Oregon Recreation Report

Posted: Friday, December 12, 2008 12:00 am | Loading…

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The Oregon Recreation Report (fishing, hunting, viewing), updated Nov. 9 by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Last chance to pheasant hunt

Pheasant season closes Dec. 14 statewide. Most pheasants are found on private land but hunters can access private land in eastern Oregon through Access and Habitat and UCAP properties. ODFW will also host separate Becoming an Outdoors-Woman and Mentor Youth Hunter pheasant hunting clinics at Luckiamute Valley Pheasants private game reserve near Dallas, Ore. on Feb. 21 and 22, 2009; see the Outdoor Education web page for more information.

2009 licenses on sale now

Hunting and fishing licenses for 2009 went on sale Dec. 1. Buy yours online or at an ODFW license sales agent. You can also buy one for a gift during the holiday season. See ODFW's Web site for what you need to know.

Big game raffle tickets make the perfect stocking stuffer

2009 big game raffle hunt tickets are on sale now online and at POS agents and they make great gifts. Winners are entitled to an extended hunting season across multiple wildlife management units for deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, Rocky mountain goat, and bighorn sheep. More information

Mandatory hunter harvest reporting

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

Oregon coast offers fishing, clamming, crabbing

Visitors to the Oregon Coast can enjoy a variety of fishing, clamming and crabbing opportunities. Rockfish and lingcod fishing have been very good when weather permits and winter steelhead runs are starting to build in coastal rivers. Razor clamming and bay clamming will be even more productive during a series of low tides beginning Dec. 16. And crabbing continues to be very good in most Oregon bays.

License dollars at work

Trout stocking programs help catch new anglers

There is perhaps no outdoor program that has touched more Oregonians or generated more excitement, enthusiasm and sheer joy than the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's trout stocking program. Read more.

WILLAMETTE ZONE

FISHING

EVENTS

Dec. 11 n Walking tour of Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge in Portland with the Audubon Society of Portland, 8-11 a.m. Free registration is available by calling 503-292-6855.

Dec. 13 n Saturday guided nature hike, Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd., Portland, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Reservations 503-636-9886 ext. 225

Dec. 14 n Youth Waterfowl Hunt, Sauvie Island Wildlife Area, open to hunters 17 years of age and younger.

Dec. 14-Jan. 3 n Audubon Society's 83rd annual Christmas Bird Count, various locations and dates. Visit the Audubon's Web site at www.audubonportland.org for more information.

Dec. 19 n Story and stroll at Tryon Creek Natural Area, 1 p.m., Solstice Celebration 4 p.m., Metro. Free. 503-635-9886, ext. 225.

Dec. 20 n Youth Waterfowl Hunt, Fern Ridge Wildlife Area, open to hunters 17 years of age and younger.

Dec. 21 n Winder Solstice at Portland's Oaks Bottom Refuge, noon-3 p.m., free, Audubon Society of Portland.Registration at 503-292-6855.

Dec. 21 n Lunch with the birds at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, noon-1 p.m., 2600 SW Hillsboro Highway, Hillsboro, Metro, Free, 503-681-6278.

Dec 27 n Holiday paddle at Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area, 5300 N. Marine Drive, Portland, Metro, 503-285-3084.

FISHING

Note: The 2009 Sport Fishing Regulations have been printed and are now available at all ODFW offices and retail outlets. Pick up a copy today!

Weekend fishing opportunities:

* Large (8-15 pound) rainbow trout brood stock were released this week at Walter Wirth Lake, Walling Pond, Junction City Pond and Salish Pond.

* Winter steelhead have begun to spread throughout the Clackamas River.

* Sturgeon angling has been fair in the lower Willamette and Multnomah Channel.

STOCKING SCHEDULE

Excess rainbow trout brood stock from Roaring River hatchery near Scio were released at several locations in the Willamette zone this week. These 4-year-old fish range in size from 8 to 15 pounds. Approximately 90 fish were released Monday at Walter Wirth Lake, which is located east of Salem. Walling Pond, located within the Salem city limits, received 35 fish. Junction City Pond, located three miles south of Junction City on the west side of Highway 99, received 90 of the big fish, as did Salish Pond, which is located in Fairview near Gresham. Similar numbers of fish are scheduled to be released at these same sites throughout the months of December and January. In addition, Sheridan Pond in Yamhill County will receive some large rainbow trout brood stock the week of Dec. 22. They may hit worms, eggs or power bait, although colder temperatures prevalent this time of year favor spinners, spoons and plugs.

With a few exceptions, the trout stocking program is over for the year and the limited schedule will continue until spring.

WARM WATER ANGLING:

Warmwater fishing is slowing down at most locations in the Willamette Zone as water temperatures drop into the low 50s and high 40s. Some smallmouth bass and crappie are still being caught in the Willamette River by anglers who are willing to brave colder weather while landing fewer fish. Drifting bait on the bottom is one popular technique among warmwater holdouts as is casting jigs around bridge abutments and pilings.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: steelhead

Winter steelhead can be found throughout the lower river but effort is light and catch is slow. Portland General Electric reported the first few early wild winter steelhead were passed above North Fork Dam in recent weeks. Good numbers of early wild fish can be a good indicator of what is to come later when the peak of the run comes in around mid-March.

Coho season on the Clackamas ended effective Nov. 1.

River levels came up slightly from last week, but nothing unusual for December. The water is still looking very fishable. Monday readings for the Clackamas showed flows at 1,850 cfs (11.94') with a water temperature near 45°. The river forecast is for the water to hold at these flows for several days, and possibly drop by the weekend.

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.

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

Boats currently cannot access Foster Reservoir due to lowered lake elevations associated with ongoing emergency spillway gate repairs at Foster Dam. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expects that the current lake levels will need to be maintained through mid January. Flows in the South Santiam below Foster will be higher than normal this winter as a result of this situation. Additional information can be obtained at the following website:https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/v/foswinterops.asp

Green Peter Reservoir is currently accessible to boats via the Thistle Creek ramp.

EAGLE CREEK: coho

Coho angling closed for the season, effective Dec. 1. A few anglers have ventured out for the beginning of the winter steelhead season. The creek is running fairly low, cold, and clear right now. Success rates should improve soon as the creek usually offers some very good steelhead fishing through the winter months. Fresh sand shrimp or a simple pearl corkie with pink yarn are both popular methods on Eagle Creek.

The most popular spots to try include the Bonnie Lure area, the water above and below the lower fish ladder, Eagle Fern Park, and up near the hatchery. Much of the creek meanders through private property so pay attention to your location and secure permission before fishing on private land.

EE WILSON POND: closed

JUNCTION CITY POND: rainbow trout, steelhead

Large rainbow trout brood stock were released this week. Approximately 90 fish weighing from 8 to 15 pounds apiece were released on Monday, and more will be released the week of Dec. 22 and in January. Release times and dates are subject to staffing, weather and other factors. Tagged fin-clipped steelhead have also been released recently in Junction City Pond and should still be available. Casting with spinners or spoons has proven an effective strategy for these fish. Anglers who catch a tagged fish are asked to call the hatchery to report the tag number, date caught and condition of the fish. For more information, contact Leaburg hatchery at 541-896-3294. Junction City Pond is located on the west side of Hwy. 99, three miles south of Junction City.

MCKENZIE RIVER: catch-and-release trout

No fishing report.

MOLALLA RIVER: steelhead

Early winter steelhead continue to move over Willamette Falls, but numbers are limited. The Molalla should a great place to take advantage of excellent catch and release opportunities for wild winter steelhead this coming winter.

NORTH AND SOUTH SANTIAM: steelhead

Steelhead recycling in the North Santiam at the Minto trap has been discontinued for the season. Prospects should still be fair, however, in the Packsaddle and Minto areas. Summer steelhead recycling in the South Santiam from the Foster Dam trap has also been discontinued for the season. Anglers can receive recorded updates on Foster trap counts and recycling activities by calling 541-367-3437.

SALISH PONDS n rainbow trout

Large rainbow trout brood stock were released this week. Approximately 100 fish weighing from 8 to 15 pounds apiece were released into West Salish on Monday, and more will be released the week of Dec. 22 and in January. Salish Pond is on E. Glisan between 201st and 207th. From I-84, take 207th Avenue exit and head south to Glisan and turn right.

SANDY RIVER: steelhead

The Sandy winter steelhead are now a later returning stock than anglers were used to a few years ago. This is a result of the wild brood stock program initiated under the current Sandy River fish management plan.

There are reports of a few winters in the system already, with fish found up to Cedar Creek. There haven't been many fish landed, and the effort is still fairly light. Anglers should expect improved catch rates moving into January.

Sandy River water levels increased over the past week but the river will likely drop with colder, dryer weather in the forecast. Monday's readings showed flows up to 2,230 cfs (9.78') with the water temperature holding near 43°.

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

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

WALLING POND: rainbow trout

Large rainbow trout brood stock were released this week. Approximately 35 fish weighing from 8 to 15 pounds apiece were released on Monday, and more will be released again the week of Dec. 22 and in January. Release times and dates are subject to staffing, weather and other factors. Walling Pond is located in an old gravel pit within Salem city limits west of I-5. Take Turner Road off Mission St. (Hwy. 22).

WALTER WIRTH POND: rainbow trout

Large rainbow trout brood stock were released this week. Approximately 90 fish weighing from 8 to 15 pounds apiece were released on Monday, and more will be released again the week of Dec. 22 and in January. Release times and dates are subject to staffing, weather and other factors. Walter Wirth Lake is located east of Salem within Cascade Gateway Park, west of I-5 at Hwy. 22. Take Airport Road or Turner Road to reach the lake.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: sturgeon, steelhead, warmwater species

Through Dec. 4, 7,017 coho (4,046 adults and 2,971 jacks) have passed over Willamette Falls. The large number of jacks bodes well for coho returns next fall. A few early winter steelhead continue to move over the falls, but the numbers are typically low (174 to date) and we would not expect decent numbers of fish to begin moving over the falls until later in December. You may want to start planning your trip to take advantage of excellent catch and release opportunities for wild winter steelhead in the Molalla and Santiam rivers this coming winter.

Early hatchery winter steelhead returning to Eagle Creek Hatchery on the Clackamas as well as early wild winter steelhead can provide good opportunity in the Willamette between the mouth of the Clackamas and Meldrum Bar. Fish will tend to hold in this area as they wait for cues to move into tributaries or above Willamette Falls. Low river flows or cold snaps will tend to slow fish down and the big water of the Willamette can provide some intriguing opportunities early in the year.

The Dec. 9 conditions showed Willamette flows dropping further to 9,000 cfs with a temperature of 46° and the visibility up to 5.7 ft.

The sturgeon angling remained fairly slow last week in the lower Willamette. From Multnomah Channel to the lower Portland Harbor near St. Johns, and on up through the Milwaukie/Oregon City area sublegal sturgeon continued to dominate the catch. There was an occasional keeper reported as well.

Bank fishing for sturgeon can be found at Meldrum Bar, at the wall in downtown Oregon City and at Kelly Point on the St. Johns peninsula. Sturgeon anglers have been using frozen smelt, shad, herring and anchovies as effective bait.

Sturgeon anglers must remember that retention of white sturgeon is allowed four days per week on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Dec. 31, 2008. This regulation applies to the lower Willamette below Willamette Falls and includes Multnomah Channel. Also, sturgeon landed in the Willamette must be from 42 to 60 inches in length to be retained.

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

WILLAMETTE ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Late season archery (see regulations), black bear, cougar, fall turkey, waterfowl (see regulations), pheasant, forest grouse, California and mountain quail, crow

Visit the Region's Fall Hunting Forecast

Hunting events:

Jan. 24, 2009 n Small game clinic, EE Wilson Wildlife Area. A family event for anyone age 12 and over with a valid hunting license. Learn the basic skills necessary for rabbit hunting like clothing/ equipment needs, safety and ethics. Improve your shotgun skills, both on the range and while participating in an actual field hunting experience. Cost $50, lunch and refreshments provided. Contact Mark Newell 503-947-6018 or mark.newell@state.or.us to register.

Feb. 21-22, 2009 n Youth rabbit hunt, E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area, Corvallis. For youth age 17 and under with hunter education certificate. Register beginning Feb. 1, 2009 by calling 541-745-5334. For more information, see page 23 of Oregon Game Bird Regulations.

Feb. 21, 2009 - Becoming an Outdoors-Woman pheasant hunting clinic at Luckiamute Valley Pheasants (lvpheasants.com) near Dallas. Cost is $40 plus license fees. Contact Mark Newell 503-947-6018 or mark.newell@state.or.us to register. More information.

Feb. 22, 2009 n Mentor Youth Hunter Program pheasant hunting clinic at Luckiamute Valley Pheasants (lvpheasants.com) near Dallas. Parent or any adult age 21 and older with a valid hunting license and tag can take child age 9 to 13 hunting. Under the Mentor Youth program, the child does not need to have his or her hunter education certificate before hunting. Clinic includes hunter safety and shotgun skills clinic. Cost $40 per adult/mentored youth pair. Contact Mark Newell 503-947-6018 or mark.newell@state.or.us to register. More information.

Controlled ELK hunting started on Dec. 1 in the southeastern portions of the Trask Unit for those hunters lucky enough to draw the tag. Elk will continue to be scattered following the end of the second season Coast bull elk hunt so hunters should be willing to spend some time scouting for the best chance for success. Hunters are reminded to obtain permission to hunt before entering private land.

COUGAR hunting should be improving in the Cascade Mountains as snow in the higher elevations start to concentrate deer and elk populations and hunters should be in the mountains after the next storm to have the best tracking conditions. Hunters don't necessarily need to locate cougar tracks to be in the right location, but it definitely improves your odds, just keep your eyes open for lots of deer sign near the snow line and concentrate your efforts in the area. Hunters can try their luck at tracking or can set up and use a predator call. Hunt with a partner if you use this technique and be prepared because cougar can respond quickly. Find your shooting lanes and set up accordingly before you start your first series of calls. Cougar hunting will remain challenging for hunters heading to the Coast Range. Lack of snow will allow cougar prey species to remain scattered at all elevations which makes locating good hunting sites difficult. Predator calling seems to be the most successful technique in the coastal forests. Set up with good shooting lanes and call longer, up to an hour, in these heavy forested areas to ensure that any local cougar will hear your call. In the South Willamette Watershed cougars can be found throughout the area with the exception of the Willamette Valley Floor. Remember cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest.

The general fall BLACK BEAR season is open but the check-in of harvested black bears has decreased significantly since late October. Most food sources have disappeared and bears are spending less time wandering the woods. A hunter's best option for success will be to locate the few late season apple trees that still have fruit. Bears will continue to be attracted to these sites so if you know of one of these or any other late season bear food source get out there now. Predator calling is still an option for hunters wanting to be more mobile and explore new areas. Bears tend to respond best when hunters use a constant calling strategy. It can take a long time for a bear to respond to a predator call and hunters are advised to spend up to an hour at each calling location. Hunters are also advised to hunt with a partner when using predator calls. These are large animals that are expecting a meal when they arrive, so use caution.

Hunters are now required to check-in the skulls of any bears harvested. Notify your local district ODFW office to set up an appointment to ensure that can complete the check-in within the required 10 day period. Make sure the skull of bear is thawed before you bring it in.

General archery DEER for the late season in the Santiam, McKenzie, Willamette, Stott Mtn, Alsea, Siuslaw, and the northern portions of the Indigo units will close Dec. 14. See the Big Game Regulations for details. Deer continue to be active as the weather conditions worsen and concentrate deer herds.. Biologists are seeing very few bucks still out looking for receptive does which will make finding them a challenge. Hunters who have positioned their tree stands or ground blinds along well-used trails between feeding and bedding areas should have the best chance for success. For hunters not willing to sit for long periods of time or for those hunting new areas, still hunting through dense stands of timber or along edges of opening and clear cuts is still a time proven technique for success.

General archery ELK will close for the late antlerless season in the Alsea, Stott Mtn, McKenzie, northern portions of the Indigo and portions of the southwest Santiam units on December 14. Refer to the 2008 Big Game Regulations for details regarding the open area. This time of year elk are generally found transitioning between their summer and winter ranges. Mild weather has kept elk herds at higher elevations but forecasted snow should concentrate the herds and move them to lower winter ranges. Most elk will spend the majority of their time in thicker hiding cover adjacent to forage areas.

GROUSE, PHEASANT, and QUAIL hunting has been slow and hunters are shifting their efforts to other outdoor recreational activities. Statewide pheasant hunting will end Dec. 14. For those hunters not wanting to put away their scattergun, covering large amounts of preferred habitat to find scattered birds will be the key to their success. A well-trained dog will greatly improve your odds in locating and flushing birds. ODFW biologists need hunters' help to collect grouse and mountain quail wings and tails to help determine the health of these populations; see page 40 in the 2008-09 Oregon Game Bird Regulations.

Fall TURKEY hunting remains open in select units in western Oregon until Dec. 31. Check the regulations on page 15 of the 2008-09 Oregon Game Bird Regulations for open areas, proper shotgun gauges and shot sizes for turkey season. Turkey numbers are lower in the Willamette Valley compared to those in southwest Oregon so hunters spending time in the units up north will need to have scouted to find birds. Most turkey flocks are found on private lands so hunters are reminded to obtain permission from the landowner before you hunt on private lands.

WATERFOWL hunters have been experiencing some good hunting in the Willamette Valley as weather conditions worsen and more birds arrive from the north. The weather will still play a role in hunter success at this time of the season but good decoy sets and calling skills start to improve a hunter's odds of success. If birds are flaring from your decoy spread, get out there and take a look to determine if you have the proper camouflage and blind set-up. Experiment with your calling, sometimes too much calling can be the trouble. Don't get stuck in a rut, try new things.

GOOSE numbers continue to increase in the northern end of the Willamette Valley and large flocks of Canada geese can now be seen in most grass fields. To minimize the chances of decoying Dusky Canada geese, set up your decoys in the larger open fields where Cackling and Taverner Canada geese feel more secure. Hunters are reminded that there are special regulations that apply to goose hunting in northwest Oregon, including mandatory check in for successful hunters. Read the regulations on page 18-20 of the 2008-09 Game Bird Regulations before you hunt geese in this area. Remember to ask permission to hunt before entering private lands.

FURBEARER trappers and hunters should be getting out in the field. Bobcat, Gray Fox, Red Fox, Marten, Muskrat, Mink, Raccoon, River Otter and Beaver trapping and/or hunting is currently open. Trappers are reminded that waters within the exterior boundaries of the Mt. Hood National Forest are closed to beaver trapping (see page 2 of the Oregon Furbearer Trapping and Hunting Regulations). Furbearer hunters can use a variety of sounds from their mouth or electronic calls to lure bobcat, fox, coyote or raccoon out into the open. Remember to keep the volume low when you start to avoid scaring any animals near your stand, then increase the volume. Hunters are advised to keep a close watch downwind of their position when predator calling. While bobcats don't seem to be disturbed by human scent, coyote and fox will tend to circle downwind and once they have your scent n it is all over.

EE WILSON WILDLIFE AREA

Last week 95 hunters harvested 68 rabbits, 1 snipe, 1 quail and 1 duck. Rabbit hunting continues to be very productive. Hunters with beagles tend to do the best while rabbit hunting. Walking the brush lines and beating the brush with a stock can also prove effective, as can wading through brush (with thick pants). Rabbit hunting is restricted to shotguns and archery. Hunters using shotguns are reminded that only federally approved nontoxic shot is allowed. Rabbit season at EE Wilson is open to anybody who possesses a valid hunting license. Hunters 17 years old and younger must also possess a valid hunter safety certificate.

Duck hunting success has not increased much as the rains have not inundated ponds yet.

The Wildlife Area will host a youth rabbit hunt Feb. 21-22, 2009 for youths 17 and under who are accompanied by an adult, registration begins Feb. 1. A special rabbit hunt for disabled hunters will take place Feb. 7, 2009. Members of the Mary's Peak Hound Club will have dogs and dog handlers available to assist hunters. Pre-registration is requested with a maximum number of hunters limited to 50.

For more information, call the Wildlife Area at 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.

The Wildlife Area pond is now closed to fishing.

FERN RIDGE WILDLIFE AREA

The first of two youth waterfowl hunts was held on Nov. 22 as part of the reservation waterfowl hunt program. Turnout was light with only 10 hunters participating. However, success was high with a 4.3 bird per hunter average for the day's hunt. The next youth waterfowl hunt is scheduled for Dec. 20.

The majority of Fern Ridge Lake and Wildlife Area are currently open to hunting according to the regulations outlined below. Please consult the 2008-09 Game Bird Regulations for unit specific details.

During duck season, the entire lake area and most units of the wildlife area remain open to hunting daily.

Fern Ridge WA waterfowl statistics (Current season statistics will be posted weekly after the reservation waterfowl hunt begins Nov. 15.)

Final work has been completed to prepare for the reservation waterfowl hunt that began Nov. 15. Fifteen hunting blinds have been camouflaged, trail markers installed, and relevant forms and maps have been prepared. Hunts will be held each Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday through Jan. 24, 2009.

Hunters are reminded that the entire Fern Ridge Lake and Wildlife Area are closed to goose hunting. Concurrent with duck season dates, there are seasonal access restrictions in effect for five units. The Fisher Butte and Royal Amazon units remain open 7-days/week with hunting ending at 1 p.m. each day. A free daily self-service hunt permit is required. These two units are closed to public access at 2 p.m. each day to provide daily periods of waterfowl sanctuary. The East and West Coyote units are currently closed to all public access to provide waterfowl sanctuary prior to the start of the reservation waterfowl hunt on Nov. 15. Hunters can check on their success in the reservation hunt drawing by visiting this web site or by calling the Controlled Hunt Information Line at 1-800-708-1782. Successful hunters are reminded that they must purchase their reservation hunt permit at a point-of-sale hunting license vendor before arriving for their hunt. Permits are not available at the wildlife area checkstation.

The eastern portion of the Kirk Park unit is open 3-days/week during duck season, with all-day hunting allowed on a Sat/Sun/Wed and holiday schedule. Hunters are encouraged to carefully read posted regulation signs and the printed game bird hunting regulations before entering the wildlife area. For questions or to obtain a map, contact the Wildlife Area at 541-935-2591.

SAUVIE ISLAND WILDLIFE AREA

A youth waterfowl hunt is scheduled for Dec. 14 for hunters 17 years old and younger. Youth hunting only until noon and then adults accompanied by youth may hunt.

Waterfowl hunters continue to enjoy excellent hunting on Sauvie Island. The arrival of snow, which is expected later in the week, should improve hunting prospects.

For the daily harvest summary report visit our website or call the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area recording, 503-621-3488 option 1 to hear the previous hunting day stats.

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

For more information, call (503) 621-3488.

Directions to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

WILLAMETTE ZONE VIEWING

The arrival of snow creates the opportunity to read animal tracks. Commonly seen tracks include those of deer, elk, coyote rabbits, and, in some areas, bobcats, cougars and pine marten. The best tracking conditions are 2-3 days after a snow storm during cold weather that keeps tracks from quickly melting out.

Severe storms sometimes create good viewing opportunities for unusual birds that get pushed out of their normal range. If severe arctic weather pushes south, watch for snowy owls and gyrfalcons in fields near the Eugene Airport, Finley National Wildlife Refuge near Corvallis or at Baskett Slough Wildlife Refuge west of Salem. Wintering bald eagles may be seen in the Willamette Valley within several miles of the Coburg hills where they sometimes concentrate for night roosting. These birds have become a relatively common sight along area streams, reservoirs, Fern Ridge Wildlife Area and Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge. They are commonly seen in grass seed fields and sheep pastures in Linn County where they scavenge dead sheep.

EE Wilson Wildlife Area

Bare trees bird watching for perching birds (such as raptors, and hawks) more accessible. Waterfowl and shorebirds numbers will build with the wetter weather.

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

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

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

The majority of Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is open daily for public use providing great wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors are reminded there are seasonal access restrictions in place in five units during the fall and winter to provide wildlife sanctuary. The East and West Coyote units are closed to all public use until the end of January except for a limited 3 day per week reservation waterfowl hunt program. The Fisher Butte and Royal Amazon units are open daily through the end of duck season; however the units are closed to hunting at 1 PM daily and closed to all public use at 2 PM daily to provide rest periods for waterfowl. The Kirk Park unit is open daily for public use and hunting is limited to 3 days per week plus holidays.

Visitors are cautioned that there have been recent vehicle break-ins at Fern Ridge and in local parks, so please secure your valuables before departing your vehicle. Parking areas are located along Highway 126, Nielson Road, Cantrell Road, Territorial Road, and Clear Lake Road. Contact the wildlife area headquarters, (541) 935-2591 if you have any questions.

Sauvie Island

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

The fall migration of waterfowl is in full swing. Duck numbers are increasing and swans and snow geese are beginning to arrive. Cacklers and white front geese have arrived in great numbers and there are plenty of raptors and songbirds to view.

The Sauvie Island Wildlife Area (Eastside Units, Westside Units and Oak Island) are closed through April 15, 2009 with the exception of the North Unit and the Columbia River beaches, which will remain open for the public.

The best viewing opportunities are at Coon Point, Eastside Viewing Platform and Rentenaar Road. All three require a Sauvie Island Parking Permit.

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

Directions to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

NORTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

Note: The 2009 Sport Fishing Regulations have been printed and are now available at all ODFW offices and retail outlets. Pick up a copy today!

Weekend fishing opportunities:

* More winter steelhead have entered area rivers with the little batch of rain last week. Look for fish numbers to be increasing in the coming week, with improving angling prospects. Streams such as Big Creek, North Fork Nehalem, Wilson River, and Nestucca River offer good opportunities.

* The county boat launch at Netarts Bay is scheduled for maintenance work Dec. 15-18. The ramp will be closed during this period.

* The seasonal coho fisheries on Siltcoos and Tahkenitch lakes offer an unusual opportunity to fish for wild coho salmon. Fishing is currently good as large numbers of coho have been returning to the lakes recently. The fishery is expected to remain productive over the next couple weeks.

NORTH COAST LAKES

Trout stocking is complete for this year. A few holdover fish should be available in most lakes.

Surplus adult hatchery summer steelhead have been stocked in Town Lake and Cape Meares Lake.

MID COAST LAKES Wild coho fishery

Siltcoos Lake (south of Florence): The wild coho salmon fishery has slowed. Fresh coho are expected to keep returning to the lake through the month but in small numbers. The best opportunity will be after the next rain event. Anglers are productive casting or trolling spinners, spoons or small rattle type lures. Anglers should consult the 2008 regulations booklet for specific fishery details.

Tahkenitch Lake (south of Florence): The wild coho salmon fishery has slowed but coho will continue to return over the next couple weeks in small numbers. The next good rain event should give anglers the best opportunity. Anglers are most productive casting or trolling spinners, spoons or small rattle type lures. Anglers should consult the 2008 regulations booklet for specific fishery details.

WARM WATER FISH ANGLING OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALSEA RIVER: chinook salmon, winter steelhead

Catch rates of fall chinook are slow. Most fish are dark and actively spawning. Anglers are encouraged not to fish for spawning chinook.

The winter steelhead run has started. Small numbers are showing up in the mainstem river and expected in steadily increase over the coming weeks or next good rain event. Anglers should focus on the lower river during the early portion of the run.

Current river levels

BIG CREEK: steelhead

Some winter steelhead are being caught. Look for angling to improve in the coming weeks as more fish enter the system, especially after a good rain.

KILCHIS RIVER: chinook, steelhead

The river is low and clear. Fall chinook and winter steelhead angling is slow. A log jam occurred in the lower river during the last high water. The jam spans the river, but is passable. Boaters should use extreme caution.

NECANICUM RIVER: chinook, steelhead

Fall chinook is mostly over for the season. A few winter steelhead are being caught. Boaters should use caution, as there have been reports of impassable log jams along the river.

NORTH FORK NEHALEM RIVER: chinook, steelhead

A few fall chinook are being caught, but are mostly dark fish that should be released. Winter steelhead have been caught below the hatchery recently, and numbers are increasing.

NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: chinook, steelhead

The Nestucca River is in good fishable condition and dropping slowly. Fishing for chinook is slow. Winter steelhead angling is slow, but is expected to improve. About 2 dozen fish were recycled from the Cedar Creek hatchery last week.

SALMON RIVER: chinook salmon, coho salmon, winter steelhead

The chinook and coho salmon fisheries have nearly ceased. Remaining fish are dark and actively spawning. Native winter steelhead have started to return now but in small numbers. Some stray hatchery steelhead do enter the river and are available for harvest.

SILETZ RIVER: chinook salmon, summer steelhead, winter steelhead

Fall chinook salmon angling is very slow. Remaining fish are dark and actively spawning. These fish should not be targeted.

Steelhead fishing is slow to fair as river conditions are low and clear. Anglers are picking up a mixed bad of darker summer steelhead and a few early winter steelhead. Winter steelhead can be found throughout most of the river as the run is just getting underway. Drift boat fishing from the town of Logsden and down may produce an early winter. Hatchery fish are recycled back downstream. These fish have a plastic tag near the dorsal fin. Please report tagged fish to the Newport office (541-265-8306 ext 236).

SIUSLAW RIVER: chinook salmon, winter steelhead

The fall chinook salmon fishery is slow. Most remaining fish are dark and actively spawning. These fish should not be targeted by anglers. The winter steelhead run is just getting started. Small numbers of fish will start entering the lower river at anytime now. The best early opportunity will be after the next good rain event.

TILLAMOOK BAY: chinook, sturgeon

Fall chinook are still available throughout the bay. Angling has been slow to fair. Angling for sturgeon is improving, and is generally best in the winter. Sand shrimp fished on the bottom in the deeper channels will produce the best results.

TRASK RIVER: chinook, steelhead

Fall chinook angling has been slow to fair recently. Many of the fall chinook are dark and should be released. Bobber and bait, backbouncing, and backtrolling large plugs will all produce some fish once the river clears. An occasional winter steelhead is being caught also.

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

WILSON RIVER: chinook, steelhead

Fall chinook angling has been slow to fair. Many of the fall chinook are dark and should be released. Bobber and bait, backbouncing, and backtrolling large plugs will all produce some fish once the river clears. A few winter steelhead are also available.

YAQUINA RIVER: chinook salmon, winter steelhead

Fall chinook salmon fishing is slow. Most fish are dark and have moved up into the spawning areas. Hatchery winter steelhead typically start to return anytime now. Best opportunities are fishing Big Elk Creek where public access is best in the upper river. The next good rain should bring in fish.

Current river levels for major north coast streams

NORTH COAST HUNTING

OPEN: Waterfowl (see regulations), forest grouse, California and mountain quail, bear, cougar, late season archery (see regulations)

Visit the region's Fall Hunting Forecast.

WATERFOWL: Duck hunting on north coast bays should be very good with the onset of harsher weather and a considerable amount of ducks available. Tillamook and Nehalem bays and the lower Columbia all offer plenty of public land hunting opportunities and good boat access. Hunters should study local tide tables and be well aware of strong out-going currents and incoming winter storms. The NW Permit Goose Season opened in Tillamook County on Nov. 29; hunters should note the special closure area in the south end of the county (see 2008 Oregon Game Bird Regulations). Successful goose hunters, don't forget to check in, see regulations for details.

Hunting for FOREST GROUSE and QUAIL is likely to be below average this year due to cold, wet weather during much of the nesting season. Grouse numbers appear to be rather low, but mountain quail seemed to be about average. Look for mountain quail on brushy clear-cut areas, especially on south-facing slopes. Ruffed grouse are most commonly found on mid-slopes and along riparian areas, whereas blue grouse tend to occur higher up on ridge tops. It appears that bird numbers in the eastern part of the coast range are better than to the west.

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

BLACK BEAR have largely switched over to fruit from orchards now that staples such as berries and other wild fruit are pretty much done for the fall. Bears typically stay active through November, and by December are looking to go into their winter sleep (torpor). Like with cougar, an aggressive calling strategy works best if you are actively hunting bears. Reminder: starting this year, successful bear hunters must now check in their bear at an ODFW office no more than 10 days after harvesting one. See our website or call an ODFW office for details.

NORTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

North Coast Viewing

With winter just around the corner, many migratory waterfowl and other water birds will call the lower Columbia River and other north coast estuaries home for the next several months. In addition to the Columbia estuary, Netarts, Tillamook and Nehalem estuaries are especially good for this type of viewing.

Ducks, geese, coots, grebes, loons and others are fairly common; all that's needed are a good pair of binoculars and/or spotting scope. Look for sea ducks near the lower end of estuaries near the ocean, whereas puddle ducks tend to occupy the upper, shallower ends of the estuaries.

Astoria Area

The Twilight Eagle Sanctuary is located between Astoria and Svensen, just off of Hwy. 30 on Burnside Loop; look for the signs. This unique viewing stop affords an excellent panoramic view of Wolf Bay and a stretch of the lower Columbia River. The viewing platform is ADA accessible and has a number of interpretive panels that explain the ecology of the lower Columbia River as well as historical information about the Lewis and Clark expedition. A lot of migratory waterfowl have recently arrived in the area, and can be seen from the viewing stop. At lower tides, shorebirds can be seen searching the mudflats for food. Of course, bald eagles and other raptors can be seen at any time of year. It's a great place to bring a spotting scope and binoculars and stay a while.

Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area

Wildlife viewing at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area has been excellent for Roosevelt elk. Approximately 228 elk can be seen on a daily basis. Look for elk at the main viewing area, along Highway 202, and Beneke Creek Road. About 30 large bulls can be seen from the west viewing area most days. Best viewing times are from 9 a.m. to about noon, but elk can normally be seen throughout the day. Area staff tries to feed the elk herds fairly close to the viewing areas on the weekends to enhance viewing opportunities. Reservations for winter elk feeding tours have been completely filled for this winter. Other wildlife to watch for include: song birds at the viewing area feeders, coyotes in the fields, and bald eagles perched high in trees near the creeks.

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

Tillamook Area

Three Arch Rocks NWR is located west of Oceanside, and is known for its summer breeding population of Steller sea lions and sea birds, such as common murres. However, in the late fall and winter the rocks are dominated by other birds, such as peregrine falcons and bald eagles, which are often seen perched on the tops of the rocks, looking and waiting for prey.

SOUTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

Note: The 2009 Sport Fishing Regulations have been printed and are now available at all ODFW offices and retail outlets. Pick up a copy today!

Weekend fishing opportunities:

* Steelhead fishing is just starting to heat up in the Coquille River and will only get better with some rain.

* Good numbers of summer steelhead and half-pounders are still being caught in the middle Rogue River.

AGATE RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie

A special fall fishing opportunity is available for anglers at Agate Lake. Over 150 trophy trout averaging 15 inches in length and over one pound were stocked in mid-October. Try casting small lures and spinners. Garden hackle and power bait should work as well.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Limits of trout from 8-14 inches have recently been reported. Five anglers came home with limits from Applegate Reservoir in mid-November. Anglers can enjoy a late release of trophy trout at Applegate Reservoir this winter. Over 900 trophy trout averaging 15 inches in length and over one pound each were stocked in late September. Anglers have reported catches of trophy trout trolling wedding rings and other lures. The water level in the reservoir is low, in preparation for winter rains. Pressure has been light. USFS personnel report that the ramp at French Gulch is the only one open.

ARIZONA POND: trout

Arizona Pond is located half-way between Gold Beach and Port Orford at the Oregon State Park's newly acquired property. Even though the water levels have been lowered for weed control, fishing is still very good. Anglers either fly fishing or tossing small spinners are having the best success.

BEN IRVING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass

Ben Irving Reservoir, west of Winston, has been stocked with about 4,000 trout in 2008.

CHETCO RIVER: steelhead

The Chetco continues to run low and clear. Anglers fishing the deeper slots are picking up a few steelhead. Steelhead numbers are picking up on a daily basis, with most anglers switching over to steelhead by the middle of December.

COOPER CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Cooper Creek has been stocked with about 9,000 catchable trout in 2008. One lucky angler caught a nine-pound trout out of Cooper Creek that was probably left over from a year ago. Nearby Plat I reservoir has also been stocked with about 3,000 catchable trout. Bass fishing at Plat I is catch and release from Nov. 1 n Feb. 28.

COOS RIVER BASIN: winter steelhead, Dungeness crab

We have had a few reports of winter steelhead being caught in the South Fork Coos River. Access to the South Coos River above Dellwood is by permit from Weyerhaeuser Company, and is subject to their rules. Anglers can call the Weyerhaeuser hotline number at 1-888-741-5403 for recorded information on access and permit purchases. The West Fork and East Fork Millicoma rivers are also good places to fish for early season steelhead. We are anticipating a low return of hatchery steelhead to the Coos River basin this winter because hatchery steelhead smolts for the Coos River basin had to be destroyed due to IHN disease two years ago. These fish would be three years old and would typically make up the majority of the steelhead harvest. There will still be a few two- and four-year-old hatchery steelhead available to catch.

Crabbing in Coos Bay has slowed down but is still good. Many boats are coming back with limits or near limits of Dungeness crab. The best area is near the North Jetty inside the bay. Crabbing from the Charleston docks in Coos Bay is producing a few legal Dungeness crabs along with many red rock crabs. The best crabbing docks have been the B/C and D/E docks in Charleston. The best baits for crabbing are fish, chicken or turkey legs. The best time to crab is two hours before high tide through two hours after.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: winter steelhead

There have been a few reports of steelhead being caught in the Coquille River near the town of Coquille and the lower South Fork Coquille River. Drifting eggs or "plunking" are the preferred ways to fish in these sections of the river. ODFW is currently under way with a steelhead radio telemetry project and will be tagging both hatchery and wild steelhead for the next four months. Just a reminder that all radio tagged steelhead must be released alive.

DIAMOND LAKE: rainbow trout

Closed to fishing until April 25, 2009. Open for other winter sports.

ELK/SIXES RIVER: chinook salmon

Low and clear. Anglers will want to target Elk River when the river gauge at Elk River Hatchery is reading 5 feet and dropping. Anglers are reminded to check emergency regulations that are in effect for fall chinook. In particular, Sixes River is closed to fishing for chinook upstream of Edson Creek mouth.

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

Little pressure has been reported at Emigrant. Some stocked rainbows are still available. Anglers should fish structure, the dam face and dike structures in Emigrant and Hill Creek arms.

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

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout

Both boat and bank anglers report good catches of legal and trophy sized rainbow trout. Over 900 trophy trout averaging 15 inches in length and over one pound each were stocked in late September at Fish Lake. Another 1,000 trophy sized trout were stocked in mid-October. Both bank and boat anglers have done well with a variety of techniques. Power bait and worms are the most popular baits used by bank anglers. Try trolling with yellow flatfish or the wedding ring/nightcrawler combo. Brook trout are available in Fish Lake. The USFS reports that the boat ramp is useable until it becomes blocked by snow.

GALESVILLE RESERVIOR: rainbow trout, bass

Galesville Reservoir is open to angling year-round. Galesville was stocked with 8,000 catchable trout in 2008, plus 25,000 2007 sub-legals that became legal size in 2008. The reservoir was also stocked with about 55,000 adipose-clipped hatchery coho which are now legal size. In Galesville Reservoir, all landlocked salmon are considered trout. Thus, there is a 5 per day trout limit, with only one trout over 20 inches in length allowed for harvest. Angling Thanksgiving weekend was hot for these salmon which were about 10 n 12 inches long. Both bait and artificial lures & flies worked well. Anglers are reminded all bass between 12 and 15 inches must be released, and only one bass over 15 inches may be taken per day. Galesville does have a campground now which is open year-round. For information call 541-957-7001.

GARRISON LAKE: rainbow trout

The best way to fish Garrison is by boat, but there is some bank access at the State Park or ODFW's access site on 12th street. Fly fishing or slow trolling wedding ring spinners are regular producers.

HERBERT'S POND: rainbow trout, warm water fish

Herbert's Pond is a small pond just east of Canyonville on Tiller Highway. The pond has a good warm water fishery for kids including bluegill, crappie, and bass. The pond was stocked with a couple hundred trout in early June to provide some additional fishing opportunity while the pond is still cool enough to keep the trout healthy. The pond has very good bank access.

HOWARD PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Howard Prairie is closed to angling until April 25, 2009.

HYATT LAKE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass

Hyatt Lake is closed to angling until April 25, 2009.

LAIRD LAKE: trout

Laird Lake is located approximately 25 miles up Elk River. Most anglers fish from the bank with fly rods or small spinning rods.

LAKE MARIE: rainbow trout

Lake Marie is at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park near Winchester. The lake was stocked with 4,000 trout in 2008.

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

Angling for trophy trout is good. A special fall fishing opportunity is available for anglers at Lake Selmac. Approximately 500 trophy trout averaging 15 inches in length and over one pound each were stocked in mid-October.

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

Closed to fishing until April 25, 2009. Open for other winter sports.

LOON LAKE: rainbow trout

Fishing at Loon Lake has been very good lately for all panfish and largemouth bass. Loon Lake has been stocked with about 7,000 catchable trout plus some trophy trout in 2008. In addition, there were almost 6,000 sub-legal trout stocked last fall that are now 12 inches long and legal for harvest.

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

Trout fishing should be fair to good throughout the winter. A health advisory has been issued for high levels of blue-green algae in Lost Creek Reservoir. The Oregon Department of Human Services recommends against contact with the water, and that if people choose to eat fish from waters where algae blooms are present; they should remove all fat, skin and organs from the fish before cooking. For local information contact the US Army Corps of Engineers Rogue River Basin Office at (541) 878-2255. For health information, contact Ken Kauffman, DHS Environmental Health Specialist at (971) 673-0435.

NEW RIVER/FLORAS CREEK: chinook

Fall chinook will generally hold in New River waiting to move up into Floras Creek to spawn. Anglers can expect fishing to remain good until the next heavy rains. Shore access is very limited, but anglers can access all of New River with a boat. Anglers are reminded to check emergency regulations that are in effect for fall chinook. In particular, Floras Creek is closed to fishing for chinook upstream of the county road bridge.

PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: bottomfish

Rockfish daily bag limit has returned to six fish and is open to the 40-fathom line. Sport anglers may still retain two lingcod but cabezon may no longer be retained by boat anglers.

REINHART PARK POND: trout, warmwater fish

Anglers are still taking home some limits of large trout. Grants Pass anglers can enjoy a special fall fishing opportunity at Reinhart Park Pond this year. Approximately 100 trophy trout averaging 15 inches in length and over one pound each were stocked in mid-October. Trout are hitting worms and floating baits.

ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: steelhead

Low and clear. Anglers targeting winter steelhead should fish fairly close to the bank and on the inside bends of the river. The two best methods to catch winter steelhead are plunking a spin-n-glow or running plugs from an anchored boat. Anglers should keep an eye on flows and look to fish after a rain event when the flows start dropping.

Rogue River flows

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: trout, steelhead

Good numbers of summer steelhead and half-pounders are still being caught in the middle river. Adults are running from 24-36 inches and the half-pounders are abundant. Puff balls and roe, or puff balls and nightcrawlers are working well. Coho are being caught on black and purple jigs below Savage Rapids Dam. Some are also being caught using a green blue fox with a squid tail. Troy from U-Save-Gas in Grants Pass has heard of some winter steelhead that were caught in the lower river. Winter steelhead will be here soon! The flow at Grants Pass on Dec. 7 was 1430 cubic feet per second.

From Aug. 1 through Dec. 31, between Elephant Rock and Hog Creek boat landing, no more than two adult non-adipose fin-clipped chinook may be kept per day as part of the daily limit. No more than 10 non-adipose finclipped chinook may be kept per year with five applying to the SW zone aggregate. Beginning Oct. 1 until Dec. 31, Hog Creek boat landing to Gold Ray Dam is closed to chinook fishing.

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: trout, steelhead

Summer streelhead are still being caught in the upper river on roe. Not too many anglers are out fishing. Coho are not showing up in the creel yet. From Shady Cove to Gold Ray steelhead from 18 inches to 6 pounds are being taken on drifted flies and lures. As of Dec. 7, the flow out of William Jess Dam (Lost Creek) was 1055 cfs and the outflow temperature was 44 degrees. As of Dec. 3, 5799 summer steelhead and 2317 coho have been counted at Gold Ray Dam. Angling for chinook is closed above Gold Ray. Gold Ray Reservoir (not including the reservoir) upstream to the boat ramp at Shady Cove Park is restricted to artificial flies and lures, Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. Anglers can use bait between the ODFW markers below the Cole Rivers Hatchery fish ladder entrance and the boat ramp at Shady Cove Park starting Nov. 1. See synopsis for details.

ROGUE RIVER (SECTION 5): rainbow trout

Section 5 of the Rogue River (upstream of Lost Creek Reservoir) is closed to angling until April 25, 2009.

SODA SPRINGS RESERVOIR: brown and rainbow trout

Soda Springs Reservoir remains open, but the tributaries upstream of Soda Springs closes for trout starting Nov. 1.

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

Anglers have been catching chinook hit or miss in the lower river. Open for adipose fin-clipped steelhead from mouth to Spencer Creek and North Fork from mouth upstream to Johnson Creek. Fall chinook season is open from mouth to Spencer Creek, but North Fork Smith is closed Aug 1-Dec 31 for fall chinook fishing as an emergency closure for 2008 (check for special regulations). Trout season closed Sept. 15. Striped bass season is open year-round, 2 fish per 24 hours, 30-inch minimum size. The North Fork is open from mouth to Johnson Creek for stripers.

SOUTH COAST STREAMS: trout

Trout season in the Umpqua tributaries, Smith River, South Umpqua, North Umpqua tributaries below Soda Springs Reservoir and Cow Creek basins closed Sept. 15. The mainstem Umpqua and mainstem North Umpqua to Soda Springs Dam are open year-round for catch and release trout. North Umpqua mainstem and tributarties above Soda Springs Reservoir close to trout angling starting Nov. 1.

TENMILE LAKES: largemouth bass, yellow perch

Yellow perch are still biting at Tenmile Lakes in water at least 10 feet deep. Best baits to use are a piece of worm on a small hook or small jig. The majority of the perch are small but there are fish up to 11 inches long.

Largemouth bass fishing is good. Use jigs or plastic lures and concentrate your fishing efforts near structure in six feet of water or deeper. If you are not getting any bites try slowing down your presentation.

TENMILE CREEK/EEL CREEK: winter steelhead

Steelhead should start to enter Tenmile Creek soon. Although the best fishing starts in late-December and January. We are anticipating a low return of hatchery steelhead to the Tenmile Basin this winter because hatchery steelhead smolts for the Tenmile Basin had to be destroyed due to IHN disease two years ago. These fish would be three years old and would typically make up the majority of the steelhead harvest. There will still be a few two- and four-year-old hatchery steelhead available to catch. Eel Creek does not open for fishing until Jan. 1.

TOKETEE LAKE: brown trout

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

UMPQUA ESTUARY: sturgeon, bass, chinook, coho

Both sturgeon and striped bass fishing have been slow in the lower Umpqua. Fishing and angling success for coho and chinook have slowed. Crabbing is still good.

UMPQUA HIGH LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

The last stocking was Labor Day Weekend for Clearwater Forebay #2 and Hemlock Lake. Other high lakes such as Maidu, Bull Pup, Connie, Skookum, Calamut, Fuller, Wolf, Cliff, Buckeye, Linda, and Big Twin Lakes were stocked with brook trout this year. However, check road conditions before traveling to these lakes now.

UMPQUA RIVER MAINSTEM: steelhead, spring chinook, smallmouth bass

Winter steelhead are starting to move into the Umpqua, but are being held by low water conditions. A rain should get the fish moving and moved more throughout the system. Remember the main stem Umpqua is closed to wild steelhead harvest, but remains open year-round for adipose fin-clipped steelhead. Open for adipose fin-clipped coho Aug. 1-Dec. 31. Coho angling is past peak and the fish are becoming dark.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead

The final count for spring chinook was 7,677 fish. Through mid-November, 4,163 coho and 6,584 summer steelhead have passed Winchester Dam. Coho numbers will appear lower than normal since the North Umpqua coho hatchery program was discontinued. Some hatchery coho are still available for harvest. Summer steelhead have already surpassed the 4,552 total that crossed the dam last year. Official winter steelhead counts begin December 1. 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. Season opened for adipose fin-clipped coho on Aug. 1. North closed to chinook fishing on July 31 and will not re-open until Jan. 1.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: winter steelhead

The South Umpqua opened Dec. 1 for winter steelhead fishing. Only adipose-clipped steelhead can be harvested. Rain is needed to move steelhead up into the South.

WILLOW LAKE: trout

Willow Lake was stocked with 250 trophy trout in late September. Anglers should try using floating bait or worms. Casting or trolling lures or flies can also be effective.

WINCHESTER BAY: sturgeon, coho, chinook

Fishing is picking up a little for sturgeon. Angling for both coho and chinook in the bay opened on Aug. 1. Only fin-clipped coho can be harvested and only one, non-fin-clipped chinook per day, five per year can be harvested. See special regulations for more details. Crabbing has been good.

RECREATIONAL SHELLFISH IS OPEN

The entire Oregon coast is open for recreational shellfishing. ALWAYS CHECK FOR HEALTH ADVISORIES by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Shellfish line at 1-800-448-2474 for updates.

Razor clams and current status of particular areas

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

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

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

* Razor clams and current status of particular areas

* Bay clams

SOUTHWEST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Fall turkey, waterfowl (some goose seasons closed), archery deer (certain units only; see regulations), forest grouse, California and mountain quail, bear, cougar, crow

RATTLE FIRE CLOSURES: Please check the Umpqua National Forest's web site at www.fs.fed.us/r6/umpqua or call 541-672-6601 for latest closure information

Visit the SW Region Fall Hunting Forecast

DOUGLAS COUNTY

BIG GAME:

Bow DEER season continues through Dec. 14 in the Siuslaw unit. Deer populations are similar to last year so this hunting year will be average.

Only controlled ELK hunts are open at this time. Elk populations are similar to last year so this hunting year will be average.

General BEAR season is now open. Hunters can expect an average year. Successful bear hunters are reminded there is a mandatory check-in for all harvested bear within 10 days of harvest (see regulations for details). Season ends Dec. 31.

COUGAR season is open. Hunters can expect an average year. Cougars are abundant and wildly distributed. The best opportunity for success is in areas of high deer populations using a predator call.

UPLAND GAMEBIRDS:

The season is currently open. Blue grouse success is best in mid to high elevations of the Cascades in partly open conifer stands. Ruffed grouse can be found near creeks mostly at mid elevations of both the Cascades and Coast Range. Success is best in the lower elevation agricultural lands for California quail and mid-elevations of the Cascades and Coast Range near brushy clear cuts on secondary forest roads for Mountain quail.

The FALL TURKEY season is currently open. Hunters can expect an average year. Most turkeys are on or adjacent to low-mid elevation private lands associated with oak savannah habitat. Season ends Dec. 31.

MIGRATORY GAMEBIRDS:

CROW season is now open. Hunters can expect an average year. Crow are abundant and widely distributed on the Umpqua Valley floor. Hunting crow is a challenge with most being on or adjacent to private lands.

WATERFOWL:

Duck & Goose hunters can expect an average to above-average year. The season is open for ducks, geese, snipe and coot. Nearly all waterfowl hunting in the Umpqua Valley is on private property and hunters should obtain landowner permission before hunting. A reminder that goose season is closed from Dec. 1-12, 2008 in Douglas County east of Hwy. 101.

TRAPPING & HUNTING:

Furbearers n A reminder to trappers and hunters that specific licenses and tags are required to hunt many furbearer species, and hunters should refer to the Oregon Furbearer Trapping and Hunting Regulations for details.

Bobcat, Red & Gray Fox n Currently open. Healthy populations throughout Western Oregon.

River Otter, Beaver & Raccoon n Currently open. Healthy populations throughout Western Oregon. The last day of the season for these species is March 15, 2009.

Mink & Muskrat n Currently open. Healthy populations throughout Western Oregon. The last day of the season for mink and muskrat is March 31, 2009.

Marten n Currently open. Good populations at higher elevations of the Cascades. The last day of the season is January 31, 2009.

COOS COUNTY

WATERFOWL numbers are currently high in Coos Bay and other coastal bays. While there are still good numbers of dabbling ducks, divers like ring-neck ducks and scaup are also beginning to appear. Hunters are encouraged to take advantage of the congregation of birds due to the fact that as rains begin the inland valleys will fill and cause ducks to disperse.

General Bow DEER season has reopened in select units. The rut for deer is in full swing. Any changes in weather in the area will result in increased deer activity. The best way to locate bucks this time of year is to locate does. Bucks will stay close to the does for breeding. Antler rattling and calling can be effective methods to use on deer right now, as well as watching forest clearings for moving deer.

Most Coastal seasons for Bull ELK are closed now. Many antlerless seasons will begin to open as the fall and winter progresses. The weather during both bull seasons was not as cooperative as many elk hunters would have liked. Rain is in the forecast, however and this should make hunting conditions better for the later seasons. Since most antlerless seasons are designed to address damage problems hunters with tags should contact landowners in the units where there tags are valid to see if they can assist in alleviate damage.

BEAR season is open. Winter is coming but all is not lost for bear hunting. Recent warm weather is keeping bears active temporarily. Since the berry season is almost over, bears that are active will be on the move searching for anything to eat. Predator calling may me the best method to get an opportunity at these desperate bears. Don't forget check-in is now mandatory for successful bear hunters.

COUGAR season is open. 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 hunters.

MTN QUAIL and CALIF QUAIL populations fared better than grouse this year due to the fact that their clutches hatch later in the spring, missing the winter-like weather. These birds will be found in brushy clear cuts and near agricultural areas.

FOREST GROUSE seasons are open. Grouse will be most abundant along closed forest roads where grass and brush is beginning to encroach on the road. Otherwise riparian areas are good places to hunt these birds. ODFW encourages grouse hunters to save one wing and the tail of grouse harvested. By turning these parts in to ODFW we can analyze them to gain important information on the health of these populations. Paper bags with instructions on what parts to save are available from ODFW or from wing-deposit boxes at Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area or the Charleston ODFW office.

JACKSON, JOSEPHINE, CURRY COUNTIES

General buck DEER bow season and deer muzzleloader season for the Applegate unit is now closed. There is no other deer hunts open currently. Youth controlled deer hunts will begin Dec. 20 and runs through Jan. 5, 2009 for the Applegate, Evans creek, and Rogue units.

The Jackson Cooperative Travel Management Area is now in effect. This agreement between government agencies and private partners provides hunters with access to a variety of lower elevation areas to hunt. Roads are closed within designated areas unless posted as open to improve quality hunting opportunities. Maps can be obtained online through ODFW's website; click on the Oregon Hunting Access Map

All general ELK seasons are closed. A few select controlled hunts are open. Youth controlled elk hunts will begin Dec. 20 and runs through Jan. 5, 2009.

BEAR season is open. Bears taken in Jackson, Josephine and Curry counties for the fall hunt have one of the highest harvests in the state. Applegate unit is third-ranked in terms of number of bears taken this fall. Hunters are reporting to see bears throughout our units. Bears are eating Manzanita berries and grubs. Successful hunters, don't forget-bring bear skulls in thawed and with mouth propped open so biologists can collect and measure needed teeth and are able to tag skulls. Remember check-in is now mandatory. More information

General COUGAR season is open. Cougar populations continue to be plentiful. Predator calling has become one of the best methods for hunters. Focus on spots where there are high populations of wintering deer. Hunters are reminded that they must bring their cougar into an ODFW office within 10 days to be checked and tagged, refer to regulations for details. Hunters are asked to bring in cougars thawed and mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.

WESTERN GRAY SQUIRREL is now open only in a portion of the Rogue unit; refer to regulations for more detail. It is open year round with no bag limit.

TURKEYS are plentiful and tags are still available. Hunters will find a new type of challenge in hunting turkey in the fall season. They are not as responsive to call but not as wary of humans either. Hunters have had success in ambushing or scattering flocks and using the lost call as they begin to regroup. Remember either sex can be harvested in the fall.

Southwest Oregon GOOSE General Zone is closed until Dec. 13, with Duck zone 1 remaining open. Duck and goose hunting this year will be average. Fall flights numbers are slightly lower than last year. Weather will continue to be a factor in how many birds arrive in our area. Stormy weather will bring migratory birds into the Denman Wildlife Area. Most fields on DENMAN WILDLIFE AREA are now flooded and waterfowl hunting should pick up. Through the end of the season, Denman Wildlife Area Hall tract will only be open for hunting Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays, and Christmas Day, all other tracts on the Wildlife Area will be open everyday through the season. Many ponds exist in the Rogue valley although most are on private lands; hunters need to ask for permission. South Coast zone for geese is open until Jan. 25, 2009.

SNIPE is another challenging bird to hunt as they are small, fast and erratic low-flying birds that can be hard to identify. Be sure to know how to differentiate it from killdeer and other shorebirds before you hunt. Snipe may be spooked in areas where there are high numbers of hunters but other times a person can walk up on them. Snipe almost always emit a call when they take off in flight. Now is the best time to hunt snipe. Denman Wildlife Area has decent numbers of snipe.

UPLAND GAME BIRDS season is open. Overall numbers appear to be lower than average with a few exceptions where pockets of birds have had good reproduction. Forest grouse can be found in timbered creek draws and mountain quail will be found in brushy clear cuts near water. A good bird dog will aid greatly in bird retrieval. Hunters are encouraged to bring to ODFW offices one wing and the tail of forest grouse to help us monitor age distribution. Rogue Valley has low numbers of pheasants; the pheasant that do exist are found on private lands so you will need permission to hunt.

SOUTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

Elk viewing is good at Dean Creek

Large numbers of elk are showing up in the fields of Dean Creek right now. Although the rut is over, elk bulls are still very visible. The Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area and the O.H. Hinsdale Interpretive Center are popular tourist stops along Hwy. 38 near Reedsport. Mountains, meadows and marshes also are home to beaver, muskrat, mallards, Canada geese and great blue heron. For more information.

Coos County

Waterfowl numbers are very good in Coos Bay and other coastal bays. Many of the diving ducks are late migrants. They are beginning to show up locally now. Good places to look at waterfowl are along Cape Arago Highway near Barview.

The influx of waterfowl will likely result in an influx of their predators. Numbers of bald eagles and other raptors generally increase with increasing waterfowl numbers. Good places to see these birds are the Coos Bay North Spit, east side of Coos Bay, the Coquille Valley and the lower Umpqua.

Large numbers of elk are showing up in the fields of Dean Creek right now. Although the rut is over for elk bulls are still very visible. Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area is located a few miles east of Reedsport along Hwy. 38.

Douglas County

Christmas Bird Count n Contact the Umpqua Valley Audubon Society to find out more about this upcoming event.

Columbian White-tailed Deer - Viewing is good at Whistler's Bend County Park about 10 miles east of Roseburg (off Hwy 138E, adjacent to the North Umpqua River). See a species whose population numbers have recovered after a low population level in the 1960s. This once common wetlands and bottomland deer was found in western valleys from Canyonville in the Umpqua Valley northward through the Willamette Valley up to Puget Sound in Washington state. Today, there are only two remaining populations in Oregon/Washington-one in Douglas County around Roseburg and one along the Columbia River.

There are a few fairly easy ways to tell the difference between a black-tailed deer and a white-tailed deer on the Umpqua Valley floor. In the fall, white-tails will often have a sandy or light tan colored pelt as opposed to the brown coloration of the black-tail. White-tails have shorter ears, pronounced white eye rings and a larger, wider tail that, when down, is light brown in color fringed with white. When alerted to danger, both species raise and wag their tails exposing its white underside as they leave the area.

Winter Raptors - Wintering raptors, especially red-tail hawks, can commonly be seen along highways throughout the county.

Bald Eagles n Bald Eagles are now commonly seen along the mainstem portion of the Umpqua River from Roseburg to Reedsport.

Denman Wildlife Area

Denman Wildlife Area has had an increase of hawks, accipiters and buteos. Many Northern Harriers, Red-tailed hawks, and Rough-legged hawks have been seen hunting throughout the valley. A Black-shouldered Kite has been observed almost daily on the Wildlife Area. Hunting season is occurring on the wildlife area so be aware of hunters while watching wildlife on the area. For information on the Wildlife Area, visit ODFW's Web site.

Jackson and Josephine counties are full of flocks of black birds, meadowlarks and a variety of sparrows, so take the opportunity to do some birdwatching.

CENTRAL ZONE

FISHING

Note: The 2009 Sport Fishing Regulations have been printed and are now available at all ODFW offices and retail outlets. Pick up a copy today!

Weekend fishing opportunities:

* The Central Zone offers trout anglers several opportunities for good winter fishing. The Metolius and Fall rivers are fly fishing only, while the Crooked and Deschutes rivers allow flies and other artificial lures. Recent reports indicate trout fishing has been good.

ANTELOPE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

An illegally introduced population of bullhead catfish has overpopulated the reservoir reducing water quality, but very large (18-33") rainbow trout were present in our last population assessment conducted Oct. 9. Fishing may be challenging, but well worth the effort.

CLEAR LAKE: rainbow trout

No recent reports.

CRESCENT LAKE: brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout

Thanks to the good weather and goodwill of Forest Service, the gate to the public boat ramp remains open (it usually closes Dec. 1). Anglers are reporting great fishing for brown trout and lake trout.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout and mountain whitefish

Fishing with artificial flies and lures only, no bait. The river is currently flowing at 56 cfs while fish passage structures are installed in diversion structures below Bowman dam. Anglers are currently reporting excellent fishing conditions, catching more rainbow trout than whitefish.

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

CULTUS LAKE: lake trout, rainbow trout

Cultus is still accessible at this time. This time month should provide good opportunity for lake trout and rainbow trout.

DAVIS LAKE: redband trout, largemouth bass

No recent reports. Please note Davis Lake is restricted to fly angling only.

DESCHUTES RIVER: steelhead, rainbow trout

Mouth to Warm Springs: steelhead, trout, fall chinook

Steelhead angling has been good on the Deschutes between South Junction and Pelton Dam. Fish are currently spread throughout the lower 100 miles of the Deschutes. Angling for steelhead in the upper stretches (South Junction, Trout Creek, Warm Springs) has certainly been quite a bit better than the rest of the river.

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

No recent reports. This reach of the Deschutes currently provides angling opportunity for brown trout and redband trout. Flows are currently running at 523 CFS.

FALL RIVER: rainbow trout

Recent reports indicate that the angling has been fair to good. The river above the falls remains open the entire year, and is restricted to fly-fishing only. This is a popular winter fishery for fly fishers.

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

Anglers reporting success fishing for trout, kokanee and bullhead catfish. Large mouth bass of 3-5 lb. are also present in the reservoir.

HOOD RIVER: summer steelhead, winter steelhead

The Hood River has cleared after recent high water and catch rates for summer steelhead have been good. Anglers are also reminded that retention of non fin-marked coho and chinook is prohibited in the Hood River.

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

KINGSLEY RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Kingsley was recently stocked, and should provide excellent fishing opportunity. Adult excess hatchery steelhead from Hood River have recently been stocked.

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

The emergency regulation eliminating the 25 fish bonus bag on kokanee expired on Oct. 27. The bonus bag will be in effect until Dec. 31. However, anglers should note that the Metolius Arm of the reservoir closes Nov. 1, and that the vast majority of adult kokanee left the reservoir and spawned in the Metolius River over the last 6 weeks. Therefore, there are very few kokanee of catchable size (larger than 8

inches) currently in the reservoir.

METOLIUS RIVER: redband trout, bull trout

Fishing above Allingham Bridge is now closed but trout fishing below the bridge has been good.

NORTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout

There is good opportunity for 8 to 12-inch rainbow with the potential for larger fish up to 18 inches as the water temperature starts to drop.

OCHOCO CREEK UPSTREAM TO OCHOCO DAM: rainbow trout

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

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Reports of good angling for rainbow trout.

PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

No recent reports, but water levels are good and lots of fish should be available. Earlier in the year the reservoir received additional allocations of hatchery fish originally destined for (inaccessible) high elevation lakes.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, black crappie, bass

Trout anglers continue to report success, however fishing for warmwater species seems to be slowing.

ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

No recent reports.

SIMTUSTUS LAKE: rainbow trout, bull trout

Closed to fishing Oct. 31.

SUTTLE LAKE: kokanee, brown trout

No recent reports though the lake is still accessible and provides great opportunity for brown trout.

TAYLOR LAKE: rainbow trout

Taylor Lake was recently stocked with trophy trout and excess adult steelhead and should provide excellent fall trout fishing opportunity. Taylor Lake is also a good location to catch carp on the fly.

WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout

Although gate to campground is locked, anglers are still allowed to fish the reservoir. Trout anglers have been reporting success with artificial flies and lures. Trout are difficult to target with bait due to a population of illegally introduced and stunted bullhead catfish.

CENTRAL ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Pheasant, waterfowl (see regulations), chukar, hun, California quail, forest grouse (Hood Rvr and Wasco counties only), crow, cougar

Visit the Region's Fall Hunting Forecast

PRINEVILLE/OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT

COUGARS are present at all elevations in the Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly units. Areas to consider include the Maury Mountains and S. Fork Crooked River in the Maury; N. Fork Crooked River and S. Fork John Day River in the Ochoco; and upper Mill, Trout, and Mckay Creeks in the Grizzly unit. Remember cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days after harvest.

COYOTE are plentiful in all 3 units, but the Maury and Ochoco units offer the better opportunities for public land access. Due to the mild winter conditions deer and pronghorn are scattered more widely than usual, and still using traditional summer and transition ranges. Hunters should scout for concentrations of deer or pronghorn where coyotes will likely be as well.

UPLAND GAME bird hunters will find the best opportunities for valley quail are lower elevation private and BLM lands where wet areas provide cover and riparian habitat. Chukar are scattered but can be found predominantly in rocky canyon areas along the upper Crooked, Deschutes, and John Day rivers.

WATERFOWL hunting opportunities are hampered by the lack of wetlands on public lands. Prineville Res. offers limited opportunities on the Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The north side access road of the Prineville Res. WMA closed Dec. 1. Maps of the WMA with access routes are available from the Prineville ODFW and at the Prineville Res. State Park. Access for hunting and other recreational activities is still allowed, but is limited to foot or bike travel.

Most of the remaining wetlands, reservoirs, and better feeding areas in the District are on private lands where permission from landowners is required.

THE DALLES WILDLIFE DISTRICT

WATERFOWL are beginning to show up in the region in fair numbers. The best waterfowl hunting in the area is on private lands. Some limited access for ducks and geese can be found along the Columbia River.

PHEASANT season is open through Dec. 14. Most birds within the district are located on private lands. Hunters need to seek permission before hunting private lands. The pheasant hunting will probably be slow compared to the past couple years, as pheasant production was slightly below the ten-year average.

For hunters wishing to pursue COUGAR, the best opportunity will in areas where wintering deer and elk are congregating. One of the better areas is generally around White River Wildlife area, where both deer and elk winter in fair numbers. Successful cougar hunters, remember check-in is mandatory; see the 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.

FOREST GROUSE and MTN QUAIL seasons are open. Mt. quail and ruffed grouse can be found along stream bottoms within the national forest, especially in dense riparian areas. Blue grouse are easiest to locate on higher elevation ridge tops, with best success in open areas and berry patches. Forest grouse continues through Jan. 31 in Hood River and Wasco counties but closes Nov. 30 in rest of eastern Oregon.

WHITE RIVER WILDLIFE AREA

UPLAND BIRD hunters may find an occasional quail, pheasant or Hungarian partridge on the wildlife area. Also, there are a few ducks and geese using the area around some of the wheat fields. Pheasant hunting closes Dec. 14.

The wildlife area is a vehicle regulated use area. Open roads have a green dot on them. Hunters bringing their ATVs are reminded that all vehicles are to stay on roads; cross country travel is prohibited. The roads for through vehicle travel have been closed for the winter and most of the roads will reopen April 1, 2009.

CENTRAL ZONE VIEWING

Prineville Area

Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Management Area

Migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds continue moving through the region and resting on the reservoir and shoreline. The access road along the north shoreline is closed. Walk in or bike access is allowed and provides vantage points to view migrating birds and resident wildlife.

Game bird hunters and trappers also may be using the area and all users are encouraged to wear bright hunter orange clothing. Most trappers avoid using the more traveled areas along the north shore, but could be using remote upland areas and the south shoreline which is difficult to access without a boat or canoe. Dog owners should use care when using remote uplands or the south shore.

Directions to the Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Management Area

White River Wildlife Area

Visitors to the area can see a wide variety of birds, including Lewis' Woodpeckers, Cooper's hawks and Pileated Woodpecker's. The deer are starting to move down on the wildlife area; large bucks are showing up to make for good viewing.

The Dalles

Wintering waterbirds are starting to arrive in good numbers throughout the Mid-Columbia region. The best areas to view waterbirds are at Mayer State Park, on the Columbia River between The Dalles and Hood River and at Rufus near the gravel bars.

For directions and more information on Mayer State Parks visit http://www.stateparks.com/mayer.html.

Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area

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

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

Many different bird species are present in the Deschutes Wildlife Area, including osprey, kingfishers, great blue herons and waterfowl.

ODFW's Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area is located in The Dalles. Directions and more information about the Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Note: The 2009 Sport Fishing Regulations have been printed and are now available at all ODFW offices and retail outlets. Pick up a copy today!

Winter Conditions: Anglers are advised to check road and access conditions before setting out. Some high elevation lakes are inaccessible due to snowy conditions, and winter weather can make road travel hazardous.

ANA RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout, hybrid bass

Ana Reservoir is open all year long for rainbow trout and hybrid bass angling. The reservoir was lowered to inspect the dam and headgates recently; the water level is still very low but the reservoir is fishable. The boat ramp is not usable at this time. The use of live fish for bait is prohibited.

ANA RIVER: hatchery rainbow trout

Ana River is a great place to fish. Angling for rainbow trout has been very good. The river level has dropped recently as the reservoir begins to fill. Rainbow trout in this river can be very spooky so stealth is required. Bait angling is allowed and productive. Tui chub and pit roach are abundant in Ana River so large lures and flies mimicking minnows can be very successful.

ANTHONY LAKE: rainbow trout

Fishing has been good but the lake will freeze over soon.

BALM CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

The trout are biting and are good size. Many are using flies. Lake will likely freeze over very soon.

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

Ice is beginning to form around the shore of the reservoir. Inflow averaged 57 cfs Dec 7. The reservoir was 15 percent full on Dec 7. Angling in the reservoir is slow.

BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Trout stocked as fingerlings will not be of harvestable size until next year.

BLITZEN RIVER: trout

Mainstem Blitzen and tributaries (except Little Blitzen) have a two fish trout bag limit from 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. Angling should be fair for 10 to 16-inch redband trout, but the water has cooled down, and there may be some edge ice. Flow was 39 cfs Dec. 8, and ranged from 26 to 59 cfs Dec. 1 through Dec. 8.

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

Ice is beginning to form around the shore of the reservoir. The reservoir was 21 percent full on Dec. 7. The bottom of the boat ramp is in the water. Launching and retrieving a large boat is still difficult. Angling is slow.

BURNS POND: trout, bass

Angling should be slow to fair for rainbow trout, if ice does not prevent angling.

CAMPBELL/DEADHORSE LAKES: hatchery rainbow trout

Access to these lakes was closed on July 28 by the USFS.

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout

Angling has been slow to fair for rainbow trout. Skim ice has been forming on the reservoir.

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout, largemouth bass

Angling is good for redband trout above Paisley. The lower river (downstream of Paisley including Rivers End Reservoir) closed Oct. 31. The road into the upper Chewaucan River is still open. Look for deep pools, beaver dams and wood structures to fish around. Approach a likely spot with some stealth. Redband are available in the main river and tributaries; brook trout are available in Dairy and Elder Creeks.

COTTONWOOD MEADOWS: rainbow trout, brook trout

Thin layers of ice on the lake makes it very difficult to fish this time of year, but the road to the lake is still open. Angling is good for rainbow trout, but slow for brook trout. Aquatic vegetation makes fishing difficult from the South and West side of the lake. Fish the lake as deep as possible; with lures and flies the mimic minnows. Rainbow trout will emerge from the vegetation to hit lures and flies trolled over the top of them.

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: native redband trout

Thin layers of ice on the lake makes it very difficult to fish this time of year, but the road to the lake is still open. Fishing has been good for large, native redband trout.

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

Crappie fishing has been slow.

DELINTMENT LAKE: trout

Fair angling for rainbow trout if ice conditions allow angling. Skim ice is forming on the lake.

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

Thin layers of ice on the lake makes it very difficult to fish this time of year. The road into Dog Lake came be extremely hazardous. Dog Lake is closed to the retention of native, redband trout. This lake is not stocked with hatchery trout. Trophy bass fishing opportunities are available here.

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

Reservoir levels are very low.

DUNCAN RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Thin layers of ice on the lake makes it very difficult to fish this time of year

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

Lake has been stocked with legal rainbow trout, and has been very good for rainbow and brook trout. Lake will be frozen over soon and roads impassable.

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

The Steens Loop road will be closed Dec. 10. No recent angling report. Skim ice is probably forming on the lake.

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

Access to the lake during the winter months is available by snowmobile, skis, or with a good dog team. However, access is currently available and angling can be good for lake trout. Ice thickness and snow depth on the lake make winter ice fishing a challenge. No ice currently exists on the lake. Safety should be anglers number one priority.

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

Gerber Reservoir is located over 5,000 feet elevation. Water temperatures are cold at this time and angling for most fish species is slow. Some yellow perch can be caught this time of year.

GRANDE RONDE LAKE: rainbow and brook trout

Lake has been stocked with legal rainbow trout. Fishing is good for rainbow and brook trout.

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

The lake is very shallow, and high winds can make boating hazardous.

HEART LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout and kokanee

Thin layers of ice on the lake makes it very difficult to fish this time of year. Access to the lake remains open. Fishing for Kokanee and rainbow trout has been good. Fathead minnow are very abundant. Large trout feed on these minnows near the shoreline in the early mornings and evenings.

HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Thin layers of ice on the lake makes it very difficult to fish this time of year. Access to the lake remains open. The reservoir is significantly reduced, but fishing is still excellent for large trout. This reservoir has a large population of small tui chub.

JUNIPER LAKE: cutthroat trout

The lake is nearly dry.

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass

Krumbo Reservoir is closed to angling until late April.

KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: redband trout

Angling for redband trout has been fair. Water temperatures in the lake are ranging from 39-41 degrees. Redband trout are spread throughout the lake feeding mostly on minnows and leeches. Anglers are catching fish from shore and boat with most people catching fish along Eagle Ridge and Shoalwater Bay. Anglers are also catching fish in the straights between Upper Klamath and Agency Lakes and Howard Bay. Most redband trout caught this year have been under twenty inches.

KLAMATH RIVER: native rainbow- redband trout

Angling below Keno dam is fair. Anglers who chose to wade this section should wear studded wading boots, a wading staff, and wading belt. The bottom of the river is covered in slippery algae and boulders. Water clarity is limited which makes wading difficult. The river is known for eating your gear therefore fishing methods should be adjusted for this fact. Access to this section is difficult due to muddy road conditions. River flows are currently just over 1000 cfs which makes wading difficult but this flow is still optimum for catching trout.

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

The road is open into Lake of the Woods. Angling is slow due to cold water temperatures.

LOFTON RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Thin layers of ice on the lake makes it very difficult to fish this time of year.

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

Angling is slow for warmwater fish.

LUCKY RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The road into Lucky Reservoir is hazardous this time of year, and thin layers of ice on the lake makes it very difficult to fish.

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

Discharge below Warm Springs Dam has been shut off for the winter. Flow in the river is limited to seepage from Warm Springs Reservoir. Angling for trout is slow.

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

Flow is very low in this stretch of the river since discharge from both Warm Springs Reservoir and Beulah Reservoir has been shut off for the winter. Angling for trout is slow.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Ice is beginning to form around the shore of the reservoir. The water level is at the end of the ramp. Launching larger boats will be difficult. With the cooler weather catch rates have slowed, but a few large trout continue to be caught.

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

Anglers could encounter icy conditions. No recent angling report. Trout angling should be slow. Remember to release bull trout.

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

Anglers could encounter icy conditions. No recent angling report. Trout angling should be slow. Remember to release bull trout.

MANN LAKE: trout

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

MILLER LAKE: brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout

Access to the Lake is by snowmobile, skis, or a good dog team. Brown trout are available to the adventurous angler.

MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout

The water level is very low. Slow angling for bass. No angling report for trout. Skim ice is forming on the reservoir.

MUD LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout

Thin layers of ice on the lake makes it very difficult to fish this time of year. The lake level has dropped significantly below half full level, but will hold at this level until spring.

MURRAY RESERVOIR: trout

Fishing is fair to good for rainbow.

NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: rainbow trout

All of the BLM ponds in the Harper-Westfall area were stocked on May 30 with fingerling-sized rainbow trout. Littlefield and Squaw Creek reservoirs have good carryover populations. Squaw Creek Reservoir apparently has experienced a late season die-off. It appears that there was a late season blue-green algae bloom at Squaw Creek Reservoir. Anglers need to be cautious with their dogs. Ice is beginning to form around the shore of the reservoirs. No recent angling reports from the other reservoirs.

OVERTON RESERVOIR:

Overton Reservoir is slow for rainbow trout. Thin layers of ice on the lake makes it very difficult to fish this time of year.

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

The reservoir was 24 percent full on Dec. 7. The boat ramps at McCormick State Park and Leslie Gulch are out of the water. Angling for crappie and bass is slowing.

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

Irrigation releases below the dam were shut off on Oct. 16 for the winter. The brown trout population is spawning. Anglers need to be careful around areas with redds. Angling for rainbow trout remains good. Angling for brown trout will slow due to spawning. Ice is beginning to form around the edges and on many of the larger pools. Anglers should use caution.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish

Discharge at the Rome gauge averaged 170 cfs on Dec. 7. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish should be slow.

PAIUTE RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout and hatchery Lahontan cutthroat trout

Rainbow and cutthroat trout are available. The reservoir level is extremely low, but fish are still being caught. Thin layers of ice on the lake makes it very difficult to fish this time of year. Small flies and lures work the best, near the dam face.

PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch

No recent report. Water level is 46 percent.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout

Some 10 to 12-inch trout are being caught. Reservoir is 40 percent full. A new regulation will be in place beginning Jan. 1, 2009 that prohibits fishing until April 25, 2009. See 2009 regulations for more detail.

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Water level in the reservoir is at minimum pool. Angling is poor.

POWDER RIVER: trout, spring chinook

Rainbow trout fishing is fair-good below Mason Dam.

SID LUCE: hatchery rainbow trout

The road into Sid Luce has eroded considerably. Four wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Winter conditions will soon close access.

SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: hatchery rainbow trout

All of the ponds in the Jordan Valley area were stocked with fingerling trout on June 3. Several reservoirs north of Jordan Valley have carryover populations. Ice is beginning to form around the shore of the reservoirs. Angling has improved with the cooler weather conditions.

SPAULDING RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Spaulding Reservoir is dry.

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

The river closed Oct. 31.

SUNSTONE RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Rainbow trout are available, though thin layers of ice on the lake makes it very difficult to fish this time of year.

SYCAN RIVER: redband trout, brown trout, brook trout

The river closed Oct. 31.

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout

Fishing is slow. Reservoir is 40 percent full. The reservoir was stocked with large fingerlings this fall.

THOMPSON RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, hatchery rainbow trout

Thin layers of ice on the lake makes it very difficult to fish this time of year. Motor vehicle access will soon be closed by winter conditions.

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

Angling for warmwater fish is slow.

TWIN LAKES (Baker County): rainbow trout

The lake was stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Roads will be impassable due to snow soon.

UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie

Trout fishing has picked up. Reservoir is 20 percent full. Campground is closed.

VEE LAKE:

Angling is slow in Vee Lake. Thin layers of ice on the lake makes it very difficult to fish this time of year. Winter conditions should close access soon, be prepared.

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

The reservoir was 7 percent full Dec. 7. Inflows ranged from approximately 40 cfs to 80 cfs from Dec. 3 through Dec. 8. Fishing is slow.

WARNER LAKES: black crappie, brown bullhead, yellow perch

Fishing for crappie and perch has been slow.

WILLIAMSON RIVER (UPPER): redband trout and brook trout

The river closed Oct. 31.

WILLIAMSON RIVER (LOWER):

The river closed Oct. 31.

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

Angling for warmwater fish has been slow.

WITHERS LAKE: brown trout, brook trout

Access is still open, brook trout fishing has improved and brown trout fishing has declined. Thin layers of ice on the lake makes it very difficult to fish this time of year.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, trout

Fishing is fair for 11 to 14-inch trout. Reservoir is 40 percent full.

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

The river closed Oct. 31.

YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout

Fair angling for 10 to 13-inch rainbow trout if ice conditions allow angling. Skim ice is forming on the lake.

SOUTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Pheasant, waterfowl (see regulations), chukar, hun, quail, crow, mountain quail (Klamath County only), cougar

Visit the Region's Fall Hunting Forecast

Remember to check with Ore. Dept. of Forestry, the Forest Service, BLM or other land managers about fire restrictions before going hunting; restrictions can change suddenly.

HARNEY COUNTY

WATERFOWL hunting on Malheur National Wildlife Refuge's Malheur Lake Hunt Area is expected to be slow due to extremely low water conditions in Malheur Lake. Hunting should be fair on local BLM reservoirs and on private land in the Harney basin.

CHUKAR and CALIFORNIA QUAIL seasons are open. Early season hunters have noted similar numbers of birds compared to last year, but larger covey sizes resulting from better than average production. Upland brood surveys conducted in July and August indicated good reproduction in most areas, however the number of birds observed was still quite low. Hunting is expected to be fair throughout the season.

PHEASANT seasons will close Dec. 14. The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge's Buena Vista Hunt Area is open to pheasant, quail and partridge hunting through the end of pheasant season (Dec 14).

COUGAR hunting is now open. Populations in Southeast Zone are healthy. Don't forget successful hunters must check-in cougars no more than 10 days after harvest.

KLAMATH COUNTY

GOOSE hunting remains closed in the Klamath County Zone but will reopen on December 21.

DUCK hunting on Upper Klamath Lake has been good for those hunters who have boats. Duck hunting should be good until colder weather pushes many birds south to wintering areas.

The last CHUKAR releases on the Lower Klamath Hills south of Klamath Falls occurred week of Nov. 10. The Lower Klamath Hills is located 10 miles south of Klamath Falls accessed from Lower Lake Road. Hunters must walk into the hunt area from the lower BLM access point along Lower Lake Road.

Good opportunities exist for California QUAIL hunting. Best prospects are in foothill areas next to agricultural lands. Hunters can also find mountain quail primarily in the Cascades. Hunters are reminded the daily bag limit for mountain quail in Klamath County is 2.

PHEASANTS releases are finished on the Klamath Wildlife Area for this year (See Below). The local chapter of Unlimited Pheasants have finished their releases of pheasants on private lands for this year too. Call 541-891-3551 for membership information. Season closes Dec. 14.

COUGAR season remains open with good populations, although hunting will be difficult until late fall when colder weather improves conditions to locate animals. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters.

The Klamath County Museum is looking for native animal specimens to use in a new forestry exhibit. Hunters who harvest a particularly impressive game mammal-particularly a Rocky Mtn elk, mule deer or black bear-this fall should consider donating it to the museum. Smaller mammals, birds, reptiles and fish native to the Upper Klamath Basin are also needed. The museum will cover the cost of taxidermy but special care needs to be taken in handling the hide of the animal. Call (541) 883-4208 for more information.

KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA

Klamath WA Waterfowl Hunting Stats

Gorr Island, Shoalwater Bay and Sesti Tgawaals Point Units:

No permit required and open daily during authorized hunting seasons.

Miller Island Unit:

Goose season is closed until Dec. 21. Pheasant season closes on Dec. 14.

Hunting is by permit only. Entry permits shall be in possession while in the field; checkout is required. The check station is located under the area light on Miller Island Rd. The check station is staffed by ODFW personnel in the mornings on hunt days until Dec. 14, and is a self-service station in the afternoons and all day on hunt days after Dec. 14. The check station opens 1-1/2 hours before waterfowl shooting time.

Hunting dates for Miller Island will be even-numbered days in December and odd-numbered days in January.

Upland game bird shooting hours are from 8 a.m. until the close of waterfowl shooting hours.

Reminder: No person shall use or possess any shot other than federally-approved nontoxic shot while in the Miller Island Unit.

Pheasant releases have been completed for the 2008 hunting season. There are still pheasants remaining from earlier releases on the Miller Island Unit. Valley quail numbers are low across the Miller Island Unit.

» Subunit A: North of Miller Island Rd and east of Delameter Rd hunting is permitted until 1 p.m. through Dec. 14. From Oct. 11 - Dec. 14, hunter numbers will be limited to 35 at any one time.

» Subunit B: West of Delameter and Miller Island rds hunting is permitted until 1 p.m. through Dec. 14. From Oct. 11 - Dec. 14 hunter numbers will be limited to 35 at any one time.

» Subunit C: East and south of Miller Island Rd hunting is permitted all day. From Oct.11 - Dec. 14 hunter numbers will be limited to 35 until 1 p.m. After 1 p.m. hunting is allowed with a self-service permit available at a check station located on Miller Island Rd, West

Klamath Wildlife Area is closed to deer hunting.

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.

The gravel access road and boat ramp on Miller Island Unit of the Klamath Wildlife Area will be closed intermittently until December 31 to allow for road work and boat ramp and dock improvements. Alternate facilities are available at Veteran's Park in Klamath Falls. Access will be allowed on weekends and occasionally after project work hours for recreationists to launch and retrieve boats.

The improvement project was made possible through grants received from the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) and the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) Sport Fish Restoration Fund. The ODFW grant paid for 50 percent of the cost, and the Marine Board grant covered 50 percent. This project includes grading, widening and straightening of the gravel access road, replacing the boat dock and ramp, and development of a wheelchair accessible parking area and boarding dock. This will make the boat ramp and road safer for the public to use.

Dog training may occur on the entire area except for posted Safety Zones. Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit. If you have any questions, please contact Klamath Wildlife Area at (541) 883-5734.

LAKE COUNTY

PHEASANT populations are naturally low in the county. Season closes Dec. 14.

CHUKAR and CALIFORNIA QUAIL numbers are higher than last year but still below the long term average. Hunters will find spotty distribution across the better habitats. All of the desert rims in will have some birds. Hunters are reminded that quail hunting is closed on Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge

COUGAR hunting is now open. Populations in Southeast Zone are healthy. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters.

COYOTES are starting to concentrate on big game winter ranges. They respond well to calling, and hunters should focus efforts in sage brush areas, natural openings in forest habitats, or big game winter ranges. Hunters should be aware that cougars will respond to predator calls.

WATERFOWL hunting has been slow due to low water in the Warner Valley lakes and other major lakes in the county. With the clear cold weather over the last 2 weeks, most lakes and ponds are ice covered. A majority of the waterfowl have moved into California for the remainder of the winter. The Warner Wetlands are dry. Flagstaff, Hart and Crump lakes are less than half full and hunters will need to bring blind material with them to set up on mudflats next to the waters edge. See Summer Lake's report below for information about the wildlife area.

SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA

This section of the report was last updated Dec. 8.

Eighth week WATERFOWL hunting season was fair. Hunter participation was down about -42.3% from the previous year and success (birds per hunter or bph) was down -30.9%. All WATERFOWL, Am. coot and snipe seasons were CLOSED on Dec. 1st and 2nd. Duck, Am. coot and snipe seasons reopened on Dec. 3rd, however, goose seasons remained closed. The closure probably accounted for some of the decline in participation and hunter success. Goose Seasons will remain closed until Dec. 13th.

Summer Lake WA Waterfowl Statistics

Weather conditions during the week remained fairly mild. A minor precipitation event (0.08 inches) occurred during one night and winds remained very calm except during the brief storm. The latter part of the week saw low temperatures dropping below freezing into the high teens and 20's, but high temperatures ranged from 42 to 64 degrees and ice began to form on most ponds and open water. Moving water below control structures, in some channels and canals remained open. By the weekend, about 70% of the Area was frozen over.

Hunter check-in totaled 64 and with 92.2% checkout, the reported harvest was 108 birds (105 ducks, 1 Am. coot, and 2 ring-necked pheasants) for the past week.

Duck harvest consisted of 42 mallards, 13 gadwall, 11 Am. wigeon, 12 Am. green-winged teal, 10 N. shoveler, 6 N. pintail, 7 bufflehead and 4 total ducks for 2 other species. The duck per hunter average was 1.94, down -28.5% from 2007.

Other species harvest was very low with just 1 Am. coot reported. No California quail were reported taken, but 2 rooster pheasants were reported.

On Wednesday Dec. about 17,600 ducks and 2,000 geese were observed on the weekly count. The next count is scheduled for Dec. 10 and results will be posted shortly thereafter on the Wildlife Area's telephone answering machine and department website.

Prospects for the upcoming weekend are fair and very dependent on favorable weather conditions and hunter effort. If the recent freezing conditions continue, hunting success will probably continue to be slow unless hunters are willing to spend most of the day hunting over decoys. Pass shooting from dikes will remain very poor. Goose seasons will remain closed until Saturday Dec. 13th!

Free daily hunting permits are required for all hunters and are available at the Wildlife Area (WA) Headquarters 24 hours/day. Self service permits can be obtained in the lobby (please follow directions carefully) or will be issued by WA staff at the office counter. Check-out is mandatory and can be accomplished by dropping off permits in boxes found at each campground, major access areas and at Headquarters at the end of the day.

Hunters need to sure they have current hunting licenses, waterfowl and/or upland validations, Harvest Information Program (HIP) validations and a signed Federal Duck Stamp (if 16 year of age or older). Youth hunters under 18 years of age must have a Hunter Education Card in their possession while in the field.

Hunters need to be aware that the River Ranch Unit will be dry during the 2008-09 hunting season due to marsh management and vegetation control activities. Hunting is still permitted in this 530 acre unit, but over-water and pond hunting opportunities will be affected.

Construction activities for habitat enhancement in E. Link Unit have begun and are scheduled to continue through most of the month. Heavy truck traffic and machinery maybe encountered along Thousand Springs Lane and on the River Ranch Road. Hunters in these areas are urged to exercise great caution.

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

MALHEUR COUNTY

The majority of PHEASANTS occupy private lands, so ability to access quality habitat will influence hunting success. Season closes Dec. 14.

UPLAND BIRD production in Malheur County was mixed this year. Chukar production was good at 2.8 chicks per adult but overall population trend was down from last year. Pheasant numbers appear to be on par with last season. California quail production was good, the best hunting occurs on or adjacent to agricultural areas and in the brushy riparian zones in the Malheur river drainage. A&H and the Malheur County Pheasants Forever Chapter have leased the Ontario City Water Treatment Property and hunters have been successful hunting pheasants, quail, ducks and geese.

Good public WATERFOWL and upland bird hunting is available on the Snake River with a jet boat, or other floating device. Shallow water will limit access with propeller driven boats. More birds continue to move into the area but are still dispersed through the valley on farm ponds, irrigation ditches and reservoirs. When things start freezing up waterfowl will concentrate on the Snake and Malheur Rivers. Many of the islands in the river are part of the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge and are open to hunting. Additional information is available on their website www.fws.gov/deerflat/index.htm

COUGAR hunting is now open. Populations in Southeast Zone are healthy. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters.

SOUTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

Harney County

Most migrant shorebirds and sandhill cranes have passed through the area for wintering areas further south. Migrant waterfowl species such as greater white-fronted geese, American wigeon, and northern pintail have arrived but viewing opportunities are limited due to limited water conditions this year. Look to agricultural lands near Burns for viewing opportunities of migrant Canada geese.

As the autumn season progresses, look for deer, elk, and antelope to remain active for longer periods of the day. Many populations of deer and elk will begin to move into lower elevations as severe weather events increase in frequency and daylight hours dwindle. This annual transition into winter ranges often makes large animals more visible, and may provide opportunities for viewers and photographers.

Klamath Falls Area

Many raptors have started moving into the Klamath Basin including wintering bald eagles, which can be found foraging on sick and dead waterfowl. Best areas to observe bald eagles are in the Lower Klamath and Tulelake Refuges and adjacent private lands. Rough-legged hawks are becoming more numerous as they filter into the basin. They are best observed in agricultural areas. Resident raptors such as northern harriers and red-tailed hawks are very easily observed in open areas.

Mule deer have started moving to lower elevation wintering areas and can be found in foothill areas around the basin.

Klamath Wildlife Area

Miller Island Unit

Viewing is best on non-hunt days. Non-hunt days are odd days in December and even days in January. The wildlife area is 4,100 feet so expect ponds to have frozen in November, limiting viewing until February when we will see early migrants, geese and bald eagle returning.

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.

The gravel access road and boat ramp on Miller Island Unit will be open intermittently until December 31 to allow for road work and boat ramp and dock improvements. Alternate facilities are available at Veteran's Park in Klamath Falls.

Access will be allowed on weekends and occasionally after project work hours for recreationists to launch and retrieve boats. Please yield right-of-way to construction vehicles, and comply with all posted signs.

Lake County and Lakeview Area

With the clear, cold weather over the last 2 weeks most of the migratory birds have moved south for the remainder of the winter. Rough-legged hawks and other winter raptors are present in good numbers, best viewing opportunities are in the valleys associated with agricultural fields.

Summer Lake Wildlife Area

This section was updated on Dec. 8. Vehicle access to the Wildlife Viewing Loop is closed through the remainder of the year until Jan. 26, 2009 due to waterfowl hunting season.

Nearly all of the Area's wetlands are well-flooded, however recent freezing conditions have resulted in considerable ice formation and waterbird use is beginning to decline to wintering levels. Fall migration is nearly over and most southward migrants have moved through the area enroute to wintering grounds in California and other southerly locations. Waterfowl hunting seasons continue and viewing opportunities will be limited to areas open to hunting as well as the Schoolhouse Lake Viewing Blind. Construction activities for habitat enhancement in E. Link Unit began on December 1 and are scheduled to continue through most of the month. Heavy truck traffic and machinery maybe encountered along Thousand Springs Lane and on the River Ranch Road. Wildlife viewers in these areas are urged to exercise great caution. Viewing opportunities at the Schoolhouse Lake Viewing Blind will be poor due to truck traffic out to E. Link Dike. Viewers are urged to avoid this area while construction is in progress.

The 22nd Annual Summer Lake Christmas Bird Count is scheduled for Tuesday Dec. 16. Participants are encouraged to contact the Wildlife Area or count compiler, Marty St. Louis at (541) 943-3152(email martin.j.stlouis@state.or.us) for additional details.

Waterfowl

Fall migration is nearly over. Ducks from outlying areas and northern breeding locales continue to stage in fair numbers, although most birds have migrated to wintering grounds in California or locations further south. The weekly bird count conducted on Dec. 3 found about 17,600 ducks and 2,000 geese on the Wildlife Area. Over 14 species of ducks were observed last week.

Resident Canada geese are dispersed widely across the Wildlife Area and adjacent private lands. Nearly all greater white-fronted geese have departed to their wintering grounds in California, snow goose numbers continue to decline. If weather conditions turn harsh (cold and frozen) nearly all snow geese will migrate south.

Tundra swan numbers have declined, but about 2,400 are present at this time. Wintering trumpeter swans are increasing, nearly 50 birds including 10 broods (17 total cygnets) were found during the weekly survey.

Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds

Shorebird fall migration is nearly over, and most migrants have passed through the area. Only a few dowitchers (mostly long-billed), killdeer, peeps (least and Western sandpipers) and yellow-legs (greater and lesser) can still be found.

Other waterbird species are becoming scarce now with only a few lingering individuals still present.

Raptors and Others

Resident raptors remain scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Hwy 31. Wintering raptors are found in good numbers throughout the Summer Lake Basin and are very apparent along Highway 31. Meadows offer excellent foraging opportunities for many raptors. Northern harriers are especially numerous over marsh and hay meadows. Bald eagles are infrequently seen across the Wildlife Area now, but should be increasing as winter progresses. Prairie falcons, Cooper's and sharp-shinned hawks and golden eagles are sometimes seen during this time of the year. Rough-legged hawks have been observed recently and should increase throughout winter.

Upland game birds

California quail are grouping into larger coveys now.

Eurasian collared doves remain at Headquarters Complex and resident mourning doves are scarce.

Passerine (perching) species, especially sparrows and finches remain fairly common around the Headquarters complex, Summer Lake Rest Area, homestead sites and shelter break plantings at the north end of the Area where they are attracted to tree and shrub cover. Most migrant passerines have moved through the area now and are being replaced by wintering species.

Facilities and Access

During waterfowl hunting seasons, access is restricted to areas open for hunting and to the Schoolhouse Lake Viewing Blind. Camping is permitted at four sites on the Wildlife Area. Users are urged to exercise care with campfires. Campgrounds are primitive but each has vault toilets, trash barrels and a few picnic tables.

The Wildlife Viewing Loop is closed now and will remain that way through general waterfowl hunting season into late January 2009.

Construction activities for habitat enhancement in E. Link Unit began on December 1 and are scheduled to continue through most of the month. Heavy truck traffic and machinery maybe encountered along Thousand Springs Lane and on the River Ranch Road. Wildlife viewers in these areas are urged to exercise great caution. Viewing opportunities at the Schoolhouse Lake Viewing Blind will be poor due to truck traffic out to E. Link Dike. Viewers are urged to avoid this area while construction is in progress.

Habitat

Most of the Wildlife Area's wetland habitats are well flooded but recent cold temperatures have resulted in large areas of shallowly flooded seasonal wetlands becoming frozen over and unavailable to most waterbirds.

Meadows and hayfields found on adjacent private lands and in selected locations on the Wildlife Area were flooded late summer and into early fall and considerable vegetation regrowth has occurred. Recent rainfall coupled with mild temperatures has resulted in fall green-up conditions.

Upland habitat remains in very good condition due to an excellent growth of many species of forbs and grasses. Recently farmed food plots are providing foraging sites to many species looking for seeds and invertebrates in cultivated areas. Tree and shrub developments at the Middle Well and Turner Place have produced abundant fruit and considerable bird use is occurring at this time.

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

NORTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Note: The 2009 Sport Fishing Regulations have been printed and are now available at all ODFW offices and retail outlets. Pick up a copy today!

Weekend Fishing Opportunities:

* For hardy lake anglers, both Wallowa Lake and Willow Creek Reservoir are open and offering fair opportunities for rainbow trout.

* The Umatilla River has been running very low and clear for this time of year, but there is a fairly good number of steelhead in the system and angling pressure has been light.

ALDRICH PONDS: trout

Closed.

GRANDE RONDE, WALLOWA, IMNAHA RIVERS AND TRIBUTARIES: steelhead

Steelhead angling in the lower Grande Ronde and lower Imnaha Rivers is fair to good. Anglers averaged 6.4 hours per fish in last week's surveys of the lower Grande Ronde steelhead fishery. Check river flow at: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/current/?type=flow

JOHN DAY RIVER: bass and steelhead

Floating ice is beginning to hamper Steelhead angling success after night-time temperatures fall below 20 degrees F. Steelhead are well distributed throughout the river up to Twickenham. Remember to keep those clipped hatchery fish and release the unmarked ones.

Stream flow levels, Service Creek gauging station: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/uv?14046500.

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

MAGONE LAKE: trout

Ice has covered the lake and 8 inches of snow cover the access road. Anglers should be cautious of thin ice. Ice fishing success for brook and rainbow trout should be fair with rainbows and brook trout to 14 inches.

McKAY RESERVOIR:

Anglers are reminded McKay Reservoir is closed to all angling from Oct. 1 n April 30.

MORGAN LAKE: trout, bullheads, crappie

The lake is closed to fishing until next spring.

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

Fishing for rainbow trout is fair. These reservoirs and ponds are open all year but only stocked each spring.

TROUT FARM POND: trout

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

UMATILLA RIVER: steelhead

Steelhead angling should continue to improve as flows increase, the steelhead return to Threemile Dam is currently at 723 for the season. With the completion of fish passage improvements at Feed Canal Dam all steelhead are being released directly above Threemile Dam.

WALLOWA LAKE: rainbow trout

Wallowa Lake still contains legal-sized rainbow from earlier stocking activities. Trout fishing is fair.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

The reservoir is open all year and should and should provide fair angling for rainbow trout all winter.

NORTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Pheasant, waterfowl (see regulations), chukar, hun, California quail, crow, and cougar

Visit the NE Fall Hunting Forecast

Wolves may be present in northeast Oregon

On July 18, 2008 a wolf pack with pups was confirmed in northern Union County. Wolves are listed under Oregon's Endangered Species Act and also protected by federal law. 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

UPLAND BIRDS had a rough winter but those that nested this spring had large broods. While production is still down from the long term average due to low numbers last year, things are heading in the right direction. Hunters have been experiencing the highest success south of Richland along Snake River Road. Pheasant season closes Dec. 14.

GOOSE and DUCK hunters have experienced increased success recently with the onset of colder weather. Area ponds have mostly frozen; look for birds along the Power River and feeding in grain fields in the Baker and Keating Valleys.

COUGAR season is open. Remember cougar check-in is mandatory. For best success try tracking after fresh snow. Hunters experience the best success in Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee.

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

CHUKAR, HUN, WATERFOWL, QUAIL seasons are open. The South Fork of the John Day River is a good area to hunt these. Most valley quail are found on John Day Valley private lands. Mountain Quail can be found in the south fork area in brushy draws near water sources. Pheasant season closes Dec. 14.

COUGAR populations appear to be increasing, and the Desolation unit should be a good area to find both this fall. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters.

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

UPLAND GAME BIRD population numbers are similar to last year. Doves are up, pheasant, huns, and California quail are up slightly, chukar are down. All are still below average and the number of chicks per brood was down for all species. Unusually cold weather and late rains are the primary cause; getting chicks through the spring seems to have been a challenge. Hunters will need to be prepared to cover some ground to find birds this season. Finding birds is do-able, shooting a limit will be tougher to accomplish. Pheasant season closes Dec. 14.

To COYOTE hunt, find a good location with fresh coyote sign, preferably in an area of little human activity. Watch wind direction to help prevent giving away your location. Using fawn distress type calls, in addition to rabbit, can be very effective.

COUGAR numbers are increasing in most areas. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters.

UMATILLA COUNTY

Mountain QUAIL hunters will find the largest number of birds in the side drainages of the North Fork John Day River. It will be a down year for PHEASANTS; biologists did not see many broods; season closes Dec. 14. HUNS can be found in the foothills of the Blues. There are a few CHUKAR but most hunting is on private land.

WATERFOWL hunting is slowly beginning to improve as fall migrants trickle into the Basin. Goose hunting along the river and in agricultural circles with either wheat or alfalfa are good bets; for some excellent upland game bird or waterfowl hunting try the Columbia Basin Wildlife Areas.

COUGAR populations are high. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters.

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

UNION COUNTY

DUCK production in the Grande Ronde Valley was set back from flooding early in the nesting season. Luckily, re-nesting success has been good which should result in an average harvest year for hunters on local birds.

GAME BIRDS n Quail/ Chukar/Hun and Pheasant seasons are currently open. The wet weather last spring appeared to have been hard on upland bird chicks. Summer brood counts demonstrated less young quail, huns and pheasant than normal. Union County has very few chukars. Pheasant hunters may have to work harder to fill game vests this season but efforts should produce hold over birds; season closes Dec. 14.

COUGAR hunting is open. Setting up about 150 yards downwind of a deer/elk kill site during the twilight hours can be productive. Hunters must have a valid, unused elk tag to hunt bear or cougar with a modern rifle during rifle elk season. Always prop the mouth wide open on harvested cougars and bears, this saves time when biologists pull a tooth. Hunters bringing in frozen heads with the jaw shut will be asked to return at a later date with the jaw open.

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

LADD MARSH WILDLIFE AREA

WATERFOWL hunting continues to be fair. Warm and dry weather conditions have scattered birds throughout the valley. Winter conditions forcasted for the coming weekend may encourage birds to use grain fields on the area. The key to hunting at Ladd Marsh is wind conditions. Staff recommends that hunters check weather conditions on the internet. If high winds are forecast for Ladd and Pyles Canyon, waterfowl hunting should be good.

UPLAND BIRD hunting will be fair to good. Cold and wet conditions existed through most of June with several days never reaching 50 degrees. Snow was recorded in the valley on June 10. These conditions can be devastating to young pheasant broods. Some re-nesting did occur, but it never makes up for the early nests. The wet spring and summer conditions did create heavy cover, so dogs are highly recommended.

WALLOWA DISTRICT

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

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

UPLAND GAME BIRDS: Chukar numbers are well below average and will be widely scattered. Best areas are public lands adjacent to the Snake River. California quail had good hatching success this year and hunters can find good numbers of quail on agricultural lands throughout the Wallowa Valley. Pheasant numbers are low; season closes Dec. 14.

WATERFOWL: Duck hunting has started to improve with additional migrants showing up in the valley. Currently jump shooting ponds and other open water, or locating birds feeding in agricultural fields provides best success.

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

NORTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

BAKER COUNTY

As the snow pack gets deeper, Rocky Mountain elk will move to feed sites located on Elkhorn Wildlife Management Area. Best viewing opportunities area located at the main wildlife area property off of Anthony Lakes Highway and from Auburn Road viewing area south of Baker City off of Highway 7. T&T Wildlife Tours offers unique wagon trips to one of ODFW's elk feeding sites during the winter; contact (541) 856 3356 or email tnthorse@eoni.com to reserve.

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

GILLIAM, MORROW AND WHEELER COUNTIES

Rough-legged hawks, prairie falcons, and short-eared owls can all be seen in the lower foothills. To spot them just keep an eye out for perched birds on the power poles and fence posts. One can still spot mountain bluebirds in the higher foothills. Most of the neo-tropical birds have migrated already. Song sparrows, dark-eyed juncos, and the rest of our common winter residents are here. Flocks of geese flying over head are getting more common. Flocks are predominantly Canadas and a few white-fronted geese. Ducks have not started to arrive in numbers yet on the waterways of the district.

Elk can be seen from Heppner/Spray junction on Highway 19. Best time is dusk, watch the hill sides south of the river. Elk can be seen from the junction to Kimberly.

UNION COUNTY

As the snow starts to fly on Elkhorn Wildlife Area, the elk will start to arrive at the Anthony Creek feed site. During late November/early December elk can be seen from the view point at that feed site.

Consider a short driving tour from Elgin north to Palmer valley. Early morning or dusk time periods are best. Turkeys should be moving towards Elgin and whitetail deer and elk may be seen along the loop roads in Palmer Valley.

For a fairly long driving tour, try going up the Grande Ronde River through Vey meadows, North Fork John Day Campground, Anthony Lakes ski area then down to North powder. This would be great in the early morning or late evening. You could see elk deer possibly a bear, grouse, and a great variety of smaller birds.

ODFW'S LADD MARSH WILDLIFE AREA, LA GRANDE

The Tule Lake Public Access Area is now closed for the season and the waterfowl and upland bird hunting seasons have opened. During these hunting seasons, Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area is open to public access Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and State holidays.

High numbers of tundra swans have arrived at Ladd Marsh. As many as 130 swans have been present on the wildlife area with most visible from Foothill Road. Please report neck-banded swans to wildlife area staff. Two western grebes and a few long-billed dowitchers were recently seen on Ladd Marsh. The best place to watch for these and other potential migrants is from Peach Road south of Wilkinson. The large shallow flat visible from the road attracts a wide variety of waterbirds.

Waterfowl continue to be present in large numbers. Mallards are most numerous but American wigeon, ring-necked duck, gadwall, northern shoveler, ruddy duck, northern pintail, common goldeneye, green-winged teal and bufflehead have also been seen.

Three lesser sandhill cranes have recently been observed in the shallow flats east of and visible from Peach Road. Please report any banded sandhill cranes observed to wildlife area staff, 541-963-4954. Banded cranes may have colored bands on both legs; it is important to note the combination and position of the color bands and which leg they were on.

Birds are not the only wildlife to be seen on Ladd Marsh. As the weather turns more winter-like, elk will begin their daily movements from higher elevation timber to lower elevation areas on the wildlife area. Deer may also become more visible on the slopes above Foothill Road. A few pronghorn are also on the wildlife area. The best opportunity to see them is from Hot Lake Lane.

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

Dogs are not permitted within the Wildlife Area, on or off leash except on hunt days during authorized hunting seasons. For more information on access rules for the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, please consult the 2008-2009 Oregon Game Bird Regulations.

UMATILLA COUNTY

Riparian areas, from low to high, will have a good number of species of passerines including sparrows, towhees, juncos, numerous finches and wrens for people to observe or photograph.

Fall is an opportune time to get out and observe and photograph a variety of wildlife species. Deer and elk are active in the early morning and late afternoon. White-tailed deer and mule deer can be seen in the lower elevation agricultural areas of the County whereas elk will be common to see in small openings in large canyon areas of the Umatilla National Forest.

Flocks of ducks and geese can be seen along the Columbia River and large reservoirs in the County as they begin to arrive for winter.

Elk will still be common along the upper open areas of the west slope of the Blue Mountains. Deer will be seen in herds from the valley floor to the upper Blue Mountains. The riverine and agricultural areas near the base of the mountains will be dominated by white-tailed deer. The desert and mountain areas will be inhabited primarily by mule deer. Elk can be viewed throughout the day while deer will be most visible in the first and last two hours of the day.

As fall moves into winter, gulls and raptors including bald eagles will start to 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

Bald Eagles

Bald eagles are common in the Wallowa Valley during winter months. Eagles can often be observed from Highway 82 in the vicinity of the Wallowa River. The Wallowa River in the Minam canyon is another good place to observe eagles.

Raptors

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

Rocky Mountain Elk

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

Bighorn Sheep

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

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

FISHING

Note: The 2009 Sport Fishing Regulations have been printed and are now available at all ODFW offices and retail outlets. Pick up a copy today!

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

Crappie fishing has been very good all summer and continue to bite well. Most fish are 6-9 inches but larger crappie can be found adjacent to cliff edges. White jigs with crappie nibbles have been working well. Large catfish are being caught in the Powder River Arm with worms and cut-bait. Bass and perch are on the bottom in 30-40 feet of water. Bass are biting on plastic grubs and gitzits. Perch are in schools but angling is good once you find them. Water level is 35 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

Catfish and trout angling is good. Crappie fishing has been good all summer. Perch are in schools, so fishing is spotty. Bass fishing has been very good also. Cooler temperatures should be better for trout angling.

HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass, catfish

Good angling for crappie, bass, and catfish. Crappie are generally in back eddies and along steep banks. Trout angling has picked up.

SNAKE RIVER below HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, smallmouth bass

Trout and smallmouth bass fishing have been very good below the dam. Some 16 inch bass are being caught. Steelhead fishing opened Sept. 1 for adipose clipped fish, and a few are being caught. Get updated information on flow levels.

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

Flows near Nyssa ranged from approximately 7,100 to 9,000 cfs from Dec. 3 through Dec. 8. Flows near Weiser ranged from approximately 9,000 to 11,000 cfs from Dec. 3 through Dec. 8. Catch rates are slowing due to cooler water temperatures.

COLUMBIA ZONE

COLUMBIA FISHING

Weekend Fishing Opportunities

* Steelhead angling is good for boat anglers in the John Day Arm.

* Sturgeon retention is open four days a week (Thursday n Sunday) between Bonneville Dam and Wauna Powerlines.

Effective Saturday Sept. 20, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2008 or until further notice chinook retention is allowed from the boundary marker on the lower end of Bachelor Island to the Warrior Rock Lighthouse upstream to Bonneville Dam.

The daily bag limit on fall chinook salmon in the Columbia River below Bonneville dam increases to two fish, effective Thursday, Sept. 25 through the remainder of the year. The bag limit was increased following reports that showed continued improvement in projected fall chinook population estimates. This action follows the recent decision to reopen the fall chinook season below Bonneville dam and let it run until the end of the year, subject to ongoing review of run sizes.

The extended season and increased bag limit apply to the Columbia River from the Warrior Rock-Bachelor Island line above the mouth of the Lewis River upstream to Bonneville dam. As a result of these actions, anglers may keep up to two chinook, coho and steelhead per day in combination. Retained chinook do not have to be fin-clipped. However, any coho or steelhead must be adipose fin-clipped in order to be retained, as prescribed under permanent fishing regulations.

Adipose-clipped coho and steelhead may also be kept in the Columbia River below its confluence with the Lewis River.

Buoy 10 to Tongue Point remains closed to all salmon and steelhead angling.

Columbia River Fish Counts:

https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/fishdata/home.asp

Regulations:

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/reg_changes/columbia.asp

SALMON, STEELHEAD AND SHAD:

The John Day Arm was fruitful this past week for steelhead anglers. The salmonid creel program on the lower Columbia has ended for the year and will resume February of 2009.

Gorge Bank & Boat:

No report.

Troutdale Boats:

No report.

Portland to Longview Bank & Boat:

No report.

Estuary Boat (Above Tongue Point):

No report.

John Day Pool (Columbia River above John Day Dam and John Day Arm):

Weekly checking showed one adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus two unclipped steelhead released for 17 bank anglers; and 13 adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus 10 unclipped steelhead released for 25 boats.

STURGEON:

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

Catch rates continue to be slow for legal size sturgeon on the lower Columbia River.

Gorge Bank:

Weekly checking showed two sublegal sturgeon released for 35 bank anglers.

Gorge Boats:

Weekly checking showed nine sublegal sturgeon released for five boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Boats:

No report.

Portland Bank:

Weekly checking showed no catch for three bank anglers.

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed 62 sublegal sturgeon released for 20 boats (incomplete trips).

MARINE ZONE

MARINE FISHING

Note: The 2009 Sport Fishing Regulations have been printed and are now available at all ODFW offices and retail outlets. Pick up a copy today!

Fishing for rockfish, lingcod and other groundfish species is good when weather and ocean conditions permit. Last week boat fishers landed limits of rockfish and near-limits of lingcod. Lingcod fishing should steadily improve over the next few months as they move inshore to lay eggs. Boat anglers may not retain cabezon until Jan. 1.

A list of fish included in the six-fish marine bag limit and waypoints for the 40-fathom line can be found in the 2008 Oregon Sport Ocean Regulations for Salmon, Halibut and Other Marine Fish Species and 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.

All salmon and Pacific halibut fishing in the ocean is closed.

SHELLFISH

Starting Dec. 10 a little before sundown and continuing through Dec. 16, there will be a series of low tides just before sundown and getting later by about 45 minutes each day. This should provide good opportunity for razor clamming and bay clamming for those with a good lantern. To check on Oregon's tides go to http://www.protides.com/oregon/

Razor clams on Clatsop beaches are small, because of a late set, but plentiful. The small clams are just as good to eat as larger clams. However, some diggers consider the smaller clams less desirable because there is not as much meat and the shells are more fragile than a larger razor clam making the smaller clams more difficult to clean.

Shellfish regulations require diggers to keep the first 15 razor clams dug, regardless of size or condition. Reburying a razor clam, even if its shell is unbroken, usually results in the clam's death.

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

The entire Oregon coast is closed to the recreational harvest of mussels due to elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning or PSP toxins. The closure includes mussels on the beaches, rocks, jetties, and at the entrance to bays. In addition, only the adductor muscle of scallops are safe to eat; consumption of whole scallops from the recreational fishery is not recommended.

The recreational harvest of clams is open coastwide. Harvesters should check for current closures on the ODA shellfish safety page or call the shellfish hotline, 503-986-4728 or 1-800-448-2474. Waters can be closed on short notice because of contaminated waters due to coastal flooding and because of elevated levels of naturally occurring toxins.

CRABS

The crab harvest continues to be good to very good in most Oregon bays, however prolonged heavy rains may force crab out of some bays. Boat crabbers were successful with some getting limits in most of the bays surveyed. Recreational Bay Crab Survey data on catch statistics are updated about every two weeks on the ODFW Web site at the recently-launched "Crabbing Reports" page (http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/crab/reports.asp) This provides prospective crabbers some information on the recent success of other crabbers in the five bays that are sampled: Tillamook Bay, Netarts Bay, Yaquina Bay, Alsea Bay and Coos Bay.

Sport crabbing in the ocean opened Dec. 1. Some commercial boats report that the number of crabs per pot is already decreasing since the start of the season.

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 101 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

MARINE ZONE VIEWING

Big Surf

Large waves buffet the Oregon coast this time of year providing an impressive display of the Pacific's majestic power. The big curlers hurl everything from large logs to small Japanese floats onto the beach making the days following a storm perfect for beach combing. Don't become so entranced by what you find that you stop paying attention to the ocean, however. A large wave could do more than just get you wet if it drags you out to sea or causes logs on the beach to shift and injure you. For your safety, don't turn your back on the ocean and stay off beached logs.

Sea Foam

Strong waves and wind injecting air into the ocean and the presence of dissolved organic matter can form sea foam. The organic matter is mostly made of dead phytoplankton. The protein from the phytoplankton gives the water enough surface tension to form bubbles. Surf and winds cause the bubbles to pile up in suds-like masses that are often blown up on the beach. Although this may look worrisome, it is a perfectly natural process that helps the ocean purify itself. Viewed under a microscope, sea foam contains the extraordinarily beautiful glass-like skeletons of the phytoplankton.

Posted in Sports_stories on Friday, December 12, 2008 12:00 am Updated: 3:21 pm.

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