The Oregon Recreation Report (fishing, hunting, viewing), updated Wednesday, July 16, by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Look out for turtles!

Turtles are out and about at this time of year. If you see one on land, the best thing to do is leave it alone and let it continue on its path. Also, watch for turtles crossing on roads near ponds and streams-our native turtles are in decline, so anything Oregonians can do this summer to protect them is helpful.

To learn about Oregon's native turtles and find out what non-native turtles to watch out for, visit ODFW's Web site.

Sturgeon fishing in Columbia River continues the next two weekends

Sturgeon retention on the Columbia River will be open Thursday, July 17 through Saturday, July 19; and Saturday, July 26 through Sunday, July 27. The daily bag limit remains one fish per day and five per year. Only fish between 45 and 60 inches long can be kept.

Bamboo fly rods

The Seventh Annual Metolius River Fly Fishing and Bamboo Rod Fair will feature some of the West Coast's finest contemporary bamboo rod makers, and the chance to cast bamboo rods of all sizes and actions. This free event will be held July 19 and 20 at the Black Butte School in Camp Sherman, OR. For more information call the Camp Sherman Store at (541) 595-6711 or visit the Camp Sherman Store Web site at www.campshermanstore.com.

Float tube fishing on Magone Lake July 19

Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) event

ODFW will provide everything you need, including instruction, to fish Magone Lake in the beautiful Malheur National Forest. Some space in still available, contact: Mary Hoverson (541) 962-1826. Cost: $40.

WILLAMETTE ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities

* Kokanee catch has finally started to pick up on Green Peter Reservoir with 12 to 15-inch fish being caught.

* Gold Lake is now fully accessible and open to fly angling only.

* South Santiam flow is moderate and fishable and recycling of steelhead from the Foster Dam trap is in full swing.

Water quality update: Tualatin River

On July 11, the Oregon Department of Human Services issued a health advisory for the Tualatin River, prompted by high levels of harmful blue-green algae.

The health advisory is in effect for portions of the river located eastern Washington County and western Clackamas County, Oregon from Jurgens Park to the confluence with the Willamette River. DHS recommends catch and release for all fishing until the algae bloom subsides. For further recommendations, go to the DHS web site.

STOCKING SCHEDULE

Alton Baker Canoe Canal will be stocked with 600 one pound rainbow trout this week.

Breitenbush River will be stocked with 1,800 legal-sized rainbow trout.

Detroit Reservoir will be stocked with 4,500 legal-sized rainbow trout.

Leaburg Lake will be stocked with 1,500 legal-sized rainbow trout.

The McKenzie River above Leaburg Lake will be boat-stocked with 7,750 legal-sized rainbow trout this week.

Quartzville Creek will be stocked with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout.

The North Fork Santiam River above Detroit Reservoir will be stocked with 3,000 legal-sized rainbow trout.

Salt Creek will be stocked with 500 legal-sized rainbow trout this week.

Trail Bridge Reservoir will be stocked with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout.

Most of the Willamette Valley pond stocking with trout is done for this season. Bass crappie, bluegill, and catfish are available in most of the valley floor ponds and will become more active as the water warms up.

See South Willamette and North Willamette stocking schedules.

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL: rainbow trout

New this year, the South Willamette Watershed District will be stocking the Alton Baker Canoe Canal with 600 one pounders every other week beginning the week ending with the July Fourth long weekend. Anglers are encouraged to check the newspaper regularly as these stockings are in addition to those printed on the stocking schedule made available at the beginning of the season. Regulations allow five trout per day, 8-inch minimum. Use of bait allowed.

CANBY POND: rainbow trout

The North Willamette District has been stocking Canby Pond once again after two years of being off the stocking schedule. Over 3,500 legal-sized and 200 larger trout have been stocked this year. Stocking has now been discontinued due to warmer water temperatures.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: steelhead, spring chinook

Update July 15, 2008. Angling on the lower river has been slow with the recreational raft hatch usually starting about 11 a.m. However, Gary at Great American Tackle in Portland reports fair concentrations of steelhead further up at the mouth of Dog Creek. Jack at Northwest Fly Fishing Outfitters also mentions the stretch between McIver and Barton Parks.

July 8, 2008. Angling pressure on the Clackamas is still strong. Water levels are dropping and are currently just over 2,000 cfs. Clackamas Fish Hatchery has had 775 spring chinook enter the trap this year, with a good push of fish moving in over the weekend. Approximately 75 summer steelhead moved into the trap over the weekend also, and the catch has remained fairly good. Numbers of fish passing North Fork Dam have been low, but fish should start moving more with the warmer temperatures. Anglers are advised that this fishery could be good well into the summer as a result of the cool spring conditions.

Boaters will find good ramp availability at Clackamette, Riverside, Carver, Barton, Feldheimers, and McIver Park.

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

DETROIT, GREEN PETER AND FOSTER RESERVOIRS: rainbow trout, chinook salmon

Detroit, Green Peter, and Foster reservoirs are full and all boat ramps are useable. All have been stocked numerous times with rainbow trout and are producing good catches. Bank fishing remains good as surface temperatures are still relatively cool. Detroit and Green Peter are also producing some good catches of 10-16 inch chinook, with some over 20 inches being taken. Kokanee catch has finally started to pick up with 12-15 inch fish being caught in Green Peter. Trolling at 20-25 feet with flashers and white corn or worms has been working well. Detroit will be stocked with rainbow again this week. Chinook salmon are considered trout in Detroit reservoir and are not included in the recent closure. In Green Peter Reservoir, chinook may be retained as part of the kokanee bag limit and are also not included in the closure.

EAGLE CREEK: steelhead

Fishing pressure on Eagle Creek has been low. A few spring chinook have started appearing, but look for the bulk of them in early July.

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.

FREEWAY LAKES (south of Albany): Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill

Prospects should be good.

EE WILSON and Junction City Pond: rainbow trout

The pond will remain open to fishing until the end of September.

GOLD LAKE: brook trout, rainbow trout

Gold Lake opened to angling May 24. The access road is now open to vehicular traffic. Fly angling only with barbless hooks. Catch and release for rainbow trout. There is no limit on size or number of brook trout taken.

MOLALLA RIVER: steelhead

Last updated 6/17 - Some reports of spring chinook being caught below Canby. Keep an eye on the fish counts over Willamette Falls. As the numbers start to push up fishing on the Molalla will improve.

NORTH AND SOUTH SANTIAM: steelhead

North Santiam stream flow is still running high for this time of year because of the higher elevation snowmelt, but is gradually getting lower. South Santiam flow is moderate and fishable and recycling of steelhead from the Foster Dam trap is in full swing. Summer steelhead counts at Willamette Falls have exceeded 13,000 fish. Spring chinook numbers remain very low and all streams above Willamette Falls, except for the Molalla River, are now closed to the retention of any chinook.

Stream flows in the Breitenbush and North Santiam rivers above Detroit Reservoir, and in Quartzville Creek above Green Peter Reservoir are receding some, though still affected by snowmelt. The Breitenbush and North Santiam are scheduled to be stocked with trout this week.

SANDY RIVER: steelhead, spring chinook

Update July 15, 2008. According to Gary at Great American Tackle in Portland, the best bet for summer steelhead is in the Cedar Creek Area.

July 8, 2008. The Sandy River is running off color. No fish are entering the trap at Sandy Fish Hatchery, but fish are moving through the river. Angling pressure is good, and catch is picking up. A few spring chinook and many summer steelhead were picked up over the weekend.

As on the Clackamas, anglers are advised that this fishery could be good well into the summer as a result of the cool spring conditions.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted new sport fishing regulations for the Sandy River which moved the fishing deadline (or boundary) upstream to the mouth of the Salmon River (near Brightwood) beginning Jan. 1, 2008. There are reports of wild fish being caught and released in the newly opened section of river above Marmot Dam. There are few hatchery spring chinook and summer steelhead available above Cedar Creek which can be retained if caught, but there is also some opportunity for catch and release of wild fish for those interested in a more remote angling experience. All current fishing regulations in the lower river apply to the newly extended area.

WALTER WIRTH LAKE/WALLING POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, bullhead catfish

Last stocked with hatchery trout in early June. Prospects should be good for bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: sturgeon, steelhead

Update July 15, 2008. Gary at Great Amercian Tackle in Portland reports that shad fishing is pretty much done with just a few strays remaining. Sturgeon fishing has been good, however, with squid (pickled or fresh) being the hot bait.

.July 8, 2008. The Willamette River and tributaries, except for the Molalla, closed to spring chinook fishing on June 2.

Chinook salmon in most upper Willamette reservoirs are considered trout under the special regulations and do not fall under the recent closure.

The river below Willamette Falls (including Multnomah Channel), closed for retention of spring chinook Monday, May 12. The river below the Falls is still open for steelhead, shad and other species.

Angling effort has been low with very few reports of any catch.

Shad fishing continues to be slow with little angling effort.

Action for small, sub-legal sturgeon is also slow. Fishing for crappie and smallmouth bass is good, and should get better as temperatures increase. Temperature has been steadily rising and is now in the mid-60s.

The Oregon/Washington Compact adopted the following rules at the Dec. 13 Joint State Hearing for the sturgeon sport fishery above Wauna power lines (RM 40) upstream to Bonneville Dam, including all adjacent Washington tributaries, and the lower Willamette River (including the Multnomah Channel) upstream to Willamette Falls for 2008:

* Allow the retention of white sturgeon four days per week on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during Jan. 1 through July 31 and Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008.

* Prohibit the retention of sturgeon three days per week on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday during Jan. 1-July 31 and Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008 and seven days per week during Aug. 1 through Sept. 30, 2008.

* Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited as per permanent regulations.

* Daily and annual catch limits listed in the 2008 Oregon Sport Regulations pamphlet remain in effect.

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

As water temperatures reach the high 50s and warmer, South Willamette Watershed District ponds and reservoirs will begin to provide good warmwater fishing opportunities. Local area ponds to consider include Garden Lake (Creswell), Cottage Grove Ponds (Cottage Grove), and Delta Ponds (Eugene). Area reservoirs including Cottage Grove, Dorena and Fall Creek will also provide warmwater opportunities at these temperatures.

Anglers are advised to contact pertinent land managers (USFS, BLM, resort owners etc) when planning high elevation fishing excursions as access may be limited by snow.

WILLAMETTE ZONE HUNTING

Report your hunt

If you spring bear or turkey hunted, please take the time to report your hunt now. Also, if you haven't yet done so, report your 2007 hunts. Be ready to enter your hunter/angler ID number, two-digit Wildlife Management Unit number where you hunted, and total number of days hunted. Any person that purchased a tag is required to report, even if they were not successful, did not go hunting, or were called during a telephone hunter survey.

OPEN: Cougar (extended season in South Willamette area only)

Cougar n Open in South Willamette zone only; see page 50 of the Big Game Regulations. This time of year, cougar will be much harder to locate and hunters will need to rely more on calls to bring a cougar into the open. Continue to use predator calls that mimic the bleat of a fawn or elk calf or the distress sounds of a rodent but also consider calls that can imitate the territorial sounds of a cougar. In the South Willamette Watershed cougars can be found throughout the area with the exception of the Willamette Valley Floor. Hunters looking for the best chance of success should scout near concentrations of deer and elk to locate fresh sign. Once fresh cougar sign is located hunters have a variety of hunting options to choose from. Using predator calls that mimic the bleat of a fawn or elk calf may lure a cougar into view and hunters should always be ready to try a variety of sounds if their standard call is not producing.

FERN RIDGE WILDLIFE AREA

All units at Fern Ridge Wildlife Area are closed to hunting but open daily for public use. Visitors are reminded that dogs must be kept on leash at all times. One section of levee in the western portion of the Fisher Butte unit is posted closed to provide wildlife sanctuary during nesting season. Contact the wildlife area hdq. at 541-935-2591 if you have any questions. Enjoy your visit!

EE WILSON WILDLIFE AREA

All hunting is now over for the year but fishing remains open through the end of September. Remember that dogs are required to be leashed inside the wildlife area boundary.

ODFW will host a public meeting July 30, 7:00 n 9:00 pm at their Corvallis office, 7118 NE Vandenberg Ave., to present and get public comments on the draft management plan for EE Wilson. Hunters, anglers wildlife viewers, and others that use the area are encouraged to attend.

WILLAMETTE ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS

Dragonflies, Audubon Society of Portland, July 23, 7 p.m. n 9 p.m.

Ever wonder how many species of dragonflies frequent your local wetland, or how they spend their days? Did you know that some species undergo migrations just like many birds? Fee: $10 members, $15 non members. Pre-registration required. Contact Steve Engel at 971-222-6119. For more information.

Saturday guided nature hike, Tryon Creek Natural Area, Sat. July 26,

10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Join a park naturalist for a guided nature hike to explore the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. All ages welcome; parents must accompany kids. Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd., Portland. Free. For more information.

Help Oregon's Native Turtles

On warm, sunny days Oregon's two native species of turtles, western painted and western pond turtles, can be seen on basking on logs in ponds, lakes, and side channels of rivers and large streams. Basking is critical to a turtle's shell health and aids in food digestion.

This is also the time of the year when turtles are often spotted on land, searching for places to lay their eggs. If you see a native turtle that seems to be headed somewhere, remove any hazards in its way and let it continue.

Unfortunately, it is also the time of the year when two non-native turtles can be by observed. Red-eared sliders with characteristic red markings "ears" can be seen basking on logs and coming to land to nest. If you see a very large turtle with a big head, long tail and alligator-like appearance, you've found a snapping turtle. Both of these turtles are considered invasive and should not be released into the wild. Please report sightings of non-native turtles to ODFW.

To report a turtle sighting, go to http://www.willametteturtles.com/

To see photos of turtles, visit ODFW's Web site, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/turtles.asp

Corvallis Area

EE Wilson Wildlife Area.

There are lots of deer, shorebirds and waterfowl to see on the Wildlife Area-look for goose, mallard, hooded merganser and wood duck broods. Wildlife viewing remains good for waterfowl and shorebirds. Neotropical migrants in the area include yellow-breasted chat, American goldfinch, various swallows, warblers, thrush, kinglet and common yellowthroat.

Spring and summer are great times for birdwatching migrants as well as waterfowl including mallards, wood duck, hooded merganser, western Canada goose. Snipe and other shorebirds are periodically seen.

Note: Dogs are required to be on a leash inside the wildlife area boundary. Rifles and pistols are prohibited year round.

Find directions to EE Wilson Wildlife Area.

Eugene Area

Delta Ponds' Turtles

This time of year viewers can observe native western pond turtles as they soak up the sun basking on logs. The best time to observe turtles is mid-mornings on sunny days. The turtles will retreat back into the water if the temperature is too hot. Please try to observe the turtles from a distance to avoid disturbing them. Unfortunately, viewers will likely see Red-eared Sliders in addition to the Western Pond Turtles. The sliders are a non-native invasive species that compete with our native turtles for habitat and food.

For more information, visit the City of Eugene Parks Web site.

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is open daily for public use providing great wildlife viewing opportunities. (One section of levee in the western portion of the Fisher Butte unit is posted closed to provide wildlife sanctuary.)

Observant visitors may catch a glimpse of black tailed deer and furbearers including beaver and otter, mink, red fox and coyotes. Some of the unusual and special bird species to be on the lookout for include white pelicans, black terns, band-tailed pigeons, yellow-headed blackbirds, osprey and bald eagles. This is a great time of year to look for waterfowl, shore birds, wading birds, songbirds, raptors, reptiles, and amphibians.

There is an elevated viewing platform in the Fisher Butte unit just south of Royal Avenue that is open year-round. A second viewing platform is under construction and scheduled for installation this summer. The new viewing platform will be located 1/4 mile north of the Fisher Butte unit parking lot on Hwy 126.

Visitors are reminded that dogs must be kept on leash at all times. Visitors are also cautioned that there have been recent vehicle break-ins at Fern Ridge and in local parks, so please secure your valuables before departing your vehicle. Parking areas are located along Highway 126, Nielson Road, Cantrell Road, Territorial Road, and Clear Lake Road. Contact the wildlife area headquarters, (541) 935-2591 if you have any questions.

Directions to Fern Ridge Wildlife Area.

Sauvie Island

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

The viewing opportunities are great with a wide variety of birds and spring nesting activity to watch. There are 10 active eagle nests on the Wildlife Area.

A parking permit is required for the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area and can be purchased at ODFW Point of Sale vendors or at the Sauvie Island ODFW office, Monday through Friday during office hours.

Find directions to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area on the ODFW Web site.

NORTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend Fishing Opportunities:

* Rainbow trout are still be stocked on some north coast lakes such as Hebo, Town and Cape Meares.

* Summer steelhead numbers on the Siletz have been very good and hatchery fish are being recycled back downstream to the Moonshine Park area.

* Trout anglers seeking respite from summer heat might consider targeting sea-run cutthroat trout, which are beginning to enter rivers and basins throughout the zone.

NORTH COAST LAKES

Additional rainbow trout have been made available for stocking on the north coast. These trout were stocked in Hebo Lake, Town Lake, and Cape Meares Lake recently.

Angling for warmwater species, particularly largemouth bass, should be improving as lake temperatures warm. Town, Cape Meares, Lytle, Coffenbury, Cullaby and Sunset lakes have reasonable populations of bass. Lower Columbia River backwaters and sloughs also provide some opportunity for warmwater species.

MID COAST LAKES

Stocking rainbow trout for the mid coast lakes has ended for the season. Most water bodies had a final stocking in late May or the first week in June. Fishing will remain good at most locations until water temperatures rise around late July.

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: cutthroat trout

Angling for cutthroat trout is good throughout most of the basin. Concentrate at the lower end of riffles or in pools. As river temperatures rise, fish tend to hold in shaded or cool water areas near the confluence with tributaries. Sea-run cutthroat (blue backs) typically start to show in the lower river by mid July. Using small spinners, spoons or flies is productive and floating dry flies can be action packed. Bait use is restricted above tide water through August 31. Steelhead and chinook salmon angling will reopen August 1.

Current river levels

NESTUCCA RIVER: steelhead, chinook, cutthroat trout

Angling for summer steelhead is slow to fair. Spring chinook angling is fair. Concentrate on the lower river for best success for chinook, while steelhead will be more spread out. Best catches have come in the early morning or late evening. Catch-and-release angling for cutthroat should be fair to good.

SALMON RIVER: cutthroat trout

Angling for cutthroat trout is good and sea-run cutthroat typically start to show in the lower river by mid July. Anglers should concentrate in riffles, pools or shaded areas. Casting spinners and spoons or drifting small flies can be productive. Using dry flies is more challenging but can have great results. Use of bait above tide water is restricted through August 31.

SILETZ RIVER: summer steelhead, cutthroat trout

Summer steelhead numbers have been very good the last few weeks and anticipated to continue through July. Catch rates have been good with best success early in the morning or in shaded sections of the river as water conditions are getting low and clear. Hatchery fish are being recycled back downstream to the Moonshine Park area. These fish have a plastic tag near the dorsal fin. Please report tagged fish to the Newport Office (541-867-4741). Peak returns to the Siletz trapping facility typically occur in July. Drifting jigs and flies or casting spinners and spoons can be very productive. Bait is also allowed; sand shrimp and cured eggs work well. Anglers are advised to leave wild steelhead in the water while releasing. Cutthroat trout angling is good throughout the basin with sea-run cutthroat typically returning to the lower river by mid July. Riffles and pools and areas near cool water sources are productive as the river temperatures start to rise. Casting or drifting small lures, flies or bait all work well.

SIUSLAW RIVER: cutthroat trout

Cutthroat trout fishing is good throughout the basin. Sea-run cutthroat (blue backs) typically start to show in upper tidewater or the lower river by mid to late July. Trolling in tidewater, and casting or drifting small lures and flies in the river can be very productive. Riffles and pools are good areas to concentrate on, as are areas with bank side structure and cool water sources. Use of bait is restricted above tide water through August 31.

TILLAMOOK BAY: sturgeon, chinook

Angling for sturgeon has been fair. Best angling will likely be in the upper bay or Tillamook River tidewater areas. Fish the outgoing tides when fish will be more concentrated. Angling for spring chinook is slowing down as most fish have moved upstream. Best angling opportunity will likely be in the upper bay (try trolling spinners near Memaloose) or in river tidewater area. Bobber and bait or trolling spinners or herring can be productive. Plunking large plugs on the outgoing tide will also produce fish.

TRASK RIVER: steelhead, chinook, cutthroat trout

Angling for spring chinook is fair, with occasional good catches still being reported. Most fish are coming from near the hatchery or further downstream. Angling with bobber and eggs/shrimp in the deeper holes has produced the best results. A few summer steelhead should also be available. Catch and release angling for cutthroat should be fair to good. Concentrate on the lower river or tidewater for fresh sea-run cutthroat. Johnson Bridge is being replaced. Demolition is underway. Boaters should use extreme caution when approaching the bridge. Passage at the work site will be provided.

WILSON RIVER: steelhead, spring chinook, cutthroat trout

Angling for steelhead has been slow to fair. Use light gear and small lures or bait as water levels are dropping and becoming clear. Spring chinook angling is slow to fair. Fish low in the system for best results. Catch-and-release angling for cutthroat trout should be fair to good. Sea-run cutthroat should begin to enter the lower river soon. The Siskeyville boat slide is scheduled to be replaced this summer. The old slide has been torn down in preparation for construction to begin. The boat slide will be closed until further notice.

YAQUINA RIVER: cutthroat trout

Cutthroat trout fishing is fair to good throughout the basin and sea-run cutthroat should be returning shortly to upper tidewater and/or the lower river areas. Trolling in tidewater, casting or drifting small lures and flies in the river can be very productive. Anglers should concentrate efforts in pools or riffles or near bank side structure. Use of bait is restricted above tide water through August 31.

Current river levels for major north coast streams

NORTHWEST ZONE HUNTING

Currently, no game hunting seasons are open. The next opportunities begin August 1 with cougar and fall bear seasons.

Report your hunt

Spring bear and spring turkey seasons have ended-so please take the time to report your hunt now. Also, if you haven't yet done so, report your 2007 hunts. Be ready to enter your hunter/angler ID number, two-digit Wildlife Management Unit number where you hunted, and total number of days hunted. Any person that purchased a tag is required to report, even if they were not successful, did not go hunting, or were called during a telephone hunter survey.

NORTHWEST ZONE (NORTH COAST) VIEWING

Bats are out and about

Bats are all around us, although we typically don't see them since they rest during the day and forage at night. But, they can often be viewed when they first come out in the evening while the light is still good-try looking around the time of the full moon.

At least nine species of bats call the north coast home, whether forest or lowland. Some of the most common are the big brown (if you see a "large" bat, this is probably the one), the California myotis (small and very common) and the long-eared myotis. The big brown bat is commonly found roosting in man-made structures as well as snags. They are very efficient foragers and can fill their stomachs with bugs in less than an hour after evening emergence.

Good places to see bats are near water-ponds and slow-moving streams are best? in forested areas, in clear-cuts and even around neighborhood streetlights.

Songbirds and Nighthawks Like Clear-cuts

Forested areas that have been thinned or clear-cut, especially those with remnant green trees and snags, can provide excellent birding, different from heavily forested areas. Look for western bluebirds, tree swallows and flycatchers in these open areas.

At dusk on warm and buggy summer evenings, look above the same thinned or clear-cut areas for the rarely seen common nighthawk. It forages for insects on the wing high in the sky-much higher than the swallows, which end their activity about the same time the nighthawk begins.

Tillamook Area

Peregrines thrive at Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge

NEW: It has been another successful year for the peregrine falcons that nest at Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge. Two chicks are well on their way to fledging. This year, the falcons nested on the cliff face across from the north viewing area. This is one of the few nest sites in the state that is readily visible to the general public and offers a rare treat for falcon enthusiasts. Be sure to bring your spotting scope for best viewing.

Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 to protect one of the last remnants of coastal old growth forest. Huge Sitka spruce and western hemlock, some over 200 feet tall and hundreds of years old, provide habitat for federally threatened bird species, including bald eagles and marbled murrelets.

For more information, visit the USFWS Web site.

Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area

Elk have been visible along Hwy 202 and Beneke Road. With the warmer weather, best viewing times are early morning and late evening.

Elk calves and deer fawns become more visible as summer progresses. Cows and does may still spend significant time feeding away from their young, however. Don't assume that a fawn or calf you may see lying alone has been orphaned. It is best to leave the area as the mother often won't return while their offspring are being watched.

Bucks and bulls in velvet also become much more visible and less wary at this time of year. They spend more time feeding each day as they need plenty of nutrition to supplement their rapidly-growing antlers and get in condition for the rut and winter.

Band-tailed pigeons have been seen near the viewing areas along Hwy 202. A variety of songbirds are visible near the bird feeders at most viewing areas.

For information and directions, visit the ODFW Web site Visitors' Guide.

SOUTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities

* Several Coos County lakes, including Tenmile, Eel, Powers Pond, Empire and Saunders, were stocked last month and fishing is still good for legal-sized trout.

* Trout fishing on Laird Lake, located approximately 15 miles up Elk River, has been excellent with lots of opportunities for bank anglers.

* Although the hatch in over, fly anglers are still catching trout on adult salmonfly patterns on the Upper Rogue River.

AGATE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie

Angling for bass, bluegill and crappie has been good. As the weather heats up fishing will probably be best in mornings and evenings.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Applegate Reservoir has been stocked with legal and trophy-sized trout. Angling for trout has been fair. Angling for smallmouth bass has been good. As the weather heats up fishing will probably be best in mornings and evenings.

BABYFOOT LAKE: rainbow trout, bass

The lake is located in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness outside of Cave Junction. Anglers should contact the USFS in Cave Junction for maps and road conditions. Trout fishing is excellent all summer, with fly-fishing one of the best methods to catch trout.

BEN IRVING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass

Ben Irving Reservoir, west of Winston, has been stocked with about 4,000 trout to date. In addition to trout fishing, angling for bass should improve now that the water is warmer.

CHETCO RIVER: cutthroat trout

Cutthroat are spread throughout the Chetco River with the estuary or upper Chetco producing the best. Anglers wanting to do a little hiking or who have a small kayak can access the upper Chetco River. Maps of the area can be obtained from the USFS in Brookings or Gold Beach.

COOPER CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Cooper Creek has been stocked with about 9,000 catchable trout to date. The reservoir also received some trophy sized trout in February and then again in early June. One lucky angler caught a 9 pound trout out of Cooper Creek that was probably left over from a year ago. Nearby Plat I reservoir has also been stocked with about 3,000 catchable trout.

COOS COUNTY LAKES: trout, warmwater fish

Legal-sized trout are still being caught in many area lakes. Tenmile Lakes, Eel Lake, Powers Pond, Empire Lakes and Saunders Lake were stock last month. PowerBait or a piece of worm are great baits to use for trout.

Many of the area lakes are producing warmwater fish like bass, bluegill and perch. Fish near structure like submerged trees or weedlines.

COOS RIVER BASIN: trout, sturgeon

Trout season is open in streams and tidewater. Streams above tidewater are restricted to artificial flies and lures. Small jigs or spinners are always good lures to try.

Sturgeon are still being caught in the Coos River Basin. A popular sturgeon fishing area is downstream of the forks of the Millicoma River and South Fork Coos River. There are also good sturgeon fishing holes throughout Isthmus Slough.

Surfperch are being caught in the bay. A few areas to try are around the McCullough Bridge or near any submerged pilings. Sand shrimp is an excellent bait to use for perch.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: trout, striped bass

Trout season is open in streams and tidewater. Streams above tidewater are restricted to artificial flies and lures.

There have been a few reports of striped bass near Sturdivant Park. The best time to fish for striped bass is after dark.

DIAMOND LAKE: rainbow trout

Diamond Lake has had very good fishing. There is a bug hatch going on and fly anglers are successfully catching some nice trout. Anglers are reminded the boat speed limit will be 10 mph all day. This is the same speed limit that it was in the past prior to the negative impact of the tui chub. In addition to the 50,000 2007 "fingerlings" which are now 12 n 15 inches long, the ODFW is also stocking additional catchable trout. About 56,000 additional trout have been stocked. Of these, about 6,000 were trophy sized. Fishing has been good with many people catching trout in the 14 to 17 inch size and some people catching trout in the 20-inch size range. In a recent tournament, the winner caught a 4 pound trout!

ELK/SIXES RIVER: cutthroat trout

Cutthroat are spread throughout both rivers. The best time to fish cutthroat is early morning or late evening when they move from the deep holes to the head of pools.

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

Angling for bass, crappie, bluegill and other warmwater fish has been good. Stocked rainbow trout are still available as well. Anglers should fish the flooded willows, the dam face and dike structures in Emigrant and Hill Creek arms.

Anglers should be aware that recent testing by the Department of Human Services has found elevated levels of mercury in smallmouth bass at Emigrant, and a health advisory has been issued recommending limits on consumption of all fish from Emigrant except rainbow trout. Information on the Emigrant Reservoir advisory, along with general information on mercury and fish can be found on the DHS Web site.

EXPO POND: rainbow trout

Expo Pond has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout, and angling for them has been good. Angling for bass and panfish has been good as well. Fishing bait, either from a bobber or on the bottom with weight, can be effective. The pond is located immediately adjacent to the access road at Gate 5 at the fairgrounds.

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout

Fish Lake will be stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout again this week. Fishing has been good.

GALESVILLE RESERVIOR: rainbow trout, bass

Galesville Reservoir is open to angling year-round. Galesville has been stocked with about 8,000 catchable size trout to date and the 25,000 sub-legal size trout stocked last fall are now legal-sized. Some anglers report seeing external "worms" on a few of the trout or in their gills. These are copepods, a fish parasite, which occur naturally throughout the watershed. The copepods can be removed and the fish safely consumed. Galesville was stocked about a month ago with about 55,000 adipose-clipped hatchery coho. These fish are now legal size. In Galesville Reservoir, all landlocked salmon are considered trout. Thus there will be a 5 per day trout limit, with only one trout over 20 inches in length allowed for harvest.

GARRISON LAKE: rainbow trout, bass

Trout are scattered throughout the lake, but weed growth and warmer water are making for tough fishing conditions. Bank anglers will want to target the area along the foredune. Bank access is limited to the State Park or 12th street boat ramp. Anglers should keep an eye on the weather and target the lake when winds are light.

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 was stocked with a couple hundred trout in early June to provide some additional fishing opportunity while the pond is still cool enough to keep the trout healthy. The pond has very good bank access.

HOWARD PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Howard Prairie has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing for them has been fair. The trout are well distributed throughout the lake. Floating baits are popular at Howard Prairie and have accounted for many of the fish that have been caught; however, trolling or casting lures and flies are also producing fish. The largemouth and smallmouth bass are active now that water is getting warmer, and fishing for them has been good.

HYATT LAKE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass

Hyatt Lake has been stocked with legal and trophy-sized rainbow trout. Trout fishing has been fair with a few limits of trout being caught. Largemouth bass are moving into the shallows and angling for them has been good. Hyatt Lake has an abundance of small bass that offer good opportunities for new anglers to catch a good number of fish.

LAIRD LAKE: trout

Trout fishing is excellent for 8 to 10-inch rainbow trout. Laird Lake is located approximately 15 miles up Elk River. Most anglers fish from the bank with fly rods or small spinning rods.

LAKE MARIE: rainbow trout

Lake Marie at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park near Winchester. The lake has already been stocked with 4,000 trout. During Free Fishing Day weekend fishing was good and even an 18-inch trout was caught.

LAKE SELMAC: rainbow trout

Lake Selmac has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout, and they have been biting well on PowerBait and worms. Casting and retrieving lures or flies has also been effective, as has trolling lures or flies from a boat. Fishing for largemouth bass and panfish has been good.

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

Lemolo Lake has been stocked with about 5,000 catchable trout plus some trophy-sized rainbow trout to date. Anglers have been successful at catching both rainbow and brown trout. The boat ramp at Poole Creek has been repaired to improve boat access.

LOON LAKE: rainbow trout

Loon Lake has been stocked with about 7,000 catchable trout plus some trophy trout to date. In addition, there were almost 6,000 sub-legal trout stocked last fall that are now 8 inches long for legal for harvest.

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

Lost Creek Reservoir has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout, and fishing for them has been good. Bank anglers primarily fish either floating bait or worms. Boat anglers use a wide variety of techniques. Trollers often fish wedding ring and night crawler combinations behind a weight, while fly anglers can have success both trolling and casting. Angling for smallmouth bass has been fair. As of July 3 14 the surface water temperature was 73 degrees F. As the weather heats up, angling will probably be best in mornings and evenings.

MEDCO POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, panfish

Medco Pond has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout, and fishing for them has been good. Fishing bass and panfish has been good as well.

PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: surfperch, bottomfish

With sport catch of some rockfish higher than anticipated, the marine fish bag limit for anglers went from six to five. Sport anglers may still retain two lingcod, but that fishery is also restricted inside of 20 fathoms. The regulation changes took effect July 7 and are scheduled to continue through December 31.

Spring can be a great time for surfperch fishing from the beaches. Some anglers have been reporting success recently fishing the ocean beaches when the surf is down. The best areas are generally the steeper beaches. Anglers should cast into the surf with enough weight to hold your setup from moving with the current. Sand shrimp is a common and effective bait but others can work well also.

POWERS POND: trout, warmwater species

Fishing for trout has been good. There are still lots of legal-sized trout to be caught yet but the aquatic plants are making a little tougher to find open water. Throwing a piece of night crawler into the pockets of open water is producing lots of trout. Flies have also worked well.

Bluegill fishing has also been good. The bigger fish are 50-100 yards off the shoreline. Use a small hook with a worm one to two feet under a bobber. Poppers and other surface flies have been working as well.

REINHART PARK POND: trout, warmwater fish

Reinhart Park Pond has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Largemouth bass and bluegill are available also. Trout are hitting worms and floating baits. The bass and bluegill will take worms or a variety lures.

ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: chinook, steelhead, surfperch

Chinook fishing was slow over the weekend. Only a handful of chinook were caught. Expect more chinook to show up through the month. Anglers will want to fish the estuary from the Highway 101 bridge downstream to just below the sand spit. As usual, an anchovy with a spinner blade is the number one bait. Surfperch fishing continues to be excellent in the estuary with the sand spit producing the best.

Rogue River flows

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: trout, steelhead

Angling for spring chinook and summer steelhead has been slow. More summer steelhead are expected to push up river in coming weeks and fishing will likely improve. Anglers are catching a few nice cutthroat trout by casting flies and lures to structure in the pools. The flow at Grants Pass on July 14 was 2900 cubic feet per second.

Emergency harvest restrictions were enacted on the Rogue River to protect wild spring chinook salmon, due low numbers of adults returning to the river. The Rogue River form Elephant Rock (RM 3) to Cole Rivers Hatchery dam is closed to the harvest of nonadipose fin-clipped chinook salmon through July 31.

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: trout, steelhead

As of July 14 the flow out of William Jess Dam (Lost Creek) was 2,686 cubic feet per second and the outflow temperature was 55 degrees. 1999 spring chinook and 1201 summer steelhead have been counted at Gold Ray Dam as of July 5, 2008. Angling for spring chinook is fair with several reports of many jacks being caught in the upper river. Few summer steelhead are being caught. Trout fishing has been good on flies and lures. Though the salmon fly hatch is about over, fish may still be caught by fly anglers using salmonfly patterns. Pressure has been light to moderate.

Emergency harvest restrictions were enacted on the Rogue River to protect wild spring chinook salmon, due low numbers of wild adults returning to the river. The Rogue River form Elephant Rock (RM 3) to Cole Rivers Hatchery dam is closed to the harvest of nonadipose fin-clipped chinook salmon through July 31.

ROGUE RIVER (SECTION 5): rainbow trout

Section 5 of the Rogue River (upstream of Lost Creek Reservoir) will be stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout again this week. Snow and downed trees are restricting access to Crater Creek, Hamaker Campground, and Minnehaha Creek. Brook trout and a few brown trout are also available.

SODA SPRINGS RESERVOIR: brown and rainbow trout

Soda Springs Reservoir and the tributaries upstream are open for trout angling.

SMITH RIVER: bass, trout

Steelhead season is now closed, but trout season opened May 24. Striped bass season is open year-round, 2 fish per 24 hours, 30-inch minimum size. The North Fork is open to Johnson Creek for stripers.

SOUTH COAST STREAMS: steelhead

Trout season in the Umpqua tributaries, Smith River, South Umpqua, North Umpqua tributaries and Cow Creek basins opened May 24. The mainstem Umpqua and mainstem North Umpqua to Soda Springs Dam are open year-round for catch and release trout.

SOUTHARD LAKE: trout

ODFW stocked the lake last week. Expect excellent trout fishing through the summer. Southard is a small lake accessible by trail. Anglers not familiar with the area should contact the USFS office in Gold Beach for maps and road conditions.

SPAULDING POND: rainbow trout

Spaulding Pond will be stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout this week.

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

Legal-sized trout were stocked last month. Trout have been caught throughout the lakes and from the public fishing dock at the county boat ramp using night crawlers or a jig with a piece of worm. Trolling spinners with a piece of night crawler has worked well for trout.

Largemouth bass fishing has been excellent. Use jigs, spinner baits, or plastic lures and concentrate your fishing efforts near structure. Yellow perch will take small jigs with a twister tail or piece of worm. Concentrate your fishing efforts around weedlines. Brown bullheads are very abundant. Fish for bullheads with a nightcrawler along the weedlines and in small coves.

TOKETEE LAKE: brown trout

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

UMPQUA ESTUARY: sturgeon, bass

Both sturgeon and striped bass fishing have been slow in the lower Umpqua. Surfperch have been caught recently in the Winchester Bay area. Angling for small mouth bass should improve now that the water is warming.

UMPQUA HIGH LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

Diamond Lake and Lemolo are open for fishing. Meanwhile the department stocked Clearwater Forebay #2 with 1,000 trout plus some trophy trout. The road to Hemlock Lake is now open and the lake has been stocked. Lake of the Wood is also open, and it has been stock with about 800 trout. Anglers can also try Toketee which has good boat and bank access. Toketee is good for brown trout fishing, especially in the morning. Other high lakes such as Cliff, Buckeye, Linda, and Big Twin Lakes are now accessible for brook trout fishing.

UMPQUA RIVER MAINSTEM: steelhead, spring chinook

Remember the main stem Umpqua is now closed to wild steelhead harvest; it remains open year-round for adipose fin-clipped steelhead. Shad are still being caught. Angling has been fair to good and with the water height lowering, good numbers of shad should be available until mid-July. Smallmouth bass angling will improve as the water temperatures warm.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead

So far over 6,000 spring chinook and 2,700 summer steelhead have passed Winchester Dam through June. Springer fishing in the North Umpqua is fair with the best angling occurring in the morning hours. Some springers over 30-pounds were caught in the Narrows and Swiftwater areas. The springers are starting to color some. Summer steelhead fishing is now improving. Remember that only adipose fin-clipped steelhead can be harvested on the North Umpqua. The North is open to catch and release trout fishing from the mouth upstream to Soda Springs Dam.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: smallmouth bass

The South Umpqua is now open for trout and bass fishing. Water temperatures are starting to exceed 60 degrees, so fishing for smallmouth bass should improve.

WILLOW LAKE: trout

Willow Lake has been stocked with legal sized rainbow trout. Anglers should try using floating bait or worms. Casting and retrieving, or trolling lures or flies can also be effective. Angling is good for largemouth bass, crappie, and other warmwater fish. Look fore these species along the shore around structure.

WINCHESTER BAY: sturgeon, ocean coho

Fishing remains slow for sturgeon. Sport fishing for ocean coho opened June 22. Only adipose-clipped coho can be harvested. Winchester Bay is a popular port for ocean sportfishing and has been one of the more successful ports to date. Surfperch fishing has continued to be good and smallmouth bass angling is improving up river in the Umpqua.

RECREATIONAL SHELLFISH IS OPEN

The entire Oregon coast is open for recreational shellfishing. 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. Crabbing in Coos Bay is picking up for both people out in the bay with boats and from the docks. Public crabbing docks can be found in Winchester Bay, Bandon, Charleston, and Empire.

Digging for clams in Coos Bay has been excellent. A few of the popular digging areas are Charleston Flat, Pigeon Point, Fossil Point and Clam Island.

* 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: Squirrel (portion of Rogue unit open year-round), cougar (extended season areas only)

Report your hunt

If you spring bear or turkey hunted, please take the time to report your hunt now. Also, if you haven't yet done so, report your 2007 hunts. Be ready to enter your hunter/angler ID number, two-digit Wildlife Management Unit number where you hunted, and total number of days hunted. Any person that purchased a tag is required to report, even if they were not successful, did not go hunting, or were called during a telephone hunter survey.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

HUNTING:

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

JACKSON, JOSEPHINE, CURRY COUNTIES

Coyote n Coyotes are abundant this year. Hunters are using predatory calls for their success. As spring progresses private land owners may allow hunting on their property with upcoming young livestock; be sure to ask for permission to hunt. While hunting coyotes, be aware of approaching cougars as hunters are having cougars come to their calls.

Cougar n Season closes May 31 except in Upper Rogue River zone; see page 50 of the Big Game Regulations for more information. Calling has become one of the methods hunters are using to harvest our healthy cougar population. Locate major ridge lines and rocky out-cropping as areas of travel within cougar home range. 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 n Squirrel hunting is a great opportunity for young hunters to hone their hunting skills. A portion of the Rogue unit is open year round with no bag limit; refer to regulations for more detail. Squirrels are found throughout the Rogue unit with only a few hunters taking advantage of this hunting opportunity.

COOS COUNTY

Cougar - Season closes May 31 except for South Coast zone; see page 50 of the Big Game Regulations for more information. Cougar populations appear to be healthy in Coos County. Cougars are very elusive and use very large home ranges so they represent a supreme challenge for hunters. To locate them, take clues from their prey (deer and elk). In areas with high densities of deer and elk, you may find success attracting cougars with predator calls.

SOUTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS

Klamath Bird Observatory Birdwalk to Mount Ashland, August 2, 8 a.m., Ashland

View the bird life on the highest peak of the Siskiyou Mountains. Mountain Bluebirds, Green-tailed Towhees, White-headed Woodpeckers, Red-breasted Sapsuckers, and Gray Jays may be spotted. Meet at 8 am at Northwest Nature Shop (Ashland). Bring water. Leader: Harry Fuller, KBO Birdwalk Leader. To register, call 541-482-3241.

Information.

Klamath Bird Observatory Birdwalk to Wagner Butte, August 9, 8 a.m. Medford

Follow the Wagner Butte trail through conifer forest and mountain meadows. Sagebrush and plentiful wildflowers surrounding the trail will add to the bird sightings. Meet at 8am at Wild Birds Unlimited (Medford). Bring lunch, water and sturdy shoes for a full day of hiking. Leader: Frank Lospalluto, KBO Contract Biologist. To register, call 541-770-1104. Information.

Coos County

Migratory shore birds

Migratory shore birds can be seen along Coos County coastal and bay areas. Many of these birds will continue on to nesting areas to the north-some as far as the Arctic Circle. Some will remain and nest in the vicinity. Patient birders can see thousands of shorebirds passing a given point on local beaches each day. Species composition is very diverse.

Waterfowl broods have been visible for some time in local bays, rivers and lakes. Often Canada geese will congregate broods into one large group called gang broods. These groups can be fifty strong or more. Watch for them on mud flats at low tide in local bays.

Look for gamebird chicks along forest roads and fields

For a while after upland gamebird chicks hatch, they can be difficult to view because of their size and the fact that their mothers keep them hidden. Now, in many cases, they are large enough to see. In the Coast Range, you are most likely to see broods along forest roads or around the edges of clear cuts and agricultural fields.

California brown pelicans

California brown pelican numbers are increasing along the coast. Many of these birds are migrating up the coast to summer here and farther north. When conditions are windy, as they commonly are in summer on the coast, these birds will fly very close to beaches and will occasionally congregate behind jetties and other points to rest. These resting flocks can be hundreds strong, creating a great viewing opportunity. Bring your binoculars.

Douglas County

Gamebirds

California and mountain quail; blue and ruffed grouse; wild turkey and pheasant young are common throughout the county. Coveys of California quail are common on the Umpqua Valley floor, usually near blackberry cover and water. Many blue and ruffed grouse and their young are found in mid- to high-elevation forested areas in local mountains. Wild turkeys and their poults are very common throughout the Umpqua Valley, usually on private lands in oak savannah habitat. Most pheasants are found in central Douglas County and are associated with pastures and ranches.

Elk

View elk calves at Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area just west of Reedsport. For directions and more information, visit ODFW's Web site.

Turtles

It's that time of the year when female turtles leave their water bodies and head to upland nesting areas to lay their eggs, usually within a mile of the water. When driving on roads next to rivers and streams, keep an eye out for turtles crossing the road to avoid injuring them.

Fish Passage

See Summer Steelhead migrating upstream as they pass through Winchester Dam fish ladder on the N. Umpqua River which is open to the public. To view the migrating Steelhead go to exit 129 on I-5, proceed southeast on 99 to the fish ladder on the north side of the river.

Osprey

Osprey chicks are starting to fledge (leave nests) in Douglas County-there are over 250 nesting pairs of osprey throughout watershed. It is easy to locate their classic large stick nest which is usually on a dead tree or electric pole near a river, creek or lake. After finding a nest, look for nestlings standing on the edge of the nest practicing their air lift by flapping their wings just before they take flight.

Jackson and Josephine Counties

ODFW Denman Wildlife Area

Come visit our many ponds-much of the waterfowl are hatching their eggs and strings of geese are seen throughout the area. The area has several trails where some are set aside for foot traffic and others that are intended for horse travel. All of these trails provide great viewing opportunities along ponds and nesting structures, with great views of Table Rock. Table Rock provides great viewing of wildlife and wildflowers.

Ken Denman Wildlife Area is located at 1495 E. Gregory Road, Central Point. For directions.

CENTRAL ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities

* Conditions on the Lower Deschutes River are good n lots of caddis in action and the water below White River is mostly clear and fishable. (Though this could change with changing weather conditions.)

* Trout fishing on the Metolius River has been good using golden stone and pale morning dun patterns.

Due to expected robust runs of hatchery spring in the Deschutes and Hood Rivers in 2008, ODFW adopted temporary rules to allow sport anglers to fish for spring. The following rules apply to these fisheries:

Deschutes River: The Deschutes River is open to angling for adipose fin-clipped spring salmon from the I-84 bridge upstream to Sherars Falls from April 15 to July 31, 2008. The catch limit is one adult adipose fin-clipped salmon per day, and five adipose fin-clipped jack salmon per day. All non-adipose fin-clipped salmon must be released unharmed. Anglers may use bait from Sherars Falls downstream to the upper railroad trestle. It is unlawful to continue angling from Sherars Falls downstream to the upper railroad trestle after taking a daily bag limit of one adult salmon. All other limits and restrictions remain unchanged from those listed in the 2008 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulation for the Deschutes River.

Unless otherwise noted, the Central Zone reports were last updated July 1.

ANTELOPE RESERVOIR: No report.

BIG LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout

The bite has slowed a little though anglers are still reporting good success. Overall Big Lava has been producing extraordinary catches for anglers this season. The rainbow trout seen in the creel are ranging in size from 12 to 20 inches.

CLEAR LAKE: rainbow trout

Clear Lake was recently stocked, and should provide excellent fishing opportunity.

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

Angling over the weekend was reported to be fair with some nice rainbow trout and kokanee being harvested.

CRESCENT LAKE: brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout

Anglers are reporting good action for kokanee running 12 to 16 inches. Some nice rainbow trout are also being caught.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout

Updated July 8. No recent reports from anglers. The Crooked is currently flowing at 243 cfs. ODFW and OSU have initiated a radio telemetry study on redband trout and whitefish, and anglers are reminded that radio-tagged fish cannot be legally harvested. To determine if a fish is radio-tagged, anglers should check for an eight-inch wire antenna protruding from the rear of both redband and mountain whitefish.

Biologists from ODFW sampled the Crooked River below Bowman Dam for redband trout and mountain whitefish from Monday, June 23 through Friday, June 27.

Biologists electrofished the river between Big Bend and Cobble Rock campgrounds and between Lower Palisades and Greenwood campgrounds. Fishing will be affected temporarily, but should return to normal by the July Fourth weekend.

CULTUS LAKE: lake trout, rainbow trout

No recent reports.

DAVIS LAKE: redband trout, largemouth bass

No recent reports. Please note Davis Lake is restricted to fly angling only.

DESCHUTES RIVER:

Mouth to Warm Springs: trout, spring chinook

Spring chinook fishing below Sherars Falls has been good when water conditions permit. Anglers are being most successful fishing the 'plunking' holes. Anglers can access the USGS Web site for current information on stream flow on the Deschutes at. As the water level drops angling should continue to be consistent.

Trout fishing is improving on the lower Deschutes upstream from White River with the warmer temperatures, but high water levels continue to hamper success. Salmonflies have been observed from Warm Springs downstream. Trout anglers should be successful using nymphs along with salmonflies, but anglers should also be watchful for mid-day hatches.

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

Angling in this reach is reportedly good for both rainbow trout and brown trout.

Benham Falls to Wickiup Reservoir: rainbow trout, brown trout

Anglers report catching some nice brown trout in this reach over the past week. This reach of river provides opportunity for brown trout and rainbow trout.

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

East Lake anglers are reporting catches of rainbow trout, kokanee and brown trout. Fly anglers are reporting that the fish are mostly feeding on midges, but will hit calibaetis nymphs and woolly buggers (in addition to chironomid nymphs). No adult calibaetis hatches were noted, but likely will happen in next few weeks.

ELK LAKE: Brook trout, kokanee

There are reports of anglers catching some nice brook trout. Kokanee have also been reported in anglers' creels.

FALL RIVER: rainbow trout

Anglers are reporting good success for rainbow trout.

FROG LAKE:

Currently inaccessible due to snow and will not be stocked this year due to inaccessibility. The fish that were allocated to be stocked in Frog Lake will be stocked in nearby Clear Lake.

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

No recent reports.

HOOD RIVER: summer steelhead, winter steelhead

No recent angling report. The river closed to spring chinook fishing on Sunday, June 30. Anglers can access the USGS website for current information on Hood River stream flow.

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

HOSMER LAKE: Atlantic salmon, brook trout

No recent reports. Hosmer is a fly angling only lake providing a unique opportunity for Atlantic salmon. Hosmer also provides good opportunity for brook trout.

KINGSLEY RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Kingsley was recently stocked, and should provide excellent fishing opportunity. Angers should be aware that camping will be limited due to remaining snow drifts.

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

Fishing for bull trout and kokanee has been slow.

LAURANCE LAKE: rainbow trout

Laurance is ice free and recently stocked. Anglers are reminded that only fin-clipped trout may be kept, and only artificial flies and lures may be used.

LITTLE LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout

Fly anglers are reporting good numbers of rainbow trout being caught on Little Lava with an ant pattern.

LOST LAKE: rainbow trout

Lost Lake was finally cleared of all snow and recently stocked. Anglers should find good numbers of hungry trout.

METOLIUS RIVER: redband trout, bull trout

Reports of some fair angling for redband trout and bull trout from Allingham Bridge downstream.

NORTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout

There is good opportunity for 8 to 12-inch rainbow with potential for larger fish up to 18 inches.

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Reports of good angling for rainbow trout.

ODELL LAKE: kokanee, lake trout, rainbow trout

Anglers are reporting good success for kokanee and lake trout. Those anglers targeting kokanee should be on the water at daybreak for best success. The kokanee are hanging a little deeper due to the warmer water temperatures. Please note that all bull trout need to be released unharmed. Anglers are encouraged to take time to learn how to differentiate between lake trout and bull trout. Please check with the Forest Service Crescent Ranger Station for information on campgrounds.

PAULINA LAKE: brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee

Anglers are reporting catching limits of kokanee with the fish ranging from 10 to 13 inches. Anglers fishing shoreline areas are catching some nice browns and there are also reports of fair rainbow trout catches.

PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

The reservoir has recently been stocked and should provide good action. Anglers have reported good catches of stocked trout with many of them large brood trout.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, black crappie

Anglers are reporting fair success for rainbow trout.

ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Angler reports have indicated excellent catches on recently stocked fish with many large brood trout.

SIMTUSTUS LAKE: rainbow trout, bull trout

No reports from the past weekend. Legal-sized rainbow trout were stocked before opening weekend and will continue to be stocked throughout the summer. A tribal angling permit is required in addition to a state angling license to fish in the lake. The bag limit is five trout per day including kokanee. Some bull trout are available. Bull trout limit is one fish with a 24-inch minimum as in Lake Billy chinook.

SOUTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout

The bite has slowed a little but anglers are still catching a fair number of fish. South Twin's nice shoreline makes the lake a good place to take young kids to fish.

SUTTLE LAKE: kokanee, brown trout

No recent reports.

TAYLOR LAKE: rainbow trout

Taylor Lake, located near The Dalles, has been stocked with legal and trophy size rainbow trout and should offer good trout fishing prospects. Several excess hatchery steelhead from Hood River have recently been released into the lake.

WALTON LAKE: No recent reports.

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

Anglers are reporting catches of brown trout and rainbow trout in the Deschutes arm and the Davis arm. Some anglers are still having success catching kokanee around Goose Island.

CENTRAL ZONE HUNTING

PRINEVILLE/OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT

Recreational users should check with the Ochoco National Forest and Prineville BLM regarding access, camping, and current fire conditions. Motorized access restrictions associated with the South Boundary Travel Management Area (TMA) in the Ochoco unit remain in effect year-round. Maps are available at portal signs as you enter the TMA, or from local ODFW and forest service offices.

Coyote n Coyotes will be closely following deer and pronghorn. If hunters can identify areas with concentrations of deer or pronghorn coyotes will likely be in the vicinity.

Ground Squirrels n Ground squirrels and marmots are active and offer great recreational hunting. These animals occur in greatest numbers on private agricultural and ranch lands where permission from landowners is needed.

THE DALLES WILDLIFE DISTRICT

Those wishing to pursue COYOTE will find the best success near agricultural lands. Be sure to ask permission to hunt private lands.

California GROUND SQUIRRELS, or grey diggers, are generally found in rocky, open habitats and the best opportunities are found on private ground near agricultural fields. Limited opportunities exist on the lower elevation forest service and state ground in the White River unit. Be sure to ask permission to hunt on private land.

CENTRAL ZONE VIEWING

EVENT

Missoula Floods, Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, July 20, 2 P.M.

Missoula Floods: An Incredible Story with Examples from The Dalles area. Presentation by Scott F. Burns, Professor of Geomorphology, Engineering and Environmental Geology, Soils, Portland State University. In the M.J.Murdock Theater. Included with paid museum admission. For more information, http://www.gorgediscovery.org/events.aspx

PRINEVILLE AREA

Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Management Area

A 50-acre fire in the Wildlife Management Area has resulted in the closure of the Juniper Bass Campground. The campground will remain closed pending fire suppression and rehabilitation efforts. The main access road and other campgrounds in the wildlife area are operating normally.

Broods of Canadian Geese and waterfowl are visible with the best viewing opportunities at the eastern end of the Wildlife Area along the shoreline. Nesting osprey, bald eagles, golden eagles and red-tail hawks are present in the wildlife area as well. Motorized traffic within the management area is restricted to the north side access road and designated routes into dispersed camping sites.

In addition to wildlife viewing, the management area offers hiking with wonderful scenic views of the Crooked River and reservoir.

For directions, visit ODFW's 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. Springs along this stretch of river provide water and green forage for sheep during hot summer days.

Waterfowl broods are a common occurrence now throughout the canyon, as are osprey, kingfishers, great blue herons, and Bullock's Orioles.

ODFW's Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area is located in The Dalles. Directions and more information about the Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area.

White River Wildlife Area

Blacktail does are now starting to travel about with their fawns, making this a great time to see young deer. Visitors looking for fawns should focus their efforts in the forested sections of the area, especially at dawn or dusk.

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

Hood River Valley

The Historic Columbia River Highway provides excellent views of the Columbia River gorge, as well as opportunities to view many different bird and mammal species. For information on the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, visit http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_155.php

Spring snow has now melted enough to provide access to most areas within the upper Hood River Valley. High mountain lakes along the east slope of the Cascades provide excellent opportunities for a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities. For a guide to birding trails throughout the cascades, visit the Mount Hood Loop Web site.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend Fishing Opportunities

* Campbell and Deadhorse Lakes were stocked with legal and trophy-sized rainbow trout in late June and early July; trout fishing has been good. Use of these lakes will be closed starting July 28 for campground maintenance.

* On the Blitzen River angling is fair to good for 10 to 16-inch redband trout.

* The Klamath River from JC Boyle Dam to the JC Boyle Powerhouse has been very good for catching redband trout.

* Krumbo Reservoir has been yielding fair catches of 16 to 19-inch rainbow trout and 12 to 16-inch largemouth bass.

ANA RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout, hybrid bass

Ana Reservoir is open all year long for rainbow trout and hybrid bass angling. The reservoir is at full capacity. Fishing has been good for rainbow trout. The use of live fish for bait is prohibited.

ANA RIVER: hatchery rainbow trout

Ana River is a great place to fish. Angling for rainbow trout has been good. The river level is moderately high due to extra water being released from the reservoir. The flow will be dropping again by late July. 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.

ANTHONY LAKE: rainbow trout

Lake has been stocked with legal-sized trout.

BALM CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Trout fishing is fair. Bass are small.

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

Inflow into the reservoir continues to drop. It varied from approximately 65 to 80 cfs from July 9 to July 14. The reservoir water level was 65 percent full on July 6. Water level in the reservoir is expected to hit minimums as early as mid-September. Angling in the reservoir is poor for rainbow trout and slow for crappie.

BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Last year the reservoir was reduced to a small pool by late summer. Freezing temperatures are suspected of having winter killed any hold over fish. Hatchery trout, fingerling size, were stocked in the reservoir this spring. Trout stocked as fingerlings will not be of harvestable size until next year.

BLITZEN RIVER: trout

Mainstem Blitzen and tributaries (except Little Blitzen) have a two fish trout bag limit from May 24 through October 31. The Little Blitzen is a catch and release fishery year-round. Angling is fair to good for 10 to 16-inch redband. Flow fluctuated between approximately 58 and 92 cfs from July 7 through July 14. Flow was approximately 64 cfs July 14.

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

Water level in the reservoir continues to drop. The reservoir was 45 percent full on July 13. Water level in the reservoir is expected to hit minimums as soon as early September. Angling is slow.

BURNS POND: trout, bass

Angling should be slow to fair for rainbow trout.

BURNT RIVER: trout

Was stocked with 1,000 legal trout above Unity Reservoir.

CAMPBELL/DEADHORSE LAKES: hatchery rainbow trout

These lakes were stocked with legal and trophy-sized rainbow trout in late June and early July. Trout fishing has been good. Access to these lakes will be closed starting July 28. The US Forest Service will be in the area removing hazard trees as well as dead and dying lodgepole pine to improve safety at the campgrounds. The closure will likely be in affect until next summer.

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout

Angling is slow to fair for 12 to 19 inch rainbow trout. Water temperature is high and the reservoir has an extensive algae bloom. Some fish mortality has occurred.

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout, largemouth bass

Angling has been good for largemouth bass and brown bullhead in the lower river. ODFW surveys found bass up to 6 lb in the reservoir and many bass were 12 inches or larger. Angling is good for redband trout above Paisley.

CHRISTMAS VALLEY GOLF COURSE POND: hatchery rainbow trout

Five hundred legal-sized rainbow trout were stocked in this small pond for Free Fishing weekend events. Target trout by boat in the deep portions of the lake at the South end. Ask permission for access to the lake at the Christmas Valley Parks and Rec office located next to the golf course lodge. Few trout will survive the high water temperatures in the pond later this summer.

COTTONWOOD MEADOWS: rainbow trout, brook trout

Angling is good for rainbow trout, but slow for brook trout. Bait fishing has been productive, as has fly fishing during the morning and early evening hatches.

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: native redband trout

Fishing for native redband has improved, especially near the dam face at the reservoir outlet.

CRUMP LAKE: black crappie, native redband trout, yellow perch, brown bullhead

Crappie fishing has been slow. Access is limited by private ownership. One primitive boat ramp is available on the west side of the lake from the Plush-Adel Road. Crump Lake went dry last summer. Few fish are expected to be caught in the lake during the 2008 fishing season. Boating can be hazardous. Recent sampling by ODFW has shown fish are still available in the lake.

DELINTMENT LAKE: trout

Fair angling for rainbow trout. Extensive aquatic vegetation makes angling somewhat challenging.

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

Dog Lake is closed to the retention of native, redband trout. This lake is not stocked with hatchery trout. Trophy bass fishing opportunities are available here. Recent sampling by ODFW found good numbers of 8-inch yellow perch and nice-sized bluegill in the lake. Bass were not numerous, but some fish over 3 pounds were observed.

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

Access is open to the reservoir and boat ramp. Catch rates been good for both bass and crappie. The reservoir has dropped a few feet recently. Boat with care; watch for fences and rock jacks submerged in the reservoir near the shoreline.

DUNCAN RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Angling is fair for rainbow trout as water temperatures increase. Midge hatches have been observed occurring on the reservoir in the late afternoon. Bait angling can be good along the shoreline.

FISH LAKE (Baker County): rainbow trout, brook trout

No access yet due to snow.

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

The loop road is open to Fish Lake. Rainbow trout were stocked the week of June 23. Angling has been good for both rainbow and brook trout. No report on what gear has been most effective.

FOURMILE LAKE: rainbow trout, lake trout, kokanee

Fourmile Lake is accessible. The boat ramp might still be blocked by drift wood. Angling should be good for lake trout and rainbow trout. Large kokanee up to 16 inches are available.

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

Angling has been good for crappie. Yellow perch and bullhead can be caught off the bank at the campground areas. Large mouth bass are also available.

GRANDE RONDE LAKE: rainbow and brook trout

Lake will be stocked the week of July 7.

HAINES POND: rainbow trout

Has been stocked twice with 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. Fish in the morning or evening.

HART LAKE: black crappie, native redband trout, yellow perch, brown bullhead

Crappie angling has been excellent. The lake is very shallow, and high winds can make boating hazardous. Anglers have reported catching an excess of 100 fish a day with many fish approaching 14 inches in length.

HEART LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout and kokanee

Angling is very good for rainbow trout and fair for kokanee. Most kokanee are less than eight inches.

HIGGINS RESERVOIR: trout

Fishing has been good. Access is walk in only. Has not been stocked for two years due to access issues.

HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Angling is very good for stocked legal and trophy rainbow trout. All methods of angling seem to have some success at this reservoir.

HWY 203 POND: trout, bass, bluegill

Has been stocked several times with legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing has been good, especially in the morning and evening.

JUNIPER LAKE: cutthroat trout

The lake is nearly dry.

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass

Angling is fair for 16 to 19-inch rainbow trout and fair for 12 to 16-inch largemouth bass. A variety of gear has been effective. There is good bank access near the boat ramp and on the southwest shoreline. There is also an accessible fishing platform near the boat ramp.

KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: redband trout

Angling for redband trout has been fair. Algae is beginning to proliferate which will reduce the aesthetics of angling in most parts of the lake. Trolling lures mimicking minnows has been good.

KLAMATH RIVER: native rainbow- redband trout

The Klamath River from JC Boyle Dam to the JC Boyle Powerhouse is very good for catching redband trout. Most redband trout in this section range from 6-12 inches. The Klamath River below the Powerhouse is fair for redband trout 10-14 inches.

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

Angling for hatchery rainbow and kokanee has been excellent. Angling for brown trout has been fair.

LOFTON RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The reservoir was stocked with legal and trophy rainbow trout. Fishing for trout has been very good using all angling methods (bait, lures, flies).

LOST RIVER: brown bullhead, yellow perch, largemouth bass, Sacramento perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, bluegill

Angling is good for warmwater fish. Brown bullhead are being caught at Crystal Springs Park at a good rate. Angling for yellow perch is good.

LUCKY RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Angling is slow for rainbow trout as water temperatures increase. Lucky Reservoir has good populations of trout but catch rates are low due to the turbid water.

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

On July 13, discharge below Warm Springs Dam was approximately 440 cfs. 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

On July 13, discharge below Juntura was approximately 796 cfs. Angling for trout is slow.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Water level is dropping as irrigation water is released. Water level in the reservoir will come close to minimums late in the irrigation season. Angling for rainbow trout has slowed as water temperatures increased. The reservoir continues to produce a few 17-inch rainbow trout. The boat ramp is still in the water.

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

No recent angling report. In past years, stream flows have dropped and fishing has improved. Remember to release bull trout.

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

No recent angling report. In past years, stream flows have dropped and fishing has improved. Remember to release bull trout.

MANN LAKE: trout

Slow angling for cutthroat trout The lake is very low, and illegally introduced goldfish have disrupted the trout fishery.

MILLER LAKE: trout, kokanee

The Lake has been producing good catches of brown and rainbow trout. The Lake is open to angling 24 hours/day with successful brown trout anglers targeting the early morning and late evening hours.

MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout

The water level dropped rapidly over the past two weeks. Slow angling for bass. No angling report for trout.

MUD LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout

The lake level is low. Mud Lake experienced a winter kill this year so angling could be poor. The lake is turbid year-around and will warm up quickly.

MURRAY RESERVOIR: trout

Fishing is good using spinners, flies or PowerBait.

NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: rainbow trout

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. Angling is probably slow due to the warm water conditions.

NORTH POWDER PONDS 1 & 2: rainbow trout

North Powder Pond #1 has been stocked three times. North Powder Pond #2 was stocked once. Fish morning or evening for best results.

OVERTON RESERVOIR:

Overton Reservoir is likely slow for rainbow trout. Most of the reservoir is covered in aquatic vegetation.

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

The reservoir was 52 percent full on July 13. The boat ramp at the McCormick State Park and the Leslie Gulch boat ramp are out of the water. Angling for crappie is fair. Angling for bass is fair to good.

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

Angling for rainbow trout and brown trout remains good. Catches of brown from 12 to 20 inches have been common. Rainbow trout are less abundant, but anglers have been catching some larger fish. Flows averaged 226 cfs July 13.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish

Discharge at the Rome gauge varied from approximately 155 to 185 cfs from July 9 through July 14. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish should be good.

PAIUTE RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout and hatchery Lahontan cutthroat trout

Angling is slow due to turbid conditions. The reservoir is very low.

PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch

Phillips has been stocked several times with legal-sized trout. Perch angling is very good with sizes ranging from 8-12 inches. Worms or cutbait on jigs are working well. Some trout and 8-10 inch bass are biting as well. Water level is 90 percent. ODFW needs Phillips Reservoir angler input as it considers future management of fishery. Please feel free to fill out this survey online.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout

Reports of catching 10-12 inch trout. Crappie fishing is slow until water warms. Reservoir is full. Reservoir was stocked with legal trout July 1.

PINE CREEK (Baker County): trout

Pine Creek and North Pine Creek were stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout, and will be restocked the week of July 7.

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Water level in the reservoir continues to drop. The reservoir is not expected to last the season. The reservoir was stocked with legal-sized (8-10 inch) rainbow trout on May 22. There are few larger rainbow trout in this reservoir. Angling has slowed.

POWDER RIVER: trout, spring chinook

The Powder River from Hughes Lane Bridge in Baker City to Mason Dam is open for adipose fin-clipped spring chinook May 31 through Sept. 1, 2008. The daily bag limit is two spring chinook. These chinook have been released as surplus from the Snake River. Rainbow trout have also been stocked below Mason Dam.

SID LUCE: hatchery rainbow trout

Fishing for trout in this reservoir has been good in recent weeks. Fishing in the morning is the best; as the wind can make fishing and boating challenging by late morning or early afternoon. The road into Sid Luce has eroded considerably. Four wheel drive vehicles are recommended.

SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: hatchery rainbow trout.

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. Angling has slowed with the warm weather.

SPAULDING RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Spaulding Reservoir went dry last summer. No fish are believed to be in the reservoir. ODFW will not stock the reservoir with fingerlings due to continued low water levels in the reservoir.

SPRAGUE RIVER: redband trout, brown trout, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, yellow perch

Angling has been fair for redband trout. Flows are still slightly high and turbid. Angling should be good for bass and brown bullhead below the town of Beatty.

SUNSTONE RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Sunstone reservoir went dry last summer, but it filled to full capacity this spring. A small number of legal-sized rainbow trout were stocked in May, as were a group of Eagle Lake rainbow trout which will be legal by the end of summer.

SYCAN RIVER: redband trout, brown trout, and brook trout

Angling is slow for redband trout. Flows are high.

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout

Fishing is slow. Reservoir is full.

THOMPSON RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, hatchery rainbow trout

Angling has been slow for rainbow trout and largemouth bass. Recent sampling by ODFW found bass in the 4 to 5 pound range and numerous rainbow trout in the reservoir.

TOPSY RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, brown bullhead, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, Sacramento perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, redband trout

Angling for crappie is good. Expect angling to improve with warmer water temperatures. Most crappie are 8-10 inches.

TWIN LAKES (Baker County): rainbow trout

The lake is accessible from the FS 39 road. The lake was stocked with 1700 legal rainbow trout the week of July 1.

UPPER MIDWAY RESERVOIR: largemouth bass

A total of 100 largemouth bass up to two pounds were stocked in Upper Midway from Davis Lake two weeks ago. It appears most of the largemouth bass ranging from 12-15 inches died this past winter due to ice cover thus resulting in lack of oxygen. Angling should be fair for largemouth bass. The reservoir is near full pool and boats are difficult to launch. Smaller boats are recommended.

UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie

Trout fishing has been good. Crappie are biting, but the fish are small.

VEE LAKE

Angling is slow in Vee Lake. The reservoir is very low and water temperatures are rising quickly.

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

The reservoir was 30 percent full July 13. Inflows ranged from 22 cfs up to 37 cfs from July 9 through July 14. Water level in the reservoir is expected to hit minimums as early as mid-September. Fishing is slow.

WARNER LAKES: black crappie, brown bullhead, yellow perch

Fishing for crappie and perch has been good recently. Most fish are caught near the bank in the early morning and late evenings. The lakes are low and shallow; boating access can be difficult.

WILLIAMSON RIVER (UPPER): redband trout and brook trout

Angling is fair for redband trout and brook trout.

WILLIAMSON RIVER (LOWER):

Angling is slow. Redband trout are starting to show up in the lower Williamson River with catch rates beginning to improve.

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

Angling for largemouth bass has been very good. Small bluegill are abundant. A few nice crappie have been caught but crappie were not abundant in last year's electrofishing surveys. The reservoir is near full pool so boats can be launched.

WITHERS LAKE: brown trout, brook trout

Brook trout fishing has been good for trout in the 8 to 12-inch range. Brown trout fishing requires more stealth. Large brown trout tend to be found in the deep water on the north side of the lake. Fishing is good in the morning and mid-afternoon.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, trout

Fishing is good for 11 to 14-inch trout. Crappie are biting around the dock. Reservoir is full.

WOOD RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES: redband trout, brown trout, brook trout, yellow perch

Angling is slow for brown trout and redband trout.

YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout

Fair to good angling for 10 to 13-inch rainbow trout. Extensive aquatic vegetation may make angling difficult. Fly anglers have had good success using leech and midge imitations. Bait anglers have had good success using PowerBait, leech and midge imitations.

SOUTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

Report your hunt

Spring bear and spring turkey seasons have ended-so please take the time to report your hunt now. Also, if you haven't yet done so, report your 2007 hunts. Be ready to enter your hunter/angler ID number, two-digit Wildlife Management Unit number where you hunted, and total number of days hunted. Any person that purchased a tag is required to report, even if they were not successful, did not go hunting, or were called during a telephone hunter survey.

COYOTE - By this time of year coyote diets consist of small rodents and the young of big game animals. They respond well to calling during the summer months, and hunters should focus efforts in mule deer or antelope fawning areas or along riparian areas that have higher rodent numbers. Hunters should be aware that cougars will respond to predator calls.

KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA

All hunting seasons are presently closed on the Klamath Wildlife Area. Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit.

Dogs are allowed only at the designated dog training area at the boat ramp area to minimize disturbance to migrating or nesting birds. Discharge of firearms is prohibited except by permit.

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

SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA

All hunting seasons on the Wildlife Area are now closed. Discharging of firearms and training of dogs is prohibited, except by permit.

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

SOUTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

Harney County

Deer and antelope have had their fawns which are becoming more visible as they get older. Look around green agricultural fields or wetlands in the early mornings and evenings to see them while they are actively feeding during the cool part of the day. Please remember that if you find a fawn, leave it where it is as the mother is probably nearby.

A variety of warblers, waterfowl, shorebirds, swallows, gulls and raptors are in the area. Other species of interest that can be found in Harney County include white-faced ibis, long-billed curlews, black-necked stilts, willets, American Avocets, Swainson's hawks and ferruginous hawks.

The Malheur National Wildlife Area and associated public and private lands provide an abundance wildlife viewing. The Center Patrol Road and headquarters area are excellent wildlife viewing areas on the Malheur Refuge.

Klamath Falls Area

Upper Klamath Lake

Upper Klamath Lake, located just north of Klamath Falls, provides prime viewing for many aquatic birds. Western and Clark's grebes have returned from southern wintering areas and are actively involved in courtship displays. Pied-billed and eared grebes can also be observed along lakeshore areas. White pelicans and double-crested cormorants can be found foraging on fish. Pelicans are colonial nesters and only nest in a few isolated areas which offer security from harassment.

White-faced ibis can be found foraging in flooded pastures. Ibis are also colonial nesters using bulrush and cattails to nest.

Klamath Wildlife Area

Great Basin Canada geese have been seen with young broods. There are still pairs nesting on the area, so please watch your step. If nests or broods are encountered, please move away quietly and not disturb them during this critical time of the year.

Shorebird migration continues in earnest as number and species spring arrival increases. American avocets and black-necked stilts, two common breeding species are fairly numerous now. Some species such as killdeer are beginning to nest now. Area users are urged to use caution while driving and parking. Killdeer frequently nest in gravel, along road shoulders, parking areas and at campgrounds.

Viewers can expect to see other shorebird species arrive soon, especially if moderate weather conditions persist. Sandhill cranes are scattered across the Wildlife Area with most pairs occupying their breeding territories and nesting is underway. Cranes are very vocal in the early morning hours calling to proclaim territories and reinforcing pair bonds. Colts (young sandhill cranes) should be appearing within the next few weeks. Scattered individuals and small groups of non-breeding cranes can sometimes be found.

Note: Please restrict your vehicular access to the public roads and parking lots to minimize disturbance of wildlife during this time of year. Dogs are allowed only at the designated dog training area near the boat ramp. Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit.

Lake County and Lakeview Area

All summer resident birds have arrived. Duck broods are common in the major county wetlands. White-faced ibis, sandhill crane and other marsh birds can be seen throughout the goose lake basin, Warner valley, Chewaucan marshes and at Summer Lake. Any of the desert or forested riparian areas are good locations to look for passerines.

Most big game species have had their young. Antelope fawns are common along the major county and BLM roads in the eastern portion of the county. Best viewing opportunities for mule deer fawns are along the edges of the major wetlands. Early morning and late evenings are the best time of day for viewing. Do not approach or pick up young wildlife-you don't want to cause the parent to abandon their young.

Summer Lake Wildlife Area

This section was updated on July 15. Vehicle access to the Wildlife Viewing Loop is open. Other major dike roads are closed to motor vehicles (non-motorized access permitted) to reduce disturbance to nesting and migrating waterbirds.

Nearly all of the Area's wetlands are well flooded and receiving considerable waterbird use. Ducks, shorebirds, waders and passerine species are staging in good numbers and all species are well into breeding season activities. Fall migration and southward migrants are beginning to occur now.

Waterfowl

Breeding ducks are found in good numbers. Nearly all are well into initial nesting attempts and many are renesting at this time. Drakes are beginning to lose their bright and colorful nuptial plumage as the breeding season winds down. Large groups of drakes are beginning to form as they enter the molt and attain their dull eclipse plumage.

Duck broods are common now for nearly all species, with recently hatched gadwall being very numerous.

Resident Canada geese are dispersed widely across the Wildlife Area and adjacent private lands. Hatching is over for this species, and nearly all broods have attained flight.

Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds

Shorebird migration is starting to pick up again. Unsuccessful and other non-breeders are beginning their fall migration as they return south from Boreal and Arctic nesting areas. This is a good time to find rare or unusual species moving through the area during migration. American avocets and black-necked stilts, two common breeding species, are very numerous now and are well into nesting. Unsuccessful or failed breeders are forming flocks and easily viewed. Early nesting and departing species such as long-billed curlew and willets are beginning to migrate out of the Area.

Bullgate Refuge, where extensive habitat enhancement took place last summer is providing excellent foraging opportunities for many species. Black-necked stilts are utilizing this area heavily now with over 100 pairs dispersed across the unit and exhibiting considerable brood rearing activity. Other species such as killdeer, long-billed curlew, Wilson's phalarope and willets are widely dispersed and broods have been observed recently. Snowy plovers are fairly numerous as they bring their broods to fresh water areas. The edges of alkaline playas and shallowly flooded alkali flats are good locations to observe this unique species.

Area users are urged to use caution while driving and parking. Killdeer and willets frequently nest in gravel, along road shoulders, parking areas and at campgrounds, chicks are often nearby. If chicks or nests are discovered, viewers are urged to move away and reduce disturbance during this important time during the life cycles of many species.

Sandhill cranes remain scattered across the Wildlife Area with most pairs still occupying their breeding territories and brood rearing is underway. Crane pairs are very secretive with their flightless colts but are becoming more apparent as some chicks approach flight. Early morning and evenings are the best times to observe cranes and their broods. Scattered individuals, pairs and small groups of non-breeding cranes can sometimes be found roosting in emergent wetlands during daytime hours.

Secretive marsh birds (sora and Virginia rails, American bitterns and pied-billed grebes) remain vocal throughout emergent marsh areas. Morning and evening hours around sunrise and sunset afford excellent opportunities to hear these secretive birds.

Other waterbird species are fairly numerous now. Caspian and Forster's terns,

American white pelicans, Great egrets, white-faced ibis and gulls are quite common and can be found feeding on small fish and invertebrates in the Area's larger ponds or canals. Post-breeding assemblages of many waterbirds is beginning to occur. Foraging activity is especially heavy in drawdown areas and canals where forage fish are concentrated.

Raptors and Others

Resident raptors remain scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Highway 31. Migrant and dispersing juvenile 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. Courtship flights are winding down now as most female harriers are rearing chicks. Bald eagles are infrequently seen across the Wildlife Area now. A few pairs are scattered along Winter Ridge and adults can sometimes be seen foraging over Wildlife Area wetlands. Prairie falcons, ferruginous hawks and golden eagles are sometimes seen during this time of the year and Swainson's hawks are fairly common. Great-horned owls chicks have fledged and a family group is easily observed at River Ranch Barn. Osprey can be found at Ana Reservoir occupying the nesting platform with chick approaching flight stage.

Upland game birds

California quail broods have been observed recently and should increase in numbers as summer progresses. Pheasant broods continue to be observed around agricultural and Northend areas.

Eurasian collared doves remain at Headquarters Complex and resident mourning doves are fairly common. They are calling incessantly now, morning and evening.

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. Hummingbirds are beginning to visit feeders recently placed-out at Headquarters.

Blackbirds are found throughout the Area's emergent marsh areas, most on territory and well into nesting. American robins, warbling vireos, black-headed grosbeaks, Am. and lesser goldfinches and yellow warblers are quite numerous and actively singing around the Headquarters Complex now. All three common swallow species (barn, cliff and tree) are very numerous and actively nesting at Headquarters Complex and the River Ranch barn where nest boxes and sites are in abundance. Fledglings are numerous and large pre-migration flocks are beginning to form. An early morning visit to Headquarters will afford viewers to witness 100's of roosting swallows depart to nearby foraging areas. Bank and Northern rough-winged swallows can be found along the Ana River Canyon where an abundance of soft banks allow them to excavate their nest burrows.

Facilities and Access

Non-motorized access and viewing opportunities are available across most of the Area at this time. Camping is permitted at four sites on the Wildlife Area. Users are urged to exercise care with campfires. Campgrounds are primitive but each have vault toilets, trash barrels and a few picnic tables.

The Wildlife Viewing Loop is open and will remain that way until early fall. Wetland enhancement/construction activities may close portions of the Viewing Loop temporarily during August and early September. Other major dikes (Bullgate, Gold and Windbreak) and the Work Road are now closed. This closure is implemented to reduce disturbance to migrating, molting and breeding waterbirds. Non-motorized access is still permitted on these major dikes and other lesser ones.

Viewers need to continue to use caution since road edges can still be soft and muddy, especially along the edges of canals and ponds. Secondary and minor dikes remain closed to motor vehicle traffic and cross country travel by motor vehicles and ATVs is prohibited.

Viewers are reminded to keep pets in close control due to the wide variety of ground nesting birds found throughout the Wildlife Area's upland and wetland habitats. It is unlawful to let dogs run at large during game bird nesting seasons.

Habitat

Many of the Wildlife Area's wetland habitats remain well flooded now, and large areas of shallowly flooded seasonal wetlands are available to waterbirds. Evapotranspiration rates are very high (about 0.40 inches a day) and many wetland areas are receding. Irrigation season in Summer Lake Valley has been curtailed for haying season and a significant increase in flows down Ana River and to many wetland units on the Wildlife Area is occurring. Water levels will increase in some wetlands some seasonally flooded units while others will continue receding and will provide diverse foraging opportunities to breeding and migrant waterbirds. These wetlands are favored by a wide variety of migrants as well as nesting or brood rearing resident birds and are very rich in natural food sources. New feeding locations are being exposed on a near daily basis now as evaporation rates rise radically in the summer heat.

Warm day time temperatures has allowed for the emergence of large numbers of flys, midges and other flying insects especially in Bullgate Refuge where habitat enhancement activities last summer created ideal conditions for these and other invertebrates. Mosquitoes, deer flys and horse flys are becoming numerous now and provide another abundant food source to insectivorous birds. Please remember to use protective measures to avoid these biting insects.

Meadows and hayfields found on adjacent private lands and in selected locations on the Wildlife Area are drying-up. As meadows dry and are mowed for hay, considerable raptor and waterbird use will occur, especially when reflooded.

Upland habitat remains in good condition due to warm daytime temperatures that is resulting in excellent new growth of many species of forbs and grasses. Recently farmed food plots are providing foraging sites to many species looking for seeds, green shoots and invertebrates in open, cultivated areas.

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

* Trout fishing on the Umatilla River is a good bet for the weekend.

GRANDE RONDE, WALLOWA, IMNAHA RIVERS AND TRIBUTARIES: trout

Stream flows in the Grande Ronde and Imnaha basins are declining and conditions for trout angling are improving.

WALLOWA AND IMNAHA RIVERS: chinook salmon

Chinook salmon fishing on the Wallowa and Imnaha Rivers closed on Sunday July 13.

HONEYMOON, TEPEE, SALT CREEK AND McGRAW PONDS: trout

Honeymoon, Salt Creek, McGraw and Tepee ponds have been stocked with rainbow trout.

JOHN DAY RIVER: bass and trout

Smallmouth bass angling is fair to good, with success highly dependent on river conditions. The river is finally in good fishing condition after a long period of high, turbid water. Trout anglers should have good success, particularly in the South Fork and Middle Fork John Day rivers. Special regulations apply to the Middle Fork above Highway 395, so before fishing there anglers are reminded to check the angling synopsis.

KINNEY LAKE: trout

Kinney Lake has been stocked with legal-sized trout. Trout angling should be good.

LADD POND\PEACH POND: trout

The Pond has been stocked several times with legal and some 6 lb trophy trout. Fish morning or evening for best results.

MAGONE LAKE: trout

Anglers have been catching a mix of brook and rainbow trout up to 15 inches. Best success has been with bait suspended just above the bottom of the lake. Fly anglers report good catches with black ant imitations and wooly buggers; however, temperatures are getting warm enough that the fish will be moving into deeper water.

McKAY RESERVIOR: trout, yellow perch, crappie, largemouth bass

Angling for warmwater species should be good, trout angling is fair.

MCNARY, HATROCK AND TATONE PONDS: trout

Have been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing is expected to be fair.

MARR, VICTOR, AND WALLOWA WILDLIFE AREA PONDS: trout

Wallowa Valley ponds have been stocked with legal-size rainbow trout.

MORGAN LAKE: trout, bullheads, crappie

The Lake has been stocked with legal rainbow trout.

PENDLAND LAKE: trout

The lake experienced a heavy winter kill and angling will be greatly impacted this spring and summer. The lake has been stocked with legal-sized trout and angling should be fair. The lake also will be re-stocked with fingerlings.

ROULET POND: trout

The Pond has been stocked several times with legal-sized trout. The pond was stocked with additional rainbow trout in July.

ROWE CREEK RESERVOIR, CAVENDER POND AND ANSON WRIGHT POND: trout

Fishing is fair for holdover and recently stocked legal-sized trout.

STRAWBERRY LAKE: Trout

The trail into Strawberry Lake is no longer blocked by snow for those anglers looking for a wilderness lake experience.

TROUT FARM POND: trout

Angling success is fair for brook trout and rainbow trout.

UMATILLA FOREST PONDS: trout

Most ponds have been stocked and angling should be good.

UMATILLA RIVER: trout

Catch and release trout angling should be good.

WALLOWA LAKE: rainbow trout, kokanee

Wallowa Lake has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow. Trout fishing is good for boat and bank anglers using bait or lures. Boat anglers are reporting fair to good success for kokanee. Most reports have come from anglers trolling with flashers and bait.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bullhead catfish

A health advisory has been issued for high levels of blue-green algae in Willow Creek Reservoir. The Oregon Department of Human Services recommends that if people choose to eat fish from waters where algae blooms are present, they should remove all fat, skin and organs from the fish before cooking. For local information contact the US Army Corps of Engineers Natural Resource Management Office at

(541)676-9009. For health information, contact Ken Kauffman, DHS Environmental Health Specialist at (971)673-0435. Trout angling is fair. Crappie angling is fair.

NORTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

Report your hunt

If you spring bear or turkey hunted, please take the time to report your hunt now. Also, if you haven't yet done so, report your 2007 hunts. Be ready to enter your hunter/angler ID number, two-digit Wildlife Management Unit number where you hunted, and total number of days hunted. Any person that purchased a tag is required to report, even if they were not successful, did not go hunting, or were called during a telephone hunter survey.

UNION COUNTY

Ground squirrel numbers are stable around the county. Hunters will find plenty of good shooting on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest as well as on private lands. Spring rains have encouraged substantial grass growth so hunters can expect spotting squirrels to be challenging. Hunters should seek permission from landowners before hunting on private property.

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

LADD MARSH WILDLIFE AREA

Hunting seasons are now closed.

GRANT COUNTY

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

To coyote hunt, find a good location with fresh coyote sign, preferably in an area of little human activity. Watch wind direction to help prevent giving away your location. Using fawn distress type calls, in addition to rabbit, can be very effective.

UMATILLA COUNTY

COYOTE: 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.

WALLOWA DISTRICT

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

GROUND SQUIRRELS: Ground squirrels are still very active and provide a great opportunity for sharpening shooting skills for youngsters and adults alike. Ground squirrels are abundant on private lands in the upper Wallowa valley on or adjacent to agricultural crops. Hunters are reminded to seek permission before entering private property.

BAKER COUNTY

COYOTE: Coyote numbers are good throughout the district. Remember to ask for permission before hunting on private properties.

Columbia Basin Wildlife Areas Management Plan

ODFW will host a public meeting July 29 from 7n9 pm at the Stokes Landing Senior Center, 195 Opal Place, Irrigon to present and receive public comments on a draft management plan for the Columbia Basin Wildlife Areas (Power City, Irrigon, Coyote Springs and Willow Creek). Hunters, wildlife viewers and others are encouraged to attend.

NORTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

Baker County

Bighorn sheep lambs can be seen along the Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee or along the Snake River Road south of Richland. Deer fawns and elk calves can be seen in areas with good hiding cover. Your best opportunity to find animals is in the early morning hours. Remember not all fawns and calves alone are abandoned. Enjoy them at a distance but remember to leave them alone.

Gilliam, Morrow and Wheeler Counties

Passerines have moved into the area for the summer, including varied thrush, western tanager, Say's phoebe, white-crowned sparrow and pine siskins. Also, one can spot western wood peewee and a variety of swallows-tree, northern-rough winged, cliff, barn and bank. Look and listen for Orange-crowned, Yellow-rumped and Wilson's warblers; chipping, lark and song sparrows; and black-headed grosbeak.

Along the Columbia River and area wetlands American Bittern, Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Great Egret, Long-billed Curlew, Black-necked Stilt, Spotted Sandpiper, Caspian Tern, Black Tern, Ring-billed Gull, Lazuli Bunting, Marsh Wren, Black-chinned Hummingbird, and Trumpeter Swan have been seen.

Canada Geese can be seen with their broods along the Columbia. Look for protected bays to spot them. Duck species include Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Redhead duck, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Mallard, Gadwall, and Ruddy Duck. Also, there are Pied-billed and Western Grebes along the waterways.

In the uplands one can find Loggerhead Shrike, Meadow Larks, Horned Larks, Rock and Canyon Wrens, and Northern Oriole. Upland Game Birds are paired up, including California Quail, Hungarian Partridge, Chukar and Pheasant.

Raptors are arriving in the area and can be seen making repairs to nests. One can glimpse Ferruginous hawks in the rockier canyons. Red-tailed Hawk, Swainson's Hawk, American Kestrel, Northern Harrier and Osprey can all be seen tending their nests this time of year. Great Horned and Barn Owls are nearing fledging at some nests. Short-eared Owls can still be spotted in the grasslands.

Union County

Pronghorn Antelope and their fawns can be viewed on Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, often along Pierce road and Hot lake Lane. Deer and elk can be seen around the edges of the valley. Deer fawns and elk calves are now appearing; these animals rely on hiding for survival and should never be handled. A doe or cow will feed away from her young and return periodically through out the day to nurse. A morning drive up the Grande Ronde River on Highway 244 will provide viewers with ample opportunities for seeing young deer and elk.

Many young birds are hatching around the valley. Great Horned Owls are fledging and have been spotted along Highway 203. Turkey polts have been reported at several sights around the county.

ODFW's Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, La Grande

American avocet, black-necked stilt and Wilson's phalarope are nesting and a few birds have hatched. Canada goose broods are beginning to look a lot like the adults although the goslings' color is duskier. Duck broods are can also be observed throughout the area. The most common broods are those of mallard and cinnamon teal. Young birds are vulnerable to disturbance so please do not approach families of ducks, geese or other birds too closely.

Red-tailed and Swainson's hawks are feeding young in various locations around the wildlife area.

Most of the migrating sandhill cranes have left Ladd Marsh, headed for their breeding grounds far to the north. However, twelve or more pairs of greater sandhill cranes nest at Ladd Marsh. These birds, and in some cases their colts, may be seen from points along Foothill Road and Hot Lake Lane. Please report any banded sandhill cranes to wildlife area staff at the number above. Banded cranes may have colored bands on both legs; it is important to note the combination and position of the color bands and which leg they were on.

Birds are not the only wildlife to be seen on Ladd Marsh. A few Pronghorn does have dropped their fawns and one or more fawns have been observed from Pierce Road. Other mammals to watch for include Columbian ground squirrels, Belding's ground squirrels, white-tail and mule deer, elk and coyotes.

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.

Dogs are not permitted within the Wildlife Area, on or off leash.

For directions to Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, visit the ODFW Web site.

Umatilla County

Riparian areas, from low to high, will have a good number of species of passerines including Bullock's orioles, yellow warblers, western tanagers, and numerous finches and wrens for people to observe or photograph. Lusher areas of the Umatilla National Forest offer opportunities to view species such as olive-sided flycatchers and red-naped sapsuckers.

Early summer is an opportune time to get out and observe and photograph a variety of wildlife species. Deer and elk are active through out the day. Newborn deer fawns and elk calves can often be seen during the month of June and early July.

Flocks of ducks and geese can be seen along the Columbia River and large reservoirs in the County as they feed up for the northern migration.

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

As spring comes into full bloom, neotropical migrants will begin to appear. 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 can be seen traveling in flocks up and down the river systems with cottonwood trees along the banks.

Wallowa County

Summer is a great time to get out and observe and photograph a variety of wildlife species. Deer and elk are active through out the day particularly near lush meadow areas and can often be seen with newborn fawns and calves.

Songbird species are abundant through out the county and are most active early in the morning. Riparian areas are excellent places to look for a variety of bird species.

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

FISHING

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

Crappie fishing is very good. Fish are not large (5-8 inches) but there are a lot of them. Jigs of all colors have been working well. Bass fishing has been good. Catfish and perch are being caught in the Powder River Arm with worms and cut-bait. Fish for catfish in 2 feet of water with bobbers. Some trout are being caught in the river mouths. Call Idaho Power Company's recording at 1-800-422-3143 to get information on access at recreational sites or visit www.idahopower.com under the "Rivers and Recreation" heading.

Reservoir level information

OXBOW RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass, catfish

Crappie are post spawn and the larger fish have moved into 30-35 feet of water. Smaller crappie can be caught form shore. Bass, perch and catfish are all biting well. Bass can now be taken but have a size slot limit. See regulations for more information.

HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass, catfish

Very good angling for crappie, bass, perch and catfish. Crappie are running 10-12 inches and can be found in deep water with greens or red sparkle jigs. Crappie are generally in back eddies, and in shaded areas in the afternoon

SNAKE RIVER below HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: steelhead, trout, salmon, smallmouth bass

The Snake River from Dug Bar boat ramp upstream to the deadline below Hell's Canyon Dam closed for salmon fishing June 22.Trout and smallmouth bass fishing are good. Get updated information on flow levels.

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

Flows near Nyssa have ranged from 5,200 to 6,400 cfs from July2 through July7. Flows near Weiser have ranged from 9,300 cfs to 10,000 cfs from July 2 through July 7. Angling is good for 18 to 28 inch catfish. Smallmouth bass angling is fair.

COLUMBIA ZONE

FISHING

SALMON, STEELHEAD, AND SHAD:

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Buoy 10 Line upstream to the Tongue Point/Rocky Point line: This section of the Columbia River is currently closed to angling for salmon and steelhead but is open to angling for shad.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Rocky Point/Tongue Point line upstream to Bonneville Dam:

Effective Monday July 7, this section of the Columbia is open to the retention of adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead, summer Chinook jacks (less than or equal to 24") and shad. The retention of sockeye and adult Chinook is prohibited. The daily bag limit is two adipose fin-clipped steelhead plus five Chinook jacks (fin-clipped or not). It is unlawful to angle for jack salmon after the adult bag limit has been reached.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Bonneville Dam to McNary Dam:

Effective Monday July 7, this section of the Columbia is open to the retention of adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead, summer Chinook jacks (less than or equal to 24") and shad. The retention of sockeye and adult Chinook is prohibited. The daily bag limit is two adipose fin-clipped steelhead plus five Chinook jacks (fin-clipped or not). It is unlawful to angle for jack salmon after the adult bag limit has been reached.

Anglers had the best success in the gorge for summer steelhead where bank anglers averaged 0.33 steelhead caught per rod and boat anglers averaged 2.55 steelhead caught per boat respectively. Shad angling is winding down.

Gorge Bank:

Weekend checking showed nine adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept, plus three Chinook and three unclipped steelhead released for 36 bank anglers.

Gorge Boats:

Weekend checking showed one jack Chinook and six adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept, plus six Chinook and 22 unclipped steelhead released for 11 boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Boat & Bank:

No report.

Portland to Westport Boats:

Weekend checking showed two adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept, and four unclipped steelhead released for 25 boats (complete & incomplete trips).

Portland to Westport Bank:

Weekend checking showed two adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept, plus one Chinook and one sockeye released for 45 bank anglers (incomplete trips).

Estuary Boat & Bank:

Weekend checking showed no catch reported for one boat and 12 bank rods.

Bonneville Pool:

Weekend checking showed no catch for one bank angler.

The Dalles Pool:

No report.

John Day Pool:

No report.

STURGEON

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

The Compact adopted the following rules at the June 27 Joint State Hearing for the sturgeon sport fishery below Wauna power lines (RM 40) downstream to Buoy 10, including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries for 2008:

* Allow the retention of white sturgeon three days per week Thursday, Friday, and Saturday July 17 through July 19, 2008 with a 45-inch minimum and 60-inch maximum size limit in effect.

* Allow the retention of white sturgeon on Saturday July 26 and Sunday July 27, 2008 with a 45-inch minimum and 60-inch maximum size limit in effect.

* Catch and release fishing is allowed during periods not open for retention of white sturgeon.

* Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited as per permanent regulations.

* Daily and annual catch limits listed in the 2008 Oregon Sport Regulations pamphlet remain in effect.

WAUNA POWERLINES UPSTREAM TO BONNEVILLE DAM (including all adjacent Washington tributaries and the Willamette River downstream of Willamette Falls including the Multnomah Channel): This section of the Columbia River is currently open to the retention of sturgeon on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The daily bag limit is one fish between 42 and 60 inches in length and the annual limit is five fish. The use of more than one single point barbless hook is prohibited. All sturgeon angling is prohibited from Marker 85 upstream to Bonneville Dam during May 1 through July 31 to protect spawning sturgeon.

The Compact adopted the following rules at the December 13 Joint State Hearing for the sturgeon sport fishery above Wauna power lines (RM 40) upstream to Bonneville Dam, including all adjacent Washington tributaries, and the lower Willamette River (including the Multnomah Channel) upstream to Willamette Falls for 2008:

* Allow the retention of white sturgeon four days per week on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during January 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008 and October 1 through December 31, 2008.

* Prohibit the retention of sturgeon three days per week on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday during January 1-July 31, 2008 and October 1 through December 31, 2008 and seven days per week during August 1 through September 30, 2008.

* Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited as per permanent regulations.

* Daily and annual catch limits listed in the 2008 Oregon Sport Regulations pamphlet remain in effect.

BONNEVILLE DAM UPSTREAM TO THE DALLES DAM:

Effective 12:01 AM Saturday July 12 through December 31, 2008 the retention of sturgeon in the Bonneville pool and tributaries is prohibited because the catch guideline of 700 fish has been met. Catch and release angling is allowed during the retention prohibition.

THE DALLES DAM UPSTREAM TO JOHN DAY DAM:

Effective 12:01 AM Saturday March 15 through December 31, 2008 the retention of sturgeon in The Dalles pool and tributaries is prohibited because the catch guideline of 100 fish has been met. Catch and release angling is allowed during the retention prohibition; however, all sturgeon angling is prohibited in the mainstem Columbia River from the west end of the grain silo located near Rufus upstream to John Day Dam during May 1 through July 31, 2008 to protect spawning sturgeon. Catch and release in this sanctuary re-opens August 1.

JOHN DAY DAM UPSTREAM TO MCNARY DAM:

Effective 12:01 AM Wednesday, March 26 through December 31, 2008 the retention of sturgeon in the John Day pool and tributaries is prohibited because the catch guideline of 165 fish has been met. Catch and release angling is allowed during the retention prohibition; however, all sturgeon angling is prohibited from the highway 82 bridge (Hwy 395) upstream to McNary Dam from May 1 through July 31 to protect oversize spawning sturgeon. Catch and release in this sanctuary re-opens August 1.

Sturgeon angling in the lower Columbia between Bonneville and Wauna powerlines was slow; however, anglers in the estuary averaged 1.41 legal white sturgeon caught per boat.

Gorge Bank: CLOSED above Marker 85.

No report.

Gorge Boats below Marker 85:

Weekend checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept, plus six oversize and 227 sublegal sturgeon released for 17 boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Boats:

No report.

Portland to Longview Bank:

Weekend checking showed one sublegal sturgeon released for three bank rods.

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed 61 sublegal sturgeon released for 26 boats (incomplete trips).

Estuary Bank:

Weekend checking showed no catch reported for 17 bank anglers.

Estuary Boats:

Weekend checking showed 268 legal white sturgeon kept, plus 39 legal, 56 oversize, and 592 sublegal sturgeon released for 217 boats.

Bonneville Pool: CLOSED FOR RETENTION.

The Dalles Pool: CLOSED FOR RETENTION.

John Day Pool: CLOSED FOR RETENTION.

WALLEYE

Bonneville Pool:

No report.

The Dalles Pool:

No report.

John Day Pool:

No report.

Gorge boats:

No report.

Troutdale boats:

No report.

COLUMBIA RIVER ZONE VIEWING

Bonneville Hatchery

Heading out to Multnomah Falls or points east? Stop by Bonneville Hatchery and pay a visit to the sturgeon viewing and interpretive center where you can watch sturgeon and trout through an underwater window.

Feed large rainbow trout in ponds and view adult white sturgeon measuring more than 10 feet long. Interpretive displays are available inside and out, including an informational video. Disabled-accessible restrooms are available. A gift shop is open during summer months.

The Hatchery is located 3 miles west of Cascade Locks, off of Interstate 84 within the Bonneville Dam complex. Neighboring Bonneville Dam offers a visitor center with a fish-viewing window.

For more information, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/visitors/bonneville_hatchery.asp

MARINE ZONE

FISHING

Fish

Strong northwest winds kept most ocean anglers in port last week. When sport fishers were able to get out, most of the fish seemed to be "off the bite."

Only one boat in the survey landed albacore tuna last week. The previous week was the first landings of tuna. They were more than 40 miles offshore and scattered.

The South of Falcon recreational coho catch was poor last week due to weather and ocean conditions. The preliminary total for last week has only 25 coho landed bringing the total catch through July 13 to 34 percent of the quota. Sport coho salmon fishing for Oregon coastal waters south of Cape Falcon is open from Cape Falcon to the Oregon/California border, the salmon season is open seven days-per-week until Aug. 31 or until attainment of a 9,000 coho salmon quota is reached. The allowed bag limit is two adipose fin-clipped coho per day. In the ocean from Cape Falcon north to Leadbetter Point in Washington (Columbia River Ocean Area) the area is open for all salmon species Sunday through Thursday. Coho must have a healed, clipped adipose fin. For a summary of the ocean salmon seasons off the Oregon coast go to: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/docs/2008_Sport_Ocean_Regulations.pdf

The anglers who were able to get out caught an average of about three rockfish. Ling were harder to catch with about one in two fishers landing a fish. The marine fish bag limit for anglers is now at five fish. In an effort to avoid yelloweye rockfish, the bottomfish fishery moved inside of 20 fathoms. Sport anglers may still retain two lingcod, but that fishery is also restricted inside of 20 fathoms. The regulation changes took effect July 7 and are scheduled to continue through December 31. These changes do not affect other fisheries (Pacific halibut, salmon, surfperch, tuna and so on).

Anglers may fish for flatfish, like sanddabs, flounder and sole, inside the 40-fathom line through Dec. 31, since anglers can generally avoid incidental catches of rockfish when targeting those species. A list of groundfish and fish included in the five-fish marine bag limit and waypoints for the 40-fathom line can be found in the 2008 Oregon Sport Ocean Regulations for Salmon, Halibut and other Marine Fish Species. Those items as well as waypoints for the 20-fathom line may be found at www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/regulations/sport_fishing/.

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.

Pacific halibut all-depth fishery on the central coast is expected to be open July 24-26. The Summer season kicks off Aug 1-3 and will be open every other Friday through Sunday until the quota is reached or Oct. 26. The nearshore season (inside 40 fathoms) for the central coast (from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain) is open seven days a week. South of Humbug Mountain the season is seven days a week through Oct. 31. Fishing for Pacific halibut will be open Aug. 1 and 2 north of Cape Falcon. Specific dates and regulations are online at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/.

Herring fishing is still good in coastal bays this time of year and makes fun, fast fishing action especially for kids. Cook them up, smoke them or use them as bait for larger fish.

Surfperch can often be found in bays and estuaries from spring though early summer. Shore-based anglers continue to find some success fishing off jetties. Species illustrations and descriptions are in The Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet (page 102) and The Red Rockfish Identification Guide. The minimum length for lingcod is 22 inches, for cabezon it is 16 inches and for greenling it is 10 inches.

Clams

Beginning July 15 and continuing through Sept. 30 the Clatsop County beaches north of Tillamook Head are closed to razor clams. This is a conservation closure. The recreational harvest of all other clams, mussels and scallops is open coastwide. All areas of the Oregon coast south of Gold Beach remain open to all recreational shellfish harvesting. Harvesters should check for current closures on the ODA shellfish safety page or call the shellfish hotline, 503-986-4728 or 1-800-448-2474. Waters can be closed on short notice because of contaminated waters due to coastal flooding and because of elevated levels of naturally occurring toxins.

Check out the recreational clam pages on the ODFW Web site. They contain everything you need to know for identifying and harvesting Oregon's clams.

Crabs

Sport crabbing is open in the ocean, bays and estuaries. Sport catches were better than last month, but continue to be slow on most harbors. In the ocean between Pacific City and Winchester Bay the average catch was about three crabs.

More information on sport crabbing

For sport crabbers the minimum size for Dungeness crab is 5¾ inches measured in a straight line across the back immediately in front of, but not including, the points. For a photograph and diagram see page 101 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

MARINE ZONE VIEWING

Bait fish (herring, anchovies and sardines) can appear close to shore and in bays. This attracts seabirds including murres, gulls and pelicans that feed on the fish. Watching a group of pelicans dive on a school of bait fish can be spectacular. Good places to see this activity are bays or various view points along the coast line.

The seabirds that nest on the sea cliffs and rocks of the Oregon coast are raising their young. Gulls, cormorants, murres and oystercatchers can all be observed along rocky coastal areas. Occasionally, bald eagles may be seen attacking the nesting birds. Watch the sky for peregrine falcons.

Dungeness crab molting

Oregonians visiting the coast might encounter an unusual sight-crab molts washing up on the beach. When preparing to molt, a crab's old exoskeleton separates from the new one beneath. At this time the new exoskeleton absorbs water and become larger. This causes a split at their molt line. The new and extremely soft crab now has the flexibility to back out of its old shell. During this incredible feat, crabs are extremely vulnerable to predators and for that reason it's done quickly. Soon after the live crab has exited they bury themselves in sand to allow their new shell to harden.

For more information see: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/publications/crabs_dying.asp.

Cannon Beach

Stop at Cannon Beach on your next trip to the coast and visit Haystack Rock to see a wealth of intertidal life.

Oceanside/Tillamook Area

Three Arch Rocks Refuge

This Refuge lies a half mile offshore of Oceanside, west of Tillamook. One of the smallest designated Wilderness Areas in the country, the refuge consists of three large and six smaller rocks totaling 15 acres. A breeding population of Steller's sea lions is almost always visible at Three Arch Rocks.

The refuge also supports the largest breeding colony of common murre south of Alaska. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope. For more information. http://www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/3archrocks/

Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge

Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge is located approximately ten miles west of the town of Tillamook. When approaching Tillamook on US Highway 101, follow signs for the Three Capes Scenic Route and the town of Oceanside then turn west to the parking lot for Cape Meares. For more information.

http://www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/capemeares/index.htm