The Oregon Recreation Report (fishing, hunting, viewing), updated Wednesday, April 30, by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Best bets for fishing

Several popular lakes and reservoirs remain iced-in or inaccessible, but in the meantime fishing is picking up elsewhere. Some best bets:

* Fishing for largemouth bass has been excellent on the Tenmile Lakes and winter steelhead is picking up on the Rogue (Southwest).

* Hills Creek Reservoir continues to fish well for good-sized adipose-fin clipped rainbow trout (Willamette).

* Chinook are starting to arrive on the Deschutes and Hood Rivers (Central).

* Anglers are catching rainbow and brown trout on the Lower Owyhee and with warmer temperatures, largemouth bass are biting on the Willow Valley Reservoir (Southeast).

* FOR THE KIDS: Bring them to fishing events May 3 at Commonwealth Lake (Beaverton) and Hebo Lake (north coast area). ODFW and volunteers provide all the necessary gear. More information

Conditions continue to fluctuate at many higher elevation lakes and reservoirs. (Some districts are still reporting fresh snow!) Be sure to check road, weather and water conditions before packing the car.

Sign up soon for Youth Outdoor Day, May 31 (Monmouth and La Grande)

Bring the kids to this all-day event to try archery, wildlife calling, fly tying and casting and learn about boating safety, wilderness survival and other outdoor topics. Several sportsman/conservation groups including Ducks Unlimited sponsor these outdoor days at EE Wilson Wildlife Area (in Monmouth near Corvallis) and Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area (La Grande). Cost is $5 and includes lunch. Register early because these events tend to fill up; visit the web sites linked above to find out how.

Willamette Valley Owl Lovers

Come to Silver Falls State Park, only 25 miles east of Salem-the snow has melted, birds are building nests, owls are calling and trilliums are blooming. Stay until late afternoon or early evening. Silver Falls is a mecca for owl lovers-listen for many of Oregon's owls-barred, pygmy, great gray, great horned, saw whet and, maybe even, spotted. For more information, see the Willamette Valley viewing section.

Halibut season opens May 1

The Pacific halibut season opens on May 1. Last year saltwater anglers caught record amounts of halibut-including Matt Blume, pictured with his 105-pound fish-and this year's quota is only slightly lower. Specific dates and regulations are online at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/

WILLAMETTE ZONE

STOCKING SCHEDULE

Hills Creek above Hills Creek Reservoir will be stocked with 500 legal-sized rainbow trout.

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

The McKenzie River below Leaburg will be boat-stocked with 6,500 legal-sized rainbow trout this week.

Salt Creek will be not be stocked this week as scheduled due to poor water quality resulting from an earlier landslide.

The following ponds were stocked in the North Willamette Watershed the week of April 14:

Benson Lake off I-84 (4,000 legals)

Bethany Pond in Beaverton (1,000 legals)

Blue Lake in Fairview (1,500 legals)

Commonwealth Pond in Beaverton (1,500 legals)

Dorman Pond west of Forest Grove (2,000 legals)

Haldeman Pond on Sauvie Island (2,000 legals)

Hartman Pond off I-84 (1,750 legals)

Henry Hagg Lake in Washington County (7,000 legals)

Mt. Hood College Pond in Gresham (1,000 legals)

Timber Lake east of Estacada on Hwy 224 (1,000 legals)

Trojan Pond west of Columbia City on Hwy 30 (2,000 legals)

The following ponds are scheduled to be stocked in the North Willamette Watershed District during the week of April 21:

Haldeman Pond on Sauvie Island (2,000 legals)

Henry Hagg Lake (7,000 legals)

Huddleston Pond in Willamina (750 legals, 100 larger, and 25 trophy)

Salmonberry Lake in St. Helens (1,500 legals)

Silver Creek Reservoir near Silverton (3,500 legals, 200 larger)

Many of these same ponds will be stocked over the next couple of weeks, but it may be several weeks before mountain lakes such as Harriet, Timothy, and Trillium are stocked due to low elevation snow. It is simply too dangerous for fish liberation trucks to be driving on snow covered roads not to mention extremely difficult conditions at boat ramps where fish are often stocked. Other mid-elevation lakes such as North Fork Reservoir and Faraday Lake will be stocked in the middle of May once water temperatures begin to warm in the Clackamas River. Contact the US Forest Service office in Estacada for information on roads in the National Forest or contact the main office in Clackamas to see if your particular water was stocked during the scheduled week.

See South Willamette and North Willamette stocking schedules.

See South Willamette and North Willamette stocking schedules.

EVENT

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host a free youth fishing event at Commonwealth Lake in Beaverton on Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The department will provide rods, reels, tackle, bait and fish bags for use by young anglers who do not have their own fishing equipment. In addition, ODFW staff and volunteers will be on hand to help participants learn how to bait a hook, cast a rod and land the catch. ODFW will stock 2,100 legal-sized rainbow trout for the event. Under Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, anglers aged 13 and under do not require a license, while those 14-17 require a juvenile license. All fishing regulations continue to apply for this event.

Commonwealth Lake a three-acre lake located in Cedar Hills (Beaverton). The park lies just south of Highway 26, between the Southwest Cedar Hills and Murray Boulevard exits. Drive south from the freeway on Cedar Hills Boulevard and take the first right-hand turn to the west. Follow Southwest Butner Road for a half-mile to a tiny parking lot at the north end of the lake. Other parking is available on neighborhood streets (Foothills Drive).

See South Willamette and North Willamette stocking schedules.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: steelhead NO NEW REPORT

It's the same story on the Clackamas as the water temperature continues to be unseasonably cool. Effort is very low with only a few boat anglers giving it a try and bank anglers few and far between. This is typical in the Clackamas when water temperatures are cool and few fish move into the system while they wait below the mouth in the Willamette. In the Lower Willamette River, anglers continue to report catching hatchery winter steelhead which are destined for the Clackamas as well as hatchery summer steelhead which could be headed for the Clackamas or a tributary above Willamette Falls.

Success should improve over the next week if temperatures increase as expected, but Chinook opportunities may still be a couple of weeks away with fish slow to move even into the Willamette. There should be plenty of fish available but be patient with the cold water temperature and concentrate on areas where fish are know to hold or you have caught fish in the past.

Over 100 winter steelhead were recycled into Faraday Lake by PGE staff over the past week. We plan to continue moving winter steelhead over for the next month or so then may being moving summer steelhead depending on numbers in the lower river at the time.

Clackamas Hatchery will continue to release hatchery winter steelhead into the river over the next few weeks so keep that in mind when trying to fish with bait. Switch to artificial lures if possible to reduce unintentional catch and mortality of hatchery smolts.

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

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

The summer steelhead radio tracking study is all but over in the Clackamas River. We will attempt to track fish using mobile trackers periodically, but the main focus of the study is complete. ODFW and OSU released 80 hatchery summer steelhead implanted with radio-tags into the Clackamas River downstream of River Mill Dam as part of a study to monitor adult summer steelhead behavior during the summer of 2007. The fish in the study can be identified by an antenna trailing from the abdomen, and a blue plastic tag carrying a unique number inserted just below the dorsal fin on the back of the fish. The department reminds anglers it is against the law for anyone to retain a radio-tagged fish in this river, and these fish must be released unharmed. In addition, these fish have been anesthetized for surgery to implant the radio tags and are not fit for human consumption. Anyone who catches one of the tagged summer steelhead is asked to record the number printed on the plastic tag, without removing the tag from the fish, and notify ODFW of the date and location where the fish was caught and released by calling the Clackamas Office any time at (971) 673-6000. Anyone witnessing a tagged fish in the water is also asked to call. All reports of tagged fish will provide important information for the study.

DETROIT, GREEN PETER AND FOSTER RESERVOIRS: rainbow trout

Detroit Reservoir holds good numbers of holdover rainbow trout, chinook, and kokanee. All are relatively close to the surface since the water is still cold. Still fishing or trolling with bait should work well. The reservoir continues to fill slowly and most of the boat ramps are close to being useable. Detroit is scheduled to be stocked again this week.

Green Peter Reservoir continues to fill. Boaters are picking up some kokanee near the surface, though bank anglers don't seem to be doing as well. Some chinook in the 9-14 inch range are also being caught. Green Peter was stocked with rainbow trout last week.

Foster Reservoir has been stocked several times this season and anglers have been doing well trolling for rainbow trout. The reservoir has been drawn down to facilitate outmigration of juvenile steelhead, but the lake will refill in mid-May to be ready for the Memorial Day weekend. The best choice for launching at this lake level is at Sunnyside Boat Ramp.

EAGLE CREEK: steelhead

Water temperature remains in the low 40s but is anticipated to gradually warm with the gradual increase in air temperature. Fishing pressure remains very low. Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery processed 968 winter steelhead this year and the ladder was closed on March 27. Winter steelhead smolts will be released this week, so keep that in mind when trying to fish with bait. Switch to artificial lures if possible to reduce unintentional catch and mortality of hatchery smolts.

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): rainbow trout

Stocked the week of March 17.

EE WILSON and JUNCTION CITY POND: rainbow trout

Will be stocked this week with legal, large and trophy trout.

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, chinook salmon

Hills Creek Reservoir continues to fish well for good-sized adipose-fin clipped rainbow trout. Adipose fin-clipped spring chinook are also showing up in the creel and may be included in the trout bag limit (5 adipose fin-clipped fish per day). Unmarked trophy-size trout are providing excellent catch and release opportunities. Anglers are reminded to release bull trout and all other unclipped trout unharmed, preferably without removing them from the water.

MOLALLA RIVER: steelhead NO NEW REPORT

Anglers continued to catch fresh winter steelhead and even a few winter steelhead kelts on the Molalla in recent weeks. Counts of winter steelhead over Willamette Falls picked up early last week with over 200 being counted on Monday alone. Many of these fish will move into the Molalla and provide another shot of fresh fish to the system over the next couple of weeks. As water temperature increases in the Willamette several hundred more late winter steelhead and spring chinook potentially destined for the Molalla will begin moving over the falls. Keep an eye on falls counts over the next couple of weeks for an indication of spring Chinook moving into the Molalla. Spring chinook will not show up in the Molalla until May. We no longer stock the Molalla with winter or summer steelhead but wild winter steelhead are providing a small, but popular catch and release fishery. Give it a try from the Pine Creek Bridge down to Canby this time of year for both winter steelhead and fresh spring chinook.

NORTH AND SOUTH SANTIAM: steelhead

Stream flows in the North and South Santiam have been relatively stable for the last couple of weeks but will be fluctuating with rain and snowmelt. Passage of fish over Willamette Falls has been slow but steady. New summer steelhead are starting to come in decent numbers and have been showing in the catch. Chinook will start to move better when the water gets a little warmer.

SANDY RIVER: steelhead NO NEW REPORT

Catch and effort was low last week on the Sandy with limited reports of summer and winter steelhead in the lower river. Several boaters between Oxbow and Dabney had success with a few winter steelhead mid-last week and there were several summer steelhead taken near the mouth of Cedar Creek, but overall fishing is slow in the lower river. The reach between Dodge Park and Oxbow Park has produced for the adventurous angler in recent weeks and should continue to improve as more summer steelhead and spring Chinook move into the system. Winter steelhead are still fairly abundant in the system but many are approaching spawning or have already spawned. Please be kind and do not fish on or around spawning steelhead that may be present in the open section of river between Oxbow Park and the Salmon River.

There are no new reports of spring Chinook being caught in the lower river below I-84, but effort will increase now that the Columbia is closed and we will have a better gauge of potential success in coming days. Watch Bonneville Dam counts to get an idea of when fish in this section of river begin to move. When water temperature begins to warm back up over the next week more Chinook will begin to nose in and move up the Sandy. Be prepared for a springer on the end of the line if you are fishing the Sandy in coming weeks.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted new sport-fishing regulations for the Sandy River which move the fishing deadline (or boundary) upstream to the mouth of the Salmon River (near Brightwood) began Jan. 1, 2008. There are recent reports as of early April of wild fish being caught and released in the newly opened section of river above Marmot Dam. There are few hatchery winter and summer steelhead available above Cedar Creek which can be retained if caught, but there is some opportunity for catch and release of wild fish for those interested in a more remote angling experience. Once again, be aware that winter steelhead may be spawning in the newly opened reach above the former Marmot Dam. The new area should provide good opportunity for hatchery spring chinook that stray past Cedar Creek starting in May and running through early July. All current fishing regulations in the lower river apply to the newly extended area.

WALTER WIRTH LAKE/WALLING POND: Rainbow trout

Roaring River Park Pond and Freeway lakes near Albany and Walter Wirth Lake and Walling Pond in Salem were stocked last week with trout. Timber Linn and Waverly lakes in Albany and Sunnyside Park Pond near Foster Reservoir are scheduled to be stocked this week.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: sturgeon, winter steelhead, spring Chinook NO NEW REPORT

Anglers shifted their attention to the Willamette for spring Chinook as the Columbia closed Sunday due the quota being met earlier than expected. Catch rate was decent last week from Willamette Park downstream with roughly every second or third boat coming in with springers. Catch was slower in the Oregon City area although good numbers of summer steelhead and even a few late winter steelhead were reported to be mixed in with the anglers creel.

Water temperature cooled over the weekend to 48 degrees with the unseasonably cold weather and it slowed fish movement over Willamette Falls. Fewer than 100 spring Chinook have passed the falls as of Saturday, April 19 and daily counts are in the single digits. Daily count increased to over 15 fish per day early last week when water temperature rose to 51 degrees. Daily counts for summer and winter steelhead dropped as well over the past week.

Fishery managers closed the Columbia early this season, but expect the Willamette to remain open as expected. Willamette River and Willamette tributaries are open seven-days-per-week for spring chinook; there is a one-fish daily bag limit beginning March 1. More information

Fishing for sturgeon was decent last week from St. Johns to the Meldrum boat ramp. Few anglers continue to put effort toward sturgeon fishing with Chinook in the area, but those that are trying can have good days this time of year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WILLAMETTE ZONE HUNTING

May 31 n Youth Outdoor Day, EE Wilson Wildlife Area (Monmouth)

This popular annual event lets kids try a variety of outdoor activities (fly tying and casting, elk/duck/predator calling, archery) and learn about wilderness survival, hunter safety, boating safety and a variety of other topics. The kids can even build their own woodduck box and bird house. The cost is $5 and includes a BBQ lunch and t-shirt. The event is sponsored by Oregon Duck Hunters, OHA and several other sportsmen/conservation organizations. You must pre-register as the limit is 750 kids and 450 have already signed up. Click on PDF registration form to register or visit Youth Outdoor Day web page for more info.

May 24 - A Day at the Range at the Emerald Empire Gun Club (Eugene-Springfield), A Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Event

This workshop is designed for beginning shooters, but all skill levels are welcome. Participants will be instructed on gun handling, firearm safety, terminology, shooting techniques and marksmanship. You will have lots of time on the range to practice with a variety of handguns, rifles, and shotguns under experienced supervision. More information or email Darlene to register

OPEN: Cougar, controlled spring bear, turkey

NEW: Visit ODFW's turkey, spring bear hunting forecasts.

Cougar n In the North Willamette Watershed, cougar are more commonly found in the Santiam unit than in coastal units such as the Scappoose, northeast Stott Mt. and the eastern portions of the Trask. In the South Willamette Watershed cougars can be found throughout the area with the exception of the Willamette Valley Floor. Hunters looking for the best chance of success should scout along snow covered roads or near concentrations of deer and elk to locate fresh sign. Once fresh cougar sign is located hunters have a variety of hunting options to choose from. Tracking cougar through fresh snow is a challenging way to hunt, but hunters are reporting improved success with this technique. Using predator calls that mimic the bleat of a fawn or elk calf may lure a cougar into view and hunters should always be ready to try a variety of sounds if their standard call is not producing.

Bear n Opened April 1. Spring bear hunters typically find that bears are more active later in the season rather than early. This season is off to slow start due to the cool weather and above average snow pack in the Cascade Mountains. A few hunters are having success in the Coast Range and hunting should pick up as the weather warms. In the spring, bears tend to forage on whatever is available. This includes green grass, skunk cabbage, and insects. Hunters should glass for foraging bears in clear cuts and along grassy old logging roads. Look for areas with abundant bear sign such as scat or torn up stumps. Hunters can also have some luck with predator calls.

Spring bear hunters in the North Cascades hunt (716A) are reminded that the Marion and Linn County portions of Santiam and McKenzie Units are open only on the Willamette National Forest. Private and BLM lands within these two counties are not included in the hunt boundary. Hunters should start looking at mid elevations such as the Detroit area and move higher as the snow melts.

Hunters in the SW Oregon hunt (722A) should start looking at low to mid elevations. Hunters may want to hunt the Coast Range early in the season and hunt the Cascades later in the season when more forage is available. Please remember that you must have permission to hunt on private property.

Turkey nTurkey flocks in the Santiam Unit are usually concentrated on the eastern side of the forest closer to the Warm Springs Indian Reservation and the White River Wildlife Area. Most turkeys in the Willamette are found on private property. Hunting can be good for those hunters that make the effort to meet private landowners and obtain permission to hunt. It can be difficult to find turkeys on public lands. Hunters wishing to look for turkeys on public land should concentrate on low elevation BLM parcels. Turkeys can occasionally be found on the Willamette National Forest at low elevations, such as the Middle Fork Willamette River.

FERN RIDGE WILDLIFE AREA

All units at Fern Ridge Wildlife Area are open daily for public use. Hunters won't find bear or turkey here however. Visitors are reminded that dogs must be kept on leash at all times. One section of levee in the western portion of the Fisher Butte unit is posted closed to provide wildlife sanctuary during nesting season. Contact the wildlife area hdq. at 541-935-2591 if you have any questions. Enjoy your visit!

EE WILSON WILDLIFE AREA

All hunting is now over for the year but fishing remains good thanks to regular trout stockings by ODFW. Remember that dogs are required to be leashed inside the wildlife area boundary.

WILLAMETTE ZONE VIEWING

EVENT

Silver Falls State Park Mother's Day, Birding and Wildflower Weekend, May 9, 10, 11

Bird and Plant/Wildflower Displays in the South Falls Lodge and Log Cabin; Native Plant and Bird Box Sales; Mother's Day Cards and Journal Making; Bird Nest Box Building ($5). For more information.

Corvallis Area

EE Wilson Wildlife Area

The first goose eggs have hatched; there are several broods on the Wildlife Area now. Expect to see Mallard broods about the first of May.

Wildlife viewing remains good for waterfowl and shorebirds. Neotropical migrants are arriving including yellow-breasted chat, American goldfinch, various swallows, warblers, thrush, kinglet and common yellowthroat.

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

You can now use the photography blind on the Wildlife Area. Staff will feed daily so there will be good photo opportunities. Call the office to make a reservation and get directions to blinds, (541) 745-5334.

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

Find directions to EE Wilson Wildlife Area.

Salem Area

Silver Falls State Park

NEW: Come visit-the snow has melted, birds are building nests, owls are calling and trilliums are blooming. The park is only 25 miles east of Salem.

This week ODFW biologists report a variety of birds that are easily viewed. Robins, hairy woodpeckers, hummingbirds, Oregon juncos, common raven, winter wren (a tiny bird with a big call), red-breasted nuthatch and ruffed and blue grouse can be seen and heard on a stroll along the trails. Stop and look closely now and then-you may see a well-camouflaged brown creeper working its way up the side of a tree, foraging for insects in the bark as it goes.

Stay until late afternoon or early evening. Silver Falls is a mecca for owl lovers-listen for many of Oregon's owls-barred, pygmy, great gray, great horned, saw whet and, maybe even, spotted.

It's wildlife breeding season so keep dogs on a leash-it's required. For information, visit the state parks Web site.

Sauvie Island

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

The Wildlife Area is open-stop by your local ODFW license agent or ODFW office and get a parking permit. At $11, it opens the door to a year's worth of wonderful wildlife viewing.

NEW: Bald eagles and red-tailed hawks are very active caring for their new arrivals. There are 10 active eagle nests on the Wildlife Area.

Anna's and Rufous hummingbirds are back in great numbers and the finches are arriving. The great blue heron rookery is visible from the Walton beach parking lot. Herons generally nest (roost) in colonies in large trees.

The ospreys are building their nests; cinnamon teal, wood ducks and gold finches are arriving.

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

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

Springfield Area

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area

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

Look for waterfowl, shore birds, wading birds, songbirds, raptors, reptiles and amphibians. The Pacific tree frog chorus is raucous on warm spring nights.

Eight hunting blinds located in the East and West Coyote units (located south of Hwy 126) are available for anyone to use for wildlife viewing throughout the summer and provide great photo opportunities. There is an elevated viewing platform in the Fisher Butte unit just south of Royal Avenue that is open year-round.

Flights of geese can be observed at Fern Ridge Lake arriving every evening through the winter migration season-until about the end of April. A good vantage point at sunset is the Royal Avenue parking lot. Royal Avenue and the trail to the Fisher Butte viewing blind remain open all day every day. In addition to viewing the recently completed Caspian tern nesting island, there are an estimated 58,000 Canada geese that are using the lake as an evening roost site. When the flocks arrive at dark (and depart at sunrise), it is a great sight.

Visitors are reminded that dogs must be kept on leash at all times. Parking areas are located along Highway 126, Nielson Road and Cantrell Road. Contact the Wildlife Area headquarters, (541) 935-2591, if you have any questions.

Directions to Fern Ridge Wildlife Area

Valley wide

Osprey can be seen throughout the Willamette Valley, nesting on the very top of dead/dying trees, cell phone towers, power poles, river pilings, and even on abandoned human structures such as cranes. Enjoy watching the osprey, but be careful not to disturb them during their critical nesting time (March n August).

NORTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

EVENT

ODFW to Host Youth Fishing Event at Hebo Lake

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host a free youth fishing event at Hebo Lake in Hebo on Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is part of ODFW's Youth Angling Enhancement Program, designed to introduce young people to the fun of fishing. The department will provide rods, reels, tackle and bait for use by young anglers who are fishing for the first time or do not have their own fishing equipment. Participants should feel free to bring their own equipment if they prefer. ODFW staff and volunteers will be on hand to help participants learn how to bait the hook, cast the rod and land the fish. There also will be casting contest and packets of fishing information. Hebo Lake is located in the Siuslaw National Forest just off Highway 22. Arrangements have been made with USFS Hebo Ranger Station to waive the day use fee for those families participating in the event. For information call the Tracy Crews, ODFW STEP biologist at (503) 842-2741, ext. 244.

Hatchery smolt releases are occurring in April in several streams. Anglers are reminded to carefully release any smolts encountered. Remember, these are the fish to catch in the future.

NORTH COAST LAKES

Sunset (1,000), Cullaby (1,000) and Lost (2,000) lakes, and Vernonia Pond (2,500) are scheduled to be stocked the week of April 28 with legal size rainbow trout.

Bay City Reservoir has not been stocked due to access problems. Stocking will be delayed until the weather dries out. North Lake has also not been stocked due to access issues.

MID COAST LAKES

The rainbow trout stocking season will extend into June. Here is a list of lakes to be stocked in April with approximate stocking dates, number of fish and target size to be released. Please note that stocking dates are approximate and subject to change.

Carter Lake, 4-08-08, 2500 trout at 3.0 per pound.

Devils Lake, 4-8-08, 7000 trout at 3.0 per pound.

Cleawox Lake, 4-09-08, 2000 trout at 3.0 per pound.

Woahink Lake, 4-14-08, 1000 trout at 1.5 per pound.

Carter Lake, 4-15-08, 500 trout at 1.5 per pound.

Cleawox Lake, 4-16-08, 2000 trout at 1.5 per pound and 200 at 0.5 per pound.

Alder Lake, 4-21-08, 36 trout at 0.5 per pound and 125 at 1.5 per pound and 850 at 3.0 per pound.

Buck Lake, 4-21-08, 36 trout at 0.5 per pound and 100 at 1.5 per pound and 850 at 3.0 per pound.

Dune Lake, 4-21-08, 36 trout at 0.5 per pound and 125 at 1.5 per pound and 850 at 3.0 per pound.

Georgia and North Georgia Lakes, 4-21-08, 35 trout at 0.5 per pound and 150 at 3.0 per pound.

Perkins Lake, 4-21-08, 36 trout at 0.5 per pound 1000 at 1.5 per pound and 450 at 3.0 per pound.

Siltcoos Lagoon, 4-21-08, 36 trout at 0.5 per pound and 100 at 1.5 per pound and 850 at 3.0 per pound.

Big Creek Reservoir 1, 4-21-08, 1000 trout at 3 per pound and 1000 trout at 1.5 per pound.

Big Creek Reservoir 2, 4-21-08, 200 trout at 0.5 per pound and 2000 trout at 3 per pound and 1800 trout at 1.5 per pound.

Mercer Lake, 4-22-08, 2250 trout at 1.5 per pound.

Munsel Lake, 4-22-08, 150 trout at 0.5 per pound and 3000 at 1.5 per pound.

Elbow Lake, 4-23-08, 600 trout at 1.5 per pound.

Olalla Reservoir, 4-23-08, 200 trout at 0.5 per pound and 1250 at 1.5 per pound and 3000 at 3.0 per pound.

Lost Lake, 4-23-08, 750 trout at 1.5 per pound.

Sutton Lake, 4-23-08, 1500 trout at 1.5 per pound.

Siltcoos Lake, 4-24-08, 1000 trout at 1.5 per pound

Thissel Pond, 4-24-08, 40 trout at 0.5 per pound and 1000 at 3.0 per pound.

ALSEA RIVER: winter steelhead

Steelhead fishing has slowed throughout the basin as very few hatchery fish remain in the system. The mainstem Alsea and North Fork will remain open through April. Wild fish make up the bulk of the run this time of year. Anglers are advised to keep the fish in the water while releasing.

Current river levels: http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?TIDO3

NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: steelhead, chinook

Steelhead angling has been slow to fair. The winter steelhead fishery is mostly over for the year. A few summer steelhead are being caught caught. Spring chinook angling is still slow. Angling should begin to pick up over the next few weeks.

SALMON RIVER:

Closed to angling above tidewater. Angling will reopen on May 24.

SILETZ RIVER: winter and summer steelhead

Steelhead fishing is slow to fair. The hatchery winter run is nearly over and the hatchery summer steelhead run is just beginning. Wild fish are most abundant this time of year as spawning peaks well into May. Anglers are advised to leave wild fish in the water while releasing. Drift boat angling should be fair as river conditions allow and fair for bank fishing around Moonshine Park up to the fishing deadline. Floating and/or back bouncing fresh baits, jigs and lures can be very productive.

SIUSLAW RIVER:

Angling is closed above tidewater and will reopen for the trout opener on May 24th.

TILLAMOOK BAY: sturgeon, chinook

Angling for sturgeon has been slow to fair. Fish should be spread through the bay. Angling for spring chinook is slow.

WILSON RIVER: steelhead, chinook

Angling for steelhead has been fair, with the occasional good catch reported. The winter steelhead fishery is just about over for this year. A few early summer steelhead are available in the lower river. Spring chinook angling is slow, with very few fish available in the river at this time.

TRASK RIVER: steelhead, chinook

Winter steelhead angling is slowing down and is mostly over for this season. Angling for spring chinook is slow, with only the occasional report of a fish caught.

Current river levels for major north coast streams: http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=pqr

YAQUINA RIVER:

Angling above tidewater is closed. Angling will reopen on May 24.

NORTHWEST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Cougar, controlled spring bear, turkey

Visit ODFW's turkey, spring bear hunting forecasts.

Bear n Controlled spring bear opened April 1. Remember it is now mandatory to check in your bear.

Cougar - All indicators point to the north coast as having relatively low cougar densities, when compared to most of the rest of the state. However, they can still be located, especially if hunters are dedicated to using calls as their primary strategy. Cougar are probably most effectively hunted by long and persistent calling with a predator call.

Turkey n Turkey numbers are very low in this district and most are on private lands. See the turkey forecast for more information.

NORTHWEST ZONE (NORTH COAST) VIEWING

Songbirds

With spring in full gear many neo-tropical songbirds have arrived in forested areas of the north coast and are busy nesting. A walk through the forest will reveal many new bird songs not heard perhaps for months.

Tidepooling is good

A minus tide series starts Saturday, May 3, at about 5 a.m. and continues through May 11 getting later by about 50 minutes every day. The lowest tides will be more than -2.5 feet, which will provide rare glimpses of tide pool not usually visible to beach goers. Look for anemones, hermit crabs, sea urchins, small fish, jellyfish, sea stars, barnacles and other animals of the intertidal region. High surf can make tide pooling on the ocean beaches uncomfortable and dangerous, so try looking for wildlife in the mud flats of coastal bays and rivers. For more information see: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/bayclams/watchable.asp

Migrating Shorebirds

Look for whimbrel, long-billed curlew, black-bellied plover, Pacific golden plover, greater yellowlegs, ruddy turnstone, long- and short-billed dowitcher-species that are many times seen only at this time of year for a period of a few weeks.

Pacific City Area

Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area

Viewing opportunities for elk have been good with animals visible most days. Best times are in the mornings and evenings. As the spring progresses elk should start spending more time in the timbered areas especially on warm days. Most of the bulls have shed their antlers and new antler growth is already visible. Look for bulls on the Fishhawk tract adjacent to Hwy 202. Please remember that areas posted as Wildlife Refuge are closed to public access.

Migratory species that have recently returned to the wildlife area include band-tailed pigeons, violate-green swallows, and wood ducks. Look for band-tailed pigeons near viewing areas. Swallows can be seen gliding over open fields and checking out nest boxes along fences near viewing areas. Wood ducks and mallards have been seen on the shallow pond areas, in fields with standing water, and along creeks.

Tillamook Area

Netarts Bay is an excellent place to observe wintering and spring migrating birds. The frontage road along the northeastern edge of the bay has wide shoulders and lends itself to easy viewing as the main channel is right along the road. Especially at low tides, birds such as loons, grebes, harlequins, goldeneyes and scoters can be seen with binoculars. Recently, a lot of black brant were noticed along the far western edge of the bay. They are common winter and spring residents in this estuary. At higher tides, a spotting scope is helpful as birds are often further away from the road.

Although common murres and other seabirds are not nesting yet, they can be seen staging on nearshore rocks and adjacent waters by the thousands at both Three Arch Rocks and Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuges, located west of Tillamook. While you're at Three Arch Rocks, take note of the Steller sea lions that occupy the lower rocks. They can be seen there nearly year-round. Unlike its cousin, the California sea lion, it is not nearly as numerous and occurs in only a few places in Oregon.

FISHING

AGATE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie

Largemouth bass are moving into the shallows. Angling for bass, bluegill and crappie should improve as the weather warms.

APPLEGATE RIVER: trout, steelhead

The Applegate River is closed to all angling until May 24 to protect migrating steelhead and coho salmon smolts.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Applegate Reservoir was recently stocked with over 30,000 legal-sized rainbow trout and will receive 500 trophy-sized trout this week. Anglers should try fishing a variety of depths off of points and tributaries; night crawlers, small spinners, and streamer flies have been working the best. Angling for bass and other warmwater fish should improve as the weather warms. The Copper Boat Ramp is open.

BEN IRVING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Ben Irving Reservoir, west of Winston, has been stocked with about 3,000 trout to date, and will receive more trout in mid-April.

BURMA POND: rainbow trout

The access road to Burma Pond is open, and the pond has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing should be good, with the best action occurring in the afternoons when the water is the warmest.

CHETCO RIVER:

Closed to salmon, steelhead and trout until May 24.

COOPER CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Cooper Creek has been stocked with about 5,000 catchable trout to date. The reservoir also recieves 50 or so 4 to 5 pound trophy trout each February. 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 1,500 catchable trout.

COOS COUNTY LAKES: trout, bass

Trophy-sized trout were stocked the week of April 21 in Powers Pond. The week of April 21 also saw legal-sized trout stocked in Empire Lakes, Tenmile Lakes and Millicoma Pond. Millicoma Pond is set aside for kids fishing only and is a great chance for them to hook into fish.

With the recent warmer weather bass and other warmwater fish activity should start to pick up. Try fishing a few of the lakes within the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area for warmwater fish.

COOS RIVER BASIN: winter steelhead

Steelhead fishing closes April 30 on the South Coos River and the forks of the Millicoma River. Trout season is also closed in streams and tidewater until May 24.

With warmer temperatures perch angling should start to pick up inside Coos Bay. Anglers should cast their bait around rocks or other structure.

Shad should start moving into Coos Bay very soon. Trolling spinners is a great way to hook into shad.

For a change of pace, anglers could consider going sturgeon fishing. Popular sturgeon spots are just upstream of the highway 101 bridge for boaters. Bank anglers catch some sturgeon from the Coos River downstream of the confluence with the Millicoma. There are also a few places to hook a sturgeon in Isthmus Slough.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: winter steelhead

Steelhead season is just about over but there are still a few steelhead being caught on the South Fork near Woodward Creek and Beaver Creek. Just a reminder the forks of the Coquille close to steelhead angling on April 30. Trout season is closed in streams and tidewater until May 24.

DIAMOND LAKE: rainbow trout

Diamond Lake opens this weekend for trout fishing. There is still a lot of snow and ice in the area, but anglers will find some open water at the resort, and can snowmobile or cross country ski to inlets or outlets that might also have open water such as near the pizza parlor. There should be at least 50,000 11-inch trout in the lake from last year's fingerling stocking. As soon as the ice is off, the ODFW will also stock 70,000 n 80,000 more catchable fish. Anglers are cautioned not to walk on the ice. When the lake opens this year, the boat speed limit will be 10 mph all day. This is the same speed limit that it was in the past prior to the negative impact of the tui chub

DUTCH HERMAN POND: rainbow trout

The access road is now open, and Dutch Herman Pond has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing should be best in the afternoons on warmer days when the water temperatures will be highest.

ELK/SIXES RIVER:

Closed to salmon, steelhead and trout until May 24th.

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

Emigrant Reservoir was stocked recently with almost 10,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. Bass are moving into the shallows, and angling for them and other warmwater species should improve as the water warms. Anglers should fish the flooded willows, the dam face and dike structures in Emigrant and Hill Creek arms for black crappie and largemouth bass.

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

EXPO POND: rainbow trout

Expo Pond was recently stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. The pond is located immediately adjacent to the access road at Gate 5 at the fairgrounds. Bass and panfish are also available. Fishing bait, either from a bobber or on the bottom with weight, can be effective.

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout

Fish Lake has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout; however, the lake is still almost completely covered with ice. The ice is getting thin, so going out on the ice could be hazardous. The stocked trout will be available to anglers once the lake is free of ice.

FLORAS LAKE: rainbow trout, bass

The lake is scheduled to be stocked in late April with 5,000 trout. Cold and wet weather should keep the lake fishing very good thru late May. Shore access is limited, but anglers can put a boat in at Boice Cope County Park. Anglers should keep an eye on the weather and target the lake when winds are light.

GALESVILLE RESERVIOR: rainbow trout, bass

Galesville Reservoir is open to angling year-round. Galesville has been stocked with about 6,500 catchable size trout to date. The 25,000 sub-legal size trout stocked last fall are approaching legal size. 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 last week with about 55,000 adipose-clipped hatchery coho. These fish were about 6 to 7 inches long, so will take a month or so to grow to legal size. In Galesville Reservoir, all landlocked salmon are considered trout. Thus there will be a 5 per day trout limit, with only one trout over 20 inches in length allowed for harvest.

GARRISON LAKE: rainbow trout, bass

Cold and wet weather continues to keep trout on the bite. Fish are in the shallows in the morning and evenings making fly fishing an excellent choice this time of year.

Bank access is limited to the State Park or 12th street boat ramp. Anglers should keep an eye on the weather and target the lake when winds are light.

HERBERT'S POND: rainbow trout, warm water fish

Herbert's Pond is a small pond just east of Canyonville on Tiller Highway. The pond has a good warm water fishery for kids including bluegill, crappie, and bass. The pond was stocked with a couple hundred trout 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

Howard Prairie is now open to angling. The lake still has areas with some ice, and the water is very cold. Angling is slow but should improve as the water warms.

HYATT LAKE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass

Hyatt Lake is open to angling; however, the lake is still covered with ice. Anglers should not go out on the ice without making sure it is safe to do so.

ILLINOIS RIVER: trout, steelhead

The Illinois River is closed to all angling until May 24 to protect migrating steelhead and coho salmon smolts.

LAIRD LAKE: trout

Laird Lake is located in the head waters of Elk River and was recently stocked with 1,000 trout. Bank access is limited and there is a lot of downed timber.

LAKE MARIE

Lake Marie at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park near Winchester Bay will be stocked with about 2,000 catchable trout for spring fishing.

LAKE SELMAC: rainbow trout

Lake Selmac has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Fish have been biting well on PowerBait and worms. Casting and retrieving lures or flies can be effective, along with trolling lures or flies from a boat. Largemouth bass and panfish are moving into the shallows. Fishing for them should improve as the weather warms.

LEMOLO RESERVOIR:

Lemolo also opens for fishing on April 26. Currently, access is limited. The ODFW will stock Lemolo with 1,500 trout as soon as it is accessible. Meanwhile the department will stock Clearwater Forebay #2 with 1,000 trout this week. Although snow has also block access and stocking at Hemlock Lake and Lake of the Wood, anglers can still try Toketee which has good boat and bank access. Toketee is good for brown trout fishing, especially in the morning.

LIBBY POND: rainbow trout

Fishing is slow. Libby is not scheduled to be stocked until free fishing weekend. Anglers will want to hit the lake in the early morning or late evening for the best success. One of the best methods to catch fish at Libby Pond is fishing PowerBait just off the bottom. Anglers can also do very well fly fishing or casting spinners. The lake is private and no boats are allowed. Anglers are also reminded to pick up all trash.

LOON LAKE: rainbow trout

Loon Lake has been stocked with about 5,000 catchable trout to date. In addition, there were almost 6,000 sub-legal trout stock last fall that should be approaching 8 inches for legal harvest.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Lost Creek Reservoir has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow. Bank anglers primarily fish either floating bait or worms. Boat anglers use a wide variety of techniques. Trollers often fish wedding ring and nightcrawler combinations behind a weight, while fly anglers can have success both trolling and casting. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish are also available, and will become more active as the weather improves. As of April 28, the surface water temperature was 51oF.

MEDCO POND: rainbow trout

Medco Pond was recently stocked with rainbow trout. Fishing will likely be best during the afternoon on warmer days when water temperatures are the highest.

PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: surfperch, bottomfish

Anglers have been getting out for bottomfish recently and reporting success. Bank anglers fishing from the rocks are catching a few fish and boat anglers are doing real well. Bottomfishing in the ocean always depends on ocean and weather conditions.

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

POWERS POND: trout, warmwater fish

Powers Pond was stocked the week of April 21 with large trophy trout. Warmwater fish are present all year and angling should improve when the weather warms.

REINHART PARK POND: trout, warmwater fish

Reinhart Park Pond was recently stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Worms and floating baits have been producing well for trout anglers. Largemouth bass and bluegill have begun to bite small jigs and grubs; anglers should try fishing for these fish in the afternoon when temperatures are warmer. Fly anglers may want to try casting leech or wooly bugger-type streamers.

ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: steelhead, chinook

Spring chinook are spread throughout the lower river. The bite has been very sporadic with some of the most consistent action being reported in tidewater. Spring chinook usually move along the inside bends of rivers, in about 4 to 6 feet of water. Anglers are reminded that there are new regulations in effect for spring chinook on the Rogue River.

ODFW will be radio tagging spring chinook in April, May and June in the lower Rogue River. Spring chinook will be captured by tangle net, seine or hook and line. Efforts to capture spring chinook may interfere with an anglers fishing.

The Rogue Spring Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan (http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/nfcp/rogue_river/) calls for a research project that determines the relationships between (1) time of freshwater entry, (2) passage timing at Gold Ray Dam, (3) spawning time, and (4) spawning distribution for early-run, mid-run, and late-run spring chinook salmon.

Rogue River flows: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/uv?14372300

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: chinook, trout, steelhead

The flow on April 28 was 4,200 cubic feet per second at Grants Pass. Angling for winter steelhead improved with the warmer temperatures late last week. Pulling plugs and side drifting yarn balls or bait remain the most productive techniques. Spring chinook are arriving in the Grants Pass area, and beginning to show up in the catch.

Anglers are reminded that the Rogue is closed to angling for trout until May 24 to protect migrating steelhead and coho salmon smolts. In addition, new regulations are in effect for spring chinook angling on the Rogue River. Please see the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for more information.

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: trout, steelhead, chinook

As of April 28, the flow out of William Jess Dam (Lost Creek) was 2,200 cubic feet per second and was increasing to 2,600 CFS. The outflow temperature was 48 degrees. 7,896 winter steelhead and 4 chinook salmon have been counted at Gold Ray Dam as of April 21.

Angling for winter steelhead improved this past week as the water temperature increased. Bait, lures, and flies were all producing fish.

Anglers are reminded that the Rogue is closed to angling for trout until May 24 to protect migrating steelhead and coho salmon smolts. In addition, new regulations are in effect for spring chinook angling on the Rogue River. Please see the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for more information.

SODA SPRINGS RESERVOIR: brown and rainbow trout

Soda Springs reservoir is open for trout angling, plus the tributaries upstream of the reservoir open April 26.

SMITH RIVER: steelhead

The Smith is currently open for adipose-fin clipped steelhead from the mouth upstream to Sisters Creek on the main stem and the North Fork Smith from the mouth upstream to Bridge 10. Striped bass angling should be improving as strippers move upstream to feed before spawning. Striped bass season is open year round, 2 fish per 24 hours, 30-inch minimum size. The North Fork is open to Johnson Creek for stripers.

SOUTH COAST STREAMS: steelhead

Trout season is closed in the Umpqua, Smith River, South Umpqua, North Umpqua and Cow Creek basins until May 24. The North Umpqua mainstem and tributaries above Soda Springs Reservoir will open for trout starting April 26th.

SPAULDING POND: rainbow trout

Access to Spaulding Pond is still blocked by snow, so the pond was not stocked as scheduled.

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

Tenmile Lakes is open to fishing year-round. Legal trout were stocked in Tenmile Lakes the week of April 21. Warmwater fish species such as bass, yellow perch, bluegill and crappie are in Tenmile Lakes. Largemouth bass fishing has been excellent. Bass have been caught in shallow water around willows or other trees in the water using jigs. Yellow perch should be spawning soon, fish for them near the weed lines or any other structure. Small jigs with a twister tail or piece of cut bait are a great choice for yellow perch fishing. Fishing activity for other warmwater fish species should increase with warmer weather.

TOKETEE LAKE: brown trout

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

UMPQUA ESTUARY: sturgeon, bass

Both sturgeon and striped bass fishing have been slow in the lower Umpqua.

UMPQUA HIGH LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

Diamond Lake and Lemolo open for fishing on April 26. Currently, access is limited. Diamond Lake should have at least 50,000 11-inch trout leftover from last year's fingerlings. The Department will start additional stock as soon as some ice is off. The ODFW will stock Lemolo with 1,500 trout as soon as it is accessible. Meanwhile the department will stock Clearwater Forebay #2 with 1,000 trout this week. Although snow has also block access and stocking at Hemlock Lake and Lake of the Wood, anglers can still try Toketee which has good boat and bank access. Toketee is good for brown trout fishing, especially in the morning.

UMQUA RIVER MAINSTEM: steelhead, spring Chinook

Remember the main stem Umpqua is now closed to wild steelhead harvest; it remains open year-round for adipose fin-clipped steelhead. Spring chinook have started coming up the Umpqua and anglers have been catching good numbers of springers. From Scottsburg to Elkton tends to be the best angling for the early spring chinook. Water flows will continue to drop through the weekend and water temperatures should rise as the weather warms. This should cause the fish to start moving.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead

The North has remained fishable. The most success has been from Colliding Rivers down. The warmer weather expected this week will get the fish on the move. To date, over 9,100 winter steelhead have passed Winchester Dam. Remember that only adipose fin-clipped steelhead can be harvested on the North Umpqua. The first spring chinook has crossed Winchester Dam. However the cold weather last weekend slowed the fish from moving into the North.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: steelhead

Angling conditions have been good recently. The few anglers fishing the South are still catching good numbers of fish, with a few bright hatchery ones too. In addition to several good drift boat floats between Canyonville and Roseburg, there are good bank angling opportunities at Templeton Beach, the Myrtle Creek bridge, Stanton Park, and behind Seven Feathers Casino. Remember the South Umpqua is open for adipose fin-clipped steelhead only. The South Umpqua is open for steelhead through April 30.

WILLOW LAKE: trout

Willow Lake has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Anglers should try using floating bait or worms. Casting and retrieving, or trolling lures or flies can also be effective. Fishing will probably be better in the afternoon during the warmer temperatures.

WINCHESTER BAY: sturgeon, chinook

Fishing remains slow for sturgeon.

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: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/razorclams

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. The COOS BAY shoals (20-30 feet deep) along the inside of the North Spit from Empire to Charleston is a good area for crabbing. Public crabbing docks can be found in Winchester Bay, Bandon, Charleston, and Empire.

Crabbing: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/crab/index.asp

* 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: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/razorclams

* Bay clams: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/bayclams/

SOUTHWEST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Squirrel (portion of Rogue unit open year-round), cougar, controlled spring bear, turkey

Visit ODFW's turkey, spring bear hunting forecasts.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

HUNTING:

Cougar n Opened on January 1st. Hunters can expect an average year. Cougars are abundant throughout with indicators pointing to stable or increasing numbers. Hunting cougar is a challenge because these animals are very secretive, but harvest success is greatest adjacent to private land with high deer populations using a predator call.

Spring Bear n The SW controlled bear hunt is currently open and continues through May 31st. Bear numbers are good with the highest numbers at lower elevations in the coast range with lower numbers elsewhere in the coast range and Cascades. Hunters can focus on open meadows early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Successful bear hunters are now required to check in the skull within 10 days of the kill.

Turkey n The spring turkey season is open and continues through May 31st. Many gobblers have been taken so far this season. A lot of the hunting pressure has dropped off so now is a good time to find your turkey since few hunters are still a field. In general, most turkeys are found on or adjacent to low-mid elevation private lands associated with oak savannah habitat. Hunters are reminded to obtain permission before hunting on private lands.

JACKSON, JOSEPHINE, CURRY COUNTIES

Bears n Bear populations are healthy with Curry county along the coast have some of the highest densities in the state. Bear activity continues to pick up. Be aware of sows with cubs, it is unlawful to take cubs less than one year old or sows with cubs less than one year old. Locate bears in open clearings were green grass are there primary source of food at this time of year. Hunters need to be aware of new mandatory check for bears this years, refer to page 42 of the 2008 regulation. Hunters are asked to bring bear skulls in thawed and with mouth propped open so biologist can collect needed teeth and able to tag skulls. See ODFW's forecast for more information.

Turkey nThe season is expected to be average. Many of our flocks survived the winter. Hens should be nesting and toms will be eager to respond to calls. Birds can be located in a wide variety of elevations in our area with most in mid to low elevation. Oak savanna habitat provides the best opportunities. Private lands hold numerous turkeys, be sure to ask for permission before hunting.

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

Cougar n Calling has become one of the methods hunters are using to harvest our healthy cougar population. Locate major ridge lines and rocky out-cropping as areas of travel within cougar home range. Hunters are reminded that they must bring their cougar into an ODFW office within 10 days to be checked and tagged, refer to regulations for details. Hunters are asked to bring in cougars thawed and mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

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

COOS COUNTY

Bear- Bears are becoming active due to the warmer conditions and the time of year. Hunters are reporting seeing bears in clear cuts and on slide areas feeding on grass. The most popular method to hunt bears in spring is spotting them with binoculars and spotting scopes then stalking them. Calling with predator calls can also be very effective for hunting spring bears. Hunters are reminded to check the skulls from bears they harvest into local ODFW offices with in ten days for tagging, see the 2008 Big Game Regulations.

Cougar - Cougar populations appear to be healthy in Coos County. Cougars are very elusive and use very large home ranges so they represent a supreme challenge for hunters. To locate them, take clues from their prey (deer and elk). In areas with high densities of deer and elk, you may find success attracting cougars with predator calls. Cougar season continues through May.

Turkey - There is limited opportunity to hunt turkeys in Coos County. Birds are distributed in relation to agricultural lands. The densest populations are generally found in eastern Coos County near agricultural lands. Pre-hunt scouting is paramount for hunting birds in the county due to the fact that the populations are spotty in distribution.

SOUTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

EVENT

2008 Rogue Valley Bird Day Celebration, May10, 8 a.m. to noon, Ashland

North Mountain Park Nature Center hosts Tropics to Tundra, a celebration of the incredible journey of migratory birds. The event will offer a variety of engaging outdoor learning activities for birders of all ages. Hourly guided walks will visit the mist netting and bird banding station to view migratory and resident birds up close. See wild birds of prey from Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education Center.

For more information.

Coos County

Migrants have arrived in the area. There have been reports of black brant, a coastal goose, appearing in Coos Bay. Many migrant birds winter in Mexico and nest above the Arctic Circle. On their way north, they stop in local bays and other areas to feed on vegetation like eel grass before continuing the trip.

There have also been reports of Aleutian Canada geese near the coast in the southern portion of the county. Aleutian geese winter in California and nest in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. They stop in Oregon to feed in fields south of Bandon before continuing their migration.

Douglas County

Ospreys

Ospreys have returned to the Umpqua Valley from their wintering areas in Central and South America. Ospreys, or fish hawks, can be seen flying above rivers or lakes looking for fish.

Turtles

Western Pond Turtles are now being seen on warm sunny days and afternoons at all local reservoirs plus Stewart Park Pond in Roseburg.

Waterfowl

Young ducks and geese are showing up at Cooper Creek, Plat I, Galesville and Berry Creek Reservoirs.

Vaux Swift

Look for early spring arrivals in Roseburg and Sutherlin. The best opportunity to view this swift is during the day as they fly from 50 to 250 feet above the ground or water bodies, capturing insects in flight. Also, at dusk look for a concentration of swifts entering brick chimneys or hollow dead trees going into their nighttime roost.

NEW: Purple Martin

More purple martin have arrived at Plat-I reservoir in Sutherlin and Ten Mile Lakes near Lakeside. On April 16, 14 birds were observed on the north bank of Plat-I reservoir.

The best opportunity to view North America's largest swallow is in the early morning as they fly high above the water capturing dragonflies and other insects. Check out nesting cavities, nesting boxes or gourds in the middle of the reservoir to see nesting and raising of young.

Fish Spawning

Each year there is a chance to observe wild Winter Steelhead spawning just below Soda Springs dam on the N. Umpqua River 55 miles east of Roseburg.

Jackson and Josephine Counties

ODFW Denman Wildlife Area

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

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

CENTRAL ZONE

FISHING

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

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

Hood River: The Hood River from the mouth to Powerdale Dam is open to angling for adipose fin-clipped chinook salmon from April 15 to June 30, 2008. The catch limit is two adult adipose fin-clipped salmon per day, and five adipose fin-clipped jack salmon per day. All salmon that have not been adipose fin-clipped must be released unharmed. All other limits and restrictions remain unchanged from those listed in the 2008 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulation for the Hood River.

ANTELOPE RESERVOIR: Is currently inaccessible to due to snow.

BIG LAVA LAKE: Is currently inaccessible and still frozen over.

CRANE PRAIRIE: Crane Prairie reservoir currently remains inaccessible for opening weekend.

CRESCENT LAKE: Crescent Lake is currently iced over and there are no accessible boat launching facilities.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout

The Crooked is currently flowing at 289 cfs. No recent reports from anglers. 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.

CULTUS LAKE: Cultus Lake is currently inaccessible and iced over.

DAVIS LAKE:

Davis Lake has very limited access. Please note Davis Lake is restricted to fly angling only.

DESCHUTES RIVER:

Mouth to Warm Springs

Spring chinook fishing below Sherars Falls has been slow so far due to low numbers of fish migrating early. Expect fish numbers to increase dramatically in the next two weeks as water temperatures increase and more fish enter the Deschutes.

Trout fishing is improving on the lower Deschutes with the warmer temperatures. Anglers are reminded the Deschutes from the northern boundary of Warm Springs Reservation upstream to the Pelton Reregulation Dam re-opened April 26, 2008. Trout anglers should be successful by using nymphs, but anglers should also be watchful for mid-day hatches. A few March brown and blue-winged olive mayflies should be occurring.

Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls

Flows in this reach are currently running at 76 cfs. No anglers were interviewed as basis for a report. Opportunity for brown trout and redband trout should be good.

Benham Falls to Wickiup Reservoir: Opens to angling May 24th.

Wickiup Reservoir to Crane Prairie Reservoir: Opens to angling May 24th

EAST LAKE: East Lake is currently iced over with no road access to boat ramps.

FALL RIVER: Fly angling only with good opportunity for rainbow trout. No recent angling reports.

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

No recent reports though there is good opportunity for brown trout and rainbow trout. Brown bullhead should be thinking about spawning. Anglers interested in targeting brown bullhead should work the south shoreline.

HOOD RIVER: summer steelhead, winter steelhead

Visibility and water quality for steelhead fishing have been excellent on the Hood River. Many bright winter fish are being caught on both bait and hardware. A few early summer run fish have also been reported in the catch. We recently saw the peak of winter steelhead in the Hood River, but bright fish continue to be captured at the Powerdale Dam trap. Spring chinook should be entering the lower Hood in early May and will provide anglers good opportunities.

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

Fishing for bull trout has been slow with kokanee fishing being fair. Kokanee being caught are in good condition, ranging from 10 to 14 inches. An emergency regulation change beginning May 1 will suspend the 25 fish bonus bag for kokanee. Lake bag limit will be five trout (including kokanee).

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

NORTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout

North Twin Lake is partially ice free and the boat launch is accessible for launching of boats. North Twin was recently stocked with catchable rainbow trout. There is good opportunity for 8 to 12-inch rainbow.

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

No recent reports though the boat ramp is open and the reservoir is ice free.

ODELL LAKE: kokanee, lake trout, rainbow trout

Odell Lake is ice free with boat launching available at Shelter Cove Resort and Odell Lake Resort. Fishing was slow over the opening day weekend. The catch is expected to improve as water temperatures begin warming. Odell Lake provides great opportunity for kokanee with additional opportunity for lake trout and rainbow trout. All Forest Service campgrounds are currently closed due to snow though Sunset Boat launch is open with very limited parking.

PAULINA LAKE: Paulina Lake is still iced over and will be inaccessible for the opening day weekend

PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

No recent reports, but the reservoir has recently been stocked and should provide good action.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

No recent reports though there is good opportunity for rainbow trout.

ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Angler reports have indicated excellent catches on recently stocked fish.

SIMTUSTUS LAKE: rainbow trout, bull trout

Angling over the opening weekend was reported to very good for rainbow trout. Legal-sized rainbow trout were stocked before opening weekend and will continue to be stocked throughout the summer. A tribal angling permit is required in addition to a state angling license to fish in the lake. The bag limit is five trout per day including kokanee. Some bull trout are available. Bull trout limit is one fish with a 24-inch minimum as in Lake Billy Chinook.

SOUTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout

The boat ramp is accessible and lake is ice free. Fishing was good over the opening weekend with anglers catching limits of rainbow trout. South Twin was recently stocked with legal-sized trout.

SUTTLE LAKE: kokanee, brown trout

Suttle Lake is ice free and the boat ramp is accessible though there is limited parking. Anglers reported fair catches of kokanee and a few nice brown trout. Suttle Lake provides good opportunity for kokanee and brown trout.

TAYLOR LAKE: rainbow trout

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

WALTON LAKE: Is currently inaccessible due to snow.

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

Wickiup Reservoir is ice-free. Fishing was slow for most folks though a few anglers did take home some very nice catches of kokanee. Angling opportunity for kokanee and brown trout is good. There is also opportunity for largemouth bass and rainbow trout. Gull Point ramp and North Wickiup ramp are open and accessible. West South Twin ramp is open, but very shallow beach access.

CENTRAL ZONE HUNTING

Open: Cougar, controlled spring bear, turkey

Visit ODFW's turkey, spring bear hunting forecasts.

PRINEVILLE DISTRICT

Snow accumulations have generally retreated except at higher elevations on the Ochoco National Forest where most roads remain impassable. Recreational users should check with the Ochoco National Forest and Prineville BLM regarding road conditions and any seasonal access restrictions in effect. Motorized access restrictions associated with the South Boundary Green Dot 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.

Turkey n Recent warm temperatures has spring greenup under way. Turkeys will likely be feeding on this new spring plant growth and moving to higher elevations on the Ochoco National Forest as snows recede. Hunters should check with the Ochoco National Forest offices in Prineville and the Paulina Ranger Station to get the latest reports regarding road and access conditions.

Cougar n Deer, pronghorn, and elk are moving to higher elevation transition and summer ranges. Cougar will be following the dispersing animals and hunters would do well to scout areas deer and antelope are using.

Coyote n Like cougar, coyotes will be following dispersing deer and pronghorn as they move to higher elevation ranges. If concentrations of deer or pronghorn can be found, it is likely coyotes are nearby.

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

THE DALLES WILDLIFE DISTRICT

Bear season opened April 15. Few bears were harvested in the Hood unit last year. Snowpack in higher elevations of the Hood unit will keep many bears in hibernation longer this year and reduce early season access. Hunters wanting to hunt the early part of the season should focus their efforts on clearcuts at lower elevations. Later in the season, when beehives are out in orchards for pollination, hunt forestland near the beehives or seek permission to hunt on private orchard ground that borders the timber. Hunters can utilize both public land (Mt. Hood National Forest and Hood River County land) and private industrial forestland which is open to hunting. Keep in mind that Forest Service Road 16 on the east end is closed due to a bridge washout, so the road is closed to the Red Hill area.

Turkey season opened on Tuesday April 15th. Hunters wanting to pursue turkeys should focus their efforts within the White River unit. Most birds will be found in or near the areas where the open oak woodlands begin to give way to the coniferous forest. Hunting pressure is generally high in the White River, so those who want to find lower hunter densities should wait for a week or two of the season to pass before heading out. Snow pack may also limit access to higher elevation hunting areas.

Mountain lions in the area are dispersing in response to deer and elk leaving winter range. Those wishing to pursue lions will probably have the greatest opportunity in canyons such as the Deschutes or John Day, where deer are focusing on green-up on the canyon walls, and where bighorn sheep are congregating near lambing cliffs.

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

California Ground squirrels, or grey diggers, are starting to become more active with the warming temperatures. These animals are generally found in rocky, open habitats and the best opportunities are found on private ground near agricultural fields. Limited opportunities exist on the lower elevation forest service and state ground in the White River unit. Be sure to ask permission to hunt on private land.

WHITE RIVER WILDLIFE AREA

Warmer temperatures have toms gobbling, and most of the area is now snow-free. Remember that off road travel is prohibited. Open for spring turkey but not spring bear. Hunters should expect cool weather and fair numbers of other hunters; last year White River Unit had most hunters with 1,827 hunters taking 318 birds, but this represented one of the lowest hunter success rates (birds harvested per hunter).

CENTRAL ZONE VIEWING

Prineville Area

Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Management Area

The north side access road between the Paulina Highway and Jasper Point opened to motorized traffic on April 15. Motorized traffic within the management area is restricted to this road and designated routes into dispersed camping sites. The Juniper Bass Campsite is closed at this time to protect sensitive Bald Eagle nesting habitat.

Visitors can tailor an outing to their own skill levels while visiting the Wildlife Area. The north side road is an unimproved road suited to higher clearance vehicles and tent camping, not trailers or RVs. Those with trailers or motor homes should use the nearby Prineville Reservoir State Park. There are currently a wide range of migratory and resident shorebirds and waterfowl using the shoreline and reservoir. Nesting osprey, Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles and red-tail hawks are present in the wildlife area as well. Flocks of terns, tundra swans and pelicans have recently been observed.

In addition to wildlife viewing, the management area offers hiking and wonderful scenic views of the Crooked River and reservoir. The slopes to the north have steeper and more challenging hiking terrain and offer the best vantage for observing soaring raptors and panoramic views. Good footwear is a must as conditions can be muddy, slippery and wet.

For directions, visit ODFW's Web site.

The Dalles, Mid-Columbia Region and Northern Wasco County

Many different passerine species are moving through the area. Focus your attention to the oak woodlands, where spring conditions are first to appear, and where many species will stop during migration.

Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area

NEW: Spring is a great time to explore the Deschutes Canyon. Many different species frequent the canyon with opportunities to view a wide variety of waterbirds, passerines, deer and bighorn sheep.

Bighorn ewes are now beginning to congregate, bringing with them their new lambs. If you can find a group of ewes, watch closely and you should be able to spot young lambs that are hiding nearby. In the coming weeks as lambs get older, expect to start seeing them become more mobile and visible.

ODFW's Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area is located in The Dalles. For directions and more information.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Spring conditions exist in Lake and Klamath County with winter conditions persisting on some streams and lakes. Access can be difficult; paved roads will have snow drifts on north facing slopes, primitive roads will alternate between frozen to muddy depending on weather conditions.

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. Hybrid bass are being captured using bait just off the bottom. Most anglers fish from shore on the east shoreline at night. Many hybrid bass captured are over 10 lbs. The use of live fish for bait is prohibited.

ANA RIVER: hatchery rainbow trout

Ana River is open all year long; water temperatures tend to stay warmer due to spring input out of Ana Reservoir. This is a great place to fish during the early spring. Angling for rainbow trout has been good. The river level is rising as water is being released from the reservoir. 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, large lures and flies mimicking minnows can be very successful. Also, consider trying dry-fly emergers and nymphs.

BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, whitefish, bull trout

Inflow into the reservoir varied from approximately 139 to 225 cfs from April 23 to April 28. The reservoir was 65 percent on April 27. Downstream releases were turned on before April 23. Angling in the reservoir is fair for rainbow trout and slow for crappie.

BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

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 will be stocked in the reservoir this spring. Trout stocked as fingerlings will not be of harvestable size until next year.

BLITZEN RIVER: trout

Catch and release angling through late May. Angling is fair for 10 to 16 inch redband trout. With a substantial snowpack and unpredictable spring weather conditions, anglers may have to deal with varying water conditions. Flow fluctuated between approximately 120 and 230 cfs from April 21 through April 28. Flow was 196 cfs April 28.

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

The filling of the reservoir has slowed with the onset of irrigation releases. The reservoir was 87 percent full on April 27. Angling is slow.

BURNS POND: trout, bass

Trout were stocked in the pond the week of April 21. Angling should be fair to good for rainbow trout.

BURNT RIVER: trout

Opens for fishing April 26. Will be stocked with 1,000 legal trout above Unity Reservoir the week of April 28.

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout

Angling is fair for 12 to 18-inch rainbow trout. Bait anglers have had success with cluster eggs. Fly anglers have had some success using midge and leech imitations. As water warms up, angling should improve.

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout

Angling is closed for all species below the town of Paisley, including the Rivers End Ranch Reservoir. Angling is slow for redband trout above Paisley; the river is running high and turbid. Access is open along the river on the paved USFS road.

COTTONWOOD MEADOWS: native redband trout, rainbow trout, brook trout

Access to Cottonwood Meadows is still blocked by snow.

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: native redband trout

Cottonwood Road off Hwy 140 to Cottonwood reservoir is free of snow and dry; however, that could change with even minor precipitation. The reservoir is free of ice. Fishing for native redband should improve as water temperatures increase.

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

Crump Lake is free of ice. 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.

DELINTMENT LAKE: trout

No recent angling report or information on ice conditions. The lake is only accessible by snowmobile.

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

The reservoir is free of ice. Access to the reservoir is open. The road and campground are clear of snow, the boat ramps are muddy but usable.

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

The reservoir is clear of ice. Access is open to the reservoir and boat ramp. Catch rates are often low at this reservoir.

DUNCAN RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Duncan Reservoir is free of ice and the road in is open. The reservoir is turbid as it fills with snow melt. The reservoir is high, but still not spilling at the outlet. Fishing for rainbow trout has been slow, but warmer weather will improve catch rates. Hatches have been observed occurring on the reservoir in the late afternoon.

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

No access yet due to snow.

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

The north loop road is still closed. No recent angling report.

FOURMILE LAKE

Fourmile Lake is blocked by snow and will not likely open until late June.

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

The reservoir is ice free and the lake is nearing full pool. Cold weather has created difficult angling conditions. Angling is best for brown bullhead. Angling for crappie should be good this year when water temperatures warm. Look for warmwater fish in the shallow backwater areas.

HAINES POND: rainbow trout

Was stocked with 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout the first week of April, and will be restocked with 1,000 additional trout May 1.

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

The lake is free of ice. Warm water fishing opportunities will be limited until water temperature increases. The lake is very shallow, and high winds can make boating hazardous.

HEART LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout

Access is still blocked due to snow.

HIGGINS RESERVOIR: trout

Opens April 26. Access is walk in only. Has not been stocked for 2 years due to access issues.

HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Access is still blocked due to snow. The stocking of this reservoir scheduled for the week of April 23 will probably be postponed due to access issues.

HWY 203 POND: trout, bass, bluegill

Was stocked with 2,600 legal-sized rainbow trout April 21 and will be stocked for the third time May 1 with an additional 2,000 trout.

JUNIPER LAKE: cutthroat trout

The lake almost went dry this year, so the trout population was lost.

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass

The Reservoir opened for angling April 26. Angling was fair for 12 to 20 inch rainbow trout. Bait anglers have had some success with PowerBait, and fly anglers have had some success using leeches. Trollers have also done fairly well. Bass angling may be fair until the water warms up. 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.

LOFTON RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Access is still blocked due to snow. The stocking of this reservoir scheduled the week of April 23 will more than likely be postponed due to access issues.

LUCKY RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Access to Lucky Reservoir is blocked by snow drifts and mud.

UPPER KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKE: redband trout and yellow perch

Water temperatures are warming and redband trout are becoming active. Angling for redband trout has been fair. Most success is from casting lures or flies from shore or boat using slow presentations. Using bait from shore has also had success. Most anglers use dead minnows for bait. Trolling lures is slow but should pick up with an increase in water temperatures.

KLAMATH RIVER: native rainbow-redband trout

Angling for wild redband trout is slow. Water temperatures have increased to a level that redband trout are active. Angling below Keno dam is slow due to high, turbid flows. Most adult redband trout have completed spawning but are just beginning to reenter the river. The Klamath River below JC Boyle Dam to the JC Boyle Powerhouse is your best opportunity for catching redband trout. This section is currently slightly off color. Most redband trout in this section range from 6-12 inches. Water temperature in this section remains warmer due to the large spring input. Angling below the powerhouse is slow due to high and turbid flows.

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

No new report but road into Lake of the Woods off Hwy 140 had been closed by snow and the lodge is also closed. Lake of the Woods is frozen. If you are willing to brave these conditions, fishing may be good for yellow perch.

LINK RIVER: redband trout

Angling is fair for redband trout. Redband trout are in the river in fair numbers as they migrate to Upper Klamath Lake. Access is available along the entire west side and boats can be launched at Veterans Park and motored upstream to the powerhouse. River flow has increased dramatically. A few redband trout are being caught. The Link River is open year long. Most anglers wade the river and cast lures and spoons that mimic minnows. The river is shallow so light lures should be used.

LOST RIVER: brown bullhead, perch

Angling is fair for warmwater fish. Brown bullhead are being caught at Crystal Springs Park at a good rate. Angling for yellow perch should be good with warmer weather.

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

On April 28, discharge below Warm Springs Dam was approximately 116 cfs. Angling is slow.

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

On April 28, discharge below Juntura was approximately 428 cfs. Angling is slow.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Water level remains below last year's level at this time. The reservoir continues to produce nice catches of 12 to 17-inch rainbow trout.

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

No recent angling report. Road access had been blocked by snow and won't re-open until later this spring. Remember to release bull trout.

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

No recent angling report. Road access had been blocked by snow and won't re-open until later this spring. Remember to release bull trout.

MANN LAKE: trout

Slow angling for cutthroat trout when weather conditions allow. The lake is very low.

MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout

No recent angling report.

MUD LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout

The lake is low and filling slowly with spring snow melt. Mud Lake experienced a winter kill this year so angling could be poor. The lake is turbid year-around and will warm up quickly. Water beetles, water boatman, scuds and damsels are found in good numbers in the lake.

MURRAY RESERVOIR: trout

Ice is still on the reservoir. It will be stocked with 2,000 rainbow trout the week of April 28 if the ice is off.

NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: rainbow trout

Angling is expected to be slow. Squaw Creek and Littlefield reservoir were the only reservoirs stocked last year. Spring weather may result in difficult road conditions.

NORTH POWDER PONDS 1 & 2: rainbow trout

Both ponds were stocked first week of April. North Powder Pond # 1 has been stocked twice, with a third plant due the week of April 28.

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

The reservoir was 59 percent full April 20. The boat ramps near the powerhouse, at the resort, and at the day-use area are accessible. All other ramps are out of the water. Angling is slow.

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

Angling for rainbow trout and brown trout is good. Anglers still need to be careful around spawning areas to protect redds. Trout fry will not emerge from the redds until mid to late April. Flow was 243 cfs April 27.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish

Spring runoff continues on the Owyhee River. Discharge at the Rome gauge varied from approximately 1,900 to 3,100 cfs from April 23 through April 29. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish is slow.

PAIUTE RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout and hatchery Lahontan cutthroat trout

The reservoir has a thin layer of ice each morning, which comes off by late afternoon. Angling is slow due to turbid conditions. The reservoir is low.

PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch

Ice is off the reservoir. Water level is 40 percent. Phillips is planned for stocking the week of April 28 with 8,400 legal-sized trout.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout

Ice is still on the reservoir. No recent fishing report.

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The water level remains below the water level at this time last year. The reservoir water is turbid due to inflow. Angling has slowed.

POWDER RIVER: trout, spring chinook

Fishing for rainbow trout will open from HuntingtonnRichland road bridge to Hughes Lane bridge in Baker City on April 26. All areas in the Powder are open to bait fishing on April 26.

SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: hatchery rainbow trout.

Angling is expected to be fair. Several reservoirs in the Jordan Valley area were stocked last year. Spring weather may result in difficult road conditions.

SPAULDING RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Spaulding Reservoir went dry last summer. No fish are believed to be in the reservoir. ODFW will stock the reservoir with fingerlings if the reservoir fills. Fingerlings stocked this summer will not be of harvestable size until next year.

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

Angling will be slow due to high flows and cold water temperatures.

SPRAGUE RIVER (NORTH AND SOUTH FORK): redband trout, brook trout, brown trout and bull trout

Most access to these tributaries is blocked by snow. High flows and cold water will decrease catch rate. Please release bull trout unharmed.

SUNSTONE RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Sunstone reservoir went dry last summer, but it has filled this spring. A small number of legal size rainbow trout were stocked last week, as were a group of Eagle Lake rainbow trout which will be legal by the end of summer.

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

Angling is slow due to high flows with cold water temperatures.

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout

The buoy line near the dam is now fixed. Some reports of 12-inch rainbows being caught, but recent gillnet samples were unproductive. Surplus steelhead smolts were stocked in October. Reservoir is full.

THOMPSON RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, hatchery rainbow trout

The reservoir is free of ice. The paved road in has been plowed to the Thompson Valley campground access road. The campground road was not plowed.

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

The reservoir is ice free. Angling for warmwater fish is slow. The reservoir is turbid and water temperatures are cold.

TWIN LAKES (Baker County): rainbow trout

No access yet due to ice, but will be stocked this year with legal trout.

UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie

Ice is off the reservoir. Fishing has not picked up yet, as the waters are still cold. Water level is at 92 percent. The campground is open.

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

The reservoir was 33 percent full April 27, and inflow varied from approximately 325 cfs to 525 cfs from April 23 through April 29. Fishing is slow.

WARNER LAKES: black crappie, brown bullhead, yellow perch

The Warner Lakes are free of ice and access has improved. Muddy spots remain in the roads so drive with care. Fishing for warm water species will be very slow until water temperatures increase. The lakes are low and shallow; boating access can be difficult.

WILLIAMSON RIVER (UPPER): redband trout and brook trout

Angling will be slow for redband trout and brook trout due to high flows and cold water temperatures. Snow will block access to some sites.

WILLIAMSON RIVER (LOWER):

Closed to angling below Kirk bridge until May 24.

WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, and hatchery Lahontan cutthroat.

Angling for largemouth bass is good. Look for areas of warmer water temperatures and look for the many sunken habitat structures in the reservoir.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, trout

No new fishing report. Ice is off the reservoir. Reservoir is filling.

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

Angling will be slow due to high flows with cold water temperatures.

YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout

Good angling for 10 to 12-inch rainbow trout. Fly anglers have had good success using leech and midge imitations. The lake is now accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicle.

SOUTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

Open: Cougar, spring bear, spring turkey

Visit ODFW's turkey, spring bear hunting forecasts.

Cougar - Cougar populations are healthy in the Southeast zone. In order to harvest a cougar, you need a valid tag and to be using a .22 caliber or larger center fire rifle.

Bear - The highest bear densities are in the Cascade Mountains with lower densities in the dryer semi-desert portions of the hunt area. Areas for hunters to check include the Keno Unit, western portion of the Sprague Unit, and the Gearhart Mountain area in the Interstate Unit. Focus on the unburned fringes around 2002 fires (Grizzly Fire in Interstate, Toolbox/Winter Fire in Silver Lake) and in riparian areas. Public access is good within the Fremont-Winema National Forest and on open private timberland. Please respect private property, avoid driving on soft or muddy roads. Access continues to be limited by snow in many areas.

Coyote - Any area with wintering deer will provide good opportunity for coyote calling. Hunters should be aware that cougars will respond to predator calls.

Turkey - Turkeys are restricted to the Keno WMU. Severe winter conditions have likely reduced over winter survival for turkeys this year. Hunting access is good in the Keno Unit as much of the area is private timberland which is open to public access. Please respect private property to help maintain public access. However due to snow conditions, some areas are not accessible. Areas to check for turkey activity are south of Highway 66 and west of the Klamath River Canyon to Copco Road.

KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA

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

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

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

SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA

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

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

SOUTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

Harney County

NEW: Spring migrants such as tundra swans, snow geese, white-front geese and sandhill cranes are in the area, however many of them have already flown north to their nesting grounds. Other species of interest in the area are white-faced ibis, long-billed curlews, black-necked stilts, willets and American avocets. Viewing is best in the Harney Valley near Burns.

Bighorn sheep have been seen along the Catlow Valley Road south of Frenchglen. Best opportunities to observe bighorn are on the east side of the road from Roaring Springs Canyon on the north to Long Hollow Canyon on the south. The property adjacent to the road is private, so viewers must stay on the road or road right-of-way.

Klamath Falls Area

Klamath Wildlife Area

Good viewing of raptors is available including northern harrier, kestrel, red-tailed hawk, bald eagle and rough-legged hawk.

Note: Please restrict your access to the public roads and parking lots to minimize disturbance of the migrating geese and other wildlife during this time of year. Dogs are allowed only at the designated dog training area near the boat ramp.

The Wildlife Area is located four miles south of Klamath Falls. For directions and more information, visit the ODFW Web site. Please contact Klamath Wildlife Area at (541) 883-5734 or email lanny.a.fujishin@state.or.us for additional information.

Lake County and Lakeview Area

Tundra swan, snow geese and northern pintail are abundant in the Warner Valley and Summer Lake. Goose Lake is still iced over with snow cover, but as spring progresses and the ice melts early spring migrants will be common throughout the Goose Lake Valley.

Greater and lesser sandhill cranes have arrived and are common in all the major wetlands and flooded pastures in the county.

Bighorn sheep have moved lower on their respective ranges feeding on new spring grasses. The best opportunities to see bighorns are along Abert Rim north of Valley Falls on US Hwy 395; Fish Creek Rim between Plush and Adel; and Hadley across from the Summer Lake Hot Springs on OR Hwy 31.

Summer Lake Wildlife Area

This section was updated on April 29, 2008. Vehicle access to the Wildlife Viewing Loop is open. Other major dike roads are closed to motor vehicles (non-motorized access permitted) to reduce disturbance to nesting and migrating water birds.

Nearly all of the Area's wetlands are well flooded and receiving considerable waterbird use. Northward migrants continue to arrive, ducks, shorebirds and passerine species are staging in good numbers. Nearly all arctic nesting geese and tundra swans have departed for northerly staging areas enroute to arctic breeding grounds, although a few late migrants remain. Other migrant waterbirds continue to arrive.

Waterfowl

Northward migrating and breeding ducks have arrived and are staging in good numbers, nearly all species are well represented at this time. Northern shovelers are especially numerous. Duck numbers continue to remain at a high with nearly 17,000 counted during last week's survey.. There were 15 species of ducks counted. Ducks remain widely scattered across the Area taking advantage of shallowly flooded and open water conditions. A large number can be found in Bullgate Refuge where major habitat enhancement activities took place in 2007. Ducks are in their bright and colorful nuptial plumage as they prepare for the breeding season. Many species are beginning to form pairs and some courtship activity has been evident. Some early nesting mallards typically initiate nests now; many are dispersed on territories and pairs have been observed searching for sites.

Resident Canada geese are dispersed widely across the Wildlife Area and adjacent private lands. Most breeding pairs are on territory now but a few continue to search for nesting sites and are very vocal in their defense of prime areas. Nesting is well underway for this species, and broods are being observed frequenty. If nests or broods are encountered, please move away quietly and not disturb them during this critical time of the year.

Greater white-fronted geese made a major exodus out of the Basin last weekend. These geese have departed enroute to breeding areas in the Lower Cook Inlet and tundra areas of Alaska.

Scattered single Trumpeter swans continue to be observed, but most have departed and are headed to their Tri-State (Idaho-Montana-Wyoming) or Alberta, Canada breeding locations. Look for trumpeter swans in the same locations tundra swans are using.

Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds

Shorebird migration continues in earnest as number and species spring arrival increases. American avocets and black-necked stilts, two common breeding species are fairly numerous now. Spotted sandpipers, another breeding species on the Wildlife Area made their spring arrival over the past week. Some species such as killdeer are beginning to nest now. Area users are urged to use caution while driving and parking. Killdeer frequently nest in gravel, along road shoulders, parking areas and at campgrounds. Viewers can expect to see other shorebird species arrive soon, especially if moderate weather conditions persist. Sandhill cranes are scattered across the Wildlife Area with most pairs occupying their breeding territories and nesting is underway. Cranes are very vocal in the early morning hours calling to proclaim territories and reinforcing pair bonds. Colts (young sandhill cranes) should be appearing within the next few weeks. Scattered individuals and small groups of non-breeding cranes can sometimes be found.

Other waterbird species continue to arrive and increase in number. Forster's terns were observed over the past week and other migrants should be arriving soon. American white pelicans are quite common now and can be found feeding on small fish in the Area's larger ponds or canals. Other resident waterbirds should be increasing in number as spring progresses. American bitterns are calling in earnest now and their "oompa-loop..oompa-loop" sounds are quite common especially in early morning.

Raptors and Others

Resident raptors remain scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Highway 31. Meadows offer excellent foraging opportunities for many raptors. Migrant raptors are found in good numbers throughout the Summer Lake Basin and are very apparent along Highway 31. Northern harriers are especially numerous over marsh and hay meadows. Courtship flights are common now as harriers begin to nest. Bald eagles are commonly seen across the Wildlife Area in association with flocks of migrating waterfowl as they search for sick or weakened individuals as prey. Prairie falcons and golden eagles are sometimes seen during this time of the year. Great-horned owls are very vocal now and are commonly heard calling at night. The breeding season for this species is well underway, several nests have been observed recently and eggs should be hatching soon. Osprey have returned from their southern wintering areas and can be found at Ana Reservoir occupying the nesting platform.

Eurasian collared doves remain at Headquarters Complex and migrant 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. Migrant passerines including a wide variety of species can be found across the Wildlife Area now. Shrubs along dikes and tall emergent vegetation were filled with chipping, Lincoln's and white crowned sparrows and yellow-rumped and orange-crowned warblers last week. New spring arrivals are being observed almost daily. Red-winged blackbirds are increasing in number and have been joined by yellow-headed blackbirds and brown-headed cowbirds. Blackbirds can now be found throughout the Area's emergent marsh areas. American robins are quite numerous now. All three common swallow species (barn, cliff and tree) are increasing in number around the Headquarters Complex and the River Ranch barn where nest boxes and sites are in abundance. Bank and N. rough-winged swallows can be found along the Ana River Canyon where an abundance of soft banks allow them to excavate their nest burrows.

Facilities and Access

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

The Wildlife Viewing Loop is open and will remain that way until early fall. Other major dikes (Bullgate, Gold and Windbreak) and the Work Road are now closed. This closure is implemented to reduce disturbance to migrating and breeding waterbirds. Non-motorized access is still permitted on these major dikes and other lesser ones.

Viewers need to continue to use caution at this time of the year since road edges can 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

Nearly all wetland habitats are well flooded now, and large areas of shallowly flooded seasonal wetlands are available to waterbirds. Irrigation season will start on May 1 and aswater is raised in Ana Reservoir and diverted, there will be decrease in flows down Ana River. Some seasonally flooded wetland units are beginning to recede and will provide other foraging opportunities to migrant waterbirds. These wetlands are favored by a wide variety of migrants and are very rich in natural food sources. Seeds and submerged vegetation has been greatly reduced in refuge and sanctuary areas overwinter but new feeding locations are being exposed now.

Warm day time temperatures has allowed for the emergence of large numbers of midges especially in Bullgate Refuge where habitat enhancement activities last summer created ideal conditions for these and other invertebrates. Control burned areas have greened-up rapidly and invertebrate populations there are responding favorably to blackened conditions that absorb sunlight and increase soil temperatures.

Meadows and hayfields found on adjacent private lands and in selected locations on the Wildlife Area are greening-up rapidly and some areas are receiving irrigation which creates shallow flooded conditions that are very attractive to foraging birds. As meadows receive water through flood irrigation, considerable waterbird use will occur. These areas continue to provide excellent hunting sites for raptors. As temperatures continue to warm, small mammal activity increases in these areas as well as hunting activity by many species of raptors.

Upland habitat remains in good condition and the lengthening days coupled with warm daytime temperatures is resulting in excellent green-up and new growth of many species of forbs and grasses.

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

GRANDE RONDE, WALLOWA, IMNAHA RIVERS, AND KINNEY LAKE:

These waters are currently closed to angling and will open for trout on May 24.

HONEYMOON, TEPEE, SALT CREEK, AND McGRAW PONDS: trout

Forest ponds in Wallowa County are currently inaccessible because of snow blocking forest roads. They will be stocked when weather and road conditions allow access.

JOHN DAY RIVER: Bass

Smallmouth bass angling is fair to good, but success is highly dependent on river conditions. Anglers should expect river flows to rise with the arrival of warmer weather and increased snow melt. The John Day River below Kimberly is open all year; however, upstream from Kimberly and the North Fork and tributaries are closed to angling until May 24.

LADD POND \ PEACH POND: trout

Pond was stocked with 500 legal rainbow trout week of April 14, and will be restocked week of April 28 with 700 additional trout. Was also stocked with 40 surplus steelhead in late March. Catch them as trout.

MAGONE LAKE: trout

Cold weather over the last couple weeks has delayed ice melt and Magone Lake is not expected to be ice free for several more weeks. Snow currently blocks vehicle access.

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

Trout angling should be fair to good, angling for warmwater species will improve as water temperatures increase. The reservoir is approximately 80 percent full.

MCNARY, HATROCK AND TATONE PONDS

Have been stocked with legal-size rainbow trout. Fishing is expected to be good.

MARR, VICTOR, AND WALLOWA WILDLIFE AREA PONDS: trout

Wallowa Valley ponds are accessible and have recently been stocked with legal-size rainbow trout. Some hold-over rainbow trout and surplus hatchery steelhead are also available (steelhead are considered trout in ponds).

MORGAN LAKE: trout, bullheads, crappie

Fishing opens April 26, but the opening day event has been cancelled due to ice. As of April 22, the lake was still iced over. Legal rainbow trout will be stocked week of April 28.

ROULET POND: trout

Pond was stocked with 500 rainbow trout week of April 14, and will be restocked week of April 28 with 450 additional trout. Was also stocked with 40 surplus steelhead in late March. Catch them as trout.

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

All have thawed and fishing is slow to fair for holdover trout. All will be stocked with legal-sized trout in mid-April.

TROUT FARM POND: trout

Access can be limited until snowplows clear the road and parking is limited. Angling success should remain fair for brook trout and planted rainbow until stocking resumes in mid- April.

UMATILLA RIVER: spring chinook

Spring Chinook angling has started slowly, anglers averaged one Chinook for every 36 hours fished this past week. Total spring Chinook return to Threemile Dam to date is 47. Only adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook salmon may be kept. The bag limit for spring chinook is 2 adults and 5 jacks per day and 10 adults per year.

Increased river flows have improved passage conditions at the Feed Canal Diversion Dam, allowing for the release of spring chinook directly above Threemile Falls Dam. We will continue to monitor the passage conditions at Feed Canal.

WALLOWA LAKE Ice is beginning to melt around the edges of Wallowa Lake. We hope to stock the lake with legal-sized rainbow trout as soon as weather conditions allow. The lake is not yet accessible for boats but bank anglers may find some success for hold-over rainbow trout in the open water area where the Wallowa River flows into the lake.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: Trout, crappie, bullhead catfish

Trout angling is fair. Angling for warmwater species will improve as water temperatures increase.

NORTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

EVENT: Youth Outdoor Day, May 31, Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area (La Grande)

This popular event lets kids try a variety of activities (archery, duck/goose calling) and learn about boater safety, outdoor survival and many other topics. Event is sponsored by the Baker Chapter Ducks Unlimited and is limited to 150 youth so register soon; deadline is May 20. The $5 event fee includes lunch. Download PDF registration form.

OPEN: Cougar, controlled spring bear, turkey

Visit ODFW's turkey and spring bear hunting forecasts.

UNION COUNTY

Spring bear hunting is here. Look for bears on open South slopes. Early scouting should include checking access to hunting areas that may be snowed in. Many forest roads will be soft with early snow melt, take care not to cause unnecessary ruts.

Turkey season opened April 15. Turkeys are moving upslope and out of their winter range. Look for good numbers of birds at the north end of the Grande Ronde valley. Snow will limit access to many areas. Snow continues to limit access to some hunting areas.

Cougar populations are healthy to increasing in the area. Tracking cougars to kill-sites can be a productive way to harvest a wary cat. Calling cats with predator calls is a proven method of taking cougars.

Coyote hunting should remain productive into the spring. Using predator calls as a lure and moving call sights after twenty minutes is an effective method for harvesting coyotes. Be sure to ask permission before hunting on private land.

LADD MARSH WILDLIFE AREA

Hunting seasons are now closed.

GRANT COUNTY

Turkeys are widely distributed throughout the district. Get a map and understand property boundaries as many of the turkeys are on private property and permission is needed to hunt. The John Day Valley is primarily private land but hunters can access public land along the north and middle fork of the John Day River in the Malheur and Umatilla national forests and at the ODFW-managed Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Area.

Cougar populations are healthy and increasing in the area. They may respond to calls but will likely come in slower that coyotes.

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.

Controlled spring bear hunting is open. Observations from an ongoing statewide bear study suggest that the northwest section of the Beulah Unit and the Northside Unit have higher bear densities. The hunt area experienced a heavy winter and snow levels are above average in the higher elevations, so access could be an issue.

MORROW, GILLIAM and WHEELER COUNTIES

Spring turkey and bear opened on the 15th. Snow is melting fairly quickly now, however the there are still areas that have deep snow. As areas clear of snow and greens up, turkeys will continue to move into these areas. This should also help spread out hunters as more area is available to hunt. The turkey population is healthy and hunting success should be on par with last year. The snow has changed the turkey's distribution somewhat from last year.

Cougar populations are healthy. Concentrate looking for fresh cougar sign in areas that have deer and elk. Calling with distress type calls, fawn and calf are the most popular, but don't rule out smaller animal distress calls. Finding a fresh natural predator kill has the best chance for success. Using a raven call on the set up can be a successful way to drawn attention to it. Dawn and dusk are the best times for calling.

Coyotes are getting more challenging this time of year as it warms up and they have more food sources. The coyote population is very healthy. 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 affective this time of year.

UMATILLA COUNTY

BEAR: For the W. Blue Mtns hunt, bears tend to get active later in April. Bear density is highest in the northern portion (north of Interstate 84) and lower as one goes south and west in the hunt area. Bear activity early in the season is concentrated along the lower elevation fringes of national forest land. Bears follow the green-up elevation band; concentrate on timbered slopes with small openings with lush green moss, sedge, or grassy areas.

COUGAR: Cougar populations are high in the Walla Walla, Mt. Emily, and Ukiah Units in Umatilla County. Remnant snow in the high country will limit access to some degree. Hard snow pack conditions will also limit the ability to detect cougar tracks. Hunters will find best success in these conditions using calls and calling in multiple areas, waiting for in excess of an hour at each spot before moving ½ to ¾ of a mile and calling again at another location. Hunters are reminded to check in all cougars within 10 days of harvest

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

WALLOWA DISTRICT

COUGAR: Cougar are abundant throughout Wallowa County, but can be difficult to observe. Locating fresh cougar sign and patiently calling attempting to imitate a fawn or calf in distress can sometimes be an effective technique.

COYOTE: Good numbers of coyotes can be found throughout Wallowa County. Calling coyotes with rabbit distress type calls has been effective for hunters. It is important to choose areas with abundant coyote sign and little human activity. Deep and drifting snows have closed most forest roads to standard vehicle travel. Hunters may need to employ snow machines to reach areas off plowed roads.

TURKEY: Turkey numbers are still good despite some loss of birds this past winter. Hunter success has been fair in areas where hunters can find access. Deep snow still precludes hunters from accessing normal spring hunting areas. Very few forest roads are passable by 4-wheel drive vehicles.

SPRING BEAR: Spring bear hunting has been slow. Bear activity has increased some with recent warm weather patterns. Hunter access is still much reduced in all units due to deep snow.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS: Noregaard, Whiskey Creek, and Shamrock travel management areas in the Sled Springs unit are in effect. The Howard Creek Road is open to ATV access until April 14.

BAKER COUNTY

COUGAR: Populations are high across the county.

COYOTE: Coyote numbers are good throughout the district.

Bear: A late spring combined with heavy snow pack means bears will be out later than usual. Heavy high and mid elevations snow will reduce motorized access to this unit. Private lands limit access for this hunt; only hunters that already had permission from private landowners should have applied for this hunt.

Turkey: Turkey numbers going into the winter were high in Baker County, particularly in the Sumpter, Keating and Pine Creek units. Although there was some winter loss, turkey numbers remain good. Look for turkeys anywhere in the lower elevations in the transition between agriculture and forestland. There is public land hunting access on BLM, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest; and ODFW Elkhorn Wildlife Area. Remember to ask for permission before hunting on private properties. Heavy snow pack will make access difficult in the early part of the season. Most public land turkey hunting areas still have over a foot of snow.

NORTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

EVENT

Join the flock at the Ladd Marsh Birdathon, May 9-11, La Grande

ODFW invites experienced and novice bird watchers to the third annual Ladd Marsh Birdathon. The event will take place May 9-11 at ODFW's Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area located five miles south of La Grande.

Registration officially begins at 6 a.m. on Saturday, May 10 at the Tule Lake Access area off of Peach Road. At registration, participants will receive a packet with a passport directing them to six staffed birding stations and seven other "birdy" areas on or near the wildlife area. Experienced birders will be at the staffed stations from 6 a.m. until noon to offer assistance and information about birds and birding to the public. A map of the wildlife area showing popular birding stations and open areas will be included in the registration packet. The wildlife area will remain open all day (½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset) to those with passports

For more information contact: Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area at (541) 963-4954, e-mail david.c.larson@state.or.us or cathy.nowak@state.or.us or visit the ODFW Web site.

Baker County

Bighorn sheep ewes are currently lambing?with patience and persistence new lambs can be seen. Viewing opportunities exist in the Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee or along the Snake River Road south of Richland.

Red-tailed hawks have returned to the Baker Valley and can be seen making and repairing nests in larger deciduous trees. A short drive through the valley can result in many viewing opportunities. Bald and golden eagles can be seen along open water areas of the Snake River and Brownlee Reservoir. For best viewing, drive the Snake River Road between Richland and Huntington.

Union County

Turkey Vultures have been spotted at various sights around the valley. Canadian Geese are pairing up and can be viewed around the valley near water. Sandhill cranes and trumpeter swans can be viewed along Pierce Road and Foothill Road. Look for eagles and rough-legged hawks along Peach road. Deer and elk can be seen around the edges of the valley.

ODFW's Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, La Grande

American avocet and black-necked stilt have returned to Ladd Marsh and can be seen in the Tule Lake Public Access Area or from roads elsewhere in the wildlife area. Greater and lesser yellowlegs, western sandpiper, Wilson's phalarope and dunlin have been observed in the past few days.

Spring nesting: Broods of newly hatched Canada geese can be observed throughout the area and the first broods of mallards are expected soon. Young birds are vulnerable to disturbance so please do not approach families of ducks, geese or other birds too closely.

Swainson's hawks have returned and can be observed building nests in various locations around the wildlife area. Red-tailed hawks, most of which stuck out the winter in the Grande Ronde Valley, are already incubating eggs in several nests around Ladd Marsh.

Most of the tundra swans and greater white-fronted geese have moved on, continuing their northward migration. However, a few swans remain in scattered locations around the wildlife area. Please report any neck-banded swans observed to wildlife area staff, 541-963-4954. A wide variety of duck species are present including: mallard, northern pintail, redhead, common goldeneye, gadwall, American wigeon, wood duck, bufflehead, ring-necked duck and cinnamon and green-winged teal.

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

Birds are not the only wildlife to be seen on Ladd Marsh. A few pronghorn have been observed from Pierce Road and more may arrive in the next several weeks. Other mammals to watch for include Columbian ground squirrels, Belding's ground squirrels, white-tail and mule deer, elk and coyotes.

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

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

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

Umatilla County

Waterfowl are being seen increasingly in pairs along the river systems and in the wetlands in northern Umatilla County. Flocks of ducks and geese will also be seen along the Columbia River and large reservoirs in the County as they feed up for the northern migration.

Deer and elk viewing: 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 are pairing up at this time and can be seen traveling in flocks up and down the river systems with cottonwood trees along the banks.

Wallowa County

Bighorn sheep can be observed along the breaks of the Grande Ronde River, when driving the river road from Troy up-stream to Wildcat Creek. Bighorns can be observed along the west side of the River. A few can also be observed from the river road downstream from Troy to the Washington state line.

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

FISHING

BROWNLEE RESERVOIR:

Generally fishing has been slow as the water has been very low and muddy. Most boat ramps are out of the water except Woodhead Park. The bass fishing has picked up and a few perch are being caught from boats. The reservoir is 48 feet below normal. Call Idaho Power Company's recording at 1-800-422-3143 to get information on access at recreational sites or visit www.idahopower.com under the "Rivers and Recreation" heading.

Reservoir level information:

http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/perl/dataquery.pl?k=brownlee

OXBOW RESERVOIR: trout

No recent report.

HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout

No recent report.

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

The Snake River from Hell's Canyon Dam to the Oregon/Washington state line closes for steelhead angling on April 30.

The Snake River from Dug Bar boat ramp upstream to the deadline below Hell's Canyon Dam opened for spring chinook salmon angling on April 26. The daily bag limit is three adipose fin-clipped adult chinook per day. Two jack chinook (less than 24 inches) may be kept in addition to the adult limit. Barbless hooks are required. Counts of adult salmon over Lower Granite Dam have been low, to date, but are beginning to increase. We expect salmon angling to be slow until fish numbers improve.

Trout and smallmouth bass fishing are good. To get updated information on flow levels go to: http://www.idahopower.com/riversrec/waterlevels/streamflow/

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

Flow was approximately 7,198 cfs near Nyssa and 13,117 cfs near Weiser on April 27. Angling for catfish is fair to good and smallmouth bass is slow.

COLUMBIA ZONE

FISHING

SALMON, STEELHEAD, AND SHAD:

For the mainstem Columbia River salmon and steelhead fishery upstream of the Rocky Point/Tongue Point line to McNary Dam effective during February 15 through June 15, 2008 "It is unlawful when fishing from vessels which are less than 30 feet in length, substantiated by Coast Guard documentation or Marine Board registration, to totally remove from the water any salmon or steelhead required to be released".

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Buoy 10 Line upstream to the Tongue Point/Rocky Point line: This section of the Columbia River is closed to angling for salmon, steelhead and shad. This section of the Columbia River re-opens to shad angling May 16.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Rocky Point/Tongue Point line upstream to the I-5 Bridge: This section of the Columbia River is closed to angling for salmon, steelhead and shad. This section of the Columbia re-opens to shad and summer steelhead angling on May 16.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, I-5 upstream to Bonneville Dam: This section of the Columbia River is closed to angling for salmon, steelhead and shad. Shad angling re-opens May 16.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Bonneville Dam to McNary Dam: This section of the Columbia River is open to the retention of adipose fin-clipped spring chinook, adipose fin-clipped steelhead, and shad from March 16 through May 10, 2008 from the Tower Island powerlines (located approximately 6 miles downstream of The Dalles Dam) upstream to McNary Dam plus the Oregon and Washington banks between Bonneville Dam and Tower Island. Boat angling between Bonneville Dam and Tower Island powerlines is prohibited. The daily bag limit includes two adipose fin-clipped adult salmon or steelhead (chinook greater than 24" and steelhead greater than 20"). Catch limits for jacks remain in effect as per permanent regulations. All non-adipose fin-clipped chinook salmon and non-adipose fin-clipped steelhead must be released immediately unharmed.

Even though the spring salmon season is closed on the Columbia River below Bonneville Dam, there is still a great opportunity to catch a spring salmon in the fishery above Bonneville. The best catch rates for both boat and bank anglers have been in The Dalles Pool downstream of John Day Dam.

Gorge Bank: CLOSED.

Gorge Boats: CLOSED.

Troutdale: CLOSED.

Portland to Longview Boats: CLOSED.

Portland to Longview Bank: CLOSED.

Estuary Bank: CLOSED.

Estuary Boats: CLOSED.

Bonneville Pool:

Weekly checking showed no catch reported for 21 bank anglers and one unclipped spring chinook released for one boat.

The Dalles Pool:

Weekly checking showed 14 adipose fin-clipped spring chinook kept and four unclipped spring chinook released for 100 bank anglers; and eight adipose fin-clipped spring chinook and one adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept for 23 boats.

John Day Pool:

No report. The best fishing is just downstream of McNary Dam near the mouth of the Umatilla River.

STURGEON:

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

The Compact adopted the following rules at the December 13 Joint State Hearing for the sturgeon sport fishery below Wauna power lines (RM 40) downstream to Buoy 10, including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries for 2008:

* Allow the retention of white sturgeon seven days per week during Tuesday January 1, 2008 through Wednesday April 30, 2008 with a 42-inch minimum size and a 60-inch maximum size limit in effect.

* Allow the retention of white sturgeon seven days per week during Saturday May 10, 2008 through Tuesday June 24, 2008 (or until catch guideline is reached) with a 45-inch minimum size and a 60-inch maximum size limit in effect.

* Prohibit the retention of sturgeon seven days per week during Thursday May 1, 2008 through Friday May 9, 2008 and Wednesday June 25, 2008 through December 31, 2008. Catch and release angling is allowed during all retention closures.

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

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

WAUNA POWERLINES UPSTREAM TO BONNEVILLE DAM (including all adjacent Washington tributaries and the Willamette River downstream of Willamette Falls including the Multnomah Channel):

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

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

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

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

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

BONNEVILLE DAM UPSTREAM TO THE DALLES DAM:

Effective January 1, 2008 this section of the Columbia River is open to the retention of sturgeon seven days per week until the catch guideline is reached with a daily bag limit of one fish between 42 and 60 inches in length and an annual limit of five fish. The annual catch guideline for the Bonneville pool is 700 fish.

THE DALLES DAM UPSTREAM TO JOHN DAY DAM:

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

JOHN DAY DAM UPSTREAM TO MCNARY DAM:

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

Sturgeon angling is improving with anglers reporting kept sturgeon from the gorge all the way down to Columbia City. Boat anglers are finding the best success in the Kelley Point area.

Gorge Bank:

Weekend checking showed no catch reported for 22 bank rods.

Gorge Boats:

Weekend checking showed 10 legal white sturgeon kept, plus two oversize and nine sublegal sturgeon released for 11 boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Boats:

No report.

Portland to Longview Bank:

No report.

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekly checking showed nine legal white sturgeon kept, plus three oversize, four legal and 98 sublegal sturgeon released for 7 boats (complete trips).

Estuary Boats:

No report. The Columbia River downstream of Wauna powerlines to Buoy 10 closes to sturgeon retention this Thursday May 1 through Friday May 9 and reopens Saturday May 10 with a 45" minimum size limit.

Bonneville Pool:

Weekly checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept, plus 17 sublegal sturgeon released for 34 bank anglers; and six sublegal sturgeon released for three boats.

The Dalles Pool: CLOSED FOR RETENTION. Weekly checking showed no catch for five bank rods; and one legal and 10 sublegal sturgeon released for one boat.

John Day Pool: CLOSED FOR RETENTION.

WALLEYE:

Bonneville Pool:

No report.

The Dalles Pool:

Weekly checking showed five walleye kept for six boats.

John Day Pool:

No report.

Gorge boats:

No report.

Troutdale boats:

No report.

MARINE ZONE

FISHING

The Pacific halibut season opens on May 1. The nearshore season (inside 40 fathoms) for the central coast (from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain) is open seven days a week. The first all-depth opener is May 8-10. For the Columbia River area (from Leadbetter Point, Wash., to Cape Falcon) the fishery is open seven days a week until the 13,133-pound quota is met or July 20. South of Humbug Mountain the season opens May 1, seven days a week, through Oct. 31. Specific dates and regulations are online at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/.

Ocean anglers had good success catching near limits of lingcod and rockfish. Cabezon are also biting well. Shrimp flies work well for catching rockfish. Surfperch can often be found in bays and estuaries from spring though early summer. Shore-based anglers continue to find some success fishing off jetties. Species illustrations and descriptions are in The Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet (page 98) and The Red Rockfish Identification Guide. The minimum length for lingcod is 22 inches, for cabezon it is 16 inches and for greenling it is 10 inches.

The marine daily bag limit for 2008 is six fish (including rockfish, greenling and other marine species) and two lingcod and 15 surfperch. 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.

In addition, the ocean is closed outside of the 40-fathom line (defined by waypoints) April 1 through Sept. 30 for lingcod; flatfish (except P. halibut during authorized seasons); and rockfish, greenling, cabezon, skates and other bottom-dwelling species.

Complete regulations and waypoints for the Stonewall Bank YRCA and 40-fathom line are online at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/docs/2008_Sport_Ocean_Regulations.pdf. The 2008 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations are also available from license vendors and ODFW offices. Seasons and regulations for marine fish other than salmon and Pacific halibut are the same as in 2007.

Ocean salmon seasons do not open until June. For a summery of the ocean salmon seasons off the Oregon coast go to: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/docs/2008_Sport_Ocean_Regulations.pdf

Crabs

Sport crabbing is open in the ocean, bays and estuaries but continues to be quite slow. The average catch per angler is slightly more than one crab. For more information on sport crabbing visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/.

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

Clams

A minus tide series starts Saturday, May 3, at about 5 a.m. and continues through May 11 getting later by about 50 minutes every day. The lowest tides will be more than -2.5 feet, which should provide great access to bay and razor clams.

The recreational harvest of all shellfish, including all clams and mussels, is open coastwide but harvesters should check for current closures on the ODA shellfish safety page at http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/shellfish_status.shtml or call the shellfish hotline, 503-986-4728 or 1-800-448-2474. Waters can be closed on short notice because of contaminated waters due to coastal flooding and because of elevated levels of naturally occurring toxins.

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

MARINE ZONE VIEWING

A minus tide series starts Saturday, May 3, at about 5 a.m. and continues through May 11 getting later by about 50 minutes every day. The lowest tides will be more than -2.5 feet, which will provide rare glimpses of tide pool not usually visible to beach goers. Look for anemones, hermit crabs, sea urchins, small fish, jelly fish, sea stars, barnacles and other animals of the intertidal region. High surf can make tide pooling on the ocean beaches uncomfortable and dangerous, so try looking for wildlife in the mud flats of coastal bays and rivers. For more information see: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/bayclams/watchable.asp

During April and May, thousands of shorebirds stop in coastal estuaries to rest and feed on their migration north to Artic Breeding areas. Common murres, tufted puffins, pigeon guillemots and Brandt's, pelagic and double-crested cormorants can be seen nesting on many of the coastal rocks and islands.

Pelicans are back on the Oregon coast. Watch them soar in precision formation just inches above the wave tops.

Most of the gray whales migrating past the Oregon coast are females with calves. They wait until their calves gain some strength before leaving for the long trip north. They are most often seen off the Oregon coast from late April through June. You can see their spouts and may even find mothers and calves just off rocky headlands.

To watch the migration it is best to pick a calm day and find a view point that is high enough to spot the spouts that will be a few miles offshore. Learning good binocular technique will help spot the whales. Gaze out onto the ocean, focusing on medium distances until you see a puff of white. Then raise your binoculars while continuing to look at the place you saw the puff. This technique takes some practice, but generally works better than swinging the binoculars around looking for something. Just keep your eyes focused on the whale and raise the binoculars to your eyes, looking through them, not into them.