The Oregon Recreation Report (fishing, hunting, viewing), updated Tuesday, Sept. 23, by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Youth waterfowl hunting Sept. 27-28

Youth age 15 and under will get the field to themselves this weekend (before the opening of statewide waterfowl season Oct. 11) during a youth-only waterfowl hunt at ODFW wildlife areas and other locations statewide. See page 22 of the Oregon Game Bird Regulations for more information. There is also still room left at EE Wilson Wildlife Area (Monmouth) youth pheasant hunt going on at the same time; call (541) 745-5334 to sign up.

Archery hunting ends Sunday

Archery hunting is on through Sept. 28, and many hunters are out in the field this week to take advantage of cooler weather and better hunting conditions. See the zone reports and the hunting forecast for more about local conditions.

Tag sale deadline is Oct. 3

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

Learn to tie your own flies, Saturday, Oct. 11

This one-day class will show you how to ties wet, dry and streamer flies. All equipment, materials and lunch will be provided. The workshop will be held at the ODFW Headquarters in Salem. For more information, contact mark.newell@state.or.us or (503) 947-6018. Cost: $40.00

Salmon spawning in many areas

Salmon have one of the most interesting life cycles of any fish. Near Bend: Spawning kokanee at Sheep's Bridge on the Deschutes arm of Wickiup Reservoir provide a great fish viewing opportunity for the next several weeks. Wallowa County: There are kokanee spawning in the Wallowa River above Wallowa Lake. Near Eugene: Visit Willamette Hatchery to see chinook salmon spawning. See Regional Viewing Reports for more information.

Your hunting and fishing dollars at work n

Providing hunting access to 1.5 million acres of North Coast private land

Last year, nearly 50,000 deer and elk hunters hunted in the North Coast Watershed District. All had the option of hunting on over 1.5 million acres of private land in the Wilson, Trask, Scappoose and Saddle Mt wildlife management units, thanks to their hunting license fees.

The North Coast Access Area opens private forestland to any hunter from three days prior to general archery season through the first of December, so archery and rifle deer and elk hunters can use it along with hunters pursuing bear, grouse, quail, and band-tailed pigeon. Find out more

WILLAMETTE ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities

* Coho salmon are now being caught in the Clackamas and Sandy rivers.

* Junction City Pond, Walter Wirth Pond, Walling Pond, St. Louis Ponds, and Salish Pond will be stocked with jumbo trout (1 to 1.5 lbs.).

* 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.

* Catch-and-release angling for cutthroat trout remains open through Oct. 31 in many Willamette Valley streams.

EVENTS

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

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

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

STOCKING SCHEDULE

Junction City Pond will be stocked with 500 jumbo-sized (1-1.5 lbs each) trout.

Walter Wirth Pond will be stocked with 350 jumbo-sized trout.

Walling Pond will be stocked with 150 jumbo-sized trout.

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

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

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

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

Mt. Hood College Pond will be stocked with 400 legal-sized trout and 50 larger trout.

Timber Lake will be stocked with 1,000 legal-sized trout.

St. Louis Ponds will be stocked with jumbo trout.

Salish Pond will be stocked with jumbo trout.

Bass crappie, bluegill, and catfish are available in most of the valley floor ponds.

WARMWATER FISHING OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

Benton County

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

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

Clackamas County

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

Marion County

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

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

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

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

Multnomah County

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

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

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

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

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

Columbia County

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

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

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

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

Washington County

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

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

CLACKAMAS RIVER: coho, steelhead

Summer steelhead angling continues to be slow. The best steelhead angling has been above Barton, with the area from Dog Creek up to Rivermill Dam providing some opportunity for steelhead bank anglers. The lower areas of McIver Park might also be worth the effort. The spring chinook fishery is essentially over and this far into the season the quality of chinook caught would be poor.

The coho catch remains slow to fair with reports of a few caught as far up as Bonnie Lure Park. The greatest opportunity for bank anglers will likely be down in the Gladstone area closer to the river mouth and the bowling alley. Boat anglers are seeing a few fish in most holes all the way up to McIver Park but the majority of the coho appear to be holding down near the mouth. This is expected to be another good coho season however low water will make angling tough until some fall rains come into the area.

The river level has held steady for the past several weeks and low flows should be expected to continue. The Monday readings for the Clackamas showed flows at 1,070 cfs (11.1') with a water temperature of 56°.

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

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

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

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

EAGLE CREEK: steelhead, coho salmon

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

Fishing pressure on Eagle Creek has been low. Stream flows have dropped to seasonal lows, and fish bound for the Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery are likely holding in the Clackamas and Willamette until water levels increase. The most popular spots to try include the Bonnie Lure area, the water above and below the lower fish ladder, Eagle Fern Park, and up near the hatchery. Much of the creek meanders through private property so pay attention to your location and secure permission before fishing on private land.

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

Prospects should be good.

EE WILSON Pond: Largemouth bass

This is the last week to fish at the angling pond at EE Wilson Wildlife Area. The pond will close to angling 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: rainbow trout

The pond will be stocked with 500 jumbo-sized trout (1-1.5 lbs. each) this week.

MOLALLA RIVER: steelhead

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

NORTH AND SOUTH SANTIAM: steelhead

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

SANDY RIVER: coho, steelhead,

The coho started to show up in the Sandy below the hatchery in large numbers this week. With the word spreading, the angling pressure has exploded.

Coho are being caught in the mainstem of the river and in the Cedar Creek area near the hatchery. The creek remains at low early fall flows. Another good run of coho is expected so fishing should improve into October, particularly when the fall rains arrive.

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

Mainstem Sandy River water levels are still fairly low and boaters need to watch for submerged logs and rocks. The river has been running fairly clear throughout most days. Monday's readings showed flows steady at 610 cfs (8.15') with the water temperature holding near 54°.

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

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

WALLING POND: rainbow trout

Will be stocked with 150 jumbo-sized (1-1.5 lbs each) trout this week.

WALTER WIRTH POND: rainbow trout

Will be stocked with 350 jumbo-sized (1-1.5 lbs each) trout this week.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: sturgeon, steelhead, warmwater species

Anglers are directing most of their effort towards white sturgeon or warmwater fish in the lower Willamette. Coho are also available near the mouth of the Clackamas along Meldrum Bar. Boat anglers have had fair success for coho working the mainstem Willamette in the Gladstone to Oregon City area. The September 23 conditions showed Willamette flows at 9,400 cfs, a water temperature reading at 60°, and the visibility at a very clear 6.8 feet.

The sturgeon catch has been slow in most sections of the lower Willamette. From the lower Portland Harbor near St Johns up through the Milwaukie/Oregon City area sublegal sturgeon are providing much of the catch. Bank fishing for sturgeon can be found at Meldrum Bar and at the wall in downtown Oregon City. Sturgeon anglers have been using frozen smelt, shad, or herring as effective bait.

Anglers are reminded that the Willamette provides an excellent warm water fishery in the summer and early fall months. You can expect to find an abundance of bass, crappie, and bluegill available. Target the rocky outcroppings, structures, or old pilings. Casting a variety of plugs or jigs near the shoreline can be successful. A simple bobber and night crawler might prove to be the right choice also. The local tackle shops can set you up with the right gear and direct you to the best spots.

Anglers are reminded that the river above Willamette falls is open to retention of unmarked fish. As many as 4,000 wild coho are expected to cross into the upper reaches of the Willamette this year.

HIGH LAKES:

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

WILLAMETTE ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Archery deer and elk (closes Sept. 28), fee pheasant hunting (at Fern Ridge and Sauvie Island wildlife areas), forest grouse, California and mountain quail, mourning dove, bear, cougar, youth waterfowl (Sept. 27-28)

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

Visit the Region's Fall Hunting Forecast

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

EVENTS

Register for youth upland bird hunts this fall

Sept. 27-28 EE Wilson Youth Pheasant Hunt. Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. Hunting begins at 8 a.m. For more information, call (541) 745-5334.

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

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

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

ARCHERY HUNTERS are finding that bull ELK are rutting and bugling bulls are heard on occasion. The cooler weather this week should result in increased movements of elk during the day. Even so, the majority of elk movement will still occur in the evenings and early morning hours. Hunters able to locate and set up stands along trails leading from a preferred feeding area into the cooler daytime bedding areas on north slopes, along creeks and wetlands will have the best success.

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

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

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

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

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

EE WILSON WILDLIFE AREA

This week ODFW staff released 190 pheasants on the 1,788-acre Wildlife Area in anticipation of this event. Last weekend a total of 115 youths participated in the pheasant hunt and bagged a total of 55 birds.

There are still lots of spaces available for youngsters who want to participate in the free youth PHEASANT hunt that will take place over the September 27-28 weekend at EE Wilson Wildlife Area. Registration opens at 6:30 a.m., followed by hunting at 8 a.m. There is no charge to participate, although youngsters over the age of 14 must purchase a juvenile hunting license for $4.50 and possess a hunter's safety certificate. Kids under 14 must also have a valid hunter's safety certificate and juvenile license, which are issued free. Each participating youth must be accompanied by an adult. In addition to hosting the pheasant hunt, EE Wilson will participate in the statewide youth WATERFOWL hunt, which will take place at several wildlife areas across the state. Waterfowl are not abundant at EE Wilson, but a few ducks to make use of two ponds that currently have water. For more information or to make a reservation, call the Wildlife area at (541) 745-5334. EE Wilson Wildlife Area is located approximately 10 miles north of Corvallis on Hwy. 99W. The address is 29555 Camp Adair Road, Monmouth, OR 97361.

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

SAUVIE ISLAND WILDLIFE AREA

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

WILLAMETTE ZONE VIEWING

Corvallis Area

EE Wilson Wildlife Area

Visit the Wildlife Area after 5 p.m. in October for the best wildlife viewing. Hunting in October ends at 5 p.m. so viewers have the area to themselves. Look and listen for songbirds and game birds-quail, doves and pheasants. There should be deer to see at dusk and last week viewers enjoyed watching a river otter.

Waterfowl and shorebirds are scare but as soon as the wet weather comes, their numbers will start to build.

From Albany, take Highway 20 toward Corvallis and after 5 miles turn right on Independence Highway. Go 3 miles and turn left on Camp Adair Road, then proceed 2 miles to the wildlife area. Find directions to EE Wilson Wildlife Area.

Eugene/Springfield Area

Salmon Spawning Now

Salmon have one of the most interesting life cycles of any fish on earth. Visit ODFW's hatcheries in the Springfield area to view this amazing event.

Leaburg Hatchery

Spring chinook salmon are currently spawning in the McKenzie River. One easy place to view the salmon during this spawning ritual is in front of Leaburg Hatchery. Directions.

Willamette Hatchery

Adult spring chinook salmon are easily seen at McKenzie and Willamette hatcheries. Please remember to be respectful of the spawning fish and to observe the salmon quietly, without disturbing them. Willamette Hatchery directions.

McKenzie Hatchery

McKenzie Hatchery will be spawning broodstock on Sept. 22, 25, 29 and Oct. 1. McKenzie Hatchery directions.

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area

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

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

There is an elevated viewing platform in the Fisher Butte unit just south of Royal Avenue that is open year-round. A second viewing platform is located 1/4 mile north of the Fisher Butte unit parking lot on Hwy 126.

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

Directions to Fern Ridge Wildlife Area.

Salem Area

Silver Creek Falls State Park

There are lots of birds to see and hear including American dippers and mountain quail. Listen for owls in the evening.

Nestled in the lower elevation of Oregon's Cascade Mountains lies a temperate rain forest. It is here that the Trail of Ten Falls/Canyon Trail can be found. The Canyon Trail and the falls descend to a forest floor covered with ferns, mosses, and wildflowers. You will also find stands of Douglas fir, hemlock, and cedar. While thousands visit the park every year, it is large enough for you to find quiet places to sit and watch for birds.

See the Silver Falls State Park Web site for directions, maps and a bird list, http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_211.php

Sauvie Island

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

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

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

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

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area is located on Sauvie Island, only 10 miles north of Portland off Highway 30. Approximately 12,000 acres are under management by the Oregon Department of Fishing Wildlife. A parking permit is required for the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area and can be purchased at ODFW Point of Sale vendors or at the Sauvie Island ODFW office, Monday through Friday during office hours.

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

Directions to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

Teaching the salmon life cycle to kids

Visit the Eagle Canyon exhibit at the Oregon Zoo, http://www.oregonzoo.org/Exhibits/GreatNW/EagleCanyon/salmon.htm

Download a color book created for kids by the USFWS, http://www.piercecountywa.org/xml/services/home/environ/ed/life%20cycle%20of%20a%20salmon.pdf

NORTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

* Fall chinook salmon are beginning to show up in the bay through tidewater of the Alsea River.

* Sea-run cutthroat (blue backs) can be found in good numbers in tidewater and much of the mainstem Siuslaw river.

* Fall chinook fishing in the Yaquina River tidewater is fair but expect it to pick up over the next couple weeks or with the next good rain event.

NORTH COAST LAKES

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

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

MID COAST LAKES

Stocking rainbow trout for the mid coast lakes has ended for the season. Most water bodies had a final stocking in late May or the first week in June. Fishing will remain fair to good at most locations through the summer.

WARM WATER FISH ANGLING OPPORTUNITIES

The Mid Coast has numerous lakes or reservoirs which offer good angling for naturally produced warm water fish species, such as large mouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, brown bullhead and crappie. Typically the best fishing is from late spring to mid fall while water temperatures are warm. Tactics such as casting or trolling lures, jigging baits near bottom or using the traditional bait and bobber technique are all productive from either a boat or from shore. Below is a list of lakes near local coastal cities that offer warm water angling opportunities.

Devils Lake (Lincoln City): Offers fair to good year-round trout fishing and also has slow to fair angling for largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill.

Big Creek Reservoirs 1 & 2 (Newport): Offers fair largemouth bass fishing, slow to fair angling for yellow perch and bluegill and good year-round angling for rainbow and cutthroat trout.

Olalla Reservoir (Toledo): Offers fair largemouth bass fishing, slow to fair angling for yellow perch, bluegill and brown bullhead and good year-round angling for rainbow and cutthroat trout.

Sutton and Mercer Lakes (northern Florence): Fair to good angling for largemouth bass and decent angling for bluegill, and potential for crappie and brown bullhead. Offers year-round rainbow and cutthroat trout fishing.

Woahink Lake (southern Florence): Can be good to very good for yellow perch and offers fair to good angling for largemouth bass and bluegill.

Siltcoos Lake (south of Florence): A large lake with numerous fingers, lots of shoreline structure and a couple large tributaries. Offers fair to good angling for largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch and brown bullhead. There is good year-round rainbow and cutthroat trout fishing and a good seasonal fishery for coho salmon.

Tahkenitch Lake (south of Florence): A large lake with numerous fingers, lots of shoreline structure and a couple large tributaries. Offers good to very good angling for largemouth bass and yellow perch, and fair to good angling for bluegill, crappie and brown bullhead. There is good year-round cutthroat trout fishing and a good seasonal fishery for coho salmon.

ALSEA RIVER: chinook salmon, cutthroat trout

Fall chinook salmon are beginning to show up in the bay through tidewater. Catch rates have been slow with trolling being the most effective. The fishery is anticipated to pick up by the end of the month or a good rain event. Anglers are reminded of the temporary rules for 2008 fall Chinook angling, the combined bag limit for non-fin clipped adult chinook is one daily and five per season in the aggregate for all open ocean terminal areas and rivers.

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

Current river levels

NECANICUM RIVER: cutthroat, chinook

Sea-run cutthroat angling (catch and release) should be fair to good. Use small lures or flies in the riffles or pools near some cover. A few fall chinook are showing up in tidewater.

NEHALEM RIVER AND BAY: chinook, cutthroat

Fall chinook and hatchery coho are being caught in the lower bay up through tidewater. Some good bites have been reported on occasion. A few coho have ascended the north fork, but water levels are very low. Trolling herring near the bottom is productive in the lower bay; bobber and eggs are commonly used in the upper tidewater areas. Sea-run cutthroat fishing should be good in tidewater areas and upstream. Casting or trolling small lures or flies in tidewater areas is productive.

NESTUCCA RIVER: steelhead, cutthroat trout, chinook

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

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

Chinook salmon and hatchery run coho salmon are showing up in fair numbers in tide water. Catch rates have been slow to fair with sporadic good bites. Typically good numbers show by the end of September. Sea-run cutthroat trout can be found in tide water and the main stem river. Resident cutthroat trout can be found through out the river. Anglers should concentrate in pools or shaded areas. Casting spinners and spoons or drifting small flies can be productive. Using dry flies is more challenging but can have great results.

SILETZ RIVER: chinook salmon, summer steelhead, cutthroat trout

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

Summer steelhead fishing is slow as river conditions are low and clear. Catch rates typically pick up after the first rains of the season. Hatchery fish have been recycled back downstream. These fish have a plastic tag near the dorsal fin. Please report tagged fish to the Newport Office (541-867-4741). Drifting jigs and flies or casting spinners and spoons can be very productive. Bait is also allowed; sand shrimp and cured eggs work well. Anglers are advised to leave wild steelhead in the water while releasing. Sea-run cutthroat trout can be found in fair to good numbers from tide water well up into the main stem river. Resident cutthroat trout can be found in good numbers throughout the basin. Riffles and pools and areas near cool water sources are productive as the river temperatures start to rise. Casting or drifting small lures, flies or bait can be productive.

SIUSLAW RIVER: chinook salmon, cutthroat trout

Fall chinook salmon fishing in the bay through tidewater has been slow to fair. Trolling herring or large spinners has been the most effective with a few good bites reported. Anglers are reminded of the temporary rules for 2008 fall chinook angling, the combined bag limit for non-fin clipped adult chinook is one daily and five per season in the aggregate for all open ocean terminal areas and rivers.

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

TILLAMOOK BAY: coho, chinook salmon

Hatchery coho and fall chinook are available throughout the bay. Fishing for salmon has been fair, with some good bites reported. The ocean terminal area off the mouth of Tillamook Bay has been fair for chinook.

TRASK RIVER: coho, steelhead, cutthroat trout

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

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

WILSON RIVER: steelhead, cutthroat trout

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

YAQUINA RIVER: chinook salmon, cutthroat trout

Fall chinook salmon fishing in the lower bay up to Toledo has been slow to fair with a few good reports from anglers recently. The fishery is anticipated to pick up through tidewater over the next couple weeks or next good rain event. Anglers are reminded of the temporary rules for 2008 fall chinook angling, the combined bag limit for non-fin clipped adult chinook is one daily and five per season in the aggregate for all open ocean terminal areas and rivers.

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

Current river levels for major north coast streams

NORTH COAST HUNTING

OPEN: Archery deer and elk (closes Sept. 28), forest grouse, California and mountain quail, mourning dove, bear, cougar, youth waterfowl (Sept. 27-28)

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

NEW: Visit the NW Fall Hunting Forecast.

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

ARCHERY: Archery season continues with an increased effort on state land due to the majority of private lands closed to fire danger. Several ELK have been harvested in the surrounding area including one very large 6x7 bull. Observations of elk herds have indicated that the elk rut is in full swing.

DEER and ELK on the north coast appear to have survived the tougher winter well so hunting should be about average. Deer numbers are generally modest, but with excellent buck escapement from last year's seasons. Elk populations are high with good bull prospects in the Wilson and Trask units and fair bull hunting in the Saddle Mtn. unit. Recent east winds have increased the fire danger and a number of timber companies have closed lands for non-motorized access, especially on the east slope of the coast range. Know whose land you want to access and check their policies first. The toll-free recreational access hotline in Oregon is 1-888-741-5403. A reminder that archery season closes after September 28.

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

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

BLACK BEAR have been very active on the north coast this summer. While earlier berry crops like salmonberry and thimbleberry were sparse and late, the later ones such as salal, huckleberry, blackcap and Himalaya berry are plentiful. Travels in the higher elevations of the coast range have revealed bumper crops of wild huckleberries, blackcaps and other native berries. Hunting for bears in these areas, especially in clearcuts, should be productive. Like with cougar, an aggressive calling strategy works best if you are actively hunting bears. Reminder: starting this year, successful bear hunters must now check in their bear at an ODFW office no more than 10 days after harvesting one. See our website or call an ODFW office for details.

NORTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

Free Color Brochure: Seabirds of the Pacific Northwest

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

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

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

* The Chetco River fall chinook ocean terminal fishery opens Oct. 1 and runs through Oct. 4. Anglers can expect excellent fishing for some the coast's largest salmon.

* The Rogue Bay is turning out anything and everything. Anglers are catching chinook, coho and crab and it is not unusual to see one boat have all three.

* Several lakes and reservoirs in the zone will be stocked with trout this week including Applegate and Lost Creek reservoirs, and Fish, Hyatt and Willow lakes.

AGATE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie

Angling for bass, bluegill and crappie has been fair.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Applegate will be stocked with 900 large trout this week. Angling for smallmouth bass has been good. Find and fish deeper water in the reservoir during the time the reservoir is drawn down.

ARIZONA POND: trout

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

BABYFOOT LAKE: rainbow trout, bass

The lake is located in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness outside of Cave Junction. Anglers should contact the USFS in Cave Junction for maps and road conditions.

BEN IRVING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass

Ben Irving Reservoir, west of Winston, has been stocked with about 4,000 trout to date.

CHETCO RIVER: chinook salmon

The Chetco River fall chinook ocean terminal fishery opens Oct. 1 and runs through Oct. 4. Anglers can expect some excellent fishing for some the coast's largest salmon. This fishery is in the ocean and anglers are reminded to check the regulations and terminal fishery boundaries before fishing.

COOPER CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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

COOS RIVER BASIN: chinook salmon

Chinook fishing in Coos Bay is slow the past week. The Chinook are spread out from the Highway 101 bridge to the mouth of the forks of Millicoma and South Fork Coos rivers. Chinook are also being caught in lower Isthmus Slough. Trolling spinners or herring is an effective way to catch chinook. A good place to fish from shore is along the boardwalk in downtown Coos Bay. The majority of the fish being caught here are jacks. 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.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: chinook salmon

Chinook fishing is slow in the Coquille River. Chinook are spread throughout the river from the Arago Boat Ramp to Bullards Beach Boat Ramp Trolling spinners or herring are the preferred baits. Another area to fish for Chinook is around the Bandon Marina and near the mouth of Ferry Creek. There should be 3-year old Chinook returning to these areas from our acclimation site on lower Ferry Creek. Anglers should make sure to fish in areas that are safe and where they have permission to fish. Emergency fall chinook salmon regulations began August 1 and continue through December 31, 2008. Check the ODFW website or contact the local ODFW office for these emergency regulations.

DIAMOND LAKE: rainbow trout

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

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

Anglers are reminded the boat speed limit will be 10 mph all day. This is the same speed limit as in the past prior to the negative impact of the tui chub. In addition to the 50,000 carry over fish from 2007 which are now 12 n 15 inches long, ODFW has stocked about 77,600 catchable or larger trout in Diamond Lake including some larger trophy trout. Fishing should improve as fall approaches. Highway 138 from Roseburg to Diamond Lake was re-opened Sept. 21.

ELK/SIXES RIVER: cutthroat trout

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

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

Little pressure has been reported at Emigrant. Some stocked rainbows are still available. Fishing can be good for smallmouth and largemouth bass in September and October. Anglers should fish structure, the dam face and dike structures in Emigrant and Hill Creek arms.

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

EXPO POND: rainbow trout

Angling for bass and panfish has been good. Fishing bait, either from a bobber or on the bottom with weight, can be effective. The pond is located immediately adjacent to the access road at Gate 5 at the fairgrounds.

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout

Fish Lake will be stocked with 900 large trout this week. Brook trout are also available in Fish Lake and fishing for them can be productive in September and October as they are preparing to spawn and become more aggressive.

GALESVILLE RESERVIOR: rainbow trout, bass

Galesville Reservoir is open to angling year-round. Galesville has been stocked with about 8,000 catchable size trout to date and the 25,000 sub-legal size trout stocked last fall are now legal-sized. Some anglers report seeing external "worms" on a few of the trout or in their gills. These are copepods, a fish parasite, which occur naturally throughout the watershed. The copepods can be removed and the fish safely consumed. Galesville was stocked in June with about 55,000 adipose-clipped hatchery coho which are now legal size. In Galesville Reservoir, all landlocked salmon are considered trout. Thus, there is a 5 per day trout limit, with only one trout over 20 inches in length allowed for harvest. Trout fishing should pick up as water cools this fall. Anglers are reminded all bass between 12 and 15 inches must be released, and only one bass over 15 inches may be taken per day.

GARRISON LAKE: rainbow trout, bass

Anglers can expect good trout fishing through late fall. Weed growth will still make bank fishing pretty tough. Bank access is limited to the State Park along the foredune or 12th street boat ramp. Anglers should keep an eye on the weather and target the lake when winds are light.

HERBERT'S POND: rainbow trout, warm water fish

Herbert's Pond is a small pond just east of Canyonville on Tiller Highway. The pond has a good warm water fishery for kids including bluegill, crappie, and bass. The pond was stocked with a couple hundred trout in early June to provide some additional fishing opportunity while the pond is still cool enough to keep the trout healthy. The pond has very good bank access.

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

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

HYATT LAKE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass

Hyatt Lake will be stocked with 450 large trout this week. 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

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.

LAKE SELMAC: rainbow trout

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

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

Lemolo Lake has been stocked with about 5,000 catchable trout plus some trophy-sized rainbow trout to date. Two weeks ago, 1,500 trophy trout were stocked. Anglers have been successful at catching both rainbow and brown trout. The boat ramp at Poole Creek has been repaired to improve boat access. Highway 138 was re-opened on Sept. 21, but call ahead if unsure of road closures.

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 will be stocked with 600 large trout this week. Pressure at Lost Creek has been light. Bank anglers primarily fish either floating bait or worms. Boat anglers use a wide variety of techniques. Trollers often fish wedding ring and night crawler combinations behind a weight, while fly anglers can have success both trolling and casting. Angling for smallmouth bass has been fair.

MEDCO POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, panfish

Fishing bass and panfish has been fair.

PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: bottomfish

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

POWERS POND: warmwater species

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

REINHART PARK POND: trout, warmwater fish

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

ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: chinook, steelhead, coho, crab

The Rogue Bay is turning out anything and everything. Anglers are catching chinook, coho, and crab and it is not unusual to see one boat have all three. The fishing is not red hot, but anglers are reporting some pretty good fishing days. Anchovies are still the number one bait.

Steelhead fishing is hit or miss in the river. Anglers should watch for weather changes to bring more fish into the river.

Rogue River flows

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: trout, steelhead

Angling for fall chinook has improved around and below Grants Pass. Recent reports have been good. For chinook, kwikfish are a good bet. Back bouncing roe can also be effective. Several anglers have reported good catches of jacks. Summer steelhead fishing is picking up as fall approaches. Try crawdad plugs, spinners and glowbugs. For bait fishers, side drifting small balls of roe is effective. Small lures may be the best bet. Fly anglers may have success fishing riffles in mornings and evenings. More summer steelhead are expected to push up river in coming weeks and fishing will likely improve. The flow at Grants Pass on Sept. 22 was 1470 cubic feet per second. Lower flows will make it easier to pinpoint where fish are holding.

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

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

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: trout, steelhead

As of Sept. 22, the flow out of William Jess Dam (Lost Creek) was 1185 cfs and the outflow temperature was 51 degrees. As of Sept. 16, 2954 summer steelhead have been counted at Gold Ray Dam. Angling for chinook is now closed above Gold Ray. From September 1 to October 31, angling between Gold Ray Dam to Cole Rivers Hatchery, is restricted to artificial flies only. Consult the regulations for more information. Steelhead fishers have reported mixed results. Some anglers have had good days while for others action has been very slow. Fishing will still probably be best in morning and evening and on cloudy days. Trout fishing has been good and can be a great activity between morning and evening steelhead sessions. Pressure has been light to moderate.

Emergency harvest restrictions were enacted on the Rogue River to protect wild spring chinook salmon due low numbers of adults returning to the river. As of Aug. 1, from Gold Ray Dam to Cole Rivers Hatchery is closed to chinook angling.

ROGUE RIVER (SECTION 5): rainbow trout

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

SODA SPRINGS RESERVOIR: brown and rainbow trout

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

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

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

SOUTH COAST STREAMS: trout

Trout season in the Umpqua tributaries, Smith River, South Umpqua, North Umpqua tributaries below Soda Springs Reservoir and Cow Creek basins closed Sept. 15. The mainstem Umpqua and mainstem North Umpqua to Soda Springs Dam are open year-round for catch and release trout. North Umpqua mainstem and tributarties above Soda Springs Reservoir remain open for trout angling until Oct. 31.

SOUTHARD LAKE: trout

Southard is a small lake accessible by trail. Anglers not familiar with the area should contact the USFS office in Gold Beach for maps and road conditions.

TENMILE BASIN: largemouth bass

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

TOKETEE LAKE: brown trout

Fishing is open in Toketee year-round, and the best fishing occurs early in the morning. The lake has both good bank and boat access throughout.

UMPQUA ESTUARY: sturgeon, bass, chinook, coho

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

UMPQUA HIGH LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

Diamond Lake and Lemolo are open for fishing. Clearwater Forebay #2 was stocked a few weeks ago with 400 trophy trout. Hemlock Lake was also stocked for Labor Day weekend with 1,400 trophy trout. Other high lakes such as Maidu, Bull Pup, Connie, Skookum, Calamut, Fuller, Wolf, Cliff, Buckeye, Linda, and Big Twin Lakes are now accessible for brook trout fishing and have been stocked this year. Highway 138 is re-opened as of Sept. 21.

UMPQUA RIVER MAINSTEM: steelhead, spring chinook

Remember the main stem Umpqua is closed to wild steelhead harvest, but 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.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead

As of August 20, over 7,400 spring chinook and nearly 5,400 summer steelhead have passed Winchester Dam. Remember that only adipose fin-clipped steelhead can be harvested on the North Umpqua. The North is open to catch and release trout fishing from the mouth upstream to Soda Springs Dam. Season opened for adipose fin-clipped coho on August 1. There will be few fin-clipped coho returning to the North Umpqua this year since the hatchery program was discontinued in 2005. There will still be fin-clipped coho in the mainstem Umpqua from the South Umpqua hatchery program.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: smallmouth bass

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

WILLOW LAKE: trout

Willow Lake will be stocked with 250 large trout this week. 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 Aug. 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.

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: Archery deer and elk (closes Sept. 28), forest grouse, California and mountain quail, mourning dove, bear, cougar, youth waterfowl (Sept. 27-28)

RATTLE FIRE CLOSURES: Highway 138 is now open to public travel; the highway speed limit has been reduced from 55 mph to 45 mph in the four-mile stretch of highway that was damaged by the fire. The Boulder Creek Wilderness Area and Forest road closures remain in effect. Check the Umpqua National Forest web site at www.fs.fed.us/r6/umpqua or call 541-672-6601. Public use restrictions have been lifted. The 2134 road south from Campers Flat Campground on the Willamette National Forest is signed as closed. The Forest Service is encouraging people who want to hunt or camping in the Reynolds Ridge area or the Calapooya Mountains to go elsewhere on the Umpqua and Willamette national forests.

NEW: Visit the SW Region Fall Hunting Forecast

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

Register for youth upland bird hunt

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

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

Pheasant Hunt at Denman Wildlife Area

Sixteen participants, all beginner pheasant hunters, took 31 pheasants at the BOW hunt this past weekend (Sept. 20-21) at Denman Wildlife Area. They were helped by 15 volunteers including several with hunting dogs who let participants hunt with their dogs. 100 pheasants were donated by the Rogue Valley Chapter of Oregon Hunters Association; the remaining pheasants are still present on Denman and youth hunters will have a shot at them this weekend during the youth pheasant hunt (and waterfowl hunt for age 15 and under). See this link for other scheduled outdoor workshops.

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 continues through Sept. 28. Western Oregon General Rifle season opens up on Saturday Oct. 4. Deer populations are similar to last year. Hunters are reminded to obtain permission before hunting on private lands. Hunters should find deer on the northerly slopes and near water and green up areas. Check local fire restrictions due to fire danger before hunting. The Rattle Fire up the North Umpqua east of Roseburg continues to grow so check with the USFS for up to date information on road closures and other restrictions.

Elk - Bow season continues through Sept. 28.

Bear - General bear season is now open. Hunters can expect an average year. Hunters should concentrate their efforts in the berry patches in early morning and late afternoon. Bear numbers are good with the highest numbers in the coast range. 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 and wildly distributed. Hunting success is best around high deer population areas using a predator call.

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

UPLAND GAMEBIRDS:

Grouse & Quail n The season is currently open. Hunters can expect a good hunt year since the 2008 summer brood/chick counts point to slightly below average production year. Hunting availability and success for forest grouse should be also be good. 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 - The season ends Sept. 30th. Don't forget to ask for permission from local landowners before hunting doves on private land.

Band-tailed Pigeons- The permitted season ended Sept 23.

Crow n Crow season opens up October 1st. Hunters can expect an average year. Crow are abundant and widely distributed on the Umpqua Valley floor. Hunting crow is a challenge with most being on or adjacent to private lands.

COOS COUNTY

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

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

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

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

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

COUGAR season is open. Cougars are abundant throughout with indicators pointing to stable or increasing numbers. Hunting cougar is a challenge because these animals are very secretive, but harvest success is greatest adjacent to private land with high deer populations using a predator call. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters.

JACKSON, JOSEPHINE, CURRY COUNTIES

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

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

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

BEAR season is open. Hunters are having very good success during these first few weeks of bear season. Bears have been found in early morning and late evening clear cuts and open grassy meadows. Some nice bears have been taken incidentally by hunters pursuing archery deer or calling for elk, so be sure and have your bear tag with you. Successful hunters, don't forget-you must bring bear skulls in thawed and with mouth propped open so biologists can collect and measure needed teeth and are able to tag skulls. Remember check-in is now mandatory. More information

General COUGAR season is open. Cougar populations continue to be plentiful. Predator calling has become one of the best methods for hunters. Locate major ridge lines and rocky out-cropping as areas of travel within cougar home range. Cougars have been harvested incidentally by hunters pursuing archery deer or calling for elk, so be sure and take your cougar tag with you. Hunters are reminded that they must bring their cougar into an ODFW office within 10 days to be checked and tagged, refer to regulations for details. Hunters are asked to bring in cougars thawed and mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

WESTERN GRAY SQUIRREL hunting is a great opportunity for young hunters to hone their hunting skills. A portion of the Rogue unit is open year round with no bag limit; refer to regulations for more detail. Squirrels are found throughout the Rogue unit with only a few hunters taking advantage of this hunting opportunity.

SOUTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

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.

Douglas County

Migrants head south

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

Vaux swifts swoop into Roseburg

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

Western Pond Turtles

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

CENTRAL ZONE

FISHING

Weekend Fishing Opportunities

* Steelhead fishing has been good on the Deschutes River between the mouth and Sherars Falls. Expect good numbers of steelhead between Sherars Falls and the Locked Gate the next couple of weeks.

* Anglers should expect peak numbers of Hood River summer steelhead in late September.

ANTELOPE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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

BIG LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout

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

CLEAR LAKE: rainbow trout

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

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

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

CRESCENT LAKE: brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout

No report.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout and mountain whitefish

Anglers reported success throughout the summer and the trend seems to be continuing with cooler temperatures. Bait anglers are encouraged to get their fishing in as bait is only allowed until October 31, and will not resume until spring 2009. ODFW and OSU have initiated a radio telemetry study on redband trout and whitefish, and anglers are reminded that radio-tagged fish cannot be legally harvested. To determine if a fish is radio-tagged, anglers should check for an eight-inch wire antenna protruding from the rear of both redband and mountain whitefish. A sample of redband trout and mountain whitefish are also tagged with a numbered floy tag protruding from the back. Anglers who later catch a trout or whitefish with a floy tag are encouraged to release the fish after recording the tag number, fish length and location caught. Anglers can send the information to ODFW at (541) 447-5111 ext. 24 or michael.r.harrington@state.or.us.

CULTUS LAKE: lake trout, rainbow trout

No recent reports.

DAVIS LAKE: redband trout, largemouth bass

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

DESCHUTES RIVER:

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

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

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

Mouth to Warm Springs: steelhead, trout, fall chinook

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

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

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

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

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

Benham Falls to Wickiup Reservoir: rainbow trout, brown trout

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

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

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

ELK LAKE: Brook trout, kokanee

No recent reports.

FALL RIVER: rainbow trout

No recent reports.

FROG LAKE:

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

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

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

HOOD RIVER: summer steelhead, winter steelhead

The Hood River has been clearing due to glacial freezing on Mt. Hood. Catch rates should improve as the river clears. Anglers should expect peak numbers of Hood River summer steelhead in late September. Anglers are also reminded that retention of coho and chinook is prohibited in the Hood River.

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

HOSMER LAKE: Atlantic salmon, brook trout

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

KINGSLEY RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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

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

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

LAURANCE LAKE: rainbow trout

Laurance has been stocked twice and should provide good opportunity for rainbow and cutthroat trout. Anglers are reminded that only fin-clipped trout may be kept, and only artificial flies and lures may be used.

LITTLE LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout

Fly anglers are reporting fair numbers of rainbow trout being caught.

LOST LAKE: rainbow trout

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

METOLIUS RIVER: redband trout, bull trout

No recent reports.

NORTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout

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

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Reports of good angling for rainbow trout.

ODELL LAKE: kokanee, lake trout, rainbow trout

Anglers are reporting good success for kokanee, with some anglers taking home limits of 12-inch fish. The lake trout fishing will start picking up as the kokanee are starting to stage at the mouths of the creeks. Please note that all bull trout need to be released unharmed. Anglers are encouraged to take time to learn how to differentiate between lake trout and bull trout.

PAULINA LAKE: brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee

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

PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, black crappie, bass

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

ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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

SIMTUSTUS LAKE: rainbow trout, bull trout

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

SOUTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout

Anglers have reported fair catches of rainbow trout in the 10 to 12-inch range. Some anglers are picking up brown bullheads that have bean illegally stocked in this lake. South Twin's nice shoreline makes the lake a good place to take young kids to fish.

SUTTLE LAKE: kokanee, brown trout

No recent reports.

TAYLOR LAKE: rainbow trout

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

Taylor Lake is also a good location to catch carp on the fly.

WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout

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

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

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

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

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

CENTRAL ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Archery deer and elk (closes Sept. 28), forest grouse, mourning dove, mountain quail (Hood River and Wasco counties) bear, cougar, youth waterfowl (Sept. 27-28)

Visit the Region's Fall Hunting Forecast

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

DESCHUTES DISTRICT

Archery hunting continues through Sunday. Temperatures are starting to cool off but it is still very dry. Stalking conditions are poor. Hunters are reporting that they are seeing animals but they are hard to get to.

PRINEVILLE/OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT

Bear and cougar general seasons, early antlerless elk hunts, forest grouse, and dove seasons are open. Hunters should consult Ochoco National Forest and Prineville BLM regarding access and camping restrictions in effect due to fire danger. Motorized access restrictions associated with the South Boundary Travel Management Area (TMA) in the Ochoco unit remain in effect year-round. Maps are available at portal signs as you enter the TMA, or from local ODFW and forest service offices.

ARCHERY: Dry and noisy hunting conditions are still present. Hunters have indicated seeing good numbers of deer and elk, but that approaching them is difficult due to the dry and noisy ground conditions. Several nice bulls and bucks have been reported and seen harvested. Hunters have also been reporting increased rutting activity by bulls.

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

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

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

UPLAND GAME BIRDS: Temperatures have warmed after the cool opening weekend. Recent cold weather has reduced the numbers of doves, but some stragglers and resident birds remain. Private agricultural lands, the Crooked River National Grasslands, and BLM lands will be he best prospects for doves. Best opportunities for blue and ruffed grouse will be at higher elevations, on more timbered north slopes across the Paulina and Lookout Mountain Ranger Districts of the Ochoco National Forest.

THE DALLES WILDLIFE DISTRICT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHITE RIVER WILDLIFE AREA

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

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

CENTRAL ZONE VIEWING

EVENT

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

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

Bend Area

Wickiup Reservoir

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

Information about Wickiup Reservoir.

Prineville Area

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

Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Management Area

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

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

Directions to the Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Management Area

White River Wildlife Area

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

The Dalles

Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area

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

Many different species frequent the Deschutes Canyon at this time of year with opportunities to view a wide variety of waterbirds, passerines, deer and bighorn sheep.

Bighorn sheep are a common site in the canyon. One of the most popular spots to view Bighorn rams is across the river from Jones campground, along the Mack's canyon access road. Springs along this stretch of river provide water and green forage for sheep during hot summer days.

Many different bird species are present in the Deschutes Wildlife Area, including osprey, kingfishers, great blue herons and Bullock's Orioles.

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

SOUTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities

* Cooler temperatures should bring better fishing to the Middle and North Fork Malheur rivers.

* Angling for rainbow trout and brown trout remains good.

ANA RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout, hybrid bass

Ana Reservoir is open all year long for rainbow trout and hybrid bass angling. The reservoir is at full capacity. Fishing has been good for rainbow trout and hybrid bass. The use of live fish for bait is prohibited. Mayflies have been observed hatching on the reservoir in the late afternoon.

ANA RIVER: hatchery rainbow trout

Ana River is a great place to fish. Angling for rainbow trout has been good. The river level will steadily increase during the month of September. Rainbow trout in this river can be very spooky so stealth is required. Bait angling is allowed and productive. Tui chub and pit roach are abundant in Ana River so large lures and flies mimicking minnows can be very successful. Fish seem to be concentrated between the base of the dam and the water outlet for Desert Springs hatchery.

ANTHONY LAKE: rainbow trout

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

BALM CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Trout fishing is fair. Bass are small.

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

Inflow has varied from approximately 36 to 53 cfs from Sept. 17 through to Sept. 22. The reservoir was 4 percent full on September 21. Angling in the reservoir is poor for rainbow trout and slow for crappie.

BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

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

BLITZEN RIVER: trout

Mainstem Blitzen and tributaries (except Little Blitzen) have a two fish trout bag limit from May 24 through Oct. 31. The Little Blitzen is a catch and release fishery year-round. Angling is fair to good for 10 to 16-inch redband trout. Flow was stable from Sept. 15 through Sept. 22, averaging near 34 cfs.

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

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

BURNS POND: trout, bass

Angling should be slow to fair for rainbow trout.

CAMPBELL/DEADHORSE LAKES: hatchery rainbow trout

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

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout

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

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout, largemouth bass

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

CHRISTMAS VALLEY GOLF COURSE POND: hatchery rainbow trout

Fish are still available at Christmas Valley Pond. Target trout by boat in the deep portions of the lake at the South end. Ask permission for access to the lake at the Christmas Valley Parks and Recreation office located next to the golf course lodge.

COTTONWOOD MEADOWS: rainbow trout, brook trout

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

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: native redband trout

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

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

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

DELINTMENT LAKE: trout

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

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

Dog Lake is closed to the retention of native, redband trout. This lake is not stocked with hatchery trout. Trophy bass fishing opportunities are available here. Recent sampling by ODFW found good numbers of 8-inch yellow perch and nice-sized bluegill in the lake. Bass were not numerous, but some fish over 3 pounds were observed. Four to six-inch bass were stocked in the lake last week. These fish will be available for future angling opportunities in 2009 and 2010.

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

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

DUNCAN RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

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

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

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

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

Angling has been fair to good for both rainbow and brook trout. Between 200 and 500 rainbow and brook trout died the week of September 15, and the cause was not determined. However, numerous fish were observed feeding when staff investigated the incident.

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

Angling is good for lake trout in the 12-17 inch range in about 30 feet of water. Large kokanee up to 16 inches are available, but overall angling for kokanee has been slow. Best angling is early morning and late evening as the afternoon wind makes angling difficult. The best angling is from a boat along the rocky northern shoreline. Rainbow trout and brook trout are available near shore in shallower water in the late evenings and mornings.

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

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

GRANDE RONDE LAKE: rainbow and brook trout

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

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

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

HEART LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout and kokanee

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

HIGGINS RESERVOIR: trout

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

HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

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

HWY 203 POND: trout, bass, bluegill

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

JUNIPER LAKE: cutthroat trout

The lake is nearly dry.

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass

Angling is slow to fair for 16 to 19-inch rainbow trout and fair to good for 12 to 16-inch largemouth bass. A variety of gear has been effective. There is good bank access near the boat ramp and on the southwest shoreline. There is also an accessible fishing platform near the boat ramp. Extensive aquatic vegetation may make angling challenging. An angler reported a recent blue-green algae bloom.

KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: redband trout

Angling for redband trout has been fair. Anglers are catching yellow perch in Recreation Creek near the Rocky Point lodge. Redband trout are beginning to move back into the lakes as water quality improves.

KLAMATH RIVER: native rainbow- redband trout

The Klamath River from JC Boyle Dam to the JC Boyle Powerhouse is consistently good for catching redband trout. Most redband trout in this section range from 6-12 inches. The Klamath River below the Powerhouse is fair for redband trout 10-14 inches. Angling in the early morning or late evening is best due to a drop in flows.

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

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

LOFTON RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

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

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

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

LUCKY RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

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

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

On September 1, Warm Springs reservoir was at 1 percent of full pool and discharge below Warm Springs Dam averaged 184 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 Sept. 21, discharge below Juntura was approximately 336 cfs. Angling for trout is slow. Beulah and Warm Springs reservoirs are expected to reach minimum water levels soon, so flow in the Malheur River could drop rapidly.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The water level is well below the end of the ramp. Launching larger boats will be difficult. With the cooler conditions angling has picked up. Good numbers of trout are being caught from the bank.

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

Angling should be fair with recent cool weather. Remember to release bull trout.

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

Angling should be fair with recent cool weather. Remember to release bull trout.

MANN LAKE: trout

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

MILLER LAKE: brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout

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

MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout

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

MUD LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout

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

MURRAY RESERVOIR: trout

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

NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: rainbow trout

All of the BLM ponds in the Harper-Westfall area were stocked on May 30 with fingerling-sized rainbow trout. Littlefield and Squaw Creek reservoirs have good carryover populations. Angling is improving with the cooler weather conditions.

OVERTON RESERVOIR:

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

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

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

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

Angling for rainbow trout and brown trout remains good. Catches of brown trout from 12 to 20 inches are common. Rainbow trout are less abundant, but anglers have been catching some larger fish. Flows averaged 212 cfs Sept. 21.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish

Discharge at the Rome gauge varied from approximately 101 to 126 cfs from Sept. 1710 through Sept. 22. 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

Some trout are being caught but they are generally skinny. Perch angling has slowed but is still fair. Some 8-10 inch bass were caught earlier, but no recent report. Water level is 46 percent.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout

Reports of catching some 10 to 12-inch trout. Crappie fishing is slow-fair using jigs with crappie nibbles or cut-bait. Some crappie are large. Reservoir is 40 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 may be at minimum pool. Angling is poor.

POWDER RIVER: trout, spring chinook

Rainbow trout fishing is fair-good below Mason Dam.

SID LUCE: hatchery rainbow trout

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

SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: hatchery rainbow trout

All of the ponds in the Jordan Valley area were stocked with fingerling trout on June 3. Several reservoirs north of Jordan Valley have carryover populations. Angling has improved with the cooler weather conditions.

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. Look for concentrations of brook trout as they prepare for spawning.

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout

Fishing is slow. Reservoir is 5 percent full. The reservoir will be stocked with large fingerlings this fall when the water levels come up.

THOMPSON RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, hatchery rainbow trout

Angling has been slow for rainbow trout and largemouth bass. Recent sampling by ODFW found bass in the 4 to 5 pound range and numerous rainbow trout in the reservoir. Water levels are declining. Bass will be concentrated on the south shore and at the face of the dam.

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

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

TWIN LAKES (Baker County): rainbow trout

The lake has been stocked with 1,700 legal-sized rainbow trout and was re-stocked with 1,000 additional half-pound trout in August.

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 fishing is fair. Crappie fishing is very slow. Reservoir is 20 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 1 percent full Sept. 21. Inflows ranged from 2 cfs to 17cfs from Sept. 17 through Sept. 21. Fishing is slow.

WARNER LAKES: black crappie, brown bullhead, yellow perch

Fishing for crappie and perch has been slow. The southern, small lakes are dry. The northern lakes are low and shallow; boating access can be difficult.

WILLIAMSON RIVER (UPPER): redband trout and brook trout

Angling is fair for redband trout and brook trout. Grasshopper patterns can be effective cast to undercut banks.

WILLIAMSON RIVER (LOWER):

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

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

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

WITHERS LAKE: brown trout, brook trout

Brook trout fishing has been good for trout in the 8 to 12-inch range. Large brown trout tend to be found in the deep water on the north side of the lake. Fishing is good in the morning and mid-afternoon. Aquatic vegetation on the south side of the lake has made brook trout fishing more challenging.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, trout

Fishing is fair-poor for 11 to 14-inch trout, and they are skinny. Some crappie are biting around the dock. Reservoir is 35 percent full.

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

Angling is slow for brown trout and redband trout. Angling for redband trout is improving as more fish move into the Wood River to stage for spawning. Frost in the morning is decreasing the grasshopper abundance. Small mahogany dun mayflies are emerging in the afternoon. Caddisfly activity is increasing in the evening.

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: Archery deer and elk (closes Sept. 28), forest grouse, mourning dove, bear, cougar, youth waterfowl (Sept. 27-28)

NEW: Visit the Region's Fall Hunting Forecast

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

LAKE COUNTY

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

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

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

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

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

KLAMATH COUNTY

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

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

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

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

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

Remember Klamath County is closed for September Canada Goose hunting.

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

HARNEY COUNTY

Archery DEER and ELK seasons are open. Good numbers of mature bucks should be available in all units. Fawn recruitment was poor last year so there will be a lack of yearling bucks. Elk numbers remain stable with good numbers of bulls of all age classes expected to be available. Hunting for elk is expected to improve towards the end of the season with the arrival of cooler weather.

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

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

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

KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA

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

Remember to use only federally approved non-toxic shot.

Klamath Wildlife Area is closed to deer hunting.

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

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

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

SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA

General bow hunting season for deer on Summer Lake Wildlife Area is open until Friday September 26, 2008. It will be closed over the final weekend during the Youth Waterfowl Hunt. Mule deer can be found throughout the Wildlife Area with Northend and other agricultural areas providing the best opportunities. Hunting pressure has been light and no harvest has been reported.

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

Mourning dove season is open through Tuesday September 30. Daily hunting permits are required, and hunters must use federally approved non-toxic shot. Very few doves are found on the Wildlife Area at this time due to the cool weather conditions experienced last week.

Youth Waterfowl Hunting will occur on the Weekend of September 27 and 28, 2008. Youth hunters must be less than 16 years old, have completed a Hunter Education Course and possess a Hunter Education Certificate.

They must also have a valid hunting license and if over 14 years of age a state waterfowl validation.

Daily hunting Permits will be available all day Friday and beginning at 5:00 am on Saturday morning.

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

Harney County

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

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

Sightings near Hines include flocks of White-crowned Sparrow and American Goldfinch and the first of the Sandhill Crane flocks. It's also fun to watch for Oregon's state bird, the Western meadowlark.

Malheur National Wildlife Area

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

What to see from August through October:

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Malheur National Wildlife Area Web site.

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

Klamath Falls Area

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

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

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

Upper Klamath Lake

Upper Klamath Lake, located just north of Klamath Falls, provides prime viewing for many aquatic birds. Many aquatic birds are including Western and Clark's grebes are well into the nesting season. Young grebes can be observed hitching rides on their parents backs near shoreline areas. Pied-billed and eared grebes can also be observed along lakeshore areas. White pelicans and double-crested cormorants can be found foraging on fish. Pelicans are colonial nesters and only nest in a few isolated areas which offer security from harassment.

Klamath Falls Wildlife Area

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

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

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

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

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

Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit.

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

Lake County and Lakeview Area

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

Summer Lake Wildlife Area

This section was updated on September 24. Vehicle access to the Wildlife Viewing Loop will close on September 24 and remain that way through the weekend due to the Youth Waterfowl Hunt.

The Wildlife Viewing Loop will reopen on September 29 and be available for motor vehicle traffic until October 1 when it will close through the remainder of the year.

Nearly all of the Area's wetlands are well flooded and receiving considerable waterbird use. Ducks, shorebirds, waders and passerine species are staging in good numbers. Fall migration is well underway and southward migrants are appearing in good numbers. Waterfowl hunting seasons will begin this weekend and viewing opportunities will be limited to areas open to hunting as well as the Schoolhouse Lake Viewing Blind.

Waterfowl

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

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

Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds

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

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

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

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

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

Other waterbird species are fairly numerous now, although some are beginning to migrate south. Most terns have departed and only a few American white pelicans, Great egrets, white-faced ibis and gulls remain. These birds can still be found feeding on small fish and invertebrates in the Area's larger ponds or canals. Foraging activity is especially heavy in drawdown areas and canals where forage fish and frogs (primarily bullfrogs) are concentrated.

Raptors and Others

Resident raptors remain scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Highway 31. Migrant and dispersing juvenile raptors are found in good numbers throughout the Summer Lake Basin and are very apparent along Highway 31. Meadows offer excellent foraging opportunities for many raptors. Northern harriers are especially numerous over marsh and hay meadows. Bald eagles are infrequently seen across the Wildlife Area now. Peregrine and prairie falcons, ferruginous hawks and golden eagles are sometimes seen during this time of the year and Swainson's hawks are fairly common. Great-horned owls chicks have fledged and difficult to discern from adults. A family group is easily observed at River Ranch Barn. Most osprey have migrated south and are difficult to find at this time.

Upland game birds

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

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

Passerine (perching) species, especially sparrows and finches remain fairly common around the Headquarters complex, Summer Lake Rest Area, homestead sites and shelter break plantings at the north end of the Area where they are attracted to tree and shrub cover. Good numbers of black-chinned, calliope and rufous hummingbirds are visiting feeders at Headquarters.

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

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

Facilities and Access

Non-motorized access and viewing opportunities are available across most of the Area at this time. During waterfowl hunting seasons, access is restricted to areas open for hunting and to the Schoolhouse Lake Viewing Blind. 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 will be closed from September 24 through 28, re-open on September 29. It will remain open until Oct. 1 when it closes through general waterfowl hunting season and into late January 2009.

Access to Schoolhouse Lake Viewing Blind will remain open to foot travel and will afford excellent opportunities for observation of staging waterbirds.

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

Habitat

Many of the Wildlife Area's wetland habitats remain well flooded now, and large areas of shallowly flooded seasonal wetlands are available to waterbirds. Evapotranspiration rates remain high and many wetland areas are slow to respond to fall flooding. Irrigation season in Summer Lake Valley has ended, and significant increase in flows down Ana River and towards many wetland units on the Wildlife Area is occurring. Water levels are increasing in most seasonally flooded wetland units and will provide diverse foraging opportunities to migrant waterbirds. These wetlands are favored by a wide variety of migrants as and are very rich in natural food sources.

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

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

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

Upland habitat remains in very good condition due to warm daytime temperatures that has resulted in excellent new growth of many species of forbs and grasses. Recently farmed food plots are providing foraging sites to many species looking for seeds and invertebrates in cultivated areas. Tree and shrub developments at the Middle Well and Turner Place have produced abundant fruit and considerable bird use is occurring at this time.

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

NORTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend Fishing Opportunities

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

* A few steelhead are beginning to show up in the lower Grande Ronde River and are being caught be anglers patient enough to put time in on the river.

ALDRICH PONDS: trout

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

GRANDE RONDE, WALLOWA, IMNAHA RIVERS AND TRIBUTARIES: trout

Trout angling in the lower Grande Ronde, Wallowa, and Imnaha Rivers is fair to good. Best angling is in the early morning and late evening when air and water temperatures are lowest. A few steelhead are beginning to show up in the lower Grande Ronde River. Catch rates in last week's creel surveys averaged 11 hours per steelhead landed on the lower Grande Ronde.

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. A few steelhead are beginning to enter the lower river but flows are still very 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 improved with the cooler weather.

JUBILEE LAKE: trout

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

KINNEY LAKE: trout

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

LADD POND\PEACH POND: trout

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

LOST and JUMP-OFF-JOE LAKES: trout

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

MAGONE LAKE: trout

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

McKAY RESERVIOR: yellow perch, crappie, largemouth bass

Angling for warmwater species should be good. Anglers are reminded McKay Reservior is closed to all angling from Oct. 1 n April 30.

MORGAN LAKE: trout, bullheads, crappie

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

OLIVE LAKE: trout

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

PENDLAND LAKE: trout

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

ROULET POND: trout

The Pond has been stocked several times with legal-sized trout.

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

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

TROUT FARM POND: trout

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

UMATILLA FOREST PONDS: trout

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

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

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

WALLOWA LAKE: rainbow trout

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

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

A health advisory has been issued for high levels of blue-green algae in Willow Creek Reservoir. The Oregon Department of Human Services recommends that if people choose to eat fish from waters where algae blooms are present, they should remove all fat, skin and organs from the fish before cooking. For local information contact the US Army Corps of Engineers Natural Resource Management Office at (541) 676-9009. For health information, contact Ken Kauffman, DHS Environmental Health Specialist at (971)673-0435. Angling for warmwater species should be good.

NORTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Archery deer and elk (closes Sept. 28), forest grouse, mourning dove, bear and cougar, youth waterfowl (Sept. 27-28)

Visit the NE Fall Hunting Forecast

Wolves may be present in northeast Oregon

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

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

BAKER COUNTY

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

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

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

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

GRANT COUNTY

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

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

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

COYOTES may be responding well to calls. Good areas to try are the South Fork of the John Day and on private lands between Dayville and John Day. Make sure to ask permission before hunting private lands.

MORROW, GILLIAM and WHEELER COUNTIES

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

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

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

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

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

UMATILLA COUNTY

DEER and ELK hunting should be similar to last year.

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

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

UNION COUNTY

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

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

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

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

GROUND SQUIRREL numbers are stable around the county. Hunters will find plenty of good shooting on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest as well as on private lands. Hunters should seek permission from landowners before hunting on private property.

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

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

LADD MARSH WILDLIFE AREA

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

WALLOWA DISTRICT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NORTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

Baker County

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

Gilliam, Morrow and Wheeler Counties

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

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

Union County

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

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

ODFW's Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, La Grande

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

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

An estimated thirteen pairs of greater sandhill cranes nested at Ladd Marsh this year. These birds, along with their young and additional non-breeding and migrating cranes may be seen in fields in and around the wildlife area. Please report any banded sandhill cranes observed to wildlife area staff (541-963-4954). Banded cranes may have colored bands on both legs; it is important to note the combination and position of the color bands and which leg they were on.

Birds are not the only wildlife to be seen on Ladd Marsh. Elk and deer may also be observed from Foothill Road and other county roads in the area.

There are numerous quality viewing opportunities from the roads that pass through the area. Binoculars or a spotting scope will help as many animals are best viewed from a distance.

Dogs are not permitted within the Wildlife Area, on or off leash except on hunt days during authorized hunting seasons. Dog training is allowed in the Glass Hill Unit (west of Foothill Road) from August 1 until the opening of the upland game bird season. For more information on access rules for the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, please consult the 2008-2009 Oregon Game Bird Regulations.

Directions to Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area

Umatilla County

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

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

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

Elk will still be common along the upper open areas of the west slope of the Blue Mountains. Deer will be seen in herds from the valley floor to the upper Blue Mountains. The riverine and agricultural areas near the base of the mountains will be dominated by white-tailed deer. The desert and mountain areas will be inhabited primarily by mule deer. Elk can be viewed throughout the day while deer will be most visible in the first and last two hours of the day.

As spring comes into full bloom, neotropical migrants will begin to appear. Gulls and raptors including bald eagles can be seen along the Columbia River. Visit local wildlife areas to see shore and marsh birds in addition to perching birds and raptors.

Wood ducks can be seen traveling in flocks up and down the river systems with cottonwood trees along the banks.

Wallowa County

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

While driving along the county roads in the valley, watch for raptors hunting in hay fields.

If you are interested in viewing elk during the rut, take a drive to the Zumwalt Prairie Preserve. You'll have to watch from the county roads, so bring your binoculars and spotting scopes.

Teaching the salmon life cycle to kids

Visit the Eagle Canyon exhibit at the Oregon Zoo, http://www.oregonzoo.org/Exhibits/GreatNW/EagleCanyon/salmon.htm

Download a color book created for kids by the USFWS, http://www.piercecountywa.org/xml/services/home/environ/ed/life%20cycle%20of%20a%20salmon.pdf

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

FISHING

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

Crappie fishing has been very good all summer. Fish are 6-9 inches. Jigs with crappie nibbles have been working well. Bluegill and bass are biting well also. Large catfish are being caught in the Powder River Arm with worms and cut-bait. Perch are in schools but angling is good once you find them. Water level is 34 feet below full. 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 angling is fair using cutbait. Bass fishing has been very good also. Cooler temperatures should be better for trout angling.

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 along steep banks. Trout angling should increase with the cooler temperatures.

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 are being caught. Steelhead fishing opened Sept. 1 for adipose clipped fish, and a few are being caught. Get updated information on flow levels.

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

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

COLUMBIA ZONE

FISHING

Effective Saturday September 20, 2008 through December 31, 2008 or until further notice chinook retention is allowed from the boundary marker on the lower end of Bachelor Island to the Warrior Rock Lighthouse upstream to Bonneville Dam.

The daily bag limit on fall chinook salmon in the Columbia River below Bonneville dam increases to two fish, effective Thursday, Sept. 25 through the remainder of the year. The bag limit was increased following reports that showed continued improvement in projected fall chinook population estimates. This action follows the recent decision to reopen the fall chinook season below Bonneville dam and let it run until the end of the year, subject to ongoing review of run sizes.

The extended season and increased bag limit apply to the Columbia River from the Warrior Rock-Bachelor Island line above the mouth of the Lewis River upstream to Bonneville dam. As a result of these actions, anglers may keep up to two chinook, coho and steelhead per day in combination. Retained chinook do not have to be fin-clipped. However, any coho or steelhead must be adiposed-clipped in order to be retained, as prescribed under permanent fishing regulations.

Adipose-clipped coho and steelhead may also be kept in the Columbia River below its confluence with the Lewis River.

Buoy 10 to Tongue Point remains closed to all salmon and steelhead angling.

Weekend Fishing Opportunities

* Salmonid anglers are still catching quite a few fall chinook especially in the gorge.

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

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:

Overall, salmonid angling improved on the lower Columbia River this past weekend. Salmonid anglers in the gorge continue to have the highest catch rates where boat anglers averaged 1.5 fall chinook caught per boat. In the Portland to Longview area boat anglers averaged 0.33 fall chinook, 0.42 coho, and 0.12 steelhead caught per boat, while in Troutdale boat anglers averaged 0.16 fall chinook caught per boat. Bank anglers in the gorge averaged 0.20 fall chinook caught per bank rod.

Gorge Bank:

Weekend checking showed eight fall chinook adults and one fall chinook jack kept for 41 bank anglers.

Gorge Boats:

Weekend checking showed 15 fall chinook adults, one fall chinook jack, and one adipose fin-clipped coho kept for 10 boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Bank:

No report.

Troutdale Boats:

Weekend checking showed five fall chinook kept for 32 boats (complete trips).

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed eight fall chinook adults, one fall chinook jack, seven adipose fin-clipped coho adults, one adipose fin-clipped coho jack, and four adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus three fall chinook adults, one fall chinook jack, and seven unclipped coho released for 33 boats (complete & incomplete trips).

Portland to Rainier Bank:

No report.

Estuary Boat (Above Tongue Point):

No report.

STURGEON:

Sturgeon angling continues to improve as more sturgeon move up from the estuary. Boat anglers had the best success in the gorge where anglers averaged 0.79 legal white sturgeon caught per boat, while anglers in Troutdale averaged 0.44 legal white sturgeon caught per boat. In the Portland to Longview area boat anglers averaged 0.29 legal white sturgeon caught per boat. Bank angling remains slow but should improve in the coming weeks.

Gorge Bank:

Weekend checking showed nine legal white sturgeon kept, plus four oversize and seven sublegal sturgeon released for 183 bank anglers.

Gorge Boats:

Weekend checking showed 11 legal white sturgeon kept, plus eight oversize and 154 sublegal sturgeon released for 14 boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Bank:

No report.

Troutdale Boats:

Weekend checking showed two legal white sturgeon kept, plus two legal and 62 sublegal sturgeon released for nine boats (complete trips).

Portland to Rainier Bank:

No report.

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed 10 legal white sturgeon kept, plus two legal and 112 sublegal sturgeon released for 41 boats (complete & incomplete trips).

WALLEYE:

Gorge boats:

No report.

Troutdale boats:

Weekend checking showed four walleye kept for one boat.

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed no catch for one boat.

MARINE ZONE

FISHING

MARINE FISHING

Tuna may still be found 30-40 miles out of Newport and Depoe Bay, but anglers report difficulties getting the fish to bite. The average catch was about two fish per angler. It's now official, Oregon tuna fishers made this the second highest catch eclipsing 2004.

Ocean conditions couldn't have been better for last weekend's two-fish-per-day Pacific halibut opener. Fishing for halibut outside of the 40 fathom line is now closed.

The nearshore halibut season (inside the 40nfathom line) for the central coast is open seven days a week until the quota is taken or Oct. 31. The daily bag limit for the nearshore fishery remains at one halibut.

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

Catches of rockfish are improving with some anglers getting limits. The average catch per angler is about 3 fish. Lingcod are still elusive with only one in 10 anglers finding success. The marine fish bag limit is back at six fish, and fishing for bottomfish is allowed inside of the 40-fathom line. Beginning Oct. 1, fishing for bottomfish is allowed at all depths. Boat anglers may not retain cabezon until Jan. 1.

A list of fish included in the six-fish marine bag limit and waypoints for the 40-fathom line can be found in the 2008 Oregon Sport Ocean Regulations for Salmon, Halibut and other Marine Fish Species and online at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp

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

CLAMS

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

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

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

CRABS

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

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

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

MARINE ZONE VIEWING

EVENT

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

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

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

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

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

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