Oregon Recreation Report

Posted: Friday, April 17, 2009 12:00 am

The Oregon Recreation Report (fishing, hunting, viewing), updated Tuesday, April 14, by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:

Children learn to fish at free fishing events

Each year, ODFW introduces hundreds of children to the fun of fishing through free fishing events sponsored by the Youth Angling Enhancement Program (YAEP). These free fishing events are held throughout the state and most offer the use of rods, reels and bait, and plenty of ODFW staff and volunteers to help young anglers learn how to bait a hook, cast the rod and land a fish. See a list of upcoming YAEP free fishing events.

Spring wildlife viewing

Wherever you live in Oregon, wildlife viewing should be good this weekend. The Willamette Valley offers opportunities to see turkeys, songbirds, ospreys and more, and spring migrants are showing up all over the eastern and southern parts of the state. There are whales and black brant along the coast. Check out the Viewing reports in each zone. A quick check of weekend weather around the state promises "partial sun," so get out and enjoy.

Spring turkey hunting opens

The general season opens statewide this week. Turkey numbers are stable to improving in all areas of Oregon. See ODFW's turkey hunting brochure for some tips on how to hunt.

Spring bear hunting

The remaining limited-entry hunting seasons open April 15. If you've got a spring bear tag, click here to find out what to expect.

Outdoor skills workshops

Learn how to fly fish, razor clam, teach a child to fish, and a variety of other outdoor skills by signing up for one of ODFW's outdoor skills workshop. More information

Mandatory hunter harvest reporting

Whether or not you filled your tag, don't forget to report the results of your hunt online or by calling 1-866-947-ODFW (6339). Reporting is mandatory for every big game and fall turkey tag purchased except bighorn sheep and Rocky Mtn goat.

License dollars at work

Pond buoys goal of world-class fishery on Clackamas River

For a number of years, ODFW has been focused on turning the Clackamas River into a world-class salmon and steelhead sport fishing destination. The agency recently took another step toward improving this goal when it completed construction of a new spring chinook salmon acclimation pond on the banks of Clear Creek near its confluence with the Clackamas River in Carver Park. Read more…

WILLAMETTE ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities:

* Spring chinook fishing is fair on the Willamette River and Multnomah Channel.

* Winter steelhead fishing is fair on the Clackamas River

* Sturgeon fishing has been fair on the lower Willamette River. Remember, the season is now open 3 days a week n Thursday, Friday and Saturday n and the new fork length standard for keepers is now in effect.

EVENTS

Vernonia Lake Fish-In, Saturday, April 25, sponsored by the Oregon Bass and Panfish Club.

Youth Angling Event will take place at Junction City Pond, Saturday, April 18 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. ODFW staff and volunteers will be there to help young anglers learn to fish.

STOCKING SCHEDULE

The 2009 trout stocking program for Willamette Valley lakes, ponds and streams starts ramping up this month and will continue through most of the year. The schedules are now posted at our website. Note the scheduled stocking dates for each pond are set for the Monday of that respective week and may not coincide with the actual stocking date that could occur on any given week day.

North Willamette stocking schedule

South Willamette stocking schedule

WARM WATER ANGLING:

Warmwater fishing is slow at most locations in the Willamette Zone.

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL: rainbow trout

Alton Baker Canal will be stocked with 1,500 legal-sized and 400 larger rainbow trout this week.

CANBY POND: trout

Was recently stocked with 350 legal-sized trout and 25 larger trout. Canby Pond is located on the south end of Canby in Canby community Park.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: steelhead, chinook

Chinook and steelhead angling effort was down early in the week due to high, muddy water conditions. A few steelhead and chinook were hooked prior to the higher flows, but with conditions improving near the end of the week, the river could be ready for a decent salmon bite.

Monday readings for the Clackamas had the flows up considerably at 6,770 cfs (14.60') with the water temperature near 46°.

Bank anglers can find access to the river in the Gladstone/Cross Park area, at Carver near the mouth of Clear Creek, along Clackamas River Rd, at Barton Park, at Bonnie Lure Park, at McIver Park.

COTTAGE GROVE POND: trout

Was recently stocked with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a group of 6 ponds totaling 15 acres, located 1.5 miles east of Cottage Grove on Row River Road behind the truck scales.

COTTAGE GROVE RESERVOIR: trout

Will be stocked with 4,500 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Cottage Grove Reservoir is located in Lane County six miles south of Cottage Grove on London Road.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout

Was recently stocked with 10,000 legal-sized trout. Detroit Reservoir is a 104-acre state park located 50 miles east of Salem, off Hwy. 22, two miles west of Detroit. The town of Detroit is near the upper (east) end of the lake.

DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout

Will be stocked with 2,900 legal-sized trout this week. Dexter Reservoir is located 15 miles south of Eugene. From I-5, take the Hwy. 58 exit and head east to Dexter.

EAGLE CREEK: steelhead

The winter steelhead season is drawing to a close on Eagle Creek. The hatchery has had just under 400 adults return. Flows and color are good, with the water near 42°.

EE WILSON POND: trout

Will be stocked with 800 legal-sized rainbow trout, 100 larger trout and 25 trophy trout this week. The pond is located on the EE Wilson Wildlife Area 10 miles north of Corvallis on highway 99W.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout

Foster Reservoir will be stocked with 4,000 legal-sized trout this week. This is a 1,200-acre reservoir located near the town of Foster, about 3 miles east of Sweet Home, north of Hwy. 20.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: trout

Will be stocked with 9,000 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Green Peter Reservoir is a 3,700-acre reservoir located 10 miles east of Sweet Home, north of Hwy. 20

FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout

Foster Reservoir will be stocked with 4,000 legal-sized trout this week. This is a 1,200-acre reservoir located near the town of Foster, about 3 miles east of Sweet Home, north of Hwy. 20.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: trout

Will be stocked with 9,000 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Green Peter Reservoir is a 3,700-acre reservoir located 10 miles east of Sweet Home, north of Hwy. 20

HALDEMAN POND: trout

Haldeman Pond, located on Sauvie Island, will open for fishing on Thursday April 16. In preparation, 2,000 hatchery rainbow will be stocked just prior to the opener. Haldeman pond is a 2-acre pond, offering good bank access. Sauvie Island is located only 10 miles north of Portland off Hwy. 30. A parking permit is required for the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area and can be purchased at ODFW License vendors or at the Sauvie Island ODFW office, Monday through Friday during office hours. For more information, call (503) 621-3488. Directions to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

HARRIET LAKE: trout

Harriet Lake will be stocked with 4,000 legal-sized rainbow trout and 55 trophy trout this week. This 23-acre reservoir is located on the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River in the Mt. Hood National Forest.

HENRY HAGG LAKE: trout, warmwater fish

Was recently stocked with 6,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. Holdover trout from previous stockings should also be available. Hagg Lake is a 1,110-acre lake located 7 miles southwest of Forest Grove off of Hwy. 47.

JUNCTION CITY POND: trout

Will be stocked with 850 rainbow trout, 100 larger trout, and 25 trophy trout this week. Junction City Pond is an 8-acre pond west of Hwy. 99, three miles south of Junction City, approximately a mile south of the Hwy. 36 junction.

LEABURG LAKE: trout

Will be stocked with 1,850 legal-sized trout this week. Leaburg Lake is the reservoir behind Leaburg Dam on the McKenzie River, approximately 17 miles east of Springfield.

MCKENZIE RIVER: catch-and-release trout

Catch-and-release trout fishing is fair on the McKenzie.

MCKENZIE RIVER (above Leaburg Lake): trout

Will be stocked with 6,900 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Trout caught in this section of the river may be retained.

MOLALLA RIVER: steelhead

No report.

MT HOOD POND: trout

Will be stocked with 1,000 legal-sized fish this week. Anglers are reminded that this pond is now a "youth-only" fishing venue, open to youngsters ages 17 years old and younger. Mt. Hood Pond is located on the campus of Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham.

NORTH AND SOUTH SANTIAM: steelhead

Winter steelhead are being caught and released on the North Santiam while a few summers have been taken around Mehema.

ROARING RIVER PARK POND: trout

Was recently stocked with 160 legal-sized trout and 20 larger trout. Roaring River Park Pond is a small pond in a day-use park near ODFW's Roaring River Fish Hatchery. From I-5 Albany area, take Exit 223 to Hwy. 20 east, go 6 miles and turn left onto Hwy. 226. From there, go 4 miles and turn right on Fish Hatchery Drive, then go 8 miles.

SALMONBERRY LAKE: trout

Will be stocked with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Salmonberry Lake is a 3-acre lake west of St. Helens. Take Pittsburgh-St. Helens Road to the Salmonberry Lake access road.

SALMON CREEK: trout

Will be stocked with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. Follow Hwy. 58 east from Springfield through Oakridge to the Salmon Creek Fish Hatchery one mile east of town to Forest Rd. 24.

SANDY RIVER: steelhead

The river was high and off-color early in the week. When the water settles down anglers should expect better opportunities for spring chinook, particularly in the lower stretch of the Sandy. Winter steelhead angling is nearly over, with perhaps a few fish available in the Cedar Creek and Dodge Park areas. Monday flows on the Sandy River were up to 7,480 cfs (12.19 ft) with the water at 44°.

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

Collection/recycling receptacles for discarded or lost fishing gear can now be found along the Sandy River. Look for them near boat ramps at Lewis and Clark, Dabney, Oxbow, and Dodge parks. Any tangled fishing line or old gear can be collected and disposed of in these canisters as an effort to maintain a healthy, clean Sandy River. Littering has become a big problem on the Sandy below Cedar Creek. In other areas along the Sandy this has been cited as the rationale for restrictions on access. Please use nearby garbage cans for any other types of trash.

SHERIDAN POND: trout

Was recently stocked with 1,200 legal-sized rainbow trout. Sheridan Pond is located on the outskirts of Sheridan just off Highway 18.

ST LOUIS PONDS: rainbow trout, crappie, catfish

Was recently stocked with 1,000 legal-sized trout and 300 larger trout. Many of the fish are still available. This 54-acre complex of 7 ponds is owned and managed by ODFW, and in addition to stocked trout contains several species of warmwater fish. The site is located west of the town of Gervais. Take St. Louis Road west to Tesch Lane, turn left and follow the road to the ponds.

TIMBER LINN LAKE: trout

Will be stocked with 250 legal-sized and 25 larger trout this week. Timber Linn Lake is an 11-acre pond in Albany City Park at the east edge of Albany.

TROJAN PONDS: trout, warmwater fish

Will be stocked with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Trojan Ponds are located off of Hwy. 30 between St. Helens and Rainier.

WALLING POND: rainbow trout

Was recently stocked with 400 legal-sized and 50 larger trout. Walling Pond is located in an old gravel pit within Salem city limits west of I-5. Take Turner Road off Mission St. (Hwy. 22).

WAVERLY LAKE: trout

Will be stocked with 250 legal-sized rainbow trout and 25 larger trout this week. Waverly is a 5-acre lake north of Albany along Hwy. 99E.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: sturgeon, steelhead, warmwater species

Salmon effort held steady for spring chinook last week, with decent catch rates reported in many sections of the river. The Ross Island area up to Milwaukie saw the most action. River wide there were 406 salmon boats checked with 162 chinook caught during the last retention period. Sturgeon angling effort was down but catches were good, particularly near St. Johns. A total of 47 sturgeon boats were checked hooking 519 sub-legals, 36 legals and 11 oversize sturgeon.

Bank fishing for sturgeon can be found at Meldrum Bar, at the Hwy 99 wall in downtown Oregon City and at Kelly Point on the St. Johns peninsula. Sturgeon anglers have been using frozen smelt, squid, herring and anchovies as effective bait. As in any fishery, anglers are reminded that all sturgeon released should be done so unharmed.

Sturgeon anglers are reminded that effective Jan. 1, 2009, sturgeon fishing on the Willamette is allowed 3 days a week n Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Also new for this year is the method of measuring sturgeon for retention. Under the new rules, sturgeon are now measured from the tip of the nose to the fork in the tail (rather than the tip of the tail). The resulting allowed retention measurements are slightly shorter than the old method. As a result, the 2009 slot measurement for sturgeon caught in the Willamette River will be 38 to 54 inches. Remember, this is a simple conversion of the old method. It does not mean you can keep smaller fish, only that the method of measuring "keepers" has changed. For a detailed explanation of how to measure sturgeon under the new rule, please visit our Web site.

Winter steelhead passage at Willamette Falls continues to be slow with 141 fish making passage during the week. As of April 12, a total of 2,131 steelhead have moved beyond the falls. Since April 12 a total of 547 summer steelhead have also passed.

Spring chinook passage started to gain somewhat after the water temperature hit the 50° mark. A total of 136 spring chinook have moved through the ladder this spring. This number should show steady gains over the coming days providing water conditions hold up.

Hydro readings at Willamette Falls on Monday showed flows at 22,000 cfs, a temperature of 50° and visibility at 4.7 feet.

The Willamette provides an excellent warm water fishery in the summer and early fall months. You can expect to find an abundance of bass, crappie, and bluegill available. Target the rocky outcroppings, structures, or old pilings. Casting a variety of plugs or jigs near the shoreline can be successful. A simple bobber and night crawler might prove to be the right choice also. The local tackle shops can set you up with the right gear and direct you to the best spots. Lately, warm water anglers have reported catching primarily smallmouth bass at depths of 30 to 40 feet.

WILLAMETTE ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Spring turkey (opens April 15), cougar, predator, controlled spring bear

Don't forget to report your hunt results. Anyone who purchases a big game or turkey tag must report hunt results online or by phone. Reporting is required even if you did not fill your tag or go hunting. More information

EVENT: Youth Outdoor Day, May 30, EE Wilson Wildlife Area near Corvallis. This annual event lets kids try a variety of outdoor activities (fly tying and casting, elk/duck/predator calling, archery) and learn about wilderness survival, hunter safety, boating safety and other topics. The cost is $5 and includes a BBQ lunch and t-shirt. Pre-registration is required; use this PDF registration form or visit Youth Outdoor Day web page for more info.

TURKEY season begins on April 15. Turkeys in the Willamette area are mostly found on private lands. There are good hunting opportunities for hunters that have obtained permission to hunt on private lands. Please remember to respect private property.

BEAR hunting for the spring season began on April 1. The harvest has been slow during the first two weeks of the season. Bear activity and harvest should pick up as the weather warms. In the spring, bears generally feed on green vegetation such as grass, forbs, and skunk cabbage. Hunters should look around old grassed in logging roads, clear cuts, and swamps or other riparian areas. Bears also feed on insects and grubs which they find rotting logs and stumps. Look for freshly disturbed logs and stumps to determine if a bear is feeding in the area. SW Oregon tag holders should look to hunt to coastal areas or low elevation Cascade areas early in the season. Although some low elevation bears are becoming active, the higher elevation bears will most likely not become real active until later in the season. N. Cascade tag holders are reminded that in Marion and Linn counties lands outside the National Forest are closed to spring bear hunting.

Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring. Be sure to bring in the skull (without the hide), the spring bear tag (or a copy), and harvest location information.

COUGAR hunting should become more difficult as the snow pack melts. 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. Remember cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest; please bring them in thawed and with mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

PREDATOR (coyote) hunters should be switching over to coyote vocalizations. Interrogation howls, male challenge howls and pup distress calls should be more productive as coyote's progress through the breeding season.

EE WILSON WILDLIFE AREA

Hunting is now closed. The photo blind will be available April 1. Call the wildlife area for reservations 541-745-5334. EE Wilson Wildlife Area is located approximately 10 miles north of Corvallis on Hwy. 99W. The address is 29555 Camp Adair Road, Monmouth, OR 97361.

Registration is open for Youth Outdoor Day, May 30 on the wildlife area; visit the event Web page for more information.

FERN RIDGE WILDLIFE AREA

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is now closed to hunting.

SAUVIE ISLAND WILDLIFE AREA

Waterfowl hunting on in the Wildlife Area is now closed for the season.

WILLAMETTE ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS

Morning Bird Song Walks, Portland area, Monday to Friday through June 5

Anyone who is fascinated by the sounds of birds is invited take advantage of these guided walks to the Portland metro area's prime spring migration hot-spots. The bird song walks, sponsored by the Portland Audubon Society, visit Tryon Creek State Park in SW Portland on Monday, Beaverton's Tualatin Hills Nature Park on Tuesday, Mt. Tabor in east-central Portland on Wednesday, The Nature Conservancy's Camassia Preserve in West Linn on Thursday and Pittock Mansion in Portland's West Hills on Friday. Leaders include Paul Sullivan (Tuesday and Thursday), Gerard Lillie (Wednesday), Rick Wagner and Christal Florin (Monday) and other Audubon naturalists. Walks are FREE. All walks begin at 7 a.m. No pre-registration required. Leave whenever you need to get to work. For more information.

Elk Rock Island Paddle and Hike, Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m.n1 p.m.

Paddle with the Willamette Riverkeepers from the Jefferson St. boat ramp in downtown Milwaukie to Elk Rock Island, and take part in a nature walk on the island. Elk Rock Island contains seven distinct habitats and is home to a number of birds. Bring your own canoe or kayak or use one of the Riverkeepers. Call 503-233-6418 for more information or visit the Willamette Riverkeepers Web site.

Save the Frogs, Portland Audubon Society, April 22, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Free Earth Day lecture, Dr. Kerry Kriger will discuss issues surrounding the decline of the world's amphibian species, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Heron Hall, Portland Audubon Society, 5151 NW Cornell Road, 97210. Ph. 503-292-6855. For more information.

Festival of the Birds, Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, Portland, May 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join Audubon Society of Portland, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the City of Portland for a Celebration of Migratory Birds. Come and see birds hailing from as far away as Argentina in Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, the City of Portland's first designated Migratory Bird Park. This is a free festival for the whole family to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day. No registration is required. Guided Bird Walks from 9 am n 2 pm. Children's Activities. Kids will love the bird related hands-on activities for children aged 3 n 11. Education Birds from Audubon Society of Portland's Wildlife Care Center. For more information.

Valleywide

Wild turkeys are actively strutting and courting during this time of year. These birds were introduced into Oregon from other parts of the US where they are native. These birds are widely established in the foothills around the edge of the Willamette Valley. Look for them where there is a mix of wooded areas and pastures. Mixed hardwoods, especially oaks, are preferred over conifers. Tall pines or fir trees are often used for night roosts. Fortunately, turkeys are most active and easiest to see on warm sunny days! Landowners beware! While turkeys are fun to watch and have around, if you feed them you may create a serious problem for yourself and your neighbors. Turkeys will often become a serious nuisance when they concentrate in an area because they are being fed. Turkeys that are not fed will range widely and rarely cause such problems.

Three species of garter snake occur in the Willamette Valley. They are the most commonly seen snakes. Much variability in coloration exists in garter snakes but the best identifying characteristic is a stripe down the middle of the snake's back. No other snake species in western Oregon has a stripe down the middle. A good place to see these harmless snakes is on gravel roads and trails through wetland areas. Wildlife areas in the Willamette Valley such as Fern Ridge, Finley, EE Wilson, Baskett Slough and Ankeny are all good areas to see these beautiful animals. Best viewing conditions are on warm sunny days.

Ospreys are now returning to northwest Oregon from their wintering grounds in Central America. Ospreys mate for life and are building nests, which can be observed on the tops of communication towers, power poles, and broken off trees.

Turkey vultures are also on the move this time of year. Turkey vultures are migrating northward to their breeding grounds. Watch for these large birds on drier days riding the thermals and imagine what our world would look like (and smell like) if there were no turkey vultures to clean up all the dead critters!

Many of the migratory songbirds will begin returning to the area in the next few weeks. Good places to see these birds include Skinners Butte Park, Spencer Butte, Fern Ridge Wildlife Area, Howard Buford Park, Elijah Bristow Park, Brown and Minto Island Park, and Ankeny, Finley and Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuges.

During April, listen closely for the musical call of sand hill cranes as they pass through the valley on their way north. Large flocks can be seen flying very high. They occasionally land in fields east and north of Salem for a few days of rest.

Continue to look for signs of spring?blooms on trees and the arrival of sparrows, tree swallows, robins and hummingbirds.

EE Wilson Wildlife Area

Waterfowl and shorebirds numbers are building with the wetter weather. Wildlife viewing will be improving over the next several months. A waterfowl blind is available to photographers. Call the office at 541-745-5334 to reserve the blind.

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

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area and Reservoir

Fern Ridge Reservoir has extensive wildlife habitat that can be accessed from many access points including Royal Avenue which extends from west Eugene to the reservoir and ends at a gated access point. This is an excellent place to observe wildlife. Berms were built in this area during 2000 and 2001 to retain water along the edge of the reservoir during the winter months when the reservoir is drawn down for flood control. These ponded areas are very attractive to wildlife at this time of year. Also accessible from this access point are natural prairie habitats (to the north and south) that are very rare in the Willamette Valley. In addition to the abundance of waterfowl, many raptors can be seen in this area. Look for short eared owls and peregrine falcons. Also visible from this area are wading birds, such as egrets and herons and various shorebirds.

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area

The East Coyote, West Coyote Fisher Butte and Royal Amazon units are now closed to public access six days a week to provide sanctuary for ducks, geese and other birds that are nesting in preparation for the upcoming migration. The closure will be in effect, except on designated trails, through April 30. These areas are open to public access on Saturdays.

Wintering concentrations of waterfowl can still be observed on the lake and surrounding mudflats and wetlands. Several thousand Canada geese use Fern Ridge Lake for an evening roost site and the sunset and sunrise departures and arrivals of the large flocks of geese provides an outstanding viewing opportunity. Observant visitors may also catch a glimpse of black-tailed deer and furbearers including beaver, otter, mink, red fox and coyotes.

Royal Avenue and the trail to the Fisher Butte viewing platform remain open all day every day year round. There is a second elevated viewing platform in the Fisher Butte unit located 1/4 mile north of the Fisher Butte unit parking lot on Hwy 126 that is also open year-round for wildlife viewing.

The majority of Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is open daily for public use providing great wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors are reminded there are seasonal access restrictions in place in five units during the fall and winter to provide wildlife sanctuary. Please read posted regulation signs before entering the wildlife area.

The entire Fern Ridge lake water area remains open daily year-round.

Dogs are allowed on the Wildlife Area but now that hunting season is closed. Dogs must be kept on leash at all times.

Parking areas are located along Highway 126, Nielson Road, Cantrell Road, Territorial Highway, and Clear Lake Road. Visitors are cautioned that there have been recent vehicle break-ins at area parking lots. Please secure your valuables before leaving your vehicle unattended. Contact the wildlife area headquarters, (541) 935-2591 if you have any questions.

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

NOTICE: The Sauvie Island Wildlife Area eastside units will be closed through April 30 to protect wintering geese. These areas, which are closed after waterfowl hunting seasons end in January to protect wintering birds, normally reopen April 16. However, this year the closure has been extended under temporary rules to accommodate cackling geese, which are staying on the island longer than in the past. Locations affected by the extended closure include all of the lands within the Eastside levee, McNary and Aaron lakes and the pasture lands along Reeder Road north to the Gilbert River Boat Ramp Access Road. These areas will be closed to all forms of human activity during this period, including kayaking, angling and hiking.

The Westside, Oak Island and North units will open on April 16, as usual.

Despite the seasonal closure sensitive wintering areas, waterfowl viewing is still available at the SIWA. Thousands of waterfowl are on the island, and huge flocks can be seen from Coon Point, Rentenaar Road, and ODFW's Eastside viewing platform.

All three require a Sauvie Island Parking Permit.

Sauvie Island is a main stopping point for migratory birds as they travel along the Pacific Flyway, and ODFW actively manages the Wildlife Area to provide food and cover for them. An abundance of ducks and geese can be seen from many points around the island, as can raptors, including bald eagles, northern harriers, sandhill cranes, red-tailed hawks and American kestrel. The swallows and Rufus hummingbirds have been seen recently and the first osprey of the season gave quite a show while trying to outsmart a bald eagle from its catch. The eagle won.

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area is located on Sauvie Island, only 10 miles north of Portland off Highway 30. A parking permit is required for the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area and can be purchased at ODFW License vendors or at the Sauvie Island ODFW office, Monday through Friday during office hours. For more information, call (503) 621-3488. Directions to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

NORTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

Most coastal streams are now closed to steelhead angling. Anglers should consult the special regulations as some streams and/or sections remain open into April or year round.

Weekend fishing opportunities:

* Coastal streams are back in shape after rains blew out several last week. There are still some decent fishing opportunities for late winter steelhead in several coastal streams.

NORTH COAST LAKES

Cape Meares, Lytle, Smith, Hebo, Town, Tahoe lakes and Loren's and Nedonna ponds were stocked this week. North and South lakes are scheduled to be stocked, however, continued access problems will likely delay stocking. The 2009 stocking schedule is now online.

MID COAST LAKES

Trout stocking on Mid Coast Lakes: All water bodies on the stocking schedule have been stocked at least once this season and most have been stocked multiple times. The last stocking for most areas occurred the week of March 16. Many lakes will be stocked again during the first or second week in April.

WARM WATER FISH ANGLING OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALSEA RIVER: winter steelhead

The winter steelhead season is open through April except for the South Fork which is closed. Catch rates are slow as fish are spread out and close to or actively spawning. Best options for hatchery fish will be in the upper mainstem or North Fork. Catch and release for wild steelhead can be fair to good this time of year. Anglers are encouraged to handle wild fish carefully and not take them out of the water if possible.

NEHALEM RIVER: steelhead

The wild winter steelhead run is reaching its peak. The river was high last week but is falling into shape. Side drifting and pulling plugs should be effective at these flows.

NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: steelhead, chinook

Winter steelhead angling is fair to good. Fishing for winter steelhead should hold up through mid-April. Expect to see early summer steelhead beginning to enter the catch any time now. Side drifting small baits has been effective lately. No spring chinook have been reported yet. Don't expect fishing to improve for several weeks.

SILETZ RIVER: winter steelhead

Steelhead fishing is open year round on the Siletz. Catch rates are slow to fair with the best opportunity in the upper river. Fair to good numbers of wild fish are being caught and anglers are encouraged to handle these fish carefully and not take out of the water if possible. Some early summer steelhead may start showing in the next couple weeks.

SIUSLAW RIVER: winter steelhead

The winter steelhead season for Lake Creek and most of the Siuslaw River is closed. One area remains open through April 15, the section from Whittaker Creek to just below Wildcat Creek boat launch. Angling is slowing in the Whittaker Creek area.

TILLAMOOK BAY: sturgeon, chinook

Angling for sturgeon has been slow. Sand shrimp fished on the bottom in the deeper channels will produce the best results. Move frequently to find fish if you are not getting bites. Spring chinook generally don't begin entering the bay until late in the month.

TRASK RIVER: steelhead, chinook

Winter steelhead angling is fair to good. No reports of early spring chinook yet. Wild steelhead are being tagged as part of a research project in the East Fork Trask. Anglers catching a tagged fish should report the tag number to ODFW in Tillamook at 503-842-2741. Do not remove the tag from fish.

The road shoulder has been widened at the Cedar Creek boat launch, which will allow vehicles to pull off the road while launching. Anglers should use caution to avoid disturbing fresh fill in the area. Plans are in the works to construct a new boat slide at the site in the near future. Please do not block boat launching at this site. Contact ODFW in Tillamook at 503-842-2741 for details.

WILSON RIVER: steelhead, chinook

Winter steelhead angling is fair to good. Fishing effort has been moderate, and appears to be dropping off, especially on the weekdays. Fish are spread throughout the system. The catch has been a mix of hatchery and wild fish. A few early summer steelhead should be entering the system, too. No spring chinook have been reported yet, and fishing is generally very slow in April.

YAQUINA RIVER: winter steelhead

The winter steelhead season is closed for the year as of April 1.

NORTH COAST HUNTING

OPEN: COUGAR and BEAR

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

SPRING BEAR season opened in the Wilson and Trask units on April 1. BLACK BEARS have not been very active as of yet, so don't feel the need to go hunting right away. Higher elevations in the coast range still have substantial amounts of snow, in some places enough to limit travel on roads. As the month progresses and the temperatures rise, bear will become much more active. Look for patches of skunk cabbage in the forest and areas where logs have been torn up for places to set up calling stations.

SPRING TURKEY season opens April 15 but there is little opportunity or harvest on the north coast.

NORTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

Songbirds are singing

Now that spring is here so are the songbirds that are becoming increasingly apparent in the forest as you walk through them. Along with the usual year-round residents, such as robins and song sparrows, some of the neotropical migrants are starting to show up. As spring progresses, the woods will become ever more filled with their various songs designed to court a mate or declare a territory.

Another sure sign of spring has made its appearance with the return of turkey vultures to the north coast area. Vultures are only a spring and summer resident on the north coast, coming north to breed and then heading south with the first rains of fall. Turkey vultures are actually ground nesters, searching out crevices and hollow logs in the forest to raise their young.

Whales are on the move

The gray whale migration along the northern Oregon coast continues into April with the best viewing during calm days in the morning hours. These large mammals are on the move from their wintering and calving grounds off the coasts of Mexico and southern California bound for the food-rich waters of the northern Pacific and Bering Sea. Some excellent viewpoints to observe them include Cape Kiwanda, Anderson Point (south of Netarts Bay), Cape Lookout, Cape Meares, Neah-Kah-Nie Mtn., Cape Falcon, Silver Point (south of Cannon Beach) and Tillamook Head. Most of these sites are associated with state parks; look for the "Whale Watching Spoken Here" signs. Binoculars are helpful in spotting the whales. Visit the Whale Watch spoken here Web site.

Astoria Area

The Twilight Eagle Sanctuary is located along Old Hwy. 30 and the Columbia River near Knappa (east of Astoria). Just look for the signs along Hwy. 30. Situated on Wolf Bay, it is an excellent place to view bald eagles and migratory birds like ducks, geese, swans, grebes and loons. A viewing platform, which is ADA accessible, has a number of interpretive panels that showcase the wildlife in the area as well as the historical Lewis and Clark expedition that came through the area a little over 200 years ago. Binoculars and/or a spotting scope are highly recommended.

Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area

A day trip to Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area gives you an excellent chance to see lots of Roosevelt elk. Bring your binoculars and your lunch - there are picnic tables and restrooms. The wildlife area is located about 60 miles west of Portland.

Wildlife viewing for Roosevelt elk is excellent, with large herds visible on a daily basis. Look for elk at the main viewing area, along Hwy. 202, and Beneke Creek Road. Other wildlife to watch for include: song birds at the viewing area feeders, coyotes in the fields, and bald eagles perched high in trees near the creeks.

From Portland, travel west on Hwy. 26 to the Jewell Junction, just west of Elderberry Inn. Turn north on Hwy. 103, which parallels the Nehalem River for nine miles to Jewell. At Jewell, travel 1.5 miles west on Hwy. 202 to the refuge area on Fishhawk Creek. Parking areas are provided at strategic points to aid viewing. The Beneke Creek tract is north of Jewell on Beneke Creek Road. For more information, visit the ODFW Web site Visitors' Guide.

Tillamook Area

The black brant is a small dark goose that occupies Netarts and Tillamook bays during the winter and spring months. These geese, slightly larger than a mallard duck, feed almost exclusively on eel grass in these estuaries and are highly sensitive to human disturbance. Thus, they occupy the most remote areas of these bays. Look for brant in the southwestern corner of Netarts Bay up against Netarts Spit from pull-outs along Whiskey Creek road. A spotting scope is a must.

Newport Area

The trail behind the Mark O. Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport is a good place to observe shorebirds and waterfowl in the Yaquina estuary.

SOUTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend opportunities:

* Clamming has been good at Coos Bay and with a series of negative tides coming up the last week of April, those with a hankering for butter, gaper, and cockle clams should have a shovel ready.

* Winter steelhead fishing continues to be fair on the middle and upper Rogue River.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Fishing for trout has been fair off the points near French Gulch and the Squaw Creek arm of the lake. Bank anglers should do well fishing either floating bait or worms, while trollers can do well fishing a spinner and worm combination. The Copper Boat Ramp is open; the low water ramp at French Gulch has closed. Please contact the USFS at 899-3832 for updates on the boat ramps.

APPLEGATE RIVER: steelhead, rainbow trout

The Applegate River closed to all angling on March 31. It will reopen to trout angling on May 23.

Applegate River flows at Wilderville

ARIZONA POND: rainbow trout

Located approximately half way between Gold Beach and Port Orford, Arizona Pond is an excellent place to take kids trout fishing. ODFW stocks the lake regularly and anglers can expect good fishing .The best time to fish the pond is in the morning or evening when the fish are actively feeding. Flies, spinners, or a worm under a bobber all work really well. Angling is limited to youth 17 and under.

Anglers will want to keep the dates of April 16, 17 and 22 on their calendars as those are the days kids from local schools will be learning about watershed health and also trying their hands at fishing. Things may be little crowded during the day.

BEN IRVING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass

Ben Irving Reservoir, west of Winston, has been stocked with 3,500 trout so far. The next stocking will be the week of April 20.

CHETCO RIVER:

Closed. Will reopen to trout angling on May 23.

Chetco River flows near Brookings

COOPER CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Cooper Creek has been stocked with about 5,050 trout to date. About 50 of these were trophy trout. Bass fishing at Plat I is now open to harvest. The limit is 5 per day with only 3 over 15 inches per day. Plat I has been stocked with 2,500 trout to date. The next stocking will be the week of April 20.

COOS COUNTY LAKES: rainbow trout, warmwater fish

Bradley Lake, Johnson Mill Pond , Bluebill Lake, Eel Lake, Powers Pond, Empire Lakes, and Saunders Lake were all stocked the end of March/early April with legal size trout. Powers Pond, Empire Lakes, and Bradley Lake will be stock this week with "trophy" trout. Tenmile Lakes will also be stocked this week with legal size trout. Still fishing with your bait near the bottom or under a bobber is an effective technique for catching trout. Another way to catch trout is by trolling a flasher or a worm.

Many of the Coos County lakes have largemouth bass, bluegills and yellow perch. Fishing for largemouth bass and bluegill will pick up as the water temperatures rise. To catch bluegills use a piece of worm on a small hook or small jig under a bobber. For catching largemouth bass use jigs, plastic worms, crankbaits, or spinners. Concentrate your fishing near structure or weedlines to catch largemouth bass and bluegills.

COOS RIVER BASIN: winter steelhead, sturgeon, Dungeness crab, clamming

No recent steelhead fishing reports. Steelhead season above tidewater is open until April 30. Just a reminder that trout fishing is closed in Coos Bay and the rivers until May 23.

There have been a few fishermen trying to catch sturgeon in Coos River but we have not heard of any fish caught. Most people fish for sturgeon in Coos Bay during April and May. There are new sturgeon regulations for 2009. See the 2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for the most current regulations.

The clamming effort was very good this week in Coos Bay. A mix of good weather and nice negative tides made for some great days of clamming. On Saturday, 31 of the 42 individuals harvested their clam limit, split nearly evenly with preferences for butter and gaper clams. Typical of the early season diggers', many arrived late on the clam beds, but took just over an hour to complete their effort. Use was fairly even over all beds in the bay. Excellent negative tides occur during the last week of April, so plan on a few morning hours of digging! All you need is a shovel, bucket, and your shellfish license! Within Coos Bay, the better harvest areas are Empire/Charleston along Cape Arago Highway, and within Charleston, north and south of the Charleston Bridge. Butter, gaper, and cockle clams are abundant in these areas, but it does take a few site visits to find specific areas of highest clam density. Make sure to check the Oregon Department of Agriculture website for any recent shellfish closures at: http://oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/shellfish_status.shtml.

The recreational crab effort, and harvest, has been relatively poor in recent weeks. Although 55 pots were out on one of the busier days, average harvest was only 7 crabs per boat, just over 5 crabs per licensed individual. Harvest numbers were slightly higher from the previous week, but not by much. A sample taken of the harvested crab showed an average length just over the legal size. Effort and harvest from the local docks, Charleston and Empire, dropped off as well, with few crab of legal size.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: winter steelhead

There are very few fishermen fishing for steelhead in the Coquille River basin. There are still a few steelhead in the South Fork Coquille River near the town of Powers but most fish are spawned out and moving back to the ocean. Drifting eggs or sand shrimp along the bottom or drifting a jig under a bobber are the preferred ways to fish. The Forks of the Coquille River are closed for steelhead fishing on April 30. ODFW is currently under way with a steelhead radio telemetry project and will be tagging both hatchery and wild steelhead through April. Just a reminder that all radio tagged steelhead must be released alive.

Trout fishing is closed in Coquille River basin until May 23.

DIAMOND LAKE: rainbow trout

Closed to fishing, including ice fishing, until April 25, 2009. Open for other winter sports. Diamond Lake won't be mentioned in the SW Region Trout Stocking Schedule this year since the lake will only be stocked with fingerling trout this summer. However, we anticipate nearly 140,000 catchable sized trout in the lake this year from the 200,000 fingerlings released in 2008 plus another 25,000 catchable fish leftover from last year's stocking.

ELK/SIXES RIVER:

Closed. Will reopen to trout angling on May 23.

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

Emigrant Reservoir will be stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout this week, so fishing for them should be good. Trout have been biting on power bait and worms at Songer Wayside, Emigrant Arm, and the dam. Pressure has been light. Bass and perch fishing has picked up a bit near Songer Wayside.

Anglers should be aware that a health advisory has been issued recommending limits on consumption of all fish from Emigrant except rainbow trout. Information on the Emigrant Reservoir advisory, along with general information on mercury and fish can be found on the DHS Web site.

EXPO POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill

Expo Pond has been stocked with trout and fishing should be good. Night crawlers are the bait of choice. Fish bait either from a bobber or on the bottom with weight. Floating bait off the bottom also works well. Bass, bluegill and crappie will start biting as the water warms up.

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout

Rainbow and brook trout are available. Anglers should be prepared for winter conditions and varying levels of ice coverage. PowerBait and worms are the most popular baits used by bank anglers.

GALESVILLE RESERVIOR: rainbow trout, bass

Galesville Reservoir is open to angling year-round. Galesville was stocked with 8,000 catchable trout in 2008, plus 25,000 2007 sub-legals that became legal size in 2008. The reservoir was also stocked with about 55,000 adipose-clipped hatchery coho which are now legal size. In Galesville Reservoir, all landlocked salmon are considered trout. Thus, there is a 5 per day trout limit, with only one trout over 20 inches in length allowed for harvest. The 2009 stocking season has begun and so far about 4,000 trout have been stocked. Angling from the bank and from a boat has been good for 11 to 13-inch coho. Anglers are reminded all bass between 12 and 15 inches must be released, and only one bass over 15 inches may be taken per day. Galesville does have a campground. The next stocking will be the week of April 20.

GARRISON LAKE: rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, bass

Trout angling is still pretty good in the lake, but with the warmer weather, anglers may want to put away the trout gear and try for some of Garrison Lake's bass. The best way to fish is by boat, but there is some bank access at the State Park or ODFW's access site on 12th street. Fly fishing or slow trolling wedding ring spinners are regular producers.

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 has very good bank access. Through March, the ODFW will occasionally recycle a hatchery steelhead into Herbert's Pond. These fish will be adipose marked and have an additional mark identifying it as a recycled steelhead. Only one of these fish can be harvested per day. The pond was stocked the week of March 16 with 250 legal-size trout in anticipation of spring break. A few winter steelhead were also stocked.

HOWARD PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Closed to all angling until April 25.

HYATT RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Closed to all angling until April 25.

ILLINOIS RIVER: steelhead, trout

The Illinois River closed to all angling on March 31. It will reopen to trout and steelhead angling on May 23.

Illinois River flows at Kerby

LAIRD LAKE: rainbow trout

Located about 30 miles up Elk River, Laird Lake is an excellent place to catch a few trout. The lake is small and filled with lots of downed timber. Bank access is pretty good. Elk River Hatchery is located on the road to Laird and is good place to stop and take a quick tour.

LAKE MARIE: rainbow trout

Lake Marie is at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park near Winchester. About 1,500 trout have been stocked this year and another 1,000 will be added this week.

LAKE SELMAC: trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie

Selmac will be stocked again this week with legal-sized rainbow trout. Trout fishing has been good on worms and PowerBait. Trout anglers often use floating bait or worms with a weight about two feet above the hook. Casting and retrieving lures or flies can be effective, along with trolling lures or flies from a boat. Largemouth bass or panfish are also available. Fishing for them should improve as the weather warms.

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

Closed to fishing until April 25. Open for other winter sports. Starting April 27 the reservoir water height may change up or down a half foot per day until May 17. The next stocking will be the week of April 20.

LOON LAKE: rainbow trout

Loon Lake was stocked with about 7,000 catchable trout plus some trophy trout in 2008. Loon Lake was stocked with 4,000 trout so far in 2009. The next stocking will be the week of April 20.

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

Lost Creek will be stocked with 25,000 legal-sized rainbow trout this week, so trout fishing is expected to be good. Boat anglers should try trolling a variety of depths with wedding ring lures, worms, or spinners, while bank anglers should do well using PowerBait near the Takelma Boat Ramp

PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: bottomfish, surf perch

When the ocean has been "calm" fishing for rockfish, greenling and lingcod has been good. Fishing for rockfish and greenling has been decent fishing from shore. Concentrate your fishing near rocky outcroppings and drop-offs.

Fishing for surfperch is good. The best time to fish for surf perch is during an incoming tide. While fishing ocean beaches for surfperch concentrate your fishing efforts on steeper beaches near areas with a drop-off/ledge or rip tides. Sand shrimp and sand worms are great baits to use for catching surfperch. Use a weight heavy enough to hold your bait in one spot, depending on the size of the surf this could be 3 oz. n 6 oz. weight.

REINHART POND: rainbow trout, warm water fish

Reinhart Pond (formerly All Sports Pond) in Grants Pass has been stocked with trout. Fishing has been good. Anglers should try fishing with nightcrawlers or casting small spinners or spoons. Fly anglers may want to try casting leech or wooly bugger-type streamers. Largemouth bass and bluegill are available; anglers should try fishing for these fish in the afternoon when temperatures are warmer.

ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: spring chinook

Spring chinook fishing continues to be slow. Anglers should keep an eye on the river conditions and look for fishing to pick up when the flows and water temperature increase.

Rogue River flows

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: steelhead

Angling for winter steelhead has been fair. Back-trolling plugs and drifting bait or yarn balls have been effective techniques. The first few spring chinook of the season have been caught, and angling for them should improve significantly over the next few weeks. Anglers are reminded that only adipose fin-clipped chinook may be retained at this time. The flow at Grants Pass on April 13 was 2980 cubic feet per second and the water temperature was 52 oF.

The Rogue River closed to trout angling on March 31 to protect out-migrating salmon and steelhead smolts. It will reopen for trout on May 23.

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: steelhead

Anglers have been having fair success for winter steelhead while drifting bait or yarn balls, backtrolling plugs, or casting flies. As of April 8, 4397 winter steelhead have been counted at Gold Ray Dam, while no chinook have passed the dam. Anglers are reminded that only adipose fin-clipped chinook may be retained at this time. On April 13, the flow out of William Jess Dam (Lost Creek) was 1575 cfs and the outflow temperature was 47 degrees. The flow at Gold Ray Dam, was 2210 cfs.

The Rogue River closed to trout angling on March 31 to protect out-migrating salmon and steelhead smolts. It will reopen for trout on May 23.

SODA SPRINGS RESERVOIR: brown and rainbow trout

Soda Springs Reservoir remains open, but mainstem above and the tributaries upstream of Soda Springs are closed for trout until April 25.

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

Open for adipose fin-clipped steelhead from mouth to Sisters Creek and North Fork from mouth upstream to Bridge 10 until April 30. Trout season closed until May 23. Striped bass season is open year-round, two fish per 24 hours, 24-inch minimum size. The North Fork is open from mouth to Johnson Creek for stripers.

SOUTH COAST STREAMS: trout

Trout season in the Umpqua tributaries, Smith River, South Umpqua, North Umpqua tributaries below Soda Springs Reservoir and Cow Creek basins is closed until May 23. The mainstem Umpqua and mainstem North Umpqua to Soda Springs Dam are open year-round for catch and release trout. North Umpqua mainstem and tributarties above Soda Springs Reservoir close to trout angling until April 25.

TENMILE LAKES: largemouth bass, rainbow trout

Largemouth bass fishing has been decent but dependent on the weather. When bass have been biting they are taking a variety of lures from jigs, soft plastics, and crankbaits. The largemouth bass are being caught in both shallow and deep water.

There are a few holdover rainbow trout being caught in Tenmile Lakes but over all fishing for trout is slow. These fish typically run between 14-17 inches long. The best way to catch these fish is by trolling a flasher or a worm. Tenmile Lakes will be stocked with legal-sized rainbows this week.

TOKETEE LAKE: brown trout

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

UMPQUA ESTUARY: sturgeon, bass, chinook,

Both sturgeon and striped bass fishing have been slow in the lower Umpqua. With higher river flows during the winter months, sturgeon success should be improving. Striped bass have started becoming more active. Crabbing is fair to slow. Note change in measuring sturgeon on page 19 of the 2009 Angling Regulations booklet.

UMPQUA HIGH LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

The last stocking was Labor Day Weekend for Clearwater Forebay #2 and Hemlock Lake. Other high lakes such as Maidu, Bull Pup, Connie, Skookum, Calamut, Fuller, Wolf, Cliff, Buckeye, Linda, and Big Twin Lakes were stocked with brook trout this year. The recent cold weather and snow has likely closed access to most of these lakes for the winter.

UMPQUA RIVER MAINSTEM: steelhead, spring chinook, smallmouth bass

Umpqua Basin Note:

Due to high mortality of hatchery steelhead, smolt releases in 2007 were much lower than normal. Consequently, fewer hatchery steelhead will be returning to the Umpqua basin this winter. Angling opportunity and catch rates throughout the basin will still be good due to the strong wild steelhead population, however only hatchery steelhead can be harvested.

Mainstem:

River conditions have improved, but will be variable based on temperature. The fish tend to bite more when the water temperature is increasing versus when it is dropping. Recently the water temperature has bounced between 43 and 47 degrees with the best bite on the warmer days. There are reports of chinook being caught every day in the lower sections of the river. Most of the chinook are still below Yellow Creek, but the first chinook did cross Winchester Dam on March 20. Striped bass are beginning to become active in the lower Umpqua. Anglers will start seeing a lot of smolts moving through since Rock Creek recently released its spring chinook and summer steelhead smolts. Remember to release the smolts! For bank anglers, plunking with eggs or spin-n-glo's is the preferred method. Remember the main stem Umpqua is closed to wild steelhead harvest, but remains open year-round for adipose fin-clipped steelhead.

Umpqua River flows near Elkton

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead

As of April 8, 7,001 winter steelhead and four chinook had crossed Winchester Dam. The fish are actively moving now with the increased flows and warmer water. The North has maintained its color so it should be good for both bank and boat anglers, but more rain is in the forecast. Remember that only adipose fin-clipped steelhead can be harvested on the North Umpqua. The best flows for fishing tend to be between 1,600 n 6,400 cfs. The North is open to catch and release trout fishing from the mouth upstream to Soda Springs Dam.

North Umpqua River water levels at Winchester Dam

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: winter steelhead

The South Umpqua will close to all angling May 1. Until then only adipose-clipped steelhead can be harvested. The warmer water temperature should have the fish moving. Plunking will be the best angling method until the water drops. Best boat fishing flows tend to be between 3,000 n 6,500 cfs. Steelhead are being caught from Canyonville Park down, with the most success occurring in the first 30 river miles.

South Umpqua River water levels near Riddle

WILLOW LAKE: rainbow trout

Willow Lake will be stocked again this week with legal-sized rainbow trout. The county park and boat ramp opened April 1. Anglers should try using floating bait or worms. Casting or trolling lures or flies can also be effective. Fishing will probably be better in the afternoon during the warmer temperatures.

WINCHESTER BAY: sturgeon, coho, chinook

Fishing is picking up a little for sturgeon. Note new sturgeon measuring method in the 2009 Angling Regulations. Crabbing has been good.

MOST RECREATIONAL SHELLFISH IS OPEN

The entire Oregon coast is open for recreational shellfishing. In addition, only the adductor muscle of scallops are safe to eat; consumption of whole scallops from the recreational fishery is not recommended.

Always check for health advisories by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Shellfish line at 1-800-448-2474 for updates.

Razor clams and current status of particular areas

Crabbing has been a little slow but picked up recently. Crabbers are encouraged to return soft crabs with little meat back to the water. Crabbing from public docks or boat if available is a great opportunity for families to catch a delicious dinner. Kids often enjoy sorting out the smaller crab that can be abundant. Public crabbing docks can be found in Winchester Bay, Bandon, Charleston, and Empire.

Clamming effort in Coos Bay has slowed down but there are still lots of clams available. A couple of areas to try are Pigeon Point off the Cape Arago Highway and the Charleston Flat south of the Charleston Bridge.

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

* Razor clams and current status of particular areas

* Bay clams

SOUTHWEST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Spring turkey (opens April 15), controlled spring bear, cougar, coyote

Don't forget to report your hunt results. Anyone who purchases a big game or turkey tag must report hunt results online or by phone. Reporting is required even if you did not fill your tag or go hunting. More information

DOUGLAS COUNTY

Controlled Spring Bear

Opened on April 1 and continues through May 31. Bear numbers are good with the highest numbers at lower elevations in the coast range with lower numbers elsewhere in the coast range and Cascades. Hunters can focus on open meadows early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Successful bear hunters are now required to check in the skull within 10 days of the kill: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring. See the spring bear hunting forecast for more information.

Turkey

Opens April 15 and continues through May 31. Last year's chick/poult counts showed above average production so hunters can expect the spring gobbler hunt this year to be above average. Over the last 10 years all indicators point to a healthy and increasing turkey population in Douglas County. While the hens are off nesting the first part of the season most toms are found on private land sometimes adjacent to public lands. In general, most turkeys are found on or adjacent to low-mid elevation private lands associated with oak savannah habitat. Hunters are reminded to obtain permission before hunting on private lands. In addition, turkey hunters are being asked to collect crops of harvested wild turkeys and submit them along with the hunters name, address, date and location of harvest and sex of the turkey to district and regional ODFW offices for a new food habitats study OSU is conducting.

Cougar

Opened on January 1. 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.

COOS COUNTY

SPRING BEAR season opened April 1. Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring. Bears are not very active at this point in the spring but with warmer weather they will become active. Hunters interested in hunting this early in the season should plan on being meticulous with their glassing. Bears will be found most often around clear cuts and in naturally occurring forest openings like slides.

TURKEY season will open April 15. Hunters should be scouting around agricultural lands for birds. Healthy turkey populations can be found in most places in Coos County where adequate habitat exists. Most of this habitat is on private land. Hunters need to make sure they have permission to hunt private lands.

COYOTE populations are good in Coos County and they will respond to calls. However, calling coyotes on the coast range is challenging due to brush. Since specific license and tag requirements exist for hunting some of these animals new hunters should contact local ODFW offices to learn more about hunting these animals before they start.

COUGAR are abundant throughout with indicators pointing to stable or increasing numbers. Hunting cougar is a challenge because these animals are very secretive, but harvest success is greatest adjacent to private land with high deer populations using a predator call. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

JACKSON, JOSEPHINE, CURRY COUNTIES

SPRING BEAR hunting is open. SW Oregon tags are sold out. This year's bear season should be average; numbers are high in most areas. At this time of year bears will be feeding in open grassy meadows and busy turning rocks. Focus on early mornings and late evening south facing hill sides. Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring.

TURKEY season opens on April 15. Turkey numbers appear to be above average with most turkeys in low-mid elevation of oak and conifer mix forests with there associated meadows and clearings. They will be feeding on green grasses and insects. Use locator calls before light or at dusk to locate roosting trees then set up in an area of their travel and begin call as light approaches. Hunters are being asked to collect crops of harvested wild turkeys and submit them along with the hunters name, address, date and location of harvest and sex of the turkey to district and regional ODFW offices for a new food habitat study OSU is conducting.

COYOTES are abundant in our area. Spring is calf and lambing season; ranchers will have concerns with coyotes, hunters should contact ranchers for permission to hunt on private lands. Hunters will have great response to calling. Focus on areas of known prey base and use calls based on that.

General COUGAR season is open. Cougar populations continue to be plentiful. Predator calling has become one of the best methods for hunters. Focus on spots where there are high populations of wintering deer. 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 is now open only in a portion of the Rogue unit; refer to regulations for more detail. It is open there year-round with no bag limit.

The Jackson Cooperative Travel Management Area is in effect until May 1. This agreement between government agencies and private partners provides hunters with access to a variety of lower elevation areas to hunt. Now that hunting seasons are over the roads continue to remain closed within designated areas unless posted to provide very little disturbance to wildlife especially deer and elk. Maps can be obtained online through ODFW's website; click on the Oregon Hunting Access Map

SOUTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS

Umpqua Valley Bird Day, Douglas County fairgrounds, Sat. April 18

The Umpqua Valley bird day is at the Douglas County fairgrounds (exit 123 on I-5) at the Earth Day Celebration. Free admission.

International Migratory Bird Day, Sat., May 9, Klamath Falls

International Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated at Veteran's Park on May 9. Klamath Basin Audubon Society members will lead bird hikes from Veteran's Park and other Klamath Audubon folks will staff a table with information, children's activities and a few items for sale. Beginning at 9 a.m., at Veterans Park are beginning bird walks and viewing bird netting, data collection and banding by Klamath Bird Observatory people. Many other exhibits and events will also be available free of charge. For more information.

Coos County

Commonly in Coos Bay and the lower Coquille River sea ducks like surf scoters and black scoters are present. These birds can be fun to watch as they dive along the shore line for mollusks that they feed on. Also, Loons and several species of grebes are present for viewing presently. Point Adams, located near the Charleston boat basin is a good place to see these birds and others that are moving in and out of South Slough.

With warmer weather bears will be come active and viewing opportunities for them will improve. Those interested in seeing bears this spring should look for them on warm mornings or evenings in natural forest openings like slides and clear cuts.

Often in early spring some of the first migrating birds begin to appear in the Coos Bay area. Small groups of shore birds are already appearing along local beaches and inland bays. Look for these birds around mud flats at low tide. Their numbers will increase as the spring progresses.

Presently, waterfowl numbers are very good in Coos Bay and other coastal bays. Many of the diving ducks are late migrants. Good places to look at waterfowl are along Cape Arago Highway near Barview. Numbers of bald eagles and other raptors generally increase with increasing waterfowl numbers. Good places to see these birds are the Coos Bay North Spit, east side of Coos Bay, the Coquille Valley and the lower Umpqua.

Douglas County

Songbirds

Various songbirds like Western Bluebirds, Black-headed Grosbeaks, House Wrens, thrushes and various sparrows are present at Stewart Park Duck Pond and Stewart Park trail in Roseburg. Remember to clean out your songbird nesting boxes or put up new boxes now since courtship, nest building and raising nestlings happens for many birds in April and May.

Purple Martin

The early arrivals (scouts) have arrived at Plat-I reservoir in Sutherlin and Ten Mile Lakes near Lakeside. The best opportunity to view North America's largest swallow is in the early morning flying high above the water capturing insects or checking out nesting cavities, nesting boxes or gourds.

Ospreys

Ospreys have returned to the Umpqua Valley from their wintering areas in Central and South America. Ospreys are also know as fish hawks and can be seen flying above rivers or lakes looking for fish in the water. This time of the year look for male ospreys diving into the water capturing fish, and taking the captured fish back to the female on the nest.

Fish Passage

Winter Steelhead and Spring Chinook migrating upstream passing through Winchester dam fish ladder on the N. Umpqua River which is free and 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.

Jackson, Josephine, and Curry counties

Waterfowl and songbirds are currently looking for nesting sights. Time is running out to clean out and refresh nesting structures for those that need it.

Denman Wildlife Area

This is the time of year when the Wildlife Area greens up with variety of flowers and wildlife. Goslings are starting to be seen on the wildlife area, within the next month there will be more and a few duckling will also appear. Also, the ospreys are back currently building there nest.

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

Many people are visiting the area for fishing opportunities where bass, blue gills and bull head cat fish are caught. School and scout groups are scheduling appointments where Area staff has provided presentations and tours of the area.

Directions to the Ken Denman Wildlife Area: 1495 E. Gregory Road, Central Point

(541) 826-8774

From I-5: Take exit 33 at Central Point. Travel east on Pine Street to Table Rock Road. Turn left (north) on Table Rock Road to E. Gregory Road. Turn left at the wildlife area headquarters sign.

From Hwy. 62: Turn onto Agate Road. Take the first left (E. Gregory Road). Proceed one mile to the wildlife area. For more information about the wildlife area, visit ODFW's Web site.

On the Coast

Harbor seals can be observed in estuaries throughout the South Coast. Look for sandy haul out sites. Remember, spring is puping season so please observe these animals from a distance. If you find pups on the beach, leave them where you found them-mother knows where they are.

CENTRAL ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities:

* Anglers are starting to see hatches of BWO, caddis and some March Browns on the lower Deschutes.

* Crescent Lake has been giving up great catches of lake trout and brown trout.

* There have been reports of anglers catching some nice fish on the Fall River n expect insect activity to increase as temperatures increase.

CLEAR LAKE: rainbow trout

No recent reports.

CRESCENT LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and kokanee

Boat launch access is available at the Crescent Lake Lodge beach area for a $5.00 fee. Please check in with the Crescent Lake Lodge. Anglers have been having great success catching lake trout and brown trout. Kokanee anglers should start seeing a little better success as lake temperature increase.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout and mountain whitefish

Flows in the Crooked River are cuurently at 110 cfs. The weather was excellent over the weekend and the fishing was good. Signs marking redband spawning habitat were recently installed by volunteers from the Central Oregon Flyfishers, please avoid disturbing the substrate in these areas. It is also important to note that fishing with bait is not currently allowed; artificial flies and lures only until May 23.

All anglers are encouraged to visit informational kiosks located in the BLM campgrounds in the Wild and Scenic portion of the river where a flier has been posted to assist anglers in collecting valuable information. ODFW and OSU initiated a radio telemetry study on redband trout and whitefish in the fall of 2007. ODFW and OSU deployed new radio-tags in early October in fish caught by dedicated volunteer anglers from the Central Oregon Fly Fishers, Sunriver Anglers, ODFW, and OSU. Anglers are reminded that radio-tagged fish cannot be legally harvested. To determine if a fish is radio-tagged, anglers should check for an eight-inch wire antenna protruding from the rear of both redband and mountain whitefish. A sample of redband trout and mountain whitefish are also tagged with a numbered floy tag protruding from the back. Anglers who later catch a trout or whitefish with a floy tag are encouraged to release the fish after recording the tag number, fish length and location caught. Anglers can send the information to ODFW at (541) 447-5111 ext. 24 or michael.r.harrington@state.or.us.

CULTUS LAKE: Lake trout, rainbow trout

Cultus Lake is not yet accessible and still ice covered.

DAVIS LAKE: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass

Davis is not yet accessible.

DESCHUTES RIVER: steelhead, rainbow trout

Mouth to Warm Springs: steelhead, trout

The Deschutes River Canyon is ready to burst with spring flowers and bug hatches. Fly anglers should look for good morning hatches of Blue-winged olive, caddis and some March Browns. If you like fishing underwater, try a large stonefly nymph because the real stoneflies start getting active as the water continues to warm. The highest concentration of trout and whitefish are from around Maupin upstream to the reservation boundary.

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

No recent reports. This reach of the Deschutes currently provides winter angling opportunity for brown trout and redband trout. River flow below Bend is currently running 950 cfs.

FALL RIVER: rainbow trout

Recent reports indicate that the angling had been good with nice fish being caught. The cold snap over the weekend of April 11 and 12 and early in the week of April 13 has put a little damper on the action. If the warmer weather forecast for the upcoming weekend pans out, good fishing should return. The river above the falls remains open the entire year, and is restricted to fly-fishing only. River water temperatures are generally in the 38 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit range. As mid-day air temperatures get warmer, expect insect activity to increase. This is a popular spring fishery for fly fishers.

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

Rainbow trout fishing has been excellent from the shore and boats. Large fish have been active in the recent weeks with reports of 10lb rainbows being caught.

HOOD RIVER: summer steelhead, winter steelhead

Anglers are reporting catch of bright winter steelhead in the lower Hood River from the mouth upstream to Powerdale Dam. Early spring temperatures continue to warm water temperatures which should make steelhead more aggressive. Counts at Bonneville Dam have been improving, and anglers should be seeing increased numbers of fish. Winter steelhead numbers will continue to increase the next two weeks. Some mint bright summer steelhead have already been caught by anglers.

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

KINGSLEY RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Access is likely marginal due to snow.

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

Kokanee catches have been consistent and 2009 catch rates are slightly greater than those from 2008. In the last week of March, anglers saw an increased catch rate of bull trout when compared to previous weeks. Angling opportunities appear to be best in the Deschutes and Crooked River Arms. Kokanee bag limit is five fish per day, included in the trout daily bag limit. Anglers should consult 2009 Sport Fishing Regulations for new angling regulations on Lake Billy Chinook.

METOLIUS RIVER: redband trout, bull trout

Some recent reports of a redband being active. April on the Metolius can provide a great angling experience. As day time temperatures start climbing into the higher 50s and lower 60s insect and hatch activity will increase. Please note that the reach of river from Allingham Bridge upstream to the Metolius headspring is currently closed to angling to protect spawning redband.

NORTH TWIN: rainbow trout

Folks are now able to access North Twin and the fishing is reported to be right fine. There is still a bit a snow on the last bit of road to the lake so a four wheeled drive vehicle is recommended.

OCHOCO CREEK UPSTREAM TO OCHOCO DAM: rainbow trout

Bait fishing is not allowed. Artificial flies and lures only, and regulations allow no more than two trout per day with only one trout greater than 20 inches and no trout under eight inches. Opportunities are good for native redband trout.

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Anglers have reported catches of large fish and fishing is expected to improve with weather.

PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Pine Hollow has been recently stocked and should provide good opportunity to catch various sizes of trout, including some large trout.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, black crappie, bass

No recent reports. Anglers should note an error in the 2009 fishing regulations for Prineville Reservoir (p. 63). The CORRECT regulation is: largemouth and smallmouth bass, 15 in. MAXIMUM length, only one of which may be a largemouth.

ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Pine Hollow has been recently stocked with trout and should provide good opportunity to catch a limit of trout.

SUTTLE LAKE: brown trout, kokanee

The Forest Service boat ramp is accessible and the lake ice free. No angler reports, though the lake should be ripe for anglers interested in chasing kokanee or brown trout.

TAYLOR LAKE: rainbow trout

Taylor Lake has been recently stocked with trout and should provide good opportunity to catch a fat trout. Taylor Lake is also a great spot to catch carp with flies, look for carp in the shallows as water temperatures warm with spring temperatures.

WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout

No recent reports. Gate to campground is locked, anglers must walk ¼ mile to the reservoir. Spring temperatures are likely to make ice unsafe; use extreme caution if checking ice conditions.

CENTRAL ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Cougar, coyote, spring turkey (opens April 15), spring bear (controlled hunt, opens April 15)

Don't forget to report your hunt results. Anyone who purchases a big game or turkey tag must report hunt results online or by phone. Reporting is required even if you did not fill your tag or go hunting. More information

PRINEVILLE/OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT

Snow accumulations are receding, but drifts are present at higher elevations blocking some roads across the Ochoco National Forest. Outdoor enthusiasts should be prepared for rapidly changing weather and be equipped for difficult driving. Dress and be equipped to for walking and/or driving through everything from dry surfaces, to mud and snow. Deer, elk and pronghorn are moving to higher elevations as the spring thaw progresses.

Green-up is occurring and TURKEYS are moving to higher elevations, including BLM and Ochoco National Forest lands. Typically, the better concentrations of birds occur along the south slopes of the Ochoco unit, and in the Bear and Trout Creek drainages of the Grizzly unit. Hunters should consult with local BLM and Ochoco National Forest offices regarding access as motorized travel may be restricted to avoid soil damage and protect wildlife habitat. See this PDF online brochure for more information about turkey hunting in Oregon.

COUGARS are tied to deer, elk, and pronghorn and will be following dispersing animals as they move to higher elevations. Remember cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days after harvest; please bring them in thawed and with mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

GROUND SQUIRRELS are active in hay fields and pastures. The best hunting will be on private lands, particularly along the Crooked River between Prineville and Paulina. Having permission from landowners is a must before hunting.

THE DALLES WILDLIFE DISTRICT

TURKEY season opens April 15. Toms are actively strutting, and birds continue to move to higher elevation as the snow gradually recedes. See this PDF online brochure for more information about turkey hunting in Oregon.

Spring bear hunting also opens April 15; see the forecast for what to expect.

The LOWER DESCHUTES WILDLIFE AREA is accepting comments on its draft management plan through April 17, 2009. More information

For hunters wishing to pursue COUGAR, the best opportunity will in areas where deer and elk are congregating. One of the better areas is generally around White River Wildlife area, where both deer and elk are present in fair numbers. As spring conditions continue to show themselves, deer and elk are spending more time on open hillsides taking advantage of green-up. Cougar will be in close proximity. Successful cougar hunters, remember check-in is mandatory; please bring them in thawed and with mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

Those wishing to pursue COYOTE will find the best success near agricultural lands. Be sure to ask permission to hunt private lands. Limited opportunities may also be found at White River Wildlife area.

California Ground SQUIRRELS, or gray diggers, are very active with the recent warming trends in the area. The best hunting opportunities for squirrels are generally found on private agricultural ground, but good opportunity also exists on White River Wildlife area. Make sure to ask permission to hunt on private lands.

WHITE RIVER WILDLIFE AREA

TURKEY and BEAR season open April 15.

COYOTE and COUGAR hunters can find success in open areas along the eastern perimeter of the wildlife area. Please take caution to reduce disturbances to wintering wildlife in the area. Remember cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days after harvest; please bring them in thawed and with mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

The wildlife area is a vehicle regulated use area. Open roads have a green dot on them. Hunters bringing their ATVs are reminded that all vehicles are to stay on roads; cross country travel is prohibited. The roads for through vehicle travel have been closed for the winter and most of the roads will reopen April 1, 2009. Please use caution even on open roads, as spring moisture can create hazardous conditions. If a road appears too wet for travel, please find an alternate route.

CENTRAL ZONE VIEWING

Prineville Area

Resident ducks and geese are to pairing up in preparation for nesting along the Crooked River and Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Management Area which is home to a variety of shorebirds and nesting birds of prey. The access road along the north side of Prineville Reservoir through the area opens for motorized access on April 15 and offers great opportunities for viewing, hiking and camping.

Directions to the wildlife area: From Prineville, take Paulina Highway 1.7 miles. Turn right onto Juniper Canyon Road at the Prineville Reservoir State Park sign. Take Juniper Canyon Road 12.5 miles to Prineville Reservoir State Park. Access to the wildlife area is a primitive dirt road in the northeast corner of the state park. Visitors also may continue southeast along Paulina Highway for 15 miles (from Prineville) and turn right at the bottom of the hill after passing Eagle Rock near milepost 14 onto the signed wildlife area primitive roadway. For more information, visit ODFW's Web site.

The Dalles

Spring is here, and neotropical migrants are right behind it. This is a great time of year to take a hike in the Columbia River gorge. The gorge is host to many migrant songbirds in the spring, as well as a great place to find wildflowers and other wildlife. The Mosier Twin Tunnels provides a great hard surface trail to avoid the spring mud. For more information visit Oregon State Parks Web site, http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_155.php

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center is now hosting a raptor interpretive program on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays except holidays. Visitors will get to see the Center's Bald Eagle up close and personnel, as well as learn about other raptors in the program. For more information on the raptor program, visit http://www.gorgediscovery.org/

White River Wildlife Area

Elk are still near the feed sites on the area. The best viewing opportunity is generally found in and around the headquarters of the wildlife area or from the view site off of the 48 road.

Visitors to the area can see a wide variety of birds, including Lewis' Woodpeckers, Cooper's hawks and pileated woodpecker's. Deer are using the feeders throughout the area. Visitors are asked to maintain some distance between themselves and wintering deer to reduce disturbance to the animals.

From The Dalles, travel 34 miles south on Hwy. 197 to the blinking light at Tygh Valley. Turn right into Tygh Valley and follow the signs to Wamic on Wamic Market Road. Continue straight ahead on Dodson Road rather than follow the sharp curve. Continue on Dodson Road through three 90-degree turns. Turn left on the gravel road 1/4 mile past the last curve, and continue 1-1/2 miles to the cattleguard and area signs. The wildlife area headquarters is located 1/2 mile past the cattleguard. For more information, visit ODFW Web site.

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 sheep are a common site in the canyon. One of the most popular spots to view Bighorn rams is across the river from Jones campground, along the Mack's canyon access road.

Many different bird species are present in the Deschutes Wildlife Area, including osprey, kingfishers, great blue herons and waterfowl. ODFW's Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area is located in The Dalles. Directions and more information about the Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

ANA RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout, hybrid bass

Ana Reservoir is open year-round for rainbow trout and hybrid bass angling. Rainbow trout angling has improved with water conditions at the reservoir. Hybrid bass angling has been very good. A record size 30 inch hybrid bass was caught in early February weighing 18lb, 9.5 oz. A large number of hybrid bass over 18 inches have been caught in the reservoir recently as well. Many hybrid bass anglers fish at night. Jigging large lures or fishing bait on the bottom of the reservoir are the most common angling methods. The use of live fish for bait is prohibited.

ANA RIVER: hatchery rainbow trout

Angling for rainbow trout has been very good. Rainbow trout in this river can be very spooky so stealth is required. Bait angling is allowed. Tui chub and pit roach are abundant in Ana River so large lures and flies mimicking minnows can be very successful. Hatches of midges have been occurring on the river during warm up periods.

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

The reservoir was 52 percent full and inflow averaged 269 cfs on April 12. Angling is slow.

BLITZEN RIVER: trout

Flow ranged from approximately 72 to 460 cfs March 30 through April 6. Mainstem Blitzen and tributaries (except Little Blitzen) have a two fish trout bag limit from late May through Oct. 31, and a catch and release fishery from Nov. 1 through late May. The Little Blitzen is a catch and release fishery year-round.

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

The reservoir was 71 percent full on April 12. Angling is slow.

BURNS POND: trout, bass

Angling has been good for rainbow trout. The pond was stocked in late March.

BURNT RIVER: trout

Burnt River will open for fishing April 25.

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout

The reservoir is very low, and the water is turbid as a result of recent high winds. Angling is slow for rainbow trout.

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout, largemouth bass

The lower river (downstream of Paisley including Rivers End Reservoir) is closed until May 23. Redband trout are available in the main river and tributaries; brook trout are available in Dairy and Elder Creeks. The river is gradually declining from high spring flow levels and is very turbid. Access has improved greatly, but there are still ice patches and snow drifts causing hazardous road conditions in some locations.

COTTONWOOD MEADOWS LAKE: brook trout, hatchery stocked rainbow trout

Access to Cottonwood Meadows Lake is still blocked by snow drifts.

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: native redband trout

Access is open to the reservoir and boat ramp. The boat ramp dock has not been replaced back into the water yet. Fishing has been slow, but large redband trout have been caught recently on spinners.

CRUMP LAKE: crappie

Ice is off the lake and water level is moderately high. The lake went almost entirely dry in 2007. Few crappie were caught in the lake in 2008. There is a primitive boat ramp on the east side of the lake. Crappie catch rates should improve this year with better water conditions.

DELINTMENT LAKE: trout

No report on ice conditions. The lake is only accessible by snowmobile.

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

Access is open, watch for spots of ice and snow drifting. The lake has received significant runoff and the lake level is high but not flowing over the spillway. The retention of redband trout is prohibited; the lake is not stocked with hatchery trout.

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

Access is open to the reservoir and boat ramp. The water is low in the reservoir and very turbid.

DUNCAN RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Access to the reservoir is open. The water level is up but far from spilling. Recent fishing reports show slow catch rates.

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

Watch for thin ice. The Steens Loop road remains closed. No recent angling report.

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

Access to the lake during the spring months is available by snowmobile, skis, or with a good dog team. Anglers who have ice fished the lake have caught small lake trout at 14 inches. Ice thickness and snow depth on the lake make winter ice fishing a challenge. The lake is frozen. Thickness of ice is unknown. Safety should be anglers' number one priority.

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

Gerber Reservoir is located over 5,000 feet elevation. Gerber Reservoir is ice free. Angling is slow for warmwater fish. The best angling will be for brown bullhead and yellow perch.

HAINES POND: rainbow trout

Pond was stocked first week in April.

HART LAKE: crappie, brown bullhead, largemouth bass

Catch rates for crappie last summer were very good. The lake is very low. Crappie fishing is expected to improve as water temperatures increase.

HWY 203 POND: trout, bluegill, bass

Pond was stocked first week in April.

JUNIPER LAKE: cutthroat trout

The lake is nearly dry.

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass

Krumbo Reservoir will open to angling on April 25.

KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: redband trout and yellow perch

Angling is very slow. The average catch for anglers this year is thirty hours of fishing per fish captured. Angler pressure will increase this Saturday as the Herald and News will be sponsoring the second annual Trophy Trout Derby. Approximately 400 anglers will be fishing in the tournament. Agency Lake and the straights will be off limits to this tournament. Water temperatures are around 45-50 degrees throughout most of the lake but should warm this weekend. The water clarity is poor which reduces catch rates. The lake is one foot below full pool which is unusually low for this time of year. Redband trout and minnows are not very active along the shoreline. Redband trout in Agency Lake are feeding primarily on leeches and midges at this time. The east shoreline along the springs near Highway 97 has the warmest water of the lake. Trolling lures from a boat is becoming more effective.

KLAMATH RIVER: native rainbow-redband trout

Access to the Klamath River below Keno dam can be difficult in places due to mud. Angling has been slow. River flows are 980 cfs which provide good opportunities for anglers. A large part of the population of redband-rainbow trout are spawning in Spencer Creek. The Klamath River from J.C. Boyle Dam bridge crossing to the J. C Boyle Powerhouse provides fair angling this time of year for small redband-rainbow trout (6-12 inches) due to low, stable flows with higher water temperatures due to 220 cfs of spring water. Angling in the river below the powerhouse is very slow due to high flows (1800 cfs) and murky water.

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

The lake is frozen. The thickness of the ice is unknown. Safety should be anglers' number one priority. The main road into Lake of the Woods is not open due to snow. Anglers will need to access the lake via Dead Indian Memorial Road.

LINK RIVER: redband trout

Anglers are catching a few redband trout. Water temperatures are increasing and flows low.

LOST RIVER: brown bullhead, yellow perch, crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill

Angling is fair for brown bullhead using bait at the Crystal Springs day use area. Anglers are also having success catching largemouth bass along certain areas of the river.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The reservoir is ice free. The water level is still low. Anglers will probably only be able to launch small boats at the boat ramp. Slow angling for trout.

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

Discharge remains shut off, so flow in the river is limited to seepage from Warm Springs Reservoir. Discharge for irrigation usually starts in mid April. 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

Discharge at both Warm Springs Reservoir and Beulah Reservoir remains shut off for the winter. Discharge for irrigation usually starts in mid April. Angling for trout is slow.

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

Access into this area is limited by snow. Access will be difficult until later this spring. No recent angling report. Trout angling should be slow. Remember to release bull trout.

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

Access into this area is limited by snow. Access will be difficult until later this spring No recent angling report. Trout angling should be slow. Remember to release bull trout.

MANN LAKE: trout

No recent angling report. The lake is very low, and illegally introduced goldfish have disrupted the trout fishery.

MILLER LAKE: brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout

Access to the Lake is by snowmobile, skis, or a good dog team. The lake is frozen. Ice thickness is unknown. Brown trout are available to the adventurous angler.

MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout

No recent angling report. The reservoir was very low after last irrigation season.

MUD LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout

Mud Lake was very low at the end of summer. It may have winter killed some trout. Fall sampling in 2008 showed lots of fish available to the angler, most in the 8 to 10" size range. The road into Mud Lake still has spots of snow and ice, as well as muddy patches.

MURRAY RESERVOIR: trout

The reservoir is free of ice and was stocked in early of April with legal sized rainbow trout.

NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: rainbow trout

Most of the reservoirs should be ice-free. Snow banks or muddy roads limit access to some of the reservoirs. All of the BLM ponds in the Harper-Westfall area were stocked last spring with fingerling-sized rainbow trout. Littlefield and Squaw Creek reservoirs have good carryover populations. Squaw Creek Reservoir had a die-off this fall, so trout numbers will be low this spring.

NORTH POWDER POND 1: rainbow trout

Pond was stocked first week of April. Access is somewhat limited. Lots of water on the road in spots. Fishing should be good.

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

The reservoir was 54 percent full on April 12. The boat ramps at McCormick State Park and Leslie Gulch remain out of the water. Angling for crappie and bass is improving.

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

Flows were turned on below the dam. Anglers need to be cautious around areas with redds since redds still contain eggs. Angling for rainbow trout remains good.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish

Discharge at the Rome gauge averaged 2,408 cfs on April 12. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish should be slow.

PAIUTE RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout and hatchery Lahontan cutthroat trout

Rainbow and cutthroat trout are available. The reservoir level is extremely low, but fish are still being caught.

PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch

The reservoir is free of ice. The Union campground will not open until May 1.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout

Pilcher Creek Reservoir is closed to fishing until April 25.

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The reservoir remains muddy and inflows have dropped to low levels. Fishing is slow.

POWDER RIVER: trout

Fishing is closed downstream of Hughes Lane Bridge in Baker City. Catch-and-release only, from Hughes Lane Bridge upstream to Phillips Reservoir.

SHERLOCK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The reservoir is full, access is open. No recent fishing reports for the spring have been received. Fall sampling showed lots of trout in the 10 to 12" size range.

SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: hatchery rainbow trout

Most of the reservoirs should be ice-free. Muddy roads may limit access to many of the reservoirs. All of the ponds in the Jordan Valley area were stocked with fingerling trout last spring. Several reservoirs north of Jordan Valley have carryover populations.

SPAULDING RESERVOIR:

Spaulding reservoir went dry in 2007 and has not sufficiently refilled to support fish. The reservoir will not be stocked this spring.

SUNSTONE RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The reservoir was found to be half-full during late winter. Access is open, watch for muddy spots. Fish planted last spring should be of harvestable size this year.

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout

Spring gillnets showed a few 13 inch trout and many 8-9 inch trout. These fish should grow rapidly this spring. The dirt road that follows the reservoir has been upgraded to provide good access to the Powder River below the dam. Public access only goes approximately 1000 ft below the dam. Please respect private property and remain within 1000 ft of the dam.

THOMPSON VALLEY RESERVOIR:

The USFS roads into Thompson Valley Reservoir are open, however spots of ice and snow drifts still exist. The gate into Easy Bay campground is still locked and will remain locked until mid-April. Access into the west side of the lake is recommended for high clearance, four wheel drive vehicles only. The reservoir is extremely low, and the boat ramps appear to be unusable at the current water level.

TOPSY RESERVOIR: brown bullhead, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, goldfish

The reservoir is ice free and boats can be launched. Angling is slow for warmwater fish. Fishing for brown bullhead or yellow perch would be your best bet at this time.

UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie

The reservoir is ice free and is full. Trout fishing was good most of the winter, so should be fair this spring.

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

The reservoir was 25 percent full April 12. Inflows averaged 460 cfs on April 12. Fishing is slow.

WARNER LAKES (Hart and Crump Lakes are listed separately): crappie

Most of the northern Warner Lakes went dry last fall except for Flagstaff Lake. Few crappie are expected to have survived the winter freeze in Flagstaff Lake.

WARNER POND: hatchery rainbow trout

Access to Warner Pond is open. The pond is free of ice and contains large rainbow trout. This is a great place to fly-fish and take young anglers.

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

The reservoir is ice free. Angling is very slow for warmwater fish. The reservoir is currently low and boat anglers should be aware of log hazards. Fishing for largemouth bass should pick up with warmer water temperatures. New angling regulations are in place that allow only one bass harvested per day greater than 15 inches in length.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, trout

Reservoir is ice free. Should be good fishing for trout.

WOOD RIVER: redband trout, brown trout, brook trout.

The Wood River is closed until April 25, 2009. The Wood River was accidentally omitted from the 2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations. The Wood River angling regulations remain catch-and-release for trout from April 25- October 31.

YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout

No recent reports on ice conditions. The lake is accessible by high clearance four wheel drive vehicles.

SOUTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Spring bear (controlled hunt, season opens April 15), spring turkey (opens April 15), cougar, coyote

Don't forget to report your hunt results. Anyone who purchases a big game or turkey tag must report hunt results online or by phone. Reporting is required even if you did not fill your tag or go hunting. More information

SPRING TURKEY season opens April 15; see this PDF online brochure for more information about turkey hunting in Oregon.

HARNEY COUNTY

RIVERSIDE WILDLIFE AREA will accept public comment on its draft 10-year management plan through April 17, 2009. More information

COUGAR hunting is open. Populations in Southeast Zone are healthy. Don't forget successful hunters must check-in cougars no more than 10 days after harvest; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

COYOTE hunting has been slow this winter due to relatively low population levels associated with a low period in cyclic rabbit and rodent populations. Areas where big game congregate during winter months and near cattle operations with late fall or winter calves may provide the best hunting opportunity. Hunters are reminded to ask permission before entering private lands. Be aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator calls, and separate licensing and open season limitations exist for these species.

KLAMATH COUNTY

COUGAR season remains open with good populations. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

Excellent opportunities exist for COYOTE hunting. Best areas are around foothill areas or where wintering deer are concentrated.

GROUND SQUIRRELS are becoming more active on warmer days. Be sure to obtain permission when entering private lands.

SPRING BLACK BEAR seasons are approaching. The South Central Controlled Hunt will open April 15, and hunters should expect fair to good hunting conditions. Bears are most abundant in the Cascade Mountains zone, and hunters should look to openings created by fire or logging activity during early morning or evening hours to locate bears feeding on new grass green-up and grubs in rotten logs, stumps, and rock piles. Bears can also be found in the eastern portions of the hunt area in forested areas. Hunters are reminded to review the hunting regulations for information on hunt area boundaries and season dates.

KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA

Hunting seasons are now closed.

In order to minimize disturbance to migrating and nesting birds, dogs are allowed only in the dog training area in Unit B from February 1 n July 31. Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit. Discharge of firearms is prohibited except by permit. Please restrict your activities to the main public roads and parking lots as many of the migrating geese are beginning to arrive. If you have any questions, please contact Klamath Wildlife Area at (541) 883-5734.

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

LAKE COUNTY

SPRING BEAR hunting opens April 15; see the forecast for what to expect.

COUGAR hunting is now open. Populations in Southeast Zone are healthy. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

COYOTES are concentrated on big game winter ranges, and in the vicinity of cattle herds with late winter or spring calves. They respond well to calling, and hunters should focus efforts in sage brush areas, natural openings in forest habitats, or big game winter ranges. Hunters are reminded to ask permission before calling on private land. Be aware that cougars will respond to predator calls.

SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA

This section of the report was last updated April 14, 2009.

All hunting seasons on the Wildlife Area are now closed.

Discharging firearms is prohibited except by permit.

MALHEUR COUNTY

COUGAR hunting is now open. Populations in Southeast Zone are healthy. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

COYOTE hunting has been slow this winter due to relatively low population levels associated with a low period in cyclic rabbit and rodent populations. Areas where big game congregate during winter months, as well as areas near cattle operations with late fall or winter calves may provide the best hunting opportunity. Hunters are reminded to ask permission before entering private lands. Be aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator calls, and separate licensing and open season limitations exist for these species.

SOUTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

Harney County

Spring migration is well underway and large numbers of snow gees, ross's geese, and sandhill cranes can be found in agricultural fields throughout the Harney Basin. Migratory waterfowl such as pintail and wigeon are common now as are many breeding species, such as gadwall and cinnamon teal.

Shorebird migration is just beginning and should improve over the next few weeks as spring migration progresses. Lesser yellow legs and killdeer are some species that have already arrived. Most bald eagles have left the area for breeding grounds further north, however some can still be found in local agricultural fields associated with migrating waterfowl.

The best viewing opportunities are near Burns/Hines, where open can be found along the Silvies River. Open water is limited this year as spring run-off is extremely light, resulting in fewer flooded areas than normal. Viewing at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge will continue to improve as migration continues to develop and more species of passerines and breeding water birds arrive in the area.

Klamath Falls Area

Recently, white pelicans have arrived and can be located on lakes and rivers in the Klamath Basin. Amazing viewing opportunities exist for thousands of lesser snow geese, ross's geese, and white-fronted geese which can be found feeding in agricultural lands near Klamath Falls and south to the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. Most recent survey showed approximately 500,000 migratory geese in the Klamath Basin. These migratory birds will stage here in the Klamath Basin until late April when they'll continue their migration north to arctic nesting grounds.

Prime viewing opportunities exist for ducks along Stateline road at the eastern edge of the Lower Klamath Refuge. Large groups of northern pintail, northern shoveler, lesser scaup, and American wigeon may be observed. Visitors will also find a variety of duck species along the Link River and Lake Ewauna. Species of interest may include bufflehead, common merganser, hooded merganser, common goldeneye, and lesser scaup.

Greater sandhill cranes are staging here and can be found feeding in agricultural fields and shallow wetland areas in the Klamath Basin.

Bald eagles have left wintering areas enroute to their nesting territories. Over 80 pairs of bald eagles nest in Klamath County. Nest sites are generally in fairly remote areas in close proximity to water. Bald eagles have already initiated incubation. The breeding pair at Moore Park can be observed from the lower parts of the park.

Shore birds and other spring migrants will start arriving in the Klamath Basin over the next few weeks. Killdeer have already arrived with American avocets and black-necked stilts yet to arrive. Many wetland birds are concentrated in wetland areas in the Klamath Basin, including great blue heron, black crowned night herons, California and ring-billed gulls, and great egrets.

Klamath Wildlife Area

Ross's, snow, and white-front geese are continuing to arrive in the basin and are utilizing many of the open fields along Miller Island Road and can be easily seen from the main road and parking lots. As of the last aerial survey on 4/7/09 by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, there were approximately 62,000 geese on the Miller Island Unit and associated Klamath River. Bald eagles can be seen perching along the roads and fields in trees and perch poles. Most tundra swans have departed for their breeding territories. Resident Great Basin Canada geese have paired and are actively nesting.

NOTE: Public access is limited to open roads and parking areas at this time.

Songbird numbers are increasing, with waterfowl and other shorebirds beginning to increase in number as well.

American wigeon, mallard, ring-necked, gadwall, and bufflehead are present on the Miller Island Unit and associated Klamath River. Black-necked stilts have arrived, as have sandhill cranes. Cranes are most commonly seen in the fields north of Miller Island Road in the morning while foraging.

In order to minimize disturbance to migrating and nesting birds, dogs are allowed only in the dog training area in Unit B from February 1 n July 31. Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit.

Some wetland units in Subunit B are dry to facilitate habitat management activities to reduce encroaching bulrush and cattail and increase open water for waterfowl and shorebird use. If you have any questions, please contact Klamath Wildlife Area at (541) 883-5734. For more information, visit ODFW Web site.

Lake County and Lakeview Area

Spring migration is in full swing. Long-billed curlews showed up last week. They are the earliest to arrive in the shorebird migration, and other species will be arriving as spring progresses. Migrating waterfowl and Sandhill Cranes will start to move out of the county by mid to late April. Best viewing is in the pastures of the Goose Lake Valley, Warner Valley, Chewaucan Basin, Summer Lake Basin and Paulina Marsh.

With the start of green up bighorn sheep can be seen at the lower elevations of their herd ranges. Best viewing opportunities are along Abert Rim, Jackson's Monument south of Summer Lake and Fish Creek Rim along Crump Lake. Keep in mind that access to all these areas are either state highways or paved county roads and viewers should park well out of the traffic lanes before getting out to view bighorn.

Rough-legged hawks and other winter raptors are leaving for northern nesting grounds, best viewing opportunities are in the valleys associated with agricultural fields. Migrating Bald Eagles are moving north out of the county. Nesting summer residents can be occasionally observed in the Goose Lake Valley.

Summer Lake Wildlife Area

This section was updated on April 14. Vehicle access to the Wildlife Viewing Loop remains open through summer and into early fall. However, Bullgate and Windbreak dikes, lateral and minor dikes and the Work Road are closed to motor vehicles to reduce disturbance to breeding and migrating waterbirds. Non-motorized access remains available on all dikes and roads throughout the Wildlife Area.

Waterbird numbers are increasing since spring migration is in full swing. Viewers can expect to find numbers of some waterfowl species and other waterbirds to increase during the next month while large flocks of migrants will soon be declining. Many species that have been absent since last fall will be making their spring arrival in the next few weeks.

Breeding season for early nesting species is underway at this time. Viewers are urged to use great care not to disturb nesting birds. Please be aware that it is unlawful to let dogs run at large from April through July.

Waterfowl

Northward migrating waterfowl are beginning to decline now. Some species such as the large flocks of migrant canvasback and American wigeon have departed, but large numbers of northern shoveler and northern pintail continue to be observed. Breeding ducks such as mallard, cinnamon teal and gadwall are dispersing into pairs and hens are selecting territories. Waterfowl have spread out across the entire area. Last week, 15 species of ducks were observed on the weekly count that totaled about 18,000 birds.

Resident Canada geese are dispersed widely across the Wildlife Area and adjacent private lands. Most Canada geese have formed breeding pairs and nesting is underway. The season's first broods should be appearing at any time now. Migrant greater white-fronted remain in good numbers, but snow geese are starting to decrease as they continue to head north towards their arctic breeding grounds. Last weeks' waterbird count found about 2,000 white geese remaining.

Tundra swans are nearly absent now; but sometimes a few late migrating individuals and small flocks can be seen through the end of spring. Nearly all trumpeter swans have also departed but occasionally sub-adults can sometimes found. Most of these birds have departed to breeding territories in the Tri-State region of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming or Alberta and British Columbia.

Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds

Spring migrants continue to return and numbers of shorebirds are increasing. American avocets and black-necked stilts are very numerous at this time. Viewers can expect to see other species returning soon and numbers increase dramatically over the next several weeks.

Wading birds are beginning to arrive as well, great egrets made an appearance over the past week.

Most sandhill crane pairs have dispersed onto their nesting territories. A few pairs and small numbers of non-breeding cranes can be found foraging in mowed and/or newly planted grainfields at the Foster Place. American coot numbers have increased dramatically with over 2,000 observed during the weekly bird count.

Double-crested cormorants, gulls (California and ring-billed) and grebes (eared and western) are becoming fairly numerous at this time.

Raptors and Others

Resident raptors remain scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Hwy 31. Migrant raptors can still be found in fair numbers throughout the Summer Lake Basin and are very apparent along Highway 31. Many resident birds have returned to nesting territories. Meadows offer excellent foraging opportunities for many raptors. Northern harriers are especially numerous over marsh and hay meadows. Bald eagle numbers have declined dramatically over the past week but a few remain. Turkey vultures are increasing in number and frequently observed. Prairie falcons, Cooper's and sharp-shinned hawks and golden eagles are sometimes seen during this time of the year. Rough-legged hawks are nearly absent at this time.

Great-horned owls are on nests at River Ranch and other sites and incubation is well underway. The osprey pair at Ana Reservoir has returned and the nest platform is occupied at this time.

Upland game birds

California quail are beginning to break up from their large coveys now and some pairs are starting to disperse. Eurasian collared doves remain fairly numerous (15-20) at Headquarters Complex and are vigorously calling.

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. Spotted towhees remain in good numbers as well as Am. and lesser goldfinches and white-crowned sparrows. Red-winged blackbirds are increasing in number and have spread out to emergent marsh areas where males are actively singing especially on sunny days. Yellow-headed blackbirds returned last week and can be readily observed at the Headquarters feeder. Tree swallows are increasing in number and are very actively inspecting nest boxes found at Headquarters and elsewhere on the Wildlife Area. Last week saw the arrival of barn, cliff and rough-winged swallows and by the weekend all were increasing in number.

Viewers can expect returning migrants to continue to make an appearance in the near future. Please check the Wildlife observation Record in the Headquarters Lobby for recent arrivals and other species of interest.

Facilities and Access

The entire area is open to public access. The Wildlife Viewing Loop remains open, but Bullgate and Windbreak dikes, all lateral and minor dikes and the Work Road are now closed to motor vehicle travel. Non-motorized travel is permitted in these as well as lateral and other minor dikes. Viewers are urged to use caution driving open roads since shoulders and dike edges may be soft and muddy at this time.

The entire Wildlife Area is closed to cross country motor vehicle or ATV travel.

Camping is permitted at four sites on the Wildlife Area. Campgrounds are primitive but each has vault toilets, trash barrels and a few picnic tables.

Again, viewers are urged to keep pets in close control; the breeding season for many species of ground nesting birds is underway. Killdeer are nesting at this time and are very vulnerable to disturbance.

Habitat

Recent warm daytime temperatures have resulted in open conditions and emergent sedges and rushes are beginning to grow. Shallowly flooded wetland edges have are very attractive to foraging waterbirds and are receiving heavy use. Invertebrate activity has increased dramatically and large columns of midges are very apparent on sunny days. Mosquitoes are beginning to become active at this time. Many waterbird species and other insectivorous birds are taking advantage this abundant food source at this time.

Water levels are generally high throughout the Area with the exception of Gold Dike Impoundment and the River Ranch units that are being drawdown for habitat enhancement scheduled to occur later this summer. Large portions of both of these units have recently been control burned and waterbird use in these areas is increasing.

Meadows and hayfields found on adjacent private lands and in selected locations on the Wildlife Area are beginning to green-up. Some of these seasonally and intermittently flooded wetlands are being flooded at this time and are receiving considerable waterbird use.

Upland habitats are in very good condition with forbs and grasses readily available for food. Greenup of grass and forbs is becoming very extensive at this time.

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

NORTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities

* Several lakes and ponds in the zone have been stocked or offer good fishing for holdover fish.

GRANDE RONDE, WALLOWA, IMNAHA RIVERS AND TRIBUTARIES: steelhead, trout

Steelhead angling in the Grande Ronde, Wallowa, and Imnaha rivers is closed as of April 15. These streams will open for trout angling on May 23.

Check river flows

JOHN DAY RIVER: bass and steelhead

Stream flows are fluctuating daily dependent on rain and snowmelt. Anglers have been catching steelhead between Service Creek and Kimberly on the John Day River and in the North Fork John Day River below Monument when water conditions allow. Drifting jigs and bait has been the most productive method. Remember to keep all clipped hatchery fish and release the unmarked ones.

Stream flow levels at Service Creek

The John Day River above Kimberly and all tributaries are closed to trout angling until May 24, 2008. The John Day River below Kimberly is open to angling for steelhead and bass all year.

MAGONE LAKE: trout

Ice has covered the lake and access is by snowmobile only. Anglers should be cautious of thin ice. Ice fishing success for brook and rainbow trout should be fair with rainbows and brook trout to 14 inches.

MARR, VICTOR, AND WALLOWA WILDLIFE PONDS: rainbow trout

Ponds are ice free and should provide fair angling for hold-over rainbow trout. In addition, surplus hatchery steelhead have been stocked in Marr Pond and Wallowa Wildlife Ponds. These fish are considered trout in ponds.

McKAY RESERVIOR: trout, yellow perch, crappie

Trout angling should be fair, Yellow perch, crappie and brown bullhead angling will improve as water temperatures increase.

MCNARY, HATROCK and TATONE Ponds: Trout

Have been stocked, angling should be good for rainbow trout.

MORGAN LAKE: trout, bullheads, crappie

The lake is currently closed but will reopen April 25. Legal trout will be stocked for the opener.

PEACH POND: trout

The pond on Ladd Marsh has been stocked with surplus steelhead and legal-sized rainbow trout. The steelhead are considered trout and only one over 20 inches can be taken per day. Fishing has been good using worms, rooster tails and PowerBait.

ROULET POND: trout

The pond has been stocked with surplus steelhead and legal-sized rainbow trout. The steelhead are considered trout and only one over 20 inches can be taken per day.

ROWE CREEK RESERVOIR, BULL PRAIRIE RESERVOIR, TROUT FARM POND, LONG CREEK POND, CAVENDER POND: trout

These reservoirs and ponds are open all year but only stocked each spring. Stocking will occur by early May but there are many fish still remaining from last year's releases.

TROUT FARM POND: trout

This small, spring-fed pond is open year-long and never freezes entirely. Access can be limited until snowplows clear the road and parking is limited. Angling success should remain fair for brook trout and planted rainbow all winter.

UMATILLA RIVER: steelhead

High river flows continue to hamper anglers. Steelhead angling effort was light, no creel survey was conducted last week. The steelhead return to Threemile Dam is currently at 2,703 for the season, no spring Chinook have been counted to date. Anglers are reminded steelhead season closes April 15. Spring chinook season opens April 16, only adipose fin clipped spring chinook may be kept. Bag limit: 2 adults and 5 jacks per day and 10 adults per year. Early season angling is expected to be slow. With the completion of fish passage improvements at Feed Canal Dam all steelhead and spring chinook are being released directly above Threemile Dam.

WALLOWA LAKE: rainbow trout

Ice is beginning to recede from the surface of Wallowa Lake and the lake should soon be accessible for boats. Anglers are having some success fishing open strips of water between the shore and the ice. We expect good angling for rainbow trout and kokanee when the ice clears.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, brown bullhead

Trout angling is fair for 12 to 16 inch rainbow trout; crappie angling should be good as water temperatures increase.

NORTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Spring turkey (opens April 15), cougar, controlled spring bear (remaining zone hunts open April 15), coyote

Don't forget to report your hunt results. Anyone who purchases a big game or turkey tag must report hunt results online or by phone for each tag. Reporting is required even if you did not fill your tag or go hunting. More information

Wolves may be present in northeast Oregon

Wolves are protected by state and federal law and it is unlawful to shoot them. Coyote hunters in northeastern Oregon need to take extra care to identify their target as wolves can look like coyotes, especially wolf pups in the mid-summer and fall.

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

BAKER COUNTY

TURKEY season opens April 15. See ODFW's turkey hunting brochure for some hunting tips.

SPRING BEAR hunting season opens April 15. See the hunting forecast for what to expect. Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring.

COUGAR season is open. Hunters experience the best success in Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee. Remember cougar check-in is mandatory; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

COYOTE numbers are good throughout the district. Remember to ask for permission before hunting on private properties. Try calling in early morning and late afternoon.

GRANT COUNTY

TURKEY season opens April 15. See ODFW's turkey hunting brochure for some hunting tips.

SPRING BEAR hunting season opens April 15. See the hunting forecast for what to expect. Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring.

COUGAR populations appear to be increasing, and the Desolation unit should be a good area to find them. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

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

SPRING BEAR hunting season opens April 15. See the hunting forecast for what to expect. Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring.

TURKEY season opens Wednesday, April 15. Snows are receding very quickly across the mountains and access is good in most areas of the Forest. The Western Route road is still closed however. Turkeys can be found throughout the forest, with higher population numbers in the southern portions of the forest. From all indications the turkey population is healthy, hunter success should be slightly higher this year over last.

COYOTE hunting will be tougher with the snow melting off and continuing warmer weather conditions. Watch wind direction to help prevent giving away your location. Calling with game distress calls can be very successful.

COUGAR numbers are increasing in most areas. Look for areas that have a lot of cougar sign as good sites for setting up a call site. In addition, be aware of ravens and other scavengers, as they can mark cougar kill sites, set up on these sites to increase your odds of finding a cougar. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

UMATILLA COUNTY

SPRING BEAR W Blue Mts hunt opened April 1. Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring. See the forecast for information on what to expect.

TURKEY season opens April 15. See ODFW's turkey hunting brochure for some hunting tips.

COUGAR populations are high. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

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.

The BRIDGE CREEK WILDLIFE AREA will accept comments on its draft 10-year management plan through April 17, 2009. Hunters, anglers, wildlife viewers and others are encouraged to provide their input. More information

UNION COUNTY

TURKEY hunting opens April 15. Early season hunters will increase their chances of success by staying out in the field all day. Walking into hunting areas that are not reachable by vehicles can produce enjoyable, uninterrupted hunts. Snow may limit access in the early part of the season. Scouting before the opener may save time and some frustration by revealing accessible hunting areas.

SPRING BEAR hunting season opens April 15. Look for bears on open South slopes. Early scouting should include checking access to hunting areas that may be snowed in. Many forest roads will be soft with early snow melt, take care not to cause unnecessary ruts. See the hunting forecast for more about what to expect. Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring.

COUGAR hunting is open. Warmer weather and a rise in snow levels will make tracking more challenging. Hunters should focus there efforts near deer and elk winter range. Setting up about 150 yards downwind of a deer/elk kill site during the twilight hours can be productive. Always prop the mouth wide open on harvested cougars and bears, this saves time when biologists pull a tooth. Hunters bringing in frozen heads with the jaw shut will be asked to return at a later date with the jaw open.

COYOTE numbers are strong throughout the county. With less snow in the foothills, hunters will need to spend more time glassing to locate animals. 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

Bird hunting seasons are now closed.

WALLOWA DISTRICT

SPRING TURKEY general season opens April 15. Turkey numbers have improved over last year. Access too many traditional hunting areas in the Minam, Sled Springs, Wenaha, and Chesnimnus units will be difficult due to deep snow. Hunters should focus their efforts on private lands associated with the Wallowa Valley. Hunters are reminded to have permission before entering private property.

SPRING BEAR season opens April 15 for those that got a tag. Good numbers of bear are available in all units. Areas that are more remote and receive less hunting pressure will provide better opportunities for success. Early season access will be difficult in all units due to deep snow. Bear activity is expected to be minimal until late April and early May, the exception to this will be lower elevations in the Snake River unit. See the hunting forecast for more about what to expect. Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear's mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring.

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

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

TRAVEL MANAGEMENT: Noregaard, whiskey Creek, and Shamrock vehicle road closures will be in effect in the Sled Springs units.

NORTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

Baker County

Rocky Mountain elk are still on feed sites on Elkhorn Wildlife Area. Best viewing opportunities area located at the main wildlife area property off of Anthony Lakes Highway and from Auburn Road viewing area south of Baker City off of Highway 7. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope.

Bighorn sheep can be seen along the Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee or along the Snake River Road south of Richland. As snow and colder weather comes, sheep will move lower in elevation and be more visible along roads. Bald eagles and diving ducks can be viewed in abundant numbers along open water portions of Brownlee and Oxbow Reservoir.

Gilliam, Morrow and Wheeler Counties

We can now say that it is officially spring. The Say's phoebe and Long-billed Curlew have both been spotted. Sandhill cranes can be seen flying overhead, headed north for the summer, and many flowering plants are coming into bloom.

Now is a great time to view the courtship rituals of various avian species. All species have some form of ritual in mate selection, from aerobatic displays to nest building. Raptors are both the easiest to spot and the most impressive. The looping and matched flight courtship of the Northern Harriers always thrills. The light silver colored male and darker, brown female make keeping track of them through their flight pattern that much easier.

Raptor viewing is good; watch the power poles. Most common are rough-legged and red-tailed hawks, but you may be rewarded with a ferruginous or a Swainson's hawk as they migrate into the Columbia Basin and foothills of the Blues. Bald eagles can be seen along the Columbia and major waterways of the area. Sharp-shinned and Cooper's hawks can be seen along many of the waterways; Northern Harriers are found throughout the grasslands and American kestrels can be seen about anywhere. You may catch a glimpse of a prairie falcon in the foothills, and turkeys can still be seen above Monument. Try the Top road to the forest for the best chance of spotting them.

Waterfowl can be seen along the waterways and wetlands in the area. This time of year they are building their nest site and will soon, if they haven't already, lay and incubate their eggs with young hatching about 28 days later.

Union County

Canadian Geese are pairing up and can be viewed around the valley near water. Redwing Black Birds are returning and can be viewed near marshy areas throughout the county. Sandhill cranes and trumpeter swans have started arriving and can be viewed along Pierce Road and Foothill Road. Report any banded cranes to the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area office (541-963-4954). Look for eagles and rough-legged hawks along Peach road. Deer and elk can be seen around the edges of the valley.

There are still many elk at the Anthony Creek feed site on the Elkhorn Wildlife Area.

ODFW's Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, La Grande

Please report any observations of banded sandhill cranes to the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area office (541-963-4954) or to Gary Ivey, Western Crane Conservation Manager, International Crane Foundation (541-383-2033). Please note the positions of the colors on each leg (right leg means the crane's right leg, no matter which way the bird is facing) along with the date, time and location of the observation.

The Tule Lake Public Access Area is open for the season. The auto route and trails may be slippery so use care. 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.

Many of the over 100 swans that have been present recently, have apparently moved on to the north although a few remain scattered around the wildlife area. Nearly all the expected duck species can been seen including mallards, pintails, gadwall, American wigeon, wood duck, ring-necked duck, scaup, redheads and cinnamon and green-winged teal.

Canada geese are present in large numbers and many have claimed nest sites and are incubating eggs. Migrating greater and lesser sandhill cranes have been seen in large numbers off Peach Road. Local, nesting pairs of greater sandhill cranes have been seen in most of the usual territories. The best places to observe these pairs are along Foothill Road and Hot Lake Lane.

Numerous birds of prey can be seen utilizing the wildlife area. Red-tailed hawks have begun nesting and great horned owl young have likely hatched. Watch for downy young owls to become visible on and around the nests in the coming weeks. Rough-legged hawks have left the area, headed for their northern nesting areas and Swainson's hawks have yet to arrive from the south although they are expected soon. Northern harriers are present in high numbers and can often be seen in aerial displays or carrying nesting material as they, too, prepare for the next generation.

Visitors are reminded not to approach nesting birds too closely to minimize disturbance during this critical season.

A few elk have been observed in the wildlife area near Pierce Road and others may still be seen on Glass Hill. Glassing the slope above Foothill Road in the morning may reveal elk high on the slope. Both mule and white-tailed deer are also using the slopes above Foothill Road.

Dogs are not permitted within the Wildlife Area, on or off leash. For more information on access rules for the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, please consult the 2008-2009 Oregon Game Bird Regulations or call the wildlife area (541) 963-4954.

Umatilla County

Umatilla County is still locked in winter conditions, but there are some signs of spring. Early migrants can be seen making appearances in the low elevation area of Umatilla County during March. Some of the more spectacular sights to see are north migrating sandhill cranes which can be seen on clear days traveling at extreme heights in V patterns toward the north. Listen for their songs which will often give the first clue to their presence even before being seen.

Migrating passerines will start to show up in riparian and shrubland areas in lower elevations in Umatilla County this time of year as well. Waterfowl will begin taking advantage of aquatic insect production in shallow sheetwater wetlands and will be visible to viewers.

Flocks of ducks and geese can be seen along the Columbia River and large reservoirs in the County. 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.

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, mallards and mergansers can be seen traveling in flocks up and down the river systems that have cottonwood trees along the banks.

Wallowa County

Warmer days in Wallowa County have resulted in snow receding in the valley and more opportunities to get out and about.

Bald Eagles

Bald eagles are common in the Wallowa Valley now. Eagles are currently gathering along Prairie Creek 2-3 miles east of Enterprise, and can be observed from Highway 82. They can also often be observed from Highway 82 in the vicinity of the Wallowa River. The Wallowa River in the Minam canyon is another good place to observe eagles.

Raptors

Several species of raptors, including red-tailed, rough-legged, and ferruginous hawks, can be observed during winter months in the Wallowa Valley. Most raptors can be easily observed from county roads. A good pair of binoculars will improve viewing opportunities.

Rocky Mountain Elk

Elk can be observed on the Wenaha Wildlife Area. Eden Bench, southwest of Troy, is a good area to view elk early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Bighorn Sheep

Bighorn sheep can often be observed along the canyon walls of the Grande Ronde River when driving both up and down stream from the town of Troy.

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

FISHING

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

Perch can be caught from shore using worms. Crappie are biting on jigs about 8 feet down. Catfish and bass are biting as well. The reservoir is slowly dropping and is at at 28 feet below normal. Call Idaho Power Company's recording at 1-800-422-3143 to get information on access at recreational sites or visit their Web site under the "Rivers and Recreation" heading.

Reservoir level information

OXBOW RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass, catfish

No recent report, but crappie, bass and catfish angling should be picking up.

HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass, catfish

No recent report, but crappie, bass and catfish angling should be picking up.

SNAKE RIVER below HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, smallmouth bass

A few 16-inch trout are showing up in catches. All steelhead fishing will be closed after April 30.

Get updated information on flow levels.

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

Flows near Nyssa ranged from approximately 7,000 to 12,500 cfs from April 4 through April 13. Flows near Weiser ranged from approximately 10,500 to 17,000 cfs from April 4 through April 13. Catch rates for smallmouth bas are slow. Catch rates for catfish are improving.

COLUMBIA ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities:

* The Columbia River mainstem from Buoy 10 upstream to the Hayden Island powerlines is open to chinook salmon fishing through Saturday April 18.

* Walleye and spring chinook are available in the Bonneville, The Dalles, and John Day Pools.

Columbia River Fish Counts:

Regulations:

SALMON, STEELHEAD AND SHAD:

On the lower Columbia River this past weekend there were 2,935 salmonid boats and 584 Oregon bank anglers counted on Saturday's (4/11) flight. Catch rates slowed down slightly over the weekend for boat anglers; however, bank angling for spring chinook has improved. Boat anglers in the gorge saw the highest catch rates with 0.69 spring chinook caught per boat. In the estuary boat anglers averaged 0.42 spring chinook caught per boat, while anglers between Portland (below Hayden Island) to Longview averaged 0.23 spring chinook caught per boat. In Troutdale boat anglers averaged 0.18 spring chinook caught per boat. Bank anglers in the estuary averaged 0.38 spring chinook over the weekend, while anglers in the gorge averaged 0.04 spring chinook caught per rod. The Portland to Longview bank anglers averaged 0.08 spring chinook caught per rod during the week.

Gorge Bank & Boat:

Weekend checking showed two adipose fin-clipped spring chinook kept for 47 bank anglers; and 38 adipose fin-clipped spring chinook kept, plus seven unclipped spring chinook released for 65 boats (212 anglers).

Troutdale Boats:

Weekend checking showed 22 adipose fin-clipped spring chinook adults, and one adipose fin-clipped spring chinook jack kept, plus seven unclipped spring chinook adults and one unclipped jack released for 158 boats (401 anglers).

Portland to Longview Bank:

Weekday checking showed 23 adipose fin-clipped spring chinook adults, one adipose fin-clipped spring chinook jack, and four adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus five unclipped spring chinook and two unclipped steelhead released for 368 bank anglers.

Portland above Hayden Island Powerlines:

Weekday checking showed 40 adipose fin-clipped spring chinook adults and one adipose fin-clipped spring chinook jack kept, plus eight unclipped spring chinook jacks released for 127 boats (346 anglers).

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed 17 adipose fin-clipped spring chinook kept, plus three unclipped spring chinook released for 87 boats (206 anglers).

Estuary Bank (Above Tongue Point):

Weekend checking showed two adipose fin-clipped spring chinook and one adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus one unclipped spring chinook released for eight bank anglers.

Estuary Boats (Above Tongue Point):

Weekend checking showed 28 adipose fin-clipped spring chinook adults, three adipose fin-clipped spring chinook jacks, and two adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus three unclipped spring chinook adults released for 74 boats (175 anglers).

Bonneville Pool:

Weekly checking showed no catch for five bank anglers.

The Dalles Pool:

Weekly checking showed no catch for 16 bank anglers.

John Day Pool:

Weekly checking showed no catch for two bank anglers.

STURGEON:

The Columbia River Compact met on Thursday December 18 and adopted new sturgeon regulations for 2009. For the news release, please check the link below:

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2008/december/121808.asp

Sturgeon anglers are reminded that effective Jan. 1, 2009, a new method of measuring sturgeon for retention will take effect statewide. Under the new rules, sturgeon will be measured from the tip of the nose to the fork in the tail (rather than the tip of the tail). The resulting allowed retention measurements are slightly shorter than the old method. As a result, the 2009 slot measurement for sturgeon caught in the Columbia River downstream of The Dalles Dam to the Wauna Power lines, including tributaries, will be 38 to 54 inches FORK LENGTH. Upstream of The Dalles Dam to the Oregon/Washington border, the fork length for sturgeon retention will be 43 to 54 inches beginning on Jan. 1. Below the Wauna power lines, the fork length will likely change to 41-54 inches after April 2009, although those rules have not yet been adopted (see emergency rule changes for exact dates as the season approaches for sturgeon fishing below the Wauna power lines). Remember, all of these figures are simple conversions of the old method of measuring sturgeon. It does not mean you can keep smaller fish, only that the method of measuring "keepers" has changed. So, from Jan. 1 on, make sure that your sturgeon is of legal length under this NEW measurement technique.

Sturgeon effort on the lower Columbia River has slowed (22 boats & 14 bank anglers counted on Saturday's 4/11 flight) with the arrival of spring Chinook; however, catch rates appear to be improving with the increased water temperatures.

Gorge Bank:

Weekend checking showed no catch for two bank anglers.

Gorge Boats:

Weekend checking showed no catch for one boat (two anglers).

Troutdale Boats:

Weekend checking showed two legal white sturgeon kept, plus seven legal and three sublegal sturgeon released for two boats (four anglers).

Portland to Longview Bank:

No report.

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed two sublegal sturgeon released for five boats.

Estuary Boat & Bank:

No report.

Bonneville Pool Boat and Bank:

As of March 31, anglers have caught 291 legal white sturgeon out of their 700 catch guideline for 2009. Weekly checking showed eight sublegal sturgeon released for 36 bank anglers; and one legal white sturgeon kept, plus 11 sublegal sturgeon released for six boats (18 anglers).

The Dalles Pool Boat and Bank:

Effective 12:01 AM Sunday April 19, the retention of sturgeon in The Dalles Pool and tributaries will be prohibited. Weekly checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept, plus seven sublegal sturgeon released for 44 bank anglers; and 10 sublegal sturgeon released for two boats (five anglers).

John Day Boat and Bank:

Effective 12:01 AM Monday April 13, the retention of sturgeon in the John Day Pool and tributaries is prohibited because the harvest guideline of 165 legal white sturgeon has been met. Weekly checking showed four legal white sturgeon kept, plus 18 sublegal sturgeon released for 47 bank anglers; and two legal white sturgeon kept, plus 45 sublegal sturgeon released for 27 boats (55 anglers).

WALLEYE:

Bonneville Pool Boats:

Weekly checking showed two walleye kept, plus three walleye released for three boats (five anglers).

The Dalles Pool Boats:

Weekly checking showed 20 walleye kept for 12 boats (31 anglers).

John Day Pool Boats:

Weekly checking showed 20 walleye kept, plus eight walleye released for 15 boats (33 anglers).

MARINE ZONE

FISHING

Ocean conditions kept most anglers off the ocean this past week. When ocean conditions permit fishers may expect fair to very good catches of lingcod and rockfish. Along rocky shore and inside jetties, fishing for bottomfish can also be productive this time of year.

Bottomfish anglers need to stay shoreward of the 40-fathom line through Sept. 30 to protect yelloweye rockfish. This regulation applies to lingcod, rockfish, cabezon, flatfish and other species listed on page 100 of the 2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations. The 40-fathom line is defined by latitude and longitude; coordinates are online at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp.

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

Spring is a good time to try for saltwater perch in estuaries from shore or boats. Try a small hook size of #4 or #2 secured 24 to 30 inches below a 1- or 2-ounce sinker on 8- to 10-pound test line. Alternatively, hooks may be secured a foot or so above the sinker. Popular baits include sand shrimp, sand worms, kelp worms, clam necks and mussels. Keep the bait close to structure such as rocks, jetties, pilings or sunken ships. Most anglers fish an incoming tide. The daily bag limit is 15.

All salmon fishing in the ocean is closed. The 2009 salmon season looks exceptionally good for coho with the highest quota in more than a decade. Visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/salmon/Regulations/OceanSport2009.asp for season details.

Pacific halibut fishing kicks off in most areas on May 1. See details on the 2009 season map available at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/finfish/halibut/index.asp.

SHELLFISH

The next negative tide series falls on the mornings of April 24 -30. The entire Oregon coast is open to the recreational harvest of mussels, clams and other shellfish. However, harvesters should check for current closures on the ODA shellfish safety page or call the shellfish hotline, 503-986-4728 or 1-800-448-2474. Waters can be closed on short notice because of contaminated waters due to coastal flooding and because of elevated levels of naturally occurring toxins.

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

CRABS

Bay crabbing continues to be fairly slow. Success is often best at high tide or low tide when crabs are looking for food. Recreational Bay Crab Survey data on catch statistics are updated every month during the winter on the ODFW Web site at the recently-launched Crabbing Reports page. This provides prospective crabbers some information on the recent success of other crabbers in the three bays that are sampled during the winter: Yaquina Bay, Alsea Bay and Coos Bay.

Sport crabbing is also open in the ocean.

Some sport crabbers have difficulty correctly measuring the minimum size for Dungeness crab, which is 5 3?4 inches measured in a straight line across the back immediately in front of, but not including, the points. For a photograph and diagram see page 96 of the 2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

MARINE ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS

Lincoln City Wings & Waves Festival, May 1, 2 and 3

Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Highway 101. Activities include a bird-count contest, field trips, kayak trips, speakers and a live raptor show, live music on Friday and Saturday, and construction of the world's largest bird nest. Visit the Lincoln City Audubon Society Web site, http://www.lincolncityaudubon.com/

Second Annual Port Orford Water Festival April 17-18, 2009

The Festival is geared towards grades K-8, but there will be fun and learning for all ages! We will have booths and activities run by many different not-for-profits and other agencies. Last year we had a Stream Trailer from Curry Soil and Water and a field trip to a fish hatchery. For more information