Good razor clamming tides this weekend

Grab your clamming shovel, gun and bucket because some of the best clamming tides of the spring are happening this weekend. Razor clamming is currently open from the Columbia River to the south jetty of the Siuslaw River – including the popular Clatsop County beaches. But before you leave the house, be sure to check for any recent closures by calling ODA’s shellfish safety information hotline at (800) 448-2474 or visiting the ODA shellfish closures web page.

Big Game Hunting workshops

This first class in ODFW's new Learn to Hunt Big Game series will cover reasons for hunting, and the what, where and when of hunting for big game in Oregon. Evening classes are scheduled in Tualatin (June 18 and 27) and Tigard June 27).

Learn more and register here.

Best fishing bets for the weekend

During this “shoulder season” between salmon and steelhead runs, anglers should turn their attention to trout, shad and warmwater species. For example,

• Trout continues to be a good bet for the NW Zone – either resident cutts in coastal river/streams, or rainbows that are still available from recent stockings. 
• With the current blast of warm summer temperatures, this would be a good weekend to head to the higher (and cooler) elevation lakes in the Umpqua district for trout fishing.
• Bass fishing has been good throughout the South Umpqua River.
• Trout fishing anywhere you can find cooler temperatures is another possibility, including those locations at higher elevations. Harriet Lake, Timothy Lake, Trillium Lake and Mirror Lake, all located within the Mt. Hood National Forest, can be good places to beat the heat and maybe pick up a trout or two.
• Shad fishing on the Willamette and Columbia is still going strong.
• Bass fishing has been great in the Crooked and Deschutes arms of Lake Billy Chinook. 
• Bass and crappie fishing have been good in Ochoco and Prineville reservoirs.
• The Owhyee River is scheduled to be stocked this week with 3,000 legal-size trout.

Find more details about all the weekend opportunities in the zone reports.

Leave wildlife in the wild

As the season progresses, the chance to notice and watch young wildlife increases. Enjoy these moments, but be sure to leave wildlife where you find it. Even if the babies and toddlers seem abandoned, Mom is probably nearby foraging and will return soon.

More tips on what to do if you find young wildlife

Take the Trout Challenge and help native fish

Take the Western Native Trout Challenge and challenge yourself to catch at least six native trout species in four different states. At the same time, you’ll be helping protect, restore and recover 21 native trout and char species in 12 states.

Learn more and register