The Oregon Recreation Report (fishing, hunting, viewing), updated Wednesday, Sept. 17, by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Band-tailed pigeon hunting open Sept. 15-23

Band-tailed pigeon populations have been increasing for 20 years and while they are down slightly from last year, populations are still looking good. They can be found throughout western Oregon but are most prevalent in the coast range. Hunt them like you would September Canada goose, pre-scouting out areas where pigeons are feeding on berries and waiting for them to come in.

2008 Fall Hunting Forecast online

ODFW's complete 2008 Fall Hunting Forecast is available online. It is based on feedback from wildlife biologists at more than 25 field offices and wildlife areas and will give hunters a good idea of what to expect this fall while pursuing deer, elk, bear, cougar, upland birds or waterfowl. See the forecast

Sign up now for September youth upland bird hunts

Registration is open and slots can fill quickly. See list of dates and locations here. The Baker City hunt still has spots available; call 541 963 2138 to register.

Tag sale deadline is Oct. 3

Don't forget, the tag sale deadline for many big game animals (Western Oregon deer centerfire, black bear, cougar) is Oct. 3.

Public invited to trout, salmon conference in Gresham Oct. 3-5

Salmon in the City: Spawning Solutions through Creative Ideas

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Association of Northwest Steelheaders will host the 2008 Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program Conference on Oct. 3-5 at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham.

Members of the public are invited to join ODFW volunteers, science educators, fisheries professionals and interested citizens in this two-day forum that will address the many issues involved in conserving salmon and trout, and restoring their habitats. For more program details and registration materials, visit the conference Web site at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/STEP/step-conference.asp. Reduced registration rates are available before September 15.

WILLAMETTE ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities

* Coho salmon are now moving into the Willamette River on their way to the Clackamas. River coho are being caught throughout the Clackamas River from the mouth to Eagle Creek, and on the Sandy River fish are showing up below the mouth of Cedar Creek.

* The Willamette River between the Ross Island bridge and Sellwood might be a good place to target smallmouth bass.

* As the mosquito season dies down, now is a good time to plan a high cascades lakes fishing trip. Check the web link http://www.dfw.state.or.us/swwd/fish_home.html#Angling and follow the links for "High Lake Stocking" and "High Lake Info" for help planning your trip.

EVENTS

Sept 18-22 n Oregon Bass and Panfish Club annual fall campout, Ten Mile Lakes.

Oct. 1 n Association of NW Steelheaders "Down at the River" clean-up day for the south Santiam River, Andrew Wiley Park below Foster Dam, Sweet Home, Ore., 10 a.m.

Oct. 3-5 n Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife STEP Conference, Mt. Hood Community College.

Oct. 11 n Fly Tying. Learn to tie your own flies. Come and learn from some of the best fly tiers Oregon has to offer. Cost: $40. Location: ODFW headquarters, 3406 Cherry Avenue NE, Salem, OR 97303. Contact: mark.newell@state.or.us or 503-947-6018

Oct. 11-12 n 25th annual Salmon Festival at Oxbow Regional Park on the banks of the Sandy River. From I-84, take the Troutdale exit (17). Go past the truck stop to the light. Turn right on 257th, go 3 miles to Division. Turn left onto Division. Follow the signs 6.5 miles and turn left. Follow the road to the park.

Nov. 8 n The Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival, hosted by the Native Fish Society, Hollywood Theater, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland; Time n 7 p.m.; Admission - $10.

STOCKING SCHEDULE

Henry Hagg Lake will be stocked with 8,000 legal-sized trout.

Foster Reservoir will be stocked with 5,000 legal-sized 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.

See South Willamette and North Willamette stocking schedules.

WARMWATER FISHING OPPORTUNITIES

Fishing for walleye on the Multnomah Channel has slowed from its peak in mid-August, and the few warmwater anglers who are targeting this area are catching mostly smallmouth bass. The Willamette River between the Ross Island bridge and Sellwood might be a good place to target smallmouth as well.

St. Louis Ponds continues to produce large channel catfish along with the usual warmwater fare n crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass and sunfish. Another large channel cat n one in the 20-pound range n was caught recently in Pond #6. The seven-pond complex is located about 15 miles north of Salem and two miles west of Gervais. From Gervais, take St. Louis Road west; turn left onto Tesch Lane before crossing the railroad tracks.

Benton County

* Adair Pond n 6 acres; Hwy. 99W south of Adair Village at ODFW regional office. Largemouth bass, redear sunfish, bluegill, channel catfish.

* E.E. Wilson Pond n 8 acres on E.E. Wilson Wildlife Management Area east of Hwy. 99 W between Corvallis and Monmouth. Redear sunfish, stocked trout.

Clackamas County

* Wilsonville Pond n 6 acres; on west side of I-5, 1 mile south of the Wilsonville Rest Area. Take Exit 282 from I-5, west on Butteville Road to Boones Ferry Road, south on Boones Ferry Road 0.5 miles. Largemouth bass, bluegill, brown bullhead.

Marion County

* St. Louis Ponds n 7 ponds comprising 54 acres; 2 miles west of Gervais on the west side of I-5 freeway. No boats allowed. Special regulations apply. Bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, redear sunfish, green sunfish, white crappie, black crappie.

* Goose Lake n 9 acres; 7 miles north of Salem. White crappie, largemouth bass.

* Minto-Brown Island Complex n Barrow pits and sloughs in Minto-Brown Park on the east side of the Willamette River south of Salem. Largemouth bass, white crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, channel catfish.

* Willamette River and Sloughs n From Wilsonville to mouth of the Santiam River. White crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, brown bullhead, black crappie.

Multnomah County

* Benson Lake n 40 acres; Multnomah Falls. White crappie, largemouth bass, brown bullhead.

* Blue Lake n 64 acres; 3 miles northeast of Troutdale off Marine Drive. Largemouth bass, brown bullhead, black crappie, bluegill.

* Bybee Lake n 275 acres; north Portland Road, Portland. White crappie, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, yellow perch

* Delta Park Ponds n 100 acres; north Portland in west Delta Park. Brown bullhead, bluegill, largemouth bass.

* Multnomah Channel n Adjacent to Hwy. 30 between Portland St. Helens. Access off Hwy. 30 and off the dike road on Sauvie Island. Crappie, yellow perch, walleye, bullhead, bluegill, largemouth bass.

Columbia County

* Beaver Slough Complex n northeast of Clatskanie. White crappie, yellow perch, black crappie, largemouth bass.

* Dibblee's Slough n 18 acres; Dibblee Point northwest of Rainier. White crappie, black crappie, brown bullhead, yellow bullhead, largemouth bass.

* Goat Island Slough n 55 acres; northwest of Columbia City off Hwy. 30 at Reichold Chemical (access at south end only). White crappie, brown bullhead, yellow bullhead, largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch.

* Sandy Island Slough n north of Goble. Black crappie.

Washington County

* Dormans Pond n 8 acres; junction of Gales Creek Road and hwy. 6. Black crappie, brown bullhead, bluegill, warmouth, largemouth bass.

* Henry Hagg Lake n 1,100 acres; west of Hwy. 47 about 5 miles south of Forest Grove. Smallmouth bass, yellow perch, largemouth bass, brown bullhead, yellow bullhead, stocked rainbow trout.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: steelhead, spring chinook

Effective Sept. 17, a new temporary rule increases the daily bag limit for coho salmon on the Clackamas River to three adipose fin-clipped coho. The rule will be in effect until the close of the coho fishery at the end of October.

Coho are now being caught throughout the Clackamas from the mouth upstream to its confluence with Eagle Creek. The run is still in the early stages and should pick up following any significant increases in water flow. Translation: coho fishing will probably improve markedly as soon as it rains. The pre-season estimate for Clackamas River hatchery coho is 8,000 to 12,000 fish.

Adult chinook salmon numbers continue to slow down with the low warm river conditions. To date, the Clackamas hatchery has handled 3,928 spring chinook. Summer steelhead numbers at the Clackamas hatchery trap are also slowing down with only three fish trapped in the past week. So far a total of 578 steelhead have been trapped, and of those 151 have been recycled into the river. Fishing pressure on the Clackamas above its confluence with Eagle Creek has been low, with the few anglers who are fishing targeting steelhead. The steelhead bite should start to improve when the water temperature drops to about 50 degrees from this week's reading of 57 degrees.

Bank anglers can find access to the river in the Gladstone/Cross Park area, at Carver near the mouth of Clear Creek, along Clackamas River Rd, at Barton Park, at Bonnie Lure Park, at McIver Park near Dog Creek, and from the McIver Park boat ramp on up to River Mill Dam.

The river has dropped from last week and low flows should be expected to continue. The Monday readings for the Clackamas showed flows at 792 cfs (10.62').

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

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

Foster Reservoir will be stocked with 5,000 legal-sized trout this week. Starting Sept. 16, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will lower the level of Foster Reservoir to perform maintenance on the dams spillway gates. The Sunnyside boat ramp will still be useable at this elevation.

EAGLE CREEK: steelhead, coho salmon

Effective Sept. 17, a new temporary rule increases the daily bag limit for coho salmon on the Eagle Creek to three adipose fin-clipped coho. The rule will be in effect until the close of the coho fishery at the end of November.

Fishing pressure on Eagle Creek has been low. Stream flows have dropped to seasonal lows, and fish bound for the Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery are likely holding in the Clackamas and Willamette until water levels increase. 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 Pond: Largemouth bass

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. Fly angling only with barbless hooks. Catch and release for rainbow trout. There is no limit on size or number of brook trout taken.

JUNCTION CITY POND: Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill

Prospects should be good.

MOLALLA RIVER: steelhead

Some chinook might be found in the upper river, between Canby and Molalla.

NORTH AND SOUTH SANTIAM: steelhead

Steelhead recycling in the North Santiam at the Minto trap has been discontinued for the season. Prospects should still be good, however, in the Packsaddle and Minto areas. Recycling of summer steelhead in the South Santiam from the Foster Dam trap was last conducted on Sept. 9. Starting Sept. 1, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers increased flows out of Foster and Detroit Reservoirs to meet the downstream spawning needs of spring chinook. These flow increases will influence steelhead distribution and should result in improved prospects in the upper portions of the rivers below their respective dams. Anglers can receive recorded updates on Foster trap counts and recycling activities by calling 541-367-3437. All streams above Willamette Falls, except for the Molalla River, are closed to the retention of any chinook.

SANDY RIVER: steelhead, spring chinook

Effective Sept. 17, a new temporary rule increases the daily bag limit for coho salmon on the Sandy River to three adipose fin-clipped coho. The rule will be in effect until the close of the coho fishery at the end of October.

Angling pressure is picking up on a daily basis as coho are starting to show up below the mouth of Cedar Creek. Members of the Sandy Hatchery staff have seen several anglers return from the river with coho adults and large numbers of jacks. The fish are mint bright and in great shape. All reports from the anglers indicate a large number of jacks in all of the holes. A good rainstorm would get fish on the move into the hatchery, as Cedar Creek is impassable at this time.

Mainstem Sandy River water levels are still very low and boaters need to watch for submerged logs and rocks. Monday's readings showed flows steady at 471 cfs (7.92') with the water temperature holding near 54°.

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

WILLAMETTE RIVER: sturgeon, steelhead

Coho salmon are now moving into the Willamette River on their way to the Clackamas. Fishing in the Willamette below the falls at Oregon City might be a good bet from now on until the peak of the season from late September through October. A few anglers have reported landing 8 to 12 pound coho by trolling black and gold colored Wiggle Warts. Try trolling at 1 to 1.5 m.p.h. and letting out 75 feet of line. The mouth of the Clackamas might also produce a few coho this time of year. Anglers are reminded that the river above Willamette falls is open to retention of unmarked fish. As many as 4,000 wild coho are expected to cross into the upper reaches of the Willamette this year.

Anglers are directing their attention towards white sturgeon or warmwater fish in the lower Willamette. Coho are also available near the mouth of the Clackamas along Meldrum Bar. The Sept. 15 conditions showed Willamette flows at 11,200 cfs.

Smaller warm water species are being caught around docks, dolphins, pilings and other structures in the Willamette. Anglers are catching smallmouth bass and crappie from the Railroad bridge to Terminal 4. These fish are being caught by jigging at depths of up to 30 feet. Smallmouth fishing should improve as temperatures continue to drop.

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

The Oregon/Washington Compact adopted the following rules at the July 24 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 Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008.

* Prohibit the retention of sturgeon three days per week on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

* 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.

HIGH LAKES:

There are many mountain lakes available in the area for day use or overnight camping that require only a short hike in to them. The remoteness of the lake will usually dictate the degree of difficulty of the hike. Be prepared for cool nights as the fall season arrives. Early season snowfall is not unheard of. The high lakes have been aerial stocked and provide an angling experience unlike the more crowded, close-in waters. Bank fishing or float-tubes are the way to fish on these small mountain lakes, with the greatest chances for success likely to be found by fishing in mornings and evenings. Please be aware of current campfire rules as extreme fire conditions continue to grip much of the state. Of course always pack out what you pack in. Maps should be available at the local U.S. Forest Service office. Check the Willamette stocking schedules for a list of high lakes that are stocked by ODFW.

WILLAMETTE ZONE HUNTING

REMINDER: Deer season is coming up for most rifle hunters. General season and the majority of controlled buck deer seasons open Oct. 4. Don't forget to purchase your tags no later than Oct. 3. This is also the deadline for purchasing bear, cougar and some turkey tags. Refer to the 2008 Oregon Big Game Regulations for details.

OPEN: Band-tailed pigeon (Sept. 15-23), fee pheasant hunting (at Fern Ridge and Sauvie Island wildlife areas) archery deer and elk, forest grouse, California and mountain quail, mourning dove, bear, cougar

NEW: Visit the Region's Fall Hunting Forecast

Remember to check with Ore. Dept. of Forestry, the Forest Service, BLM or other land managers about fire restrictions before going hunting; restrictions can change suddenly. Be prepared for fire season by having all of the required fire tools in your vehicle. Check with your local Oregon Department of Forestry office for advice on the proper fire tools to have.

EVENTS

Register for youth upland bird hunts this fall

Sept. 20-21 and Sept. 27-28, E.E. Wilson WA (Monmouth), 541 745 5334

Sept. 27-28, Sauvie Island Youth Waterfowl Hunt, Westside Unit, 5 a.m. n 4 p.m. 503 621 3488.

Call the numbers listed above to sign up now for free upland bird hunts for youth aged 17 and under this fall. A free shotgun skills clinic will run 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (shells, clay targets provided) at many of the hunts. To participate, youth must have a hunter education certificate, a hunting license w/HIP validation, upland bird validation, and be accompanied by an adult that will not be hunting. (Hunters 13 years of age and under receive their hunting license for free and are not required to purchase an upland bird validation.) All participants must wear a blaze orange hat, blaze orange vest and eye protection (provided at event) and attend a brief safety meeting before their hunt. See page 22 of the 2008-09 Game Bird Regulations (PDF) for more information.

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area Western Oregon Fee Pheasant Hunt Program opened Sept. 8 and continues through Oct. 5. A total of 53 hunters harvested 42 pheasants on Saturday and 51 hunters took 46 birds on Sunday. The weather was great, the pheasants from Mortenson's Game Farm are high quality, and many families took advantage of this popular season opener. An $11.50 fee pheasant tag is required, and each tag will allow harvest of 2 rooster pheasants. Multiple tags may be purchased throughout the season. Morning shooting hours start according to time listed in Game Bird Regulation booklet. Shooting ends at 5 p.m. Hunting for waterfowl and other species is allowed and ends according to shooting hours table in Game Bird Regulation booklet. Non-toxic shot required for all game bird hunting on the wildlife area. All hunters are required to check in and out at wildlife area hunter check stations. Pheasant stocks will be replenished four times a week in lots ranging from 50 to 70 birds. Fern Ridge Wildlife Area headquarters is located at 26969 Cantrell Road, Eugene, OR 97402. For more information, call the wildlife area at 541 935 2591.

BAND-TAILED PIGEON hunting is open Sept. 15-23. The birds are most prevalent in the coast range but some can be found in the valley and Cascades. Look for them in berry patches where they feed.

ARCHERY HUNTERS are finding bull ELK starting to enter the rut and bugling bulls are heard on occasion. The hot weather this week will keep elk moving mainly during the cool evening and early morning hours. Hunters able to locate and set up stands along trails leading from a preferred feeding area into the cooler daytime bedding areas on north slopes, along creeks and wetlands will have the best success.

DEER are widely scattered and archery hunters looking to fill their deer tags need to find those isolated patches of green forage that will concentrate deer. The deer know where the old abandoned apple or pear trees are located and will spend more time at these locations as the fruit ripens and falls to the ground. Find these isolated fruit trees and set up nearby during the evening or early morning to improve your chances to harvest a deer.

COUGAR hunting is tough during this time of the year and most cougar will be harvested by people out pursuing other big game species. Hunters report that cougar can be attracted into bow or rifle range by using elk calls. If you use this technique be prepared because cougar can respond quickly. Find your shooting lanes and set up accordingly. Hunters headed for the northern end of the Willamette Valley to hunt cougar should concentrate their efforts in the Cascade Mountains. Dry weather conditions will concentrate the cougars prey species where food sources are more abundant and palatable such as around lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands. Hunters should spend time scouting these areas to increase their opportunity for success. In the South Willamette Watershed cougars can be found throughout the area with the exception of the Willamette Valley Floor. Remember cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest.

The general fall BLACK BEAR season is open, and check-in of harvested black bears is increasing. Huckleberries are ripening in the Cascades and bears can be found nearby. Hunters need to find the more isolated patches of berries where bears are not disturbed by human activities. Be there early and stay late for the best chances to find a feeding bear. Hunters are now required to check-in the skulls of any bears harvested. Notify your local district ODFW office to set up an appointment to ensure that can complete the check-in within the required 10 day period.

For hunters wanting to be more mobile and explore new areas away from berry patches, their best success would be using predator calls. Bears tend to respond best when hunters use a constant calling strategy. It can take a long time for a bear to respond to a predator call and hunters are advised to spend up to an hour at each calling location. Hunters are also advised to hunt with a partner when using predator calls. These are large animals that are expecting a meal when they arrive, so use caution.

GROUSE and QUAIL hunting has been slow due to the poor chick production this year and the overall low numbers of adult birds available. Hunters will need to thoroughly cover large amounts of preferred habitat to find these scattered grouse and quail. A well trained dog will greatly improve your odds in locating and flushing birds.

EE WILSON WILDLIFE AREA

Last week 64 hunters bagged 6 quail. As a reminder, all hunters need to have a hunt area permit to hunt on the wildlife area. EE Wilson is also open for archery hunting.

ODFW continues to take public comments on the draft management plan for EE Wilson. Email comments to ODFW.Comments@state.or.us

SAUVIE ISLAND WILDLIFE AREA

Open for archery and upland bird. Fee pheasant hunting is also now open. Call (503) 621-3488 for more information.

WILLAMETTE ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS

Raptor Watch 2008!

See the fall raptor migration. Hawk Watch International has been monitoring the migration on the southeastern flanks of Mt. Hood since 1994. The project runs now through 31 October. Visit Bonney Butte to take advantage of environmental education programs and a great hawk watching site. The most commonly seen species are the sharp-shinned hawk, red-tailed hawk, Cooper's hawk, turkey vulture and golden eagle.

The Bonney Butte study site is located within the Mt. Hood National Forest. For more information, visit the Bonney Butte Raptor Migration Web site and the Audubon Society of Portland Web site.

September is Swift Watch month, Chapman School, NW Portland, 6 n 7:30 p.m.

They're back! Join us on the lawn each evening in September at Chapman School for the spectacular display of Vaux Swifts gathering to roost in the school's chimney. Portland Audubon volunteers will be present each night with information about the swifts, binoculars and a spotting scope for viewing. For more information, visit the Audubon Society of Portland Web site.

Corvallis Area

Jackson-Frazier Wetland

Enjoy the last days of summer, by taking a walk close to home. Located northeast of Corvallis at the north end of Lancaster Street, the wetland features an accessible, wooden boardwalk (2/3 of a mile long) that allows visitors to see many birds, plant communities and habitats. Interpretive signs explain different aspects of the park's natural history and watershed.

This fall, look for Yellow-rumped Warblers in trees and shrubs. Fox sparrows, golden-crowned sparrows and dark-eyed juncos can be seen in shrubs and on the ground. Lincoln's Sparrow can be seen in shrubs and marshy areas.

Find a bird list and a full-color poster of the birds that frequent the area online, http://www.co.benton.or.us/parks/facilities/jackson_birds.php

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.

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

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is open daily for public use providing great wildlife viewing opportunities.

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 located 1/4 mile north of the Fisher Butte unit parking lot on Hwy 126.

Visitors are 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.

Portland Area

Don't overlook birdwatching near home on these busy falls days. Salish Ponds Wetlands Park, located between Halsey and Glisan streets at the site of an old rock quarry, is Fairview's largest city park and a great place to see birds.

Visitors can see hawks, geese, ducks and rabbits. At this time of year, look for barn swallows, tree swallows, red-tailed hawks, mallards, American coots, Western scrub jays and hummingbirds.

TriMet bus 77 serves Salish Ponds Wetlands Park. Get off at 207th Avenue and walk south two blocks to the Salish Ponds Trailhead. Source: Metro Web site.

Sauvie Island

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

Fall is a good time to see pled-billed grebes, great blue herons, American bitterns, 20 different species of swans, geese and ducks, as well as hawks, ospreys, owls, and scores of other birds. Sauvie Island Wildlife

The best viewing opportunities are at Coon Point, Oak Island Nature Trail, Eastside Viewing Platform and Rentenaar Road.

Dogs are welcome on the Wildlife Area but must be kept on leash at all times.

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area is located on Sauvie Island, only 10 miles north of Portland off Highway 30. Approximately 12,000 acres are under management by the Oregon Department of Fishing Wildlife. 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.

For more information, call (503) 621-3488.

Directions to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

NORTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

* Anglers have been taking both coho and fall chinook from the Nehalem Bay and Tillamook Bay.

* Catch-and-release angling for cutthroat should be fair to good, with sea-run cutthroat available in many river systems.

NORTH COAST LAKES

Cape Meares, Town, Coffenbury, Lost and Sunset lakes are scheduled to be stocked with trophy size trout the week of September 15.

Angling for warm water species, particularly largemouth bass, should be fair to good. Town, Cape Meares, Lytle, Coffenbury, Cullaby and Sunset lakes, and Vernonia Pond have reasonable populations of bass. Lower Columbia River backwaters and sloughs also provide some opportunity for warm water species. Water temperatures will begin to cool down soon and fishing will taper off into the fall.

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 fair to good at most locations through the summer.

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: Chinook salmon, cutthroat trout

Fall chinook salmon are beginning to show up in the lower bay. Catch rates have been slow so far this season. Anglers are reminded of the temporary rules for 2008 fall Chinook angling, the combined bag limit for non-fin clipped adult chinook is one daily and five per season in the aggregate for all open ocean terminal areas and rivers.

Sea-run cutthroat (blue backs) can be found in tide water and in the mainstem river in fair to good numbers. Resident cutthroat trout can be found throughout the river and has been good angling. Concentrate at the lower end of riffles or in pools. Using small spinners, spoons or flies is productive and floating dry flies can be action packed.

Current river levels

NECANICUM RIVER: cutthroat, chinook

Sea-run cutthroat angling (catch and release) should be fair to good in the lower river and tidewater areas. Use small lures or flies in the riffles or pools near some cover. Fall chinook should be showing up in tidewater very soon.

NEHALEM RIVER AND BAY: chinook, cutthroat

A few chinook are being caught in the lower bay up through tidewater. Some good bites have been reported. There are also recent reports of coho in the bay. Trolling herring near the bottom is productive in the lower bay; bobber and eggs are commonly used in the upper tidewater areas. Sea-run cutthroat fishing should be good in tidewater areas and the lower river. Casting or trolling small lures or flies in tidewater areas is productive.

NESTUCCA RIVER: steelhead, cutthroat trout, chinook

Angling for summer steelhead has been slow to fair. Hatchery summer steelhead are being recycled from Cedar Creek Hatchery when available. Best catches have come in the early morning or late evening. Catch-and-release angling for cutthroat should be fair to good, with sea-run cutthroat available in much of the river system. Chinook angling in the lower bay is slow.

SALMON RIVER: chinook salmon, coho salmon, and cutthroat trout

Chinook salmon and hatchery run coho salmon will start showing up in tide water at any time now. Catch rates have been slow to fair in tide water. Typically good numbers show by the end of September. Sea-run cutthroat trout can be found in tide water and the main stem river. Resident cutthroat trout can be found through out the river. Anglers should concentrate in 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.

SILETZ RIVER: chinook salmon, summer steelhead, cutthroat trout

Fall chinook salmon angling in the lower bay through tide water has been slow. Anglers are reminded of the temporary rules for 2008 fall Chinook angling, the combined bag limit for non-fin clipped adult chinook is one daily and five per season in the aggregate for all open ocean terminal areas and rivers.

Summer steelhead fishing is slow as river conditions are low and clear. Catch rates typically pick up after the first rains of the season. Hatchery fish have been recycled back downstream. These fish have a plastic tag near the dorsal fin. Please report tagged fish to the Newport Office (541-867-4741). 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. Sea-run cutthroat trout can be found in fair to good numbers from tide water well up into the main stem river. Resident cutthroat trout can be found in good numbers throughout the basin. 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 can be productive.

SIUSLAW RIVER: chinook salmon, cutthroat trout

Fall chinook salmon fishing in lower tidewater has been slow to fair. Anglers are reminded of the temporary rules for 2008 fall chinook angling, the combined bag limit for non-fin clipped adult chinook is one daily and five per season in the aggregate for all open ocean terminal areas and rivers.

Sea-run cutthroat (blue backs) can be found in good numbers in tide water and much of the mainstem river. Trolling in tidewater is productive but casting or drifting small lures and flies in the river can be very good. Resident cutthroat trout can be found in good numbers throughout the basin. Riffles and pools are good areas to concentrate on, as are areas with bank side structure and cool water sources.

TILLAMOOK BAY: sturgeon, salmon

Angling for sturgeon has been slow. Best angling will likely be in the upper bay or Tillamook River tidewater areas. Fish the outgoing tides when fish will be more concentrated. Hatchery coho and fall chinook are available throughout the bay. Fishing for salmon has been fair, with some good bites reported. The ocean terminal area off the mouth of Tillamook Bay opened September 1 for chinook, and angling has been fair.

TRASK RIVER: coho, steelhead, cutthroat trout

Summer steelhead angling is slow to fair. Fish early or late in the day for best action. Catch and release angling for cutthroat should be fair to good. Concentrate on the lower river or tidewater for fresh sea-run cutthroat. A few hatchery coho have entered the lower river up to the hatchery.

Johnson Bridge is being replaced. Boaters should use extreme caution when approaching the bridge site. Passage at the work site will be provided.

WILSON RIVER: steelhead, cutthroat trout

Angling for steelhead has been slow to fair. Best fishing is likely to be higher in the system. Catch-and-release angling for cutthroat trout should be fair to good. Sea-run cutthroat are entering the river and are available from tidewater upstream. The Siskeyville boat slide is under construction. The boat slide will be closed until further notice.

YAQUINA RIVER: chinook salmon, cutthroat trout

Fall chinook salmon fishing in the lower bay has been slow to fair. Anglers are reminded of the temporary rules for 2008 fall chinook angling, the combined bag limit for non-fin clipped adult chinook is one daily and five per season in the aggregate for all open ocean terminal areas and rivers.

Cutthroat trout fishing is fair to good throughout the basin and good numbers of sea-run cutthroat can be found in upper tidewater and the lower river areas. Trolling in tidewater has been productive, as well as, casting or drifting small lures and flies in the lower river.

Current river levels for major north coast streams

NORTHWEST REGION HUNTING

OPEN: Band-tailed pigeon (open Sept. 15-23), archery deer and elk, forest grouse, California and mountain quail, mourning dove, bear, cougar

REMINDER: Deer season is coming up for most rifle hunters. General season and the majority of controlled buck deer seasons open Oct. 4. Don't forget to purchase your tags no later than Oct. 3. This is also the deadline for purchasing bear, cougar and some turkey tags. Refer to the 2008 Oregon Big Game Regulations for details.

NEW: Visit the NW Fall Hunting Forecast.

Remember to check with Ore. Dept. of Forestry, the Forest Service, BLM or other land managers about fire restrictions before going hunting; restrictions can change suddenly.

BAND-TAILED PIGEON season opens Sept. 15 and goes through Sept. 23. Good numbers of birds have been noted on mid-summer surveys and during field travels, so hunting should be good on local and migratory birds from the north.

ARCHERY DEER and ELK on the north coast appear to have survived the tougher winter well so hunting should be about average. Deer numbers are generally modest, but with excellent buck escapement from last year's seasons. Elk populations are high with good bull prospects in the Wilson and Trask units and fair bull hunting in the Saddle Mtn. unit. Recent rains have reduced the fire danger and a number of timber companies will be open for non-motorized access, but warm sustained temperatures could bring on closures on industrial forest lands. Know whose land you want to access and check their policies first. The toll-free recreational access hotline in Oregon is 1-888-741-5403.

Hunting for FOREST GROUSE and QUAIL is likely to be below average this year due to cold, wet weather during much of the nesting season. Grouse numbers appear to be rather low, but mountain quail seemed to be about average. Look for mountain quail on brushy clear-cut areas, especially on south-facing slopes. Ruffed grouse are most commonly found on mid-slopes and along riparian areas, whereas blue grouse tend to occur higher up on ridge tops.

Densities of COUGAR are relatively low on the north coast, and the animals are hard to find unless you specifically target them. One of the most effective ways to hunt them is by using a predator call. An aggressive calling strategy works best on these shy and reclusive cats. Remember cougars must be checked-in no more than 10 days after harvest at an ODFW office.

BLACK BEAR have been very active on the north coast this summer. It is suspected that poor and/or late berry crops have resulted in more bears moving into human-populated areas than normal. Bears can be seen in openings (meadows or clear-cuts) in forested areas in early morning or late evening hours. Like with cougar, an aggressive calling strategy works best if you are actively hunting them. Reminder: starting this year, successful bear hunters must now check in their bear at an ODFW office no more than 10 days after harvesting one. See our website or call an ODFW office for details.

NORTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

Free Color Brochure: Seabirds of the Pacific Northwest

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offers a free, beautifully illustrated brochure, Seabirds of the Pacific Northwest, to help you learn more about these fascinating migratory birds. The brochure is available online as a pdf, at Chamber of Commerce Visitor Centers along the coast or by calling the USFWS at (541) 867-4550.

E-mail Dawn Grafe, USFWS, for more information or to get multiple copies of the brochure, dawn_grafe@fws.gov

Brown Pelicans

It's late summer on the north coast and the brown pelicans are here in large numbers. These unusual birds are fascinating to watch, especially when feeding (diving into the water). They're usually seen along the ocean shore or out in the near-shore ocean areas, but can occasionally been seen in estuaries.

Unlike their more abundant and larger white cousins that occupy lakes inland, these birds are listed as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act. Generally, no binoculars are needed to observe them.

Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area

Recent elk viewing has been limited to the last two hours of daylight in the evenings and the first hour or so in the mornings. As the days begin to get shorter and the weather begins to cool down, elk should be more visible during the daylight hours.

With the start of the breeding season or rut, bull elk are beginning to bugle and battle for dominance with other males. The breeding activity should continue from now until the first of October with the peak of the rut in mid September. Viewers are encouraged to listen for bugling and clashing of antlers especially at dusk, when elk are becoming more active. Visitors are reminded that areas posted as Wildlife Refuge are closed to entry, and posted portions of the Beneke Tract will be closed during the general archery season (August 30 through September 28).

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

* Chinook fishing picked up on the lower Rogue River last weekend as some new fish moved into the bay. Anglers caught numerous chinook in the 20 to 30 lb range.

* Chinook fishing is also good in the Coos River Basin and Coquille estuary.

AGATE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie

Angling for bass, bluegill and crappie has been fair.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

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. Find and fish deeper water in the reservoir during the time the reservoir is drawn down.

ARIZONA POND: trout

Located half-way between Gold Beach and Port Orford at the Oregon State Park's newly acquired property. Shore access is excellent. Anglers will want to fish with a bobber or some type of float to keep bait off the bottom and out of the weeds. Water levels in the pond are scheduled to be lowered in mid September for weed control.

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.

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 RIVER BASIN: chinook salmon, coho salmon

Chinook fishing in Coos Bay has slowed down this past week but is still good. There are quite a few jacks being caught along with the adults. Chinook are being caught from the Highway 101 bridge to the mouth of the forks of Millicoma and South Fork Coos rivers. Chinook are also being caught in lower Isthmus Slough. Trolling spinners or herring is an effective way to catch chinook. A good place to fish from shore is along the boardwalk in downtown Coos Bay. Throw spinners or bait under a bobber to catch chinook here. Remember emergency fall chinook salmon regulations began August 1 and continue through December 31, 2008. Check the ODFW website or contact the local ODFW office for these emergency regulations.

Coho salmon are being caught while trolling for Chinook throughout Coos Bay. Remember coho salmon must be adipose fin-clipped to keep and the fishing deadline for coho is up to Chandler Bridge

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: chinook salmon

Chinook fishing is decent in the Coquille estuary from Rocky Point boat ramp to the mouth. Trolling spinners or herring are the preferred baits. A couple of chinook salmon have been caught at the mouth of Sevenmile Creek. Another area to fish for Chinook is around the Bandon Marina and near the mouth of Ferry Creek. There should be 3-year old Chinook returning to these areas from our acclimation site on lower Ferry Creek. Anglers should make sure to fish in areas that are safe and where they have permission to fish. Emergency fall chinook salmon regulations began August 1 and continue through December 31, 2008. Check the ODFW website or contact the local ODFW office for these emergency regulations.

DIAMOND LAKE: rainbow trout

Fishing has been good, but anglers are having to spend some time on the lake to achieve their limits. Many people are catching trout in the 14 to 17 inch size and some people catching trout in the 20-inch size range. All methods of fishing have brought in limits and large fish recently including bait, lures and flies.

Using live bait fish is illegal in Oregon's fresh waters. If anyone observes an angler using or possessing live bait fish, please record as much information as possible such as a description of the person, the boat number, description of the boat or vehicle license plate and contact Oregon State Police immediately at 541-440-3334.

Anglers are reminded the boat speed limit will be 10 mph all day. This is the same speed limit as in the past prior to the negative impact of the tui chub. In addition to the 50,000 carry over fish from 2007 which are now 12 n 15 inches long, ODFW has stocked about 77,600 catchable or larger trout in Diamond Lake including some larger trophy trout. Fishing should improve as fall approaches. Due to a fire, highway 138 is closed at MP 49. Anglers on the west side of the Cascades should plan to reach Diamond Lake from Medford or Eugene instead of from Roseburg.

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

Little pressure has been reported at Emigrant. Some stocked rainbows are still available. Fishing can be good for smallmouth and largemouth bass in September and October. Anglers should fish structure, 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 was stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout, most recently in June. Some rainbows are still available. 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 was stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout, most recently in July. Some rainbows are still available. Brook trout are also available in Fish Lake and fishing for them can be productive in September and October as they are preparing to spawn and become more aggressive.

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 in June with about 55,000 adipose-clipped hatchery coho which 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. Trout fishing should pick up as water cools this fall. Anglers are reminded all bass between 12 and 15 inches must be released and only one bass over 15 inches may be taken per day.

GARRISON LAKE: rainbow trout, bass

Anglers can expect good trout fishing through late fall. Weed growth will still make bank fishing pretty tough. Bank access is limited to the State Park along the foredune 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 continues to be excellent for 8 to 10-inch rainbow trout. Laird Lake is located approximately 25 miles up Elk River. Most anglers fish from the bank with fly rods or small spinning rods.

LAKE MARIE: rainbow trout

Lake Marie is 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, most recently in June. Casting and retrieving lures or flies is effective, as is trolling lures or flies from a boat. Fishing for largemouth bass and panfish has been good. Big bass may move into deeper water during daylight hours, but as fall approaches look for bass fishing to pick up in all areas of the lake. Fish deep and slow baits during hot weather.

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. Two weeks ago, 1,500 trophy trout were stocked. Anglers have been successful at catching both rainbow and brown trout. The boat ramp at Poole Creek has been repaired to improve boat access. Currently Hwy 138 is closed at Dry Creek due to a wildfire, so call ahead for road closures or find an alternate route.

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, most recently in June and some rainbows are still available. Pressure at Lost Creek has been light. 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.

MEDCO POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, panfish

Medco Pond has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout most recently in June. Fishing bass and panfish has been good as well.

PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: bottomfish

Rockfish daily bag limit has returned to six fish and is open to the 40-fathom line. Sport anglers may still retain two lingcod but cabezon may no longer be retained by boat anglers.

POWERS POND: warmwater species

Fishing for largemouth bass and bluegill has been decent. Fishing will be best in the low light periods of the day. Use a small hook with a worm under a bobber. Flies and small jigs will also work well. Heavy growth of aquatic vegetation makes it difficult to fish from shore.

REINHART PARK POND: trout, warmwater fish

Reinhart Park Pond has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout, most recently in May. 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, coho, surfperch

Chinook fishing picked up last weekend as some new fish moved into the bay. Anglers caught numerous chinook in the 20 to 30 lb range. Expect the coho numbers to steadily pick up as we near the end of September. As usual, an anchovy with a spinner blade is the number one bait, but straight bait or a spinner is a good second choice. Very few fish have been moving up river. Steelhead fishing has been fair, with half-pounder steelhead providing most of the catch. Flows and water temperatures are dropping which should get the steelhead on the bite. Anglers fishing early morning or late evening have been doing the best on adult steelhead. Fly-fishing is the best method for targeting half-pounders, but spinners or worms can produce just as well.

Rogue River flows

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: trout, steelhead

Angling for fall chinook has improved around and below Grants Pass. Recent reports have been good. For chinook, kwikfish are a good bet. Back bouncing roe can also be effective. Several anglers have reported good catches of jacks. Summer steelhead fishing is picking up as fall approaches. Try crawdad plugs, spinners and glowbugs. For bait fishers, side drifting small balls of roe is effective. Small lures may be the best bet. Fly anglers may have success fishing riffles in mornings and evenings. More summer steelhead are expected to push up river in coming weeks and fishing will likely improve. The flow at Grants Pass on Sept. 15 was 1890 cubic feet per second. Flows will drop more this week. Lower flows will make it easier to pinpoint where fish are holding.

From August 1 through Dec 31, between Elephant Rock and Hog Creek boat landing, no more than two adult non-adipose fin-clipped chinook may be kept per day as part of the daily limit. No more than 10 non-adipose finclipped chinook may be kept per year with five applying to the SW zone aggregate.

From August 1 through Sept 30, from Hog Creek boat landing to Gold Ray Dam, no more than two adult non-adipose fin-clipped chinook may be kept per day as part of the daily limit. No more than 10 non-adipose finclipped chinook may be kept per year with five applying to the SW zone aggregate. From September 30 through Dec 31, Hog Creek boat landing to Gold Ray Dam is closed to chinook angling.

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: trout, steelhead

As of Sept. 15, the flow out of William Jess Dam (Lost Creek) was 1645 cfs and the outflow temperature was 51 degrees. As of Sept. 11, 2909 summer steelhead have been counted at Gold Ray Dam. Angling for chinook is now closed above Gold Ray. From September 1 to October 31, angling between Gold Ray Dam to Cole Rivers Hatchery, is restricted to artificial flies only. Consult the regulations for more information. Steelhead fishers have reported mixed results. Some anglers have had good days while for others action has been very slow. Fish are spread throughout the upper river and 150 steelhead were re-run last week from Cole Rivers Hatchery. Fishing will still probably be best in morning and evening and on cloudy days. Steelhead will be easier to find as flows drop over the next couple weeks. Trout fishing has been good and can be a great activity between morning and evening steelhead sessions. 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 adults returning to the river. As of Aug. 1, from Gold Ray Dam to Cole Rivers Hatchery is closed to chinook angling.

ROGUE RIVER (SECTION 5): rainbow trout

Section 5 of the Rogue River (upstream of Lost Creek Reservoir) was stocked weekly throughout the summer until this month. Stocked rainbows are still available. Access has improved at Crater Creek. Check with the Prospect Ranger District regarding access to Hamaker Campground and Minnehaha Creek.

SODA SPRINGS RESERVOIR: brown and rainbow trout

Soda Springs Reservoir and the tributaries upstream are open for trout angling. Currently Hwy 138 is closed at Dry Creek due to a wildfire, so call ahead for road closures or find an alternate route.

SMITH RIVER: striped bass, trout, fall chinook, steelhead

Open for adipose fin-clipped steelhead from mouth to Spencer Creek and North Fork from mouth upstream to Johnson Creek. Fall chinook season is open from mouth to Spencer Creek, but North Fork Smith is closed Aug 1-Dec 31 for fall chinook fishing as an emergency closure for 2008 (check for special regulations). Trout season opened May 24 n Sept. 15. Striped bass season is open year-round, 2 fish per 24 hours, 30-inch minimum size. The North Fork is open from mouth to Johnson Creek for stripers.

SOUTH COAST STREAMS: trout

Trout season in the Umpqua tributaries, Smith River, South Umpqua, North Umpqua tributaries below Soda Springs Reservoir and Cow Creek basins opened May 24 and will close Sept 15. The mainstem Umpqua and mainstem North Umpqua to Soda Springs Dam are open year-round for catch and release trout. North Umpqua mainstem and tributarties above Soda Springs Reservoir remain open for trout angling until Oct. 31. The South Umpqua is now closed to all fishing until Dec. 1, 2008.

SOUTHARD LAKE: trout

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.

TENMILE BASIN: largemouth bass

Largemouth bass fishing has been good. Best time to fish is during the low light periods of the day. Use jigs, crankbaits, or plastic lures and concentrate your fishing efforts near structure.

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, chinook, coho

Both sturgeon and striped bass fishing have been slow in the lower Umpqua. Angling for smallmouth bass has been good. Good numbers of chinook and coho have been caught off Osprey Point and Half Moon Bay by bank anglers.

UMPQUA HIGH LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

Diamond Lake and Lemolo are open for fishing. Clearwater Forebay #2 was stocked two weeks ago with 400 trophy trout. Hemlock Lake was also stocked for Labor Day weekend with 1,400 trophy trout. Anglers can also try Toketee which has good boat and bank access. Other high lakes such as Maidu, Bull Pup, Connie, Skookum, Calamut, Fuller, Wolf, Cliff, Buckeye, Linda, and Big Twin Lakes are now accessible for brook trout fishing and have been stocked this year. Currently Hwy 138 is closed at Dry Creek due to a wildfire, so call ahead for road closures or find an alternate

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. Open for adipose fin-clipped Coho Aug.1-Dec.31. Starting Aug.1, check special regulation for fall chinook. Smallmouth bass angling will improve as the water temperatures warm.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead

As of August 20, over 7,400 spring chinook and nearly 5,400 summer steelhead have passed Winchester Dam. 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. Season opened for adipose fin-clipped coho on August 1. There will be few fin-clipped coho returning to the North Umpqua this year since the hatchery program was discontinued in 2005. There will still be fin-clipped coho in the mainstem Umpqua from the South Umpqua hatchery program.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: smallmouth bass

The South Umpqua is now closed to all angling and remain closed until winter steelhead season opens December 1.

WILLOW LAKE: trout

Willow Lake has been stocked with legal sized rainbow trout most recently in May. Stocked rainbows are still available. 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 is now closed. Angling for both coho and chinook opened on August 1. Only fin-clipped coho can be harvested and only one, non-fin-clipped chinook per day, five per year can be harvested. See special regulations for more details. 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. 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: Band-tailed pigeon (open Sept. 15-23), archery deer and elk, forest grouse, California and mountain quail, mourning dove, bear, cougar

RATTLE FIRE ROAD CLOSURE: Highway 138 remains closed to all traffic on a ten-mile stretch between Dry Creek and Toketee; see ODOT's TripCheck for more information. The 2134 road south from Campers Flat Campground on the Willamette National Forest is signed as closed. The Forest Service is encouraging people who want to hunt or camping in the Reynolds Ridge area or the Calapooya Mountains to go elsewhere on the Umpqua and Willamette national forests.

NEW: Visit the SW Region Fall Hunting Forecast

Remember to check with Ore. Dept. of Forestry, the Forest Service, BLM or other land managers about fire restrictions before going hunting; restrictions can change suddenly.

Register for youth upland bird hunt

Sept. 27-28, Denman WA (White City), 541 826 8774

Call the number listed above to sign up for free upland bird hunts for youth aged 17 and under this fall. A free shotgun skills clinic will run 9 a.m.-3:30 pm (shells, clay targets provided) at many of the hunts. To participate, youth must have a hunter education certificate, a hunting license w/HIP validation, upland bird validation, and be accompanied by an adult that will not be hunting. (Hunters 13 years of age and under receive their hunting license for free and are not required to purchase an upland bird validation.) All participants must wear a blaze orange hat, blaze orange vest and eye protection (provided at event) and attend a brief safety meeting before their hunt. See page 22 of the 2008-09 Game Bird Regulations (PDF) for more information.

Saturday/Sunday, September 20-21 - Pheasant Hunt at Denman Wildlife Area

This pheasant hunt is designed for new hunters who want help developing the skills necessary to learn to hunt on their own. Day one will consist of gun handling instructions, safety talks, skeet shooting, and an afternoon pheasant hunt using dogs. Day two will consist of a morning pheasant hunt and lunch. Come on out and enjoy this unique and exciting event. This workshop is limited to 25 individuals. It will fill quickly. Contact: mark.newell@state.or.us or 503-947-6018. Cost: $40

Help solve Glendale elk poaching case

Since October, several bull elk in the Glendale area have been found dead, their meat wasted. The reward in the elk poaching cases has now reached $17,000, with state and local OHA chapters, local landowners and businesses, and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde contributing. If you have information, contact OSP at (541) 440-3403 or call the TIP hotline at 1-800-452-7888.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

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

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

General BEAR season is now open. Hunters can expect an average year. The current dry weather conditions will concentrate bears near streams where foraging will be better. Hunters should concentrate their efforts in the berry patches in early morning and late afternoon. Bear numbers are good with the highest numbers in the coast range, and with smaller populations in the Cascades. Successful bear hunters are reminded there is a mandatory check-in for all harvested bear within 10 days of harvest (see regulations for details).

COUGAR season is open. Hunters can expect an average year. Cougars are abundant throughout with indicators pointing to healthy population and wide distribution. Hunting cougar is a challenge because these animals are very secretive, but harvest success is greatest adjacent to private land with high deer populations using a predator call. Remember cougars must be check-in at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest.

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

UPLAND GAMEBIRDS:

GROUSE AND QUAIL n The season is currently open. Hunters can expect a good hunt year since the 2008 summer brood/chick counts point to slightly below average production year.

Hunting availability and success for FOREST GROUSE should be also be good for forest grouse. Blue grouse success is best in mid to high elevations of the Cascades in partly open conifer stands. Ruffed grouse can be found near creeks mostly at mid elevations of both the Cascades and Coast Range. Hunters that kill grouse are asked to drop off in a paper bag the frozen wing and tail of each grouse at the local ODFW office. Please use 1 bird per bag with each frozen bag of grouse parts including the species, sex, age, unit and general area of harvest for proper analysis.

Nesting season was below average for California QUAIL and average for Mountain quail so hunting opportunity should be fair to good. Success is best in the lower elevation agricultural lands for California quail and mid-elevations of the Cascades and Coast Range near brushy clear cuts on secondary forest roads for Mountain quail. Hunters are also asked if they kill a mountain quail to drop off in a paper bag the frozen wing and tail of each mountain quail at the local ODFW office. Please use 1 bird per bag with each frozen bag of quail parts including the species, sex, age, unit and general area of harvest for proper analysis.

MIGRATORY GAMEBIRDS:

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

BAND-TAILED PIGEONS Hunters can expect an average year. The permitted season is from Sept 15 - Sept 23. Hunters should concentrate their efforts on forested ridgelines with regenerated clear-cuts having adequate berry producing areas.

COOS COUNTY

Archery DEER and ELK hunting is open. Deer populations have been improving over the past few years. Private forest lands are probably the best places to look for deer due to logging activity there. The animals will be concentrated in clear cuts with lots of brush in them. Deer populations have been improving on public lands as well and deer will be found in similar habitat as on private lands, however due to reductions of logging on some public lands that habitat may be harder to find.

ELK populations are healthy in the county. In early bow season animals will be found on north slopes. The best places will be those without motor vehicle access.

BAND-TAILED PIGEON, FOREST GROUSE, QUAIL and MOURNING DOVE hunting is open. Forest grouse populations appear to be low this year. Extended winter conditions this spring, likely, resulted in low chick survival. However, the birds we do have will be found near creek bottoms and on closed logging roads where forage is available. Blue grouse will also be found along ridge tops where breaks in dense forests can be found.

MTN QUAIL and CALIF QUAIL populations fared better than grouse due to the fact that their clutches hatch later in the spring, missing the winter-like weather. These birds will be found in brushy clear cuts and near agricultural areas.

BEAR season is open. Populations in Coos County are healthy with the heaviest concentration of bears being in the northwest portion of the county. Predator calling may be the best tactic for finding bears in the first weeks of the season. However, Himalayan black berries are beginning to ripen on the coast now and bears are using them heavily. Early season hunters should look for the first ripening berries on southwest slopes. Don't forget check-in is now mandatory for successful bear hunters.

COUGAR season is open. 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. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters.

JACKSON, JOSEPHINE, CURRY COUNTIES

ELK archery season is open. Late spring elk surveys showed good bull ratios. Elk hunters can find elk in cooler locations such as high ridges and headwater draws where vegetation is plentiful. Weather conditions will be hot; harvested elk need to be taken care of as quickly as possible.

DEER archery season is open. For the last few years deer numbers have increased and it is expected that deer hunting will be similar to last year. Most deer will be in high elevations through September. Hunters are reminded that only buck deer having not less than a forked antler can be taken in the units within Jackson, Josephine, and Curry Counties.

UPLAND GAME BIRDS season is open. Overall numbers appear to be lower than average with a few exceptions where pockets of birds have had good reproduction. Forest grouse can be found in timbered creek draws and mountain quail will be found in brushy clear cuts near water. A good bird dog will aid greatly in bird retrieval. Dove season has started with fair numbers of birds in the area. A statewide dove banding program occurred this summer and hunters are encouraged to look for bands and report them.

BEAR season is open. Hunters are having very good success during these first few weeks of bear season. Bears have been found in early morning and late evening clear cuts and open grassy meadows. Some nice bears have been taken incidentally by hunters pursuing archery deer or calling for elk, so be sure and have your bear tag with you. Successful hunters are asked to bring bear skulls in thawed and with mouth propped open so biologists can collect and measure needed teeth and are able to tag skulls; remember check-in is now mandatory. More information

General COUGAR season is open. Cougar populations continue to be plentiful. Predator calling has become one of the best methods for hunters. Locate major ridge lines and rocky out-cropping as areas of travel within cougar home range. Cougars have been harvested incidentally by hunters pursuing archery deer or calling for elk, so be sure and take your cougar tag with you. 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 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.

SOUTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

Free Color Brochure: Seabirds of the Pacific Northwest

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offers a free, beautifully illustrated brochure, Seabirds of the Pacific Northwest, to help you learn more about these fascinating migratory birds. The brochure is available online as a pdf, at Chamber of Commerce Visitor Centers along the coast or by calling the USFWS at (541) 867-4550.

E-mail Dawn Grafe, USFWS, for more information or to get multiple copies of the brochure, dawn_grafe@fws.gov

Coos County

Shorebird migrations begin

Shorebirds are starting to migrate down the coast towards wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America and other points south. Large flocks of these birds will congregate in bays, on mud flats and along coastal beaches.

Bait fish draw birds to shore

Herring, smelt and other bait fish are moving closer to shore as the season progresses. Many times these fish will be in the bays. Their predators will follow. Commonly, there are spectacular viewing opportunities for California brown pelicans, Caspian terns, cormorants and other birds as well as marine mammals such as harbor seals, California sea lions and harbor porpoise as they pursue these bait fish.

Douglas County

Migrants head south

Many species of birds are starting their southward migration so look for species congregating at roosts and feeders or in the air just before or during migration. Some migratory species to watch are: ospreys, turkey vultures, swifts, swallows, cedar waxwings, and some species of flycatchers, warblers, finches and shorebirds.

Vaux swifts swoop into Roseburg

Vaux swifts can be observed in downtown Roseburg and other areas gathering for their annual fall migration. Look for their aerial displays the last hour of daylight with congregating swifts flying in concentrations forming large vortex's before dropping into the top of their night roosting site.

Western Pond Turtles

Oregon's native Western pond turtles can be seen basking in the late summer sun in local ponds (Stewart Park) and reservoirs such as Cooper Creek, Galesville, Berry Creek and Plat I.

CENTRAL ZONE

FISHING

Weekend Fishing Opportunities

* This past week steelhead fishing has been good on the Deschutes River between the mouth and Sherars Falls.

* Anglers have been catching fair numbers of trout, black crappie and bass on Prineville Reservoir.

ANTELOPE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Reservoir stocked with 2500 catchable rainbow trout. However, an illegally introduced population of bullhead catfish has overpopulated leading to a reduced trout fishing opportunity.

BIG LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout

The bite at Big Lava is fair with some nice rainbow trout being caught.

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

Fishing over the weekend was reported to be good. Fishing for rainbow trout continues to improve as the lower water levels move the fish into the channels. Some reports of nice fish being caught.

CRESCENT LAKE: brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout

No report.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout and mountain whitefish

All anglers are continuing to report positive results. The Crooked is currently flowing at 210 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. A sample of redband trout and mountain whitefish are also tagged with a numbered floy tag protruding from the back. Anglers who later catch a trout or whitefish with a floy tag are encouraged to release the fish after recording the tag number, fish length and location caught. Anglers can send the information to ODFW at (541) 447-5111 ext. 24 or michael.r.harrington@state.or.us.

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:

ODFW adopted temporary rules to allow sport anglers to fish for fall chinook in the Deschutes River beginning August 1. The following rules apply to these fisheries:

Deschutes River: The Deschutes River from the mouth at the I-84 bridge upstream to Sherars Falls is open to angling for trout, steelhead, chinook salmon from August 1, 2008 to October 31, 2008. The catch limit for chinook salmon is any two adults, and five jacks per day. Anglers may use bait from Sherars Falls downstream to the upper railroad trestle. Catch limits and restrictions applying to trout, steelhead, and coho remain unchanged from those listed in the 2008 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for Area 1 of the Deschutes River.

Mouth: Anglers fishing the Columbia River at the mouth of the Deschutes River can expect good numbers of steelhead and Chinook. Anglers are reporting good catch of steelhead and Chinook.

Mouth to Warm Springs: steelhead, trout, fall chinook

Steelhead angling has been good the last week or so on the Deschutes between Sherars Falls and the mouth. Good numbers of fish have been entering the river, this trend should continue into early October. Angling for steelhead above Sherars Falls should be improving dramatically as October approaches.

Anglers are encouraged to check the Sherars Falls Salmon and Steelhead Trap counts.

Trout fishing has been very good, especially with the advent of cooler weather. With cooler temperatures the fish have moved back into slower waters such as back eddies or the lower ends of riffles. Caddis hatches have been prolific.

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

Some reports of a few nice brown trout being caught. No recent reports.

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

East Lake anglers are reporting fair catches of brown trout. Rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon and kokanee are also being caught. Kokanee are starting to turn color with some bright fish still out their being caught up to 15 inches in length.

ELK LAKE: Brook trout, kokanee

No recent reports.

FALL RIVER: rainbow trout

No recent reports.

FROG LAKE:

Due to accessibility issue hatchery fish that were allocated to be stocked in Frog Lake were stocked in nearby Clear Lake.

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

Anglers reporting success fishing for trout, kokanee and bullhead catfish. Large mouth bass of 3-5 lb. are also present in the reservoir.

HOOD RIVER: summer steelhead, winter steelhead

The Hood River has been clearing due to glacial freezing on Mt. Hood. Catch rates should improve as the river clears.

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

HOSMER LAKE: Atlantic salmon, brook trout

Some good reports of anglers catching Atlantics in the 10 to 11-inch range. Hosmer is a fly angling only lake providing a unique opportunity for Atlantic salmon. Hosmer also provides good opportunity for brook trout in the 14 to 17-inch range.

KINGSLEY RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Kingsley was recently stocked, and should provide excellent fishing opportunity. Adult excess hatchery steelhead from Hood River have recently been stocked.

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

Reports of good kokanee action. Kokanee are in good condition and up to 15 inches in length.

LAURANCE LAKE: rainbow trout

Laurance has been stocked twice and should provide good opportunity for rainbow and cutthroat trout. 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 fair numbers of rainbow trout being caught.

LOST LAKE: rainbow trout

Lost Lake was recently stocked and should provide anglers good opportunity.

METOLIUS RIVER: redband trout, bull trout

No recent reports.

NORTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout

There is good opportunity for 8 to 12-inch rainbow with the potential for larger fish up to 18 inches as the water temperature starts to drop.

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, with some anglers taking home limits of 12-inch fish. The lake trout fishing will start picking up as the kokanee are starting to stage at the mouths of the creeks. 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.

PAULINA LAKE: brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee

Anglers are reporting the fishing is picking up for kokanee as they are starting to stage for their spawn. The bite for the most part is early morning or the last hour before sunset.

PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

No recent reports, but water levels are good and lots of fish should be available. Earlier in the year the reservoir received additional allocations of hatchery fish originally destined for (inaccessible) high elevation lakes.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, black crappie, bass

Anglers are reporting fair success for rainbow trout, and black crappie anglers are reporting consistent success. Bass angling has picked up.

ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Angler reports have indicated excellent catches on recently stocked fish with many large brood trout. Lake levels may be low due to irrigation withdrawals.

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

Anglers have reported fair catches of rainbow trout in the 10 to 12-inch range. Some anglers are picking up brown bullheads that have bean illegally stocked in this lake. 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

No recent reports. Summertime temperatures are likely limiting success on rainbow trout but largemouth bass and bluegill should be readily available and aggressive.

WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout

Stocked with 600 rainbows at 1.5 trout/lb and 1000 at 3 trout/lb on August 30. Trout anglers have been reporting success.

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

There are reports of fly anglers having success for kokanee on the Deschutes arm. Some anglers are starting to pick up kokanee in the 16 to 18-inch range with jigs in the Deschutes arm below the buoy. Please note that the angling regulation for the Deschutes River arm upstream of the channel buoy located in the proximity of the West South Twin boat ramp is for flies and lures only through the remainder of the season.

Spawning kokanee at Sheep's Bridge on the Deschutes arm of Wickiup Reservoir provide a great fish viewing opportunity for the next several weeks. American bald eagle and osprey are also present to take advantage of the abundant spawning kokanee.

Anglers should also be aware that they will be unable to access the boat launch at Wickiup Reservoir Gullpoint Campground and the North Wickiup Boat Launch from Sept. 2 to Nov. 30. Construction crews will begin reconstruction of both ramps at the popular Deschutes National Forest recreation sites beginning Sept. 2. Boaters can use Wickiup Butte Boat Launch just southeast of Wickiup Dam on Forest Road 4260 or West South Twin Boat launch, located in West South Twin Campground across from South Twin Lake.

CENTRAL ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Band-tailed pigeon (Sept. 15-23), archery deer and elk, forest grouse, mourning dove, mountain quail (Hood River and Wasco counties) bear, cougar

NEW: Visit the Region's Fall Hunting Forecast

Remember to check with Ore. Dept. of Forestry, the Forest Service, BLM or other land managers about fire restrictions before going hunting; restrictions can change suddenly.

Youth upland bird hunts

Sept. 20-21, Willow Creek (Madras area), tel. 541 447 5111. HUNT IS FULL.

PRINEVILLE/OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT

Bear and cougar general seasons, early antlerless elk hunts, forest grouse, and dove seasons are open. Hunters should consult Ochoco National Forest regarding possible fire closures in effect, and all recreational users should check with the Ochoco National Forest and Prineville BLM regarding access and camping restrictions in effect. 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.

ARCHERY: Dry, and noisy hunting conditions are still present and making conditions challenging. Hunters report bugling and rutting activity by bulls. Hunters are encouraged to call the Ochoco National Forest and Prineville BLM to get the latest fire closure information.

BEAR are scattered throughout the district, with higher elevation forested areas of the Ochoco National Forest in the Ochoco and Grizzly units the best places to hunt. Remember check-in is mandatory statewide this year.

COUGARS are distributed at all elevations throughout the Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly units. Hunters should focus on areas where water and feed conditions concentrate deer, antelope, or elk, as these same locations will be frequented by cougars. Remember cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days after harvest.

ANTLERLESS ELK: Early antlerless elk hunts are ongoing in portions of the Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly units. These hunts involve private lands along with some intermixed BLM lands. The largest concentrations of elk are on private lands where permission from the landowner is needed to hunt.

UPLAND GAME BIRDS: Temperatures have warmed after the cool opening weekend. Huntable numbers of doves remain, with private agricultural lands, the Crooked River National Grasslands, and BLM lands the best prospects for birds. Best opportunities for blue and ruffed grouse will be at higher elevations, on more timbered north slopes across the Paulina and Lookout Mountain Ranger Districts of the Ochoco National Forest.

THE DALLES WILDLIFE DISTRICT

Archery hunting continues. Any cooler and wet weather should have DEER distributed throughout the forested areas of the Hood and White River units. Best success will be found adjacent to clearings and openings either early or late in the day. Please note that the White River unit is a buck only unit this year, and no harvest of antlerless deer is allowed for archery hunters or for Permanent Disability permit holders. Hunters headed into the Maupin or West Biggs units should be aware that the Deschutes and John Day canyons have had multiple large fires throughout the summer, making some habitat and campgrounds less desirable for hunters and for wildlife. For information on fire locations contact the BLM in Prineville.

Archery ELK hunters in the Hood and White River units will find elk scattered within the national forest and within White River Wildlife area. Mature bulls within these units generally segregate themselves from the cow and calf groups. The cow groups tend to utilize areas in and around the boundary between White River Wildlife area and the national forest. Look for elk in areas where green forage and water are available. Elk hunters looking at the West Biggs or Maupin units should be aware that the majority of elk use is on private ground. Limited opportunities can be found on public ground within the Deschutes and John Day canyons. Make sure to gain permission before pursuing elk on private ground.

DOVE season is also open. Most doves in the area found either adjacent to agricultural lands or within oak woodlands. The majority of these habitats are on private ground, with some public access found on state and federal lands within the southern portions of the White River unit. Hunters should focus their efforts near watering areas or within oak stands near open fields.

For hunters wishing to pursue COUGAR, the best opportunity will be within the Deschutes or John Day canyons, where hunters can glass open hillsides and utilize predator calls to locate these elusive animals. Successful cougar hunters, remember check-in is mandatory; see the regulations for details.

Hunters in search of BEARS should focus their efforts in areas of available forage, whether high elevation berry fields or forested sections adjacent to orchard crops. Bears are generally active during the early morning or late evening periods. Predator calls can also be used, with a fawn bleat being one of the most effective calls. Successful bear hunters, remember check-in is mandatory statewide this year.

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

FOREST GROUSE and MTN QUAIL seasons are open. Mt. quail and ruffed grouse can be found along stream bottoms within the national forest, especially in dense riparian areas. Blue grouse are easiest to locate on higher elevation ridge tops, with best success in open areas and berry patches.

WHITE RIVER WILDLIFE AREA

Archery season is underway. Hunters are finding deer and elk scattered around the wildlife area but most of the deer and elk are still at higher elevations. Elk hunters have found a few elk scattered around the wildlife area but most of the bulls are still in bachelor groups at higher elevations.

There are still a fair number of doves using the area. Look for them around water and in the scattered oak stands. Forest grouse and mt quail are on the area in small numbers. Look for these in the brushy creek bottoms at the higher elevations on the wildlife area.

CENTRAL ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS

BUGS AND BUTTERFLIES! High Desert Museum now through Feb. 1

The world of bugs … insects, spiders and everything creepy crawly!

Be the first to see the new exhibit just for kids! Learn about good bugs and their conservation and Oregon's state insect-the Swallowtail Butterfly.

For more information,

Family Birding with the Deschutes Land Trust, Saturday, Sept. 20

Explore the world of birds as a family. Children and parents are invited to come learn about birds on a tour designed especially for families. Hands-on activities! Registration required. Please call 330-0017 or e-mail events@deschuteslandtrust.org to register.

More information.

Nocturnal Creature Walk with the Sunriver Nature Center, Saturday Sept. 20, 7-8 p.m.

Take a walk with a Naturalist at night. Explore the wild nightlife of Sunriver. $3 Adults $2 Kids (ages 2-12) Members $1 Pre-registration required by 3:30 pm day of walk. Call: 593-4394

East Cascades Bird Conservancy Field Trip to Lower Bridge and Redmond Sewage Lagoons, Sat. Sept. 27

Birding trips are free of charge but we do encourage participants to join ECBC. Generally, these are day trips led by local birders who are enthusiastic and are keen to share their knowledge of the local birds and birding spots. We encourage people to carpool once people have arrived at the meeting place. Email Judy for more information jmeredit@bendnet.com

Bend Area

Wickiup Reservoir

Spawning kokanee at Sheep's Bridge on the Deschutes arm of Wickiup Reservoir provide a great fish viewing opportunity for the next several weeks. American bald eagle and osprey are also present to take advantage of the abundant spawning kokanee.

Information about Wickiup Reservoir.

Prineville Area

NOTE: The public is urged to contact the Prineville BLM and Ochoco National forest for more information on fire restrictions and closures.

Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Management Area

New: This is a good time to observe fledgling bald eagles, golden eagles, red-tail hawks and other young raptors as they sharpen their flying and hunting skills. Reduced water levels have decreased shoreline viewing and will make it difficult to use a canoe or kayak.

There are still great viewing opportunities for early morning or late afternoon hikers to observe a variety of big game, small mammals and birds by hiking the shoreline and upland areas. Motorized traffic within the management area is restricted to the north side access road and designated routes into dispersed camping sites.

Directions to the Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Management Area

White River Wildlife Area

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

The Dalles

Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area

Note: Due to two fires on the Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area over the summer the east bank of the river between River Mile 12 and RM 18 is burned off. The camping locations in that stretch are blackened.

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.

Many different bird species are present in the Deschutes Wildlife Area, including 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.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities

* On Fourmile Lake fishing is good for lake trout in the 16-17 inch range in about 30 feet of water.

* Fishing for hatchery rainbow and kokanee on Lake of the Woods has been excellent.

* Miller Lake has been producing good catches of brown trout.

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 and hybrid bass. The use of live fish for bait is prohibited. Mayflies have been observed hatching on the reservoir in the late afternoon.

ANA RIVER: hatchery rainbow trout

Ana River is a great place to fish. Angling for rainbow trout has been good. The river level will steadily increase during the month of September. 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. Fish seem to be concentrated between the base of the dam and the water outlet for Desert Springs hatchery.

ANTHONY LAKE: rainbow trout

Lake has been stocked with legal-sized trout. Fishing has been good.

BALM CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Trout fishing is fair. Bass are small.

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

Inflow has varied from approximately 35 to 44 cfs from Sept. 10 to Sept. 15. The reservoir water level was 7 percent full on September 14. Water level in the reservoir is expected to hit minimums by late 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 Oct. 31. The Little Blitzen is a catch and release fishery year-round. Angling is fair to good for 10 to 16-inch redband trout. Flow was stable from Sept. 9 through Sept. 16, averaging near 34 cfs.

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

Water level in the reservoir continues to drop. The reservoir was 11 percent full on Sept. 14. The boat ramp is not useable. Water level in the reservoir is expected to hit minimums in late September. Angling is slow.

BURNS POND: trout, bass

Angling should be slow to fair for rainbow trout.

BURNT RIVER: trout

Was stocked with legal trout above Unity Reservoir.

CAMPBELL/DEADHORSE LAKES: hatchery rainbow trout

Access to these lakes was closed on July 28 by the USFS.

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout

Angling is slow to fair for 12 to 19 inch rainbow trout. Angling should improve as the water cools.

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout, largemouth bass

Angling has been very good for largemouth bass and brown bullhead in the lower river. Water temperatures are high in the reservoir and river, aquatic vegetation on the shoreline makes angling challenging in some places. Angling is good for redband trout above Paisley. River levels are low and water clarity is good, water temperatures are high in the mid to late afternoon, and hatches have been prolific on the upper river in the early evening.

CHRISTMAS VALLEY GOLF COURSE POND: hatchery rainbow trout

Fish are still available at Christmas Valley Pond. 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 Recreation office located next to the golf course lodge.

COTTONWOOD MEADOWS: rainbow trout, brook trout

Angling is good for rainbow trout, but slow for brook trout. Aquatic vegetation makes fishing difficult from the South and West side of the lake.

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: native redband trout

Fishing for native redband has been slow, but large trout are frequently caught in this reservoir. Late evening hatches have been observed on the reservoir recently. This is a great time to target actively feeding redband trout.

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.

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. Four to six-inch bass were stocked in the lake last week. These fish will be available for future angling opportunities in 2009 and 2010.

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

Reservoir levels are dropping and launching a large boat can be challenging at the boat ramp. Catch rates have been good for both bass and crappie. Boat with care; watch for fences and rock jacks submerged in the reservoir near the shoreline.

DUNCAN RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Angling is slow for rainbow trout as water temperatures increase. Bait angling can be good along the shoreline. Aquatic vegetation covers most of the reservoir, especially the inlet and west side of the reservoir.

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

Lake has been stocked with legal rainbow trout, and has been very good for rainbow and brook trout.

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

Angling has been fair to good for both rainbow and brook trout. No report on what gear has been most effective.

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

Angling is good for lake trout in the 16-17 inch range in about 30 feet of water. Large kokanee up to 16 inches are available, but overall angling for kokanee has been slow. Best angling is early morning and late evening as the afternoon wind makes angling difficult. The best angling is from a boat along the rocky northern shoreline. Rainbow trout and brook trout are available near shore in shallower water in the late evenings and mornings.

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

Angling has been fair for crappie. Angling has been good for yellow perch. Bullhead can be caught off the bank from the campground areas. Largemouth bass are also available.

GRANDE RONDE LAKE: rainbow and brook trout

Lake has been stocked with legal rainbow trout. Fishing is good for rainbow and brook trout.

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

Crappie angling has slowed. The lake is very shallow, and high winds can make boating hazardous.

HEART LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout and kokanee

Angling is very good for rainbow trout and fair for kokanee. It is difficult to fish from the shore because of the aquatic vegetation around the lake. Fisherman have been casting out from the shoreline beyond the weed line, and using bait on the bottom to attract both rainbow trout and kokanee.

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 slow for stocked rainbow trout. Fish die offs have occurred. The reservoir is down about 10 feet, and will continue to decline from water-righted, irrigation outtake. Launching a large boat would be very difficult at the boat ramp. Fish will be concentrated in the deeper sections of the lake.

HWY 203 POND: trout, bass, bluegill

Has been stocked several times with legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing is fair. Fish in the morning or evening for best results.

JUNIPER LAKE: cutthroat trout

The lake is nearly dry.

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass

Angling is slow to fair for 16 to 19-inch rainbow trout and fair to good 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. Extensive aquatic vegetation may make angling challenging.

KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: redband trout

Angling for redband trout has been fair. Redband trout have moved into the spring areas, the Wood River and Williamson River. Anglers are catching yellow perch in Recreation Creek near the Rocky Point lodge.

KLAMATH RIVER: native rainbow- redband trout

The Klamath River from JC Boyle Dam to the JC Boyle Powerhouse is consistently 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. Angling in the early morning or late evening is best due to a drop in flows.

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. The lake was stocked with trophy rainbow trout for Labor Day weekend. Angling for brown trout has been fair but is improving as brown trout prepare for spawning. Most successful angling is from a boat for rainbow trout, brown trout and kokanee. Angling can be successful for yellow perch and brown bullhead from the shore. Yellow perch are the most common fish species in the lake.

LOFTON RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The reservoir was stocked with legal and trophy rainbow trout. Angling from the shore has become difficult with the numerous tui chub and aquatic vegetation growing on the north and east shorelines. Fishing from the dam, dock, and south side of the lake allows the angler to access deeper water.

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

Angling is slow for warmwater fish. Poor water quality at this time is limiting angling opportunities.

LUCKY RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Angling has slowed for rainbow trout as water temperatures increase. Lucky Reservoir has good populations of trout but catch rates are low due to the turbid water. Little aquatic vegetation and algae growth are observed in this reservoir, it is a great place to try in late summer when other reservoirs are more difficult to fish.

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

On Sept. 14, discharge below Warm Springs Dam averaged 253 cfs. Angling for trout is slow. Warm Springs Reservoir is expected to reach minimum water levels by the end of the month. Stream flows below the dam are expected to muddy up and then drop to inflow levels.

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

On Sept. 14, discharge below Juntura was approximately 456 cfs. Angling for trout is slow. Beulah and Warm Springs reservoirs are expected to reach minimum water levels by the end of the month. Stream flows below each dam are expected to muddy up and then drop to inflow levels.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The water level is well below the end of the ramp. Launching larger boats will be difficult. Reservoir water level will come close to minimums late in the irrigation season. With the cooler conditions angling has picked up. Good numbers of trout are being caught from the bank.

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

No recent angling report. Remember to release bull trout.

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

No recent angling report. Remember to release bull trout.

MANN LAKE: trout

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

MILLER LAKE: brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout

The Lake has been producing good catches of brown trout. The Lake is open to angling 24 hours/day, with successful brown trout anglers targeting the early morning and late evening hours. Most kokanee in the lake are less than eight inches and are not abundant.

MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout

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

MUD LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout

The lake level has dropped significantly below half full level. Catch rates have been low, but large fish are common in this lake. The lake is turbid year-round.

MURRAY RESERVOIR: trout

Fishing is fair. Some moss is showing up along the bank.

NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: rainbow trout

No recent angling report. 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 improving with the cooler weather conditions.

OVERTON RESERVOIR:

Overton Reservoir is slow for rainbow trout. Most of the reservoir surface is covered in aquatic vegetation. Your best bet is to fish in the morning or late afternoon targeting areas where the wind has cleared of surface vegetation.

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

The reservoir was 26 percent full on Sept. 14. The boat ramps at McCormick State Park Leslie Gulch are out of the water. No recent angling report.

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

Angling for rainbow trout and brown trout remains good. Catches of brown trout from 12 to 20 inches are common. Rainbow trout are less abundant, but anglers have been catching some larger fish. Flows averaged 212 cfs Sept. 14.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish

Discharge at the Rome gauge varied from approximately 102 to 114 cfs from Sept. 10 through Sept. 15. 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 and extremely low water levels.

PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch

Trout fishing is best near the dam. Perch angling has slowed last few weeks. Some 8-10 inch bass were caught earlier, but no recent report. Water level is 52 percent.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout

Reports of catching some 10 to 12-inch trout. Crappie fishing is fair using jigs with crappie nibbles or cut-bait. Some crappie are large. Reservoir is 50 percent full. Reservoir was stocked with additional legal trout in July.

PINE CREEK (Baker County): trout

Pine Creek and North Pine Creek were stocked twice with legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing is good near Cornucopia.

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Water level in the reservoir is very low. The bottom of the reservoir is visible throughout what is left of the reservoir. The reservoir water level may be at minimum levels. Angling is poor.

POWDER RIVER: trout, spring chinook

Rainbow trout were re-stocked in mid-August below Mason Dam. Fishing is usually good.

SID LUCE: hatchery rainbow trout

Fishing for trout in this reservoir has been good. 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 improved with the cooler weather conditions. No recent angling report.

SPAULDING RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Spaulding Reservoir is dry. ODFW will not stock the reservoir with fingerlings due to continued problems with water retention at the reservoir.

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

Angling has been slow for redband trout. Angling should be good for bass and brown bullhead below the town of Beatty. Angling is good for redband trout and large brown trout below Sandhill Crossing to the 3411 road crossing. Angling for large brown trout and redband trout is fair in the South Fork. Angling is good for small brook trout and small brown trout near Camp and Corral Creek on the South Fork Sprague.

SUNSTONE RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Sunstone reservoir went dry last summer, but it filled to full capacity this spring. The reservoir is down a couple of feet, fish are very active, and 8-10' fish are being caught near the dam face.

SYCAN RIVER: redband trout, brown trout, brook trout

Angling is slow for redband trout below the Sycan Marsh. Flows are very low and the water is warm. The upper Sycan is fair for redband trout and brook trout. Below Pikes crossing most fish caught are redband trout and as you progress upstream of Pikes crossing most fish are brook trout.

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout

Fishing is slow. Reservoir is 35 percent 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. Water levels are declining. Bass will be concentrated on the south shore and at the face of the dam.

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

Angling for crappie is fair. Most crappie are 8-10 inches.

TWIN LAKES (Baker County): rainbow trout

The lake has been stocked with 1700 legal-sized rainbow trout and was re-stocked with 1000 additional half-pound trout August 26.

UPPER MIDWAY RESERVOIR: largemouth bass

Angling is difficult due to abundant aquatic vegetation. Most bass caught are 8-10 inches.

UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie

Trout and crappie fishing are currently both fair-poor. Reservoir is 33 percent full. There is a lot of algae on the lake.

VEE LAKE:

Angling is slow in Vee Lake. The reservoir is very low and water temperatures are rising quickly. A breech in the canal delivering water to the Lake was found and fixed by the USFS in July. Improved water conditions are expected, but water levels will not significantly increase until next year.

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

The reservoir was 3 percent full Sept. 14. Inflows ranged from 2 cfs to 5 cfs from Sept. 10 through Sept. 15. Water level in the reservoir is expected to hit minimums in late September. Fishing is slow.

WARNER LAKES: black crappie, brown bullhead, yellow perch

Fishing for crappie and perch has been slow. The southern, small lakes are dry. The northern 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. Grasshopper patterns can be effective cast to undercut banks.

WILLIAMSON RIVER (LOWER):

Angling is slow. Redband trout are in the Williamson River in good numbers.

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

Angling for largemouth bass has been fair. Small bluegill are abundant. A few nice crappie have been caught but crappie were not abundant in last year's electrofishing surveys.

WITHERS LAKE: brown trout, brook trout

Brook trout fishing has been good for trout in the 8 to 12-inch range. 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. Aquatic vegetation on the south side of the lake has made brook trout fishing more challenging.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, trout

Fishing is fair-poor for 11 to 14-inch trout, and they are skinny. Some crappie are biting around the dock. Reservoir is 45 percent full.

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

Angling is slow for brown trout and redband trout. Grasshoppers are abundant along the shoreline and brown trout are starting to feed on them. Flies that mimic grasshoppers cast tight to the undercut bank with long drag free drifts work well. Windy and overcast days are best as grasshoppers are blown onto the water and brown trout are less spooky.

YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout

Fair 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

OPEN: Band-tailed pigeon (Sept. 15-23), archery deer and elk, forest grouse, mourning dove, bear, cougar

NEW: Visit the Region's Fall Hunting Forecast

Remember to check with Ore. Dept. of Forestry, the Forest Service, BLM or other land managers about fire restrictions before going hunting; restrictions can change suddenly.

LAKE COUNTY

Archery DEER and ELK seasons are open. Good numbers of mature bucks should be available in all units. Fawn recruitment was poor last year so there will be a lack of yearling bucks. Elk numbers are very low throughout the county.

FOREST GROUSE and DOVE hunting are open. The best areas for blue and ruffed grouse are in the Cascades on Winema National Forest. Blue grouse can be found along ridge tops in more open forest habitats in both Klamath and Lake Counties while ruffed grouse are generally found along riparian areas, with few ruffed grouse found in Lake Co.

BEAR hunting is now open. Bear numbers are lower in Southeast zone than in other portions of the state due to limited habitat but populations are stable to increasing. Look in forested areas within the zone. Remember bear check-in is now mandatory.

COUGAR hunting is now open. Populations in Southeast Zone are healthy. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters.

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 COUNTY

DEER hunting is expected to be only fair this year due to poor fawn survival. Numbers of yearling bucks will be down, however fair numbers of older age-class bucks exist.

ELK hunting should be best in the Cascades. Fair numbers of branch-antlered bulls should be available in most Cascade Mountain areas.

A few BEARS have been taken in the Keno, West Sprague, and West Fort Rock Units in the Cascade Mountains. Remember that check-in is now mandatory for successful hunters.

DOVE hunting was good for the opener although cooler weather will move birds south into California.

Fair prospects exist for FOREST GROUSE for those hunters wishing to pursue these birds. Best prospects for blue grouse are on semi-open ridge tops throughout the county, while ruffed grouse can be found along riparian areas primarily in the Cascades.

Remember Klamath County is closed for September Canada Goose hunting.

COUGAR season remains open with good populations, although hunting will be difficult until late fall when colder weather improves conditions to locate animals. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters.

HARNEY COUNTY

Archery DEER and ELK seasons are open. Good numbers of mature bucks should be available in all units. Fawn recruitment was poor last year so there will be a lack of yearling bucks. Elk numbers are very low throughout the county.

BEAR hunting is now open. Bear numbers are lower in Southeast zone than in other portions of the state due to limited habitat but populations are stable to increasing. Look in forested areas within the zone. Remember bear check-in is now mandatory for successful hunters.

COUGAR hunting is now open. Populations in Southeast Zone are healthy. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters.

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

Dove hunting is allowed all month with the exceptions of Sept. 27 and 28 when the Youth Waterfowl Hunt occurs.

Remember to use only federally approved non-toxic shot.

Klamath Wildlife Area is closed to deer hunting.

Self-serve permits are required, and are available free of charge at the check station on Miller Island Road.

Some wetland units in Subunit B are dry to facilitate habitat management activities to reduce encroaching bulrush and cattail and increase open water for waterfowl and shorebird use.

The gravel access road and boat ramp on Miller Island Unit of the Klamath Wildlife Area will be closed intermittently from the week of Sept. 2 until Oct. 15 to allow for road work and boat ramp and dock improvements. Alternate facilities are available at Veteran's Park in Klamath Falls, or PPL Park near Keno. The closure could impact hunters during the youth waterfowl season (Sept. 27-28) and the opening weekend of waterfowl season (Oct. 11). Access will be allowed on weekends and occasionally after project work hours for recreationists to launch and retrieve boats. Please yield right-of-way to construction vehicles, and comply with all posted signs.

SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA

General bow hunting season for deer is open. Mule deer can be found throughout the Wildlife Area with Northend and other agricultural areas providing the best opportunities. Hunting pressure has been light and no harvest has been reported.

Hunters must check-in and have a free daily hunting permit in their possession.

Mourning dove season is open. Daily hunting permits are required, and hunters must use federally approved non-toxic shot. Very few doves are found on the Wildlife Area at this time due to the cool weather conditions experienced last week.

Daily hunting Permits are available self-service in the Lobby at Headquarters, 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week.

Discharging of firearms (except while game bird hunting) 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

EVENT

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Celebrates 100 Years of Conservation, September 19-20

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge celebrates the Refuge's Centennial at the Refuge. For more information, visit the Web site.

Harney County

Fall shorebird migration is well underway and waterfowl migration activity should pick up within the next few weeks, however viewing opportunities are limited due to low water conditions. Many resident shorebirds, like ibis and avocets, have already moved out of the area. Sandhill cranes and Canada geese can be seen congregating on private farmlands within the Harney Basin especially were flood irrigation is occurring.

Look around green agricultural fields or wetlands in the early mornings and evenings to see deer and antelope while they are actively feeding during the cool part of the day.

Malheur National Wildlife Area

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.

What to see from August through October:

Over 200 pairs of greater sandhill cranes nest on the refuge each year. In September large groups of cranes begin congregating in the grainfields on the refuge. Cranes from northern latitudes join Malheur birds to feed before continuing their journey to California's Central Valley where they winter. Early morning and late evening are the best times to view these birds. Ask at the Visitors Center for grainfield locations.

Warblers, sparrows and other songbirds reach their autumn peak at Malheur from mid August through late September at Refuge Headquarters, P-Ranch and Page Springs. Joining the regular visitors are more unusual species, such as American redstart, indigo bunting and the possible eastern vagrant.

Many of the marshes and meadows dry up in the fall, driving concentrations of ibis, gulls, terns, pelicans and herons to cluster around the remaining pools of open water to feed on trapped fish. Ducks concentrate in open water areas at the display pond at headquarters and Benson and Knox ponds north of the P-Ranch.

Malheur also hosts an array of raptors. Swainson's and Red-tailed hawks are present and bald eagles and rough-legged hawks begin arriving in mid October. Watch for raptors on power poles and in open fields and stay alert for the occasional merlin or peregrine falcon.

In addition to the abundance of birds using the refuge, mule deer are common. Refuge headquarters and the southern Blitzen Valley are a couple of their favorite spots. Pronghorn antelope are also in the area, and elk are occasionally observed.

Source: Malheur National Wildlife Area Web site.

Refuge Headquarters is located on the south side of Malheur Lake about 32 miles southeast of Burns. The refuge and museum are open daily from dawn until dusk. The Visitors Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 to 4:00 and Friday through Sunday from 9:00 to 3:00.

Klamath Falls Area

Aspen Lake provides prime viewing for many species of wildlife including sandhill crane, great-blue heron, wood duck, gadwall, mallard, cinnamon teal. Early morning or late evening are good bets for elk and deer around the edge of the lake. Aspen Lake is located three miles south of Doak Mountain summit on Highway 140 west of Klamath Falls.

Moore Park is a great location to view many species of passerine birds including nuthatches, warblers, chickadees, flycatchers, swallows and sparrows. Several woodpecker species can also be observed including Lewis' woodpecker, red-shafted flicker and white-headed woodpecker.

Moore Park is located at the south end of Upper Klamath Lake off Lakeshore Drive in Klamath Falls, Oregon. This city park is adjacent to Putnam's Point Park which is across from the north end of the Link River Trail.

Upper Klamath Lake

Upper Klamath Lake, located just north of Klamath Falls, provides prime viewing for many aquatic birds. Many aquatic birds are including Western and Clark's grebes are well into the nesting season. Young grebes can be observed hitching rides on their parents backs near shoreline areas. 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.

Klamath Falls Wildlife Area

Some wetland units in Subunit B are dry to facilitate habitat management activities to reduce encroaching bulrush and cattail and increase open water for waterfowl and shorebird use.

The gravel access road and boat ramp on Miller Island Unit will be closed intermittently from the week of Sept. 2 until Oct. 15 to allow for road work and boat ramp and dock improvements. Alternate facilities are available at Veteran's Park in Klamath Falls, or PPL Park near Keno. The closure could impact water-skiers as well as hunters during the youth waterfowl season (Sept. 27-28) and the opening weekend of waterfowl season (Oct. 11).

Access will be allowed on weekends and occasionally after project work hours for recreationists to launch and retrieve boats. Please yield right-of-way to construction vehicles, and comply with all posted signs.

The improvement project was made possible through grants received from the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) and the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) Sport Fish Restoration Fund. The ODFW grant paid for 50 percent of the cost, and the Marine Board grant covered 50 percent. This project includes grading, widening and straightening of the gravel access road, replacing the boat dock and ramp, and development of a wheelchair accessible parking area and boarding dock. This will make the boat ramp and road safer for the public to use.

Dog training may occur on the entire area except for posted Safety Zones.

Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit.

If you have any questions, please contact Klamath Wildlife Area at (541) 883-5734.

Lake County and Lakeview Area

The fall shorebird migration started last week. Lake Abert and the mudflats next to the Warner Valley lakes are the best places for viewing significant numbers including phalarope, avocet, stilts and various peeps. Sandhill cranes are still common in agricultural areas in the county.

Summer Lake Wildlife Area

This section was updated on September 16. Vehicle access to the Wildlife Viewing Loop is open. Other major dike roads are presently open; however lower Windbreak Dike, Gold Dike and portions of the Work Road will be closed due to management and research activities.

These dikes will remain open until 3 days prior to the Youth Waterfowl Hunting Season (Sept. 24) and will be closed to motor vehicles until Sept. 29. Windbreak and Gold Dikes will be closed to public access on September 10 through September 28 due to management and research activities.

NOTE: Wetland enhancement/construction activities may close portions of the Viewing Loop temporarily during September. Please check with Wildlife Area staff by telephone or email for current conditions. Also, please be aware and exercise caution when approaching construction areas, heavy truck and other equipment traffic may be encountered and road surfaces may be uneven and rough.

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. Fall migration is well underway and southward migrants are appearing in good numbers.

Waterfowl

Breeding season is largely over although a few broods of late or renesting ducks may be observed.

Fall migration is in full swing now. Ducks from outlying areas and northern breeding locales are beginning to congregate. Many species are beginning to group into large flocks as they prepare for migration. Cinnamon teal are beginning to depart for California, Mexico and other Central America wintering areas.

Resident Canada geese are dispersed widely across the Wildlife Area and adjacent private lands. Tule greater white-fronted geese continue to arrive from Alaskan breeding grounds and will be increasing in number reaching a peak towards the end of the month.

Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds

Shorebird fall migration is slowing down now as many early migrants have passed through the area. Resident and regional breeding species as well as south bound migrants are staging in fair numbers at this time. Good numbers of dowitchers (mostly long-billed), peeps (least and Western sandpipers) and phalaropes (Wilson's and red-necked) can still be found. This is a good time to find rare or unusual species moving through the area during migration. Early nesting and departing species such as long-billed curlew and willets are becoming very hard to find at this time.

Bullgate Refuge, where extensive habitat enhancement took place last summer is providing excellent foraging opportunities for many species. American avocets and black-necked stilts continue to utilize this area heavily. A few snowy plovers can still be found, edges of alkaline playas and shallowly flooded alkali flats are good locations to observe this unique species.

Sandhill cranes remain scattered across the Wildlife Area with most pairs still occupying their breeding territories and brood rearing is underway.

Post-breeding and pre migration aggregations are beginning to appear at the Foster Place grainfields. Last week, over 50 cranes were present.

Secretive marsh birds (sora and Virginia rails, American bitterns and pied-billed grebes) remain fairly common. They can sometimes be observed foraging along the edges of receding ponds and canals this time of the year. American bitterns can be found commonly during this time of the year.

Other waterbird species are fairly numerous now, although some are beginning to migrate south. Most terns have departed and only a few American white pelicans, Great egrets, white-faced ibis and gulls remain. These birds can still be found feeding on small fish and invertebrates in the Area's larger ponds or canals. Foraging activity is especially heavy in drawdown areas and canals where forage fish and frogs (primarily bullfrogs) 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. Bald eagles are infrequently seen across the Wildlife Area now. Peregrine and 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 difficult to discern from adults. A family group is easily observed at River Ranch Barn. Most osprey have migrated south and are difficult to find at this time.

Upland game birds

California quail are grouping into larger coveys now. Pheasant broods continue to be observed around agricultural and Northend areas, chicks are nearly full grown.

Eurasian collared doves remain at Headquarters Complex and resident mourning doves are fairly common.

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. Good numbers of black-chinned, calliope and rufous hummingbirds are visiting feeders at Headquarters.

Blackbirds continue to be found throughout the Area's emergent marsh areas, most starting to flock up as they prepare to migration south. Flocks of blackbirds are staging in agricultural areas and can be observed feeding on seed heads of small grains and grasses. Large numbers of red-winged and yellow-headed are attracted to the feeder at Headquarters, especially early morning and evening.

American robins, warbling vireos, black-headed grosbeaks, Am. and lesser goldfinches, yellow and other warblers are quite numerous and actively foraging around the Headquarters Complex now as they pass through on migration. Most swallows have migrated south but a few species can still be found around Headquarters and scattered across marsh areas.

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 most of the time until early fall. Wetland enhancement/construction activities may close portions of the Viewing Loop temporarily during September. Please check with Wildlife Area staff by telephone or email for current conditions.

Bullgate dike and the southern portion of the Work Road is open to motor vehicle travel at this time. Windbreak and Gold Dikes will be closed to public access on September 10 through 28 due to management and research activities.

With the exception of Windbreak and Gold Dikes and the northern portion of the Work Road, non-motorized access is still permitted on other minor dikes.

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.

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 remain very high (about 0.30 inches a day) and many wetland areas are slow to respond to fall flooding. Irrigation season in Summer Lake Valley has ended, and significant increase in flows down Ana River and towards many wetland units on the Wildlife Area is occurring. Water levels are increasing in most seasonally flooded wetland units and will provide diverse foraging opportunities to migrant waterbirds. These wetlands are favored by a wide variety of migrants as and are very rich in natural food sources.

Wetland enhancement/construction activities continue in the River Ranch unit and conditions in this 530 acre unit will remain dry through the end of fall. Link Marsh unit that was held dry last year is being flooded at this time and large numbers of waterfowl can be found feeding in this area.

Warm day time temperatures continue and large numbers of flys, midges and other flying insects are found throughout the Area. Mosquitoes, deer flys and horse flys are numerous and provide another abundant food source to insectivorous birds. Please remember to use protective measures to avoid these biting insects.

Recently mowed meadows and hayfields found on adjacent private lands and in selected locations on the Wildlife Area were recently flooded and considerable vegetation regrowth has occurred.

Upland habitat remains in very good condition due to warm daytime temperatures that has resulted 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 and invertebrates in cultivated areas. Tree and shrub developments at the Middle Well and Turner Place have produced abundant fruit and considerable bird use is occurring at this time.

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

* The Umatilla River opened for adipose fin-clipped steelhead, coho and fall chinook jacks on Sept. 1 and fishing should be fair in the lower river.

* Trout fishing on the lower Grand Ronde, Wallowa and Imnaha rivers is good and a few steelhead are starting to show up in the lower Grande Ronde.

ALDRICH PONDS: trout

Limit is two fish per day. Access is 4 wheel drive only plus a two mile hike. Fishing is inhibited by weed growth but some nice trout are available.

GRANDE RONDE, WALLOWA, IMNAHA RIVERS AND TRIBUTARIES: trout

Trout angling in the lower Grande Ronde, Wallowa, and Imnaha Rivers is fair to good. Best angling is in the early morning and late evening when air and water temperatures are lowest. A few steelhead are beginning to show up in the lower Grande Ronde River.

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, catfish and trout

Smallmouth bass and channel catfish angling is fair to good. Water flows are low. Steelhead have not began to enter the lower river in sizable numbers yet. Remember the bass limit changes below Service Creek to 5 fish per day with no more than one over 16 inches. All bass between 12 and 16 inches must be released unharmed.

Trout angling has improved with the cooler weather.

JUBILEE LAKE: trout

Jubilee Lake was stocked in late August, and angling has been good.

KINNEY LAKE: trout

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

LADD POND\PEACH POND: trout

Fishing is slow-fair. Fish morning or evening for best results.

LOST and JUMP-OFF-JOE LAKES: trout

Good fishing for rainbow trout but weed growth is inhibiting bank anglers. Best success has been from anglers using float tubes.

MAGONE LAKE: trout

Fishing for rainbow and brook trout is fair. Fish are feeding near the surface again with the return of cool weather.

McKAY RESERVIOR: yellow perch, crappie, largemouth bass

Angling for warmwater species should be good.

MORGAN LAKE: trout, bullheads, crappie

The Lake has been stocked with legal rainbow trout. Fishing is fair.

OLIVE LAKE: trout

Since the change to stocking triploid trout two years ago, fishing has improved substantially. The high altitude and lack of aquatic weeds makes for pleasant fishing at this lake.

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.

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

Fishing for rainbow trout is good. Fish are feeding again with the return of cool weather. Aquatic weed growth is confining bank access to just a few areas however.

TROUT FARM POND: trout

Angling success is good for brook trout and rainbow trout. Aquatic weed growth is inhibiting bank anglers.

UMATILLA FOREST PONDS: trout

The Umatilla forest ponds have been stocked and angling should improve as water temperatures cool.

UMATILLA RIVER: steelhead, coho, fall chinook jacks and trout

The Umatilla River opened for adipose fin-clipped steelhead, coho and fall chinook jacks on Sept. 1. Angling should be fair in the lower river but will improve as river flows increase and water temperatures cool. Anglers should consult the synopsis for a complete list of Umatilla and Columbia River angling regulations. Catch and release trout angling in the upper river should be fair.

WALLOWA LAKE: rainbow trout

Wallowa Lake has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow. Trout fishing is good for boat and bank anglers using bait or lures.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bullhead catfish, large and smallmouth bass

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. Angling for warmwater species should be good.

NORTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Band-tailed pigeon (Sept. 15-23), archery deer and elk, forest grouse, mourning dove, bear and cougar

NEW: Visit the NE Fall Hunting Forecast

Register for youth upland bird hunts

NEW HUNT IN 2008: Sept. 20, Heppner, tel. 541 676 5230

Sept. 20-21, Baker City (hunt at Baldock Slough), tel. 541 963 2138. Plenty of spots are left for both days of this hunt.

Sept. 20-21, Irrigon WA (Pendleton), tel. 541 276 2344. Saturday morning hunt is full, there are openings on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.

Call the numbers above to sign up for free upland bird hunts for youth aged 17 and under this fall. A free shotgun skills clinic will run 9 a.m.-3:30 pm (shells, clay targets provided) at many of the hunts. To participate, youth must have a hunter education certificate, a hunting license w/HIP validation, upland bird validation, and be accompanied by an adult that will not be hunting. (Hunters 13 years of age and under receive their hunting license for free and are not required to purchase an upland bird validation.) All participants must wear a blaze orange hat, blaze orange vest and eye protection (provided at event) and attend a brief safety meeting before their hunt. See page 22 of the 2008-09 Game Bird Regulations (PDF) for more information.

Wolves may be present in northeast Oregon

On July 18, 2008 a wolf pack with pups was confirmed in northern Union County. Wolves are listed under Oregon's Endangered Species Act and also protected by federal law. It is unlawful to shoot them. Coyote hunters in northeastern Oregon need to take extra care to identify their target as wolves can look like coyotes, especially wolf pups in the mid-summer and fall.

ODFW needs hunters' assistance to establish wolves' presence in Oregon; please report any wolf sightings or wolf sign to La Grande office (541) 963-2138 or online.

BAKER COUNTY

DEER and ELK archery hunting is open. Due to tough winter there was lower over-winter survival for deer. Elk did well. Hunters did well opening weekend due to elk moving more than usual due to temperatures. Look for elk in areas with the greatest security n particularly the furthest from roads and ATV trails.

FOREST GROUSE season is open. Ruffed grouse can be found in dense riparian shrub cover while blue grouse can be found at higher elevations in more open coniferous forests. ODFW is collecting wings and tails from both species. Please place one entire wing and the entire tail in a paper sack. Mark the bag with the species, date taken, and general location and drop it off at a collection barrel or an ODFW office.

BEAR and COUGAR seasons are open. Remember both cougar and bear check-in are now mandatory. Bear hunters have been doing well using spot and stalk tactics. For best success try portions of the Lookout Mountain and Pine Creek units with abundant berries.

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

GRANT COUNTY

DEER and ELK - Archery hunting in Grant County has gotten really popular-last year there were close to 5,000 archery hunters- so expect some company. Expect animals to be widely dispersed. Get off your ATV and walk-in for the best hunting.

FOREST GROUSE and DOVE hunting is open. Hunt for grouse in higher elevations in the draws.

BEAR and COUGAR seasons are now open. Populations of both appear to be increasing, and the Desolation unit should be a good area to find both this fall. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters for both bear and cougar; see the regulations for details.

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

Youth upland bird hunt Sept. 20 in Heppner. Youth aged 17 and under with a hunter education card are eligible. Call 541 676 5230 to register.

The colder weather that the district has received should continue to improve ELK hunting though there has been no rain during the season. Hunters can expect elk to be well spread out over the forest. The snows that we received last winter charged the springs well and there are abundant water sources in the forest. Over all the vegetation quality is good, north slopes and higher south slopes are still green. The lower foothills and breaks above the John Day are very dry however. Hunters may need to cover more ground as the elk are not as concentrated as usual this time of year. Bull numbers are up slightly from last year, although still just under Bull Ratio MO in the Heppner unit. Calf survival was up so there will be more spikes available. Hunter success should be on par to slightly better to last year. Hunters are reminded that the Heppner Unit is Bull only.

DEER are also well dispersed throughout the forest. Food quality is good. Last year's Monument fire has greened up with shrubs coming on. In the lower elevation areas, hunters will need to focus on areas that have available water. Buck numbers are consistent with last year, with all units at or above Buck Ratio MO. Hunter success should be about the same as last year. As a reminder, Heppner and Fossil units is a Buck only bag limit.

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.

BEAR and COUGAR seasons are now open. Cougar numbers are increasing in most areas. Bear numbers are increasing in the Heppner and Fossil units but populations are still relatively low compared to other areas of northeast Oregon. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters for both bear and cougar; see the regulations for details.

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

DEER and ELK hunting should be similar to last year.

BEAR and COUGAR seasons are now open. Bear density is highest north of Interstate 84. Cougar populations are high. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters for both bear and cougar; see the regulations for details.

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.

UNION COUNTY

Due to high fire danger open fires are prohibited except in developed campgrounds. No motorized cross country travel is currently allowed, except on graveled roads with no vegetation. Fire conditions may change on short notice.

DEER buck ratios are at or near management objectives in the Starkey, Catherine Creek and East MT. Emily Units. Fawn survival through last winter is at or slightly below average. ODFW expects average hunter success for archery deer hunters this year.

Conditions for archery ELK hunters look good. Starkey, Catherine Creek, and East Mt. Emily all have higher bull ratios this year compared to last year. Even more encouraging is the fact that calf survival this year in all these units is also higher than last year. Those male calves will be spike bulls available to the hunter this season. This will be especially helpful in the Mt. Emily unit which has a spike only bag limit for archery elk hunters.

BEAR and COUGAR hunting is open. Numbers are good in all units. Ripening fruit will become important for bears during late summer and hunters should check these areas for activity. Hunters may encounter a deer or elk killed by a bear or cougar. Setting up about 150 yards downwind of the kill site during the twilight hours may be productive. Always prop the mouth wide open in cougars and bears immediately after harvest. ODFW can collect our samples from a frozen or thawed skull if the jaw is wide open. Hunters bringing in frozen heads with the jaw shut will be asked to bring the skull back at a later date with the jaw open. Remember the new rule; all harvested bears must be checked in within 10 days of harvest. Cougar check-in is also mandatory; see the regulations for details.

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. Hunters should seek permission from landowners before hunting on private property.

GAME BIRDS n Dove and grouse hunting is open. Eurasian collared doves may be taken as part of the Mourning Dove bag limit. The warm weather will probably concentrate grouse along stream corridors. As the fall berries ripen, grouse may be located near those berry patches.

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

The Glass Hill unit (west of Foothill Rd) is open to public access year-round including authorized area hunting seasons. The rest of the wildlife area is closed except during authorized waterfowl (including early goose season), quail and pheasant seasons. Tag and permit holders may also access the wildlife area during special youth hunts. During all authorized hunting seasons, hunting is prohibited in posted refuges and safety zones on the wildlife area.

WALLOWA DISTRICT

ELK hunting conditions are dry, and are expected to remain warm and dry through most of this week. All units have good bull to cow ratios. Elk rutting activity has increased providing good opportunities for archers. Hunters are reminded to contact local state forestry or US forest service offices for changes in camp fire restrictions.

Archery DEER season has been slower than previous years as a result of adult and fawn losses this past winter. There will be fewer yearling bucks this season. Areas that are cooler with green forage available will be good locations to find bucks.

Hunter success has been poor for FOREST GROUSE. Blue grouse numbers are still low and hunters can expect to put in more time hiking to find birds. Ridges and areas near springs are good places to find birds. Ruffed grouse populations are more stable and birds can be found in or near most riparian areas.

COUGAR numbers are still strong through out the district. Hunters will improve chances of success by locating a recent kill site and calling in the area or waiting for a lion to return to a cached carcass. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; see the regulations for details.

Opportunities for BLACK BEAR are good and hunters should focus efforts in riparian areas where berries are ripening, or old homestead areas where fruit trees are still producing fruit. Remember check-in is now mandatory for successful hunters; see the regulations for details.

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.

TRAVEL MANAGEMENT: Noregaard, Whiskey Creek, and Shamrock vehicle road closures are in effect. Wildhorse Ridge n Tepee Butte roads in the Chesnimnus unit, and the Lord Flat Road and PO Saddle Road in the Snake River unit are closed to vehicles.

NORTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

Baker County

Bighorn sheep can be seen along the Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee or along the Snake River Road south of Richland. Mountain Goats can bee seen along the crest of the Elkhorn Mountains. For the best viewing opportunities take the short hike to the Twin Lakes basin. Nannies can be distinguished from Billies by their horn curvature and body size.

Gilliam, Morrow and Wheeler Counties

As we enter falls colder weather, most of the summer migrants are on their way to their wintering areas. Rough-legged hawks and Short-eared owls should start showing up in October. Sharp Shinned Hawks are showing up along the waterways. As winter approaches, duck and goose species will start appearing in greater numbers.

Elk can be seen from Heppner/Spray junction on Highway 19. Best time is dusk, watch the hill sides south of the river. Elk can be seen from the junction to Kimberly.

Union County

Young gallinaceous birds such as pheasants quail and Hungarian partridge are growing rapidly and can be seen in early morning in mowed fields and along road on the perimeter of Grande Ronde Valley. For a fairly long driving tour, try going up the Grande Ronde River through Vey meadows, North Fork John Day Campground, Anthony Lakes ski area then down to North powder. This would be great in the early morning or late evening. You could see elk deer possibly a bear, grouse, and a great variety of smaller birds.

Sandhill Cranes should be moving through the Grande Ronde Valley through this month. Currently groups of 30 or more can sometimes be found in grain fields north of the Ladd Marsh Wildlife area. Yellowlegs, sandpipers and other shorebirds should be moving through the area in the next several weeks.

ODFW's Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, La Grande

Fall migration is in progress for some species of birds. Migrating shorebirds may be seen in any of the shallow water flats on the Tule Lake Public Access Area. Check the tree and shrub rows for migrant passerines.

White birds continue to be in evidence on Ladd Marsh. Groups of American white pelicans can be seen from Foothill road as they feed in the wetlands below. Great egrets are scattered throughout the wildlife area and two tundra swans have stayed on Ladd Marsh all summer. The great blue heron chicks from the Catherine Creek rookery appear to have fledged as high numbers of juveniles have been seen throughout the area.

An estimated thirteen pairs of greater sandhill cranes nested at Ladd Marsh this year. These birds, along with their young and additional non-breeding and migrating cranes may be seen in fields in and around the wildlife area. Please report any banded sandhill cranes observed to wildlife area staff (541-963-4954). 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. Elk and deer may also be observed from Foothill Road and other county roads in the area.

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 except on hunt days during authorized hunting seasons. Dog training is allowed in the Glass Hill Unit (west of Foothill Road) from August 1 until the opening of the upland game bird season. For more information on access rules for the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, please consult the 2008-2009 Oregon Game Bird Regulations.

Directions to Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area

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

There are kokanee spawning in the Wallowa River above Wallowa Lake. The river from the lake to Wallowa Falls closed to angling on August 31 to protect spawning kokanee.

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

FISHING

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

Crappie fishing is very good. Fish are 6-9 inches and they have gained good weight over the summer. Jigs of all colors have been working well, but chartruese and red/white are favorites. Bluegill and bass are biting well also. Large catfish are being caught in the Powder River Arm with worms and cut-bait. Fish for catfish in 2 feet of water with bobbers. Perch are in schools but angling is good once you find them. Call Idaho Power Company's recording at 1-800-422-3143 to get information on access at recreational sites or visit their Web site under the "Rivers and Recreation" heading.

Reservoir level information

OXBOW RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass, catfish

Large crappie are in 30-35 feet of water. Smaller crappie can be caught from shore. Perch are in schools, so fishing is spotty. Catfish are biting well. Bass can be kept but have a size slot limit. See regulations for more information.

HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass, catfish

Good angling for crappie, bass, 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: trout, smallmouth bass

Trout and smallmouth bass fishing have been very good below the dam. Some 16 inch bass re being caught. Steelhead fishing opened September 1 for adipose clipped fish. Get updated information on flow levels.

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

Discharge down the river is dropping which is improving clearing up the water conditions, less weed mats floating down the river. Flows near Nyssa have ranged from 6,500 to 8,000 cfs from Sept. 10 through Sept. 15. Flows near Weiser have ranged from 8,300 cfs to 9,700 cfs from Sept. 10 through Sept. 15. Angling is fair for 18 to 28 inch catfish. Smallmouth bass angling is fair.

COLUMBIA ZONE

FISHING

Effective 12:01 AM Wednesday September 17 Chinook retention is prohibited in the area from the Tongue Point/Rocky Point line upstream to Bonneville Dam.

Weekend Fishing Opportunities

* Coho are congregated at tributary river mouths just waiting for an appetizing lure to catch their eye.

* The Troutdale area is still producing good numbers of walleye.

Columbia River Fish Counts:

https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/fishdata/home.asp

Regulations:

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/reg_changes/columbia.asp

SALMON, STEELHEAD AND SHAD:

Salmonid catch rates varied throughout the lower Columbia River for the final weekend of fall chinook retention. Salmonid anglers had the best success in the gorge where boat anglers averaged 1.1 fall chinook and 0.03 coho caught per boat. In the Portland to Longview area boat anglers averaged 0.36 fall chinook and 0.07 coho caught per boat, while boat anglers in Troutdale averaged 0.14 fall chinook and 0.10 coho caught per boat. Bank angling in the gorge was slower than the previous weekend where bank anglers averaged 0.10 fall chinook and 0.02 steelhead caught per bank angler.

Gorge Bank:

Weekend checking showed 12 fall chinook adults and three fall chinook jacks kept, plus two unclipped steelhead released for 115 bank anglers.

Gorge Boats:

Weekend checking showed 40 fall chinook adults, nine fall chinook jacks, and one adipose fin-clipped coho kept, plus three fall chinook adults and one fall chinook jack released for 40 boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Bank:

No report.

Troutdale Boats:

Weekend checking showed 21 fall chinook adults, two fall chinook jacks, 12 adipose fin-clipped coho, and seven adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus one fall chinook adult, four fall chinook jacks, and three unclipped coho released for 156 boats (complete trips).

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed 89 fall chinook adults, eight fall chinook jacks, 15 adipose fin-clipped coho, and one adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus six fall chinook adults, one fall chinook jack, and four unclipped coho released for 264 boats (complete trips).

Portland to Rainier Bank:

No report.

Estuary Boat (Above Tongue Point):

Weekend checking showed no catch for nine boats (complete trips).

STURGEON:

Sturgeon angling improved over the weekend for boat anglers in both the gorge and Troutdale areas, but slowed down for bank anglers in the gorge and boat anglers in the Portland to Longview areas.

Gorge Bank:

Weekend checking showed 20 legal white sturgeon kept, plus two legal, 12 oversize, and 26 sublegal sturgeon released for 233 bank anglers.

Gorge Boats:

Weekend checking showed five legal white sturgeon kept, plus 14 oversize, and 221 sublegal sturgeon released for 22 boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Bank:

No report.

Troutdale Boats:

Weekend checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept, plus three oversize and 75 sublegal sturgeon released for seven boats (complete trips).

Portland to Rainier Bank:

No report.

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept, plus two oversize and 45 sublegal sturgeon released for nine boats (complete trips).

Estuary Boat & Bank: CLOSED FOR RETENTION.

Bonneville Pool: CLOSED FOR RETENTION.

The Dalles Pool: CLOSED FOR RETENTION.

John Day Pool: CLOSED FOR RETENTION.

WALLEYE:

Gorge boats:

No report.

Troutdale boats:

Weekend checking showed 22 walleye kept for four boats.

Portland to Longview Boats:

No report.

MARINE ZONE

FISHING

Tuna anglers are still active and report fish 30-40 miles out of Newport and Depoe Bay. Oregon tuna fishers are on track to make this the second highest catch eclipsing 2004.

Ocean conditions prevented many Pacific halibut fishers from getting out last week.

With more than 38,000 lbs of the quota remaining in the central coast all-depth halibut fishery, ODFW has announced an additional opening. On Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20 and 21, anglers may keep two Pacific halibut each day in the sport halibut fishery off the central Oregon coast between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mt.

The nearshore halibut season (inside the 40nfathom line) for the central coast is open seven days a week until the quota is taken or Oct. 31. The daily bag limit for the nearshore fishery remains at one halibut, except on September 20 and 21 when the bag limit is two.

The Tillamook ocean terminal area is open through Nov. 15 for chinook salmon. All other salmon in the ocean is closed. For more information please visit: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/salmon/index.asp.

When anglers were able to get out on the ocean few of them were able to catch their limit of bottomfish. With lots of food in the water the fish seem to be "off the bite." Lingcod were much harder to find than a limit of rockfish. The marine fish bag limit is back at six fish, and fishing for bottomfish is allowed inside of the 40-fathom line. Beginning Oct. 1, fishing for bottomfish is allowed at all depths. Boat anglers may not retain cabezon until Jan. 1.

A list of fish included in the six-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 and online at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp

Remember: yelloweye rockfish and canary rockfish may not be retained. The Stonewall Bank Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area approximately 15 miles west of Newport is closed to the harvest of rockfish, lingcod, flatfish and others.

CLAMS

The Clatsop County beaches north of Tillamook Head are closed to razor clams through Sept. 30. This is a conservation closure. The recreational harvest of all other clams, mussels and scallops is open coastwide. 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.

The mussels on Oregon beaches are the California Surf Mussel, which can grow to more than six inches. You don't want the big ones, though. Harvest the 2 1?2-inch to 4-inch mussels taken from the lowest tide mark. They are the youngest and the best eating. Flavor may vary because mussels are affected by the odor of their surroundings.

Check out the recreational clam pages on the ODFW Web site: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/ then click on the shellfish icon. The pages contain everything you need to know for identifying and harvesting Oregon's clams.

CRABS

Catching Dungeness crab in the ocean is closed until Dec. 1.

Recreational crabbing is still open in the bays and estuaries. Sport catches are between three and five crabs per angler, depending on the bay.

Some sport crabbers have difficulty correctly measuring the minimum size for Dungeness crab, which is 53?4 inches measured in a straight line across the back immediately in front of, but not including, the points. For a photograph and diagram see page 101 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

MARINE ZONE VIEWING

EVENT

Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge Grand Opening, Oct. 11, 2008

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will host a celebration of Wildlife and the Arts on Saturday, Oct. 11. The free event honors the grand opening of the Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge near Cloverdale on the north Oregon coast.

The Refuge will open at 9 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:45 a.m. followed by free guided walks from 11 a.m. n 12:30 pm. Refuge staff will be onsite to answer questions from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There is a paved, wheelchair-accessible trail that leads to an elevated viewing deck. The paved Pacific View Trail and Deck affords visitors a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean.

For a calendar of events, visit the USFWS Web site.

Sea Turtles Visit Oregon

Green and leatherback sea turtles visit Oregon during the summer when ocean currents bring warmer waters to the coast. They are usually seen offshore foraging for jellyfish, but occasionally they come ashore. If a turtle is caught in a cold thermal uprising it may get cold and come on to the beach to warm up and rest. While this is rare, beach walkers do come across "turtle crawl" tracks made by a turtle's flippers in a distinctive pattern in the sand. As the warm water's off the coast recede, the sea turtles follow the warm water south again.

Visit the Sea Turtles Forever Web site to learn about sea turtles in Oregon; there are also some amazing photos of the amount of plastic debris removed by volunteers from turtle nesting habitat along the beach-a pile of 1,000 flip-flops makes you realize how important it is take everything home from the beach that you brought with you. See the Lance Ferris Memorial Challenge section of the Web site.

If you see a turtle on the beach or out at sea do not disturb it and report the sighting to the Sea Turtles Forever Turtle Watch Hotline at (503) 739-1446. E-mail Mark Ward, director of Sea Turtles Forever, a sea turtle conservation program based in Seaside at info@seaturtlesforever.com

September: Shorebird Migration and Songbird Molt

It's show time for shorebirds in coastal estuaries from Warrenton to Brookings. In September, shorebirds visit Oregon bays and estuaries to rest and snack during their migration south from summer nesting grounds in the Alaskan and Canadian tundra. Their destination for the winter is Mexico, Central and South America. The cast of thousands include Western and least sandpipers, semipalmated plovers, whimbrels, black-belly plovers and greater yellowlegs. One day there will be thousands poking their long beaks in the mud, the next day they will all fly away. But don't fret, in a day or two another flock will take their place.

September is also the time goldfinches, crows and other resident birds molt. They can look pretty shabby, but it's only a costume change. Goldfinches trade in their bright yellow mating plumage for dull, golden-brown winter plumage and crows exchange their black feathers for, well, more black feathers.

Some common Oregon shorebirds featured on Whatbird.com are fun to learn about.

Semipalmated plovers

Sanderlings

Westen sandpipers

Free Color Brochure: Seabirds of the Pacific Northwest

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offers a free, beautifully illustrated brochure, Seabirds of the Pacific Northwest, to help you learn more about these fascinating migratory birds. The brochure is available online as a pdf, at Chamber of Commerce Visitor Centers along the coast or by calling the USFWS at (541) 867-4550.

E-mail Dawn Grafe, USFWS, for more information or to get multiple copies of the brochure, dawn_grafe@fws.gov