The Oregon Recreation Report (fishing, hunting, viewing), updated Tuesday, July 28, by the Oregon Department of Fish and

Summer steelhead season is underway

Summer steelhead are being caught on rivers throughout the state including the Columbia, Nestucca, Siletz, Wilson, Trask and the lower Deschutes. For more information about how and where to fish for steelhead go to Steelhead Fishing in Oregon.

Handle fish with care during hot weather

With the advent of extremely warm summer temperatures ODFW is asking anglers to take special care when catching and releasing fish.

* Fish early in the mornings when water temperatures are lower.

* Fish in lakes and reservoirs with deep waters that provide a cooler refuge for fish.

* Use barbless hooks, land fish quickly and keep them in the water as much as possible in order to minimize stress.

* Shift your fishing efforts to higher elevation mountain lakes and streams where water temperatures often remain cool.

Fire season is here

Expect increased fire safety restrictions. Check with the land manager where you are heading or see ODF's Web site for restrictions.

Summer steelhead viewing

This is a good time to see summer steelhead migrating upstream as they pass through Winchester dam fish ladder on the N. Umpqua River. 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. Visit the ODFW Web site for more information.

Sign up now for outdoor skills workshop

Events include pheasant hunt Sept. 25 in Monmouth and a Pheasants Forever Youth Day Aug. 8 in Boring. Visit ODFW's outdoor skills page to see what is available.

Cougar and bear seasons open statewide Aug. 1

Purchase your fall tags online now. Successful bear and cougar hunters, don't forget mandatory check-in rules; see the regulations for details.

Weekend fishing opportunities:

* Friday is the last day for sturgeon fishing on the Willamette and Columbia above Wauna until Oct. 1.

* July is a good time to get into the high lakes to do some trout fishing. Trails are free of snow and the fish are active. Remember to take mosquito repellant.

* Prospects are good for chinook and steelhead on the tributaries of the mid and upper Willamette.

* Summer steelhead fishing is fair on the Clackamas River.

* Fishing for bass and other warmwater species is picking up on the Willamette River and other locations throughout the region.

* A few summer steelhead and spring chinook are being caught on the Sandy River

EVENTS

The early registration deadline for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's annual STEP Conference is coming up Aug. 1. The conference will take place in Salem Sept. 11-13 and will feature 40 experts presenting the latest science on salmon, trout, steelhead and related topics. The conference is designed for anglers, teachers, volunteers and others with an interest in fish and natural resources. For more information and a registration packet, visit the ODFW Web site at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/STEP

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

WARMWATER FISHING OPPORTUNITIES

There are many locations throughout the Willamette Valley where anglers can go to pursue warmwater species such as bass, crappie, bluegill perch, walleye and catfish. The summer months are a good time to consider angling for warmwater fish. Several good spots are listed below.

Benton County

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

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

Clackamas County

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

* Bluegill Lake n 7 acres; Cascade Gateway Park in Salem off Hwy. 22. Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie.

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

Marion County

* Mission Lake n 40 acres; about 5 miles north of Keizer in Willamette Mission State Park. White crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, black crappie.

* Santiam River n From confluence with Willamette River upstream to Jefferson. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass.

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

* Walling Pond n 8 acres; 16th and McGilchrist Streets in Salem. Largemouth bass, stocked rainbow trout.

* Walter Wirth Lake n 20 acres; Cascade Gateway Park in Salem. Largemouth bass, bluegill, brown bullhead, channel catfish.

* Woodburn Pond n 14 acres; east of I-5 from Woodburn north on Boones Ferry Road to Crosby Road, then north on Edwin Road to the pond. Largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, white crappie, channel catfish.

Multnomah County

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

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

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

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

* East Salish Pond n 12 acres; located in Fairview next to Reynolds Middle School. This pond is occasionally stocked with crappie, bass and other warmwater species by members of the Oregon Bass and Panfish Club.

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

Columbia County

* Clatskanie Slough n north of Clatskanie off Hwy. 30. White crappie, yellow bullhead, yellow perch, bluegill, largemouth bass, black crappie.

* Deer island Slough n 68 acres; northwest of Columbia City off Hwy. 30 at Riechold Chemical (access only at the south end). White crappie, brown bullhead, yellow bullhead, largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch.

* Scappoose Bay n 600 acres; south end of St. Helens, off Multnomah Channel. Brown bullhead, white crappie, black crappie yellow perch largemouth bass.

* Vernonia Lake n 45 acres; southeast part of Vernonia off Hwy. 47. Bluegill, yellow perch, largemouth bass. Excellent bank access, improved boat launch

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL: rainbow trout

Will be stocked with 750 legal-sized and 125 larger rainbow trout. Eugene.

BENSON LAKE: 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.

BIG CLIFF RESERVOIR: trout

Stocked last week with 2,500 legal-sized rainbow trout. Big Cliff Reservoir is located 47 miles east of Salem, off Hwy. 22.

BREITENBUSH RIVER: trout

Will be stocked this week with 1,800 legal-sized rainbow trout.

CARMEN RESERVOIR: trout

Recently stocked with 2,750 legal-sized rainbow 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

Flows have dropped even lower, with the ongoing hot, dry weather influencing river conditions. Catch rates for both boat and bank anglers have been slow, with low water keeping jet sleds off much of the river and leaving the water to a few drift boats. This is particularly true between Barton and McIver Park. Anglers are advised to get out early before the recreational rafters make it onto the water. The very hot weather this week will make any angling a challenge.

Summer steelhead angling has been slow to fair with a few fish caught between Carver and McIver. There have also been reports of some nice summers picked up in Gladstone below Cross Park. Spring chinook angling remains slow to fair in most sections of the river. Decent chinook numbers have been landed below Rivermill Dam at McIver Park during early morning or evening hours, while the chinook and summer steelhead catch remains fair to good at Dog Creek.

Anglers should take note of the deadline below Rivermill Dam and the fish ladder. Angling or even casting above the deadline is in violation of regulations.

The Clackamas Hatchery at McIver Park opened its trap in early June and has processed over 1400 spring chinook so far, with decent numbers of chinook jacks showing up.

A new fishery has opened on the lower Clackamas River. Under rules adopted last fall by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, anglers will be allowed to keep up to two fin-clipped fish per day from the mouth of the river upstream to Rivermill Dam and also from the Hwy. 211 Bridge upstream to North Fork Dam. There is no restriction on length as long as the fish are adipose fin-clipped. The bag limit between Rivermill Dam and the Hwy. 211 Bridge (Estacada Lake) is unchanged at 5 fish per day. The fish may be no less than 8 inches long in this area in order to be retained.

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 down again to 971 cfs (10.96') with the water temperature near 65°.

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

Will be stocked this week with 5,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. Clear Lake is located approximately 3 miles south of the junction of highways 126 and 20.

DETROIT LAKE: trout

Recently stocked with 4,500 legal-sized rainbow trout. 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.

ESTACADA LAKE: trout, steelhead, salmon

Recently stocked with 1,800 legal-sized rainbow trout. The lake now has a new boat ramp and ADA accessible fishing platform, which opened last week. The new facilities can be accessed from Milo McIver State Park. Estacada is a 150-acre lake on the Clackamas River behind River Mill Dam at Estacada.

FARADAY LAKE: trout

Recently stocked with 1,800 legal-sized rainbow trout. Faraday is a 25-acre lake 2 miles SE of Estacada by way of Hwy 224 on the Clackamas River. This is a bank fishing only lake, but good access can be found around most of the shore line.

GOLD LAKE: trout

Fly-fishing only with barbless hooks. Catch-and-release for rainbow trout. There is no limit on size or number of brook trout taken.

HALDEMAN POND: trout

The pond located on Sauvie Island is stocked a few times in April and early May 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.

HARRIET LAKE: trout

Recently stocked with 3,000 legal sized rainbow trout. Harriet also holds some trophy-size brown trout and brook trout. Trolling with spinners and worms is the most effective method from a boat. Casting spinners from the bank can prove to be successful. This is a 23-acre reservoir on Oak Grove Fork of Clackamas River in the Mt. Hood National Forest.

HARTMAN POND: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, perch, trout.

From I-84, take the Benson Lake exit. The pond is adjacent to the Columbia River adjoining Benson State Park.

HENRY HAGG LAKE: trout, warmwater fish

This popular and boat accessible lake is heavily stocked all spring with hatchery rainbow trout. The lake is frequently stocked with rainbow trout, and some holdovers should be available. Surface temperatures have warmed into the 70s, however, making shore fishing for trout more difficult. Warmwater fish like bass, sunfish and perch may be available nearer to shore, particularly in the morning and early evening. 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.

LEABURG LAKE: trout

Recently stocked with 1,500 legal-sized 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

Recently stocked with 5,200

MCKENZIE RIVER (above Leaburg Lake): trout

Will be stocked this week with 7,400 legal-sized rainbow trout.

NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: trout

Recently stocked with 3,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 350-acre reservoir on the Clackamas River 7 miles south of Estacada off of Hwy. 224.

Boat anglers will find trolling to be a successful method, particularly along the shore opposite the marina and ramp. Worms or other bait behind a flasher can be effective. Bank anglers will find access fishing the shoreline along Hwy 224. There is also a nice ADA accessible fishing platform near the store and marina. Popular methods include cured single salmon eggs, artificial trout baits, or worms.

As the weather warms this is a popular water skiing and jet ski lake. Angling after late morning can be affected by choppy water from heavy boat traffic.

NORTH AND SOUTH SANTIAM: steelhead, chinook

Prospects are fair in the North Santiam between Stayton and Pack Saddle Park. Recycling of summer steelhead from the Foster Dam trap on the south Santiam continues at a steady pace. Anglers can receive recorded updates on Foster trap counts and recycling activities by calling 541-367-3437. This year a new regulation allows anglers to keep non-adipose clipped steelhead during the months of July and August. A new regulation which restricts angling to artificial flies and lures also went into effect this year in the Little North Fork Santiam.

QUARTZVILLE CREEK: trout

Recently stocked with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. From Hwy. 20 at Sweet Home, continue east to the upstream end of Foster Reservoir, then turn north (left) toward Sunnyside Campground crossing the northeast arm of Foster. Turn right on the Quartzville Rd., which follows the northern shore of Green Peter Reservoir, including the Quartsville Arm. Follow Quartzville Creek upstream more than 25 miles into Willamette National Forest (Forest Rd. 11).

SALMON CREEK: trout

Recently stocked with 1,000 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.

SANDY RIVER: steelhead, spring chinook

Spring chinook and summer steelhead angling has been slow to fair on the Sandy. Overall effort has been relatively light but there have been reports of chinook caught between Cedar Creek and the mouth of the Salmon River. An occasional summer has been hooked in the Cedar Creek area below the hatchery.

The water has been somewhat silted up as a result of the summer glacial melt-off, but the river should be fishable. Monday flow readings on the Sandy River held steady this past week at 713 cfs (8.30 ft) with the water at 64°.

The hot weather has brought out the recreational users in large numbers so plan your fishing trip very early in the day to beat the crowds and heat.

Now open for steelhead from July 1 to August 31 is the mainstem Sandy River and tributaries upstream from ODFW markers at the mouth of the Salmon River, including the Salmon River. Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures; single point hook no larger than #1, multi-point hook no larger than #4.

There is also no limit on the size or number of brook trout taken.

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.

SANTIAM RIVER: trout

The North Fork of the river above Detroit Lake was recently stocked with 3,000 legal-sized rainbow trout.

New trout regulations that went into effect this year allow anglers to keep up to two fin-clipped trout per day in the mainstem, North Fork up to Big Cliff Dam, and South Fork up to Foster Dam. There is no restriction on length as long as the fish are adipose fin-clipped.

SALT CREEK: trout

Recently stocked with 500 legal-sized trout at several access points along the stream.

SILVER CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

Silver Creek is a 65-acre reservoir on Silver Creek 2.5 miles south of Silverton on Hwy. 214.

SMALL FRY LAKE: trout

Small Fry Lake is a youth only fishing venue located on the Clackamas River 7 miles south of Estacada off of Hwy. 224. Fishing is restricted to youngsters 12 and under.

SOUTH YAMHILL RIVER: trout

The river is now open from its confluence with the North Yamhill near McMinnville, upstream about 20 miles to Rock Creek near Grand Ronde. The daily bag limit is 5 fin-clipped fish of any size, however no bait may be used, a measure needed to protect wild trout and young steelhead rearing in the river.

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. Pond 6 was recently stocked with 150 trophy trout and 300 larger trout. Prospects for bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill are improving with rising water temperatures. 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.

TIMOTHY MEADOWS: trout

Timothy Meadows is a 1,400-acre lake about 80 miles east of Portland past Mt. Hood. From Hwy. 26, turn onto Skyline Rd. (FS42).

TRAIL BRIDGE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Recently stocked with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. Only flies and lures may be used and only adipose fin-clipped trout may be harvested. Trail Bridge Reservoir is located about 60 miles east of Springfield on Highway 126.

TRILLIUM LAKE: rainbow trout

Recently stocked with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. Trillium is a 60-acre lake 3 miles east of Government Camp off of Hwy 26.

WEST SALISH POND: trout

As the water warms in this pond, the trout will tend to move into deeper areas away from shore. Traditional artificial trout baits and worms fished below a bobber or on the bottom should prove to be effective. Casting spinners can also produce good results. Located off NE Glisan between 201st and 207th in Fairview, east of Portland, the pond is located just a short distance from Reynolds Middle School. From I-84, take Exit 16 and travel south on Fairview Parkway.

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.

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

Sturgeon angling has been slow in the lower Willamette. The St. Johns area or Oregon City/Gladstone could produce a keeper or two. Sublegals are likely going to bring most of the action, but the prospect of landing a legal sturgeon can still hold the interest of both boat and bank anglers.

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. The sturgeon retention season ends on July 31, 2009 and is scheduled to reopen on October 1, 2009.

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.

Spring chinook passage has slowed down, which is expected in late July. Through July 25 a total of 25,652 chinook have traveled through the ladder. The spring chinook jack count has moved up to 2,551, while the mini-jack numbers are up to 6,228. Summer steelhead passage has also been decent with a total of 14,188 to date going past the viewing window.

Hydro readings at Willamette Falls on Monday showed flows down to 6,300 cfs, the temperature up from last week to 76° and visibility still very good at 6.3 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.

Anglers fishing the Multnomah Channel recently have reported catching some nice walleye. Successful tactics include trolling plugs as well as bottom draggers with worms.

WILLAMETTE RIVER, COAST FORK: trout

The Coast Fork Willamette River was last stocked in mid-May 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 last stocked in late June with 1,070 legal-sized rainbow trout.

WILLAMETTE ZONE HUNTING

EVENTS

Pheasants Forever "Ringneck Rendezvous" Youth Day, Aug. 8, Boring. For youth age 12-16; must be accompanied by adult. Cost $10. To register email crawfor@comcast.net. More information.

Pheasant hunt, Sept. 25, EE Wilson Wildlife Area, Monmouth. A Becoming an Outdoor-Woman event. Cost is $25 per person. Register using this online PDF form or contact Mark Newell, 503-947-6018: mark.newell@state.or.us. See more workshops

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

COUGAR and BEAR seasons open Aug. 1.

Hunters should be preparing now for upcoming Big Game hunting seasons. Sight-in and practice with your firearms or bows to ensure that when you do get the chance to harvest an animal you are confident in your shooting skills. Many of the local gun ranges will have public sight-in days where you can practice your shooting skills and there are 3-D archery shoots available in the Willamette Valley where you can practice. This is also a good time to ensure that your hunting and camping equipment is in good condition. If not, you will have plenty of time to purchase those items that you need.

General Black Bear hunting season starts on Aug. 1 and early in the season bears will be spending the majority of their time in cool and shaded areas trying to avoid the heat. They will be feeding on the abundant berry crops primarily in the early morning hours so hunters will need to be up and on stands before daylight. When out scouting, hunters should be looking for bear sign in berry patches close to streams, lakes and adjacent to cool north slopes of timber.

Hunters are reminded that the skull of any bear taken must be presented to an ODFW office or designated collection site within 10 days of the kill to be inspected, tagged and have a pre-molar tooth removed for aging. Only the skull is required for the check-in and it should be unfrozen when presented. ODFW staff recommends that the hide be removed before check-in and hunters call ahead to make arrangements to have the bear checked. Please review the 2009 Big Game Hunting Regulations before your hunting trip to ensure that you are familiar with all of the requirements.

Cougar season will be opening on August 1 and hunters will find cougars widely distributed from high alpine meadows in the Cascades to low elevation forests in the Coast Range. To maximize your chances of tagging a cougar hunters are advised to use predator calls that imitate the call of a fawn or elk calf. Cougars can respond slowly and hunters are reminded to stay on stands for up to 45 minutes or more before moving on. It is always best to hunt with a partner when using predator calls. Sit back to back so you can observe any approaching cougar.

Successful cougar hunters will need to check-in any cougar taken at an ODFW office within 10 days of the kill. Hunters are reminded that biologists located in field office may be out in the field handling other issues so call ahead to make arrangement to have your cougar checked-in. The hide and skull must be unfrozen and the skull and proof of sex must be attached to the hide. Hunters are required to submit the reproductive tract of any female cougar taken. Please review the 2009 Big Game Hunting Regulations before your hunting trip to ensure that you are familiar with all of the requirements.

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.

FERN RIDGE WILDLIFE AREA

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is closed to hunting during the summer months. Hunting will resume with the start of archery deer season in August and the beginning of dove season on September 1.

SAUVIE ISLAND WILDLIFE AREA

Waterfowl hunting on in the Wildlife Area is now closed.

WILLAMETTE ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area Public Meetings

Three more meetings will be held to discuss the proposed Sauvie Island Management Plan, which will govern activities on the wildlife area over the next 10 years. The plan can be viewed at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife

The meetings are scheduled as follows:

* Clackamas

July 30, 2009, 7-9 p.m., Monarch Hotel, 12566 SE 93rd Ave., Clackamas

* Sauvie Island School

Aug. 25, 2009, 7-9 p.m., 14445 NW Charlton Road, Portland

* Sauvie Island School

Sept. 22, 2009, 7-9 p.m., 14445 NW Charlton Road, Portland

Critter Tales, Aug. 6, 10 to 10:30 a.m.

Join the Beaverton Library in the Nature House for a fun story time about nature and animals. Geared to children 2-6 years old, but all ages welcome. Free. Registration not required. Hosted by Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, Beaverton, Cooper Mountain nature park, 18892 SW Kemmer Road, Beaverton. Call the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District for more information, ph. 503-629-6350

Valleywide

Beaver, river otter, mink, muskrats and the introduced non-native nutria are common residents along waterways in the Willamette Valley. They can be seen by quietly floating the Willamette River in a canoe or other non-motorized boat and watching the shoreline. They are most visible early in the morning or in the evening when other boat traffic is minimal. Occasionally these animals are seen in the Delta ponds or from the river bike path in Eugene and Springfield or in many of the farm ponds on the valley floor. The non-native nutria has displaced the muskrat from much of the Willamette Valley.

The WESTERN MEADOWLARK was voted Oregon's state bird by school children in 1927. Meadowlarks are found in grassland-type habitats where they sing from perches such as fence posts, shrubs, trees, or powerlines. Remnant grassland prairie habitats, pastures and even young Christmas tree plantations along the edge of the Willamette Valley are good places to find these birds. Listen for their liquid, melodious song. Western meadowlarks can be seen in fair numbers just north of the east end of Diamond Hill Rd. (Diamond hill road crosses I-5 at the Harrisburg exit). There are untilled pasture lands that still support the native Willamette Valley sunflower and our state bird that has such a beautiful and distinctive call. Although meadowlark populations are abundant in Eastern Oregon, they are declining in the valley because of loss of native prairie to farming and development. s their habitat shrinks nest predators like fox, skunk, raccoon and non-native opossum and house cats have an increasing impact on these grassland birds.

HARLEQUIN DUCKS are Oregon's only "anadromous" duck. This seaduck winters in the churning rocky intertidal zone at the coast and then moves inland to breed on turbulent mountain streams that mimic the crashing waters of their coastal environment. This bird has adapted to a unique way of life geared to taking advantage of the abundance of food that occurs where water flows fast and frothy. Harlequin ducks can be viewed in the spring and early summer along the middle and upper McKenzie River at Cooks Rapid or Bear Creek Rapid and the Middle Fork Willamette River around the town of Oakridge. They can also be found on the North Santiam River from Mill City upstream to above Marion Forks.

NEWTS, a type of salamander common in the Pacific Northwest, may be observed in their migration from terrestrial environs such as rotten logs and moist soil to their breeding grounds in ponds, small lakes and the edges of streams. These small amphibians may be found if you are hiking in forests during or just after it rains.

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.

EE Wilson Wildlife Area

Waterfowl and shorebirds numbers are building. 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

All units of Fern Ridge Wildlife Area are open to public access for the summer months. There are many access points available and viewing opportunities are excellent for a wide variety of wildlife, particularly birds. Wildlife viewing platforms are available in the Fisher Butte unit located a short walk from parking lots on Royal Avenue and Hwy 126. The viewing platform located north of the Hwy 126 parking lot provides a great overlook of the adjacent wet low prairie. Many varieties of wild flowers are now in bloom and the colors of the landscape are remarkable.

Visitors are reminded that 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 and Westside, Oak Island and North units are open. 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, at the Sauvie Island ODFW office, Monday through Friday during office hours or online. For more information, call (503) 621-3488. Directions to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

NORTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities:

* Summer steelhead are available the Nestucca, Wilson, and Trask rivers. Prospects are fair as water conditions are low and clear. Fish early for best results.

* Angling for sea-run cutthroat in tidewater areas is improving.

NORTH COAST LAKES

No further trout stocking is scheduled until September. The 2009 stocking schedule is available online.

Angling for warmwater fish, particularly bass, should be good. Cape Meares, Lytle, Cullaby, Sunset, Coffenbury and Vernonia lakes offer fair to good populations of warmwater species. Weed growth will begin to make angling difficult in some areas.

MID COAST LAKES

Trout stocking on Mid Coast Lakes is over for the season. Trout fishing in the lakes should remain productive until warm summer weather reduces trout activity. Many water bodies have been stocked with8 to 12-inch trout with some locations containing 2 pound trophy 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 good trout fishing, particularly at this time of year, and also provides some angling opportunity 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. It offers 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: cutthroat

The Alsea River is open to cutthroat trout angling. Fishing is good for resident cutthroat trout throughout most of the river. Sea-run cutthroat trout can be found in tidewater and they are starting to show in the lower river. Trolling in tidewater with small lures, fly fishing slower water near structure or casting small lures in pools near tributaries can be very productive for sea-run cutthroat trout. Bait is not allowed above head of tide. Excellent opportunities also exist for harvest of crayfish.

KILCHIS RIVER: cutthroat

Sea-run cutthroat are available in tidewater areas and should be moving upstream also. Try small spinners or flies in areas with some depth and/or hiding cover.

NECANICUM RIVER: cutthroat

Angling for sea-run cutthroat trout should be improving as fish begin to move upstream. There continues to be minimal angling effort.

NEHALEM RIVER AND NORTH FORK NEHALEM RIVER: cutthroat, coho

Angling for trout in streams has been fair. Anglers should consider trolling spinners or small baits with flashers in tidewater for a chance to catch sea-run cutthroat. Fly anglers will do best casting flies toward cut banks in tidewater. Cutthroat anglers should focus on the area from Wheeler up to the head of tidewater on each fork. Angling for hatchery coho near the mouth of the Nehalem should begin to pick up toward the end of this month or in August. Anglers should use spinners or small herring fished well off the bottom to avoid hooking Chinook. (Note: The entire Nehalem Basin is closed to chinook angling for the remainder of 2009). Bank anglers should consider fishing small sandshrimp 1 or 2 feet off the bottom for surf perch feeding in the lower bay during incoming tides. This can be a great way of introducing kids to fishing. Crabbing Nehalem Bay is reported to be very good. Local marinas on the lower bay and in Wheeler have boats and equipment available for crabbing and fishing.

NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: steelhead, cutthroat

Summer steelhead angling is fair. Fish are spread out up the river. Low flows will make floating difficult. Anglers should approach holes quietly and utilize smaller baits and lighter lines to avoid spooking fish. Be there at first light for best chance at catching one of these wary fish. Angling for cutthroat trout should be fair, with action picking up in tidewater. Try trolling or casting spinners or streamer type flies, especially near banks with wood or other cover.

SILETZ RIVER: summer steelhead and cutthroat trout

Summer steelhead angling is starting to slow as river conditions are very low, clear and warming. Fishing should remain fair through the month with best opportunities early in the mornings. Good bank access can be found in the gorge area upstream of Moonshine Park (River Mile 54). Anglers are reminded that there are access restrictions in the gorge road upstream from Moonshine Park on weekdays due to heavy logging traffic. The gorge road is open to public vehicles on weekends and walk in angling is allowed during the week. Use of a bobber and jig, sand shrimp, and small to medium sized spinners can be very effective for summer steelhead.

Cutthroat trout fishing is fair to good for resident trout in the mainstem river and sea-run cutthroat trout can be found in the bay and up into the low river. Best opportunities are early or late in the day. Trolling small baits in tidewater, fly fishing the lower river, or casting small lures from the bank near structure can be effective.

SIUSLAW RIVER: cutthroat trout

Fishing for resident cutthroat trout is fair to good throughout most of the Siuslaw Basin. Look for fish around slower deep water or near structure. Sea-run cutthroat trout angling in tidewater is starting to pick up in the lower bay and should start moving up river at any time. Trolling small lures with flashers is an effective technique. Excellent opportunities are available for harvest of crayfish.

TILLAMOOK BAY: sturgeon, coho

Angling for sturgeon has been slow. Fish the upper bay and river tidewaters, particularly the Tillamook River tidewater, to avoid crabs and other bait stealers. A few hatchery coho may be available near the jaws, especially on incoming tides as we move into August.

TRASK RIVER: steelhead, cutthroat

Summer steelhead angling is fair. Fish are spread up river to the County Park. Anglers should approach holes quietly and utilize smaller baits and lighter lines to avoid spooking fish. Be there at first light for best chance at catching one of these wary fish. The river is low and clear. Try using smaller baits and lighter lines. Angling for trout has been fair, but is improving in tidewater areas.

Plans are in the works to construct a new boat slide at the Cedar Creek launch site. Construction is expected to begin sometime in mid summer. Contact ODFW in Tillamook at 503-842-2741 for details.

WILSON RIVER: steelhead, chinook, cutthroat

A few summer steelhead and an occasional spring chinook are being caught. Angling for cutthroat trout has been fair. Fresh sea-runs will begin entering the system soon. The river is very low and clear.

YAQUINA RIVER: cutthroat

Angling for resident cutthroat trout in the Yaquina River and Big Elk Creek is fair to good. Sea-run cutthroat trout are being caught in upper tidewater. Trolling small lures or drifting bait and bobber near the bank in tide water are effective techniques. Excellent opportunities also exist for harvest of crayfish. Tide water remains open year round to marine species and can be very good in the lower bay.

NORTH COAST HUNTING

OPEN: COUGAR and BEAR (on Aug. 1)

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

COUGAR and BEAR seasons open this week (Aug. 1). Successful hunters, remember you must check in cougar (hide and skull) and bear skull at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest and bring them in unfrozen. It's also a good idea to prop their mouths open with a stick after harvest for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging. See regulations for details.

NORTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

Great Blue Herons

A more or less common sight around North Coast estuaries, great blue herons are one of the state's largest birds and are impressive in flight or quietly stalking prey in the shallows. Herons are a colonial nester and will sometimes occupy a "heronry" with dozens of nests in just a small stand of trees. The colony is especially noisy in the summer as adults travel to and from foraging areas feeding the rapidly growing young. Herons will return to the same colony site for many years as long as the stand of trees remains intact.

Bird song

Now that summer is in full swing, songbirds have been very apparent in the forest as you walk through them. Along with the usual year-round residents, such as robins, winter wrens and song sparrows, many of the neotropical migrants are here and nesting as well. Now and for the next couple of months, the woods will be filled with their various songs. The early morning hours are best times for listening to bird songs.

Astoria Area

Fort Stevens State Park near Warrenton offers miles of hiking and a variety of habitat for wildlife viewing. Species can vary greatly between beach, dunes, forest and meadow. Waterfowl can be seen on lakes within the park and there is a viewing bunker located down a short trail from parking lot D. The bunker looks out over Trestle Bay, a site used by waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors. Be sure to bring binoculars or a spotting scope.

Jewel Meadows, 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 summer progresses elk should start spending more time in the timbered areas especially on warm days. Look for bulls on the Fishhawk tract adjacent to Hwy 202. New calves should be visible, having been born at the end of May. Please remember that areas posted as Wildlife Refuge are closed to public access. Other wildlife frequent the area; including many song birds, band-tail pigeons, raptors and others.

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.

Tillamook Area

Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge and State Park is full of bird activity these days. Common murres, puffins and pigeon guillemots are actively nesting and can be seen going to and from the rocks with great regularity. Black oystercatchers can be seen paired up and flying around the surf line, just below from the north viewing platform. The peregrine falcons should be nesting on their usual ledge, which is also visible from the north viewing platform. Early morning viewers might be able to witness a prey delivery by the adults. 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.

Nehalem Bay was the site of a recent visit by several orcas. Infrequent visitors to North Coast estuaries, the whales sometimes linger in the area for a week or two before resuming their migration. They will enter estuaries usually in search of fish or marine mammals to feed upon but sometimes seemingly just out of curiosity. Best viewing areas are jetties near river mouths, which are also good spots for viewing a variety of birds and other wildlife.

FIRE: As of Tuesday afternoon there is a fire burning near Steamboat and Hwy 138 is closed at MP 29.

SOUTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend opportunities:

* With quite of few of the lowland lakes warming up, consider heading up the mountains to Laird and other high-elevation lakes where the weather cooler but the trout fishing is still hot

* Chinook fishing continues to be very good in the Rogue River Estuary. With fishing this good, anglers can expect lots of company on bay.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Trout fishing has been fair with worms and PowerBait. Trolling with wedding ring lures has been good in the mornings and evenings. Smallmouth bass fishing has been fair as well.

APPLEGATE RIVER: steelhead, rainbow trout

Anglers may retain up to two adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout per day, with an 8-inch minimum length. Cutthroat trout must be released unharmed, but provide a fun opportunity for catch and release angling.

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. Last weekend anglers fishing early in the morning caught several of the trophy trout swimming around in the pond. ODFW will be stocking the pond with a few more trout this week. The best time to fish 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.

CHETCO RIVER: cutthroat trout

Emergency regulations for fall chinook start Aug. 1. Anglers are reminded to check these regulations before fishing the Chetco River as some parts of the river will be closed to fishing.

Chetco River flows near Brookings

COOPER CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Cooper Creek has been stocked with about 9,050 trout to date. About 50 of these were trophy trout.

COOS COUNTY LAKES: rainbow trout, warmwater fish

There are still a few trout being caught in the area lakes like Tenmile Lakes, and Eel Lake. 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.

Fishing for largemouth bass and bluegills in some of the area lakes is good. Bluegills are still spawning but will finish soon in many of the area lakes. Male bluegills make nests that look like elephant tracks and are very aggressive while guarding their nest. To catch bluegills use a piece of worm on a small hook or small jig under a bobber. For catching largemouth bass concentrate your fishing time during low light periods of the day and use jigs, plastic worms, crankbaits, or spinners. Fishing near structure or weedlines to catch largemouth bass and bluegills.

COOS RIVER BASIN: trout, sturgeon, rockfish, Dungeness crab, clams

Trout fishing is open in Coos Bay and the rivers. Fishing for cutthroat trout can be good in those hard-to-get-to-places that are lightly fished. Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures in streams above tidewater.

There have been a few sturgeon caught in Coos Bay recently but overall fishing for sturgeon is slow. There are new sturgeon regulations for 2009. See the 2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for the most current regulations.

Fishing for rockfish, surf perch, and greenling in the lower Coos Bay estuary has been good. To catch rockfish and surf perch fish near pilings or submerged rock piles and for greenling concentrate your fishing effort near kelp beds for the best success. The best baits to use are sand shrimp or a jig and twister tail.

Harvest of bay clams will be slow this week due to the lack of negative tides. There will still be some opportunity to harvest bay clams on the afternoon low tides. Harvest of empire/gaper clams has been good at the North Spit and Clam Island. The best 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. Before any shellfish harvest trip, make sure to check the Oregon Department of Agriculture website for any recent shellfish closures at: http://oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/shellfish_status.shtml.

Recreational crab harvest inside the bay is improving for those with boats and those on the docks. Red rock crabs are the main harvest at the Charleston and Empire docks but there are also a few legal Dungeness crabs being harvested as well. The best time to crab is a few hours before high tide and the preferred baits to use are fish, chicken, or turkey legs.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: trout, sturgeon, fall Chinook

Trout fishing is open in the Coquille estuary and rivers. Fishing for cutthroat trout can be good in those hard-to-get-to-places that are lightly fished. Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures in streams above tidewater.

There have been a few sturgeon caught in the lower Coquille River recently but overall fishing is slow. There are new sturgeon regulations for 2009. See the 2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for the most current regulations.

There have no reports of fall chinook being caught in the lower Coquille River but typically the first fall chinook are caught during July. The 2009 Temporary regulations for fall chinook come into affect on Aug. 1.

DIAMOND LAKE: rainbow trout

Last year's fingerlings are now about 12 inches long, while other fish stocked last year are 16 to 22 inches long. The largest fish checked this year was six to seven pounds. Overall, fishing is fair to slow. 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. The boat ramps at the lodge, Diamond Lake Campground, and South Shore are all open. For more fishing information, Call Diamond Lake Resort (800) 733-7593 or check their fishing report online.

ELK/SIXES RIVER: cutthroat trout

Emergency regulations for fall chinook start Aug. 1. Anglers are reminded to check these regulations before fishing the Elk or Sixes River.

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

Trout fishing has been fair, with most fish being taken on PowerBait and worms. Angling for bass and other warmwater fish has been good. For warmwater fish, try the flooded willows at the south end of the lake. Trout have been taken on spinners and PowerBait.

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

Trout fishing has been fair, with worms, PowerBait and spinners all catching fish. Fishing for bass, bluegill and crappie has been good.

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout

Fishing for rainbow and brook trout has been good, with a number of larger fish being landed. With the water getting warmer, look for trout in the areas around the springs. On June 25, 10,000 juvenile steelhead, approximately 8 inches in length, were stocked. Anglers report fair to good catches of these fish.

FLORAS LAKE: rainbow trout, cutthroat 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. The reservoir was stocked in 2008 with about 55,000 adipose-clipped hatchery coho which are now about 13 inches. 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. About 8,000 trout have been stocked in 2009. Some fingerlings were stocked recently, so be sure to release trout under 8 inches long. Angling from the bank and from a boat has been slow to fair 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 now has a campground.

GARRISON LAKE: rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, 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. Weed growth is making bank fishing tough. Fly fishing or slow trolling wedding ring spinners are regular producers for trout. Anglers should keep an eye on the weather, as the lake can be very windy.

HERBERT'S POND: rainbow trout, warmwater 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. The pond was stocked with a total of 500 trout this year.

HOWARD PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Trout fishing has slowed with the occurrence of hot weather. Fishing deeper water may be the best bet for trout. Many anglers are targeting a variety of species, not just trout. Bank anglers have reported success fishing with PowerBait and worms around the lake but especially at Grizzly campground and at the resort off the jetty. Boat anglers are having some success trolling with flashers, crankbaits and wedding ring lures. Fishing is good for largemouth and smallmouth bass.

HUNTER CREEK: cutthroat trout

Low, clear water has slowed cutthroat trout fishing. Anglers will want to be on the water early morning or late evening for best results. All zone regulations apply and anglers are reminded that Hunter Creek is open only upstream of the confluence with the North Fork Hunter Creek. Fly-fishing or tossing small spinners should produce well for cutthroat up to 12 inches.

HYATT RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Fishing has been fair for rainbow trout, with some good-sized fish being landed. Hyatt Lake has an abundance of largemouth bass, and fishing for them has been excellent. Although small, they offer the opportunity to catch a lot of fish. This makes Hyatt Lake a good destination for beginning anglers.

ILLINOIS RIVER: trout

Resident trout are available for catch-and-release angling.

Illinois River flows at Kerby

LAIRD LAKE: rainbow trout

With quite of few of the lowland lakes warming up, anglers should head up into the mountains for some mid summer trout fishing. Located about 30 miles up Elk River, Laird Lake is an excellent place to catch a few trout and recent reports indicate good numbers of trout are still lurking around this small wood-filled lake. 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 3,500 trout have been stocked this year.

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

Trout fishing has been fair on worms and PowerBait. Casting and retrieving or trolling lures or flies has also been effective. Fishing for largemouth bass and panfish has been good. Bluegill and crappie can be caught by suspending a worm or jig under a bobber.

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

Fishing is moderate to slow for brown trout. The lake was stocked with 5,000 legal-sized trout and anglers have been catching rainbows from 10-12 inches. The resort and Poole Creek boat ramps are both open for launching boats. There is no algae bloom so far this year.

LOBSTER CREEK: trout

A new fishery on Lobster Creek was opened this year to trout fishing. Anglers are reminded to check the regulations before heading out. Special regulations apply to Lobster Creek, with only adipose clipped trout greater than 8 inches and under 16 inches legal to keep. Fly-fishing or tossing small spinners should produce well for trout.

LOON LAKE: rainbow trout, bass

Loon Lake was stocked with 8,000 trout so far in 2009. The lake was also stocked with some fingerlings so anglers should remember to release trout less than 8 inches long.

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

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. Recent catches of good sized largemouth bass have been reported by anglers fishing shallow to moderate depth water. Smallmouth fishing has also improved and anglers report catches of numerous small and medium-sized fish.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, working with several local bass angling clubs, recently transferred over 2,500 largemouth bass into Lost Creek Reservoir to enhance the lake's bass fishery. While it is legal to harvest these fish as part of the regular bass bag limit, anglers are encouraged to release the largemouth bass and to keep the abundant smallmouth bass if they wish to harvest bass.

The public health advisory issued for Lost Creek Reservoir due to high levels of toxic algae has been lifted.

MEDCO POND: rainbow trout, bass, panfish

Trout fishing has been fair. Fishing for largemouth bass and bluegill has been good. Fishing a worm just off the bottom, casting lures, and trolling have all been productive technique.

PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: bottomfish, surfperch, coho salmon, Dungeness crab

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.

Surfperch fishing is decent. Concentrate your fishing effort along sandy beaches with deeper water created by rip tides. Sand shrimp and sand worms are the preferred bait to use for surfperch.

Fishing for adipose fin clipped coho has been good. Anglers will have to sort through wild coho to catch their adipose fin-clipped coho. Most anglers have been fishing in 30-50 fathoms with mixed results. The daily limit is three coho salmon with a healed adipose fin clip.

Crab harvest for Dungeness crabs in the ocean has been excellent.

PLAT I RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, warmwater game fish

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 4,500 trout to date.

REINHART POND: rainbow trout, warm water fish

Trout fishing has been fair. Anglers should try fishing with nightcrawlers or casting small spinners or spoons. Fishing for largemouth bass and bluegill has been good.

ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: chinook, summer steelhead

Chinook fishing continues to be very good in the Rogue River Estuary. Look for the action to only get better as the numbers of chinook continues to build. Most of the fish have been caught on either an anchovy or an anchovy with spinner blade. There are at least 50 plus boats a day on the bay and anglers wanting to fish the bay can expect a lot of company. Anglers are reminded that emergency regulations are in effect.

Summer steelhead are in the river, but the warm water has kept them off the bite. Anglers targeting steelhead will want to be on the river at first light, when water temperatures are the coolest and steelhead are in shallower water. Half-pounder steelhead are just starting showing up.

On an annual basis ODFW seines the Rogue River at Huntley Park (approximately 8 miles upstream of highway 101) from July 15 to October 31 to monitor salmon and steelhead migrating upstream. Anglers wanting to fish the Rogue will find this information valuable in planning when to fish. ODFW will be starting to post this information every two weeks starting July 31. Click here to see the most current counts.

Emergency regulations (pdf) are in effect for the Rogue River.

Rogue River flows

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: chinook salmon, steelhead

A few summer steelhead are being caught in the Middle Rogue from Grants Pass to Gold Ray Dam, but chinook angling has been slow. The flow at Grants Pass on July 27 was 1,820 cubic feet per second and the water temperature was 66oF.

Emergency regulations (pdf) are in effect for the Rogue River through July 31 and anglers are reminded to release all non-adipose clipped adult chinook. Anglers can retain wild chinook jacks per zone regulations. Beginning Aug. 1, the Rogue River between Hog Creek and Gold Ray is open to harvest of adult non adipose fin-clipped chinook salmon. The bag limit is two adult salmon or steelhead per day, 20 per year, of which only 10 may be non adipose fin-clipped chinook.

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: chinook salmon, steelhead

Angling for spring chinook has been slow. Beginning August 1, the Rogue River above Dodge Bridge is closed to chinook angling. As of July 20, 11,970 spring chinook and 2,463 summer steelhead have been counted at Gold Ray Dam. On July 27, the flow out of William Jess (Lost Creek) Dam was 1900 cfs and the water temperature was 55 degrees F. The flow at Gold Ray Dam was 1970 cfs. Summer steelhead should start showing up in the catch soon. To target summers, try a variety of techniques in riffles and runs of moderate depths. Anglers fishing morning and evenings will have the best success at these early run fish. Trout fishing has been good. Anglers should try using flies or small lures. Only adipose fin-clipped trout may be retained.

Emergency regulations (pdf) are in effect for chinook angling on the Rogue River from Gold Ray Dam to Dodge Bridge. Anglers can retain hatchery chinook and wild jacks but are required to release all non fin-clipped adult chinook in this reach of the Rogue.

ROGUE RIVER, ABOVE LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will stock legal-sized rainbow trout again this week at several locations in the Rogue River and some of its tributaries along Hwy 62 above Prospect. In addition to the stocked rainbow, brook trout and a few brown trout are available to anglers as well. Fishing has been good with worms, eggs, and wooly bugger flies.

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. Fishing has been fair for browns.

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

Opens for adipose fin-clipped steelhead from mouth to Spencer Creek and North Fork from mouth upstream to Johnson Creek. Trout season also open. Check fishing regulations for bait and trout restrictions. 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. On Aug. 1 the North Fork will close to chinook angling as the emergency sport fishing regulations take effect. Chinook harvest will be limited to one non fin-clipped chinook per day, five per season.

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 open. The mainstem Umpqua and mainstem North Umpqua to Soda Springs Dam are open year-round for catch and release trout.

TENMILE LAKES: largemouth bass, yellow perch, rainbow trout

Largemouth bass can still be found in shallow water during low light periods of the day and are hitting a variety of lures including jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits.

Yellow perch fishing is good but you will have to sort through lots of smaller yellow perch to bring home enough keepers for dinner. Fish for yellow perch in water 10 feet or deeper and use a piece of worm on a smaller hook near the bottom.

Even though the surface water temperatures have been in the lower 70 degrees there are still a few trout being caught in Tenmile Lakes. A few of these trout have been 17n20 inches long. The best way to catch these fish is by fishing your bait near the bottom or by trolling a flasher or a worm. Fishing at the County Boat Ramp fishing dock has been very good and fish have been biting during all hours of the day. This is also a great place to bring kids fishing.

TOKETEE LAKE: brown trout

Fishing is open in Toketee year-round, and the best fishing occurs early in the morning or late eventing on insect patterns. 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. Crabbing has been slow to fair. Angling for pink fin perch has been good to fair on the in coming tides. Note change in measuring sturgeon on page 19 of the 2009 Angling Regulations booklet. Emergency sport fishing regulations take effect Aug.1. For the Umpqua, chinook harvest will be limited to one non fin-clipped chinook per day, five per season. Coho harvest will be for fin-clipped only.

UMPQUA HIGH LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

Clearwater Forebay #2 has been stocked with about 3,500 trout this year. 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. The lakes were also recently stocked with fingerlings this year. Roads and hiking trails to these lakes are now open.

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. 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:

Remember the main stem Umpqua is closed to wild steelhead harvest, but remains open year-round for adipose fin-clipped steelhead. Due to the warm weather the bite has been slow. Anglers will want to fish during the coolest part of the day.

Umpqua River flows near Elkton

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead, chinook

Summer steelhead counts across Winchester Dam are over 700 with over 11,000 spring chinook thru mid-June. Fishing in the Rock Creek area for chinook is fair to good. The spring chinook season in the North Umpqua will close Aug. 1. Summer steelhead angling is slow. 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, smallmouth bass, trout

The South Umpqua is opened to trout and bass angling. In the Umpqua River basin, anglers can harvest 10 smallmouth bass per day of any size.

South Umpqua River water levels near Riddle

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

Fishing for rainbow trout has been fair. Anglers should try using floating bait or worms. Casting or trolling lures or flies can also be effective. Fishing for bass and panfish should be good.

WINCHESTER BAY: sturgeon, coho, chinook

Fishing for sturgeon is slow. Note new sturgeon measuring method in the 2009 Angling Regulations. Crabbing has been slow to fair. Pink fin perch angling will be best during incoming tides.

MOST RECREATIONAL SHELLFISH IS OPEN

Recreational harvesting of mussels is closed along the entire Oregon coast due to elevated levels of PSP toxins. Only mussels are part of the closure. The entire Oregon coast is open to the recreational harvest of clams and other shellfish. 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 improving. 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. There are no negative tides during daylight hours for digging clams this week. There are still a few places to dig clams even with the lack of negative tides.

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

* 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: COUGAR (general statewide season opens Aug. 1) and BEAR (opens Aug. 1)

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

The statewide general COUGAR season is open on Aug.1, 2009. 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. Remember check in is mandatory for successful cougar hunters.

General BEAR season opens August 1. Hunters can expect an average year. The dry weather conditions will concentrate bears near streams where foraging will be better. Hunters should concentrate their efforts in the berry patches in early morning and late afternoon. Bear numbers are good with the highest numbers in the coast range, and with smaller populations in the Cascades. Successful bear hunters are reminded there is a mandatory check-in for all harvested bear within 10 days of harvest (see regulations for details).

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

General BEAR and COUGAR open Aug. 1 statewide. Cougar are abundant throughout with indicators pointing to stable or increasing numbers. Bear are also plentiful. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters; please bring cougar or bear in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

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.

JACKSON, JOSEPHINE, CURRY COUNTIES

BEAR opens Aug. 1. Successful bear hunters are reminded there is a mandatory check-in for all harvested bear within 10 days of harvest (see regulations for details).

COUGAR general season reopens Aug. 1. Due to the nature of cougars, hunters find it hard to locate cougars without locating prey animals and the use of predator calls. Locate major ridge lines where cougars travel looking for deer. 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.

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.

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

Coos County

Shorebirds are common around local bays at low tide. Many of these migrants are here for a short time in the summer and will migrate to wintering areas early in the fall. This is a great time to view large groups of western sandpipers and other small shorebirds which are sometimes seen in mixed groups.

Many species of "bait fish" like herring and smelt are moving into local bays for spawning and their predators will follow. Presently, there are large numbers of various gull species and American brown pelicans in the bay pursuing these bait fish. Look for concentrations of the birds diving for fish in Coos Bay, just inside the jetties near Charleston and other places.

Deer fawns and elk calves are getting old enough to be very mobile. Look for them near clear cuts and meadows. If you have the chance to observe them from a distance without them knowing you are present, they can be very entertaining to watch. Remember, it is common for mothers to leave their young ones for extended time periods as they go off to feed. Do not approach one of these young animals. Their mothers know where they are and will find them at the appropriate time.

Douglas County

Osprey

Osprey chicks are starting to fledge (leave nests) in Douglas County. Our county has over 250 nesting pairs. Locate their classic large stick nest usually on a dead tree or electric pole near a river, creek or lake. Then, look for the nestlings standing on the edge of the nest practicing their lift by flapping their wings just before they take flight.

Gamebirds

The young chicks of California quail and mountain quail, blue and ruffed grouse, wild turkey and pheasants are now being seen throughout the county. Coveys of California quail are common on the Umpqua Valley floor usually associated with blackberry cover and water. Many blue and ruffed grouse and their young are found in mid to high elevation forested areas in our local mountains. Wild turkeys and their poults are very common throughout the Umpqua Valley usually on private lands in oak savannah habitat. Most pheasants are found in central Douglas County associated with pastures and ranches.

Fish Passage

Now is a good time to see summer steelhead migrating upstream passing through Winchester dam fish ladder on the N. Umpqua River which is open to the public. To view the migrating Steelhead go to exit 129 on I-5, proceed southeast on 99 to the fish ladder on the north side of the river.

Denman Wildlife Area

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. The Denman Wildlife Area also has trails for horseback riding, hiking and viewing.

Many people are visiting the area for fishing opportunities-bass, blue gills and bull head cat fish are being caught. Carp are seen in the shallows spawning during early mornings at this time of the year.

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.

CENTRAL ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities:

* Anglers are catching summer steelhead on the lower 25 miles of the Deschutes River.

* Taylor Lake is a great spot to catch carp with flies; look for carp in the shallows as water temperatures warm to summer temperatures.

BIG LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout

Anglers are having good success. 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

Angler success has slowed somewhat over the last couple of weeks, though with a little effort fish can be caught.

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

Clear Lake is now open and has just been stocked with lots of fish and should be a great opportunity to catch a limit.

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

No recent reports.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout and mountain whitefish

The Crooked River has been flowing consistently around 222 cfs and fishing has been good. Redband populations appear to be healthier than in previous years and anglers are reporting consistent fishing. Good fishing is expected to continue throughout the summer.

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

No angler reports.

DAVIS LAKE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass

No recent angler reports. Remember Davis is a fly angling lake only.

DESCHUTES RIVER: steelhead, rainbow trout

Mouth to Warm Springs: steelhead, trout

Summer steelhead are being caught in the lower 25 miles of the Deschutes. Decent counts of steelhead over The Dalles Dam should result in good fishing in the Deschutes.

Trout anglers are reporting good fishing on caddis hatches. Look for some morning hatches and big evening hatches.

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.

Benham Falls to Wickiup Reservoir: brown trout, rainbow trout

Reports of fair success for brown trout and rainbow trout. No reports from the past weekend.

Wickiup Reservoir to Crane Prairie Reservoir: rainbow trout, brown trout

No reports.

Crane Prairie Reservoir to Little Lava Lake: rainbow trout, brook trout

Angler success has been fair.

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

Reports of fair success for rainbow trout and brown trout.

ELK LAKE: kokanee, brook trout

No recent reports.

FALL RIVER: rainbow trout

Recent reports from a couple of experienced angler types indicate that the angling has been slow fair with a few nice fish being caught. Despite the warmer temperatures and increased insect hatches it appears that nymphing is still the most productive method for catching fish. River water temperatures are generally in the 38 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit range. This is a popular spring fishery for fly-fishers.

FROG LAKE:

Frog Lake is cleared of snow and should offer good opportunity to catch lots of nice rainbow trout.

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

All fishing has been consistent. Anglers have reported catching large bass and trout at the inlet of the lake recently.

HOOD RIVER: summer steelhead, winter steelhead

Anglers are reporting quite a few mint bright summer steelhead in the Hood River. These fish are so strong and fast you'll worry your gear isn't strong enough. Fishing should remain good until the glaciers begin melting when the hot weather comes. Hurry up and get out there because the river is getting milky.

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

HORSESHOE LAKE: rainbow trout

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

HOSMER LAKE: Atlantic salmon, brook trout

No angler reports.

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

Angling success for trout and bass is similar to that of previous weeks. 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. Anglers have reported excellent early season success.

LITTLE LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout

Little Lava Lake anglers indicated the bite has been fair.

METOLIUS RIVER: redband trout, bull trout

Some recent reports of good success. The warmer temperatures continue to make for good hatches.

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 now allowed. Five trout per day, 8-inch minimum length.

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Anglers continue to report occasional catches of large fish.

ODELL LAKE: kokanee, rainbow trout, lake trout

The fishing at Odell has been fair. Please note that all bull trout must be released unharmed.

Please note that Odell Lake currently has a standing Department of Human Services blue green algae advisory in place. Please go to http://oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/maadvisories.shtm for current information on this matter.

OLLALIE LAKE: rainbow trout

Ollalie Lake is now clear of snow and accessible. The lake has been stocked and should offer a great opportunity to catch lots of trout.

PAULINA LAKE: Brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout

Anglers are reporting good success for brown trout and kokanee. Rainbow trout fishing is fair.

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

Fishing for warmwater species has been consistent. 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.

PRINEVILLE YOUTH FISHING POND: largemouth bass

The Prineville Youth Fishing Pond is now open to children 14 and younger with a bag limit of five fish. Largemouth bass were stocked in the Prineville Youth Pond on July 9, and fishing is good.

ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Rock Creek has been recently stocked with trout and should provide good opportunity to catch a limit of trout. As the summer progresses low water may impede good fishing.

SOUTH TWIN: rainbow trout

No recent reports. South Twin provides plenty of opportunity for rainbow trout, great wind protected shoreline and good beach-like shoreline for the kids to run around on when they're tired of catching fish. A great family lake.

SUTTLE LAKE: brown trout, kokanee

No angler reports, though the lake should provide good opportunity for anglers interested in chasing kokanee or brown trout.

TAYLOR LAKE: rainbow trout

Taylor Lake is a great spot to catch carp with flies; look for carp in the shallows as water temperatures warm to summer temperatures.

WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout

Fishing is good.

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

Anglers are having fair success catching brown trout and limited numbers of kokanee. The kokanee are in great condition with a few fish ranging up to 16 inches in length. Anglers are encouraged to work the shallows for browns and rainbow during the early morning hours and hours just before dusk.

CENTRAL ZONE HUNTING

COUGAR and BEAR seasons open Aug. 1.

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

Hot temperatures accompanied by thunderstorms have been buffeting the area and outdoor enthusiasts should prepare accordingly. Fire danger is a concern and recreational users should check with Ochoco and Prineville BLM offices for the latest access and camping information.

COUGAR and BEAR seasons open this week (Aug. 1). Successful hunters, remember you must check in cougar (hide and skull) and bear skull at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest and bring them in unfrozen. It's also a good idea to prop their mouths open with a stick after harvest for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging. See regulations for details.

COYOTES are usually closely associated with deer and pronghorn. Hunters would do well to look for signs of deer and antelope and focus their effort in those locations.

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

COUGAR and BEAR seasons open this week (Aug. 1). Successful hunters, remember you must check in cougar (hide and skull) and bear skull at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest and bring them in unfrozen. It's also a good idea to prop their mouths open with a stick after harvest for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging. See regulations for details.

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 this time of year. The best hunting opportunities for squirrels are generally found on private agricultural ground, but good opportunity also exists on White River Wildlife area. Focus your efforts in the morning or evening to find the highest squirrel activity. Make sure to ask permission to hunt on private lands.

WHITE RIVER WILDLIFE AREA

BEAR and COUGAR hunting opens Aug. 1.

COYOTE hunters should be looking in open areas along the eastern perimeter of the wildlife area.

GROUND SQUIRRELS, or gray diggers, can be found throughout the wildlife area.

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. As summer progresses, fire danger increases. Please be aware of current fire regulations and their impact on the wildlife area.

CENTRAL ZONE VIEWING

Prineville Area

Duck and goose broods are visible along the Crooked River and Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Additionally, a variety of other shorebirds and birds of prey are present along the shoreline and rimrock areas. The access road along the north side of Prineville Reservoir through the WMA is open and offers great camping, hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. A map of the WMA is available from the ODFW's Prineville Office, and the Oregon State Park office located at the Prineville Res. State Park.

Directions to the WMA: 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 WMA is via the primitive N. Side Access road at the northeast corner of the state park. Visitors can also access the WMA by continuing 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 WMA primitive road. For more information, visit ODFW's Web site.

Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area

There have been multiple sightings of a mountain goat in Sherman County. The most recent sightings were just above Mack's Canyon campground. Local biologists are interested in keeping track of this wandering goat. If anyone has more information, please contact the Mid-Columbia District office at 541-296-4628.

As summer progresses, fire danger increases within the region. The Deschutes canyon is especially prone to extreme fire danger. Be cautious when recreating in the area. Check with the Prineville district of the BLM for current fire regulations.

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. Bighorn ewes are now congregating in large cliff areas . One area where visitors can view bighorn lambs is in the cliffs across from Beavertail campground along the Mack's canyon access road. Sheep are most active in the early morning and late evening during warm summer days. Good binoculars and a spotting scope will improve the odds of viewing sheep.

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 east of The Dalles. Directions and more information about the Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities:

* Water temperatures in Ana Reservoir stay fairly consistent during the warm summer months, making it a good option when other reservoirs start to wilt in the heat.

* Angling has been good for trout on the Blitzen River, with many 8 to 12-inch trout in the Page Springs area, and a few larger trout higher in the system.

* Anglers are having fair to good success catching trout, perch and bass in Phillips Reservoir.

ANA RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout, hybrid bass

Ana Reservoir is open year-round for rainbow trout and hybrid bass angling. Water temperatures in the reservoir stay fairly consistent throughout the summer. This is a good place to go fishing when other reservoirs get too warm and are not producing. A record size 30 inch hybrid bass was caught in early February weighing 18lb, 9.5 oz. 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

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. Water temperatures gradually increase from the outlet of the reservoir down to the culvert on the county road. Most rainbow trout appear to be concentrated from the head of the river down to around the Desert Spring hatchery complex. Dry flies mimicking grasshoppers and mayflies, fished upstream, are producing trout over 12 inches.

ANTHONY LAKE: rainbow and brook trout

Fishing should be good for rainbow trout. The lake has been stocked twice.

BALM CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass

Trout fishing is fair for 10 to 14-inch fish.

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

The reservoir was 31 percent full and average inflow was 49 cfs July 26. This reservoir is predicted to reach minimum water levels in late August to early September. Water level on July 27 was 4 feet below the end of the new ramp. Angling below the dam is fair.

BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The reservoir is at half-full or less, fishing for rainbow trout has been slow.

BLITZEN RIVER: trout

Flows have dropped to near average levels. Flows dropped steadily (with daily fluctuations) from approximately 64 cfs to 49 cfs from July 20 through July 27. Angling has been good for trout, with many 8 to 12-inch trout in the Page Springs area, and a few larger trout higher in the system. 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.

BLUE LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout

Blue lake was recently stocked with fingerling-sized hatchery rainbow trout. Access to Blue Lake was closed by the USFS to remove beetle-killed trees and improve safety condition; it is not expected to open again during 2009.

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

The reservoir was 33 percent full on July 26. This reservoir is predicted to reach minimum water levels early to mid September. Water level on July 27 was 6 feet above the end of the ramp. Angling for bass is fair. No recent angling report.

BURNS POND: trout, bass

Angling should be slow to fair for rainbow trout.

BURNT RIVER: trout

Fishing will slow as the weather stays warm. Fish early or late in the day.

CAMPBELL RESERVOIR (KLAMATH COUNTY): redband trout, largemouth bass, crappie

No recent report. The reservoir is three-quarters full.

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout, largemouth bass

Redband trout are available in the main river and tributaries; brook trout are available in Dairy and Elder Creeks. The Chewaucan River just above Paisley has been producing good catch rates on fish 8-12 inches. Angling in the lower river, below Paisley and in Rivers End Reservoir for largemouth bass has been very good. With increasing water temperatures bass fishing is expected to slow. Fishing back eddies, in the current, and pulling lures deeper in the reservoir along the old river channel will help improve catch rates. Rivers End Reservoir is privately owned, but public access to the reservoir is available on the northeast side of the gravelford bridge off HWY 31, or by contacting the landowner for permission.

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout

The reservoir is very low, the water is turbid, and we have received reports some trout are dying. With low water and warm weather, we will probably lose the trout this summer.

COTTONWOOD MEADOWS LAKE: brook trout, hatchery stocked rainbow trout

Fishing for hatchery stocked rainbow trout has been good, and catch rates on brook trout have become slow. Vegetation in the lake can make angling challenging; try trolling lures and flies over the top of them near the center of the lake.

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: native redband trout

Fishing has been slow. May-fly hatches have been occurring, and midges are thick on the reservoir in the evenings. The reservoir is still very turbid; large flashy lures and flies are producing near the inlet of Cottonwood Creek.

CRUMP LAKE: crappie, largemouth bass, brown bullhead

The lake went almost entirely dry in 2007. Crump Lake is very turbid, the best fishing areas tend to be near the mouth of Deep Creek at the North end of the lake. There is a primitive boat ramp on the east side of the lake. Crappie catch rates should improve this year with better water conditions. Water temperatures are still too low to make crappie real active. Expect to find schooling fish near the rock structure of the turn island and near the outlet for the lake.

DEADHORSE/CAMPBELL LAKES: hatchery rainbow trout, brook trout

The USFS closed access to the lakes in 2008, and it will continue to be closed in 2009 until early fall. The lakes will not be stocked in June or July. Questions concerning the closure and its removal should be directed to the Paisley Ranger Station at 541 943-3114.

DELINTMENT LAKE: trout

Fair to good angling for rainbow trout. Most anglers have been catching 10 to 12-inch trout, but a few have reported catching 12 to 14-inch holdover trout from last year. Extensive aquatic vegetation may make angling somewhat challenging.

DEMING CREEK: redband trout, bull trout

The creek is open to fishing but it is rare to catch redband trout over eight inches in this very small stream. Angling is closed for bull trout.

DEVILS LAKE: yellow perch, largemouth bass, brown bullhead

Angling is fair for yellow perch and brown bullhead.

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

The retention of redband trout is prohibited; the lake is not stocked with hatchery trout. Largemouth bass angling has slowed with declining water levels and increasing temperatures. Trolling lures in deeper water and targeting the weed line with jigs can improve catch rates. Yellow perch fishing at night has been good recently.

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

Access is open to the reservoir, water at the boat ramp is very low and the dock is out of the water completely. The water is low in the reservoir and very turbid; it will continue to decline through the summer. Channel catfish and largemouth bass fishing has been slow.

DUNCAN RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Recent fishing reports show good catch rates on hatchery stocked legal and trophy-sized trout. Encroaching vegetation and increasing water temperatures will make summer angling more challenging.

EAGLE CREEK: rainbow trout

Rainbow trout were re-stocked the week of July 13.

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

Angling is good for 8 to 12-inch rainbow trout and fair for 8 to 10-inch brook trout.

FISH LAKE (Halfway): rainbow and brook trout

The lake has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing should be good.

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

Lake trout have moved to deeper water and angling has slowed. Larger lake trout are available as two seven pound lake trout were caught in a net by ODFW in October of 2006. Trolling lures by boat in deep water can be effective. Rainbow trout are also being captured whereas brook trout and kokanee are being caught at a lesser rate. The wind usually picks up in the afternoon so fish early and late if you are fishing from a boat. Covering lots of water by trolling various lures can be effective. A good fish finder can be helpful. The lake trout are hungry so finding them is more important than the type of bait, lure or fly you use.

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

The hot weather and resulting warm water temperatures should improve fishing for warmwater fish. The reservoir is just over half full which makes crappie fishing more difficult and less productive. Largemouth bass are available but are difficult to locate and catch. Brown bullhead and small yellow perch are available to bank anglers fishing with bait.

GRANDE RONDE LAKE: rainbow and brook trout

Fishing should be good for rainbow and brook trout. Has been stocked twice with legal-sized rainbow trout.

HAINES POND: rainbow trout

Fishing is slow.

HART LAKE: crappie, brown bullhead, largemouth bass

Catch rates for crappie last summer were very good. The lake is very low. The lake is only 2-3 feet deep in most places. Launching large boats is impossible from the primitive boat ramp, as is running a boat engine in the lake. It is likely that the lake will go dry this year. Look for vegetation in the lake and target your fishing near there.

HEART LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout, kokanee

The lake is full. Fishing reports have been very good for kokanee and good for rainbow trout. Last years fingerling plants are just around 8 inches, please be careful with undersized fish, they are the base of the fishery in 2010.

HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The reservoir has been stocked with trophy and legal-size trout. Fishing reports have been good, but are declining with decreasing water levels and increasing temperatures. Target fishing during the early mornings and late evenings for improved success.

HWY 203 POND: trout, bluegill, bass

Fishing is fair for trout. There also are numerous bluegills for the kids.

JUNIPER LAKE: cutthroat trout

The lake is nearly dry.

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge will be conducting maintenance on the Krumbo Reservoir Road. The road will be closed to all public access from July 20 through August 10. Please call the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge at 541-493-2612 for road updates.

KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: redband trout and yellow perch

Angling is poor in most areas. The main part of Upper Klamath and Agency Lakes is very green from algal growth. Fish are still available under the algae but have moved into the spring areas and mouths of the rivers and streams. Redband trout in Agency Lake and Upper Klamath Lake are feeding primarily on minnows, sculpins and leeches at this time. Angling in the spring fed areas has slowed considerably due to a drop in lake levels and improving water clarity. Angling pressure has been high at the spring areas during weekends. Trolling lures that mimic minnows from a boat is slow. Flyfishing and trolling lures in the spring areas is fair. Water temperatures are high in most areas therefore fish should be captured and released quickly. Anglers should resuscitate the fish before releasing to improve survival.

KLAMATH RIVER: native rainbow-redband trout

The River below Keno Dam to Topsy Reservoir is closed until October 1. The Klamath River from J.C. Boyle Dam bridge crossing to the J. C Boyle Powerhouse provides good angling this time of year for small redband-rainbow trout (6-12 inches) due to low, stable flows from 220 cfs of spring water. Fly-fishing with small dry flies can be excellent this time of year. Small tan caddis are abundant. Angling in the river below the powerhouse is very slow due to high flows (1880 cfs) and murky water but improves in the evening as the river drops. An aquatic moth hatch is occurring in the evening. Remember the river below JC Boyle Dam is catch and release for trout.

LA GRANDE RESERVOIR: rainbow, brook trout

Fishing is good for rainbow and brook trout. Flies and lures only.

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

Angling will be fair for rainbow trout. The rainbow trout will be out in the middle of the lake in deeper water as water temperatures are warm in the shallows. Visit Lakeofthewoodsresort.com for more information. Yellow perch and brown bullhead are available to bank anglers. Most yellow perch are very small so use small bait or flies. There is a good population of brown bullhead and a worm fished just off the bottom in the evening can be very effective. Largemouth bass are available near the dock areas along the lake and in the shallow vegetation along the edges of the lake. Angling for largemouth bass has been good. Kokanee are available near the surface in the early morning near deeper water and migrate to deep water during the day. Large brown trout are typically holding under the kokanee or near structure along the shoreline.

LINK RIVER: redband trout

The river is very green due to an algae bloom in Upper Klamath Lake and angling is very slow as most redband trout have moved out of the river.

LOFTON RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The reservoir has been stocked with trophy and legal-size trout, and fishing reports have been good. Catch rates will decline with increasing water temperatures until fall turns fish back on to the bite. Target rainbow trout in the early mornings and late evenings during the interim period. Illegally introduced tui chub begin to interfere with trout fishing during the summer and fall months. Try fishing the deeper sections of the reservoir to avoid tui chub and position lures and flies in likely positions to attract trout.

LONG CREEK: redband trout, brook trout and bull trout

Angling should be good for brook trout and redband trout. Most fish run small (6-8 inches). Dry fly fishing should be good.

LONG CREEK RESERVOIR - Unity: rainbow

Should be good for rainbow trout.

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

Angling is fair for brown bullhead and yellow perch using bait at the Crystal Springs day use area. A few largemouth bass can also be captured under or near the Crystal Springs Bridge.

LUCKY RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Fishing reports have been good. Water temperatures will increase though the summer. The reservoir is very turbid; large flashy lures/flies and scent attractants are recommended.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The boat ramp is no longer useable. Bank angling at this reservoir is limited due to low water level and weed beds that extend out from shore. The best access points for bank anglers are located near the old boat ramp, inside the neck, or the peninsula by the second restroom. The reservoir will probably go dry in September. The reservoir continues to produce catches of 12 to 16-inch trout with a few larger fish. Angling for trout is slowing due to low water level and heat.

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

Average flows below Warm Springs Reservoir were 424 cfs on July 26. Angling for trout is fair.

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

Combined discharge from Warm Sorings and Beulah Reservoirs (below Juntura) averaged about 809 cfs on July 26. Angling for trout is slow.

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

Trout angling is fair to good. Remember to release bull trout.

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

No recent angling report. Trout angling should be fair to good. 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

Angling has been fair for rainbow trout from shore. Trophy brown trout are available. Kokanee are rare and are typically under eight inches in length. Water temperatures are warm and fish have moved to deeper water at about 15 feet. Fishing is more productive from a boat to be able to access these fish.

MILL FLAT RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Aquatic vegetation in the lake can make angling challenging. Dry flies mimicking hatches placed on top of the vegetation and deep diving lures along the weed line can produce large rainbow trout.

MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout

The reservoir was very low after last irrigation season, but filled this spring. No recent report for trout, but bass angling should be slow to fair, and trout angling should be slow.

MUD LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout

Mud Lake is very low; fishing is expected to be slow until fall. Fall sampling in 2008 showed lots of fish available to the angler, most in the 8 to 10-inch size range.

MURRAY RESERVOIR: trout

No recent report, but fishing should be fair to good.

NORTH FORK SPRAGUE RIVER: Brown trout, redband trout, brook trout, bull trout

Flows in the North Fork Sprague are low. Angling should be good for redband trout and brown trout. Brown trout are found in the deeper pools and near any large wood in the river. Target the shady areas for brown trout with sculpin fly patterns or small lures mimicking minnows. Brown trout will also take caddis and terrestrial patterns. Redband trout are typically in the fast moving water out in the middle of the river. Several campgrounds will be closed in the next few weeks. Contact the Fremont National Forest for more information.

NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: rainbow trout

Pence Springs, Peavine, South Cottonwood, South Mountain, and Squaw Creek reservoirs were stocked with fingerling rainbow trout on May 29. Littlefield Reservoir has a good carryover population with fish running 12 to 15 inches. Squaw Creek Reservoir also has good number fish up to about 13 inches.

NORTH POWDER POND 1: rainbow trout

Fishing is slow.

OBENCHAIN RESERVOIR: bluegill, largemouth bass

The landowner has closed access to Obenchain Reservoir due to vandalism. Access is by permission only.

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

The reservoir was 41 percent full on July 26. Water level is below the bottom of the ramps at McCormick State Park and Leslie Gulch. Other boat ramps are open for normal use. Good angling for crappie, and slow to fair angling for bass.

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

Flows below the dam have been stable at 215 cfs over the past week. Angling for rainbow and brown trout is fair to good.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish

Discharge at the Rome gauge dropped to 146 on July 26. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish should be fair to good.

OVERTON RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Few trout were captured during sampling in the fall of 2008. Catch rates have been very low. Few fish are available in the lake. The aquatic vegetation that sits on the surface of the reservoir is difficult to fish through. Fishing is best in the early afternoon when the wind has cleared an opening in the vegetation to allow for access for an anglers line.

PIUTE RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout and hatchery Lahontan cutthroat trout

Rainbow and cutthroat trout are available. The reservoir is holding at two to four acres. The reservoir will likely go dry this summer, and will not be stocked. Catch-and-release fishing is not recommended in the lake as most of these fish will likely winter kill if the reservoir does not go completely dry. Fishing in the late evening is recommended to remove these fish from the reservoir.

PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch

Fishing is fair to good for trout 10 to 12 inches. Perch fishing has picked up and is good. Fish are 8-10 inches. Some bass are being caught as well. The reservoir is 88 percent full.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout

Crappie fishing is good for 8 to 9-inch fish. Trout fishing is fair. Reservoir is full.

PINE CREEK and NORTH PINE (Halfway): rainbow

Fish were stocked the last week of June. Fishing near Cornucopia is usually good.

POWDER RIVER: trout, spring chinook

Fishing for rainbow trout is fair-good below Mason Dam.

ROGGERS POND: hatchery rainbow trout

Legal-size trout are available from last years planting. Bring mosquito repellent to improve your fishing experience.

SEVENMILE CREEK: brown trout, brook trout, redband trout

Brook trout are abundant from Nicholson road upstream to headwaters. Brown trout and redband trout are very rare in this section. The lower section below Nicholson Road is on private property therefore permission is needed to fish.

SHERLOCK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Fall sampling showed lots of trout in the 10 to 12-inch size range. Recent fishing reports show lots of trout available in the 8-inch size range. Water temperatures will continue to increase until fall. Fishing in the late evenings, when heavy hatching and active feeding is occurring is likely to improve success.

SOUTH FORK SPRAGUE RIVER: redband trout, brook trout, brown trout

Flows in the South Fork Sprague are low and angling should be fair for redband trout and brown trout. Most of the redband trout caught range from 6-14 inches. Large brown trout over 20 inches are available. Most brook trout are located upstream near Corral and Camp Creek. Brook trout are abundant in this section but most of them are small (6-8 inches). Campgrounds in this area will be closed for several weeks. Please contact the Fremont National Forest for more information.

SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: hatchery rainbow trout

No recent angling report. Many of the ponds in the Jordan Valley area were stocked with fingerling trout on June 2 or 3. 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.

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

Angling should be slow for redband trout as they move to cooler water as air temperatures increase. Look for redband trout along the spring areas of the river and the higher gradient sections. Bait angling for brown bullhead and yellow perch should be good in between Saddle Mtn. Pitt Bridge and Godowa Springs Road. The Chiloquin Dam has been removed and angling regulation signs have been posted at the prior dam location.

SPENCER CREEK: redband trout and brook trout

Angling will be excellent for small redband-rainbow (4 to 8-inch) trout. The upper reaches just below Buck Lake have small brook trout available.

SUMMIT POND: hatchery rainbow trout

Legal-sized rainbow trout are available from last years planting. Bring mosquito repellent to improve your fishing experience.

SUNSTONE RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The reservoir is half-full and declining. Recent fishing reports show lots of fish available in the 8-inch size range. The reservoir will likely go dry this summer and will not be stocked. Catch-and-release is not recommended as these fish will likely not survive the summer or will winter kill when the shallow water freezes.

SYCAN RIVER: redband trout, brown trout and brook trout

Angling should be slow in most areas including the canyon near Coyote Bucket for small redband trout 6-12 inches. Angling should be good for brook trout above Pikes Crossing. Large brown trout and migratory redband trout over 20 inches are available. Brook trout are more abundant above Pikes crossing and redband trout are more abundant below. The Sycan River is a great place to fish if you do not want to see another angler. Campgrounds in this area will be closed for several weeks. Please contact the Fremont National Forest for more information.

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout

Fishing has slowed. The water level is dropping and is 77 percent full. 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: hatchery rainbow trout, largemouth bass

The reservoir is very full, the boat ramps are usable, and good fishing has been occurring for bass and rainbow trout. Water temperatures will continue to increase through the summer months. Algae blooms often occur on the reservoir during late summer. Seek out largemouth bass and trout in deeper sections of the reservoir.

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

Angling is fair for warmwater fish. Fishing for brown bullhead or yellow perch would be your best bet at this time. Largemouth bass are starting to be captured in the backwater areas. Bass fishing is best from a boat.

TWIN LAKES (Halfway): rainbow

Fishing should be good for rainbow trout. The lake has been stocked with legal rainbow trout.

UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie

Fishing is fair to good for trout. Crappie fishing is very good off the dock. Water level is at 66 percent full.

VEE LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout

The lake is full, legal and trophy-sized trout were planted recently and fishing reports from the lake have been very good.

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

The reservoir was 10 percent full on July 26. Inflows averaged 17 cfs on July 26. This reservoir is predicted to reach minimum water levels in mid-August, but may last into September. This reservoir and Beulah Reservoir are managed together so they will hit minimum water levels together. No recent angling report.

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. Recent rains have not significantly improved the condition of the lakes.

WARNER POND: hatchery rainbow trout

This is a great place to fly-fish and take young anglers. Many large rainbow trout are available in this small pond.

LOWER WILLIAMSON RIVER: redband trout, brown trout, brook trout

Angling has slowed as the river has dropped and cleared. Pressure has been high on the fish. Smaller redband trout are abundant and aggressive. Please release these fish carefully as they are future trophy trout. ODFW suggests using barbless hooks in this fishery. The large hex mayfly is hatching and the fish are rising to them in the late evening around 9 p.m. Fish are also rising to an egg-laying caddis in the evening.

UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER: redband trout and brook trout

Flows are low but water clarity is fair. The large Hexagenia mayfly is hatching at dusk which will bring the largest fish to the surface. This hatch is much better than the Lower Williamson. Bring your mosquito repellant as mosquitoes are abundant. Angling should be good for redband trout and brook trout on public land and exceptional on the private land. Anglers have the opportunity to pay to fish on the Sand Creek Ranch and the Yamsi Ranch.

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

Angling is slow for warmwater fish. The largemouth bass population might have experienced a winter kill. The reservoir is currently low and boat anglers should be aware of log hazards. New angling regulations are in place that allow only one bass harvested per day greater than 15 inches in length. Crappie angling is slow but large crappie are available. Bluegill are abundant but small is size.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, trout

Fishing from the dock for crappie is good with 8-9 inch fish being taken. Trout fishing is fair to good.

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

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. Water clarity has improved greatly. Some anglers are doing well angling with lures and spoons for brown trout above Loosley Road. Most anglers below Weed Road have reported poor angling. Angling for redband trout should improve as redband trout are starting to move into the river in good numbers. Grasshoppers are starting to show themselves and can be an effective fly for brown trout from the USFS day use area to Weed Road crossing.

YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout

Angling has been fair for 10 to 13-inch rainbow trout. Anglers have had success with a variety of gear. Extensive aquatic vegetation may make angling somewhat challenging.

SOUTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: COUGAR and BEAR (open Aug. 1)

COUGAR and BEAR seasons open this week (Aug. 1). Successful hunters, remember you must check in cougar (hide and skull) and bear skull at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest and bring them in unfrozen. It's also a good idea to prop their mouths open with a stick after harvest for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging. See regulations for details.

EVENT

Pheasant hunt, Klamath Falls Wildlife Area, Sept. 19-20. A Becoming an Outdoor Woman Event for those 18 and over. Come and enjoy a half-day session on shotgun skills training and two separate pheasant hunts (one Saturday afternoon and one Sunday morning). Fee $65, includes a continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday, and a continental breakfast on Sunday morning. All equipment will be provided. Register using this online PDF form or contact Mark Newell, 503-947-6018: mark.newell@state.or.us

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

HARNEY COUNTY

COUGAR and BEAR open Aug. 1.

COYOTE hunting has been slow due to relatively low population levels associated with a low period in cyclic rabbit and rodent populations. Coyotes are generally scattered on summer ranges. The highest concentrations are associated with irrigated private land where there are good numbers of mice or other small rodents. 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 and BEAR open Aug. 1.

COYOTE hunting has returned to summer conditions as coyotes have dispersed onto summer territories. The highest densities of coyotes at this time of year are often near wetlands and irrigated pastures where young waterfowl and rodents are in abundance. Hunters are reminded that the Lower Klamath Lake Wildlife Refuge and Klamath Marsh Wildlife Refuge are closed to coyote hunting, and hunters should always ask for permission before entering private ground.

KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA

Hunting seasons are now closed.

In order to minimize disturbance to 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. 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

COUGAR and BEAR open Aug. 1.

COYOTE numbers appear to be very low throughout the county. The best numbers are near the crested wheatgrass seedlings in the southern portion of the Wagontire unit. Populations in forest habitats also are more abundant and calling around natural forest openings can be productive.

SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA

This section of the report was last updated July 28, 2009.

All hunting seasons on the Wildlife Area are now closed.

Discharging firearms is prohibited except by permit.

MALHEUR COUNTY

COUGAR and BEAR open Aug. 1.

UPLAND BIRD production surveys have not started in the district yet. ODFW will include information about game bird populations for the fall season once surveys are done and info is available, which should be in late August.

COYOTE hunting has been slow due to relatively low population levels associated with a low period in cyclic rabbit and rodent populations. 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 complete, and remaining bird birds are actively nesting and or rearing young. Some common breeding water-birds in Harney County include white-faced ibis, American avocet, black-necked stilt, great egret, greater sandhill cranes and a variety of waterfowl species. Raptors that can be found this time of year include red-tailed hawks, ferruginous hawks and golden eagles. Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is the summer home to some unique passerines such as bobolink, black-headed grosbeaks, willow flycatchers, and many others.

The best area to view breeding birds is Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge offers excellent viewing opportunities at the refuge headquarters, along the Central Patrol Road, and near Page Springs.

Klamath Falls Area

White-faced Ibis can be observed foraging in flooded pastures south of Klamath Falls. Ibis are colonial nesters using bull rush and cattails to make a platform to construct their nest.

Owl species including great-horned, barn, screech and short-eared owls can be observed just after dark around agricultural and foothill areas as they start hunting for rodents, snakes, and other small prey. Great gray owls are found at higher elevation forested areas usually adjacent to meadows and small forest openings.

Sightings duck broods are now common around rivers and lakes in the Klamath Basin. Canada geese are now flying and can be observed flying from water out to agricultural lands to forage. Western and Clark's grebes have largely finished courtship, but can still be observed on Upper Klamath Lake and surrounding waterways. These two species look very similar in plumage but are distinguished by head and bill coloration. Bald eagles have hatched in most nest sites, and young eagles can occasionally be observed in the nest as they grow from nestlings into fledglings. The breeding pair at Moore Park can be observed from the lower parts of the park.

Klamath Wildlife Area

This section was updated on July 14. Non-motorized access remains available on all dikes and roads throughout the Wildlife Area.

Waterbird numbers are somewhat stable with the breeding season in full swing now. Viewers can expect to find good numbers of breeding waterfowl, shorebirds, other waterbirds and marsh dwelling passerines throughout the next several months

Since the breeding season for nearly all nesting species is underway at this time, viewers are urged to use great care not to disturb nesting birds or broods. Please be aware that it is unlawful to let dogs run at large from February through July. In order to minimize disturbance to nesting birds, dogs are allowed only in the dog training area in Unit B from February 1nJuly 31. Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit.

Waterfowl

Breeding season for ducks such as mallard, cinnamon teal and gadwall continues and most hens are nesting or rearing broods. Duck broods can be commonly observed for nearly all nesting species. It is the peak of hatching for gadwall now and broods are becoming very apparent. Waterfowl have spread out across the entire area. Resident Canada geese are dispersed widely across the Wildlife Area and adjacent private lands. Canada geese are regaining their flight feathers and are beginning to regain flight capabilities.

Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds

American avocets and black-necked stilts are very numerous at this time, with incubation and brood rearing well underway. Viewers can expect to find increased number of migrant shorebirds staging on the Wildlife Area in the next several weeks.

Wading birds are scattered widely across the Wildlife Area. Great egrets and white pelicans are fairly numerous at this time and occasionally a snowy egret can be observed. Most sandhill crane pairs remain dispersed in their nesting territories and most are actively rearing colts at this time.

Raptors and Others

Resident raptors remain scattered throughout the Wildlife Area. Most resident birds are actively rearing young at this time. Fields offer excellent foraging opportunities for many raptors.

Upland game birds

California quail pairs are dispersed widely across the Area and nesting is underway, several broods have been observed recently. Mourning doves are fairly numerous and are commonly heard calling throughout the day.

Passerines

Passerine (perching) species, especially sparrows, finches and warblers remain fairly common around the Headquarters complex and historic homestead areas (Hooper, Delameter, Rayson, and Gregory). Song sparrows, marsh wrens and common yellowthroat are very vocal in emergent marsh areas at present. Red-winged and yellow-headed blackbirds are actively nesting throughout the emergent marsh areas. All common swallow species are very active in their nesting efforts. Cliff, barn and tree swallows are very common at Headquarters.

Viewers can expect to continue to have good photo and viewing opportunities for nesting and brood rearing species. This is an excellent time, since all species are in their brilliant breeding plumage. As fall migration progresses, viewers may be treated to rare or unusual species. Please check the Wildlife Observation Record in the Headquarters Lobby for rare and unusual observations and other species of interest.

Facilities and Access

The entire area is open to public access. Non-motorized travel is permitted on lateral and other minor dikes. The entire Wildlife Area is closed to cross country motor vehicle or ATV travel.

Again, viewers are urged to keep pets in close control; the breeding season for many species of ground nesting birds is underway. Many shorebird species are nesting or rearing along road edges at this time and are very vulnerable to disturbance, please use caution when driving or walking in these areas.

Habitat

Recent warm daytime temperatures have resulted in very robust emergent vegetation that is actively growing. As evapotranspiration rates increase, and pond levels recede, shallowly flooded wetland edges and mudflats are becoming more apparent. These sites 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 and are providing another abundant food source. Many waterbird species and other insectivorous birds are taking advantage these excellent food sources at this time.

Upland habitats are in very good condition with forbs and grasses readily available for food. As upland habitats begin to dry and grass to cure, please be especially cautious with any types of fire ignition sources.

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

The greatest diversity of summer resident passerines are best viewed along brush riparian areas. The greatest shorebird diversity can be found on the mud flats of Lake Abert, Hart Lake and Summer Lake.

Summer Lake Wildlife Area

This section was updated on July 28. 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 remain closed to motor vehicles to reduce disturbance to breeding and migrating waterbirds. Viewers need to be aware that during the next 2 months there will be considerable habitat enhancement activities taking place. Expect heavy truck traffic on the Headquarters Road out to Windbreak dike and about half the way out to Bullgate Campground. Temporary closures of the Wildlife Viewing Loop during may occur due to the habitat development and maintenance activities.

Non-motorized access remains available on all dikes and roads throughout the Wildlife Area.

Waterbird numbers are fluctuating now with the breeding season winding down and fall migration picking up tremendously. Over the weekend large numbers of several species of shorebirds increased dramatically in number. Viewers can expect to find good numbers of breeding and migrant waterfowl, shorebirds, other waterbirds and marsh dwelling passerines throughout the next several months.

Since the breeding season for nearly all nesting species continues at this time, viewers are urged to use great care not to disturb nesting birds or broods. Please be aware that it is unlawful to let dogs run at large from April through July.

Waterfowl

Breeding season for ducks such as mallard, cinnamon teal and gadwall continues and most hens are nesting or rearing broods. Duck broods can be commonly observed for nearly all nesting species. It is the peak of brood rearing for gadwall now and broods are becoming very apparent and widespread. Waterfowl have spread out across the entire area. Resident Canada geese are dispersed widely across the Wildlife Area and adjacent private lands. Nearly all Canada geese are flighted at this time, only a few remain in the molt. Molting ducks are very numerous but are difficult to see. During this critical time period where they are flightless they remain close to heavy cover.

Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds

American avocets and black-necked stilts are very numerous at this time, with brood rearing well underway, only a few birds remain on nests. The Bullgate Refuge, East Link and Link Marsh units have large numbers of nesting and brood rearing American avocets and stilts at this time. Please drive carefully along the Wildlife Viewing loop since some nests are situated along the road edge and sometimes between the tire tracks. All other of the nine nesting shorebirds species are well into brood rearing; chicks of nearly all species have been observed recently.

Large flocks of post-breeding birds are beginning to form. Fall migration is intensifying as northern breeding species are appearing and are staging in large numbers. Viewers can expect to find increased number of migrant shorebirds staging on the Wildlife Area in the next several weeks.

Wading birds are scattered widely across the Wildlife Area great egrets and white pelicans are fairly numerous at this time and occasionally a snowy egret can be observed. Post breeding season dispersal of white-faced ibis is occurring now; large flocks of feeding ibis are common.

Most sandhill crane pairs remain dispersed in their nesting territories and many are actively rearing colts at this time. Some colts are approaching flight stage now.

Double-crested cormorants, gulls (California and ring-billed) and grebe (eared, pied-billed and western) numbers are fairly stable and nesting for some species continues. Brood rearing is well underway and fall migrants are making a strong showing. American coot, eared and pied-billed grebe chicks are very numerous especially in Link Marsh. Caspian terns are nesting on the recently constructed island in the E. Link Unit and the floating island in Dutchy Lake. A large number of gulls are nesting there as well and the colony is easily viewed from the Wildlife Viewing Loop.

Forster's terns are numerous at this time are widely dispersed across the Area.

Over the weekend, black terns continue to increase in number and a many juveniles were observed.

Raptors and Others

Resident raptors remain scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Hwy 31. Most resident birds are actively rearing young at this time. Meadows offer excellent foraging opportunities for many raptors. Northern harriers are especially numerous over marsh and hay meadows. The occasional bald eagle continues to be observed, probably one of the several pairs found in the Summer Lake Valley.

Great-horned owls have fledged and observations of dispersing juveniles are fairly common. The osprey pair nesting in the platform at Ana Reservoir has chicks at this time.

Upland game birds

California quail pairs are dispersed widely across the Area and nesting is underway, several broods have been observed recently. Several ring-necked pheasant broods have been observed at the Turner Place. Eurasian collared doves remain fairly numerous (15-20) at Headquarters Complex and are vigorously calling. Mourning doves are fairly numerous and are commonly heard calling throughout the day.

Passerine (perching) species, especially sparrows, finches and warblers 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. Nesting species such as black-headed grosbeaks, yellow warblers, Bullock's orioles and warbling vireos are actively singing now. Song sparrows, marsh wrens and common yellowthroat are very vocal in emergent marsh areas at present. Red-winged and yellow-headed blackbirds are actively nesting or rearing young throughout the emergent marsh areas. All common swallow species are very active in their nesting efforts. Cliff, barn and tree swallows are very common at Headquarters and many of these species are beginning to form large flocks in preparation for migration. Bank and northern rough-winged swallows can be found in the upper Ana River Canyon.

Viewers can expect to continue to have good photo and viewing opportunities for nesting and brood rearing species. As fall migration progresses, viewers may be treated to rare or unusual species. Please check the Wildlife observation record in the Headquarters Lobby for rare and unusual observations 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. Close-up wildlife observation from the Viewing Loop is very good at this time. Viewers need to be aware that during the next two months there will be considerable habitat enhancement activities taking place. Expect heavy truck traffic on the Headquarters Road out to Windbreak dike and about half the way out to Bullgate Campground. Temporary closures of the Wildlife Viewing Loop during may occur due to the habitat development and maintenance activities.

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 continues. Many shorebird species are nesting or rearing broods along road edges at this time and are very vulnerable to disturbance, please use caution when driving or walking in these areas.

Habitat

Recent warm daytime temperatures have resulted in very robust emergent vegetation that is actively growing. As evapotranspiration rates increase, and pond levels recede, shallowly flooded wetland edges and mudflats are becoming more apparent. These sites 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 and Tabidid flys are beginning to become active and are providing another abundant food source. Many waterbird species and other insectivorous birds are taking advantage these excellent food sources at this time.

Water levels are stable to slowing receding throughout most of the Area at this time. Gold Dike Impoundment and the River Ranch units are being drawdown and/or are mostly dry for habitat enhancement scheduled to occur later this summer. Meadows and hayfields found on adjacent private lands and in selected locations on the Wildlife Area have been hayed and are being flooded at this time. These intermittently flooded wetlands will provide considerable foraging opportunities to a wide variety of wildlife species.

Upland habitats are in very good condition with forbs and grasses exhibiting tremendous growth and providing an abundant food source to many species.

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

Harney County

Spring migration is complete, and remaining bird birds are actively nesting and or rearing young. Some common breeding water-birds in Harney County include white-faced ibis, American avocet, black-necked stilt, great egret, greater sandhill cranes and a variety of waterfowl species. Raptors that can be found this time of year include red-tailed hawks, ferruginous hawks and golden eagles. Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is the summer home to some unique passerines such as bobolink, black-headed grosbeaks, willow flycatchers, and many others.

The best area to view breeding birds is Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge offers excellent viewing opportunities at the refuge headquarters, along the Central Patrol Road, and near Page Springs.

Klamath Falls Area

White-faced Ibis can be observed foraging in flooded pastures south of Klamath Falls. Ibis are colonial nesters using bull rush and cattails to make a platform to construct their nest.

Owl species including great-horned, barn, screech and short-eared owls can be observed just after dark around agricultural and foothill areas as they start hunting for rodents, snakes, and other small prey. Great gray owls are found at higher elevation forested areas usually adjacent to meadows and small forest openings.

Sightings of duck broods are now common around rivers and lakes in the Klamath Basin. Canada geese are now flying and can be observed flying from water out to agricultural lands to forage. Western and Clark's grebes have largely finished courtship, but can still be observed on Upper Klamath Lake and surrounding waterways. These two species look very similar in plumage but are distinguished by head and bill coloration. Bald eagles have hatched in most nest sites, and young eagles can occasionally be observed in the nest as they grow from nestlings into fledglings. The breeding pair at Moore Park can be observed from the lower parts of the park.

Klamath Wildlife Area

This section was updated on July 14. Non-motorized access remains available on all dikes and roads throughout the Wildlife Area.

Waterbird numbers are somewhat stable with the breeding season in full swing now. Viewers can expect to find good numbers of breeding waterfowl, shorebirds, other waterbirds and marsh dwelling passerines throughout the next several months

Since the breeding season for nearly all nesting species is underway at this time, viewers are urged to use great care not to disturb nesting birds or broods. Please be aware that it is unlawful to let dogs run at large from February through July. In order to minimize disturbance to nesting birds, dogs are allowed only in the dog training area in Unit B from February 1nJuly 31. Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit.

Waterfowl

Breeding season for ducks such as mallard, cinnamon teal and gadwall continues and most hens are nesting or rearing broods. Duck broods can be commonly observed for nearly all nesting species. It is the peak of hatching for gadwall now and broods are becoming very apparent. Waterfowl have spread out across the entire area. Resident Canada geese are dispersed widely across the Wildlife Area and adjacent private lands. Canada geese are regaining their flight feathers and are beginning to regain flight capabilities.

Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds

American avocets and black-necked stilts are very numerous at this time, with incubation and brood rearing well underway. Viewers can expect to find increased number of migrant shorebirds staging on the Wildlife Area in the next several weeks.

Wading birds are scattered widely across the Wildlife Area. Great egrets and white pelicans are fairly numerous at this time and occasionally a snowy egret can be observed. Most sandhill crane pairs remain dispersed in their nesting territories and most are actively rearing colts at this time.

Raptors and Others

Resident raptors remain scattered throughout the Wildlife Area. Most resident birds are actively rearing young at this time. Fields offer excellent foraging opportunities for many raptors.

Upland game birds

California quail pairs are dispersed widely across the Area and nesting is underway, several broods have been observed recently. Mourning doves are fairly numerous and are commonly heard calling throughout the day.

Passerines

Passerine (perching) species, especially sparrows, finches and warblers remain fairly common around the Headquarters complex and historic homestead areas (Hooper, Delameter, Rayson, and Gregory). Song sparrows, marsh wrens and common yellowthroat are very vocal in emergent marsh areas at present. Red-winged and yellow-headed blackbirds are actively nesting throughout the emergent marsh areas. All common swallow species are very active in their nesting efforts. Cliff, barn and tree swallows are very common at Headquarters.

Viewers can expect to continue to have good photo and viewing opportunities for nesting and brood rearing species. This is an excellent time, since all species are in their brilliant breeding plumage. As fall migration progresses, viewers may be treated to rare or unusual species. Please check the Wildlife Observation Record in the Headquarters Lobby for rare and unusual observations and other species of interest.

Facilities and Access

The entire area is open to public access. Non-motorized travel is permitted on lateral and other minor dikes. The entire Wildlife Area is closed to cross country motor vehicle or ATV travel.

Again, viewers are urged to keep pets in close control; the breeding season for many species of ground nesting birds is underway. Many shorebird species are nesting or rearing along road edges at this time and are very vulnerable to disturbance, please use caution when driving or walking in these areas.

Habitat

Recent warm daytime temperatures have resulted in very robust emergent vegetation that is actively growing. As evapotranspiration rates increase, and pond levels recede, shallowly flooded wetland edges and mudflats are becoming more apparent. These sites 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 and are providing another abundant food source. Many waterbird species and other insectivorous birds are taking advantage these excellent food sources at this time.

Upland habitats are in very good condition with forbs and grasses readily available for food. As upland habitats begin to dry and grass to cure, please be especially cautious with any types of fire ignition sources.

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

The greatest diversity of summer resident passerines are best viewed along brush riparian areas. The greatest shorebird diversity can be found on the mud flats of Lake Abert, Hart Lake and Summer Lake.

Summer Lake Wildlife Area

This section was updated on July 21. 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. Viewers need to be aware that during the next 2 months there will be considerable habitat enhancement activities taking place. Expect heavy truck traffic on the Headquarters Road out to Windbreak dike and about half the way out to Bullgate Campground. Temporary closures of the Wildlife Viewing Loop during may occur due to the habitat development and maintenance activities.

Non-motorized access remains available on all dikes and roads throughout the Wildlife Area.

Waterbird numbers are fluctuating now with the breeding season winding down and fall migration picking up tremendously. Over the weekend large numbers of several species of shorebirds increased dramatically in number. Viewers can expect to find good numbers of breeding and migrant waterfowl, shorebirds, other waterbirds and marsh dwelling passerines throughout the next several months.

Since the breeding season for nearly all nesting species continues at this time, viewers are urged to use great care not to disturb nesting birds or broods. Please be aware that it is unlawful to let dogs run at large from April through July.

Waterfowl

Breeding season for ducks such as mallard, cinnamon teal and gadwall continues and most hens are nesting or rearing broods. Duck broods can be commonly observed for nearly all nesting species. It is the peak of brood rearing for gadwall now and broods are becoming very apparent and widespread. Waterfowl have spread out across the entire area. Resident Canada geese are dispersed widely across the Wildlife Area and adjacent private lands. Nearly all Canada geese are flighted at this time, only a few remain in the molt. Molting ducks are very numerous but are difficult to see. During this critical time period where they are flightless they remain close to heavy cover.

Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds

American avocets and black-necked stilts are very numerous at this time, with brood rearing well underway, only a few birds remain on nests. The Bullgate Refuge, East Link and Link Marsh units have large numbers of nesting and brood rearing American avocets and stilts at this time. Please drive carefully along the Wildlife Viewing loop since some nests are situated along the road edge and sometimes between the tire tracks. All other of the nine nesting shorebirds species are well into brood rearing. Chicks of nearly all species have been observed recently.

Large flocks of post-breeding birds are beginning to form. Fall migration is intensifying as northern breeding species are appearing and are staging in large numbers. Viewers can expect to find increased number of migrant shorebirds staging on the Wildlife Area in the next several weeks.

Wading birds are scattered widely across the Wildlife Area great egrets and white pelicans are fairly numerous at this time and occasionally a snowy egret can be observed. Post breeding season dispersal of white-faced ibis is occurring now; large flocking of feeding ibis are common.

Most sandhill crane pairs remain dispersed in their nesting territories and most are actively rearing colts at this time. Some colts are approaching flight stage now.

Double-crested cormorants, gulls (California and ring-billed) and grebe (eared and western) numbers are fairly stable and nesting for some species continues. Brood rearing is well underway and fall migrants are making a strong showing. Last week, over 150 Franklin's gulls were found. American coot, eared and pied-billed grebe chicks are very numerous especially in Link Marsh. Caspian terns are nesting on the recently constructed island in the E. Link Unit and the floating island in Dutchy Lake. A large number of gulls are nesting there as well and the colony is easily viewed from the Wildlife Viewing Loop.

Forster's terns are numerous at this time are widely dispersed across the Area.

Over the weekend, black terns continue to increase in number and a few juveniles were observed.

Raptors and Others

Resident raptors remain scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Hwy 31. Most resident birds are actively rearing young at this time. Meadows offer excellent foraging opportunities for many raptors. Northern harriers are especially numerous over marsh and hay meadows. The occasional bald eagle continues to be observed, probably one of the several pairs found in the Summer Lake Valley.

Great-horned owls have fledged and observations of dispersing juveniles are fairly common. The osprey pair nesting in the platform at Ana Reservoir has chicks at this time.

Upland game birds

California quail pairs are dispersed widely across the Area and nesting is underway, several broods have been observed recently. Several ring-necked pheasant broods have been observed at the Turner Place. Eurasian collared doves remain fairly numerous (15-20) at Headquarters Complex and are vigorously calling. Mourning doves are fairly numerous and are commonly heard calling throughout the day.

Passerine (perching) species, especially sparrows, finches and warblers 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. Nesting species such as black-headed grosbeaks, yellow warblers, Bullock's orioles and warbling vireos are actively singing now. Song sparrows, marsh wrens and common yellowthroat are very vocal in emergent marsh areas at present. Red-winged and yellow-headed blackbirds are actively nesting throughout the emergent marsh areas. All common swallow species are very active in their nesting efforts. Cliff, barn and tree swallows are very common at Headquarters and many of these species are beginning to form large flocks in preparation for migration. Bank and northern rough-winged swallows can be found in the upper Ana River Canyon.

Viewers can expect to continue to have good photo and viewing opportunities for nesting and brood rearing species. As fall migration progresses, viewers may be treated to rare or unusual species. Please check the Wildlife observation record in the Headquarters Lobby for rare and unusual observations 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. Close-up wildlife observation from the Viewing Loop is very good at this time. Viewers need to be aware that during the next two months there will be considerable habitat enhancement activities taking place. Expect heavy truck traffic on the Headquarters Road out to Windbreak dike and about half the way out to Bullgate Campground. Temporary closures of the Wildlife Viewing Loop during may occur due to the habitat development and maintenance activities.

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 continues. Many shorebird species are nesting or rearing broods along road edges at this time and are very vulnerable to disturbance, please use caution when driving or walking in these areas.

Habitat

Recent warm daytime temperatures have resulted in very robust emergent vegetation that is actively growing. As evapotranspiration rates increase, and pond levels recede, shallowly flooded wetland edges and mudflats are becoming more apparent. These sites 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 and Tabidid flys are beginning to become active and are providing another abundant food source. Many waterbird species and other insectivorous birds are taking advantage these excellent food sources at this time.

Water levels are stable to slowing receding throughout most of the Area at this time. Gold Dike Impoundment and the River Ranch units are being drawdown and/or are mostly dry for habitat enhancement scheduled to occur later this summer. Meadows and hayfields found on adjacent private lands and in selected locations on the Wildlife Area are dried out at this time and mowing and hay removal is nearly complete.

Upland habitats are in very good condition with forbs and grasses exhibiting tremendous growth and providing an abundant food source to many species.

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

NORTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities

* Bass and channel cat fishing on the John Day is good right now in the lower river.

* The ponds on the Wallowa Whitman Forest continue to offer good fishing opportunities for stocked rainbow trout.

ALDRICH PONDS: trout

Fishing is good at the lower pond but poor at the upper pond. Excessive weed growth produced a fish die-off this winter at the upper pond but it was restocked with fingerlings in May.

GRANDE RONDE, WALLOWA, IMNAHA RIVERS AND TRIBUTARIES:

Flows have declined to normal summer levels in the Wallowa, lower Grande Ronde, and Imnaha rivers and trout fishing is good.

Spring chinook fisheries are closed on the Imnaha and Wallowa rivers.

Check river flows

HONEYMOON, TEPEE, SALT CREEK, and McGRAW PONDS: Rainbow trout

Ponds on the Wallowa Whitman Forest are providing fair to good angling for stocked rainbow trout.

JUBILEE LAKE: trout

Jubilee Lake has been stocked. Fishing is good for carry over trout and stocked legal-sized rainbow trout.

JOHN DAY RIVER: trout, bass and channel catfish

Fishing is great for smallmouth and channel cats, however flows in the lower John Day are now too low for boats. There are good wading/bank fishing opportunities in the Burnt Ranch and Priest Hole areas and along HWY 19 upstream of Service Creek. Trout fishing is good in the upper river, especially in the Middle and South Forks. Spring chinook have arrived and will be holding in the larger pools. They are illegal to keep and we do not allow fishing with lures in the upper North and Middle Forks to prevent fishermen from accidentally hooking them.

Stream flow levels at Service Creek

KINNEY LAKE: trout

Kinney Lake has been stocked and with rainbow trout and fishing has been good.

MAGONE LAKE: trout

Trolling and flyfishing is good right now for rainbow and brook trout to 12 inches. Later in the year hot weather will drive the fish deeper requiring bait or jigs to reach them.

McKAY RESERVIOR: crappie, yellow perch, bass

Crappie and yellow perch fishing is good. The best bite has been in the late evening. Largemouth bass fishing has been fair to good.

MCNARY, HATROCK and TATONE Ponds: trout

The ponds have been stocked and fishing for rainbow trout has been slow.

MORGAN LAKE: trout, bullheads

Legal and trophy-sized trout have been stocked. Fishing is fair-good.

OLIVE LAKE: trout, kokanee

Snow has just recently melted and fishing will remain good here throughout the summer at this high elevation lake. Fish for rainbow in the shallow weedy areas and search for the kokanee in the deep portions of this lake.

PEACH POND: trout

Fishing has slowed. Fish early or late in the day for best results.

PENDLAND LAKE: trout

The lake has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow, and fingerling plants from last year should provide good angling.

ROULET POND: trout

The pond has been stocked three times with legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing should be fair.

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

Fishing is fair and all have been stocked with legal sized trout. Excessive weed growth is making it harder to fish these ponds without a boat or other floating device.

TROUT FARM POND: rainbow and brook trout

Fishing will remain good here throughout the summer in this spring-fed pond. It is very weedy so a float tube is advised.

UMATILLA RIVER: trout

The upper Umatilla should be good for catch-and-release fishing for rainbow trout.

UMATILLA FOREST PONDS: rainbow trout

The Ukiah and Walla Walla Ranger District ponds have been stocked and angling is fair.

WALLA WALLA RIVER: trout

River flows have reached summer flow levels and trout fishing has been good.

WALLOWA LAKE: rainbow trout, kokanee

Wallowa Lake is providing good angling for rainbow trout and kokanee. Kokanee are moving deeper in the lake and are becoming more difficult to catch.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, brown bullhead

Crappie angling has slowed as the fish have moved off shore and are suspended in the water column. Bass fishing has been good. Trout angling has slowed as water temperatures have warmed. Anglers are reminded of the new angling regulation: catch-and-release only for largemouth bass.

NORTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: COUGAR and BEAR (open Aug. 1)

COUGAR and BEAR seasons open this week (Aug. 1). Successful hunters, remember you must check in cougar (hide and skull) and bear skull at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest and bring them in unfrozen. It's also a good idea to prop their mouths open with a stick after harvest for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging. See regulations for details.

EVENTS

CANCELLED: Elkhorn Family Outdoor Day, Aug. 8, near Baker City.

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 in northeast Oregon

Wolves are protected by state 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

COUGAR and BEAR open Aug. 1.

SQUIRRELS can be found throughout the agricultural valleys. Hunters should ask permission before hunting on private land.

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

COUGAR and BEAR open Aug. 1.

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

COUGAR and BEAR open Aug. 1.

COYOTE hunting: Watch wind direction to help prevent giving away your location. Calling with game distress calls can be very successful.

UNION COUNTY

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

BLACK BEARS are plentiful through out the county. Look for bear sign around fruit trees and in canyon bottoms. Bears can be concentrated along creeks and rivers in the late summer. Hawthorn thickets and cherry orchards are great places to harvest early fall bears. Be sure to ask for permission to hunt around private orchards. Bear skulls must be checked in within ten days of harvest, with the jaws propped open.

COUGARS are common in Union county. Hunt areas with high numbers of deer and elk. Look for recent kill-sites and set up a stand. Cats will often return to feed on the kill.

LADD MARSH WILDLIFE AREA

Bird hunting seasons are now closed.

WALLOWA DISTRICT

COUGAR and BEAR open Aug. 1.

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.

GROUND SQUIRRELS are still very active and are mostly found on or adjacent to agricultural lands. Many landowners welcome hunters to help reduce squirrels in high density areas. Hunters need to secure permission before entering private lands.

NORTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

Baker County

This is a good time to watch for songbirds. Target riparian areas during early morning hours for best viewing opportunities. Recent sightings along the Snake River and Burnt River Canyons include mountain bluebirds, bullock's oriole, lazuli buntings, yellow-breasted chats, and eastern kingbirds.

Golden eagles can be seen nesting along canyon walls.

Gilliam, Morrow and Wheeler Counties

The thermometer tells us it is summer here in the basin, and the majority of our summer species are tending their young. As their young fledge it is common to find fledglings on the ground or making short flights. During their first few days out of the nest, fledglings are building up their muscles for flight and cannot go very far. Their parents will continue to care for the young as they learn to fly even though they are not in the nest.

Raptor viewing is good along most roadways. Red-tails, Northern Harriers, Kestrels and Barn owls can all be seen near their nests with young near fledging, if not fledged already. Swainson's hawks, mostly dark phase, can be seen on their nests north of Lexington.

Along the waterways one can see Canada geese, Mallards, Cinnamon teals, Coots, Buffleheads, Redheads, Northern Shovelers, Common Merganser and other waterfowl tending their young. Along the shorelines one can spot Black-necked Stilts, American Avocets, and Spotted sandpipers among others; their young are usually much harder to spot but are usually near by. Irrigated pastures are also a great place to look for shorebirds.

Both Western and Mountain bluebirds can be seen in the forested areas, try the Sun Flower Flats Road for the best viewing.

Hummingbirds are easier to spot in areas where there are fewer flowering plants.

Deer and Elk with their young are becoming easier to spot as summer moves on. Check the meadows of the forest at dawn and dusk for the best opportunity.

Union County

Pronghorn Antelope can be viewed on Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, often along Pierce Road and Hot Lake Lane. Deer and elk can be seen around the edges of the valley. Many young birds are hatching around the valley. Look for game birds such as California Quail and Ring-necked Pheasants along rural roads in the evenings and at dusk. Turkey polts have been reported at several sites around the county. Songbirds are plentiful throughout the Grande Ronde Valley and are most active during the cooler portions of the day.

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

ODFW's Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, La Grande

The Tule Lake Public Access Area is open for the season. There are also 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.

Numerous duck species can been seen including mallards, pintails, gadwall, American wigeon, wood duck, ring-necked duck, scaup, redheads, ruddy duck and cinnamon and green-winged teal. Many broods Canada geese are now difficult to discern from their parents as they have "colored up" and most are flying. Duck broods are present throughout the area and may be seen as they paddle for the cover of vegetation.

Several nesting pairs of greater sandhill cranes have successfully raised their young to fledging. Cranes may begin gathering in larger groups in meadows to feed and gather strength for the southward migration later this summer.

NOTE: 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.

Numerous birds of prey can be seen utilizing the wildlife area. Red-tailed hawks, great horned owls, Swainson's hawks and Northern harriers are present and may be seen hunting or perching throughout the area.

Water levels have begun to fall in many portions of the wildlife area. The resulting mudflats are attractive to shorebirds and many have been observed lately. Recent observations of shorebirds have included single individuals of both marbled and Hudsonian godwits; both very unusual for Ladd Marsh.

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

A few elk have been observed scattered across the wildlife area from Glass Hill to the Tule Lake Public Access Area. Both mule and white-tailed deer are also using the slopes above Foothill Road. Foxes, coyotes and badgers may all be seen in fields and meadows as the task of raising young increases pressure to hunt.

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

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

Raptors

Red-tailed and Ferruginous hawks, as well as a variety of owls can be observed through out Wallowa Valley and Zumwalt prairie. Most raptors can be easily observed from county roads. A good pair of binoculars will improve viewing opportunities.

Bald eagles

Most wintering bald eagles have left the Wallowa valley to return to summering areas; however, interested birders can still observe a pair of eagles at the head of Wallowa Lake where the Wallowa River empties into the lake. A large nest can be observed in an old cottonwood tree and the eagles will continue to utilize the nest area into July.

Mule and White-tailed Deer

Mule and white-tailed deer are common in agricultural areas adjacent to Highway 82. Animals can be observed during early morning and late evening hours.

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.

Mountain Goats

Mountain goats can be observed from Hat Point lookout. A short walk to the Snake River canyon rim from the lookout and the use of binoculars will improve a person's chance of spotting goats in the rough rocky cliffs. Hikers and backpackers can observe mountain goats many places in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Ridge tops and peaks along Hurricane Divide between Hurricane Creek and the Lostine River are good places to spot mountain goats.

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

FISHING

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

Crappie fishing has slowed but night fishing with lights is the most productive. Generally the best jigs to use are chartruese, red & white, or yellow & white. If fishing during the day for crappie, the fish are deep with a very light bite. Catfish angling is good. Bass angling has been fairly slow this year. The water level is 15 feet below full. Call Idaho Power Company's recording at 1-800-422-3143 to get information on access at recreational sites or visit their Web site under the "Rivers and Recreation" heading.

Reservoir level information

OXBOW RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass, catfish

Crappie fishing is fair. Catfish angling is good. Bass fishing is slow-fair.

HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass, catfish

Crappie fishing has slowed from a few weeks ago, but may pick up after the spawn. There have also been water fluctuations in the last week which may have turned the bite off. Bass fishing has been slow. Fishing for 12 inch catfish has been good with some large fish being caught as well. Trolling for trout is fair-good.

SNAKE RIVER below HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, smallmouth bass

Bass fishing should be good.

The sport fishery for spring chinook on the Snake River is closed.

Get updated information on flow levels.

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

Flows at the Nyssa gauge ranged from approximately 7,500 to 9,500 cfs July 22 through July 28. Flows at the Weiser gauge ranged from approximately 9,5200 to 11,500 cfs July 22 through July 28. Flows at both gauges are slightly below flows observed last year at this time. Angling for smallmouth bass remains slow while angling for catfish is improving.

COLUMBIA ZONE

Weekend Fishing Opportunities

* Summer steelhead is reaching a peak in the lower Columbia River, and boat and bank anglers are catching them in near record numbers.

* Fall chinook and coho opens Saturday, Aug. 1.

* Walleye fishing is improving near Troutdale and in the gorge.

Columbia River Fish Counts:

Regulations:

SALMON, STEELHEAD AND SHAD:

Steelhead anglers had the best success in both the estuary and Gorge this past weekend where boat anglers averaged 1.6 and 1.33 steelhead caught per boat, respectively. In the Portland to Longview area boat anglers averaged 0.27 steelhead caught per boat, while anglers in Troutdale averaged 0.09 steelhead caught per boat. Bank anglers in the estuary averaged 0.48 steelhead caught per bank rod, while anglers in the Portland to Clatskanie area averaged 0.15 steelhead caught per angler.

Gorge Bank:

Weekend checking showed 41 adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept and 44 unclipped steelhead released for 161 bank anglers.

Gorge Boats:

Weekend checking showed seven adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus nine unclipped steelhead and one chinook released for 12 boats (37 anglers).

Troutdale Boats:

Weekend checking showed one adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept for 11 boats (26 anglers).

Portland to Clatskanie Bank:

Weekend checking showed seven adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus two unclipped steelhead released for 62 bank anglers.

Portland to Clatskanie Boats:

Weekend checking showed 26 adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus 12 unclipped steelhead and one chinook jack released for 93 boats (213 anglers).

Estuary Bank:

Weekend checking showed 21 adipose fin-clipped steelhead and one chinook jack kept, plus seven unclipped steelhead released for 58 bank anglers.

Estuary Boats:

Weekend checking showed six adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus 10 steelhead released for 10 boats (22 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, beginning May 9 through the close of the 2009 retention season, the fork length for sturgeon retention is 41 n 54 inches. 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.

Effective Saturday, Aug. 1 through Wednesday, Sept. 30 the lower Columbia River from Bonneville Dam downstream to Wauna Powerlines will be closed to the retention of sturgeon. Catch-and-release will be allowed during the retention closure. All sturgeon angling is prohibited from Marker 85 upstream to Bonneville Dam during May 1 through July 31 to protect spawning sturgeon.

In the estuary this past weekend sturgeon anglers averaged 0.74 legal white sturgeon caught per boat. Sturgeon angling was slow this past week between Marker 85 and Wauna Powerlines.

Gorge Bank:

No report.

Gorge Boats below Marker 85:

Weekend checking showed three oversize and 50 sublegal sturgeon released for four boats (13 anglers).

Troutdale Boats:

No report.

Portland to Longview Bank:

Weekend checking showed three sublegal sturgeon released for eight bank anglers.

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept, plus one oversize and 159 sublegal sturgeon released for 47 boats (120 anglers).

Estuary Boat:

Weekend checking showed 133 legal white sturgeon kept, plus one legal, 44 oversize, and 271 sublegal sturgeon released for 182 boats (495 anglers). Five charter boat anglers kept four legal white sturgeon and released two oversize and six sublegal sturgeon.

Estuary Bank:

Weekend checking showed no catch for three bank anglers.

Bonneville Pool Boat and Bank:

Effective 12:01 AM Saturday June 6, the retention of sturgeon in the Bonneville Pool and tributaries is prohibited because the harvest guideline of 700 legal white sturgeon has been reached. Catch and released angling is allowed through the remainder of the year.

The Dalles Pool Boat and Bank:

Effective 12:01 AM Sunday April 19, the retention of sturgeon in The Dalles Pool and tributaries is prohibited because the harvest guideline of 300 legal white sturgeon has been reached. Catch and release angling is allowed through the remainder of the year except during May 1 through July 31 from the west end of the grain silo at Rufus upstream to John Day Dam to protect spawning sturgeon.

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. Catch and release angling is allowed through the remainder of the year except during May 1 through July 31 from Highway 395 Bridge near Umatilla upstream to McNary Dam to protect spawning sturgeon.

WALLEYE:

Gorge Boats:

Weekend checking showed two walleye kept for two boats (three anglers).

Troutdale Boats:

Weekend checking showed six walleye kept for two boats (three anglers).

Bonneville Pool Boats:

No report.

The Dalles Pool Boats:

No report.

John Day Pool Boats:

No report.

MARINE ZONE

FISHING

A coldwater upwelling event pushed tuna farther offshore last week and put salmon and rockfish off the bite. If weather forecasts hold true, ocean conditions should improve fishing by Friday.

Sport ocean salmon fishing opened June 20 south of Cape Falcon and June 28 between Cape Falcon and Leadbetter Point (Wash.) Visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/salmon/Regulations/OceanSport2009.asp for season details.

The summer all-depth season Pacific halibut starts Aug. 7 off the central Oregon coast and the Columbia River.

A few halibut are still being caught inside the 40-fathom line on the central coast. This fishery continues to be open seven days a week until a separate quota of 14,407 pounds is attained or Oct. 31, which ever comes first.

For more information on the halibut season, go to http://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/finfish/halibut/index.asp.

Anglers had a low success rate with lingcod and rockfish last week.

The marine bag limit has been increased from six marine fish to seven effective May 1. This is the highest marine bag limit since summer of 2005. The marine fish bag includes rockfish and other species such as greenling and cabezon. The increased bag limit is based on a favorable stock assessment for black rockfish, the dominant species in the nearshore groundfish fishery.

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.

SHELLFISH

Recreational harvesting of mussels is closed along the entire Oregon coast due to elevated levels of PSP toxins. Only mussels are part of the closure. The entire Oregon coast is open to the recreational harvest of clams and other shellfish. However, harvesters should check for current closures on the ODA shellfish safety page or call the shellfish hotline, 1-800-448-2474. Waters can be closed on short notice because of contaminated waters due to coastal flooding and because of elevated levels of naturally occurring toxins.

The annual razor clam conservation closure on the Clatsop County beaches north of Tillamook Head starts July 15 and continues through Sept. 30. Other beaches in the state remain open for razor clamming.

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

CRABS

In most Oregon ports last week crabbers averaged between about three crab, with crabbers out of Charleston, Winchester Bay and Pacific City getting an average of six.

Crabbing success is often best during the slack tide 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 until Oct. 16.

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

Guided kayak and canoe tours of the Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge, August

Wildlife.

On Tuesday, Aug. 11, 4 n 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Aug. 12, 4:45 n 6:45 p.m., and Thursday, Aug. 13, 5:30 n 7:30 p.m. the US Fish and Wildlife Service will lead the last in a series of guided kayak and canoe tours of the Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge. On these outings visitors will spend about one and a half hours paddling through the heart of Siletz Bay NWR as they learn about the natural history of some of the plants, wading birds, waterfowl and other wildlife that inhabit the estuary. Siletz Bay NWR also consists of some of the most scenic estuarine habitat along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.

On either side of the Highway 101, starched skeleton trees jut forth from the estuary and are reminiscent of a time when the salt marsh was diked. Osprey, Red-tailed Hawks and occasionally Bald Eagles can be seen roosting at the top of these snags. A variety of estuarine dependant birds including Great Blue Heron, Great Egret and many species of waterfowl can be seen foraging in the tidally influenced waters. The refuge also provides nursery grounds for Coho and Chinook salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout. Siletz Bay NWR was established to protect salt marsh, brackish marsh, tidal sloughs, mudflats, coniferous and deciduous forestland and the wildlife that depends on these unique habitats.

Participants must provide their own canoe or kayak for each trip. Participants will meet at the Siletz Moorage (82 Siletz Hwy, Lincoln City) at the time listed for the date (note: launching is included in the times above). From Lincoln City go south on Highway 101, just before crossing the Siletz River bridge, turn left (east) onto the Siletz hwy and follow until reaching the Siletz Moorage on the right (south). From Newport go north on Highway 101, cross the Siletz River bridge and make the first right (east) onto the Siletz hwy and follow until reaching the Siletz Moorage on the right (south).

For further information or to make a reservation please see the Oregon Coast NWR Complex website: www.fws.gov/oregoncoast or contact McKenzie Reeves directly by phone at 541-270-5606 or via email at mckenzie_reeves@fws.gov.

Viewing

Common murre chicks will be jumping from the rocks where they were hatched into the ocean to join male murres during the last week in July and first week in August. The chicks cannot fly yet and while it is fun interesting to watch it can be hazardous to the chicks. Some of the chicks don't make it and wash up on the beaches. Each year ODFW gets calls about a dead "penguin" found on the beach.

Common murres are the most common of Oregon's marine birds with 750,000 nesting on the Oregon coast. They have a stark white breast that contrasts with the black feathers on the rest of their bodies. The coloration, combined with a sharp beak and short wings, leads some people to think they have seen a penguin.

Green and leatherback sea turtles visit Oregon during the summer when ocean currents bring warmer waters to the coast. They are usually seen offshore foraging for jellyfish, but occasionally they come ashore. If a turtle is caught in a cold thermal uprising it may get cold and come on to the beach to warm up and rest. While this is rare, beach walkers do come across a turtle crawl where the turtle's flippers make a distinctive pattern in the sand. If you see a turtle on the beach or out at sea do not disturb it and report the sighting to the Sea Turtles Forever Turtle Watch Hotline at (503) 739-1446 or email at info@seaturtlesforever.com. Marc Ward, director of Sea Turtles Forever, a sea turtle conservation program based in Seaside.