The Oregon Recreation Report (fishing, hunting, viewing), updated Wednesday, Sept. 3, by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Archery season continues

Deer and elk archery hunting continues this week. Conditions over last weekend's opener were excellent in some northeastern Oregon counties like Baker and Grant where snow at high elevations and cold weather put animals on the move and made hunters quieter. Conditions were drier and hunters noisier in the Ochocos and southwest Oregon, where hunters should expect deer and elk to remain on higher ground for the next several weeks. Be sure to check with land managers such as ODF, Forest Service and BLM for the latest fire restrictions before hunting.

September Canada goose season

September Canada goose season opens this Saturday and runs for just a few days (Sept. 6-15). This hunt is primarily to assist landowners dealing with agricultural depredation by the geese and targets resident not migratory geese. Generally production for resident geese has been good so if hunters have done their homework and scouted the birds' location pre-season, hunting should be good. See the zone reports for more about location conditions. Remember some Klamath County and southwest Oregon counties west of Hwy 101 are closed to September goose hunting.

Sign up now for September youth upland bird hunts

Registration is open and slots can fill quickly. See list of dates and locations here.

High Cascade Lakes offer quiet, remote fishing

September can be a great month to fish the High Cascade Lakes. ODFW stocks several hike-in lakes and by September most fish have reached their maximum size for the year. Mosquito populations are declining in the cool fall temperatures and hiking conditions can be ideal. To help plan your trip, consult the Trout Stocking Schedule to see what lakes have been stocked, then check in with the local US Forest Service district office to learn about trail conditions, fire hazards, etc.

September Wildlife Viewing: Shorebird Migration

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. Visit the Marine Zone Viewing section for more information.

Oregon Hunting Access Map

ODFW's new Oregon Hunting Access Map is a great tool to find out where to hunt, especially for people new to hunting or new to the state. Even experienced Oregon hunters are likely to discover a new hunting location by exploring the comprehensive list of opportunities in a centralized place. You can even use it to start scouting for archery season. Find out more

WILLAMETTE ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities

* Summer steelhead are being caught on the lower Middle Fork Willamette and on the "town run" through Eugene-Springfield.

* Some coho are being seen at the mouth of the Clackamas River

* Smallmouth bass in the 1- to 2-pound range have been caught recently in the Willamette River between Portland and Newberg.

* 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. 6 - The Oregon Bass and Panfish Club will be putting in fish structures at Henry Hagg Lake. This will be a good opportunity to help improve habitat and one of Oregon's premier warmwater fisheries.

Sept. 7 n Clackamas River Clean-up, sponsored by the Association of NW Steelheaders, 9n a.m. n 1 p.m., Barton Park.

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.

STOCKING SCHEDULE

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

Salmon Creek will be stocked with 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout.

Faraday Lake will be stocked with 1,200 legal-sized trout.

The Mckenzie River below Leaburg Dam will be boat stocked with 3,000 legal-sized rainbow trout this week.

North Fork Reservoir will be stocked with 3,500 legal-sized trout.

Small Fry Lake will be stocked with 200 legal-sized trout.

Timber Lake will be stocked with 1,000 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 somewhat from its peak in mid-August, although prospects are still fair to good.

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.

* Bluegill Lake n 7 acres; Cascade Gateway Park in Salem off Hwy. 22. Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie.

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

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 crappy, 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

Fishing on the Clackamas River is slow. Anglers may find some early coho holding at the mouth of the Clackamas. Try fishing with plugs or spinners.

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

Detroit, Green Peter, and Foster reservoirs have all have been stocked numerous times with rainbow trout and are producing good catches. Bank fishing remains good as surface temperatures are still relatively cool. Detroit and Green Peter are also producing some good catches of 10-16 inch chinook, with some over 20 inches being taken. Kokanee catch has picked up with 12-15 inch fish being caught in Green Peter. Trolling at 20-25 feet with flashers and white corn or worms has been working well. Chinook salmon are considered trout in Detroit reservoir and are not included in the recent closure. In Green Peter Reservoir, chinook may be retained as part of the kokanee bag limit and are also not included in the closure. Foster reservoir was lowered to elevation 613 feet in late July for emergency spillway gate maintenance and inspections. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has since determined that it can safely raise the reservoir level to elevation 622 feet and maintain that elevation through the end of the summer recreation season. At these elevations, both the Sunnyside and Gedney boat ramps are useable. The Corps will draw water from Green Peter Reservoir to fill Foster, resulting in a lowering of Green Peter by about four feet. The Whitcomb Park and Thistle Creek boat ramps on Green Peter will remain usable following the refill operation at Foster. Click here for more information from the US Army Corp of Engineers.

EAGLE CREEK: steelhead

Fishing pressure on Eagle Creek has been low. 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

Anglers should be able to find some steelhead in the river between Stayton and Pack Saddle Park. Recycling of summer steelhead from the Foster Dam trap continues at a steady pace. Summer steelhead counts at Willamette Falls have exceeded 14,000 fish. Spring chinook numbers remain very low and all streams above Willamette Falls, except for the Molalla River, are now closed to the retention of any chinook.

SANDY RIVER: steelhead, spring chinook

A few holdover summer steelhead are being caught on the Sandy, although fishing pressure is light while anglers gear up for the arrival of coho, which should start showing up in a couple of weeks. The upper reaches of the river below its confluence with the Salmon River offer the best prospects.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: sturgeon, steelhead

Coho salmon should be starting to show up in 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. The mouth of the Clackamas might also produce a few coho this time of year. The fish ladders at Willamette Falls have been turned off while Portland General Electric conducts annual maintenance on the its facilities. Fish may be holding below the dam until passage is restored.

Smaller warm water species are being caught around docks, dolphins, pilings and other structures in the Willamette. Anglers are catching better-than-hand-sized crappie in larger numbers in the Multnomah Channel on worms and jigs with white nibbles.

Interest in sturgeon fishing has been picking up on the mid-Columbia since the months of August and September were added to the sturgeon season in Wauna to Bonneville section of the Columbia, the Willamette River and Multnomah Channel, although catch rates are still slow.

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.

WILLAMETTE ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: September Canada goose (Sept. 6-15), archery deer and elk, forest grouse, California and mountain quail, mourning dove, bear, cougar

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.

EVENTS

Register for youth upland bird hunts this fall

Sept. 13-14, Sauvie Island WA (Portland), 503 621 3488

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

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 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.

Resident CANADA GOOSE production was good and the geese can be found throughout the Willamette Valley. Pre-scouting goose movements is an essential part of goose hunting so if you did your homework, hunting should be good.

DEER and ELK bow hunting opens Aug. 30. For the most part, big game survived the winter just fine. To find deer, look for a variety of age classes and habitat types. Recent wet weather has prompted some, but not all private timber companies to allow some restricted access. Hunters wishing to hunt on private timberlands need to determine if the property wish to hunt is open. For elk, try looking in national forests just outside wilderness areas.

FOREST GROUSE, QUAIL, and DOVE hunting opened Sept. 1. Expect hunting to be fair this year.

The general statewide COUGAR season is now open. This time of year, cougar may be much harder to locate and hunters will need to rely more on calls to bring a cougar into the open. Continue to use predator calls that mimic the bleat of a fawn or elk calf or the distress sounds of a rodent but also consider calls that can imitate the territorial sounds of a cougar. 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. Hunters looking for the best chance of success should scout near concentrations of deer and elk to locate fresh sign. Once fresh cougar sign is located hunters have a variety of hunting options to choose from. Using predator calls that mimic the bleat of a fawn or elk calf may lure a cougar into view and hunters should always be ready to try a variety of sounds if their standard call is not producing.

The general fall BLACK BEAR season is open. In the fall, black bears are often found feeding on wild berries or eating insects and grubs from rotting logs. Berries and logs can be found in regenerating clear-cuts, burned areas or along streams and rivers. The Himalayan blackberries are ripe in most areas and are being used by bears. Hunters should take advantage of these food concentrations and scout around berry patches that are in remote areas, are far from heavily used roads and trails, or have heavy vegetation surrounding them which provides bears a safe daytime hiding spot and travel route. These sites commonly attract bears each year and hunters willing to spend the time scouting could find a productive, long term hunting location. Although huckleberries are beginning to ripen in areas, ripe berries are not necessarily widespread. Hunters should check their favorite huckleberry patches to determine if bears are using them yet. The bears will voraciously feed on these berries when they ripen and successful bear hunters should be glassing these areas early in the morning and late in the evening when they find sign of foraging bears.

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.

EE WILSON WILDLIFE AREA

Bird hunting is off to a good start; 36 hunters took 14 quail and 8 doves on the first day of the season (Monday, Sept. 1).

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. 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. (One section of levee in the western portion of the Fisher Butte unit is posted closed to provide wildlife sanctuary.)

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

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

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

Directions to Fern Ridge Wildlife Area.

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.

And why not bring your fishing pole? West Salish Pond was stocked with 667 trophy trout last week.

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

Nesting season is winding down and now it is time to start looking for a variety of song birds, also shorebirds starting their fall migration and juvenile bald eagles and great blue heron taking their first flights. The best viewing opportunities are at Coon Point, Oak Island Nature Trail and Rentenaar Road.

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

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.

Directions to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

NORTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

* Fall chinook are beginning to appear in the lower bays of the Siuslaw, Nehalem and Alsea rivers.

* Fishing for both resident and sea-run cutthroat trout continues to be good in several area rivers.

NORTH COAST LAKES

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.

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: cutthroat trout, chinook salmon

Fall chinook salmon are beginning to show up in the lower bay. 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) are showing up in tide water and the lower river and should reach good numbers over the next few weeks. 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. Bait use is restricted above tide water through August 31.

Current river levels

NECANICUM RIVER: cutthroat

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.

NEHALEM RIVER AND BAY: chinook, cutthroat

A few chinook are being caught in the lower bay up to the Wheeler area. Some good bites have been reported. There are also recent reports of coho in the Bay. Trolling herring near the bottom is productive in this part of the bay. 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

Angling for summer steelhead has been slow to fair, but the fresh dose of rain this week may improve angling success. 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.

SALMON RIVER: cutthroat trout

Sea-run cutthroat are starting to show in tide water and the lower section of river. Good numbers typically return over the next few weeks. 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. Use of bait above tide water is restricted through August 31.

SILETZ RIVER: summer steelhead, cutthroat trout

Summer steelhead fishing is slowing as river conditions are low clear and warm. Good numbers of fish are in the upper river. Catch rates are best early in the morning or in shaded sections of the river. 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 are returning with fair numbers down in tide water. 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: cutthroat trout, chinook salmon

Fall chinook salmon are in the lower bay has been 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.

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 a few fall chinook should begin entering the bay around the end of the month. The ocean terminal area off the mouth of Tillamook Bay opens September 1.

TRASK RIVER: steelhead, cutthroat trout

Summer steelhead angling should improve with the recent rains. 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. Johnson Bridge is being replaced. Demolition is complete and crews have been replacing support structures. 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, but should improve with recent rains. 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: cutthroat trout

Cutthroat trout fishing is fair to good throughout the basin and good numbers of sea-run cutthroat are returning to 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. Use of bait is restricted above tide water through August 31.

Current river levels for major north coast streams

NORTHWEST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: September Canada goose (Sept. 6-15), archery deer and elk, forest grouse, California and mountain quail, mourning dove, bear, cougar

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.

Look for GEESE in lower Columbia River and coastal estuaries.

DEER and ELK on the North Coast appear to have survived the tougher winter well so hunting should be about average.

Hunting for FOREST GROUSE and QUAIL is likely to be below average this year due to cold, wet weather.

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.

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 soon after harvesting one. See our website or call an ODFW office for details.

NORTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

Visit Gnat Creek Fish Hatchery

ODFW's Gnat Creek Fish hatchery is located about 15 miles east of Astoria on Highway 30. There is a pond and fish food station with large rainbow trout and sturgeon. Two nature trails wind through a coast range forest, providing visitors with a one-mile walk upriver or a 1 ½-mile walk down river, with picnic tables, park benches and native plant interpretive signs along the way. The hatchery provides 2-½ miles of easy fishing access. The Hatchery is open to visitors daily from 7:30 a.m. to dusk. An informational kiosk and picnic areas are available for visitor use.

For more information, visit ODFW's Web site.

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.

Astoria Area

Twilight Eagle Sanctuary

Located east of Astoria near Svensen is the Twilight Eagle Sanctuary. It's located on Wolf Bay, a slough area of the Columbia River, and is a host to a variety of local waterfowl, songbirds, raptors and shorebirds which are increasingly visible now that the young have left the nest and are more mobile. The sanctuary has a viewing platform, complete with interpretive panels about the area's wildlife and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It can be reached by turning off of Hwy 30 at about MP 87. Bring your binoculars and/or spotting scope.

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

* Fall chinook fishing is picking up in several areas including Coos Bay, the Coquille Estuary and the Middle Rogue River.

* Largemouth bass fishing on Eel Lake and other Coos County lakes has been good.

AGATE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie

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

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

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

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

Fishing is expected to be excellent for 8-10 inch trout most of the summer. 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 COUNTY LAKES: warmwater fish

Largemouth bass have been biting in Eel Lake. Concentrate your fishing efforts along the shoreline near aquatic vegetation using worms, jig or crankbaits.

Largemouth bass and other warmwater fish have been biting in other area lakes. Best fishing will be in the low light periods of the day.

COOS RIVER BASIN: chinook salmon, Dungeness crab

Chinook fishing in Coos Bay has been good. Most of the effort has been in the Marshfield Channel. 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.

Crabbing in Coos Bay is still decent. Best areas to crab are from Clam Island down to the jetties. There are also a few legal-sized Dungeness crabs being caught off of the boat docks in Charleston. Best baits to use for your crab pots are fish, chicken legs or turkey legs. The best time to crab is near high tide.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: chinook salmon, Dungeness crab

Chinook fishing is picking up 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. 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.

Crabbing has been decent in the Coquille estuary near Bandon. There are lots of crabs just under the legal limit.

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. In a recent tournament, the winner caught a 4 pound trout!

Using live bait fish is illegal in Oregon's fresh waters. If anyone observes an angler using 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 that it was in the past prior to the negative impact of the tui chub. In addition to the 50,000, 2007 "fingerlings," which are now 12 n 15 inches long, the ODFW has stocked about 77,600 catchable or larger trout in Diamond Lake. Fishing should improve as fall approaches.

ELK/SIXES RIVER: cutthroat trout

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

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

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

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

EXPO POND: rainbow trout

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

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout

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

GALESVILLE RESERVIOR: rainbow trout, bass

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

GARRISON LAKE: rainbow trout, bass

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, and they have been biting well on PowerBait and worms. Casting and retrieving lures or flies has also been effective, as has trolling lures or flies from a boat. Fishing for largemouth bass and panfish has been good. Several catches of large bass have been reported. Weather is heating up this week and big bass may move into deeper water during daylight hours. 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. Anglers have been successful at catching both rainbow and brown trout. The boat ramp at Poole Creek has been repaired to improve boat access. Lemolo will be stocked again prior to Labor Day weekend.

LOON LAKE: rainbow trout

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

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

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

MEDCO POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, panfish

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

PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: surfperch, bottomfish

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

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

POWERS POND: 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. Largemouth bass and bluegill are available also. Trout are hitting worms and floating baits. The bass and bluegill will take worms or a variety lures.

ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: chinook, steelhead, surfperch

Chinook fishing has been tough in the estuary, with a lot of the catch jacks. The best spot has been high tide off the mouth of Indian Creek as chinook are starting to hold waiting to return to Indian Creek Hatchery. As usual, an anchovy with a spinner blade is the number one bait, but straight bait or a spinner is a good second choice. Anglers fishing the river have not faired any better. The continued higher than normal flows and lower water temperatures have kept the chinook on the move and spread out.

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 been fair around Grants Pass. For chinook, kwikfish are a good bet. Summer steelhead fishing is picking up as summer progresses. Try crawdad plugs, spinners and glowbugs. 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 on September 2 was 2390 cubic feet per second.

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 September 2, the flow out of William Jess Dam (Lost Creek) was 2100 cfs and the outflow temperature was 52 degrees. As of August 25, 2,736 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 fishing is improving. Fish are spread throughout the upper river and fishing will 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 on flies and lures 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) will be stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout again this week. 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.

SMITH RIVER: bass, trout

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 (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 to Johnson Creek for stripers.

SOUTH COAST STREAMS: steelhead

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

SOUTHARD LAKE: trout

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, warmwater fish

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

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

UMPQUA HIGH LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

Diamond Lake and Lemolo are open for fishing. Meanwhile the department stocked Clearwater Forebay #2 this week for Labor Day weekend. Hemlock Lake was also stocked for Labor Day weekend. Anglers can also try Toketee which has good boat and bank access. Toketee is good for brown trout fishing, especially in the morning. Other high lakes such as Cliff, Buckeye, Linda, and Big Twin Lakes are now accessible for brook trout fishing.

UMPQUA RIVER MAINSTEM: steelhead, spring chinook

Remember the main stem Umpqua is now closed to wild steelhead harvest; it remains open year-round for adipose fin-clipped steelhead. 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

So far over 7,000 spring chinook and nearly 5,000 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 open for trout and bass fishing. Water temperatures are exceeding 70 degrees, so fishing for smallmouth bass should be good to excellent. The South Umpqua will close to all angling September 16th, and remain closed until winter steelhead season opens December 1.

WILLOW LAKE: trout

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

WINCHESTER BAY: sturgeon, ocean coho

Fishing remains slow for sturgeon. Sport fishing for ocean coho 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: September Canada goose (open Sept. 6-15, closed west of Hwy 101 in Coos, Curry, Douglas counties), archery deer and elk, forest grouse, California and mountain quail, mourning dove, bear, cougar

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

Deer - Bow season is currently open. Deer populations are similar to last year, with low levels at upper elevations and high 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. During the early part of the archery season, hunters should find deer on the northerly slopes and near water and green up areas. Check local fire restrictions before going hunting.

Elk - Bow season is currently open. Elk populations are similar to last year so this hunting year will be average. This prediction is a result of ratio increases, good escapement from last hunting season and another mild winter. During the early part of the archery season, 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 encouraged to contact private timberland owners regarding access restrictions before hunting.

Bear - General bear season is open. Hunters can expect an average year. The 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 at 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 n 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.

Western Gray Squirrel n 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 & Quail - Hunters can expect an average year being similar to last year. The season is currently open. The 2008 summer brood/chick counts point to slightly below average production but hunters should find good numbers of game birds out in the field.

Hunting availability and success for forest grouse should be also be good this year. 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 slightly below average for California quail and Mountain quail but hunting opportunity should be 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. 30th, 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 coming up Sept 15 - Sept 23. Hunters should concentrate their efforts on forested ridgelines with regenerated clear-cuts having adequate elderberry producing areas.

WATERFOWL: Early goose season east of Hwy. 101 in Douglas County is from Sep. 6 n Sep. 15. Goose hunters can expect an average to above-average year. Hunting for resident geese in Douglas County should be very good because of an excellent production again this year. Nearly all goose hunting in the Umpqua Valley is on private property and hunters should obtain landowner permission before hunting.

COOS COUNTY

Archery DEER and ELK hunting opened Saturday, Aug. 30. 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.

FOREST GROUSE, QUAIL and MOURNING DOVE hunting opens Sept. 1. 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.

Mountain Quail and California 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.

JACKSON, JOSEPHINE, CURRY COUNTIES

ELK archery season is open. Opening weekend appeared to be slow for Archery hunters, although due to Labor Day holiday there were many other people recreating throughout the weekend. Early fall elk surveys showed good bull ratios. Elk hunter 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. Many people were in the woods for opening season due the Labor Day holiday, although only a few were hunters. 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 state wide dove banding program occurred this summer 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. 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. 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. 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

EVENT

SWIFT WATCH 2008: SEPTEMBER 12, 13, 14

As summer draws to a close and the swifts have finished raising their young, these fascinating aerial acrobats begin to congregate in communal roosts prior to their migration in the fall. To raise awareness about swift conservation, the Driftwood Wildlife Association is doing a survey.

Here is how it works: Keep your eyes to the skies at dusk and watch for areas where swifts are feeding. Look for a tall shaft, chimney or similar structure to locate where Chimney Swifts (central to east coast) or Vaux's Swift (Pacific coast) go to roost in your area. Over the weekend, observe the roost starting about 30 minutes before dusk and estimate the number of swifts that enter. When you have your number, e-mail DWA@austin.rr.com

For more information, www.ChimneySwifts.org

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.

Acorn Woodpeckers can be fun to watch

The acorn woodpecker is a colorful medium-sized black-and-white clown faced woodpecker with a red crown; it is much sought after by birders to add to their lifetime bird lists. At this time of the year, this highly social woodpecker is commonly seen with young in the lower elevations of Douglas County in pine-oak woodlands where oak trees are abundant.

Look for it in Roseburg at River Forks Park, North Bank Management Area and Whistlers Park. The acorn woodpecker is a hoarder-look for signs of a granary in cracks and crevices of bark of large pine trees where it stores insects and acorns.

CENTRAL ZONE

FISHING

Weekend Fishing Opportunities

* Anglers are reporting good numbers of both steelhead and chinook salmon in the Columbia River at the mouth of the Deschutes. Best fishing is early morning. A few unusually large chinook are being caught.

* Trout fishing on the Deschutes has been very good, and steelhead fishing should pick up again with the onset of cooler temperatures.

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 continues to improve as the lower water levels move the fish into the channels.

CRESCENT LAKE: brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout

Anglers are reporting that fishing is slow for kokanee and brown trout

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout and mountain whitefish

All anglers are continuing to report positive results. The Crooked is currently flowing at 213 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 Deschutes plume where it enters the Columbia have reported a good early morning bite for both steelhead and chinook salmon.

Mouth to Warm Springs: steelhead, trout, fall Chinook

The steelhead catch rate slowed during the recent hot spell, but the fishing should improve with the cooler weather. The number of steelhead passing The Dalles Dam has improved. Water clarity has been relatively poor recently due to glacial flow from White River.

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

No recent reports.

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

East Lake anglers are reporting very good catches of brown trout. Rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon and kokanee are also being caught. Kokanee are 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 inch 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.

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

No recent reports. However, there is good opportunity for 8 to 12-inch rainbow with the potential for larger fish up to 18 inches.

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Reports of good angling for rainbow trout.

ODELL LAKE: kokanee, lake trout, rainbow trout

Anglers are reporting fair success for kokanee and lake trout. Please note that all bulltrout 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 as hit or miss. A number of anglers are picking up their limits though they're out early and not coming ashore until mid-morning.

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 fishing deep, and black crappie anglers are reporting consistent success. Bass anglers have reported improved success after 270 largemouth bass were transplanted from Davis Lake on August 8th averaging one fish per pound.

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. 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.

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

Anglers report fishing is a little slow, though anglers are still catching a few nice redband trout, browns and kokanee. There are reports of fly anglers having success for kokanee on the Deschutes arm. 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.

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: September Canada goose (open Sept. 6-15), archery deer and elk, forest grouse, mourning dove, mountain quail (Hood River and Wasco counties) bear, cougar

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 free youth upland bird hunts

Sept. 13-14, Mid-Columbia (Wasco-Sherman Counties), 541 296 4628

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

Call the numbers 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.

PRINEVILLE/OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT

Bear and cougar general seasons, early antlerless elk hunts, forest grouse, and dove seasons are open. The fire closure around Black Canyon wilderness has been lifted, but the closure around Bridge Cr. wilderness remains in effect at this time. Hunters should consult Ochoco National Forest regarding closures in and around Bridge Cr. wilderness. 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 as well as confusion regarding fire closures limited archery season success over opening weekend. Generally success was low, with hunters having a difficult time. Many hunters reported seeing both deer and elk, but having a difficult time approaching animals due to the noisy conditions. Hunters are encouraged to call the Ochoco National Forest and Prineville BLM to get the latest fire closure information..

BEAR are scattered throughout this region, with the greatest numbers present on the higher elevation forested portions of the Ochoco National Forest in the Ochoco and Grizzly units.

This time of year COUGARS are distributed at all elevations throughout the Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly units. Hunters should focus on areas where water and feed conditions have concentrated deer, antelope, or elk, as these same locations will be frequented by cougars.

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: Freezing temperatures over opening weekend likely started the exodus of doves from the region. Weather conditions are predicted to warm and hunters should check agricultural lands, the Crooked River National Grasslands, and BLM lands to see what birds remain in the area. 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 also opens in September, with 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 there 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.

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.

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 mountain quail season opens on September 1st. 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. Opening weekend was slow. Most hunters were seeing deer and elk scattered around the wildlife area but found most of the deer at higher elevations. Elk hunters found a fair number of elk scattered around the wildlife area but most of the bulls are still in the bachelor groups at higher elevations.

With the opening of dove season a fair numbers of hunters are around wheat fields near water. Forest grouse and Mt Quail are on the area but in small numbers. Look for these in the brushy creek bottoms at the higher elevations on the wildlife area.

CENTRAL ZONE VIEWING

Prineville Area

NOTE: Active fires on and around the Ochoco National Forest have resulted in portions of the forest being closed due to fire fighting activities. 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 osprey, bald eagles, golden eagles, red-tail hawks and other young raptors from nests in the area. The shoreline area offers great views of blue herons, killdeer, phalaropes, Canadian Geese, Mallards, and a variety of other birds and mammals. Otter, raccoon, and beaver are active and a patient and quiet observer may be treated with a view of them. A canoe or kayak are an ideal way of checking out the shoreline. Motorized traffic within the management area is restricted to the north side access road and designated routes into dispersed camping sites.

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

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, 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

* Fishing for 10 to 16-inch redband trout on the Blitzen River has been good.

* Twin Lake in Baker County had an additional 1000 one-half pound rainbows stocked in it last week.

ANA RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout, hybrid bass

Ana Reservoir is open all year long for rainbow trout and hybrid bass angling. The reservoir is at full capacity. Fishing has been good for rainbow trout. The use of live fish for bait is prohibited. Olive colored-mayflies have been observed hatching in 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 has dropped to 30-35 cfs and will remain at this level until the first week in 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.

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 varied from approximately 43 to 48 cfs from August 28 through September 2. The reservoir was 16 percent full on September 1. The reservoir is expected to reach minimum water level as early as mid-September. Angling in the reservoir is poor for rainbow trout and slow for crappie.

BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

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

BLITZEN RIVER: trout

Mainstem Blitzen and tributaries (except Little Blitzen) have a two fish trout bag limit from May 24 through October 31. The Little Blitzen is a catch and release fishery year-round. Angling is fair to good for 10 to 16-inch redband trout. Flow was stable from August 28 through September 2, averaging near 35 cfs.

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

Water level in the reservoir continues to drop. The reservoir was 17 percent full on September 1. The reservoir is expected to hit minimum water level in early 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 for 12 to 19 inch rainbow trout. Water temperature is high and the reservoir has an extensive algae bloom. Some fish mortality has occurred. 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. ODFW surveys found bass up to 6 lb in the reservoir and many bass were 12 inches or larger. Angling is good for redband trout above Paisley. River levels are low and water clarity is good.

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. Bait fishing has been productive, as has fly fishing during the morning and early evening hatches. Aquatic vegetation makes fishing difficult from the South and West side of the lake.

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: native redband trout

Fishing for native redband is good. 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 should be good for lake trout and rainbow trout. 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.

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

Angling has been fair for crappie. Angling has been good for yellow perch and bullhead can be caught off the bank at 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 but fish are still being caught along the shoreline. 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. Most kokanee are fewer than eight inches. 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 for 12 to 16-inch largemouth bass. A variety of gear has been effective. There is good bank access near the boat ramp and on the southwest shoreline. There is also an accessible fishing platform near the boat ramp.

KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: redband trout

Angling for redband trout has been fair. 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 very good for catching redband trout. Most redband trout in this section range from 6-12 inches. The Klamath River below the Powerhouse is fair for redband trout 10-14 inches. 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 will be stocked this week with trophy rainbow trout for Labor Day weekend. Angling for brown trout has been fair. 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. Hatchery trout are still being caught in good numbers, most in the eight to 10-inch size range. 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 creating poor angling.

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 August 18, discharge below Warm Springs Dam averaged 405 cfs. Angling for trout is slow.

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

On September 2, discharge below Juntura was approximately 592 cfs. Angling for trout is slow.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The water level continues to drop. The end of the boat ramp was visible on August 1. The reservoir is expected to come close to minimum water levels late in the irrigation season. Angling for rainbow trout has slowed as water temperatures increased.

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

No recent angling report. With low flow, fishing should be fair to good. Remember to release bull trout.

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

No recent angling report. With low flow, fishing should be fair to good. 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 and rainbow trout. The Lake is open to angling 24 hours/day with successful brown trout anglers targeting the early morning and late evening hours. Most kokanee in the lake are less than eight inches and 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 is half full. 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 probably slow due to the warm water 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 31 percent full on September 1. The boat ramps at McCormick State Park and Leslie Gulch are out of the water. Angling for crappie is fair. Angling for bass is fair to good.

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

Angling for rainbow trout and brown trout remains good. Catches of brown trout from 12 to 20 inches are common. Rainbow trout are less abundant, but anglers have been catching some larger fish. Flows averaged 216 cfs September 2.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish

Discharge at the Rome gauge varied from approximately 102 to 136 cfs from August 28 through September 2. 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 reservoir is not expected to last the season. The reservoir was stocked with legal-sized (8-10 inch) rainbow trout on May 22. There are few larger rainbow trout in this reservoir. Angling has slowed.

POWDER RIVER: trout, spring chinook

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 slowed with the warm weather.

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. Trout will be seeking deeper water as water temperatures increase and the algae in the lake blooms in late summer.

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 8 percent full September 1. Inflows ranged from 2 to 3 cfs from August 28 through September 2. The reservoir is expected to reach minimum water level as early as mid-September. Fishing is slow.

WARNER LAKES: black crappie, brown bullhead, yellow perch

Fishing for crappie and perch has been good. 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.

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: September Canada goose (open Sept. 6-15, closed Klamath County), archery deer and elk, forest grouse, mourning dove, bear, cougar

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 free youth upland bird hunts

Sept. 6-7, Klamath Wildlife Area (Klamath Falls), call tel. 541 883 5732

Sept. 13-14, Ontario, call 541 889 2859

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.

LAKE COUNTY

September Canada GEESE hunting is open. The Warner Wetlands and Warner Valley lakes north of Hart Lake have water and good vegetation that should provide good waterfowl hunting opportunities.

Archery DEER and ELK seasons opened on Aug. 30. 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 QUAIL hunting opened Sept. 1. 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.

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

September Canada GOOSE hunting is closed.

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.

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.

HARNEY COUNTY

Conditions are dry so GOOSE hunting is expected to be poor.

Archery deer and elk season opened Aug.30. Elk populations continue to be stable in the Silvies and Malheur River Units, and hunting is expected to be good depending on weather conditions. Deer hunting is expected to be only fair, throughout the county, with fewer young bucks available as a result of poor fawn survival the past two years.

Hunters in the Silvies Unit should be aware that travel in the 2007 Egley Fire complex is still limited to main roads. Contact the Emigrant Creek Ranger District at (541) 573-4300 for further information.

Nearly 14,000 acres in Harney County open to hunt

Thanks to ODFW's Access and Habitat Program, nearly 14,000 acres of private property (the Jenkins and Jordan Access Properties) are now open to hunt. See the link above for more information

KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA

Dove hunting is allowed all month with the exceptions of Sept. 6 and 7 when the area is closed to all hunting other than the Youth Upland Bird hunt, and on Sept. 27 and 28 when the Youth Waterfowl Hunt occurs.

September goose hunting is closed.

Remember to use only federally approved non-toxic shot.

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

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 opened on Saturday Aug. 30. Mule deer can be found throughout the Wildlife Area with Northend and other agricultural areas providing the best opportunities.

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

Mourning dove season opened on Monday Sept. 1, 2008. Daily hunting permits are required, and hunters must use federally approved non-toxic shot.

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

Look around green agricultural fields or wetlands in the early mornings and evenings to see deer and antelope and fawns while they are actively feeding during the cool part of the day. Please remember that if you find a fawn, leave it where it is as the mother is probably nearby.

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

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

Road and habitat work: Some wetland units in Subunits A and 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

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

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

Summer Lake Wildlife Area

This section was updated on August 27. Vehicle access to the Wildlife Viewing Loop is open. Major dike roads (Bullgate, Gold, Windbreak and Work) opened on August 15 for motor vehicle use.

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

NOTE: Wetland enhancement/construction activities may close portions of the Viewing Loop temporarily during August and early 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.

Nearly all of the Area's wetlands are well flooded and receiving considerable waterbird use. Ducks, shorebirds, waders and passerine species are staging in good numbers and all species are well into breeding season activities. Brood rearing continues for some late or renesting waterfowl, but most breeding season activities are completed. Fall migration is well underway and southward migrants are appearing in good numbers.

Waterfowl

Brood rearing for some late nesting or re-nesting species continues. Flighted broods can sometimes be seen. Drakes have lost their bright and colorful nuptial plumage and are in their dull eclipse plumage. Most have completed the molt. 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 will be arriving from Alaskan breeding in the next few days.

Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds

Shorebird fall migration is in full swing now. Resident and regional breeding species as well as south bound migrants are staging in good numbers at this time. Good numbers of dowitchers (mostly long-billed), peeps (least and Western sandpipers) and phalaropes (Wilson's and red-necked) can 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 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 The 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, nearly 100 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. Caspian and Forster's terns, American white pelicans, Great egrets, white-faced ibis and gulls are quite common and can be found feeding on small fish and invertebrates in the Area's larger ponds or canals. 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. Osprey can be found at Ana Reservoir and along the River Ranch Road in close proximity to Ana River. They are frequently observed perched on telephone poles.

Upland game birds

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

Eurasian collared doves remain at Headquarters Complex and resident mourning doves are fairly common. Migrant doves are beginning to appear.

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. 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. All three common swallow species (barn, cliff and tree) remain fairly numerous at Headquarters Complex and the River Ranch barn but many have migrated south. Bank and Northern rough-winged swallows can still be found along the Ana River Canyon.

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 August and early September. Please check with Wildlife Area staff by telephone or email for current conditions.

Other major dikes (Bullgate, Gold and Windbreak) and the Work Road are now open. Non-motorized access is still permitted on these major dikes and other lesser ones.

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

Habitat

Many of the Wildlife Area's wetland habitats remain well flooded now, and large areas of shallowly flooded seasonal wetlands are available to waterbirds. Evapotranspiration rates are very high (about 0.30 inches a day) and many wetland areas are receding. Irrigation season in Summer Lake Valley has resumed following haying season and a significant decrease in flows down Ana River and towards many wetland units on the Wildlife Area is occurring. Water levels will recede in some seasonally flooded wetland units and will provide diverse foraging opportunities to breeding and migrant waterbirds. These wetlands are favored by a wide variety of migrants as well as nesting or brood rearing resident birds and are very rich in natural food sources. New feeding locations are being exposed on a near daily basis now as evaporation rates rise radically in the summer heat.

Wetland enhancement/construction activities have resulted in rerouting of water causing increased flooding in some areas, while receding levels in others. This results in considerable new and expanded foraging opportunities to many wildlife species.

Warm day time temperatures has allowed for the emergence of large numbers of flys, midges and other flying insects especially in Bullgate Refuge where habitat enhancement activities last summer created ideal conditions for these and other invertebrates. Mosquitoes, deer flys and horse flys are very numerous now 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 are flooding. As mowed meadows are reflooded considerable raptor and waterbird use will occurs.

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

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

NORTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend Fishing Opportunities

* Fishing has greatly improved at Olive Lake due to the stocking of triploid rainbow.

* Trout fishing on the lower Grand Ronde, Wallowa and Imnaha rivers should be improving with the onset of cooler temperatures.

ALDRICH PONDS: trout

Limit is two fish per day. Access is 4 wheel drive only plus a two mile hike. Fishing has slowed due to weed growth but some nice trout are available. Fishing should improve with cooler weather.

GRANDE RONDE, WALLOWA, IMNAHA RIVERS AND TRIBUTARIES: trout

Trout angling in the lower Grande Ronde, Wallowa, and Imnaha Rivers is fair to good. Trout angling should improve with recent cooler weather.

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.

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. 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 been slow but should improve with cooler weather.

JUBILEE LAKE: trout

The lake has been stocked with legal-sized trout, and angling should be 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

Fair fishing for 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 slow. All fish are being caught in deep water.

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 summer 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 is poor for rainbow trout. High water temperatures are inhibiting success.

TROUT FARM POND: trout

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

UMATILLA FOREST PONDS: trout

Most ponds have been stocked and angling should be fair.

UMATILLA RIVER: trout

Catch and release trout angling 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: September Canada goose (open Sept. 6-15), archery deer and elk, forest grouse, mourning dove, bear and cougar

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 hunts

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

Sept. 13-14, Ladd Marsh WA (La Grande), tel. 541 963 2138

Sept. 13-14, John Day, tel. 541 575 1167

Sept. 20-21, Baker City (hunt at Baldock Slough), tel. 541 963 2138

Sept. 20-21, Irrigon WA (Pendleton), tel. 541 276 2344

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.

Nearly 20,000 acres in Union, Baker Counties open to hunting

The Widman, Forsea Ranch and Smutz Access Areas in Baker and Union counties are now open to hunt, thanks to ODFW's Access and Habitat program. See link above for more information. Maps for these properties will be available later this fall; Forsea Ranch map can be accessed here (PDF).

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.

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.

Local GOOSE production was good this year.

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 - seasons opened Aug. 1. 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.

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 seasons opened September 1. 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 for archery, forest grouse, and mourning dove. The rest of the wildlife area is closed until Oct. 11 opening of waterfowl and quail season.

GRANT COUNTY

There are few resident GEESE in 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. The district experienced very good weather for opening weekend (cold with snow in the high elevations) which made animals more active and the forest quieter. Due to weather conditions, expect animals to be widely dispersed. Remember that the Canyon Creek area of the Strawberry Wilderness is traditional archery only-long bows or recurves-for the first seven days of the season.

FOREST GROUSE and DOVE hunting opened Sept. 1. 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.

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.

GOOSE hunting in the Columbia Basin is expected to be good for resident birds during the early portion of the season.

ELK opened with a 6% success rate, with five spikes taken by the 78 hunters checked. The colder weather that the district has received should continue to improve the hunting. 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 The archery opener was slow with a success rate of 3%, 2 bucks taken. 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.

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.

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

GOOSE hunting opens Sept. 6-15. Columbia Basin Wildlife Areas (Power City, Irrigon, Coyote Springs, Willow Creek) are spots to try.

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.

High numbers of COYOTES can be found in the lower elevation forested areas of Umatilla County on public land. Calling will produce a number of opportunities in coyote concentration areas. Looking for tracks along roads or ridgelines will provide a good indication of the presence of coyotes in any specific area.

WALLOWA DISTRICT

Most GEESE are found on private agricultural land; remember to ask for permission.

Archery ELK hunting is expected to be good this year. Hunting conditions are dry, but not nearly as dry as previous years and cool temperatures will result in more animal movement. All units have good bull to cow ratios. Archers can expect more rutting activity as the season progresses.

Archery DEER season will be 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.

Noregaard, Whiskey Creek, and Shamrock vehicle road closures will be in effect beginning Aug. 27. Wildhorse Ridge n Tepee Butte roads in the Chesnimnus unit, and the Lord Flat Road and PO Saddle Road in the Snake River unit will be closed to vehicles starting Aug. 27.

FOREST GROUSE (blue and ruffed) season opened Sept. 1 with a daily bag limit of 3 birds of each species. 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.

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

COUGAR numbers are still strong through out the district. Hunters will improve chances of success by locating a recent kill site and calling in the area or waiting for a lion to return to a cached carcass.

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.

BAKER COUNTY

There are few resident GEESE in Baker County.

DEER and ELK archery hunting opened Aug. 30. 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 opens Sept. 1. 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 now open. Remember bear check-in is 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Union County

Many young birds are hatching around the valley. Look for game birds such as California quail and ring-necked pheasants along rural roads in the evenings and at dusk. Turkey polts have been reported at several sights around the county. Song birds are plentiful throughout the Grande Ronde valley and are most active during the cooler portions of the day.

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

ODFW's Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, La Grande

Fall migration has begun 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, and in some cases their colts, may be seen from points along Foothill Road, Pierce Road and Hot Lake Lane. Many of the young cranes have fledged, but a few remain grounded. 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 in the Glass Hill Unit west of Foothill Road. Dog training is allowed in that unit from August 1 until the opening of the upland game bird season.

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

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

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

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

FISHING

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

Crappie fishing is very good. Fish are 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

Flows near Nyssa ranged from 6600 to 10,250 cfs from August 28 through September 2. Flows near Weiser ranged from 10,200 cfs to 12,400 cfs from August 28 through September 2. Angling is fair for 18 to 28 inch catfish. Smallmouth bass angling is fair.

COLUMBIA ZONE

FISHING

Effective 12:01 AM Sunday August 31, 2008 all salmon and steelhead angling is prohibited in the area from Buoy 10 upstream to the Tongue Point/Rocky Point line.

Weekend Fishing Opportunities

* Chinook retention opened Monday Sept. 1 (Labor Day) below Bonneville Dam (please note special regulations). The river is full of fall Chinook from Clatskanie to Bonneville with more than 13,000 Chinook passing Bonneville Dam daily over the holiday weekend.

* Walleye anglers have been doing well in the gorge, Troutdale, and St. Helens areas.

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 anglers had a good opening day for fall Chinook retention. In the lower Columbia this past holiday weekend salmonid anglers had the best success in the gorge where boat anglers averaged 0.86 fall Chinook caught per boat, while in Troutdale boat anglers averaged 0.78 fall Chinook and 0.13 coho caught per boat. In the Portland to Longview area boat anglers averaged 0.68 fall Chinook and 0.09 coho caught per boat. In the estuary above Tongue Point boat anglers averaged 0.06 fall Chinook and 0.03 coho caught per boat. Bank angling in the gorge was fair this past weekend where anglers averaged 0.09 fall Chinook caught per bank rod.

Gorge Bank:

Weekly checking showed 10 fall Chinook adults, one fall Chinook jack, and seven adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept, plus two fall Chinook adults and one fall Chinook jack released for 134 bank anglers.

Gorge Boats:

Weekly checking showed two fall Chinook adults and one fall Chinook jack kept, plus four fall Chinook released for seven boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Bank:

Weekend checking showed no report.

Troutdale Boats:

Weekend checking showed two adipose fin-clipped coho kept, plus 18 fall Chinook adults, one unclipped coho, and one unclipped steelhead released for 23 boats (complete trips).

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekly checking showed 175 fall Chinook adults, three fall Chinook jacks, 15 adipose fin-clipped coho, and 12 adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus 55 fall Chinook adults, three fall Chinook jacks, 16 unclipped coho adults, one unclipped coho jack, and eight unclipped summer steelhead released for 339 boats (complete trips).

Portland to Rainier Bank:

Weekend checking showed no catch for three bank anglers.

Estuary Boat (Above Tongue Point):

Weekend checking showed one adipose fin-clipped coho kept, and two fall Chinook released for 33 boats (complete trips).

STURGEON:

Sturgeon fishing is still slow in the Columbia River above Wauna power lines; however, anglers are beginning to see more legal and oversize sturgeon.

Gorge Bank:

Weekend checking showed eight legal white sturgeon kept, plus three oversize and 22 sublegal sturgeon released for 101 bank anglers.

Gorge Boats:

Weekend checking showed three legal white sturgeon kept, plus 11 oversize and 368 sublegal sturgeon released for 32 boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Bank:

Weekend checking showed no catch for three bank anglers.

Troutdale Boats:

Weekend checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept, plus one oversize and 43 sublegal sturgeon released for nine boats (complete trips).

Portland to Rainier Bank:

Weekend checking showed 13 sublegal sturgeon released for 29 bank anglers.

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed two legal white sturgeon kept and 29 sublegal sturgeon released for 10 boats.

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:

Weekend checking showed five walleye kept for one boat.

Troutdale boats:

Weekend checking showed five walleye kept for two boats.

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed eight walleye kept for two boats.

MARINE ZONE

FISHING

Tuna are showing up within 20-30 miles more regularly within the past couple of weeks. Last weekend showed a decrease in effort because of ocean conditions. Even with the decrease in effort last weekend, 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 this week.

All-depth openings for Pacific halibut is every Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the central coast n Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain n until the quota is reached or Oct. 26. The nearshore season (inside 40 fathoms) for the central coast is open seven days a week. South of Humbug Mountain the season is seven days a week through Oct. 31. More information is at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/finfish/halibut/index.asp.

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 for anglers is now at five fish. In an effort to avoid yelloweye rockfish, the bottomfish fishery moved inside of 20 fathoms. Sport anglers may still retain two lingcod, but that fishery is also restricted inside of 20 fathoms. The regulation changes took effect July 7 and are scheduled to continue through December 31. These changes do not affect other fisheries (Pacific halibut, salmon, surfperch, tuna and so on). Boat anglers may no longer retain cabezon.

Anglers may fish for flatfish, like sanddabs, flounder and sole, inside the 40-fathom line through Dec. 31, since anglers can generally avoid incidental catches of rockfish when targeting those species. A list of groundfish and fish included in the five-fish marine bag limit and waypoints for the 40-fathom line can be found in the 2008 Oregon Sport Ocean Regulations for Salmon, Halibut and other Marine Fish Species.

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

Recreational mussel harvesting from Cape Meares in Tillamook County to the mouth of the Columbia River is closed due to elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning or PSP toxins. The closure includes mussels on the beaches, rocks, jetties, and at the entrance to bays in this section of the Oregon Coast. Coastal scallops are not affected by this closure when only the adductor muscle is eaten.

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 south of Arcadia Beach. 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 ½-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 closed Aug. 15 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 5¾ inches measured in a straight line across the back immediately in front of, but not including, the points. For a photograph and diagram see page 101 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

MARINE ZONE VIEWING

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