The Oregon Recreation Report, updated May 13 by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:

Controlled hunts deadline extended to May 19

ODFW has extended the controlled hunt application deadline from May 15 until Tuesday, May 19 due to a slowdown in the license sales system believed to be caused by the high volume of sales activity. Big game tag proposals are online. New for this year, hunters can apply for controlled hunts online.

Wildlife Viewing is Excellent at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area

Find excellent elk viewing just 60 miles west of Portland in the midst of the Coast Range. The best times to see elk are in the mornings and evenings. Migratory bird species that have recently returned to the wildlife area include band-tailed pigeons, violet-green swallows and wood ducks. See the Northwest Zone viewing report for more information. See Jewell Meadows on U-Tube

May is a great month to fish Oregon's lakes, ponds and reservoirs

Most lakes are now accessible (or will be soon), many have recently been stocked with legal-sized or larger trout, and the cool weather of spring and early summer is perfect for trout. Check out the Zone reports for some great stillwater fishing in your corner of the state.

Spring bear and turkey hunting continue through May 31

Turkey hunting pressure has dropped off so now is a good time to head out. Since many hens have already been bred, toms may be more responsive to calls as they look for those hens still interested. You can purchase a turkey tag through the last day of the season, anytime before you go hunting.

Learn how to fly-fish, razor clam, safely use a shotgun and more

Visit ODFW's outdoor skills page to see the variety of workshops available. The clinics teach the basic skills needed to take part in outdoor activities safely. All necessary equipment plus lunch are provided at events.

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.

WILLAMETTE ZONE

Weekend fishing opportunities:

* The Springfield Field Office and local area aquatic education instructors will be hosting a youth angling event Saturday, May 16 at the Alton Baker Canoe Canal in Eugene. Fishing equipment and instruction will be provided from 9:30am until 1 p.m. There is no fee or pre-registration for this youth-oriented event. A fishing license is required for those 14 and older. For additional information, contact the Springfield Field Office at 541-726-3515.

* The North Willamette Watershed District will host a youth angling event Saturday, May 16 at West Salish Pond in Fairview. Fishing equipment and instruction will be provided from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., free of charge. For additional information, contact the NWWD at 971-673-6034.

* Spring chinook fishing prospects should improve on the Clackamas and Sandy rivers after seasonal high water begins to drop.

* Sturgeon fishing has been slow 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

Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting, Friday, May 15, 8 a.m., ODFW Headquarters, 3406 Cherry Ave., NE, Salem.

Commission will consider 2009 ocean and Columbia River salmon seasons.

Sandy River Spey Clave, Friday, May 15, 2009-Sunday, May 17

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Come to Oxbow Regional Park for the largest gathering of anglers devoted to two-hand fly rod fishing in the Western Hemisphere. Visit exhibitors' booths displaying the latest tackle or sign up for free casting lessons. View on-the-water casting demonstrations throughout the weekend. Program is free with a $4 entrance fee to the park. The park is located at 3010 SE Oxbow Parkway, Sandy River Gorge, Gresham. From I-84, take the Troutdale exit (17). Go past the truck stop to the light and turn right on 257th. Go 5.6 miles to Division Street and turn left. Continue east for 5 miles following the signs. Turn left on Oxbow Parkway and drive 1.6 miles to the park entrance.

REMINDER

Anglers are reminded that trout season for most streams and rivers in western Oregon does not open until May 23. This regulation is required to protect downstream migrating steelhead smolts that are still in many rivers and streams. Note there are some streams in the Willamette Valley that did open this past weekend (stream sections above impassable barriers or where steelhead are not present); anglers should consult the angling regulations.

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, particularly for smallmouth bass, picked up in the lower Willamette River with increasing river temperatures. Action will continue if temperatures hold or elevate further in the coming weeks.

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL: rainbow trout

Recently stocked with 1,500 legal-sized and 400 larger rainbow trout.

BENSON LAKE: trout

Will be stocked with 4,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. Benson a 40-acre lake located in Benson Lake State Park near the Columbia River. Take the Benson State Park exit just before Multnomah Falls off of I-84 going east.

BETHANY POND: trout

Recently stocked with 2,000 legal-sized trout. This is 10 acre pond located at Bethany west of Portland. Take 185th Exit from Hwy. 26 north to Bethany.

BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout

Will be stocked this week with 1,500 legal-sized rainbow trout. Blue River Reservoir is located 42 miles east of Eugene off of Hwy. 126.

BLUE RIVER ABOVE THE RESERVOIR n trout

Will be stocked this week with 1,500 legal-sized trout.

CANBY POND: trout

Recently stocked with 400 legal-sized rainbow trout and 50 larger trout. Canby Pond is located on the south end of Canby in Canby Community Park and is open only to youths under 17 years old and persons who possess Disabled Hunting and Fishing Permits.

CARMEN RESERVOIR: trout

Recently stocked with 2,500 legal-sized rainbow trout and 500 larger trout. The reservoir is located on the upper McKenzie River, about 2 miles south of Clear Lake on Hwy. 126, 21 miles north of the McKenzie Hwy.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: steelhead, chinook

The water conditions improved somewhat over the weekend but flows are still too high for quality angling. The river forecast is for high flows to continue several more days due to spring run-off. As a result angling effort was light, even considering the Willamette is closed, and catch was slow. Summer steelhead and a few late winters are present, while chinook are spread throughout the system. If this week's rainfall is light the river could be in better shape by the coming weekend.

The Clackamas River upstream of the highway 99 bridge will remain open for spring chinook under permanent rules.

Monday readings for the Clackamas showed flows at 5,980 cfs (14.23') with the water temperature near 49°.

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.

CLEAR LAKE: trout

Recently stocked with 2,500 legal-sized and 1,250 larger sized trout. Clear Lake is located approximately 3 miles south of the junction of highways 126 and 20.

COMMONWEALTH LAKE: trout

Recently stocked with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout and 300 1-3 pound trout. Commonwealth Lake is a 3-acre lake located in Cedar Hills in the Beaverton area. From the Sunset Highway, take Cedar Hills Blvd. south ½ mile. Turn right on Foothills Drive and follow to the lake.

DETROIT LAKE: trout

Will be stocked with 10,000 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Detroit Reservoir is 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

Recently stocked with 3,200 legal-sized trout. Dexter Reservoir is located 15 miles south of Eugene. From I-5, take the Hwy. 58 exit and head east to Dexter.

DORMAN POND: trout

Recently stocked with 3,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. Dorman Pond is located west of Forest Grove at the junction of Hwy. 8 and Hwy. 6.

EE WILSON POND: trout

Recently stocked with 600 legal-sized rainbow trout, 250 larger trout and 25 trophy trout. The pond is located on the EE Wilson Wildlife Area 10 miles north of Corvallis on highway 99W.

FALL CREEK above Fall Creek Reservoir: trout

Recently stocked with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout, above the dam, approximately 15 miles southeast of Springfield.

FREEWAY LAKE EAST: Trout

Will be stocked with 700 legal-sized rainbow trout and 50 larger trout. The lake is located about three miles east of Sweet Home, north of Hwy. 20.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: trout

Will be stocked with 6,000 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, opened to fishing on Thursday, April 16. The pond was stocked on the April 29 with hatchery rainbow, and some holdovers should still be available. 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.

HARTMAN POND: trout

Will be stocked with 1,750 legal-sized rainbow trout. Hartman is a 20-acre lake located by the Columbia River just before Multnomah Falls off of I-84. Take the Benson Lake State Park exit going east; the pond is on the right.

HENRY HAGG LAKE: trout, warmwater fish

This popular and boat accessible lake is heavily stocked all spring with hatchery rainbow trout. Hagg Lake spans 1,110 acres and has miles of bank access as well. It is located 7 miles southwest of Forest Grove off of Hwy. 47.

HILLS CREEK: trout

Will be stocked with 500 legal-sized rainbow trout, approximately five miles southeast of Oakridge.

JUNCTION CITY POND: trout

Recently stocked with 800 legal-sized rainbow trout, 275 larger trout, and 25 trophy trout. 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

Leaburg Lake will be stocked with 1,200 legal-sized trout and 150 larger trout. Leaburg Lake is the reservoir behind Leaburg Dam on the McKenzie River, approximately 17 miles east of Springfield on Hwy 126.

MCKENZIE RIVER (below Leaburg Lake): trout

The McKenzie River below Leaburg Lake will be stocked with 5,200 rainbow trout this week.

MCKENZIE RIVER (above Leaburg Lake): trout

The McKenzie River above Leaburg Lake will be stocked with 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout this week.

MOLALLA RIVER: steelhead

No report.

MT HOOD POND: trout

Was recently stocked with 1,000 legal-sized fish. 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 still being caught and released on the North Santiam while a few summers have been taken around Mehama. Recent increases in numbers of fish passing Willamette Falls should mean ever-improving prospects for the persistent angler.

ROARING RIVER PARK POND: trout

Will be stocked with 160 legal-sized trout and 20 larger trout this week. 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.

SALMON CREEK: trout

Recently stocked at several locations with a total of 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. Follow Hwy. 58 east from Springfield through Oakridge to Willamette Fish Hatchery one mile east of town to Forest Rd. 24.

SALT CREEK: trout

Will be stocked with 500 legal-sized rainbow trout this week

SANDY RIVER: steelhead

The river was high and off-color for much of the past week. As a result angling effort was very low. Spring chinook angling will improve once the river gets back into shape, possibly by the weekend. A few summer steelhead could be available in the Cedar Creek area. Winter steelhead angling has drawn to a close, with some opportunity for hook and release angling on wild fish further upstream. The Sandy Hatchery had an excellent return of winters this year with over 700 swimming into the holding pond. Monday flows on the Sandy River were at 4,250 cfs (10.96 ft) with the water at 49°.

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

Will be stocked with 600 legal-sized rainbow trout, 125 larger trout and 25 trophy trout this week. The pond is located on the edge of Sheridan. From Hwy 18, take exit 33 to Balston Road, turn right, then left to the pond.

SILVER CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

Recently stocked with 2.100 legal-sized trout and 500 larger trout. The lake is located 2.5 miles south of Silverton on Hwy. 214.

ST LOUIS PONDS: rainbow trout, crappie, catfish

Gets stocked heavily through spring with legal-sized trout, and larger trout too. Many of the fish are still available. Ponds 1, 3, and 6 have all had fish stocked in them. Pond 6 has been producing some good catches on small spinners or single salmon eggs. 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.

SUNNYSIDE PARK POND: trout

Will be stocked with 333 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Sunnyside Park Pond is located at the upper end of Foster Reservoir near the entrance to Sunnyside Park. Take Quartzville Road off Hwy 20 about 4 miles east of Sweet Home.

TIMBER LINN LAKE: trout

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

TIMOTHY MEADOWS: trout

Will be stocked with 5,000 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Timothy Meadows is a 1,400-acre lake about 80 miles east of Portland past Mt. Hood. From Hwy. 26, turn onto0 Skyline Rd. (FS42).

WALLING POND: rainbow trout

Will be stocked with 300 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. 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).

WALTER WIRTH LAKE: trout

Will be stocked with 1,700 legal-sized rainbow trout and 150 larger trout this week. The lake is located east of Salem in Cascade Gateway Park.

WEST SALISH POND: trout

The pond will be stocked with 1,500 legal-sized trout and 425 larger trout for ODFW's youth angling event on Saturday, May 16. The pond is located in Fairview behind Salish Elementary school. It is located on NE Glisan between 201st and 207th Ave. From I-84, take the 207th Ave. Exit, and head south to Glisan and turn right.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: shad, steelhead, sturgeon, warmwater fish

Spring chinook angling ended on the Willamette River below Willamette Falls on April 30. This includes the Multnomah Channel and the Clackamas River downstream of the Hwy 99 Bridge. Chinook fishing on the Columbia River is now closed. Staff will continue to monitor spring chinook passage at Bonneville Dam for the potential to provide additional recreational fishing opportunity.

The Willamette River upstream of Willamette Falls will remain open for spring chinook under permanent rules.

Sturgeon anglers had fair success during the last retention period. Boats going out of the St Johns boat ramp saw the best action. Decent catches were also found in Oregon City but the effort there was very light. River wide 149 sturgeon boats were checked with the catch showing 603 sublegals, 32 legals, and 5 oversized.

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 increased somewhat late last week. As of May 9, a total of 2,696 winter steelhead and 2,025 summer steelhead have moved beyond the falls.

Spring chinook passage was strong when the water temperature was in the mid-50s but has remained slow in recent days with the temperature hovering down in the low 50s. A total of 6,030 chinook have moved over the ladder through May 9. Numbers of migrants will gain steadily in the coming weeks.

Hydro readings at Willamette Falls on Monday showed flows at 30,000 cfs, the temperature down to 52° and visibility at 2.6 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 RIVER, COAST FORK: trout

The Coast Fork Willamette River was recently stocked with a total of 1,500 legal-sized rainbow trout, dispersed at several locations near downtown Cottage Grove.

WILLAMETTE RIVER, MIDDLE FORK above HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

The Middle Fork Willamette River above Hills Creek Reservoir was recently stocked with 1,350 legal-sized rainbow trout.

WILLAMETTE ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Spring turkey, cougar, predator, controlled spring bear

Controlled hunts deadline extended until May 19

Deadline was extended due to license sales system slowdown, believed due to high volume of sales activity in last few days leading up to deadline. New for this year, hunters can apply online. Or apply by fax, mail order, at a license agent or an ODFW office. See big game tag proposals under Hunting Resources.

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 continues through May 31. 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 continues through May 31. The harvest during April was slow but that is typical. Harvest should start picking up in May as the weather warms. In general, hunters should follow the receding snow line. 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. The limit is one bear per tag. It is unlawful to take cubs less than one year of age or females with cubs less than one year of age.

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 season remains open through May 31 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. The bag limit is one cougar per tag. Remember that it is illegal to take spotted kittens or females with spotted kittens.

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. Coyotes have pups in the den during this time and will be more active than normal.

EE WILSON WILDLIFE AREA

Hunting is now closed. The photo blind is now available. 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

Songbird Festival, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, Sat. May 16, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Visit Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, 19255 SW Pacific Highway, Sherwood.

Join the Friends of the Refuge for a day of outdoor activities, guided nature walks, hands-on crafts for kids, exhibits, presentations, entertainment, food and fun.

Mt Tabor Park Bird Walk, Sat. May 16, 8 n 10 a.m.

This Southeast Portland park is a haven for migrant and resident songbirds. Event co-sponsored by Audubon Society of Portland and Backyard Bird Shop. Call 503-496-0908 for information and to reserve a spot. Beginners welcome!

Valleywide

Great blue herons have young in their nests at this time of year. The young are very vocal when the adults arrive with food. One of the most visible colonies in the area is in a large cottonwood tree along the bike path at the east end of Alton Baker Park in Springfield (east side of I-5, north side of the millrace). Herons are usually very sensitive to disturbance and in other areas several instances of nest abandonment are known to have occurred due to human disturbance. This colony is especially acclimated to and tolerant of people. To minimize disturbance to the birds, do not approach the base of the tree from the north side of the millrace. Another very visible colony is in a stand of large cottonwood trees next to a pond on the east side of Delta Hwy, just north of the Valley River Shopping Mall in Eugene.

Ruffed grouse courting

Listen for a rhythmic drumming as you hike the forests this spring ? male ruffed grouse are out courting females and their rhythmic wing beating (drumming) is used to advertise their presence and draw females into their territories. Drumming starts with a slow but powerful wing beat every second, rapidly speeding up, and ending 8 to 11 seconds later. This acoustic "calling card" is repeated every 3 to 5 minutes in the early morning and late afternoon during the breeding season. Ruffed grouse are native to Oregon and can be easily identified by their relatively long, fan-shaped and distinctively banded tail in addition to their neck ruffs. Look and listen for these 16-19 inch long, brown or gray-brown, chicken sized birds in deciduous and mixed forest communities in western Oregon.

Turkeys strutting

Wild turkeys are actively strutting and courting during this time of year. These birds were introduced into Oregon from other parts of the U.S. 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.

Snakes bask when the sun shines

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.

Osprey and turkey vultures are on the move

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!

Where to hear songbirds

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.

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

The Sauvie Island Wildlife Area eastside units opened on May 1 after an extended closure to protect wintering waterfowl. The Westside, Oak Island and North units opened earlier in the spring. All areas require a Sauvie Island Wildlife Area 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. Spring migrants are arriving such as orange-crowned warbler, pacific-slope flycatcher and purple martins. The first Canada goose brood was observed over the weekend.

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

Weekend fishing opportunities:

* Coastal streams are at good fishing levels after recent rains; however some streams have been slow to clear. Fishing has generally been slow, with only a few early summer steelhead and spring chinook available in some streams.

NORTH COAST LAKES

District lakes have been stocked several times this spring. The next scheduled stocking is in early June in advance of free fishing weekend. The 2009 stocking schedule is available online.

Warmwater fish, particularly bass, should be getting more active as lakes slowly warm up. Cape Meares, Lytle, Cullaby, Sunset, Coffenbury and Vernonia lakes offer fair to good warmwater opportunities.

MID COAST LAKES

Trout stocking on Mid Coast Lakes: Trout fishing in the lakes has been very good lately and will remain very productive over the next few weeks. All water bodies on the stocking schedule have been stocked recently with 8 to 12-inch trout with many areas having a good number of 2 pound trophy trout. This is a great time of year to get out and catch some rainbow trout.

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: steelhead

The river above tide water is currently closed to all salmon, steelhead and trout angling and will reopen on May 23 for cutthroat trout. Tide water remains open year round for marine species.

NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: steelhead, chinook

Steelhead angling is slow to fair, with mostly dark winter steelhead "kelts" being caught. Recent rains should bring some summer steelhead and spring chinook upriver. Fish the lower river for best chances at fresh fish.

SILETZ RIVER: summer steelhead

Steelhead fishing is open year round on the Siletz. Catch rates for hatchery winter steelhead is very slow with most fish spawned out or heading back down stream. Fair numbers of wild fish are in the river spawning during this time period. Anglers are encouraged to handle these fish carefully and not take out of the water if possible. A few early summer steelhead have recently been caught in the lower river and numbers should increase in the coming weeks.

SIUSLAW RIVER: steelhead, cutthroat trout

Angling above tidewater is closed to salmon, steelhead and trout in the Siuslaw river basin, including Lake Creek and the North Fork Siuslaw. Angling will re-open on May 23 for cutthroat trout. Cutthroat trout angling is expected to be good this year. Tide water remains open year round to marine species.

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. A few spring chinook have been caught in the bay. Trolling herring in the lower bay or large spinners further up the bay are the most productive techniques.

TRASK RIVER: steelhead, chinook

Winter steelhead angling is fair, but most fish are dark or spawned out. An occasional summer steelhead will show in the catch also. A couple of spring chinook have been reported caught recently. 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

Steelhead angling is slow to fair. Most of the fish are dark or spawned out. A few early summer steelhead have been caught recently. The first spring chinook of the year was also caught recently. The river has been slow to clear after the last storm.

YAQUINA RIVER: steelhead

Angling above tide water is closed for salmon, steelhead and trout for the season. The fishery will re-open in conjunction with the traditional trout opener on May 23, 2009. Cutthroat trout angling is anticipated to be good this year.

NORTH COAST HUNTING

OPEN: COUGAR and 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

Controlled hunts deadline extended until May 19

Deadline was extended due to license sales system slowdown, believed due to high volume of sales activity in last few days leading up to deadline. New for this year, hunters can apply online. Or apply by fax, mail order, at a license agent or an ODFW office. See big game tag proposals under Hunting Resources.

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 and extends through May 31. Bears have recently been more active and harvest has picked up in the last two weeks. Higher elevations in the coast range may still have snow, in some places enough to limit travel on roads. Look for patches of skunk cabbage in wetlands of the forest and areas where logs have been torn up for places to set up calling stations. Visit the spring bear hunting forecast for tips and information about conditions.

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

NORTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

TAKE A ROAD TRIP TO THE COAST RANGE

Viewing is Excellent at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area

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

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

See Jewell Meadows on U-Tube

Spring bird song

Now that spring is in full swing, songbirds are very apparent in the forest as you walk through them. Along with the usual year-round residents, such as robins and song sparrows, many of the neotropical migrants are here and nesting as well. Now and for the next few months, the woods will be filled with their various songs designed to court a mate or declare a territory.

Astoria Area

NEW: The wildlife viewing bunker at Ft. Stevens State Park, near Astoria, is a great place to see a variety of bird species in the spring and early summer. Situated at the end of Clatsop Spit and on the edge of Trestle Bay, it is host to migratory shorebirds this time of year. The best time of view shorebirds there is a low tide, when the sand and mud flats are exposed. A spotting scope is highly recommended for best viewing.

Tillamook Area

Migrating shorebirds make a brief appearance this time of year around local beaches, estuaries and even pastures on their way north. Some of the largest shorebirds, the whimbrels and curlews - with wingspans approaching 3 feet n will hunt for worms and grubs in area pastures. They are easily recognizable by their extremely long, down-curved bills, which they use to probe the mud and soil. Many species of smaller shorebirds forage on area beaches and tidal areas. Their identification can be difficult as many are similarly sized and generally buff colored. A good field guide is always handy.

Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge and State Park is full of bird activity these days. Common murres are staging off of near-shore rocks in preparation for nesting in May. Black oystercatchers can be seen paired up and flying around the surf line, just below from the north viewing platform. Soon the peregrine falcons should be setting up for nesting on their usual ledge, which is also visible from the north viewing platform. In addition to the lighthouse, which is open during the spring, summer and fall months, there are many great interpretive panels that showcase the rich diversity of bird life that can be seen there.

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:

* Several area lakes, ponds and reservoirs have been stocked and should offer good fishing opportunities.

* Spring chinook fishing on the Rogue River has been picking up as water conditions improve.

* Fishing in Tenmile Lakes continues to be good for bass and trout, including the occasional 17-inch holdover trout.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Applegate Reservoir has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout, and trout fishing has been fair. Smallmouth bass fishing has picked up as the fish have started to move in closer to the shore. Hart-tish Park and boat ramp are now open.

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.

BEN IRVING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass

Ben Irving Reservoir, west of Winston, has been stocked with 4,000 trout so far.

BURMA POND: rainbow trout

Burma Pond was stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout last week.

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 8,050 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 3,500 trout to date.

COOS COUNTY LAKES: rainbow trout, warmwater fish

Powers Pond, Empire Lakes, Tenmile Lakes, Bluebill Lake, Eel Lake, Saunders Lake, Sru Lake, Johnson Mill Pond, and Bradley Lake were all stocked last 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. For those that like to flyfish, there are midges and caddisflies hatching on the area lakes. Trout have been stocked in the Millicoma Pond at the Millicoma Interpretive Center and fishing is excellent. Millicoma Pond is set aside for kids fishing only and is a great chance for them to hook into fish. Please call before traveling to Millicoma Pond to make sure the gates are open. The phone number is (541)267-2557.

The water temperature in many of the Coos County lakes is in the lower 60 degrees. Fishing for largemouth bass and bluegill usually picks up when the water temperatures rises into the 60s. 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: trout, sturgeon, rockfish, Dungeness crab, clamming

Trout fishing is closed in Coos Bay and the rivers until May 23.

Sturgeon fishing in Coos Bay has been slow. There have been a few fishermen trying to catch sturgeon but very few fish are being caught. There are new sturgeon regulations for 2009. See the 2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for the most current regulations.

Fishing for rockfish and lingcod in the lower Coos Bay estuary has been good. Fish near submerged rock piles for the best success and use sand shrimp or a jig and twister tail.

The best clamming tides are in the morning this week. There are good places to clam in Coos Bay even when the tides are not negative. 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. People crabbing from a boat have been averaging five crabs per licensed individual. Effort and harvest from the local docks, Charleston and Empire dropped off as well, with few crab of legal size.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: trout, sturgeon, striped bass

Trout fishing is closed in the Coquille estuary and rivers until May 23.

Sturgeon fishing in the Coquille River has been slow. There are new sturgeon regulations for 2009. See the 2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for the most current regulations.

Last weeks rain has the Coquille River running a little muddy. Striped bass fishing should pick up as the river clears.

DIAMOND LAKE: rainbow trout

Diamond Lake opened to angling April 25. Last year's fingerlings were about 12-inches long, while other fish stocked last year were 16 to 20 inches long. There was one 4 pounder caught along with a few 3 pounders. Overall, fishing was fair to good. 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. As of Monday, the road around lake is snowed in, but the North boat ramp is plowed. The ice is getting soft but call Diamond Lake Resort for up to date information (800) 733-7593. If ice fishing, please remember any man-made hole must be 12 inches or less in diameter or length.

DUTCH HERMAN POND: rainbow trout

Dutch Herman Pond was stocked last week with legal-sized rainbow trout.

ELK/SIXES RIVER:

Closed. Will reopen to trout angling on May 23.

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

Emigrant Reservoir was stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout last week. Trout have been biting on power bait and worms. Bass and other warmwater fish have moved into the shallows and fishing for them is improving with the warm weather.

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 was stocked last week with legal-sized rainbow trout. Night crawlers are the bait of choice. Fish bait either from a bobber or on the bottom with weight. Fishing for bass, bluegill and crappie has been good.

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout

Fish Lake will be stocked with 5,000 legal-sized rainbow trout this week, plus another 500 larger trout. Brook trout are also available. Fishing for trout has been good, with a number of larger fish being landed. The lake is free of ice. The boat ramps at the resort and Forest Service campground are open. Cabins and camping facilities are available at the Fish Lake Resort (541-949-8500). Information about the Forest Service campground can be obtained by contacting the Butte Falls Ranger District (541-865-2700).

FLORAS LAKE: rainbow trout

The lake is located a few miles south of Langlois. Bank access is limited, but there is a boat ramp at Boice Cope County Park. Fly fishing or slow trolling wedding ring spinners can work really well. Anglers should keep an eye on the weather as it can be very windy.

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 five 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 6,500 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.

GARRISON LAKE: rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, bass

Fishing continues to be good for trout, but anglers will need to start fishing deeper as water temperatures climb. 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. Anglers should keep an eye on the weather, as the lake can be very windy.

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 in March with 250 legal-sized trout and will be stocked again in June for Free Fishing Weekend.

HOWARD PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Fishing has been good for recently stocked legal-sized rainbow trout, as well as for larger trout from last year's stockings. OFDW will stock another 7,000 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Anglers have reported good catch rates while still fishing with PowerBait and while trolling. The resort facilities and the Jackson County campgrounds and boat ramps are open.

HYATT RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Trout fishing should be good. Hyatt Reservoir will be stocked with another 5,000 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Plus, there are a good number of larger trout left over from last year's stocking. The resort facilities are open, as are the BLM campground and boat ramp.

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 2,500 trout have been stocked this year.

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

Selmac has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Trout fishing has been good on worms and PowerBait. Casting and retrieving or trolling lures or flies has also been effective. Largemouth bass and panfish have moved in along the shoreline and angling for them has been good. Bluegill and crappie can be caught by suspending a worm or jig under a bobber.

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

Opened April 25 and angling is fair to good for Brown trout with a few rainbows mixed in. Starting April 27 the reservoir water height may change up or down a half foot per day until May 17. The lake has been stocked with 2,000 legal-sized trout and another 1,500 will be stocked this week. As of Monday, the resort boat ramp was open to provide access to the lake. Poole Creek boat ramp was plowed on Tuesday and people can now launch boats there. The lake is ice free now.

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 7,000 trout so far in 2009.

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

Lost Creek Reservoir has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Trout fishing has been fair. 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. Bass angling is improving as the fish are getting more active and are moving to shallower water.

MEDCO POND: rainbow trout, bass, panfish

Medco Pond was stocked with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout last week. Trout fishing has been good. Fishing for largemouth bass and bluegill has been good as well. Fishing a worm just off the bottom, casting lures, and trolling have all been productive technique.

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. The daily bag limit for rockfish, greenling and cabezon will increase to 7 fish in aggregate on May 1.

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 was recently stocked with 1,200 legal-sized rainbow 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. Fishing for largemouth bass and bluegill has been good as well.

ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: spring chinook

Spring chinook fishing picked up over the weekend as water conditions improved from recent storms. Anglers are picking up fish from Elephant Rock to Foster Bar on anything from spinners to straight anchovies.

Rogue River flows

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: chinook salmon, steelhead

The river has been dropping and clearing since last week's rain. The flow at Grants Pass on May 11 was 4,350 cubic feet per second and the water temperature was 50 oF. Spring chinook numbers continue to increase in the Grants Pass area, and fishing for them has been improving. Back-bouncing bait and back-trolling sardine-wrapped plugs have been productive techniques. Anglers are reminded that only adipose fin-clipped chinook may be retained at this time.

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: chinook salmon, steelhead

The river has been dropping and clearing since last week's rain. On May 11, the flow out of William Jess (Lost Creek) Dam was 3,140 cfs and the water temperature was 49oF. The flow at Gold Ray Dam, was 4,000 cfs. As of May 5, 5839 winter steelhead and 793 spring chinook have been counted at Gold Ray Dam. Angling for spring chinook has been slow, but should improve as more fish pass over Gold Ray Dam. Anglers are reminded that only adipose fin-clipped chinook may be retained at this time.

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 and the tributaries upstream of Soda Springs are open to trout angling. There is no limit on brook trout taken in addition to catch limits for other trout.

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 tributarties remain closed until May 23.

SPAULDING POND: rainbow trout

The access road is open and the pond was stocked last week with legal-sized rainbow trout.

TENMILE LAKES: largemouth bass, rainbow trout

The water temperature in Tenmile Lakes is in the upper 50/lower 60 degrees. Largemouth bass fishing has been decent but dependent on the weather. Largemouth bass are starting to spawn and will be found in shallow water. Largemouth bass are hitting a variety of lures including topwater, jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits.

Tenmile Lakes was stocked last week with legal sized rainbow trout. The best way to catch these fish is by trolling a flasher or a worm. For those that like to flyfish, there are lots of midges hatching in the evenings at Tenmile Lakes along with a few big caddisflies. There are also a few holdover trout from last year's stocking in Tenmile Lakes. These holdover trout are averaging 17 inches.

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. Striped bass have started becoming more active. Crabbing has been slow to fair. Note change in measuring sturgeon on page 19 of the 2009 Angling Regulations booklet.

UMPQUA HIGH LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

Clearwater Forebay #2 has been stocked with 1,500 trout this year and will be stocked this week with another 1,000 trout. 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 in 2008. Many of these lakes are still inaccessible due to snow on roads.

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 49 and 55 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, and even a few stories of 40+ lb fish landed. The Chinook are averaging 16 to 22 lbs. 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! A few shad have been reported in the Yellow Creek area. 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

The final count across Winchester Dam for winter steelhead was 7,831 and as of the 8 of May 884 chinook have been counted. Boat fishing activity has increased in the section below the dam along with chinook harvest numbers. Fishing in the Rock Creek area for chinook is fair to good. The fish are actively moving now with the increased flows and warmer water. Remember that only adipose fin-clipped steelhead can be harvested on the North Umpqua. The North is open to catch and release trout fishing from the mouth upstream to Soda Springs Dam.

North Umpqua River water levels at Winchester Dam

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: winter steelhead

The South Umpqua is closed to all angling. The South will reopen to trout and bass angling May 23.

South Umpqua River water levels near Riddle

WILLOW LAKE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bullhead

Willow Lake has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. The county park and boat ramp is open. Anglers should try using floating bait or worms. Casting or trolling lures or flies can also be effective. Bass and panfish are getting more active, and fishing for them is improving with the warm weather

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 slow to fair.

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, controlled spring bear, cougar, coyote

Controlled hunts deadline extended until May 19

Deadline was extended due to license sales system slowdown, believed due to high volume of sales activity in last few days leading up to deadline. New for this year, hunters can apply online. Or apply by fax, mail order, at a license agent or an ODFW office. See big game tag proposals under Hunting Resources.

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

Visit the turkey and spring bear hunting forecasts for tips and information about conditions in each zone.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

Controlled Spring Bear

The SW controlled bear season closes in a few weeks on 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.

Turkey

The spring turkey season ends on May 31. Many gobblers have been taken so far this season. A lot of the hunting pressure has dropped off so now is a good time to find your turkey since few hunters are still afield. 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

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.

Coyote

Numbers are strong throughout Douglas County. Using predator calls to lure them in can be an effective method for harvesting coyotes. Try calling in early morning and late afternoon. Be sure to ask permission before hunting on private land.

COOS COUNTY

SPRING BEAR season continues through May 31. 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 is now open. Many of the hens have been bred by this time. As a result toms become active looking for those hens still interested in breeding. Therefore, toms are responsive to calls. Hunters should spend their time hunting near agricultural lands. Be sure to get permission to access private land before doing so.

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 through May 31. 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 is open thru May 31. 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 abundant. Predator calling has been an effective method for some hunters. Locating deer migration trails that lead back to the higher elevations of the cascades can be helpful as cougars use these areas in search of prey. Hunters are also 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.

SOUTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

Pelicans on the coast

Brown pelicans can be seen on the Oregon coast. Watch for them flying single file and following the leader: when the lead pelican begins to glide on a thermal, the next pelican does the same and so on down the line. Brown pelicans can also be seen diving for fish in a similar manner.

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 become 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

Bullock's Oriole

The Bullock's (Northern) oriole has now arrived, and is commonly seen and heard around the Umpqua Valley. Look for their colorful orange and black bodies that are 8 in. long. The Bullock's oriole is our only oriole in Western Oregon found nesting in woodlands, orchards, riparian areas and farmland in tall shade trees like cottonwood. Their diet is insects (spiders), snails and nectar. Remember if you have an oriole feeder that you can make your own oriole food, similar to hummingbirds, 4 parts water to 1 part sugar ratio but always make sure the sugar goes completely into solution before hanging up for use.

Stewart Park Wildlife Trail

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

Purple Martin

Purple Martins have arrived so look for them around Plat I Reservoir, Cooper Creek Reservoir and Ten Mile Lake. Purple Martin is our largest swallow in North America and is uncommon & mainly found in Western Oregon communally nesting usually near a large water body.

Vaux Swift and Swallows

The first Vaux's swifts and various species of swallows have arrived so look for them around local reservoirs and water bodies.

Turtles and other reptiles

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

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

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

Shorebirds are currently migrating north and can be observed on area beaches and the Rogue Bay. Ospreys are actively fishing in the Rogue estuary and also nesting on the Lower Rogue. Several nests are observable from the Jerry Flat Road along the Rogue River.

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:

* Late April and May on the Deschutes River is often considered the best time of the year to catch trout on big dry flies.

* Anglers are catching bright summer and winter steelhead in the lower Hood River.

BIG LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout

Big lava is currently still ice covered and will be inaccessible for the upcoming weekend. Big Lava is a great place to catch nice rainbow trout ranging from 12 to 20 inches in length.

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

Anglers are having success catching nice rainbow trout along with a few brook trout. Crane provides great opportunity for top-of-the-line brook trout and anglers are strongly encouraged to try their hand at angling for them. Fish brook trout at dawn and dusk. Small spinners or spoons are often quite effective as are both wet and dry flies. Worms also work well. Anglers after the big brook trout should cast their fly, lure or bait close to cover such as submerged logs or undercut banks. Once you hook your brook trout head for open water as they're notorious for tangling your line around logs and rocks.

Please note new angling regulation specifying the daily trout bag may only include one non-fin-clipped rainbow trout per day. Crane is a great place to catch larger rainbow trout, though the novice angler will require patience.

CLEAR LAKE: rainbow trout

Snow is preventing access.

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

Anglers continue to have good 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

Anglers continue to catch redband trout and mountain whitefish, however they are encouraged to check flows before making a trip. Consistent flows generally result in better fishing. Anglers are reminded to exercise caution when wading on the slick rocks of the Crooked River and wading in areas, marked by signs indicating redband spawning habitat is discouraged through May. It is also important to note that fishing with bait is not currently allowed; artificial flies and lures only until May 23.

All anglers should 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 didn't see a lot of angling activity over the weekend. The fishing should be good for lake trout and fair for rainbow trout.

DAVIS LAKE: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass

Anglers reported catching a few rainbow and a fair number of largemouth bass. Remember Davis is a fly angling lake only.

DESCHUTES RIVER: steelhead, rainbow trout

Mouth to Warm Springs: steelhead, trout

The Deschutes River Canyon is full of flowering balsamroot, lupine, and hungry trout. Late April and May is often considered the best time of the year to catch trout on big dry flies. Fly anglers should look for caddis hatches during most days and large stone flies in the warm afternoons. Typically, golden stoneflies tend to primarily hatch below Maupin with salmonflies above Maupin. 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. The flows are now well-suited for fishing. This reach of the Deschutes provides good spring angling opportunity for brown trout and redband trout.

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

East Lake is still inaccessible. Please check with East Lake Resort @ EastResort.com, the Deschutes National Forest or the local ODFW office at 541 -388-6363 for up-to-date lake conditions. East Lake Resort plans to open May 22.

ELK LAKE: kokanee, brook trout

Elk Lake is not yet accessible

FALL RIVER: rainbow trout

Recent reports indicate that the angling has been fair with a few nice fish being caught. 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.

FROG LAKE:

Snow is preventing access.

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 and summer steelhead in the lower Hood River from the mouth upstream to Powerdale Dam. 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. Some mint bright summer steelhead have already been caught by anglers.

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

HOSMER LAKE: Atlantic salmon, brook trout

Hosmer is not yet accessible

KINGSLEY RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Kingsley has been recently stocked and should offer good opportunity for legal and trophy-sized trout.

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

Fishing in Billy Chinook remains consistent with catches similar to previous years. 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.

LAURANCE LAKE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Laurance Lake has been recently stocked and should offer good opportunity for legal and trophy-sized trout.

LITTLE LAVA LAKE: Rainbow trout, brook trout

Little lava lake is still not accessible.

METOLIUS RIVER: redband trout, bull trout

Some recent reports of redband trout being active. The warmer temperatures this week should result in some great hatches and great fishing. May on the Metolius can provide a great angling experience. 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

Fishing is reported to be fair. Good beaches, good wind protection and good numbers of stocked rainbow trout are North Twin positives.

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

Fishing improves at the head of the reservoir as spring runoff increases. Anglers have reported catches of large fish and fishing is expected to improve with weather.

ODELL LAKE: kokanee, rainbow trout, lake trout

Water temperature at Odell hit 42 degrees Fahrenheit and the kokanee bite switched on. Anglers fishing for kokanee are seeing great returns to the creel. The lake trout bite is still holding strong and anglers have also see success for rainbow trout. Please note that all bull trout must be released unharmed.

PAULINA LAKE: Brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout