bull trout.
MANN LAKE: trout
Watch for thin ice. We have no reports on ice thickness, but recent warm weather has probably degraded or broken up the ice. The lake is very low, and illegally introduced goldfish have disrupted the trout fishery.
MILLER LAKE: brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout
Access to the Lake is by snowmobile, skis, or a good dog team. The lake is frozen. Ice thickness is unknown. Brown trout are available to the adventurous angler.
MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout
Watch for thin ice. The water level is very low. We have no report on ice thickness, but recent warm weather has probably degraded or broken up the ice.
MURRAY RESERVOIR: trout
Ice fishing has been good for rainbow trout.
NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: rainbow trout
Watch for thin ice. We have no report on ice thickness, but recent warm weather has probably degraded the ice. All of the BLM ponds in the Harper-Westfall area were stocked on May 30 with fingerling-sized rainbow trout. Littlefield and Squaw Creek reservoirs have good carryover populations. Squaw Creek Reservoir had a die-off this fall, so trout numbers will be low this spring.
OWYHEE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, catfish
The reservoir was 33 percent full on March 1. The boat ramps at McCormick State Park and Leslie Gulch are still out of the water. Angling for crappie and bass is slow. The upper end of the reservoir is probably ice covered. We have no report on ice thickness. Boaters into Leslie Gulch should be cautious.
OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): brown trout and hatchery rainbow trout
The river was ice free as of February 26. The best fishing should be near the dam. Anglers need to be cautious around areas with redds since the redds still contain eggs. Angling for rainbow trout remains good.
OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish
Discharge at the Rome gauge averaged 687 cfs on March 1. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish should be slow.
PAIUTE RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout and hatchery Lahontan cutthroat trout
Rainbow and cutthroat trout are available. The reservoir level is extremely low, but fish are still being caught. Ice on the lake is of unknown thickness.
PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch
Some perch and trout are being caught. Ice is approximately a foot thick. The road to the boat ramp near the dam has been recently plowed.
PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout
Pilcher Creek Reservoir is closed to fishing until April 25.
POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
On February 20 the reservoir was completely covered with ice. However, recent warm weather has probably softened the ice. Anglers should be cautious. We have no report on ice thickness. Fishing is slow.
POWDER RIVER: trout
Fishing is closed downstream of Hughes Lane Bridge in Baker City. Catch-and-release only, from Hughes Lane Bridge upstream to Phillips Reservoir.
SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: hatchery rainbow trout
We have no reports on ice thickness, but recent warm weather has probably degraded the ice. All of the ponds in the Jordan Valley area were stocked with fingerling trout on June 3. Several reservoirs north of Jordan Valley have carryover populations.
THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout
Ice fishing for 10 to 12-inch trout is fair with an occasional 16-inch fish showing up in catches. Most fishing is occurring near the Cusick Creek arm of the reservoir.
THOMPSON VALLEY RESERVOIR:
Access into Thompson Valley Reservoir is usually reduced to snowmobile, snowshoes, or skis from the USFS road into the reservoir during winter months. Ice is of unknown thickness on the lake.
TOPSY RESERVOIR: brown bullhead, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, goldfish
The reservoir is ice free and boats can be launched. Angling is slow for warmwater fish.
UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie
Ice fishing is good for rainbow trout. Trout are 16-18 inches and fat.
WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: smallmouth bass, white crappie, catfish, perch, and hatchery rainbow trout
The reservoir was 15 percent full March 1. Inflows averaged 115 cfs on March 1. Fishing is slow.
WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, crappie
Willow Valley Reservoir is frozen. No ice fishing is taking place. New angling regulations are in place that allow only one bass harvested per day greater than 15 inches in length.
WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, trout
Ice fishing is very good for rainbow trout. The trout are running 10-14 inches.
WOOD RIVER: redband trout, brown trout, brook trout.
The Wood River is closed until April 25, 2009. The Wood River was accidentally omitted from the 2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations. The Wood River angling regulations remain catch-and-release for trout from April 25- October 31.
YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout
Watch for thin ice. Ice conditions appear to be changing with recent warm weather. Test holes indicate that there is approximately 5 inches of clear ice with about 8 inches of slush on top.
SOUTHEAST ZONE HUNTING
OPEN: Late-season goose (Klamath County only), cougar, coyote and selected furbearers (see regulations)
See page 16 of the Game Bird Regulations for information about the late goose season on private lands only in Klamath County. Bag limits for this season changed this year: daily limit is 1 white fronted goose and 3 white geese; possession limit is 2 white fronted and 6 white geese.
HARNEY COUNTY
RIVERSIDE WILDLIFE AREA is still accepting public comment on its draft 10-year management plan. More information
COUGAR hunting is open. Populations in Southeast Zone are healthy. Don't forget successful hunters must check-in cougars no more than 10 days after harvest; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
COYOTE hunting has been slow this winter due to relatively low population levels associated with a low period in cyclic rabbit and rodent populations. Areas where big game congregate during winter months and near cattle operations with late fall or winter calves may provide the best hunting opportunity. Hunters are reminded to ask permission before entering private lands. Be aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator calls, and separate licensing and open season limitations exist for these species.
KLAMATH COUNTY
The late goose season continues through March 10 on private lands only in Klamath County. See page 16 of the Game Bird Regulations for information. Bag limits for this late season changed this year: daily limit is 1 white-fronted goose and 3 white geese; possession limit is 2 white fronted and 6 white geese. More geese have arrived over the past week which has improved hunting opportunities.
COUGAR season remains open with good populations. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
Excellent opportunities exist for coyote hunting. Best areas are around foothill areas or where wintering deer are concentrated.
KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA
Hunting seasons are now closed.
In order to minimize disturbance to migrating and nesting birds, dogs are allowed only in the dog training area in Unit B from February 1 n July 31. Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit. Discharge of firearms is prohibited except by permit. Please restrict your activities to the main public roads and parking lots as many of the migrating geese are beginning to arrive. If you have any questions, please contact Klamath Wildlife Area at (541) 883-5734.
Some wetland units in Subunit B are dry to facilitate habitat management activities to reduce encroaching bulrush and cattail and increase open water for waterfowl and shorebird use.
LAKE COUNTY
COUGAR hunting is now open. Populations in Southeast Zone are healthy. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
COYOTES are concentrated on big game winter ranges, and in the vicinity of cattle herds with late winter or spring calves. They respond well to calling, and hunters should focus efforts in sage brush areas, natural openings in forest habitats, or big game winter ranges. Hunters are reminded to ask permission before calling on private land. Be aware that cougars will respond to predator calls.
SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA
This section of the report was last updated March 2.
All game bird hunting seasons on the Wildlife Area are now closed.
Discharging firearms is prohibited except by permit.
Limited opportunities are available for furbearer or predatory mammal hunting. Hunters interested in this opportunity need to contact the Wildlife Area and obtain a special hunting permit.
Please contact Summer Lake Wildlife Area at (541) 943-3152 or email martin.j.stlouis@state.or.us for additional information.
MALHEUR COUNTY
COUGAR hunting is now open. Populations in Southeast Zone are healthy. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
COYOTE hunting has been slow this winter due to relatively low population levels associated with a low period in cyclic rabbit and rodent populations. Areas where big game congregate during winter months, as well as areas near cattle operations with late fall or winter calves may provide the best hunting opportunity. Hunters are reminded to ask permission before entering private lands. Be aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator calls, and separate licensing and open season limitations exist for these species.
SOUTHEAST ZONE VIEWING
EVENT
The 28th Annual John Scharff Migratory Bird Festival, April 3, 4 and 5, 2009, Burns
Spend an amazing weekend witnessing the spectacular spring migration in the Harney Basin of Southeast Oregon. View thousands of migratory birds as they rest and feed in the wide open spaces of Oregon's high desert. From waterfowl to shorebirds, cranes to raptors, wading birds to songbirds, you'll see it all!
The festival offers non-stop birding activities as well as historical and cultural information sure to entertain you and your family. So whether you're a beginner or a life-long wildlife enthusiast, the festival has something for everyone. More information can be found online at www.migratorybirdfestival.com
Harney County
NEW: Early spring migrants are beginning to arrive in the Harney Basin and Blitzen Valley. Open water areas are currently limited, but concentrations of snow geese, tundra swans and pintails can be found where open water exists, especially on Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Viewing opportunities around the Harney Basin should improve over the next month as more migrants arrive and spring runoff is spread in local agricultural fields.
Klamath Falls Area
NEW: Amazing viewing opportunities exist for thousands of lesser snow geese, ross's geese, and white-fronted geese which can be found feeding in agricultural lands south of Klamath Falls to stateline. These migratory birds will stage here in the Klamath Basin until late April when they'll continue their migration north to arctic nesting grounds.
Bald eagles have been regular visitors around Lake Ewauna. Be sure to check the perching snag located along the Lake Ewauna trail, which is within walking distance of downtown Klamath Falls. For directions and more information, visit the Klamath Birding trail Web site.
Many raptors have moved into the Klamath Basin including wintering bald eagles, which can be found foraging on sick and dead waterfowl. Best areas to observe bald eagles are in the Lower Klamath and Tulelake Refuges and adjacent private lands. Rough-legged hawks are becoming more numerous as they filter into the basin. They are best observed in agricultural areas. Resident raptors such as northern harriers and red-tailed hawks are very easily observed in open areas.
Many aquatic birds are concentrated around open water areas in the Klamath Basin. Many ducks including bufflehead, common merganser, common goldeneye, and lesser scaup can be observed along the Link River and Lake Ewauna. Other aquatic species observed include great blue heron, California and ring-billed gulls.
Klamath Wildlife Area
Miller Island Unit
Public access is limited to open roads and parking areas at this time.
NEW: Ross's and snow geese are arriving in the basin and are utilizing many of the open fields along Miller Island Road and can be easily seen from the main road and parking lots. Bald eagles can be seen perching along the roads and fields in trees and perch poles. Tundra swans have returned to the basin and are very visible on the Miller Island Unit. Northward migrating geese have begun to appear in the basin, with increasing numbers of white-front geese utilizing the Miller Island Unit. Resident Great Basin Canada geese have begun pairing and establishment of nesting areas.
In order to minimize disturbance to migrating and nesting birds, dogs are allowed only in the dog training area in Unit B from February 1 n July 31. Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit.
Some wetland units in Subunit B are dry to facilitate habitat management activities to reduce encroaching bulrush and cattail and increase open water for waterfowl and shorebird use. If you have any questions, please contact Klamath Wildlife Area at (541) 883-5734.
Lake County and Lakeview Area
NEW: Early spring migrants are starting to arrive in the Goose Lake, Warner and Chewaucan valleys. Tundra Swans, Snow Geese and Northern Pintail are the most common species.
With the start of green up bighorn sheep can be seen at the lower elevations of their herd ranges. Best viewing opportunities are along Abert Rim, Jackson's Monument south of Summer Lake and Fish Creek Rim along Crump Lake. Keep in mind that access to all these areas are either state highways or paved county roads and viewers should park well out of the traffic lanes before getting out to view bighorn.
Rough-legged hawks and other winter raptors are still present in good numbers, best viewing opportunities are in the valleys associated with agricultural fields. Bald Eagle numbers are increasing in the Goose Lake Valley, Warner Valley and Summer Lake Basin. Good numbers of both adult and juvenile birds are common.
Summer Lake Wildlife Area
This section was updated on March 2. Vehicle access to the Wildlife Viewing Loop, Bullgate and Windbreak dikes and the Work Road is now open.
A majority of the Area's wetlands are open and ice-free due to warm mid-day temperatures. Waterbird numbers are increasing since spring migration is in full swing. Viewers can expect to find numbers of waterfowl and other waterbirds to increase dramatically during the next two months. Many species that have been absent since last fall will be making their spring arrival in the next few weeks.
Waterfowl
Northward migrating waterfowl are staging in good numbers now. Waterfowl have spread out across the entire area.
Over the past weekend, large numbers of migrant canvasback and northern pintail were observed.
Resident Canada geese are dispersed widely across the Wildlife Area and adjacent private lands. Many Canada geese have formed breeding pairs and are beginning to establish nesting territories. Migrant greater white-fronted and snow geese are increasing in number. Over 500 white-fronts and 20,000 snow geese were found using the Wildlife Area over the past weekend.
Tundra swan numbers appear to be stable; about 1,500 are present at this time. Wintering trumpeter swan numbers remain fairly stable numbering about 40 to 50 but are difficult to find in the large groups of tundra swans. Listen for their different and distinctive call to help locate them.
Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds
Early spring migrants are expected to return and increase in number in the near future. Small flocks of killdeer and ring-billed gulls were recently observed. Sandhill cranes arrived early last week and are increasing in number. Many breeding pairs are returning to their nesting territories.
Raptors and Others
Resident raptors remain scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Hwy 31. Wintering and migrant raptors are found in good numbers throughout the Summer Lake Basin and are very apparent along Highway 31. Meadows offer excellent foraging opportunities for many raptors. Northern harriers are especially numerous over marsh and hay meadows. Bald eagle numbers are increasing as flocks of migrant waterfowl return and increase in number. Prairie falcons, Cooper's and sharp-shinned hawks and golden eagles are sometimes seen during this time of the year. Wintering rough-legged hawks remain fairly numerous.
Upland game birds
California quail are found in large coveys now. Eurasian collared doves remain fairly numerous (15-20) at Headquarters Complex, but resident and migrant mourning doves remain scarce.
Passerine (perching) species, especially sparrows and finches remain fairly common around the Headquarters complex, Summer Lake Rest Area, homestead sites and shelter break plantings at the north end of the Area where they are attracted to tree and shrub cover. American tree sparrows can sometimes be found at the Turner Place tree and shrub plot. Red-winged blackbirds have returned, fair numbers have spread out to emergent marsh areas and males are singing.
Facilities and Access
The entire area is open to public access. The Wildlife Viewing Loop, Bullgate and Windbreak dikes and the Work Road are open to motor vehicle travel. Lateral and other minor dikes remain closed to motor vehicle travel. Viewers are urged to use caution since road shoulders and dike edges may be soft and muddy at this time.
Camping is permitted at four sites on the Wildlife Area. Campgrounds are primitive but each has vault toilets, trash barrels and a few picnic tables.
Habitat
Recent warm daytime temperatures have resulted in a return to open conditions. Nearly all of the Wildlife Area's wetlands are open and ice free. Cool nighttime temperatures sometimes result in thin ice coving shallow ponds in the early morning that open completely by early afternoon. Shallowly flooded wetland edges have become available to foraging waterbirds and are receiving heavy use.
Water levels are generally high throughout the Area with the exception of Gold Dike Impoundment and the River Ranch units that are being drawdown for habitat enhancement scheduled to occur later this summer.
Meadows and hayfields found on adjacent private lands and in selected locations on the Wildlife Area remain open and are beginning to green-up.
Upland habitats are in very good condition with forbs and grasses readily available for food. Greenup of grass is becoming very extensive.
Please contact Summer Lake Wildlife Area at (541) 943-3152 or e-mail martin.j.stlouis@state.or.us for additional information.
NORTHEAST ZONE
FISHING
Weekend fishing opportunities
* Adult surplus steelhead from Wallowa Hatchery have been stocked in Peach Pond in Ladd Marsh (40 fish) and Marr Pond in Enterprise (37 fish).
* Steelhead are well distributed in the Grande Ronde, Wallowa and Imnaha rivers but watch for recent rain and warm weather to increase water flows and turbidity.
GRANDE RONDE, WALLOWA, IMNAHA RIVERS AND TRIBUTARIES: steelhead
Steelhead are distributed throughout the open fishing areas of the lower Grande Ronde, Wallowa, and Imnaha Rivers. Steelhead angling is fair to good. On the Wallowa River, anglers averaged 5.7 hours per steelhead landed in the canyon area and 13.9 hours per steelhead near Rondowa in last week's creel surveys. Steelhead catch rates averaged 6.1 hours per fish in the Imnaha River and 9.8 hours per fish in the lower Grande Ronde. Recent rain and warm weather is likely to result in high river flows and high turbidity which will reduce angler success.
Check river flows
JOHN DAY RIVER: bass and steelhead
Stream flows are fluctuating daily dependent on rain and snowmelt. Anglers have been catching steelhead between Service Creek and Kimberly on the John Day River and in the North Fork John Day River below Monument when water conditions allow. Drifting jigs and bait has been the most productive method. Remember to keep all clipped hatchery fish and release the unmarked ones.
Stream flow levels at Service Creek
The John Day River above Kimberly and all tributaries are closed to trout angling until May 24, 2008. The John Day River below Kimberly is open to angling for steelhead and bass all year.
MAGONE LAKE: trout
Ice has covered the lake and access is by snowmobile only. Anglers should be cautious of thin ice. Ice fishing success for brook and rainbow trout should be fair with rainbows and brook trout to 14 inches.
McKAY RESERVIOR: trout, yellow perch
Opens to angling March 1 and early season trout angling should be fair. Yellow perch and brown bullhead angling will improve as water temperatures increase.
MORGAN LAKE: trout, bullheads, crappie
The lake is closed to fishing until next spring.
ROWE CREEK RESERVOIR, BULL PRAIRIE RESERVOIR, TROUT FARM POND, LONG CREEK POND, CAVENDER POND: trout
These reservoirs and ponds are open all year but only stocked each spring. Stocking will occur by early May but there are many fish still remaining from last year's releases.
TROUT FARM POND: trout
This small, spring-fed pond is open year-long and never freezes entirely. Access can be limited until snowplows clear the road and parking is limited. Angling success should remain fair for brook trout and planted rainbow all winter.
UMATILLA RIVER: steelhead
The Umatilla River is low and clear. Steelhead angling success has been slow. Anglers averaged 55 hours per steelhead on the upper Umatilla in last week's creel surveys. The steelhead return to Threemile Dam is currently at 1,812 for the season. With the completion of fish passage improvements at Feed Canal Dam all steelhead are being released directly above Threemile Dam.
WALLOWA LAKE: rainbow trout
Wallowa Lake is frozen over and anglers are having some success ice fishing for trout and kokanee. Ice conditions are deteriorating with recent warm weather and rain. Anglers venturing out on the ice should use caution and be sure the ice is thick enough for safe angling.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: trout
The reservoir is open all year and should provide fair angling for rainbow trout all winter.
NORTHEAST ZONE HUNTING
OPEN: Cougar, coyote and selected furbearers (see regulations)
Wolves may be present in northeast Oregon
On July 18, 2008 a wolf pack with pups was confirmed in northern Union County. Wolves are listed under Oregon's Endangered Species Act and also protected by federal law. It is unlawful to shoot them. Coyote hunters in northeastern Oregon need to take extra care to identify their target as wolves can look like coyotes, especially wolf pups in the mid-summer and fall.
ODFW needs hunters' assistance to establish wolves' presence in Oregon; please report any wolf sightings or wolf sign to La Grande office (541) 963-2138 or online.
BAKER COUNTY
COUGAR season is open. For best success try tracking after fresh snow. Hunters experience the best success in Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee. Remember cougar check-in is mandatory; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
COYOTE numbers are good throughout the district. Remember to ask for permission before hunting on private properties. Try calling in early morning and late afternoon.
GRANT COUNTY
COUGAR populations appear to be increasing, and the Desolation unit should be a good area to find them. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
COYOTES may be responding well to calls. Good areas to try are the South Fork of the John Day and on private lands between Dayville and John Day. Make sure to ask permission before hunting private lands.
MORROW, GILLIAM and WHEELER COUNTIES
COYOTE hunting will be tougher with the snow melting off and continuing warmer weather conditions. Watch wind direction to help prevent giving away your location. Calling with game distress calls can be very successful.
COUGAR numbers are increasing in most areas. After a fresh snow, find a recent set of tracks follow them to the cougar can be effective this time of year. The tracks need to be very fresh as cougars lay them down faster than most of us pick them up. Look also for areas that have a lot of cougar sign as good sites for setting up a call site. In addition, be aware of ravens and other scavengers, as they can mark cougar kill sites, set up on these sites to increase your odds of finding a cougar. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
UMATILLA COUNTY
COUGAR populations are high. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
High numbers of COYOTES can be found in the lower elevation forested areas of Umatilla County on public land. Calling will produce a number of opportunities in coyote concentration areas. Looking for tracks along roads or ridgelines will provide a good indication of the presence of coyotes in any specific area.
The BRIDGE CREEK WILDLIFE AREA is still accepting comments on their draft 10-year management plan. Hunters, anglers, wildlife viewers and others are encouraged to provide their input. More information
UNION COUNTY
TURKEY hunting is just around the corner. Birds start to move upslope as the winter snow recedes. March is the time to start scouting.
COUGAR hunting is open. Warmer weather and a rise in snow levels will make tracking more challenging. Hunters should focus there efforts near deer and elk winter range. Setting up about 150 yards downwind of a deer/elk kill site during the twilight hours can be productive. Always prop the mouth wide open on harvested cougars and bears, this saves time when biologists pull a tooth. Hunters bringing in frozen heads with the jaw shut will be asked to return at a later date with the jaw open.
COYOTE numbers are strong throughout the county. With less snow in the foothills, hunters will need to spend more time glassing to locate animals. Using predator calls as a lure and moving call sights after 20 minutes is an effective method for harvesting coyotes. Be sure to ask permission before hunting on private land.
LADD MARSH WILDLIFE AREA
Bird hunting seasons are now closed.
WALLOWA DISTRICT
Good numbers of COYOTES can be found throughout Wallowa County. Calling coyotes with rabbit distress type calls has been effective for hunters. It is important to choose areas with abundant coyote sign and little human activity.
COUGAR numbers are still strong through out the district. Hunters will improve chances of success by locating a recent kill site and calling in the area or waiting for a lion to return to a cached carcass. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
TRAVEL MANAGEMENT: Noregaard, Whiskey Creek, and Shamrock vehicle road closures will be in effect in the Sled Springs unit.
NORTHEAST ZONE VIEWING
Baker County
Rocky Mountain elk are still on feed sites on Elkhorn Wildlife Area. Best viewing opportunities area located at the main wildlife area property off of Anthony Lakes Highway and from Auburn Road viewing area south of Baker City off of Highway 7. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope.
Bighorn sheep can be seen along the Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee or along the Snake River Road south of Richland. As snow and colder weather comes, sheep will move lower in elevation and be more visible along roads. Bald eagles and diving ducks can be viewed in abundant numbers along open water portions of Brownlee and Oxbow Reservoir.
Gilliam, Morrow and Wheeler Counties
Please clean your feeders periodically prevent disease spread. Most songbird die-offs in the district can be traced to a feeder that has not been cleaned.
Rough-legged hawks, prairie falcons, and short-eared owls can all be seen in the lower foothills. To spot them just keep an eye out for perched birds on the power poles and fence posts. Bald and golden eagles can be seen along the waterways of the district, as can Sharp-shinned hawks. Merlins can be seen in Heppner and around farm structures near the Columbia. Song sparrows, dark-eyed juncos, and the rest of our common winter residents are here. Flocks of geese flying over head are getting more common. Flocks are predominantly Canadas and a few white-fronted geese. Ducks numbers ebb and flow with the weather patterns, look for colder days with high winds.
Deer can be seen from all the highways in the district as the snow has forced many down into the valleys to find forage.
Union County
The elk are at the Anthony Creek feed site on the Elkhorn Wildlife Area.
Consider a short driving tour from Elgin north to Palmer valley. Early morning or dusk time periods are best. Turkeys should be moving towards Elgin and whitetail deer and elk may be seen along the loop roads in Palmer Valley.
ODFW's Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, La Grande
The Tule Lake Public Access Area will open for the season on Saturday, February 28. The auto route and trails may be slippery with recent rain so use care.
Warm daytime temperatures have opened up the water on Ladd Marsh and the birds have responded. Swans have been seen in several locations and have been joined by pintails, gadwall, American wigeon and green-winged teal. Canada geese are present in large numbers and many are pairing up and claiming nest sites. Sandhill cranes are expected within the next few weeks. The best places to observed early arrivals are along Foothill Road and Hot Lake Lane.
Numerous birds of prey can be seen utilizing the wildlife area. Both golden and bald eagles have been observed recently as well as red-tailed and rough-legged hawks and northern harriers. Also watch for prairie and peregrine falcons; especially when the waterfowl return in large numbers.
Elk continue their movements from higher elevation timber to lower elevation areas on the wildlife area although these movements are becoming less reliable. Glassing the slope above Foothill Road in the morning may reveal numbers of elk slowly working their way up slope. Both mule and white-tailed deer are also using the slopes above Foothill Road and the wildlife area below the road.
Dogs are not permitted within the Wildlife Area, on or off leash. For more information on access rules for the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, please consult the 2008-2009 Oregon Game Bird Regulations or call the wildlife area (541) 963-4954.
There are numerous quality viewing opportunities from the roads that pass through the area. Binoculars or a spotting scope will help as many animals are best viewed from a distance.
Umatilla County
Umatilla County is still locked in winter conditions, but there are some signs of spring. Early migrants can be seen making appearances in the low elevation area of Umatilla County during March. Some of the more spectacular sights to see are north migrating Sandhill Cranes which can be seen on clear days traveling at extreme heights in V patterns toward the north. Listen for their songs which will often give the first clue to their presence even before being seen.
Migrating passerines will start to show up in riparian and shrubland areas in lower elevations in Umatilla County this time of year as well. Waterfowl will begin taking advantage of aquatic insect production in shallow sheetwater wetlands and will be visible to viewers.
Flocks of ducks and geese can be seen along the Columbia River and large reservoirs in the County. Elk will still be common along the upper open areas of the west slope of the Blue Mountains. Deer will be seen in herds from the valley floor to the upper Blue Mountains. The riverine and agricultural areas near the base of the mountains will be dominated by white-tailed deer. The desert and mountain areas will be inhabited primarily by mule deer. Elk can be viewed throughout the day while deer will be most visible in the first and last two hours of the day.
Gulls and raptors including bald eagles can be seen along the Columbia River. Visit local wildlife areas to see shore and marsh birds in addition to perching birds and raptors. Wood ducks mallards and mergansers can be seen traveling in flocks up and down the river systems that have cottonwood trees along the banks.
Wallowa County
NEW: Warmer days in Wallowa County have resulted in snow receding in the valley and more opportunities to get out and about.
Bald Eagles
Bald eagles are common in the Wallowa Valley now. Eagles are currently gathering along Prairie Creek 2-3 miles east of Enterprise, and can be observed from Highway 82. They can also often be observed from Highway 82 in the vicinity of the Wallowa River. The Wallowa River in the Minam canyon is another good place to observe eagles.
Raptors
Several species of raptors, including red-tailed, rough-legged, and ferruginous hawks, can be observed during winter months in the Wallowa Valley. Most raptors can be easily observed from county roads. A good pair of binoculars will improve viewing opportunities.
Rocky Mountain Elk
Elk can be observed on the Wenaha Wildlife Area. Eden Bench, southwest of Troy, is a good area to view elk early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Bighorn Sheep
Bighorn sheep can often be observed along the canyon walls of the Grande Ronde River when driving both up and down stream from the town of Troy.
SNAKE RIVER ZONE
FISHING
BROWNLEE RESERVOIR: crappie, bass, catfish, bluegill, trout, perch
Fishing is generally slow. The Powder River Arm has been iced over, but should thaw due to recent warmer temperatures. Reservoir is 25 feet below normal. Call Idaho Power Company's recording at 1-800-422-3143 to get information on access at recreational sites or visit their Web site under the "Rivers and Recreation" heading.
Reservoir level information
OXBOW RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass, catfish
Fishing is generally slow but some trout can be caught near stream mouths
HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass, catfish
Fishing is generally slow but some trout can be caught near stream mouths
SNAKE RIVER below HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, smallmouth bass
Steelhead fishing has not been as good lately due to high flows out of Hells Canyon Dam. A few 16-inch trout are showing up in catches.
Get updated information on flow levels.
SNAKE RIVER (Above Brownlee Reservoir): channel catfish, flathead catfish, smallmouth bass
Flows near Nyssa ranged from approximately 7,700 to 9,500 cfs from Feb. 25 through Mar. 2. Flows near Weiser ranged from approximately 10,100 to 12,600 cfs from Feb.25 through Mar. 2. Catch rates are slow due to cool water temperatures.
COLUMBIA ZONE
COLUMBIA FISHING
Weekend Fishing Opportunities
* Winter steelhead and a few spring chinook should be available on the lower Columbia for boat and bank anglers. Some fish are also available above I-5.
Columbia River Fish Counts:
Regulations:
SALMON, STEELHEAD AND SHAD:
Salmonid effort in the lower Columbia River is increasing (142 boats & 181 bank anglers counted on Saturday's 2/28 flight). Anglers are beginning to catch a few spring Chinook off of the banks of the low river.
Gorge Bank & Boat:
No report.
Troutdale Boats:
No report.
Portland to Longview Bank:
Weekend checking showed three adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook and one adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus one unclipped steelhead released for 101 bank anglers.
Portland to Longview Boat:
Weekend checking showed no catch for 64 boats (134 anglers).
Estuary Bank (Above Tongue Point):
Weekend checking showed no catch for seven bank anglers.
Estuary Boat (Above Tongue Point):
Weekend checking showed no catch for four boats (six anglers).
Bonneville Pool:
Weekly checking showed no catch for one boat.
The Dalles Pool:
No report.
John Day Pool (Columbia River above John Day Dam and John Day Arm):
No report.
STURGEON:
The Columbia River Compact met on Thursday December 18 and adopted new sturgeon regulations for 2009. For the news release, please check the link below:
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2008/december/121808.asp
Sturgeon anglers are reminded that effective Jan. 1, 2009, a new method of measuring sturgeon for retention will take effect statewide. Under the new rules, sturgeon will be measured from the tip of the nose to the fork in the tail (rather than the tip of the tail). The resulting allowed retention measurements are slightly shorter than the old method. As a result, the 2009 slot measurement for sturgeon caught in the Columbia River downstream of The Dalles Dam to the Wauna Power lines, including tributaries, will be 38 to 54 inches FORK LENGTH. Upstream of The Dalles Dam to the Oregon/Washington border, the fork length for sturgeon retention will be 43 to 54 inches beginning on Jan. 1. Below the Wauna power lines, the fork length will likely change to 41-54 inches after April 2009, although those rules have not yet been adopted (see emergency rule changes for exact dates as the season approaches for sturgeon fishing below the Wauna power lines). Remember, all of these figures are simple conversions of the old method of measuring sturgeon. It does not mean you can keep smaller fish, only that the method of measuring "keepers" has changed. So, from Jan. 1 on, make sure that your sturgeon is of legal length under this NEW measurement technique.
Low water temperatures on the lower Columbia River continue to depress the catch rates for sturgeon anglers.
Gorge Bank:
No report.
Gorge Boats:
No report. High winds over the weekend kept effort to a minimum.
Troutdale Boats:
No report.
Portland to Longview Bank:
Weekend checking showed one legal white sturgeon and eight sublegal sturgeon released for seven bank anglers.
Portland to Longview Boats:
Weekend checking showed two legal white sturgeon kept, plus one oversize and 49 sublegal sturgeon released for 47 boats.
Bonneville Pool Boat and Bank:
As of January 31 anglers have caught 17 legal white sturgeon out of their 700 catch guideline for 2009. Weekly checking showed four legal white sturgeon kept, plus 38 sublegal sturgeon released for 63 bank anglers; and six sublegal sturgeon released for three boats (six anglers).
The Dalles Pool Boat and Bank:
As of January 31 anglers have caught 69 legal white sturgeon out of their 300 catch guideline for 2009. Weekly checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept, plus two sublegal sturgeon released for 19 bank anglers; and 34 sublegal sturgeon released for nine boats (18 anglers).
John Day Boat and Bank:
No report.
WALLEYE:
Bonneville Pool Boats:
Weekly checking showed three walleye released for one boat (two anglers).
The Dalles Pool Boats:
Weekly checking showed no catch for one bank angler; and one walleye kept for six boats (13 anglers).
MARINE ZONE
MARINE FISHING
Last week offered some days of mild weather and ocean conditions, which allowed saltwater fishers to bring home limits or near limits of rockfish and lingcod. Fishing for rockfish, lingcod and other groundfish species inside jetties can also be productive.
A list of fish included in the six-fish marine bag limit is found in the 2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations (page 100) and online at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp
Remember: yelloweye rockfish and canary rockfish may not be retained. The Stonewall Bank Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area approximately 15 miles west of Newport is closed to the harvest of rockfish, lingcod, flatfish and others.
All salmon and Pacific halibut fishing in the ocean is closed.
SHELLFISH
A series of minus tides in the afternoons of March 6 through 10 will provide opportunity for both bay clams and razor clams if ocean conditions allow. Please check tide guides for the area of coast you are considering digging. Links to on-line guides may be found at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/ under "Resources." Shellfish regulations require diggers to keep the first 15 razor clams dug, regardless of size or condition. Reburying a razor clam, even if its shell is unbroken, usually results in the clam's death.
Check out the recreational clam pages on the ODFW Web site: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/ then click on the shellfish icon. The pages contain everything you need to know for identifying and harvesting Oregon's clams.
The entire Oregon coast is open to the recreational harvest of mussels, clams and other shellfish. Harvesters should check for current closures on the ODA shellfish safety page or call the shellfish hotline, 503-986-4728 or 1-800-448-2474. Waters can be closed on short notice because of contaminated waters due to coastal flooding and because of elevated levels of naturally occurring toxins.
CRABS
The crab harvest is slow in most Oregon bays and is expected to taper off during the coming months. Few crabbers got limits in most of the bays surveyed with most getting one or two crab. Recreational Bay Crab Survey data on catch statistics are updated every month during the winter on the ODFW Web site at the recently-launched Crabbing Reports page. This provides prospective crabbers some information on the recent success of other crabbers in the three bays that are sampled during the winter: Yaquina Bay, Alsea Bay and Coos Bay.
Sport crabbing is also open in the ocean.
Some sport crabbers have difficulty correctly measuring the minimum size for Dungeness crab, which is 5 3?4 inches measured in a straight line across the back immediately in front of, but not including, the points. For a photograph and diagram see page 96 of the 2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.
MARINE ZONE VIEWING
Underwater Fish and Wildlife Viewing
Winter is prime time for scuba diving on the Oregon coast. While wind and waves can make an open ocean dive difficult or impossible, there are some sheltered areas of the coast where divers can safely see the wonders of our emerald ocean even when the waves are marching in. While outside winter temperatures drop, the ocean remains about the same n about 48 to 54 degrees. In fact, the sea temperature during the winter is usually a few degrees warmer in the winter than in the summer.
Perhaps more enticing to divers is that during the winter months the visibility improves. Most winter days divers can see 10 to 12 feet or sometimes more. During the summer the visibility is usually about half that. Make no mistake, diving in the Pacific Northwest is challenging because of the cold and the limited visibility, but the profusion of life and the beautiful fish and invertebrates make it worth it.
Two popular dives on the central Oregon coast are the south jetty at Newport and Netarts Bay.
The Fingers off the south jetty is probably the best known dive in the Newport area. The entry is over big rocks and is tricky, especially since most divers are packing somewhere around 60 additional pounds of gear. You can always carry your gear over a piece at a time, but most divers do it in one pack and hope they don't fall in a hole. The jetty area provides some great hiding places for crabs, lingcod, black, blue and copper rockfish, greenlings, cabezon and lots of invertebrate life. The finger jetties are perpendicular from the main jetty and protect the diver somewhat from the current and the swells. But since this is the only outlet for Yaquina Bay, diving at high slack tide is recommended.
Netarts Bay in Tillamook County is another dependable dive when the surf is up. It has the added advantage of not having much freshwater flow into the bay so visibility is usually pretty good even after the coast has had a lot of rain. The higher salinity in the bay also means that the crabs and other invertebrates flourish. Entry is easy down the boat ramp. Keep the rock wall on your right and study the life hiding in the rocks. Going back, keep the rocks on your left. The sandy bottom is home to many crabs and eel grass beds that provides cover to small fish. Most of the action is on the rock breakwater, however. On a dive last week a team of divers saw more than four kinds of crab, five different species of nudibranchs (sea slugs), several smaller species of fish and fields of flower-like anemones.
Frogs and more
Amphibians are on the move this month. Watch for rough-skinned newts, Pacific giant salamanders, red-legged frogs and other Oregon coast amphibians as they cross fields, lawns, roads and paths to find appropriate ponds and other still bodies of water to lay their eggs. Look just below the surface of the water at wetlands for clusters of eggs. A close inspection will reveal the embryo developing and often moving in the transparent egg. Many newts produce toxins to avoid predation, but the toxins of the Oregon rough-skinned newt are particularly potent. One thirtieth of the toxin present in the skin of an average adult rough-skinned newt is sufficient to kill a healthy adult human. Toxicity is generally experienced only if the newt is ingested, although there are reports that some individuals experience skin irritation after handling the newt.
Common murres start staging where thousands gather together to re-establish pair bonds and find nesting sites. Between 8,000 and 9,000 murres gathered around Yaquina head recently.