The statewide recreation report (for fishing, hunting and viewing), released Wednesday, Nov.1, by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

NORTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

Streams, tidewaters and bays closed to trout angling Oct. 31. Anglers are encouraged to consult the regulations prior to fishing a particular river.

ALSEA RIVER: Fall Chinook angling is fair in tide water and the lower river. Anglers typically have the best catch rates during an incoming tide. Both trolling and bobber fishing are effective. Cutthroat trout (Blue Back) fishing is open with reports of fair to good fishing in upper tide water. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?TIDO3.

WARM WATER ANGLING: The mid coast has many lakes which have a variety of warm water species. Fishing for these species is typically very good from late spring to late fall using a variety of baits and lures. The following is a list of accessible lakes with some of the warm water fish species. In the Lincoln City area - Devils Lake (large mouth bass, perch, bluegill); in the Newport area n Big Creek Reservoir 1 and 2 (large mouth bass, brown bullhead); in the Toledo area n Olalla Reservoir (large mouth bass, bluegill); in the Waldport area n Eckman Lake (large mouth bass); in the Florence area n Sutton, Mercer, Munsel, Woahink, Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes (large mouth bass, perch, bluegill, crappie, brown bullhead).

KILCHIS AND MIAMI RIVERS: Chinook and chum salmon moved upstream with recent rains. Fishing is fair to good, depending on water clarity. Leaves can be a nuisance as well. Catch and release angling for chum salmon continues through Nov. 15.

NECANICUM RIVER: Fall chinook angling is fair to good. Fish moved upstream with recent rains and should be available throughout the river system. Concentrate on the deeper hole for best results.

NEHALEM RIVER AND NORTH FORK NEHALEM RIVER: Good numbers of chinook in the river system. Most fish have moved upstream out of the bay. Angling is generally fair. Angling for hatchery coho and trout closed Oct. 31.

NESTUCCA BAY AND THREE RIVERS: Fall chinook angling has been fair to good. Good numbers of summer steelhead are also available throughout the river system. Check river levels before fishing at http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=pqr. Angling for trout closed Oct. 31.

NORTH COAST LAKES: Trout stocking is complete for the year. Cape Meares Lake, Town Lake, Tahoe Lake, and Lorens Pond have been stocked with surplus hatchery summer steelhead recently. Angling for warm water species is slow.

SALMON RIVER: Fall Chinook and coho salmon fishing is fair. Using lures or bobber fishing with eggs/shrimp are the most effective in tide water. Cutthroat trout fishing is good with a fair chance of catching a fresh sea run cutthroat (Blue Back) in tide water or in the lower river.

SILETZ RIVER: The fall Chinook fishery is fair. Typically anglers are most successful during incoming tide trolling or bobber fishing with eggs/shrimp. Steelhead fishing is slow. Sea run cutthroat trout (Blue Back) fishing has been fair in and near tide water. River conditions are low and clear. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?SILO3

SIUSLAW RIVER: The fall Chinook fishery is fair with fish spread out in tide water and the lower reaches of Lake Creek. Both trolling and bobber fishing are effective. Cutthroat trout angling is open with good fishing in many of the Siuslaw River tributaries. Anglers have reported very good catch rates of sea run cutthroat trout (Blue Back) in tidewater and the lower river. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?MPLO3.

TILLAMOOK BAY: Salmon angling in the bay is fair to good. Fall chinook are available throughout the bay and lower tidewater areas. Trolling herring in the lower bay should produce some fish. In the upper bay trolling spinners has been the most productive, although some fish are caught trolling herring or large plugs. Bobber and eggs or shrimp is the most productive in river tidewater areas. For a change, try casting large spinners. Angling for hatchery coho closed Oct. 31. Some sturgeon are being caught, but angling is slow. Most anglers are targeting salmon.

WILSON AND TRASK RIVERS: Some fall chinook are available; however angling is slow to fair. Most fish are dark. Rivers are still relatively low, so anglers should concentrate on the lower sections. Summer steelhead are present in good numbers throughout the Wilson and Trask rivers. Angling for trout and hatchery coho closed Oct. 31.

YAQUINA RIVER: Fall Chinook fishing is fair to good in mid to upper tide water. Trolling in most areas is very effective with bobber fishing in upper tide working well. The sea run cutthroat trout (Blue Back) fishery is fair to good in upper tidewater and in the lower main stem river and in the Big Elk.

VIEWING

ROOSEVELT ELK are common in the fields at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Management Area, located in central Clatsop County off of Hwy. 26. The larger bulls are generally found in fields on the west end of the main refuge tract (Fishhawk) along Hwy 202, and the cows, calves and smaller bulls usually occupy the larger fields on the eastern end. Elk can also be seen on the Beneke Tract along Beneke Road and on the Humbug Tract near Camp 18 along Hwy 26. The best time to observe elk is in the cool of the early morning (daylight to 10 a.m.) and late afternoon hours (4 p.m. till dark).

BROWN PELICANS are present along the north coast, and can be seen roosting on near-shore rocks along Tillamook and Clatsop county beaches. They are actually a federally listed species (threatened), but are quite abundant locally in the mid summer to early fall seasons. They are an interesting and sometimes comical bird to watch, especially when they are feeding.

GREAT EGRETS are a large wading bird about the size of a great blue heron, and are white in color. They are typically seen in estuaries like Netarts or Tillamook Bays, especially at low tides, sometimes in larger numbers.

SAUVIE ISLAND WILDLIFE AREA: With fall waterfowl migration and hunting going on, public access to much of Sauvie Island Wildlife Area is closed. However, birds can still be viewed at Coon Point, the eastside viewing platform and at the end of Rentenaar Road.

FERN RIDGE WILDLIFE AREA: As water recedes with the continued drawdown of Fern Ridge Lake, exposed mudflats around the perimeter of the lake provide abundant habitat for shorebirds, wading birds, and waterfowl. Royal Avenue and the trail to the Fisher Butte viewing platform remain open daily. Geese are beginning to arrive in the Willamette Valley with evening flights into Fern Ridge Lake providing excellent sunset viewing opportunity.

E.E. WILSON WILDLIFE AREA: Fall and winter are not the peak times for viewing but opportunities will improve in spring when visitors can see broods of waterfowl, shorebirds and neo-tropical migrants (swallows, hummingbirds, flycatchers).

HUNTING

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

BLACK BEAR season is also open on the north coast. Bear are more likely to be out in natural openings and clear cuts, feeding on berries and related food sources. Glassing areas in the early morning or late evening is a fairly effective technique where openings are plentiful. As fall progresses, look for abandoned orchards and homesteads in forested areas as bear will often be in those areas. Aggressive predator calling also works very well in areas where recent bear activity has been documented.

DEER: Deer will be scattered almost anywhere this time of year, but scout timbered areas where animals will have nearby access to clear cuts or agricultural fields for the best chance of success.

FOREST GROUSE AND MTN QUAIL: The season opened Sept. 1 and extends through the end of January 2007. Blue grouse are most commonly found at higher elevations like ridge tops, whereas ruffed grouse occur mostly on mid-slopes and especially along riparian areas of streams. Mtn. quail are usually found in older, brushy clearcuts, especially on south-facing slopes. It appears that brood production this summer was lower than normal for all three species, so the forecast is only for fair hunting for those birds on the north coast.

WATERFOWL: The season opened Oct. 14 on the coast. Fair numbers of local ducks are present at this time with good numbers of migrants expected to show up as the fall progresses. Hunting will be best in upper estuary areas until fall rains begin to flood fields and pastures and disperse birds. Pay particular attention to the tide tables when planning a trip on coastal estuaries and realize that timing of the tides in the upper estuary can be over an hour behind published times. Hunting tends to be best on the incoming tide.

SAUVIE ISLAND WILDLIFE AREA (Portland) is open for waterfowl season. Eight hunt days into the season and the numbers are not as impressive as last year which was one of the best in ten years. So far for 2006 the totals are as follows: 1,444 birds with mallards, widgeon and green winged teal being the most harvested. For the week ending Oct. 28, area totals are 1.4 birds harvested per hunter. Eastside alone was 1.6 bph with the Hunt unit at 3.0 and Pope Lake at 2.5 bph. Westside was 1.0 bph and Mud Lake unit shot a 1.4 bph with Steelman unit at 0.9 bph.

FERN RIDGE WILDLIFE AREA (Eugene): Since the opening of duck season on just two units (Fisher Butte and Royal Amazon), 253 waterfowl hunters in 731 hours have harvested 302 ducks, or 1.98 per hunter. Of the birds harvested, 44% were greenwing teal and 18% mallards. Success is typically even better for lake hunters.

Goose season is now closed on Fern Ridge but duck hunting reopens Nov. 1 n Jan. 28.

E.E. WILSON WILDLIFE AREA (Monmoth): During the last week at Fern Ridge, 760 hunters harvested 212 pheasants, 8 quail, 12 ducks and 4 snipe.

Fee pheasant hunt season closed Oct. 31 but hunting is still available under the general pheasant season (Nov. 1-Dec. 10). Hunters should gave good success this first week of the general season as there will be residual pheasants released during the fee hunt that were not harvested and are still available to hunters.

Rabbit season opens Nov. 1 and hunters with dogs typically find success. Non-toxic shot only.

Duck hunting remains slow due to lack of rain. Waterfowl hunting typically picks up in late December.

For deer, Fern Ridge is open to hunters with a Willamette deer tag though these hunters cannot use Coffin Butte tract. Deer hunting is currently slow but expected to pick up later in the season as game bird hunting pressure lessens.

SOUTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

Trout angling closed Oct.31 in many streams, rivers, and bays. Please consult the fishing regulations for more details.

AGATE RESERVOIR: Yellow perch, black crappie and bluegill are providing action at Agate, although fishing success will cool with the water temperature. Flies and jigs will work for crappie, while a worm fished below a bobber works well for most panfish. Largemouth bass are also available.

ALL SPORTS POND: Fishing for and bass and panfish should be good.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: Anglers are having fair success on rainbow trout and crappie. Green crappie jigs have been effective near the dam, with some large crappie being reported. For trout, bait anglers will likely fish either floating bait or worms, while trollers can do well fishing a spinner and worm combination. The reservoir also offers land-locked juvenile spring chinook salmon, along with bass. Boat ramps at French Gulch and Copper are open, while the ramp at Hart-Tish is closed for the season.

CHETCO RIVER: Anglers are fishing the Chetco from the mouth up to Social Security bar for fall Chinook. This time of year anglers have a choice of trolling the estuary or fishing tidewater holes. Some of the preferred methods for fishing in tidewater holes is fly fishing, bobber fishing sand shrimp, eggs, or anchovies, or plunking eggs or anchovies.

The Chetco River flows are below 80 cfs which may trigger a river closure. Currently, ODFW has no plans of closing the river to Chinook fishing.

Anglers should keep an eye on the Chetco River flows. Flows at or below 80 cfs on Nov. 1 may trigger a river closure.

COOS COUNTY LAKES: Good numbers of holdover trout still exist in Tenmile and other lakes. Trout will be stocked in Saunders Lake, Bradley Lake, Upper Empire Lake and Powers Pond the week of Nov.r 6.

COOS RIVER BASIN: Chinook fishing in Coos Bay is slow and probably about done for the year. Fish are being caught in the tidewater area of the South Coos and Millicoma Rivers. Coho retention is prohibited above Chandler Bridge. Below Chandler Bridge, adipose fin-clipped coho are legal to keep as part of your daily limit. Most fish are caught trolling spinners, or casting a bobber and eggs. Bank anglers have a great opportunity to catch salmon in the South Coos near Daniels Creek and along Isthmus Slough. Trout angling closed Oct. 31 in streams, rivers, and bays

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: Chinook fishing in the lower Coquille River has also slowed down now but fish may be available in upper tidewater areas. Trolling spinners can be effective around Coquille and above. Retention of coho is prohibited above Lampa Creek at river mile 11.5. Trout angling closed Oct.31 in streams, rivers, and bays.

DUTCH HERMAN POND: Dutch Herman Pond is stocked with rainbow trout.

EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: Trout fishing is good, while fishing for bass and panfish has slowed with cooler water temperatures. Anglers are still picking up bass, catching lots of yellow perch, and are having a hard time finding black crappie. Jigs, panther martins and small worms have provided action recently. 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 website at www.healthoregon.org/fishadv.

EXPO POND: Fishing for largemouth bass and panfish should be good.

FISH LAKE: Fishing is slow, with trout hitting on Power bait. The best technique is to drift fish from a boat near the East end of the lake. The US Forest Service boat ramp is usable at this time.

HIGH LAKES: High lake fishing is good. Brown trout fishing at Lemolo, Toketee, and Soda Springs has been good. The best time to fish is early morning and late evening.

HOWARD PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: Fishing ended Oct. 31.

HYATT LAKE: Fishing ended Oct. 31.

ILLINOIS RIVER: The Illinois River up to Pomeroy Dam is open for adipose fin-clipped steelhead and trout between May 27 and Dec. 31. Tackle is limited to artificial flies and lures only.

LAKE SELMAC: Fishing for Largemouth bass has picked up recently, while the harvest of panfish has slowed with the recent decline in temperature. Black crappie fishing is still good in grassy areas.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR Trout fishing is good at Lost Creek, with near limits being reported. Rainbow trout are averaging 12-16 inches. Anglers trolling spinner and worm combinations have been catching fish, and lures and flies will likely produce as water temperatures cool with fall weather. The combination of a wedding ring and worm fished below an egg sinker works well and an angler fishing a roostertail caught fish recently. Green and rainbow floating bait will work for bait anglers. Bass anglers should have good success on smallmouth bass. Casting worms into shore can be very good along the north bank of the reservoir.

MEDCO POND: Medco Pond is stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout, and largemouth bass and bluegill also available.

PACIFIC OCEAN & BEACHES: Ocean salmon fishing closed Oct. 31. Good spots for surfperch are around Horsfall Beach and Bullards Beach. Bottom fishing has been excellent recently when ocean conditions permit. Pacific halibut and cabezon are now closed due to the quota being reached.

ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: The Rogue River bay has slowed as most of the coho and fall Chinook have moved up river. Anglers wishing to still fish the bay should target the mouth of Indian Creek as Chinook are stacking up waiting to move up Indian Creek to the hatchery. Bank fishing can be excellent this time of year with anglers mainly fishing anchovies under a bobber or throwing spinners.

The lower Rogue River has slowed as few steelhead are moving up river. Anglers are moving often to find fish. The best fishing has been around Agness, with anglers using a mix of eggs, spinners, or flies. Anglers should keep an eye of Rogue flows as anything over 3000 cfs will make for tough fishing.

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: Fishing for summer steelhead has been fair to good with boat anglers doing best on plugs in the Middle Rogue recently. An eleven year old girl recently caught an 8 pounder. Fly fishermen have been doing best with glow-bugs and bank fishermen have been using cured and rubber eggs. The harvest of adipose fin-clipped steelhead is allowed year-round. The Rogue is open for adipose fin-clipped coho Aug. 1- Dec. 31. The Rogue River downstream from Hog Creek near Merlin is open to the harvest of chinook salmon.

Flows at Grants Pass averaged 1,280 cubic feet per second on Monday morning. For steelhead, fly angling with an egg pattern can be very effective at this time of year, or anglers can cast spinners (black and gold Panther Martins). Bait anglers can do well fishing eggs. Night crawlers fished with a corky have also been successful. Boat anglers have had success with plugs. Bank access for steelhead can be found at Chinook Park, Matson Park, Griffin Park and Robertson Bridge. Additional access is available below Hellgate Canyon. Gold Hill to Rogue River and Robertson Bride to Hog Creek are popular drifts for boat anglers. Steelhead anglers must take care to avoid disturbing actively spawning chinook. Never step on or fish from a redd.

The Rogue is open for trout fishing with a limit of five adipose fin-clipped trout per day, 8 inch minimum length. All nonadipose fin-clipped rainbow and all cutthroat trout must be released unharmed.

Anglers fishing the canyon are reminded that restriction on the use of bait angling between Foster Creek and Whiskey Creek ends on Oct. 31.

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: Good numbers of summer steelhead are available in the upper Rogue, but reports of angler success are mixed. A total of 7,754 summer steelhead and 276 coho salmon have been counted at Gold Ray Dam as of Oct. 18. Upper river anglers are mostly catching steelhead in the 3-5 pound range, with some resident cutthroat and rainbow trout in the mix. The river is open to the harvest of adipose fin-clipped steelhead year-round. The Rogue is open for trout fishing with a limit of five adipose fin-clipped trout per day, 8 inch minimum length, but all nonadipose fin-clipped rainbow and all cutthroat trout must be released unharmed.

Angling regulations on the upper Rogue change this week. Between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, angling between Gold Ray Dam and the boat ramp (just downstream from the Hwy 62 Bridge) at Shady Cove Park is limited to artificial flies and lures, while angling between Shady Cove and Cole Rivers Hatchery is open to the use of bait.

Fly angling with an egg pattern can be very effective at this time of year, or anglers can cast spinners (black and gold Panther Martins). Outflows from Lost Creek Reservoir averaged 1000 cubic feet per second on Monday morning. Bank anglers can enjoy good success between the hatchery and the Highway 62 Bridge, and at public access points such as Casey State Park, Rogue Elk Park, and Touvelle State Park.

Steelhead anglers must take care to avoid disturbing actively spawning chinook. Never step on or fish from a redd.

ROGUE RIVER ABOVE LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: Fishing above Lost Creek Reservoir ended Oct. 31.

SOUTH COAST LAKES AND PONDS: Fishing is good for trout at Babyfoot Lake. Anglers should keep an eye on snow levels as Babyfoot Lake is at 4500 feet.

SOUTH COAST STREAMS: Continued low flows have resulted in most of the smaller streams to become bar bound. Angler should keep an eye on the weather, fishing conditions will improve dramatically with a couple inches of rain.

SPAULDING POND: Spaulding Pond is stocked with rainbow trout.

TENMILE BASIN: Trout angling in Tenmile Creek closed Oct. 30.

UMPQUA ESTUARY: Sturgeon fishing is slow. The river opened for fin-clipped coho on Aug. 1. Chinook and coho are currently being caught in the bay below the 101 bridge although fishing has been very slow. Fishing has been slow in Winchester Creek.

UMPQUA RIVER MAINSTEM: Main-stem Umpqua closed to the retention of all non-finclipped steelhead, but remains open year round for fin-clipped steelhead. Fall chinook and coho fishing is slow but may pick up with some weather.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: Summer steelhead are still being caught although fishing has been slow. A few coho have been caught and fishing will improve as more coho cross Winchester Dam. Winchester Dam counts show 1,124 coho and 6,914 summer steelhead through Oct. 8. The final count for spring chinook was 6,081

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: Fishing is closed in the South Umpqua until Nov 30.

WHETSTONE POND (Denman Wildlife Area): Fishing for bass and panfish is good.

WILLOW LAKE: The gate to the ramp closed on Oct. 31 for the winter.

SHELLFISH

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

Crabbing is good now but a few soft ones are still showing up in the catch. Crabs will fill out with meat as we move into fall. Crabbers should consider releasing crabs that have little meat in their legs. The COOS BAY shoreline along the inside of the North Spit from Empire to Charleston is a good area for crabbing. Public crabbing docks can be found in Winchester Bay, Bandon, Charleston, and Empire.

HUNTING

COOS COUNTY

DEER: We seem to be in an alternating wet/dry weather pattern in coos County. This creates good conditions for hunting deer as they are often very active before and after rain storms. Also, wet weather moistens leaf litter so conditions in the woods improve. Deer hunter success should be improving as the season wears on.

BEAR: Bear populations are healthy in Coos County. Cool wet conditions should kick bears into high gear fattening up for winter. Many landowners are experiencing damage to apple orchards due to the increased activity of bears. Also, calling will likely be productive for the adventurous hunter.

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

Some hunters find success in harvesting cougars by using predator calls in areas where cougar sign is found.

UPLAND GAMEBIRDS

Although GROUSE production appears to be very low this year based on survey results, hunting should be improving with leaves falling from deciduous trees making visibility better. Persistent hunters will find birds by hunting closed roads and creek bottoms for ruffs and ridges for blues.

QUAIL production appears to be better. California quail typically are late hatchers. Brood sizes look to be fairly good. Hunters will find these birds near agricultural lands. Mountain quail brood sizes appear to be lagging behind California Quail but still better than grouse.

WATERFOWL

Cool, windy and rainy conditions have improved hunting conditions in Coos County. If winter storms continue to track through the Pacific Northwest more birds will be expected to move in to the area. There will be concentrations of birds in coastal bays early in the season. These concentrations will move inland as inland valleys flood.

CURRY COUNTY

DEER: Recent reports from Curry County indicate that bucks are being seen more often and harvest should increase this last week of the season. Coos and Curry County are still on fire restrictions, so harvest is restricted to mostly public lands. Check with private timber land owners to find out it they are open for the last few days of the season.

ELK: Private lands under Coos Forest Patrol Protection are currently under Level I fire restrictions. Public lands in the Siskiyou National Forest, are currently open to public access, however fire danger is high, so be careful. Control firearm in these units will begin in November.

BEAR & COUGAR: Bear hunting continues to be good. Numerous bears were taken during Cascade elk season by elk hunters. Open hillsides during early mornings and late afternoon in and around our plentiful wild berry crops will be where hunters find success. Hunters are reminded to turn in bears teeth to ODFW offices. Deer rifle season is open, hunters have the possibility of finding bears and cougar while in the woods, which could be an added bonus.

JACKSON COUNTY (Rogue, Evans Creek, E. Applegate and S. Dixon Units):

DEER: Opening weekend produced, what appeared to be, an above average buck harvest, particularly in the higher elevations. Rain and snow came on the second weekend. The deer migration was slow and steady, thus producing a fair amount of buck harvest into the third weekend of the season. Harvest in Jackson and Eastern Josephine counties has been better than Western Josephine and Curry counties. Cascade deer season will close Nov. 3, we are expecting some rain the last two days of the season this should increase odds of harvesting in the lower elevations.

ELK: The Cascade elk season appears to be above average this year. Even though no major weather events have occurred the conditions seem to be average. Higher elevations have just melted off most of the snow that occurred over two weeks ago, thus keeping a fair amount of moisture on the surface. Rogue district staff has collected almost 2X the obex samples compared to last year.

BEAR & Cougar: Bear hunting continues to be good. Several known bears have been taken during the Cascade Elk season. Wild berry crops are good in the Cascades this year hunters will find bears foraging in the openings hillsides during early mornings and late afternoons. Remember that while Cascade bull elk firearm season is open bear hunting is only allowed while possessing an unused elk tag; refer to Big Game hunting regulations. Most cougars are taken incidentally by hunters while searching for other game, but those that used predator calls have and will continue to have good success. Look for fresh tracks after a light snowfall and pursue. During deer rifle season hunters have the possibility of finding bears and cougar while in the woods, which could be an added bonus.

JOSEPHINE COUNTY (E. Chetco and W. Applegate Units):

DEER: Recent reports from Curry and Western Josephine County indicate that bucks are being seen more often and harvest should increase this last week of the season. Coos and Curry County are still on fire restrictions, so harvest is restricted to mostly public lands. Check with private timber land owners to find out it they are open for the last few days of the season.

ELK: The Applegate firearm elk 1st season is Nov. 11 thru 14 with the second season Nov. 18 thru 24. Very little elk are reported to be seen in Josephine County but they may be in isolated pockets. While hunting deer look for sign of elk.

BEAR & Cougar: Bear hunting continues to be good. Several known bears have been taken during the Cascade Elk season. Wild berry crops are good in the Cascades this year hunters will find bears foraging in the openings hillsides during early mornings and late afternoons. Remember that while Cascade bull elk firearm season is open bear hunting is only allowed while possessing an unused elk tag; refer to Big Game hunting regulations. Most cougars are taken incidentally by hunters while searching for other game, but those that used predator calls have and will continue to have good success. Look for fresh tracks after a light snowfall and pursue. During deer rifle season hunters have the possibility of finding bears and cougar while in the woods, which could be an added bonus.

Southwest Upland Game Birds

Due to more hunters in the field more numbers of grouse and quail have been reported taken by hunter in the last week. Bird numbers are still relatively high in some areas and other areas showing few birds, but over all hunting should be good. Fall turkey season should be good. Southwest has a large number of turkeys finding and harvesting should not be difficult. Check with private land owners for permission to help with their turkey damage issues.

Southwest Waterfowl

Duck season for Zone 1 and the Southwest Oregon General zone for geese has opened. Duck hunting opportunities and success will depend on water conditions and winter storms to the north. Waterfowl numbers are expected to be similar to last year. Some public hunting opportunities can be found on the Rogue River, Denman Wildlife Area and area reservoirs, but most birds are associated with private properties. Hunters are reminded to obtain permission to hunt private lands, and be considerate of private residences along the riverbanks.

VIEWING

COOS COUNTY

Bird watching opportunities in and around the Coos Bay area continue to be good with early migrant waterfowl beginning to appear. Viewing on the bay is best at high slack or low tides.

HUNTING: DOUGLAS COUNTY

DEER: Western Oregon black-tailed deer rifle hunters can expect an average year. Western Oregon Coast and Cascade buck rifle seasons continue through Nov. 3. Black-tailed deer populations are similar or slightly lower than last year with low numbers of deer at higher elevations and higher population levels on the Umpqua Valley floor. In addition, mild winter conditions the last couple years have contributed to excellent survival providing a good deer harvest opportunity this season. Most valley floor lands are privately owned so hunters are reminded to obtain permission before hunting on those lands.

ELK: Hunters can expect a better than average year. The coast centerfire general bull first and second seasons will open later from Nov 11-14th & Nov. 18-24 respectively, and this applies to the Melrose and SW Siuslaw units in Douglas County. Bull and calf ratios were up slightly this spring with ratios above our management objectives. This prediction is a result of ratio increases, good escapement from last hunting season and very mild winter increasing survival of elk herds.

COUGAR: Hunters can expect an average year. Cougars are abundant throughout with indicators pointing to stable or increasing numbers and 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.

BEAR: Hunters can expect an average year. 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 smaller populations in the Cascades. Successful bear hunters are encouraged to turn in a bear tooth for the ongoing bear population study.

UPLAND GAMEBIRDS:

Blue and Ruffed Grouse - Hunters can expect an average to above average year. The summer brood/chick counts show good production this year throughout the county. 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 in SW Oregon are asked to drop off in a paper bag a frozen wing and the tail of each grouse at designated drop barrels or the local ODFW office.

Mountain and California Quail n Mountain quail nesting season was average so hunting success should be good. Success is best in the mid-elevations of the Cascades and Coast Range near brushy clearcuts on secondary forest roads. Hunters that kill mountain quail are asked to drop off in a paper bag the frozen wing and tail of each quail at designated drop barrels or the local ODFW office. Nesting season success was slightly below average for California quail due to spring rains so hunters should expect an average hunt year. Hunters should concentrate their efforts on lower elevation agricultural lands for California quail.

Turkey n Fall season is currently open, and hunters can expect an above average year. The summer surveys showed above average production this year. Most turkeys are on or adjacent to low elevation private lands associated with oak savannah habitat.

WATERFOWL

Duck & Goose hunters can expect an average to above-average year. Local duck production is historically small but fall migrating ducks have now added to the total available for the hunting season. Hunting for resident geese in Douglas County should be very good because of an excellent production again this year. Nearly all waterfowl hunting in the Umpqua Valley is on private property and hunters should obtain landowner permission before hunting.

VIEWING

ROGUE WATERSHED

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

WILLAMETTE ZONE

FISHING

There are no waters scheduled for stocking this week. Streams closed to trout fishing Oct. 31. Please check the regulations for more details.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: Closed for coho retention effective Nov. 1. The river flows have remained constant over the past week. There is some rain expected this week but it's unclear whether it will be enough to impact water levels. It should be noted that flow conditions will continue to be subject to change as a result of hydroelectric facility operations on the river. Construction at Rivermill Dam could also influence downstream water levels. Flows on Monday were at 888 cfs (10.78') with the water temperature near 48° at the hatchery.

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.

Boat anglers can find access to the river from boat ramps located at McIver Park, Feldheimer's, Barton, Carver, Riverside, or Clackamette.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: The lake was heavily stocked during the summer and offers good opportunities for rainbow trout which can be taken within 20-30 feet of the surface. Kokanee and chinook salmon are also present in the lake, but will be more plentiful at greater depths in the cooler water.

EAGLE CREEK: Coho angling has been slow on the creek with the lack of significant rainfall. The water has dropped and the few coho around are much harder to hook. On Monday the water color was great and the temperature was 46°. The hatchery has had several thousand coho move into the holding pond with more likely on the way with some good rainfall. Moving into November the quality of the fish could be in question. The creek is open to coho retention through the month of November.

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

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR also offers fishing for rainbow, chinook, and kokanee. The reservoir level has dropped to below the elevation of the boat ramp at the Whitcomb Creek recreation site, so boaters will need to use the ramp at Thistle Creek.

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. 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. Please be aware of current campfire rules, and always pack out what you pack in. Be prepared for a surprise fall snowstorm that could occur without much notice. Maps should be available at the local U.S. Forest Service office.

SANDY RIVER: Closed for coho and Chinook retention effective Nov. 1. The flows on the Sandy River were up slightly on Monday despite the recent dry weather. The flow readings on Monday morning showed 461 cfs (7.97') and a water temperature near 48°. Cedar Creek was running slightly colder down near 45°.

There could be some summer steelhead to be found but now the wait is on for the arrival of winter steelhead.

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

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

NORTH SANTIAM and SOUTH SANTIAM RIVER: Water releases from Detroit and Foster dams are moderate as reservoirs are being evacuated for winter flood control. Stream flows in the North and South Santiam rivers are still quite fishable and steelhead are spread through the middle and upper reaches of both streams.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: Willamette River below Willamette Falls is closed to coho retention effective Nov. 1. The Willamette River flows have held steady since last week. Monday's readings were at 10,100 cfs, the visibility was 6.1 feet, and the temperature was 53°. Fish counts at Willamette Falls were 19,372 summer steelhead, 1,934 fall chinook, and 5,722 coho through Oct. 28. It remains open for steelhead.

Of special note for the mainstem Willamette River is a special rule allowing for the angling and retention of adipose and non-adipose fin-clipped coho and coho jacks above Willamette Falls upstream to the Hwy 20 Bridge in Albany. The use of bait is allowed. This rule will remain in effect until Dec. 31.

Please note that the Willamette River, including Multnomah Channel, reopened for the retention of sturgeon effective Thursday October 5, 2006. Retention of sturgeon will be allowed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of each week until December 31, 2006. Sunday through Wednesday of each week angling for sturgeon will be allowed but on a catch and release basis only. Please also note that anglers are limited to the use of only one single-point barbless hook while angling for sturgeon. There have been some good catch reports for keeper sturgeon, particularly in the Oregon City area.

WARM WATER ANGLING: The Portland metropolitan area, as well as the entire Willamette zone, offers many warm water fishing opportunities. A variety of species, including bass, crappie, catfish, and walleye are available. Some of the waters to try include the Columbia River, the Willamette River (and Multnomah Channel), Hartman Pond, Henry Hagg Lake, and Salish Ponds. Please refer to the ODFW website for additional warm water angling locations.

CENTRAL ZONE

FISHING

Streams closed to trout fishing Oct. 31.

ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-14 inch rainbow trout are fair. Illegally introduced bullhead have had a negative impact on trout angling

CLEAR LAKE: Clear Lake, located about 20 miles west of Maupin, has been stocked with keeper trout and should offer good angling opportunity.

COLUMBIA RIVER FROM BONNEVILLE RESERVOIR TO JOHN DAY DAM: Bass fishing has been good in the main Columbia and backwaters. Anglers are reporting good catch rates of nice bass in shallow water with artificial baits of various types.

CRESCENT LAKE: This is typically an excellent time of year to chase after the large browns and lake trout in Crescent.

CULTUS LAKE: This is the time of year for catching one of the lake's numerous lake trout. The cooler water temperatures seem to be their liking with the result being a fish more likely to chase the angler's line.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: Whitefish opportunities are excellent. Flows should gradually be reduced through the week. Anticipate flows of 40-50 cfs from Oct. 31 through November while repairs are conducted on Bowman Dam.

DESCHUTES RIVER: High water on the Deschutes has made trout fishing a little more challenging. Anglers are catching some whitefish and rainbows. Dry fly fishing has been slow; anglers should look at using nymphing tactics in the slow water areas.

DESCHUTES RIVER (Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls): Reports of good success particularly lower down in the reach.

DESCHUTES RIVER (Benham Falls to Wickiup Reservoir): Closed to trout angling Oct. 31.

DESCHUTES RIVER (Crane Prairie to Little Lava Lake): This reach of river is now closed for the season.

ELK LAKE: Good reports of some nice brook trout being caught.

FALL RIVER: Reports of fair to good fishing. Please note that the reach of Fall River below the main falls closed for the season on Sept. 30. The reach of river above the falls is open all year.

FROG LAKE: Frog Lake, located about 20 miles west of Maupin, has been stocked with keeper trout and should offer good angling opportunity.

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: Rainbow and brown trout 10-18 inches are available. Trout are likely to be in deeper water this time of year. Kokanee, largemouth bass, black crappie and brown bullhead are also available. No recent reports.

HOSMER LAKE: Excellent reports of good Atlantic salmon catches.

KINGSLEY RESERVOIR: Kingsley Reservoir, located west of Hood River, has recently been stocked with keeper and trophy trout and should offer good angling opportunity.

LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: Opportunities for bull trout are fair to good. Adults are reentering the reservoir from spawning in the Metolius River. Anglers trolling the upper end of the Metolius Arm have a good chance of success. Anglers are reminded harvest is limited to one bull trout over 24"and a Tribal angling permit is required in the Metolius Arm. Please consult 2006 Sport Fishing Regulations. The Metolius Arm closes to angling Oct.31.

LAKE SIMTUSTUS: Closed to angling as of Oct. 31.

LAURANCE LAKE: Laurance Lake, located near Parkdale, has recently been stocked with keeper trout and should offer good angling opportunity.

LITTLE LAVA LAKE: Continued good reports. There is no reason why an angler can't have a good day at Little Lava Lake. You just have to come prepared to fish in the rain, sleet, snow or sun.

METOLIUS RIVER: Anglers are reporting fair success for redband trout.

NORTH TWIN LAKE: Angling is reported to be slow.

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-18 inch rainbow trout are good. Both boat and bank anglers should have success with bait and lures.

ODELL LAKE: Lake trout angling is reported to be slow.

PINE HOLLOW: Stocked with keeper trout.

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

ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: Rock Creek Reservoir, located near Wamic, has been stocked with keeper and trophy trout and should offer good angling opportunity.

SOUTH TWIN: Fishing is reported to be fair.

THREE CREEKS LAKE: No reports from the past week though this is a good time to catch both the rainbow trout and brook trout in the lake.

WALTON LAKE: Opportunities for 8-16 inch rainbow trout are fair.

WICKIUP RESERVOIR: Anglers are having some success catching brown trout.

HUNTING

OCHOCO DISTRICT

2nd BULL SEASON:

First period hunters enjoyed above average success in the Ochoco and Maury units. Elk appear scattered across public and private lands, at all elevations. Last year's above average calf numbers should provide improved opportunities for yearling bulls, with a good carry over of mature bulls noted in the Maury and Ochoco units. The cold weather and forecast precipitation should help improve chances for success. Hunters in the Ochoco Unit are reminded the motorized access restrictions are in effect in the Rager and South Boundary Travel Management Areas and are unchanged from 2005.

COUGAR: Cougar are reported regularly in the Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly units, at all elevations and habitat types. Early season rifle and archery hunters should look for sign, particularly on Ochoco National Forest lands in areas frequented by elk and deer.

BEAR: Populations are limited with the better opportunities in the denser forested portions of the Ochoco National Forest in the Ochoco and Grizzly units. Suggested areas to consider include the northern portion of Ochoco unit in Bridge Creek, Pisgah Mountain, Keeton Creek, and Rock Creek; and Bear and Trout Creeks in the Grizzly unit.

GAME BIRDS: Blue/Ruffed Grouse: Forest grouse will be at higher elevations in the denser forested portions of the Ochoco and Grizzly units.

Valley Quail and Chukar: Opportunities are limited for chukar, with the best chances on steeper canyon areas associated with the John Day, Crooked, and Deschutes Rivers. Valley quail are present in all three units, particularly in more agricultural areas around streams, ponds, and other wet areas. Concentrations of birds will generally be near or on private lands where permission from the landowner is necessary.

Ducks/Geese: At this time most birds present are resident birds using local reservoirs, ponds, and water bodies. The larger concentrations of birds are around private land where permission from the owner is needed.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

ANA RESERVOIR: Some fish have been over 10 lbs. but most are in smaller size classes ranging from 10-14 in. Trout fishing has been fair. The few fish being caught are nice sized individuals.

ANA RIVER: Fishing has been fair for rainbow trout in the river.

ANTHONY LAKE: Fishing is good.

BEULAH RESERVOIR: The reservoir was 34 percent full on Oct. 29, and inflow was 54 cfs. Fishing continues to be slow

BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: This reservoir is currently not recommended for fishing. There have been reports of small fish kills.

BLITZEN RIVER: Catch and release for trout from Nov. 1 through May 26. Two fish bag limit from May 27 through Oct. 31. Angling is fair to good for 12 to 16 inch redband trout, with a few fish to 20 inches. Flow was 47 cfs Oct. 23. Dry fly angling should be good. In addition, nymph or spinner fishing should bring some success

BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir was 41 percent full on Oct. 21, and the boat ramp is accessible. Angling for warmwater fish is slow.

BURNS POND: Fair angling for rainbow trout.

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: Fair to good angling for rainbow trout. Anglers are picking up 9 to 18 inch trout using leech imitations, small nymph imitations, spoons, or bait. Recent catch rates have been between 0.5 and 1 fish per hour.

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: Angling success has been fair. Remember special regulation, two trout per day.

DELINTMENT LAKE: Fair angling for 10-12 inch rainbow trout.

EAGLE CREEK: Closed as of Oct. 31.

FISH LAKE (Steens Mountain): Angling should be fair to good for rainbow and brook trout. FISH LAKE (Halfway): Fishing should be good.

FOURMILE LAKE: Angling for rainbow trout has been good, Kokanee angling has been fair. Lake trout angling has been slow.

GERBER RESERVOIR Crappie and warmwater fish are available.

GRANDE RONDE LAKE: Fishing is good for brook trout and rainbow.

HIGGINS RESERVOIR: Closed as of Oct. 31.

KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: Angling is good for large redband trout through out the lake.

KLAMATH RIVER: Boyle Dam downstream to Oregon /California border-Angling for native redband trout has been good. Keno Dam downstream to JC Boyle Dam: Angling for wild Redband trout has been good.

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: The reservoir is closed to angling from Nov. 1 through late May.

LAKE OF THE WOODS: Angling for rainbow trout, yellow perch and kokanee has been good. Bass angling has been fair.

LITTLE HEART LAKE: Kokanee and hatchery rainbow trout are available for harvest in the reservoir.

LOFTON RESERVOIR: Fishing has been slow for legal sized trout. High numbers of tui chub are present in the reservoir.

LOST RIVER: Angling has been slow for warm water game fish.

MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork Malheur River): Angling below the dam is slow. Flows from Warm Springs Reservoir have been shut for the winter

MALHEUR RIVER (from the South Fork Malheur River near Riverside, downstream to Gold Creek): Flow in this section is a result of runoff down the South Fork Malheur River and releases from the dams. Flows from Warm Springs and Beulah dams have been shut off for the winter.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: Anglers are catching good numbers of rainbows from 10 to 15 inches. Catch rates have exceeded one fish per hour.

MALHEUR RIVER, NORTH FORK: Trout angling is slow. Remember to release bull trout. Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures upstream of Beulah Reservoir.

MALHEUR RIVER, MIDDLE FORK: Trout angling is slow. Remember to release bull trout. Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures upstream of Bluebucket Creek.

MANN LAKE: Slow angling for cutthroat trout. Special regulations are in effect. Two trout per day, 16 inch minimum length. Restricted to artificial flies and lures.

MILLER LAKE: Angling for Brown trout has been good. Rainbow and Kokanee angling has been slow. Travel on access road will be difficult due to snow.

MOON RESERVOIR: No recent angling report. Trout fishing should be good with recent cool temperatures.

NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: Some of the roads still may be washed out, so anglers need to be cautious. Trout angling is fair.

OWYHEE RESERVOIR: The reservoir was 56 percent full Oct. 21. All boat ramps are in the water. Warmwater angling is fair.

OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): Irrigation flows below the dam have been shut off for the winter. Discharge was 31 cfs on Oct. 29.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): Discharge at the Rome Gage was 175 cfs on October 29. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish is fair

PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: Fishing is fair for trout and perch. Water level is 46 percent.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: Fishing is slow. Water level is 9 percent. Boat ramps are inaccessible.

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: Fingerling rainbow trout are about 8 inches in length, while legal-sized rainbows are running about 12 inches. Angling is improving.

POWDER RIVER: Fishing closed Oct.31 downstream of Hughes Lane Bridge. Open for catch and release upstream of Hughes Lane Bridge to Mason Dam. Artificial lures and flies only.

SHERLOCK GULCH RESERVOIR: Fishing has been good for legal sized trout. Check road conditions prior to traveling to reservoir.

SNAKE RIVER: Flow was 8,811 cfs near Nyssa and 11,507 cfs near Weiser on Oct. 29. Angling for catfish and smallmouth bass is slowing.

SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: Some of the roads still may be washed out, so anglers need to be cautious. Trout angling is fair.

SPAULDING RESERVOIR: Fishing has been fair for legal sized trout.

SUNSTONE RESERVOIR: Fishing has been good for legal size trout.

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: Fishing is poor. Water level is at 14 percent.

TOPSY RESERVOIR: Angling for Warmwater fish has been good.

UNITY RESERVOIR: Fishing is slow. Water level is at 22 percent. Boat ramp still accessible but docks have been taken out.

WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: The reservoir was 44 percent full Oct. 21. The boat ramp is accessible. Fishing for small perch is good.

WARNER LAKES: Fishing has been slow for warmwater species. Some fish are being caught around Hart Lake spillway and some of the northern lakes. Recent sampling shows high abundances of white and black crappie in the 8-10 in. range with some fish up to 15 in.

WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: Angling for warmwater fish has been fair.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: Fishing has been fair for trout and small crappie.

WOOD RIVER: Angling is good for brown and wild Redband trout.

YELLOWJACKET LAKE: Good angling for 9 to 16 inch rainbow trout, with most trout averaging 9 to 10 inches. Catch rates have exceeded one fish per hour.

HUNTING

SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA

HUNTING

Waterfowl hunting was good for geese and only fair for ducks over the third week of the 2006 season. Weather conditions remained mild and dry the entire week with mostly clear skies. Temperatures were cool, in the high 20's for the lows, but warmed to the 60's and 70's during the afternoons.

Hunter participation (564 check-ins) was down -4.7% from the same week last year, and the reported harvest (with 96.3% check-out) of 735 birds was down -16.1%.

Reported duck harvest (280) was down -41.3% from last year and consisted of 100 mallards, 56 N. shoveler, 53 gadwall, 40 Am. wigeon, 14 Am. green-winged teal, 9 N. pintail, and 2 each of bufflehead, canvasback, redhead and ringneck for an average of 0.54 ducks per hunter.

Reported goose harvest (422) was up +16.9% from last year consisting of 409 snow, 9 white-fronted, 4 Canada and averaged 0.82 geese per hunter.

Other species harvest (Am. coot [10] and Wilson's snipe [0]) was down -44.4% from 2005.

Upland game bird hunters reported the harvest of 3 roosters and 20 California quail, down -25.0% and up 25.0% respectively, from last year.

Overall harvest averaged of 1.42 birds per hunter for the week and was down -16.6% from 2005.

Hunters reported spending and average of 5.0 hours in the field, up slightly (+4.2%) from last year.

The weekly waterfowl count conducted on Wednesday Oct. 25 found about 32,100 ducks and 8,600 geese on the Area at that time. A majority (8,100) of the geese counted were snow geese. Goose numbers increased from the previous week, while duck numbers declined. Migrant tundra swans are beginning to appear indicating a southward movement from arctic Alaska. The next weekly count is scheduled for November 1.

Prospects for the next week are fair to good for waterfowl, provided weather conditions become harsher. Bird numbers are good, but due to hunting pressure, it will take more favorable weather conditions to result in increased hunter success. At the present time, most birds are in refuge areas or on Summer Lake proper and feeding opportunities remain favorable in those locations due to lack of ice and mild temperatures. Hunters with decoys will have the best success and pass shooting from dikes will be poor unless adverse weather conditions prevail.

Upland game bird prospects remain good due to favorable production this past breeding season. A few roosters are still being found, predominately at the north end of the Area. California quail are found in these same locations, primarily near old homestead and habitat improvement sites, and remain fairly numerous. Coveys were difficult to locate over the past week. Hunters will have to work hard at finding birds that have been pushed into dense cover and the use of dogs will improve success dramatically. Non-toxic shot is required for all game bird hunting and it is unlawful to possess toxic shot while in the field.

Hunters are reminded they must have a Daily Hunting Permit in their possession to hunt Summer Lake Wildlife Area. Daily Hunting Permits are available at the Headquarters Checking Station. Please follow all directions when obtaining hunt permits at the self-service check-in which is open 24 hours a day.

Check-out is mandatory and can be accomplished by filling out the harvest and activity information and dropping permits in self check-out boxes found at each of the campgrounds and major access areas.

Please remember to obtain Harvest Information Program (HIP) validations, waterfowl and upland game bird validations before arriving and to avoid delays in getting daily hunting permits and/or citations.

Again, please remember check-out is mandatory. Self check-out drop boxes are found at each of the Area's campgrounds and major access areas.

VIEWING

Viewing opportunities are only fair at this time. Fall hunting seasons are in effect and most birds are concentrated in refuge or sanctuary areas where viewing access is difficult. Fall migration is winding down for non-waterfowl migrants and nearly all species have departed the area. Waterfowl continue to arrive and or stage in good numbers. Tundra swans have recently appeared, returning from arctic breeding locales and en route to wintering areas in California.

The weekly waterbird count conducted on Oct. 25 found over 32,000 ducks (12 species) and over 8,6000 geese (Snow, Canada and white-fronted). Most other waterbirds species have departed the Area at this time but a few species can still be found. American coots remain especially numerous with over 6,100 tallied on the weekly count.

Resident raptors are scattered throughout the Area as well as on private lands along Highway 31. Northern harriers are especially numerous over marsh and hay meadow areas.

Falcons (both peregrine and prairie), bald and golden eagles can sometimes be seen during this time of the year.

Passerine species (primarily sparrows) remain fairly common around the Headquarters Complex, Summer Lake Rest Area, homestead sites and shelterbreak plantings at the north end of the Area where they are attracted to tree and shrub cover found at those locations.

Wetland habitat conditions remain excellent with extensive flooding and generally good water levels in nearly all units. The entire Area remains open and ice free at this time.

Emergent bulrushes, cattails and other sedges and rushes are in excellent shape and remain very robust and erect providing excellent food sources and shelter. Several large and extensive stands of emergent alkali bulrush have formed at the head of the lake and provide excellent habitat for many species of migrant waterbirds.

Summer Lake proper remains at a fairly high level and is increasing in size due to decreased evaporation and increased inflow from wetland units that are now full and spilling.

Upland sites remain in very good condition, providing abundant seeds for many species of birds. Trees and shrubs have produced abundant fruit and seeds. Invertebrate activity remains very extensive providing an abundance of food to migrant waterbirds.

The wildlife viewing loop is CLOSED and will remain that way through the end of game bird hunting seasons on Tuesday, January 31, 2007 and cross country travel by motor vehicles or ATV's is prohibited.

Non-motorized access and viewing opportunities are available in area other than posted refuges and the Schoolhouse Lake Viewing Blind provides a good opportunity to view refuging waterbirds.

Camping is permitted at four sites on the wildlife area.

For additional information on viewing opportunities please contact the Wildlife Area at phone (541) 943-3152, fax (541) 943-3204, or email at odfwslwa@gooselake.com.

NORTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Streams in the Northeast zone closed for trout angling Oct. 31.

HONEYMOON AND TEEPEE PONDS: Fishing is fair.

IMNAHA RIVER: A few steelhead are showing up, angler success remains low..

LOWER GRANDE RONDE RIVER: :A few steelhead are being caught in the Troy area, but angler success is low. Fair numbers of steelhead have migrated above Lower Granite Dam and angler success should pick up soon.

MARR POND: Fishing is fair.

MORGAN LAKE: Lake closeF to fishing Oct. 31.

SALT CREEK SUMMIT AND MCGRAW PONDS: Fishing is fair.

UMATILLA RIVER: Angling has improved some for steelhead in the lower river with a catch rate of 19 hours per fish. Over 800 steelhead have been counted at Three Mile Dam so for this fall. With this number of fish in the river, catch rates should improve significantly as water levels increase and water temperatures cool. Angling has been very good for salmon with a catch rate of 0.5 hours per fish and good for jack salmon with a catch rate of 9.6 hours per fish, over the last week. Moderate numbers of salmon have been counted at Three Mile Dam recently. No fish are being hauled upstream.

VICTOR POND: Has been stocked with legal and trophy rainbow. Fishing is fair.

WALLOWA WILDLIFE AREA POND: Fishing is fair.

HUNTING

BAKER DISTRICT

COYOTE: Fresh early morning tracks and the right wind can make for a successful calling situation. Be sure to ask permission if hunting on private property.

WALLOWA DISTRICT

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

WENAHA WILDLIFE AREA

Big Horn sheep can be seen on the cliffs adjacent to the Grande Ronde River Road. Bird watching is good at all elevations. The Wildlife Area is open to hunting during all legal seasons and for non-motorized recreation year round. Due to a State Parks Administrative Rule, open fires are prohibited year round within a quarter mile of the Grande Ronde River between Wildcat Bridge and the State Line. This area, designated a Scenic Waterway, includes BLM lands as well as State owned lands. Fires are permitted if contained within fire pans, but all debris and ashes must be packed out.

LADD MARSH WILDLIFE AREA

Hunters are reminded that possession or use of shot other than federally-approved nontoxic shot is prohibited at all times, except during authorized big game hunts.

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

FISHING

BROWNLEE RESERVOIR: Fishing is still good for most species. Bluegill, crappie and perch angling is better than it has been most of the season. Catfish and bass angling remains productive. Catfish have been biting well on worms and cutbait. The reservoir is rising and is at 32 feet below normal. Call Idaho Power Company's recording at 1-800-422-3143 to get information on access at recreational sites or visit www.idahopower.com under the "Rivers and Recreation" heading. For reservoir level information, visit http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/perl/dataquery.pl?k=brownlee.

SNAKE RIVER (Below Hells Canyon Dam): Steelhead season is open for adipose fin-clipped fish.

COLUMBIA RIVER ZONE

Salmon, Steelhead, and Shad: The following regulations are now in effect for the mainstem Columbia River from Buoy 10 upstream to the Oregon/Washington border above McNary Dam:

BUOY 10 UPSTREAM TO THE TONGUE POINT/ROCKY POINT LINE: Effective October 1 through December 31, the daily bag limit is two adult salmon (chinook > 24 inches or coho > 16 inches) with not more than one adult chinook and five jacks. The retention of chum and sockeye salmon is prohibited. Each angler aboard a vessel may continue to use angling gear until the daily bag limit of fish for all legally licensed and juvenile anglers has been achieved; however, no individual angler may exceed any personal bag limit.

TONGUE POINT/ROCKY POINT LINE UPSTREAM TO BONNEVILLE DAM: This section of the Columbia River is open to angling for chinook, adipose fin-clipped coho, and adipose fin-clipped steelhead. Effective November 1-December 31, boat angling for salmon is prohibited in the area from Beacon Rock upstream to Bonneville Dam. The retention of chum and sockeye salmon is prohibited. The daily bag limit is two adult fish, only one of which may be an adult chinook, and five jacks. Jack salmon are chinook ? 24 inches and coho ? 20 inches. It is unlawful to angle for jack salmon after the daily adult bag limit has been reached.

BONNEVILLE DAM UPSTREAM TO THE OREGON/WASHINGTON BORDER ABOVE MCNARY DAM: This section of the Columbia River is open to angling for chinook, coho (only adipose fin-clipped coho may be retained between Bonneville Dam and the Hood River Bridge), and adipose fin-clipped steelhead. The daily bag limit is two adult salmon or steelhead and five jack salmon. The retention of chum and sockeye salmon is prohibited. It is unlawful to angle for jack salmon after the daily adult bag limit has been reached.

Salmonid angler effort is waning in the lower Columbia with 34 boats and 15 bank anglers observed during the Sunday flight (October 29). Anglers are still catching some coho near tributary mouths, and chinook fishing is still fair in the gorge: however boat angling for salmon is prohibited in the area from Beacon Rock upstream to Bonneville Dam effective November 1-December 31. Catch rates for steelhead declined in the John Day Pool with bank anglers averaging 0.21 steelhead caught per rod and boat anglers averaging 0.33 steelhead caught per boat.

Gorge Bank: Weekly checking showed one adult and one jack chinook kept, plus one chinook released for 16 bank rods (incomplete trips).

Gorge Boats: Weekly checking showed seven adult chinook kept for three boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Boats: Weekly checking showed seven adult chinook, 28 adipose fin-clipped adult coho and one adipose fin-clipped coho jack kept, plus nine coho released for 91 boats (complete trips).

Portland to Longview Boats: Weekly checking showed no catch for 10 boats (complete & incomplete trips).

John Day Pool (Columbia River above John Day Dam and John Day Arm): Weekly checking showed nine adipose fin-clipped steelhead and one chinook jack kept for 43 bank rods; and 11 adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus six unclipped steelhead released for 49 boats.

Sturgeon:

BUOY 10 UPSTREAM TO WAUNA POWERLINES: This section of the Columbia River is closed to the retention of sturgeon because the 15,000 white sturgeon catch guideline has been met. Catch and release fishing will be allowed during the retention closure.

The following modifications were adopted for the 2006 mainstem Columbia River sturgeon fishery from Wauna powerlines (River Mile 40) downstream to the mouth at Buoy 10, including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries. The modifications include:

* Prohibit the retention of sturgeon seven days per week from Wednesday July 5, 2006 through Sunday Dec. 31, 2006.

* Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during retention closures.

WAUNA POWERLINES UPSTREAM TO BONNEVILLE DAM: Effective October 1 through December 31, this section of the Columbia River is open to the retention of sturgeon on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with a daily bag limit of one fish between 42 and 60 inches in length and the annual limit is five fish. The use of more than one single point barbless hook is prohibited. Catch and release of sturgeon is allowed on non-retention days.

The following modifications were adopted for the 2006 mainstem Columbia River Sturgeon fishery from the Wauna powerlines (River Mile 40) upstream to Bonneville Dam, including all adjacent Washington tributaries and the Willamette River downstream of Willamette Falls (including Multnomah Channel). The modifications include:

* Allow the retention of sturgeon three days per week on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and prohibit the retention of sturgeon four days per week on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday beginning Sunday October 1, 2006 through Sunday December 31, 2006.

* Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during sturgeon retention closures.

* Fishery will be managed for a catch guideline of 12,000 fish in this section of the Columbia River and specific retention dates may be adjusted to meet the guideline.

BONNEVILLE DAM UPSTREAM TO MCNARY DAM: In Bonneville, The Dalles, and John Day pools the retention of sturgeon is prohibited through December 31, 2006 because the white sturgeon catch guidelines have been met. Catch and release fishing will be allowed throughout the remainder of the year in all three pools.

Effective Thursday October 5, the area between Wauna powerlines upstream to Bonneville Dam, including all adjacent Washington tributaries and the Willamette River downstream of Willamette Falls is open for sturgeon retention on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Sturgeon angling remains best in the Gorge where boat anglers averaged 1.48 legal white sturgeon kept per boat, and bank anglers averaged 0.19 legal white sturgeon kept per bank rod. Boat anglers in Troutdale averaged 0.17 legal white sturgeon kept per boat, while anglers in the Portland to Longview area averaged 0.05 legal white sturgeon kept per boat. A variety of baits such as smelt, sand shrimp, squid, and roll mop are all producing keepers.

Gorge Bank: Weekly checking showed 78 legal white sturgeon kept, plus 10 legal, five oversize and 69 sublegal sturgeon released for 408 bank rods (incomplete trips).

Gorge Boats: Weekly checking showed 61 legal white sturgeon kept, plus eight legal, four oversize and 541 sublegal sturgeon released for 41 boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Boats: Weekly checking showed four legal white sturgeon kept, plus one oversize and 161 sublegal sturgeon released for 24 boats (complete trips).

Portland to Longview Boats: Weekly checking showed four legal white sturgeon kept, plus one legal and 291 sublegal sturgeon released for 89 boats (incomplete trips).

Estuary Boats & Bank: CLOSED for sturgeon retention through December 31, 2006.

Bonneville, The Dalles and John Day Pools: CLOSED for sturgeon retention through December 31, 2006.

Walleye: Troutdale: Weekly checking showed no catch for one boat.

MARINE ZONE

FISHING

A series of minus tides in the evening late this week and all next week will provide harvest opportunities for bay clams and, if surf conditions allow, razor clams. The entire Oregon coast is open for the harvest of razor clams. The daily limit for razor clams is the first 15 taken regardless of size or condition. For more information on Oregon's razor clams, including tips on how to dig razor clams, visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/razorclams. Sport harvest of mussels and bay clams is open coastwide also. A shellfish license is required for taking all shellfish.

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

Recreational crabbing is good in the bays with many sport crabbers reporting limits of large crab. The ocean is closed for Dungeness crab Aug. 15-Nov. 30. For sport crabbers the minimum size for Dungeness crab is 5 ¾ inches measured in a straight line across the back immediately in front of, but not including, the points. For a photograph and diagram see page 96 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

Fishing for rockfish and lingcod along the coast is good when ocean conditions allow. Anglers report fishing for lingcod is good. The marine daily bag limit for 2006 is six fish (including rockfish, greenling, flounder, sole, cabezon and other marine species) and two lingcod. Canary rockfish, yelloweye rockfish and vermilion rockfish may not be retained. For illustrations and descriptions of these species see page 101 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet or download the Red Rockfish Identification Guide at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/regulations/sport_fishing. The minimum length for lingcod is 24 inches, for cabezon it is 16 inches and for greenling it is 10 inches. For complete regulations please see http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/regulations_2006-marine.pdf.

The recreational salmon fishing in the ocean closed Oct. 31 except:

* The Elk River Fall Chinook Terminal Area fishery opens Nov. 1 and runs through Dec. 15 from Cape Blanco to Humbug Mountain from shore out three nautical miles.

* The Tillamook Fall Chinook Terminal Area sport fishery continues through Nov. 15 from Twin Rocks to Pyramid Rock from shore out three nautical miles.