The Oregon Recreation Report (fishing, hunting, viewing), updated Tuesday, June 3, by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

No excuses n Take someone fishing

Free Fishing Weekend June 7-8

* You don't need a license to fish anywhere in Oregon.*

* You don't need tag to fish for salmon, steelhead or sturgeon.*

* Go on our own, or join ODFW and local sponsors for free events at dozens of lake and streams. See Zone reports or visit the ODFW web site for times and locations.

* Special events for children, loaner rods and reels, and help from experienced anglers at most sites.

* Bag limits and regulations still apply.

It's Free Clamming and Crabbing Weekend too!

Remember, you don't need a license to go clamming or crabbing during Free Fishing Weekend either. And just in time for the weekend, the minus tide series with the lowest tides of the year is underway. June 4 and 5 will have tides of -3.0 near Newport, the lowest of the year. Friday is almost as low at a -2.7 shortly after 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday have low tides of -2.1 and -1.3 around 10 a.m. and 10:45 pm. These minus tides reveal acres of additional beach for clamming and tidepooling. Visit the Marine Zone report for more information.

Spring chinook fishing opportunities still available

Just a reminder that several Oregon rivers remain open for the retention of spring chinook.

* The Sandy, Clackamas and Molalla Rivers in the Willamette Zone remain open for chinook. Check the 2008 Sport Fishing Regulations for bag limits and other regulations.

* Several coastal rivers in the Northwest Zone, including the Nestucca, Trask and Wilson, also are open. See the 2008 regulations for details.

* In the Southwest Zone, the spring chinook season continues on the Rogue and Umpqua Rivers. See Zone report for new emergency regulations on the Rogue.

* There are spring chinook fisheries on the Deschutes and Hood Rivers in the Central Zone. See the Zone report for seasons, bag limits and locations.

* ODFW recently announced the opening of spring chinook fisheries on the Umatilla (Northeast Zone) and Powder (Southeast Zone) Rivers. See Zone reports for details.

Report your hunt

Spring bear and spring turkey seasons have ended-so please take the time to report your hunt now. Also, if you haven't yet done so, report your 2007 hunts. Be ready to enter your hunter/angler ID number, two-digit Wildlife Management Unit number where you hunted, and total number of days hunted. Any person that purchased a tag is required to report, even if they were not successful, did not go hunting, or were called during a telephone hunter survey.

WILLAMETTE ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities

* Water levels at Detroit, Foster and Green Peter Reservoirs are up, the boat ramps are usable and fishing for hatchery trout is good.

* If water levels and temperatures cooperate, fishing for chinook and steelhead on the Sandy and Clackamas Rivers should be good.

Free Fishing Weekend events

These events are a great opportunities for parents to introduce their children to the joys of fishing. Most events will have loaner rods and reels available to use, and knowledgeable volunteers to help children learn how to fish. All events are on Saturday, June 7 unless otherwise noted.

Multnomah County:

* Bonneville Hatchery, 9 a.m. n 2 p.m. For participants 12 and younger. More information: Jennell Hoehne (971) 673-6008.

* Henry Hagg Lake, 7 a.m. n 4 p.m. For participants ages 8 to 18. More information: Wilbert Warren (971) 673-2075.

Marion County:

* Walter Wirth Lake at Cascade Gateway Park, 10 a.m. n 2 p.m. More information: Russell Butler (503) 569-7553.

* Champoeg State Heritage Site, 10 a.m. n 3 p.m. More information: Carol Worral (503) 678-1251.

* Silverton Reservoir, 8 a.m. n 12 p.m. More information: O.B. Bergin (503) 873-0405.

* Silverton Reservoir 1 p.m. n 4 p.m. More information: Skip Bouskil (503) 873-7269.

Linn County:

* Detroit Lake, 9 a.m. n 3 p.m. More information: Greg Grenbemer (503) 854-3522.

* Lewis Creek County Park, 9:30 a.m. n 2:30 p.m. More information: Brett Boyd (541) 367-3437.

Lane County:

* Leaburg Hatchery, 9 a.m. n 1 p.m. For participants 13 and younger. More information: Jennifer Hulett-Guard (541) 896-3294.

* Willamette Hatchery, 9 a.m. n 1 p.m. For participants 10 and younger. More information: Tami Edmunds (541) 782-2933.

Clackamas County:

* Small Fry Pond at Promontory Park, 10 a.m. n 3 p.m. For participants 14 and younger. More information: Tom Horning or Abby Lietz (503) 630-8798.

Benton County:

* Thissel Pond, 7:30 a.m. n 3:30 a.m. More information: Matt Frank (541) 487-7240.

High water warning continues on Sauvie Island

High water levels continue to plague the island causing several gates to access roads to be closed. At this time the sandy beaches are under water. High water is projected for the next week. Call the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area for updates (503) 621-3488.

STOCKING SCHEDULE

Leaburg Lake will be stocked with 2,250 rainbow trout, including 250 larger fish this week.

Due to high water, the McKenzie River above Leaburg Lake will be truck-stocked rather than boat-stocked as scheduled. Just over 7,000 rainbow trout, including 2,250 larger fish, will be planted at upper river boat ramps.

Alton Baker Canoe Canal will be stocked with 2,000 legal-sized and 400 larger rainbow trout this week.

Blue River above the Reservoir (2,000) and Blue River Reservoir (3,000) will be stocked with rainbow trout.

Carmen Reservoir will be stocked with 3,000 rainbow trout, including 500 larger trout.

Cottage Grove Reservoir will be stocked with 4,500 legal-sized rainbow trout this week.

Fall Creek above Fall Creek Reservoir will be stocked with 2,000 rainbow trout.

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

Salmon Creek will be stocked with 2,000 rainbow trout.

Salt Creek will be stocked with 500 rainbow trout.

Trail Bridge Reservoir will be stocked with 3,000 rainbow trout.

The Middle Fork Willamette River above Hills Creek Reservoir will be stocked with 1,350 rainbow trout.

Many other Willamette Zone lakes and 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.

CANBY POND: rainbow trout

The North Willamette District will begin stocking Canby Pond once again after two years of being off the stocking schedule. Over 400 rainbow trout will be stocked in advance of a youth fishing event being held at the pond this Saturday. The pond will be stocked with another load of approximately 400 fish within the next two weeks. We hope to continue stocking the pond through the end of spring before vegetation growth prevents successful angling.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: steelhead, spring chinook

Last updated 5/27. Angling pressure is light though the few anglers on the river have been catching both spring chinook and steelhead. No fish counts yet as the fish have not yet arrived at North Fork Dam.

The river is coming back into shape. Water levels are still high but the color is good. Water temperatures remain cool at 45 degree and this is having an affect on fishing success, Once water temperatures reach 56 degrees, the chinook bite should improve. Keep an eye on river levels as the forecast is calling for them to go up.

Anglers should be patient n this fishery should last well into the summer because of the conditions we're experiencing now.

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.

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

Detroit, Green Peter, and Foster reservoirs are nearly full and all boat ramps are useable. All have been stocked numerous times with rainbow trout and are producing good catches. Fish are near the surface because the water temperatures are still so cool. Detroit and Green Peter are also producing some good catches of 9-12 inch chinook, with some bigger ones being taken. Kokanee catch seems to be down some this season so far. Detroit and Foster will be stocked for the Free Fishing events to be held this weekend.

EAGLE CREEK: steelhead

Last updated 4/14. 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.

GOLD LAKE: brook trout, rainbow trout

Gold Lake opened to angling May 24. The access road continues to be snowed in, but is open to non-vehicular forms of transportation. Fly angling only with barbless hooks. Catch and release for rainbow trout. There is no limit on size or number of brook trout taken.

LOOKOUT POINT RESERVOIR: trout, spring chinook

Anglers report good fishing opportunities for trout and spring chinook salmon recently in Lookout Point Reservoir. Both boat and bank anglers have been successful catching their limits. Chinook under 24 inches are included in the trout bag limit.

MOLALLA RIVER: steelhead

Last updated 5/27. Some reports of spring chinook being caught below Canby. There have been few fishing reports and conditions have been off (high water and off color) until just recently. The river should remain relatively high. Anglers might want to fish higher in the river system, or keep an eye on water levels and hit the river when they drop.

The Molalla will probably fish well into July because of late spring conditions.

NORTH AND SOUTH SANTIAM: steelhead

Stream flows in the North and South Santiam rivers have been coming down, but still could come back up quickly with warmer temperatures. Steelhead numbers at Willamette Falls are encouraging, with more than 6,000 having come over so far. Willamette mainstem anglers have had some good success in the Salem area. Spring chinook numbers remain very low and all streams above Willamette Falls, except for the Molalla River, are now closed to the retention of any chinook.

Most of the valley pond stocking with trout is done for this season. Warmer water temperatures make them less suitable for trout and better for warm water fish, however, Walling and Wirth ponds in Salem will be stocked for Free Fishing Weekend. Bass crappie, bluegill, and catfish are available in most of the valley floor ponds and are becoming more active as the water warms up.

Stream flows in the Breitenbush and North Santiam rivers above Detroit Reservoir, and in Quartzville Creek above Green Peter Reservoir are receding some, though still affected by snowmelt. All three streams are scheduled to be stocked with trout this week.

SANDY RIVER: steelhead, spring chinook

Last updated 5/27. The Sandy is currently running high and off color due to glacial run-off. Water temperature is 46 degrees. In spite of the conditions anglers in the lower river are catching spring chinook, with more wild than hatchery fish being recorded. The chinook fishing should get even better when water temperatures reach 56 degrees.

As on the Clackamas, anglers are advised to be patient as this fishery could be good well into the summer as a result of the current conditions.

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 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

Most of the valley pond stocking with trout is done for this season. Warmer water temperatures make them less suitable for trout and better for warm water fish. Bass crappie, bluegill, and catfish are available in most of the valley floor ponds and are becoming more active as the water warms up.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: sturgeon, steelhead, spring chinook

The Willamette River and tributaries, except for the Molalla, closed to spring chinook fishing on June 2.

Last updated 5/27. Summer steelhead are still being caught and with cool water temperatures fishing could be good for the next month or two.

There has been lots of action for small, sub-legal sturgeon, with fewer legal fish being taken. Fishing for crappie and smallmouth bass is good, and should get better as temperatures increase.

Shad fishing also is picking up, especially in the Oregon city area where Clackamette and Meldrum Bar Park provide good bank access.

Below Willamette Falls (including Multnomah Channel), closed for retention of spring chinook Monday, May 12. The river below the Falls is still open for steelhead, shad and other species.

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

OPEN: Cougar (extended season in South Willamette area only)

Turkey, bear, and most cougar hunting closed May 31.

Report your hunt

Spring bear and spring turkey seasons have ended-so please take the time to report your hunt now. Also, if you haven't yet done so, report your 2007 hunts. Be ready to enter your hunter/angler ID number, two-digit Wildlife Management Unit number where you hunted, and total number of days hunted. Any person that purchased a tag is required to report, even if they were not successful, did not go hunting, or were called during a telephone hunter survey.

Cougar n Open in South Willamette zone only; see page 50 of the Big Game Regulations. This time of year, cougar will be much harder to locate and hunters will need to rely more on calls to bring a cougar into the open. Continue to use predator calls that mimic the bleat of a fawn or elk calf or the distress sounds of a rodent but also consider calls that can imitate the territorial sounds of a cougar. In the South Willamette Watershed cougars can be found throughout the area with the exception of the Willamette Valley Floor. Hunters looking for the best chance of success should scout near concentrations of deer and elk to locate fresh sign. Once fresh cougar sign is located hunters have a variety of hunting options to choose from. Using predator calls that mimic the bleat of a fawn or elk calf may lure a cougar into view and hunters should always be ready to try a variety of sounds if their standard call is not producing.

FERN RIDGE WILDLIFE AREA

All units at Fern Ridge Wildlife Area are closed to hunting but open daily for public use. 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

EVENTS

Oregon State Parks Day at Tryon Creek, Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m. to noon, SW Portland

Celebrate State Parks Day with Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Learn about recreation in the great Northwest. Snacks and refreshments provided. Free. For more information, call 503-636-9886 ext. 225.

South Waterfront heron watch, Saturday, June 7, 2008, noon to 3 p.m., Portland

Watch the herons on their nests. Join Audubon Society of Portland staff who will have spotting scopes on hand for close-up views of nesting great blue herons.

South Waterfront: The end of Southwest Curry Street, at the Willamette Greenway Trail. Wheelchair accessible. Free. Visit Audubon Society of Portland Web site for more information.

Summer bird watching at Smith and Bybee Wetlands, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, June 14, Portland

Join Metro naturalists for some great birding as the nesting season winds down at Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area. See young birds that have left the nest and family activities such as feeding and flocking. Learn to identify the most common birds by their songs as well as their appearance. Suitable for adults and children 10 and older. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. Meet in the parking area on North Marine Drive. Free. Advance registration required; call 503-797-1850 option 4.

Ranger walk at Tualatin Hills Nature Park, 11 a.m. to noon, Sunday, June 8, Beaverton

Join a park ranger for a one-hour guided walk at Tualatin Hills Nature Park to search for frogs, bugs and slugs while taking the time to smell the flowers and learn about the trees. Free. To register, call 503-629-6350.

Corvallis Area

EE Wilson Wildlife Area

There are now goose, mallard, hooded merganser and wood duck broods on the wildlife area. Wildlife viewing remains good for waterfowl and shorebirds. Neotropical migrants in the area include 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.

Eugene Area

Delta Ponds

Delta Ponds offers a great opportunity for wildlife viewing near the heart of Eugene. This time of year viewers can observe native western pond turtles as they soak up the sun basking on logs. The best time to observe turtles is mid-mornings on sunny days. The turtles will retreat back into the water if the temperature is too hot. Please try to observe the turtles from a distance to avoid disturbing them. Unfortunately, viewers will likely see Red-eared Sliders in addition to the Western Pond Turtles. The sliders are a non-native invasive species that compete with our native turtles for habitat and food.

Numerous bird species utilize the area and provide viewing opportunities including a variety of warblers, western tanagers, Bullock's orioles, green herons, great blue herons, osprey, and others.

Viewers can observe broods of ducks and geese. These can be a joy to watch but please resist the temptation to feed since unnatural food sources can cause serious health problems for the young birds.

Delta Ponds is a unique natural area owned by the City of Eugene that borders a stretch of the Willamette River, just downstream from Valley River Center. For many, it is a favorite spot for birdwatching, fishing, and hiking. Location: Goodpasture Island Rd. to Valley River Ctr. For more information, visit the City of Eugene Parks Web site.

Salem Area

Silver Falls State Park

Hike the Trail of Ten Falls through a temperate rain forest. It descend to a forest floor covered with ferns, mosses and wildflowers. You will also find stands of Douglas fir, hemlock, and cedar. Birdwatching is great.

Download a bird list from the park Web site.

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

High water levels continue to plague the island causing several gates to access roads to be closed. At this time the sandy beaches are under water.

The viewing opportunities are great with a wide variety of birds and spring nesting activity to watch. There are 10 active eagle nests on the Wildlife Area.

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.

Photo blinds: 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.

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.

NORTHWEST ZONE

`FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities

* Fishing for resident cutthroat trout has been fair to good in the upper reaches of several rivers including the Nestucca, Siletz, Trask and Wilson.

* Several north and mid coast lakes will be stocked with legal-sized and larger trout this week in anticipation of Free Fishing Weekend.

Free Fishing Weekend events

These events are a great opportunities for parents to introduce their children to the joys of fishing. Most events will have loaner rods and reels available to use, and knowledgeable volunteers to help children learn how to fish. All events are on Saturday, June 7 unless otherwise noted.

Lincoln County:

* Big Creek Reservoir #2, 9 a.m. n 2 p.m. More information: James Ray or Casey Deckard (541) 867-0300.

* Salmon River Hatchery, 9 a.m. n 1 p.m. More information: David Welch, (541) 994-8606.

Clatsop County:

* Fort Stevens State Park, 9:30 a.m. n 4 p.m. More information: Richard Fogle (503) 861-0376.

* Nedonna Pond, 9 a.m. n 2 p.m. For participants 12 and younger. More information: Joe Watkins (503) 368-6828.

Tillamook County:

* Hebo Lake, 9 a.m. n 2 p.m. More information: Hebo Ranger District (503) 392-5100.

* Trask River Hatchery, 8 a.m. n 4 p.m. More information: James Skaar (503) 842-4090.

Lane County:

* Cleawox Lake in Honeyman State Park, 9 a.m. n 1 p.m. More information: Derek Wilson (541) 867-0300, ext. 236.

NORTH COAST LAKES

Coffenbury (1750), Cape Meares (1000), Hebo (1000) and Town (1000) lakes are scheduled to be stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout the week of June 2, just prior to Free Fishing Weekend (June 7-8). Surplus rainbow trout from Salmon River Hatchery will also be stocked for special events planned for Free Fishing Weekend at Coffenbury (900) and Hebo lakes (900), Nedonna Pond (700), and Trask Hatchery (500). These will be about 1.5 fish per pound, larger than the usual legal size trout of 2.75-3 fish per pound.

Bay City Reservoir will not be stocked this year.

MID COAST LAKES

This is the last week of stocking rainbow trout for the mid coast lakes. Here is a list of lakes to be stocked the first week of June. These lakes will be stocked late in the week to facilitate better fishing success for the free fishing weekend and associated youth fishing events to be held. Youth fishing events will be held at Cleawox Lake, Big Creek Reservoir 2, Salmon River Hatchery and Thissel Pond. Each event will be on Saturday June 7 starting by 9:00 a.m. and going to approximately 1:00 in the afternoon.

Cleawox Lake (Youth fishing event on June 7th), 2000 trout at 3.0 per pound and 250 at 1.5 per pound.

Big Creek Reservoir 1, 2000 trout at 3.0 per pound.

Big Creek Reservoir 2 (Youth fishing event on June 7th), 3500 trout at 3.0 per pound.

Olalla Reservoir, 1500 trout at 3.0 per pound and 2500 at 1.5 per pound.

Thissel Pond, (Youth fishing event on June 7th), 3000 trout at 3.0 per pound and 20 at 0.5 per pound.

WARM WATER FISH ANGLING OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

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

Sutton and Mercer Lakes (northern Florence): Fair to good angling for large mouth bass and decent angling for blue gill and potential for crappie and brown bullhead. Offers year round rainbow and cutthroat trout fishing.

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

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

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

ALSEA RIVER: cutthroat trout

Angling for cutthroat trout is good throughout most of the basin. Concentrate at the lower end of riffles or in pools. Using small spinners, spoons or flies is productive and floating dry flies can be action packed. Bait use is restricted above tide water through August 31. Steelhead and chinook salmon angling will reopen August 1.

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

NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: steelhead, chinook, cutthroat trout

Angling for summer steelhead is slow to fair. Spring chinook angling is generally slow, with the occasional good bite reported. Concentrate on the lower river for best success for chinook, while steelhead will be more spread out. Catch and release angling for cutthroat should be fair to good.

SALMON RIVER: cutthroat trout

Angling for cutthroat trout is good. Anglers should concentrate in riffles or in pools. Casting spinners and spoons or drifting small flies can be productive. Using dry flies is more challenging but can have great results. Use of bait above tide water is restricted through August 31.

SILETZ RIVER: summer steelhead, cutthroat trout

Steelhead fishing is fair as summer steelhead continue to enter the river. Good numbers typically show by mid-June and peak through July. Drifting jigs and flys or casting spinners and spoons can be very production. Bait is also allowed, sand shrimp and cured eggs work well. Anglers are advised to leave wild steelhead in the water while releasing. Cutthroat trout angling is good throughout the basin. Riffles and pools are productive areas to concentrate on. Casting or drifting small lures, flies or bait all work well.

SIUSLAW RIVER: cutthroat trout

Cutthroat trout fishing is good throughout the basin. Trolling in tidewater, casting or drifting small lures and flies in the river can be very productive. Riffles and pools are good areas to concentrate on or near bank side structure. Use of bait is restricted above tide water through August 31.

TILLAMOOK BAY: sturgeon, chinook

Angling for sturgeon has been slow to fair. Angling pressure has been light. Best angling will likely be in the upper bay or Tillamook River tidewater areas. Angling for spring chinook is fair. Fish will continue to move through over the next couple of weeks.

TRASK RIVER: steelhead, chinook, cutthroat trout

Angling for spring chinook is fair, with an occasional good catch reported. A few summer steelhead should be available also. Catch and release angling for cutthroat should be fair to good. Johnson Bridge is being replaced. Demolition is supposed to be underway. Boaters should use extreme caution when approaching the bridge. Passage past the work site will be provided.

WILSON RIVER: steelhead, spring chinook, cutthroat trout

Angling for steelhead has been slow to fair. More summer steelhead are entering the system. Use light gear and small lures or bait as water levels are dropping and becoming clear. Spring chinook angling is slow, but a few fish moved upriver over the last week or two. Catch and release angling for cutthroat should be fair to good.

YAQUINA RIVER: cutthroat trout

Cutthroat trout fishing is fair to good throughout the basin. Trolling in tidewater, casting or drifting small lures and flies in the river can be very productive. Anglers should concentrate efforts in pools or riffles or near bank side structure. Use of bait is restricted above tide water through August 31.

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

NORTHWEST ZONE HUNTING

Currently, no game hunting seasons are open. The next opportunities begin August 1 with cougar and fall bear seasons.

Report your hunt

Spring bear and spring turkey seasons have ended-so please take the time to report your hunt now. Also, if you haven't yet done so, report your 2007 hunts. Be ready to enter your hunter/angler ID number, two-digit Wildlife Management Unit number where you hunted, and total number of days hunted. Any person that purchased a tag is required to report, even if they were not successful, did not go hunting, or were called during a telephone hunter survey.

NORTHWEST ZONE (NORTH COAST) VIEWING

EVENT

Summer Activities at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport

The Visitor Center is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., seven days a week through Labor Day.

Daily activities include a daily 11:00 a.m. guided walking tour of the Yaquina estuary. For more information, visit the Web site.

Trail Time in the Tillamook State Forest, June 15, 2 p.m.

Spring is here and that means time to hit the trails on the Tillamook State Forest. A variety of hiking, horse riding and mountain biking trails are just a short drive from the coast or Portland area. Join Randy Peterson for some tips about trails to explore in the Tillamook Forest. More information.

Tidepooling will be excellent

The minus tide series with the lowest tides of the year is underway. June 4 and 5 will have tides of -3.0 near Newport, the lowest of the year. Friday is almost as low at -2.7 shortly after 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday have low tides of -2.1 and -1.3 around 10 a.m. and 10:45. Tide pooling is especially good during minus tides. Look for anemones, hermit crabs, sea urchins, small fish, jelly fish, sea stars, barnacles and other animals of the intertidal region. Remember to face the ocean and watch for sneaker waves.

Songbirds

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 bird songs not heard, perhaps, for months. Even forested areas that have been thinned or clear-cut, especially those with remnant green trees, can provide excellent birding, different from heavily forested areas.

Tillamook Area

Common murres are staging now on and around Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge and the nearshore rocks by Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge. Soon they and other seabirds will be nesting by the thousands on these rocks. To watch them, binoculars are a must and spotting scopes are highly recommended.

Three Arch Rocks supports the largest breeding colony of Common Murre south of Alaska and is the only pupping site on the north Oregon coast for the federally threatened Steller sea lion. Measuring 10' in length and weighing up to 2,000 pounds, the Steller sea lion is the larger of the two sea lions found on the Oregon coast. For more information.

Seaside Area

Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area

NEW: Elk have been visible along Hwy 202 and Beneke Road. With the warmer weather, best viewing times are early morning and late evening.

Elk calves should start to appear within the next couple of weeks. Viewing for elk calves may be difficult due to the tall grass in most meadows. Watch for vegetation movement behind adults as calves try to follow their mothers through the tall grass.

Band-tailed pigeons have been seen near the viewing areas along Hwy 202. A variety of songbirds are visible near the bird feeders at most viewing areas.

For information and directions, visit the ODFW Web site Visitors' Guide.

SOUTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities

* Cooler weather this week will put the trout back on the bite at Garrison Lake. This may be the last chance for some good trout fishing before warmer water and weed growth make fishing very tough.

* Fishing for cutthroat trout in the Elliot State Forest has been excellent.

Free Fishing Weekend events

These events are a great opportunities for parents to introduce their children to the joys of fishing. Most events will have loaner rods and reels available to use, and knowledgeable volunteers to help children learn how to fish. All events are on Saturday, June 7 unless otherwise noted.

Jackson County:

* Butte Falls Hatchery, 9 a.m. n 1 p.m. More information: Devan Garlock (541) 878-2235.

* Fish Lake, 10 a.m. n 1 p.m. More information: Susan Maiyo (541) 858-2270.

* Expo Pond, 9 a.m. n 1 p.m. More information: Dan VanDyke (541) 826-8774.

* Hyatt Lake, 9 a.m. n 2 p.m. More information: Erika Hoppe (541) 646-6989.

Coos County:

* Eel Lake, 8:30 a.m. n 1 p.m. More information: Tom Rumreich or Mike Gray (541) 888-5515.

* Powers Pond, 7:30 a.m. n 2 p.m. For participants 16 and younger. More information: Steve Namitz (541) 439-6200.

Josephine County:

* Lake Selmac, 9 a.m. n 3 p.m.

Curry County:

* Elk River Hatchery, 8 a.m. n 4 p.m. June 7 and 8. More information: David Chambers (541) 332-7025.

Douglas County:

* Cooper Creek, 9 a.m. n 3 p.m. More information: Greg Huchko (541) 440-3353.

* Lake Marie, 9 a.m. n 3 p.m. Event is June 8. More information: Greg Huchko (541) 440-3353.

* Diamond Lake, 8 a.m. n 4 p.m. More information: Greg Huchko (541) 440-3353.

* Herberts Pond, 10 a.m. n 4 p.m. More information: Greg Huchko (541) 440-3353.

AGATE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie

Angling for bass, bluegill and crappie is improving with the warmer weather.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Applegate Reservoir has recently been stocked with legal-sized trout. Trophy-sized trout are also available. Angling for largemouth and smallmouth bass is improving as the fish move into the shallows. Both the Hartish and Copper Boat Ramps are open.

APPLEGATE RIVER: trout

The Appelgate River re-opened to angling for adipose-fin clipped trout on May 24. High flows and cold water due to snow melt have limited angling success.

BEN IRVING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Ben Irving Reservoir, west of Winston, has been stocked with about 4,000 trout to date. Fishing should improve as the water temperatures rise.

BURMA POND: rainbow trout

Burma Pond has recently been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout and angling for them should be good.

BUTTE FALLS FISH HATCHERY POND: rainbow trout

The fishing pond on the hatchery grounds will be stocked with over 3,000 rainbow trout this week. Free Fishing Weekend activities will take place June 7, 9 a.m. n 3 p.m. This event is for kids 12 and under. There will be loaner equipment and bait available.

CHETCO RIVER: cutthroat trout

Water conditions are excellent. Cutthroat trout fishing will steadily improve thru June, with the estuary probably producing the best.

COOPER CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Cooper Creek has been stocked with about 7,000 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 3,000 catchable trout.

COOS COUNTY LAKES: trout, bass

June 7 and 8 is Free Fishing Weekend, many of the area lakes will be stocked with legal-sized trout. There will be kids fishing events at Eel Lake and Powers Pond on June 7. PowerBait or a piece of worm are great baits to use for trout. Trout fishing in the Millicoma Pond at the Millicoma Interpretive Center is excellent. Millicoma Pond is set aside for kids fishing only and is a great chance for them to hook into fish.

Bass and other warmwater fishing is good. Look for bass in and around the weed lines or next to submerged structure.

COOS RIVER BASIN: trout, shad

Trout season is open in streams and tidewater but is restricted to artifical flies and lures. Fishing for cutthroat trout in the Elliot State Forest has been excellent. Small jigs or spinners are always good lures to try.

Sturgeon fishing has been good. Try fishing where the forks of the Millicoma River and South Fork Coos River come together. There are also good sturgeon fishing holes throughout Isthmus Slough.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: trout

Steelhead season in the forks of the Coquille is closed. Trout season is open in streams and tidewater but is restricted to artifical flies and lures.

DIAMOND LAKE: rainbow trout

Diamond Lake is free of ice and the docks at the resort have been installed. The boat speed limit will be 10 mph all day. This is the same speed limit that it was in the past prior to the negative impact of the tui chub. In addition to the 50,000 2007 "fingerlings" which are now 12 n 15 inches long, the ODFW is also stocking additional catchable trout. About 15,000 one-pound fish were stocked Memorial Day weekend. This week, the ODFW will also stock nearly 6,000 trophy trout. Another 35,000 one-pound trout will be stocked by Free Fishing Day. Camping is still limited by snow in the campgrounds.

DUTCH HERMAN POND: rainbow trout

Dutch Herman Pond has recently been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout and angling for them should be good.

ELK/SIXES RIVER: cutthroat trout

Cutthroat fishing was good over the weekend. Anglers are fairing best downstream of hwy 101. Look to June being the one of the best months to pick up cutthroat.

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

Emigrant Reservoir was recently stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Bass, crappie, bluegill and other warmwater fish are moving into the shallows, and angling for them is improving. Anglers should fish the flooded willows, the dam face and dike structures in Emigrant and Hill Creek arms.

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

EXPO POND: rainbow trout

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

Free Fishing Weekend activities will take place June 7, 9 a.m. n 1 p.m. Rods and reels will be available for loan and bait will be provided, along with help for beginning anglers. Parent supervision is required.

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout

Fish Lake has recently been stocked with legal-sized and trophy-sized rainbow trout. The lake is now free of ice. Fishing has been good.

FLORAS LAKE: rainbow trout, bass, cutthroat trout

No report. 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 about a month ago 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

Cooler weather this week will put the trout back on the bite. This may be the last chance for some good trout fishing before warmer water and weed growth make fishing very tough. 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, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Howard Prairie has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing for them has been fair. The water temperature has been about 55oF and the trout are well distributed throughout the lake. Floating baits are popular at Howard Prairie and have accounted for many of the fish that have been caught; however, trolling or casting lures and flies are also producing fish. The largemouth and smallmouth bass are becoming active now that water is getting warmer.

HYATT LAKE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass

Hyatt Lake was recently stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout, and will be stocked with trophy-sized trout this week. Trout fishing has been fair with a few limits of trout being caught. Largemouth bass are moving into the shallows and angling for them has been good. Hyatt Lake has an abundance of small bass that offer good opportunities for new anglers to catch a good number of fish.

Free Fishing Weekend activities will take place 8 a.m. n 2 p.m. both June 7 and 8. Free breakfast starts at 8 a.m. This popular event features free camping and breakfast. Rods and reels can be borrowed and the bait is free. The BLM will provide boat rides.

ILLINOIS RIVER: trout, steelhead

The mainstem Illinois River downstream of Pomeroy Dam re-opened to angling for adipose fin-clipped steelhead and trout on May 24. Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures.

LAIRD LAKE: trout

Laird Lake is located in the head waters of Elk River. Bank access is limited and there is a lot of downed timber.

LAKE MARIE: rainbow trout

Lake Marie at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park near Winchester. The lake has already been stocked with 2,000 trout and should receive another 1,000 prior to Memorial Day Weekend.

LAKE SELMAC: rainbow trout

Lake Selmac will be stocked with an additional 4,000 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Trout have been biting well on PowerBait and worms. Casting and retrieving lures or flies has also been effective, as has trolling lures or flies from a boat. Largemouth bass and panfish are moving into the shallows, and fishing for them has been good.

Free Fishing Weekend activities will take place June 7, 9 a.m. n 3 p.m. There will be fun activities for kids, help for beginner anglers, free bait and loaner rods.

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

Lemolo Lake is now ice free and was stocked with 1,500 half-pound trout on May 9 and 1,000 rainbows for Memorial Day weekend. The boat ramp at Poole Creek has been repaired to improve boat access. Anglers this past weekend were catching both brown trout and rainbow trout. There are 9 Forest Service campsites available at Poole Creek and the resort will have about 20 sites ready by Memorial Day Weekend. Although snow has blocked 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 will be stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Trout fishing has been good. 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. Angling for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish is improving as these fish move into the shallows. As of June 2 the surface water temperature was 58oF.

Free Fishing Weekend activities will take place June 7, 9 a.m. n 12 p.m. In addition to free fishing, folks can enjoy free camping and a noon BBQ at Stewart State Park. For information, please call Stewart State Park at 541-560-3334. The Free Fishing Weekend event has prizes for kids, loaner rods and reels, free bait and giveaways.

MEDCO POND: rainbow trout

Medco Pond will be stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Free Fishing Weekend Activities will take place June 7, 8 a.m. to noon. Loaner rods will be available.

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

Legal-sized trout will be stocked during the week of June 2 and there will be a kids fishing event on June 7.

REINHART PARK POND: trout, warmwater fish

Reinhart Park Pond has recently been 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. Fly anglers may want to try casting leech or wooly bugger-type streamers.

ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: spring chinook, steelhead

Slow. Rain and clouds this week should drop water temperatures and give spring chinook fishing a little boost. Anglers will want to be on the river at first light for the best chance at hooking a fish. Steelhead are also spread throughout the lower river and anglers have been picking up fish mainly while trying to catch springers.

The Rogue Spring 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 salmon.

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

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: trout, steelhead

High flows and turbid water due to snow melt have limited angling success for spring chinook salmon, steelhead, and trout. The flow at Grants Pass on June 2 was 7,000 cubic feet per second.

Emergency harvest restrictions were enacted on the Rogue River to protect wild spring chinook salmon, due low numbers of adults returning to the river. The Rogue River form Elephant Rock (RM 3) to Cole Rivers Hatchery dam is closed to the harvest of nonadipose fin-clipped chinook salmon through July 31.

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: trout, steelhead,

As of June 2, the flow out of William Jess Dam (Lost Creek) was 3,600 cubic feet per second, and was scheduled to be gradually reduced to 2,500 cfs. The outflow temperature was 50 degrees. 2,199 spring chinook and 75 summer steelhead have been counted at Gold Ray Dam as of May 27. Angling conditions improved significantly this past week, and good numbers of spring chinook are being caught.

Emergency harvest restrictions were enacted on the Rogue River to protect wild spring chinook salmon, due low numbers of wild adults returning to the river. The Rogue River form Elephant Rock (RM 3) to Cole Rivers Hatchery dam is closed to the harvest of nonadipose fin-clipped chinook salmon through July 31.

ROGUE RIVER (SECTION 5): rainbow trout

Section 5 of the Rogue River (upstream of Lost Creek Reservoir) will be stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout again this week. Snow is still restricting access to some of the higher elevation sites. This week sites up to the Hwy 230 access near the Douglas/Jackson County line will be stocked.

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: striped bass, trout

Steelhead season is now closed, but trout will open up May 24. Striped bass season is open year round, 2 fish per 24 hours, 30-inch minimum size. The North Fork is open to Johnson Creek for stripers.

SOUTH COAST STREAMS: steelhead

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

SOUTHARD LAKE: trout

Access is still blocked by snow drifts. ODFW will stock the lake sometime in June.

SPAULDING POND: rainbow trout

The access road is now open and Spaulding Pond was recently stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Angling for them should be good.

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

Tenmile Lakes is open to fishing year-round. Legal-sized trout will be stocked the week of June 2. 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. When the water temperature gets over 60 degrees spinner baits and topwater baits start to become effective for catching bass. Yellow perch, bluegills and crappies should be biting with warming water temperatures. Small jigs with a twister tail or piece of worm are a great choice for panfish. Concentrate your fishing efforts around weedlines or other structure like submerged trees or docks.

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 are open for fishing. Currently, access is limited. Diamond Lake should have at least 50,000 11-inch trout leftover from last year's fingerlings. The Department started stock one-pound fish last week and will also stock nearly 6,000 trophy trout this week. The ODFW will stocked Lemolo with 1,500 trout last week and should put in another 1,000 prior to Memorial Day Weekend. Anglers are catching brown trout in addition to rainbow at Lemolo. Meanwhile the department stocked Clearwater Forebay #2 with 1,000 trout. 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 fishing has been fair to good. Shad should start appearing in larger numbers soon and some anglers have been catching shad in the lower sections. Smallmouth bass angling will improve as the water temperatures warm.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead

The North has remained fishable. Fishing is switching from winter steelhead to spring chinook and summer steelhead. The final count for winter steelhead at Winchester Dam was 9,511 fish. So far over 600 spring chinook and 170 summer steelhead have passed Winchester Dam. Springer fishing in the North Umpqua has picked up and some springers over 30-pounds were caught in the Narrows and Swiftwater areas over Memorial Day weekend. Remember that only adipose fin-clipped steelhead can be harvested on the North Umpqua. The North is open to catch and release trout fishing from the mouth upstream to Soda Springs Dam.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: steelhead

The South Umpqua is closed to angling until it opens for trout on May 24. Then the South will be open for both smallmouth bass and trout fishing.

WILLOW LAKE: trout

Willow Lake has recently 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,

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. Crabbing in Coos Bay is picking up for both people out in the bay with boats and from the docks. People with the most success let their crab pots sit undisturbed for long periods of time. 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

Digging for clams in Coos Bay has been excellent. A few of the popular digging areas are Charleston Flat, Pigeon Point, Fossil Point and Clam Island.

* ALWAYS CHECK FOR HEALTH ADVISORIES by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Shellfish line at 1-800-448-2474 for updates.

* Razor clams and current status of particular areas: 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 (extended season areas only)

Cougar, bear, turkey seasons are now closed except for a few areas that allow year-round cougar hunting; see below for more information.

Report your hunt

Spring bear and spring turkey seasons have ended-so please take the time to report your hunt now. Also, if you haven't yet done so, report your 2007 hunts. Be ready to enter your hunter/angler ID number, two-digit Wildlife Management Unit number where you hunted, and total number of days hunted. Any person that purchased a tag is required to report, even if they were not successful, did not go hunting, or were called during a telephone hunter survey.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

Cougar n The extended cougar season is currently open for central Douglas County; see page 50 of the Big Game Regulations for more information. 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.

JACKSON, JOSEPHINE, CURRY COUNTIES

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 Season closes May 31 except in Upper Rogue River zone; see page 50 of the Big Game Regulations for more information. 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

Cougar - Season closes May 31 except for South Coast zone; see page 50 of the Big Game Regulations for more information. 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.

SOUTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS

Birding by Ear Workshop at North Mountain Park, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., June 11, Ashland

In this workshop explore bird songs and calls through a variety of means including sound recordings, mnemonic devices, sonograms, and drawing. The workshop will incorporate lecture, images, guided listening, and participation. To register, call 541-488-6606. Visit the City of Ashland Web site for more information.

Monthly Sunday Bird Walk, Sunday, June 15, 8 a.m., Ashland

The half-day walk is along level paved trail that follows Ashland Creek and then Bear Creek. We can expect songbirds, woodpeckers, waterfowl and raptors. Leader: Harry Fuller, 488-8077. For more information, visit the Web site.

Coos County

Go tidepooling and birdwatching this weekend!

Cape Arago State Park, located about 15 miles southwest of Coos Bay, offers lots of recreation opportunities. The south cove trail leads down to a sandy beach and superior tidepools where you can visit intertidal plants and animals (please enjoy them with your eyes and camera only). The north cove is closed March 1- June 30 to protect seal pups.

Birds commonly seen around tidepools this time of year include black oystercatchers, spotted sandpipers, surf birds and California brown pelicans.

Cool facts about spotted sandpipers: The female arrives at breeding grounds ahead of the male, establishes and defends a territory. The male takes the primary role in parental care, incubating the eggs and taking care of the young. Visit Cornell's All About Birds Web site for more information.

Picnic tables, restrooms and a gazebo shelter are available at the park for daytime use. Visit the State Parks Web site for more information.

Migratory shore birds

Migratory shore birds are appearing in big numbers along Coos County coastal and bay areas. Many of these birds will continue on to nesting areas to the north-some as far as the Arctic Circle. Some will remain and nest in the vicinity. Patient birders can see thousands of shorebirds passing a given point on local beaches each day. Species composition is very diverse.

Marine Mammals

Young marine mammals are present along the coast at this time of year as well. Young seals and sea lions can be entertaining to observe, but please, keep well away from them. Often females will "park" (leave) young animals on local beaches and go to sea to feed. These youngsters are not stranded or abandoned. If you have questions about animals found on the beaches, leave them where they are and call your local ODFW office for information.

Douglas County

Turtles and other reptiles

Western Pond Turtles can be seen on warm sunny days and afternoons at all local reservoirs plus Stewart Park Pond in Roseburg. Springtime is a good time to run across snakes and lizards since they are coming out of hibernation as the temperature warms up. Most all snakes are in Western Oregon are non-venomous with the only venomous snake being the Western Rattlesnake. Some common snakes in our area are: Sharptail, Ringneck, Common Kingsnake, Gopher, Garter (4 species) and Western Rattlesnake. The most common lizards in our area are: Alligator Lizard (2 species), Western Fence and Western Skink.

Stewart Park Wildlife Trail

The Stewart Park ponds and nature trail system next to Fred Meyer in Roseburg is a great place to enjoy numerous wildlife species. Ducks, geese, turtles, herons, pigeons, nutria, swallows, sparrows and swifts are some of the common wildlife seen in the area. The nature trail has many interpretative signs to read along the way besides great viewing opportunities in this unique wildlife mitigation area.

Fish Passage

Each year about this time there are Winter Steelhead and Spring Chinook migrating upstream passing through Winchester dam fish ladder on the N. Umpqua River which is open to the public. To view the migrating Steelhead go to exit 129 on I-5, proceed southeast on 99 to the fish ladder on the north side of the river.

Deer

Fawns are being seen in our area so keep in mind that almost all fawns are not abandoned. Please do not pickup or move the fawns since the doe is probably foraging in the vicinity. Contact the local ODFW office or reference the ODFW website if you have fawn questions.

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. Table Rock provides great viewing of wildlife and wildflowers.

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

CENTRAL ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities

* Fishing for kokanee has been good on Paulina Lake, with fair catches of rainbow and brown trout as well.

* The Deschutes River between Lake Billy Chinook and Wickiup Reservoir has yielded some nice catches of rainbow and brown trout.

Free Fishing Weekend events

These events are a great opportunities for parents to introduce their children to the joys of fishing. Most events will have loaner rods and reels available to use, and knowledgeable volunteers to help children learn how to fish. All events are on Saturday, June 7 unless otherwise noted.

Wasco County:

* Mayer State Park, 8:30 a.m. n 1:30 p.m. More information: Megan Heinrich (541) 296-4628.

Jefferson County:

* Wizard Falls Hatchery, 9 a.m. n 12 p.m. More information: Steve Hamberger (541) 595-6611.

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

Deschutes River: The Deschutes River is open to angling for adipose fin-clipped spring 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 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 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 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: No report.

BIG LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout

Anglers are reporting fair success. The rainbow trout seen in the creel are ranging in size from 12 to 16 inches. The bite should increase with slightly warmer water temperatures.

CLEAR LAKE: Is currently inaccessible due to snow.

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

Angling over the weekend was reported to be fair with some very nice rainbow trout and brook trout being harvested.

CRESCENT LAKE: brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout

Anglers are reporting that the fish action is still a little slow. As the lake temperatures warms the fishing success should pick up.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout

No recent reports from anglers. The Crooked is currently flowing at 351 cfs. ODFW and OSU have initiated a radio telemetry study on redband trout and whitefish, and anglers are reminded that radio-tagged fish cannot be legally harvested. To determine if a fish is radio-tagged, anglers should check for an eight-inch wire antenna protruding from the rear of both redband and mountain whitefish.

CULTUS LAKE: lake trout, rainbow trout

No recent reports.

DAVIS LAKE: redband trout, largemouth bass

Anglers are reporting that the bite is on the slow side. Please note Davis Lake is restricted to fly angling only.

DESCHUTES RIVER:

Mouth to Warm Springs: trout, spring chinook

Spring chinook fishing below Sherars Falls has been good when water conditions permit. Anglers are being most successful fishing the 'plunking' holes. Anglers can access the USGS website for current information on stream flow on the Deschutes at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/current?type=flow. As the water level drops angling should continue to be consistent.

Trout fishing is improving on the lower Deschutes upstream from White River with the warmer temperatures, but high water levels continue to hamper success. Salmonflies have been observed from Warm Springs downstream. Trout anglers should be successful using nymphs along with salmonflies, but anglers should also be watchful for mid-day hatches.

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

Flows in this reach are currently running at 129 cfs. Angling in this reach is reportedly good for both rainbow trout and brown trout.

Benham Falls to Wickiup Reservoir: Anglers caught some nice brown trout in this reach over the past week. This reach of river provides opportunity for brown trout and rainbow trout.

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

East Lake anglers are reporting catches of rainbow trout, kokanee and brown trout.

FALL RIVER: rainbow trout

Fly angling only with good opportunity for rainbow trout. Angling is reported to be on the slow side.

FROG LAKE: Is currently inaccessible due to snow.

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

No recent reports.

HOOD RIVER: summer steelhead, winter steelhead

High water conditions resulting from recent warm temperatures will limit angler success. Spring chinook and new summer steelhead catches have been good when water conditions permit. Anglers can access the USGS website for current information on Hood River stream flow at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/current?type=flow A few early summer run steelhead and spring chinook have been reported in the catch. We are near the end the 2008 run of winter steelhead in the Hood River, but expect good numbers of bright summer steelhead and spring chinook to be captured at the Powerdale Dam trap in the next two weeks. Spring chinook fishing should get better as May progresses.

KINGSLEY RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Kingsley was recently stocked, and should provide excellent fishing opportunity. Angers should be aware that camping will be limited due to remaining snow drifts.

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

Fishing for bull trout and kokanee has been fair. Kokanee being caught are in good condition, ranging from 10 to 14 inches. Please note the emergency regulation in effect suspending the 25 fish bonus bag for kokanee. Lake bag limit is five trout (including kokanee).

LAURANCE LAKE: rainbow trout

Laurance is ice free and recently stocked. Anglers are reminded that only fin-clipped trout may be kept, and only artificial flies and lures may be used.

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

NORTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout

There is good opportunity for 8 to 12-inch rainbow with potential for larger fish up to 18 inches.

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Reports of good angling for rainbow trout.

ODELL LAKE: kokanee, lake trout, rainbow trout

Anglers are reporting fair success for kokanee. All bull trout need to be released unharmed and anglers are encouraged to take time to learn how to differentiate between lake trout and bull trout. Please check with the Forest Service Crescent Ranger Station for information on campgrounds.

PAULINA LAKE: Brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee

Good reports of kokanee catches with the fish ranging from 10 to 13 inches. There are also reports of fair rainbow trout and brown trout catches.

PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

The reservoir has recently been stocked and should provide good action. Anglers have reported good catches of stocked trout with many of them large brood trout.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, black crappie

Anglers are reporting good success for rainbow trout.

ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Angler reports have indicated excellent catches on recently stocked fish with many large brood trout.

SIMTUSTUS LAKE: rainbow trout, bull trout

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

SOUTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout

Fishing was reported to be good over the weekend.

SUTTLE LAKE: kokanee, brown trout

No recent reports.

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: No recent reports.

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

The kokanee bite has slowed some though anglers are catching fish up to 14 inches. Brown trout angling was reportedly fair. There is also opportunity for largemouth bass and rainbow trout.

CENTRAL ZONE HUNTING

Turkey, bear, and cougar seasons are now closed until fall.

Report your hunt

Spring bear and spring turkey seasons have ended-so please take the time to report your hunt now. Also, if you haven't yet done so, report your 2007 hunts. Be ready to enter your hunter/angler ID number, two-digit Wildlife Management Unit number where you hunted, and total number of days hunted. Any person that purchased a tag is required to report, even if they were not successful, did not go hunting, or were called during a telephone hunter survey.

PRINEVILLE WILDLIFE DISTRICT

Recreational users should check with the Ochoco National Forest regarding road and camping conditions. Motorized access restrictions associated with the South Boundary Travel Management Area (TMA) in the Ochoco unit remain in effect year-round. Maps are available at portal signs as you enter the TMA, or from local ODFW and forest service offices.

Coyote n Like cougar, coyotes will be closely following deer and pronghorn as they move into areas to have their young. If hunters can identify areas with solitary does, coyotes will likely be in the vicinity.

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

THE DALLES WILDLIFE DISTRICT

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.

CENTRAL ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS

High Desert Museum, Saturday, June 7, beginning 11 a.m., Bend

Events include: Otter Talk. Learn about the amazing world of the river otter. Get a chance to touch furs, skulls, and meet the Museum's river otter. Behind the Scenes Wildlife Tours led by one of the Museum's wildlife staff. Visit the Web site for more information.

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, Live Raptor Program, 2 p.m. June 15, The Dalles

Come learn about raptors of the gorge. This program is free with paid admission to the museum. Call Steve Thompson at (541)296-8600, ext. 209, or visit the Web site for more information.

June Programs at the Sunriver Nature Center

Visit the Web site for a complete list of daytime and evening educational programs or call (541) 593-4394. Events include Nature Talk, daily at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Wetlands Walk, Sundays, 10 a.m. Bird Walk, Tuesdays, 9 a.m. Sunriver is home for a variety of birds. Novice to experienced bird watchers are invited to explore our feathered friends. Cost $2 .00 per person

Sutton Mountain hike, Saturday, June 14, 9 a.m.

Join the Sierra club for moderate hike of about 6 miles. Explore this Wilderness Study Area above the painted hills and watch for hedgehog cactus which may be blooming. Call leader Alison Hamway, 382-2035, for meeting location and to confirm your attendance. For more information, visit the Central Oregon Environmental Center Web site.

Lewis' Woodpeckers arrive in Central Oregon

With their distinctive flight pattern, magnificent coloring and preference for open country with scattered trees, Lewis's woodpeckers are not too difficult to spot if you are looking in the right place this summer. ODFW biologists suggest targeting burned forest areas and open juniper woodlands with snags. As secondary cavity excavators, these woodpeckers often move into a nest built in a previous year by a flicker or hairy woodpecker, so focus on burned areas that are several years old.

A medium-sized woodpecker with black upperparts and hood, it has a red face, gray collar pale red belly. Named after explorer Meriwether Lewis who first saw the bird in July 1805, species populations have been declining.

For information on Lewis's woodpeckers in Central Oregon, visit the U.S. Forest Service Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests Web Site. To see a photo and listen to its call, visit Whatbird.com.

Flammulated owls nesting

Male flammulated owls return to the east slope of the high Cascades each spring, a few weeks ahead of the females, to set up territories. High in dense mixed-conifer and Ponderosa pine forests, they are not easy to see but can be heard calling in the morning and at night. They also prefer cavities excavated by flickers.

The flammulated owl is small with short, feathered ear tufts and dark eyes. Visit the Cornell Lab All about Birds Web site for photos and more information.

Prineville Area

Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Management Area

There is a wide range of migratory and resident shorebirds and waterfowl using the shoreline and reservoir. Broods of Canadian Geese and waterfowl are visible with the best viewing opportunities at the eastern end of the Wildlife Area along the shoreline. Nesting osprey, bald eagles, golden eagles and red-tail hawks are present in the wildlife area as well. Motorized traffic within the management area is restricted to the north side access road and designated routes into dispersed camping sites.

In addition to wildlife viewing, the management area offers hiking 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 vary from steep and rocky, to muddy 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

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

Bighorn 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

Weekend Fishing opportunities

* The Powder River from Hughes Lane Bridge in Baker City to Mason Dam is open for adipose fin-clipped spring chinook May 31 through Sept. 1, 2008.

* Fishing for rainbow and brown trout on the Lower Owyhee River has been good, with catches of 12 to 20-inch brown trout common.

* Trout fishing has been good on Holbrook and Lofton Reservoirs, with all methods (bait, lures and flies) proving successful.

Free Fishing Weekend events

These events are a great opportunities for parents to introduce their children to the joys of fishing. Most events will have loaner rods and reels available to use, and knowledgeable volunteers to help children learn how to fish. All events are on Saturday, June 7 unless otherwise noted.

Harney County:

* Burns Pond, 7 a.m. n 12 p.m. More information: Tim Walters (541) 573-6582.

Lake County:

* Christmas Valley Golf Course, 9 a.m. n 3 p.m. More information: Shannon Hurn (541) 947-0966.

Klamath County:

* Fourmile Quarry Ponds, 9 a.m. n 3 p.m. More information: Neil Anderson (541) 883-6731.

* Odell Lake (Shelter Cove Resort), FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 9 a.m. n 1 p.m. More information: Paul Powers (541) 433-3236.

* Klamath Fish Hatchery, 9 a.m. n 3 p.m. For participants 12 and younger. More information: Greg Lipsiea (541) 381-2278.

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. Most anglers fish for hybrid bass from the bank 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 a great place to fish during the spring. Angling for rainbow trout has been good. The river level is high from 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 so large lures and flies mimicking minnows can be very successful. Also, consider trying dry-fly emergers and nymphs.

BALM CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Reservoir should be good for trout and bass. Access should be good.

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

Inflow into the reservoir varied from approximately 250 to 380 cfs from May 28 to June 2. The reservoir water level continues to rise. It was 83 percent full on June 2. Angling in the reservoir is fair for rainbow trout and slow for crappie.

BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

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

BLITZEN RIVER: trout

Mainstem Blitzen and tributaries (except Little Blitzen) have a two fish trout bag limit from May 24 through October 31. The Little Blitzen is a catch and release fishery year-round. Angling is fair for 10 to 16-inch redband trout when flow conditions allow. With a substantial snowpack and unpredictable spring weather conditions, anglers may have to deal with varying water conditions. Flow fluctuated between approximately 290 and 450 cfs from May 26 through June 2. Flow was approximately 353 cfs June 2.

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

Water level in the reservoir continues to drop. The reservoir was 72 percent full on June 2. Angling is slow.

BURNS POND: trout, bass

Trout will be stocked late this week. Angling should be fair to good for rainbow trout.

BURNT RIVER: trout

Was stocked with 1,000 legal trout above Unity Reservoir.

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout

Angling is fair to good for 12 to 19 inch rainbow trout. Bait anglers have had success with cluster eggs. Fly anglers have had some success using midge, leech, and water boatman imitations.

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout

Rivers End Reservoir and the lower Chewaucan River opened for angling on May 24. Angling will be good for largemouth bass and brown bullhead in this area. Angling is slow for redband trout above Paisley; the river is running high.

COTTONWOOD MEADOWS: rainbow trout, brook trout

Access to Cottonwood Meadows is open. Angling is good for rainbow trout and brook trout. Water temperatures are cold. Bait fishing does not appear to be very productive in this waterbody.

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: native redband trout

Fishing for native redband should improve as water temperatures increase.

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

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

The lake experienced a partial die-off during the winter. The lake was stocked with rainbow trout last week. Angling should be good.

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

Dog Lake is closed to the retention of native, redband trout. This lake is not stocked with hatchery trout. Trophy bass fishing opportunities are available here. Bass and yellow perch fishing should improve with warmer water temperatures.

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

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

DUNCAN RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Angling is good for rainbow trout. The reservoir is no longer spilling. As water temperatures warm angling should improve. Midge hatches have been observed occurring on the reservoir in the late afternoon. Bait angling can be good along the shoreline.

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

Angling for crappie should be slow this week as water temperatures have declined significantly. When water temperatures warm angling should be very good for crappie. Look for warmwater fish in the shallow backwater areas.

HAINES POND: rainbow trout

Has been stocked twice with 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing has been very good.

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

A few crappie are being caught as water temperatures have warmed. The lake is very shallow, and high winds can make boating hazardous. Recent sampling by ODFW has recorded lots of crappie in the 8-12 inches range, and a few at 16 inches.

HEART LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout and kokanee

Angling is slow for rainbow trout and kokanee. Most kokanee are less than eight inches.

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

Angling is very good for stocked legal and trophy rainbow trout. All methods of angling seem to have some success at this reservoir.

HWY 203 POND: trout, bass, bluegill

Has been stocked several times with legal-sized rainbow trout. Will be stocked again for the free fishing event held on June 7. Activities include a fishing derby for the kids and food.

JUNIPER LAKE: cutthroat trout

The lake is nearly dry.

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass

The reservoir opened for angling April 26. Angling is fair to good for 12 to 20 inch rainbow trout and good for largemouth bass. Angling will improve as the water warms up. Bait anglers have had some success with PowerBait, and fly anglers have had some success using leeches. Bass angling was slow, but should improve as 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.

KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: redband trout and yellow perch

Angling for redband trout has been fair but remember catch rates are typically one fish per ten hours of angling on average. Water temperatures have declined significantly which has decreased redband trout activity and catch rates. Trolling lures mimicking minnows has been good. Bank anglers using bait are also experiencing success. Most bank anglers use dead minnows for bait with some success using worms. Few redband trout have moved into spring or river areas and are still abundant in the main part of the lake.

KLAMATH RIVER: native rainbow- redband trout

Angling below Keno dam is fair as flows are currently 1190 cfs and water temperatures have declined. Lures and flies that mimic minnows and leeches will be productive. Good hatches of caddis flies and damsel flies are occurring. This section of the river is not a dry fly river. The Klamath River from JC Boyle Dam to the JC Boyle Powerhouse is very good for catching redband trout. Most redband trout in this section range from 6-12 inches. Golden stoneflies and salmonflies are hatching in this section. The Klamath River below the Powerhouse is fair for redband trout 10-14 inches in the early morning before flows increase dramatically.

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

The Lake is not frozen and angling is good for stocked legal and trophy rainbow trout. Water temperatures are cold for warmwater fish but a few brown bullhead and yellow perch can be captured. Crappie and smallmouth bass are very rare in the catch. A few large largemouth bass exist in the lake but few small largemouth bass due to the competition with yellow perch. Angling for brown trout and kokanee should be good.

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 is low. 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.

LOFTON RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The reservoir was stocked with legal and trophy rainbow trout. Fishing for trout has been good, all angling methods (bait, lures, flies) seem to be meet with good catch rates.

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

Angling is good for warmwater fish. Brown bullhead are being caught at Crystal Springs Park at a good rate. Angling for yellow perch is good.

LUCKY RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Angling is fair for rainbow trout. Lucky Reservoir has good populations of trout but catch rates are slow due to the turbid water.

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

On June 2, discharge below Warm Springs Dam was approximately 253 cfs. Angling for trout is slow.

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

On June 2, discharge below Juntura was approximately 445 cfs. Angling for trout is slow.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

On May 22 the reservoir was stocked with legal-sized (8-10 inch) rainbow trout. On May 29, the reservoir was stocked with fingerling (3 inch) rainbow trout. Water level remains below last year's level at this time. It is slowly dropping as irrigation water is released. The reservoir continues to produce nice catches of 12 to 17-inch rainbow trout. The boat ramp is still in the water.

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

No recent angling report. In past years, road access has been open by now. Stream flows are high and fishing is most likely slow. Remember to release bull trout.

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

No recent angling report. In past years, road access has been open by now. Stream flows are high and fishing is most likely slow. Remember to release bull trout.

MANN LAKE: trout

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

MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout

Fair to good angling for bass. No angling report for trout.

MUD LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout

The lake is low. Mud Lake experienced a winter kill this year so angling could be poor. The lake is turbid year-around and will warm up quickly.

MURRAY RESERVOIR: trout

Was stocked with 2,000 rainbow trout the last week of April. Fishing is fair using spinners, flies or bait.

NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: rainbow trout

All of the BLM stock ponds in the Harper-Westfall area were stocked on May 30 with fingerling-sized rainbow trout. Littlefield and Squaw Creek reservoirs have good carryover populations. Spring weather may result in difficult road conditions.

NORTH POWDER PONDS 1 & 2: rainbow trout

North Powder Pond #1 has been stocked three times. North Powder Pond #2 was stocked once.

OVERTON RESERVOIR:

Overton Reservoir is likely slow for rainbow trout. Most of the reservoir is covered in aquatic vegetation.

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

The reservoir was 64 percent full on June 1. All boat ramps are accessible. Angling for crappie is fair. Angling for bass is fair to good.

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

Angling for rainbow trout and brown trout is good. Catches of brown from 12 to 20 inches have been common. Rainbow trout are less abundant, but anglers have been catching some larger fish. Flow was 229 cfs June 1.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish

Discharge at the Rome gauge varied from approximately 1,050 to 1,700 cfs from May 28 through June 2. Angling for smallmouth is slow and channel catfish is fair.

PAIUTE RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout and hatchery Lahontan cutthroat trout

Angling is slow due to turbid conditions. The reservoir is very low.

PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch

Phillips was stocked with 8,400 legal-sized trout. Some nice-sized bass are being caught. Perch are larger this year with sizes ranging from 8-11.5 inches. Water level is 65 percent.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout

Reports of catching 11-12 inch trout. Reservoir is full.

PINE CREEK (Baker County): trout

Pine Creek and North Pine Creek were stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout in May.

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The reservoir was stocked with legal-sized (8-10 inch) rainbow trout on May 22. The water level remains below the water level at this time last year. Irrigation water has been turned on and the water level is expected to begin dropping. There are few larger rainbow trout in this reservoir. Angling has slowed.

POWDER RIVER: trout, spring chinook

The Powder River from Hughes Lane Bridge in Baker City to Mason Dam is open for adipose fin-clipped spring chinook May 31 through Sept. 1, 2008. The daily bag limit is two spring chinook. These chinook have been released as surplus from the Snake River. Rainbow trout have also been stocked below Mason Dam.

SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: hatchery rainbow trout.

Most of the reservoirs are full and spilling. 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 not stock the reservoir with fingerlings due to low water levels in the reservoir.

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

Angling has been fair for redband trout. Flows are still slightly high and turbid. Angling should be good for bass and brown bullhead below the town of Beatty.

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

Angling will be slow for redband trout and brown trout. Flows are high which will slow angling. Please release bull trout unharmed.

SUNSTONE RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Sunstone reservoir went dry last summer, but it has filled to full capacity. A small number of legal-sized rainbow trout were stocked recently, 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 for redband trout. Flows are high.

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout

Fishing is slow. Reservoir is full.

THOMPSON RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, hatchery rainbow trout

Angling has been slow for rainbow trout and largemouth bass.

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

Angling for crappie is fair. Expect angling to improve with warmer water temperatures. Most crappie are 8-10 inches.

TWIN LAKES (Baker County): rainbow trout

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

UPPER MIDWAY RESERVOIR: largemouth bass

A total of 100 largemouth bass up to two pounds were stocked in Upper Midway from Davis Lake. It appears most of the largemouth bass ranging from 12-15 inches died this past winter due to ice cover the resulting lack of oxygen. Angling should be fair for largemouth bass. The reservoir is near full pool and boats are difficult to launch. Smaller boats are recommended.

UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie

Trout fishing has been fair but may pickup as the weather warms. Some crappie are being caught in deeper water. The campground is open.

VEE LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout

Angling is slow in Vee Lake. With the hard winter it is likely Vee Lake experienced a winter kill. The reservoir is low, but recent rains may have helped out the water level.

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

The reservoir continues to rise slowly. The reservoir was 42 percent full June 1. Inflows ranged from 400 cfs up to 1,200 cfs. Fishing is slow.

WARNER LAKES: black crappie, brown bullhead, yellow perch

Muddy spots remain in the roads to and around the Warner Lakes after recent rains, drive with care. Fishing for warm water species will be fair. The lakes are low and shallow; boating access can be difficult.

WILLIAMSON RIVER (UPPER): redband trout and brook trout

Angling is slow for redband trout and brook trout. Flows are high. The black drake mayfly hatch should start in early June.

WILLIAMSON RIVER (LOWER):

Angling is slow as flows are high and turbid.

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

Angling for largemouth bass has been fair. A total of 300 largemouth bass up to six pounds were stocked in the reservoir from Davis Lake. Small bluegill are abundant. A few nice crappie have been caught but crappie were not abundant in last years electrofishing surveys. The reservoir is near full pool so boats can be launched.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, trout

Fishing is fair for 8 to 11-inch trout. Crappie should start biting as the weather warms. Reservoir is full.

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

Flows have increased thus angling for brown trout has slowed. Angling for redband trout is slow.

YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout

Fair to good angling for 10 to 13-inch rainbow trout. Fly anglers have had good success using leech and midge imitations. Bait anglers have had good success using PowerBait.

SOUTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

Cougar, bear and turkey seasons are now closed until fall.

Report your hunt

Spring bear and spring turkey seasons have ended-so please take the time to report your hunt now. Also, if you haven't yet done so, report your 2007 hunts. Be ready to enter your hunter/angler ID number, two-digit Wildlife Management Unit number where you hunted, and total number of days hunted. Any person that purchased a tag is required to report, even if they were not successful, did not go hunting, or were called during a telephone hunter survey.

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

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

Most migrating breeding bird species have arrived in the county and are beginning to nest. A variety of warblers, waterfowl, shorebirds, swallows, gulls and raptors are in the area.

Other species of interest that can be found in Harney County include white-faced ibis, long-billed curlews, black-necked stilts, willets, American Avocets, Swainson's hawks and ferruginous hawks.

Good areas for viewing include the Silvies River flood plain near Burns and the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. The Center Patrol Road and headquarters area are excellent wildlife viewing areas on the Malheur Refuge.

Klamath Falls Area

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

According to the Audubon Society of Portland, to Oregon birders, the white-headed woodpecker is one of the most sought after birds. It is a striking species with a white head and throat and white wing patches that contrast with a coal-black body. Upper Klamath Lake is one of the few areas in Oregon where you usually have a fair chance of seeing the species.

To increase your chances of a sighting, ODFW biologists recommend following the loop road up into the forested area of the park-there are places to park. Early to late morning are generally the best viewing times but this time of year, the birds are very active all day nesting and feeding young birds.

For more information on the white-header woodpecker, visit the Audubon Society of Portland Web site.

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

Upper Klamath Lake

For an unusual sighting, check out Pelican Bay near Rocky Point on Upper Klamath Lake for red-necked grebes. This is one of only a few locations in Oregon where this medium sized grebe exists. You'll need a canoe or boat to access Pelican Bay. Red-necked grebes can be found in close proximity to emergent vegetation where they will construct a floating nest. You'll also see many other aquatic birds, so it's well worth the trip.

Upper Klamath Lake, located just north of Klamath Falls, provides prime viewing for many aquatic birds. Western and Clark's grebes have returned from southern wintering areas and are actively involved in courtship displays. Pied-billed and eared grebes can also be observed along lakeshore areas. White pelicans and double-crested cormorants can be found foraging on fish. Pelicans are colonial nesters and only nest in a few isolated areas which offer security from harassment.

White-faced ibis can be found foraging in flooded pastures. Ibis are also colonial nesters using bulrush and cattails to nest.

Klamath Wildlife Area

Great Basin Canada geese have been seen with young broods. There are still pairs nesting on the area, so please watch your step. If nests or broods are encountered, please move away quietly and not disturb them during this critical time of the year.

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. 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.

Note: Please restrict your vehicular access to the public roads and parking lots to minimize disturbance of wildlife during this time of year. Dogs are allowed only at the designated dog training area near the boat ramp. Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit.

Lake County and Lakeview Area

Migrating waterfowl and shorebirds have moved through the county and resident nesting species have arrived. Good viewing opportunities in the Warner Valley, Goose Lake Valley and hay meadows south of Paisley for terns, gulls, ibis and other water birds.

Migrating Lesser Sandhill crane have moved north out of the county. Greater sandhill cranes are in the early stages of nest initiation and are common throughout the major wetland systems and flooded pastures.

Bighorn sheep have moved into their traditional lambing areas and most lambs were born prior to this week. Bighorns have their lambs in the steep rocky cliffs within their herd range. The lambing rocks are visible from good roads along Fish Creek Rim, Abert Rim and across from the Summer Lake Hot Springs. To see them, use high powered binoculars or a spotting scope.

Summer Lake Wildlife Area

This section was updated on June 3, 2008 with lots of new information. 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 waterbirds.

Nearly all of the Area's wetlands are well flooded and receiving considerable water bird use. Northward migrants continue to arrive, ducks, shorebirds and passerine species are staging in good numbers and many species are well into breeding season. Other migrant waterbirds continue to arrive and breeding season is beginning to intensify.

Waterfowl

Breeding ducks have arrived and are staging in good numbers. Nearly all of the Area's 13 breeding species are well represented at this time. Ducks remain widely scattered across the Area dispersed to and actively defending territories. Ducks are in their bright and colorful nuptial plumage as the breeding season advances. Nearly all species have formed pairs and courtship activity has been very evident. Nesting is well underway for early species such as cinnamon teal and mallards, with a few early broods on the ground at this time. Late season nesting gadwall have begun establishing nests now and their activity will increase over the next several weeks. Hens searching for or traveling to nest sites for egg laying can be observed commonly on roads during early morning hours. Territory defense and pair chasing is very common now. Groups of drakes are observed frequently pursuing hen and pairs.

Resident Canada geese are dispersed widely across the Wildlife Area and adjacent private lands. Hatching is winding down for this species, and broods are being observed frequently. Late and repeat nesting from earlier unsuccessful attempts continues. Broods remain very secretive and adults will be entering the molt soon. If nests or broods are encountered, please move away quietly and not disturb them during this critical time of the year. Good sized flocks of non-breeding (most will not breed until their 2nd or 3rd year of life) and unsuccessful breeders can be found at this time. Soon some of these flocks will be departing on a molt migration to large wetland complexes, some as far away as Canada.

Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds

Shorebird migration has winded down, most species have passed through on their way to more northerly and arctic breeding areas. This is a good time to find rare or unusual species moving through the area during migration. American avocets and black-necked stilts, two common breeding species, are very numerous now and are well into nesting. Bullgate Refuge, where extensive habitat enhancement took place last summer is providing excellent foraging opportunities for many species. Black-necked stilts are utilizing this area heavily now with over 100 pairs dispersed across the unit and exhibiting nesting activity. Other species such as American avocet, killdeer, long-billed curlew and willets are widely dispersed and well into nesting now. Some early broods have been observed recently. Area users are urged to use caution while driving and parking. Killdeer frequently nest in gravel, along road shoulders, parking areas and at campgrounds. If chicks or nests are discovered, viewers are urged to move away and reduce disturbance during this important time during the life cycles of many species.

Sandhill cranes are scattered across the Wildlife Area with most pairs occupying their breeding territories and nesting is underway. Colts are becoming more apparent now as hatching is well underway. Scattered individuals, pairs and small groups of non-breeding cranes can sometimes be found.

Recently conducted marsh bird surveys have detected a large number of rails (sora and Virginia) and American bitterns throughout emergent marsh areas. Morning and evening hours around sunrise and sunset afford excellent opportunities to hear these secretive birds. American bitterns are calling in earnest now and their "pumper-lump" sounds are quite common especially in early morning and evenings.

Other waterbird species continue to arrive and increase in number. Caspian and Forster's terns are very numerous now.

American white pelicans and Great egrets are quite common 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 breeding season advances.

Raptors and Others

Resident raptors remain scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Highway 31. Migrant raptors are found in good numbers throughout the Summer Lake Basin and are very apparent along Highway 31. Meadows offer excellent foraging opportunities for many raptors. Northern harriers are especially numerous over marsh and hay meadows. Courtship flights are winding down now as most female harriers are nesting. Bald eagles are infrequently seen across the Wildlife Area now. A few pairs are scattered along Winter Ridge and adults can sometimes be seen foraging over Wildlife Area wetlands. Prairie falcons, ferruginous hawks and golden eagles are sometimes seen during this time of the year and Swainson's hawks are fairly common. Great-horned owls are well into raising young and several chicks have been observed in nests. Osprey have returned from their southern wintering areas and can be found at Ana Reservoir occupying the nesting platform.

Upland game birds

California quail coveys have dispersed into breeding pairs and can be found scattered throughout out the Wildlife Area at this time. Ring-neck pheasant roosters continue to be heard crowing and displaying, especially in early morning and evening time. Several pheasant broods have been observed recently.

Eurasian collared doves remain at Headquarters Complex and migrant and resident mourning doves are fairly common. They are calling incessantly now, morning and evening.

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.

Blackbirds are found throughout the Area's emergent marsh areas, most on territory and well into nesting. American robins, warbling vireos, black-headed grosbeaks and yellow warblers are quite numerous and actively singing around the Headquarters Complex now. All three common swallow species (barn, cliff and tree) are very numerous and actively nesting at 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. Users are urged to exercise care with campfires. Campgrounds are primitive but each have vault toilets, trash barrels and a few picnic tables.

The Wildlife Viewing Loop is open and will remain that way 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 still be soft and muddy, especially along the edges of canals and ponds. Secondary and minor dikes remain closed to motor vehicle traffic and cross country travel by motor vehicles and ATVs is prohibited.

Viewers are reminded to keep pets in close control due to the wide variety of ground nesting birds found throughout the Wildlife Area's upland and wetland habitats. It is unlawful to let dogs run at large during game bird nesting seasons.

Habitat

Many of the Wildlife Area's wetland habitats are well flooded now, and large areas of shallowly flooded seasonal wetlands are available to waterbirds. Irrigation season in Summer Lake Valley is underway and as water is diverted, there is a significant decrease in flows down Ana River and to many wetland units on the Wildlife Area. Some seasonally flooded wetland units are receding and will provide foraging opportunities to breeding and migrant waterbirds. These wetlands are favored by a wide variety of migrants and are very rich in natural food sources. New feeding locations are being exposed on a near daily basis now as evaporation rates rise radically in the summer heat.

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. Mosquitoes are becoming numerous now and provide another abundant food source to insectivorous birds. Please remember to use protective measures to avoid these biting insects. Spring 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 actively growing and most 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 occurs. Flocks of white-faced ibis favor these newly flooded sites where they can locate displaced earthworms and other invertebrates. These areas continue to provide excellent hunting sites for raptors. As temperatures continue to warm and rising water levels displace them, small mammal activity increases and provides food to 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. Recently farmed food plots are providing foraging sites to many species looking for seeds, green shoots and invertebrates in open, cultivated areas.

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

NORTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend Fishing Opportunities

* The Umatilla River from the Hwy 730 bridge upstream to Three Mile Dam has been reopened to spring chinook angling, the season will run from May 31 n June 30.

* McKay Reservoir is 95 percent full and fishing for perch, crappie and largemouth bass is good.

Free Fishing Weekend events

These events are a great opportunities for parents to introduce their children to the joys of fishing. Most events will have loaner rods and reels available to use, and knowledgeable volunteers to help children learn how to fish. All events are on Saturday, June 7 unless otherwise noted.

Baker County:

* HWY 203 Pond, 9 a.m. n 1:30 p.m. More information: Tim Bailey or Nadine Craft (541) 963-2138.

Union County:

* Morgan Lake, 8 a.m. n 2 p.m. More information: Tim Bailey or Nadine Craft (541) 963-2138.

* Pilcher Creek Reservoir, 9 a.m. n 1:30 p.m. More information: Tim Bailey or Nadine Craft (541) 963-2138.

Wallowa County:

* Marr Pond, 10 a.m. n 2 p.m. More information: Alan Miller (541) 426-5682.

Grant County:

* McHaley Pond, 9 a.m. n 12 p.m. For participants 14 and younger. More information: Tim Unterwegner (541) 575-1167.

* Unity Lake State Park, 9 a.m. n 2 p.m. More information: Dennis Bradley (541) 932-4453.

Umatilla County:

* Twin Ponds, 7 a.m. n 12 p.m. More information: Kristy Groves (541) 427-5364.

Morrow County:

* Willow Creek Reservoir, 1 p.m. n 4 p.m. Event is June 8. More information: Kristy Groves (541) 427-5364.

Fly fishing workshop June 14 near Starkey

ODFW and the Blue Mountain Fly Casters of Pendleton are sponsoring a fly fishing workshop on Saturday, June 14 at Frog Heaven Pond near Starkey. Designed for beginners, the workshop is open to anyone 14 years of age and older.

This hands-on workshop provides an opportunity to learn the basics techniques needed to get started in fly fishing. Flies, fly rods and all the supplies needed for the workshop will be provided by ODFW, although participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment to use if they want.

Pre-registration is required for this event and space is limited. The $40 registration fee covers instruction, use of all necessary equipment, the chance to catch some trout, informational materials and lunch.

Registration forms and more information about this and other upcoming workshops, are available at ODFW's website at http;//www.dfw.state.or.us/outdoor_skills/ or by contacting Darlene Sprecher at (503) 947-6025 or Mary Hoverson at (541) 962-1826.

GRANDE RONDE, WALLOWA, IMNAHA RIVERS AND TRIBUTARIES:

Northeast Oregon streams opened for trout angling on May 24. Streams are high and turbid and trout angling is poor.

HONEYMOON, TEPEE, SALT CREEK AND McGRAW PONDS: trout

Forest ponds in Wallowa County are becoming accessible as snow melts from forest roads. Honeymoon and Tepee ponds are now accessible and will be stocked with rainbow trout this week. Salt Creek and McGraw ponds are not yet accessible. They will be stocked when weather and road conditions allow access to them.

JOHN DAY RIVER: Bass and trout

Smallmouth bass angling is fair to good, but success is highly dependent on river conditions. Anglers should expect high river flows until mid-elevation snow melt is complete. High streamflows throughout the John Day River basin will limit trout angling success, particularly in the South Fork and Middle Fork John Day rivers.

KINNEY LAKE: trout

Kinney Lake opened on May 24 and has been stocked with legal-sized trout. Trout angling should be good.

LADD POND \ PEACH POND: trout

Fish are taking flies, worms and other bait. The Pond has been stocked several times with legal and some 6 lb trophy trout.

MAGONE LAKE: trout

Anglers have been catching a mix of brook and rainbow trout up to 15 inches. Best success has been with bait suspended just above the bottom of the lake. Fly anglers report good catches with black ant imitations.

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

Angling for warmwater species should be good, trout angling is fair. The reservoir is approximately 95 percent full.

MCNARY, HATROCK AND TATONE PONDS

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

MARR, VICTOR, AND WALLOWA WILDLIFE AREA PONDS: trout

Wallowa Valley ponds are accessible and will be stocked this week with legal-size rainbow trout.

MORGAN LAKE: trout, bullheads, crappie

The Lake has been stocked with legal rainbow trout.

PENDLAND LAKE: trout

The lake experienced a heavy winter kill and angling will be greatly impacted this spring and summer. The lake is being stocked with legal trout this week to provide some angling opportunity this summer. The lake also will be re-stocked with fingerlings.

ROULET POND: trout

The Pond has been stocked several times with legal-sized trout. An additional stocking of rainbow trout will occur the week of June 2.

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

All have thawed and fishing is slow to fair for holdover trout. All have been stocked with legal-sized trout.

TROUT FARM POND: trout

Angling success is fair for brook trout and hold over rainbow trout.

UMATILLA RIVER: spring chinook, trout

Spring chinook angling remained slow this past week, high river flows have limited angling success. Total spring chinook return to Threemile Dam to date is 2,200. Only adipose fin-clipped spring chinook salmon may be kept. The bag limit for spring is 2 adults and 5 jacks per day and 10 adults per year. The Umatilla River from Three Mile Dam upstream to the reservation boundary located upstream from the Hwy 11 bridge at Pendleton is open for spring chinook angling from April 16 n June 30. The Umatilla River from the Hwy 730 bridge upstream to Three Mile Dam was reopened to to spring chinook angling on May 31 the season and will remain open through June 30.

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.

Trout angling will be slow, until flows recede.

UMATILLA FOREST PONDS: trout

Most ponds have been stocked and angling should be good.

WALLOWA LAKE: rainbow trout, kokanee

Ice is off Wallowa Lake and the lake has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow. Trout fishing is good for boat and bank anglers using bait or lures. Boat launching facilities are in at the north end of the lake and boat anglers are reporting fair to good success for kokanee. Most reports have come from anglers trolling with flashers and bait near the surface of the lake.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: Trout, crappie, bullhead catfish

Trout angling is fair. Crappie angling is good.

NORTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

Cougar, bear and turkey seasons are closed until fall.

Report your hunt

Spring bear and spring turkey seasons have ended-so please take the time to report your hunt now. Also, if you haven't yet done so, report your 2007 hunts. Be ready to enter your hunter/angler ID number, two-digit Wildlife Management Unit number where you hunted, and total number of days hunted. Any person that purchased a tag is required to report, even if they were not successful, did not go hunting, or were called during a telephone hunter survey.

UNION COUNTY

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

LADD MARSH WILDLIFE AREA

Hunting seasons are now closed.

GRANT COUNTY

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

MORROW, GILLIAM and WHEELER COUNTIES

The 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 effective.

UMATILLA COUNTY

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

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.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS: Noregaard, Whiskey Creek, and Shamrock travel management areas in the Sled Springs unit are in effect.

BAKER COUNTY

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

NORTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

EVENT

Plan Ahead: 4th Annual Watershed Festival, 1 n 6 p.m., Friday, June 27, Enterprise

Visitors will enjoy hands-on education booths, live local music, and free grass-fed beef hamburgers donated by local ranchers. Visitors can build a bird-house, see live raptors, fish for trout in a fishing pond provided by the Nez Perce Tribe Fisheries and learn about salmon habitat. Wallowa County Fairgrounds. For more information, visit Wallawa Resources' Web Site.

Baker County

Bighorn sheep ewes are lambing. Viewing opportunities exist in the Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee or along the Snake River Road south of Richland.

Red-tailed hawks 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.

Gilliam, Morrow and Wheeler Counties

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

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

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

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

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

Union County

Turkey Vultures have been spotted at various sights around the valley. Sandhill cranes and trumpeter swans can be viewed along Pierce Road and Foothill Road. Look for eagles and rough-legged hawks along Peach road.

Pronghorn Antelope can be viewed on Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, often along Pierce road and Hot lake Lane. Deer and elk can be seen around the edges of the valley. Deer fawns and elk calves will soon be appearing; these animals rely on hiding for survival and should never be handled. A doe or cow will feed away from her young and return periodically through out the day to nurse.

ODFW's Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, La Grande

NEW: All of the summer migrant birds are now in residence at Ladd Marsh as eastern kingbird, the latest to arrive was observed last week. Yellow-breasted chat, another late migrant, has also been seen and heard in the area.

American avocet, black-necked stilt and Wilson's phalarope are beginning to nest and a few migrating red-necked phalaropes are still being seen from the Tule Lake auto route.

Canada goose broods can be observed throughout the area along with broods of mallards and other ducks. Young birds are vulnerable to disturbance so please do not approach families of ducks, geese or other birds too closely.

Swainson's hawks can be observed sitting on nests in various locations around the wildlife area and red-tailed hawks are feeding young in several nests around Ladd Marsh.

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, and in some cases their colts, 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 does have dropped their fawns and one or more fawns have been observed from Pierce Road. 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

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

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

Spring birds are late coming to Wallowa County. This week, black-headed grosbeaks were observed in the Wallowa Valley and bobolinks will be here soon. Elk are starting to calve and can be seen on the Zumwalt Prairie from the Zumwalt Road in the Chesnimnus Unit.

Bighorn sheep lambs are being seen along the lower Imnaha River Road to Cactus Mountain. Many species of birds can also be seen in the same area, especially in riparian areas

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

FISHING

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

Crappie fishing is very good. Fish are not large (5-8 inches) but there are a lot of them. Jigs of all colors have been working well. Bass fishing has been good. Catfish and perch are being caught in the Powder River Arm with worms and cut-bait. Some trout are being caught in the river mouths. All boat ramps are in the water now. The reservoir is near full. 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

Reservoir level information:

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

OXBOW RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass, catfish

Very good angling for crappie, bass, perch and catfish. Crappie are running 10-12 inches. Bass are catch and release only until July 1.

HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass, catfish

Very good angling for crappie, bass, perch and catfish. Crappie are running 10-12 inches.

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

The Snake River from Hell's Canyon Dam to the Oregon/Washington state line closed 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 salmon angling on April 26. The daily bag limit is three adipose fin-clipped adult per day. Two jacks (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 increased and salmon angling should be improving.

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

Flows near Nyssa have ranged from 2,200 to 6.000 cfs from May 7 through May 13. Flows near Weiser have ranged from 16,500 cfs to 19,500 cfs from May 7 through May 13. Angling is good for 18 to 28 inch catfish. Smallmouth bass angling remains slow.

COLUMBIA ZONE

FISHING

SALMON, STEELHEAD, AND SHAD:

The opening of the mainstem lower Columbia River recreational summer steelhead fishery originally scheduled for Friday May 16 between the Tongue Point/Rocky Point line and the I-5 Bridge has been postponed until further notice but will open no later than June 16.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Buoy 10 Line upstream to the Tongue Point/Rocky Point line: This section of the Columbia River is currently closed to angling for salmon and steelhead but is open to angling for shad.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Rocky Point/Tongue Point line upstream to the I-5 Bridge: This section of the Columbia River is currently closed to angling for salmon and steelhead but is open to angling for shad. The opening of the mainstem lower Columbia River recreational summer steelhead fishery scheduled for Friday May 16 between the Tongue Point/Rocky Point line and the I-5 Bridge has been postponed until further notice but will open no later than June 16.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, I-5 upstream to Bonneville Dam: This section of the Columbia River is currently closed to angling for salmon and steelhead but is open to angling for shad.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Bonneville Dam to McNary Dam: Effective Sunday May 11, this section of the Columbia River is closed to angling for salmon and steelhead but is open to angling for shad.

Gorge Bank:

Weekly checking showed 199 shad caught for 99 bank anglers.

Gorge Boats:

Weekend checking showed 17 shad kept for six boats.

Troutdale Boat & Bank:

No report.

Portland to Longview Boat & Bank:

Weekend checking showed 49 shad kept for seven boats (complete & incomplete trips).

Estuary Boat & Bank: CLOSED.

Bonneville Pool: CLOSED.

The Dalles Pool: CLOSED.

John Day Pool: CLOSED.

STURGEON:

BUOY 10 UPSTREAM TO WAUNA POWERLINES (including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries): Effective Saturday May 10 through Tuesday June 24, 2008 this section of the Columbia River is open seven days per week to the retention of sturgeon. The daily bag limit is one fish between 45 and 60 inches in length and the annual limit is five fish. The use of more than one single point barbless hook is prohibited.

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 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 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): This section of the Columbia River is currently open to the retention of sturgeon on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The daily bag limit is one fish between 42 and 60 inches in length and the annual limit is five fish. The use of more than one single point barbless hook is prohibited. All sturgeon angling is prohibited from Marker 85 upstream to Bonneville Dam during May 1 through July 31 to protect spawning sturgeon.

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.

On the lower Columbia River this past weekend, sturgeon anglers had the best success in the estuary, where boat anglers averaged 0.51 legal white sturgeon caught per boat. Boat anglers in the gorge below Marker 85 averaged 0.16 legal white sturgeon caught per boat, while in the Portland to Longview area boat anglers averaged 0.08 legal white sturgeon caught per boat. Bank angling for sturgeon is slow in the Portland to Longview area.

Gorge Bank: CLOSED above Marker 85.

No report.

Gorge Boats below Marker 85:

Weekend checking showed three legal white sturgeon kept, plus nine oversize and 72 sublegal sturgeon released for 19 boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Boats:

No report.

Portland to Longview Bank:

No report.

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept and 18 sublegal sturgeon released for 13 boats (complete & incomplete trips).

Estuary Bank:

Weekend checking showed no catch reported for five bank anglers.

Estuary Boats:

Weekend checking showed 183 legal white sturgeon kept, plus 17 oversize and 444 sublegal sturgeon released for 396 boats (complete trips). Thirty-seven charter anglers kept one legal white sturgeon and released two oversize white sturgeon.

Bonneville Pool:

Weekly checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept and 112 sublegal sturgeon released for 60 bank anglers; and five legal white sturgeon kept, plus 96 sublegal sturgeon released for seven boats.

The Dalles Pool: CLOSED FOR RETENTION.

John Day Pool: CLOSED FOR RETENTION.

WALLEYE:

Bonneville Pool:

No report.

The Dalles Pool:

No report.

John Day Pool:

No report.

Gorge boats:

No report.

Troutdale boats:

No report.

MARINE ZONE

FISHING

Clams

Just in time for the Free Fishing Weekend, the minus tide series with the lowest tides of the year is underway. June 4 and 5 will have tides of -3.0 near Newport, the lowest of the year. Friday is almost as low at a -2.7 shortly after 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday have low tides of -2.1 and -1.3 around 10 a.m. and 10:45.

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.

Fish

Fishing for Pacific halibut is now closed north of Cape Falcon, but anglers on the central coast continue to be successful during the all-depth days. Most anglers for Pacific halibut caught their halibut. The all-depth fishery is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until June 14.

Herring are entering coastal bays this time of year and make fun, fast fishing action especially for kids. Cook them up, smoke them or use them as bait for larger fish.

The nearshore season (inside 40 fathoms) for the central coast (from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain) is open seven days a week. 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. Reports of May catches were better than April's, but continues to be slow on most harbors. The average catch per angler is slightly more than one crab, but some ports reported as many as 3 crabs per angler. 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.

MARINE ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS

Summer Activities at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport

The Visitor Center is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., seven days a week through Labor Day.

Daily activities include a daily 11:00 a.m. guided walking tour of the Yaquina estuary. For more information, visit the Web site.

Trail Time in the Tillamook State Forest, June 15, 2 p.m.

Spring is here and that means time to hit the trails on the Tillamook State Forest. A variety of hiking, horse riding and mountain biking trails are just a short drive from the coast or Portland area. Join Randy Peterson for some tips about trails to explore in the Tillamook Forest. Visit the Web site for information.

Honeyman State Park North Jetty Extravaganza 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., June 7, Florence

A fun-filled morning of hikes, games and demonstrations at this park three miles south of Florence on scenic Highway 101. Explore topics such as intertidal life, razor clam digging, dune ecology and sand dynamics. FREE. Siuslaw North Jetty west parking area. For more information.

Plan ahead: SeaFest 2008, June 28

This annual event is held at the Hatfield Marine Science Center. It's a fun-filled day of hands-on learning about the natural world, with cool exhibits, science learning activities, tours of labs, research vessels, seafood tasting, plus live entertainment, an artisans' marketplace, and more! For more information, visit the SeaFest Web site.

Explore Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge by Canoe or Kayak this Summer

The US Fish and Wildlife Service invites you to explore Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge) during a series of ten guided canoe and kayak trips during June, July, and August 2008. Spend about one and a half hours paddling through the heart of Siletz Bay NWR as they learn about the natural history of some of the plants, wading birds, waterfowl and other wildlife that inhabit the estuary. Participants must have their own kayak or canoe. See USFS Web site for dates and times.

Tidepooling

The minus tide series with the lowest tides of the year is underway. June 4 and 5 will have tides of -3.0 near Newport, the lowest of the year. Friday is almost as low at -2.7 shortly after 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday have low tides of -2.1 and -1.3 around 10 a.m. and 10:45. Tide pooling is especially good during minus tides. Look for anemones, hermit crabs, sea urchins, small fish, jelly fish, sea stars, barnacles and other animals of the intertidal region. Remember to face the ocean and watch for sneaker waves.