ODFW Recreation Report

Photo Credit: Courtesy of ODFW

by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
8-26-2021
Website

Buy your big game tags before the hunt begins

If you’re hunting deer or elk during the general archery season, the last day to buy your tag is Aug. 27. If you bought a Sports Pac, don’t forget to redeem your voucher for the actual tag you’ll need to hunt.

2021 big game hunting forecast: A quick guide for early season hunters

Our district wildlife biologists offer a look at early season conditions, and updates on winter survival and potential access issues. Check the forecast.

Wildfire closures and restrictions updates: Access for fishing and big game scouting is getting tricky

When wildfire risks are high, it pays to check on access and fire restrictions before you go. Book mark this page – it includes links to closure and restriction updates on both public and private land.

Summer steelhead and fall Chinook for weekend fishing

There have been reports of good summer steelhead and fall Chinook fishing in several locations, including:

  • Nehalem Bay continues to be the hotspot on the north coast for “summer” Chinook, an early returning stock of fall Chinook.
  • We’re getting good early reports of fall Chinook fishing in the lower reaches of the Siuslaw, Alsea, Siletz and Yaquina.
  • On the lower Rogue, the Huntley Park seining crew continues to haul in boatloads of steelhead half-pounders. 
  • Both boat and bank anglers are catching summer steelhead and fall Chinook in Rogue Bay.
  • On the middle Rogue, there have been good reports from summer steelhead anglers.
  • Ocean Chinook fishing continues along most of the Oregon coast. Look for the non-selective coho (all salmon) season to open Sept. 10.

Check out the Beaver State podcast

The Beaver State Podcast looks at hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing in Oregon through conversations with Oregonians, ODFW staff and luminaries throughout the conservation world. You can subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play Music or Spotify, or find a link on MyODFW.com.

 




More Reports

OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Reports
for Thursday, August 19th, 2021
: ODFW Recreation Report
: ODFW Commercial Dungeness Crab Fishery Update

OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Reports
for Thursday, August 12th, 2021
: Additional day added to Columbia River Subarea Recreational Pacific halibut fishery
: ODFW Recreation Report
Deschutes River: The emergency Hoot Owl Closure, which prohibited fishing after 2pm from the Deschutes River mouth to Sherars Falls, was lifted Aug. 10
Clackamas River: Summer steelhead are currently being caught in the Clackamas
Detroit Reservoir: The reservoir has been stocked several times in recent weeks
Eagle Creek: “Hoot owl” restrictions remain in effect, which means no fishing after 2 p.m.
Fern Ridge Reservoir: Fern Ridge Reservoir Fishing Report
Olallie Lake: Currently Open
Sandy River: “Hoot owl” restrictions remain in effect, which means no fishing after 2 p.m.
Santiam River ( North Fork) Above Detroit Lake: Currently it is flowing around 400 cfs where it enters Detroit Lake
Timothy Lake: Trout fishing has been good
Trillium Lake: Trillium Lake Report
Clackamas River: Flow and visibility on the Clackamas will be affected by each passing front and change in snow levels
Kilchis River: Cutthroat trout are available throughout the Kilchis River
Nehalem River: “Summer” Chinook fishing picked up on Nehalem Bay this week
Applegate Reservoir: Two boat ramps - French Gulch and Copper -- are open
Fish Lake : Irrigation withdrawals have stopped for the most part
Illinois River: Emergency regulations change
Lake Selmac: If you’ve got little kids, bluegill fishing from the bank can be a productive and fun
Lost Creek Lake: Trout fishing should still be good, but August can be a great month for bass as well
Medco Pond: Trout are available
Rogue River - Middle: Starting July 1 until lifted, all fishing is closed from Lobster Creek upstream to Hog Creek
Rogue River- Upper: The Hatchery Hole re-opened on Aug. 1, and is open to fishing for steelhead and trout, but remains closed to Chinook
Rogue River- Upper (Above Lost Creek): This is always an excellent destination to escape the Rogue Valley heat
Willow Lake: Trout, bass, crappie and perch are most prevalent here
: ODFW seeks public input on Oregon's Dungeness crab management plan; meeting dates available Aug. 24-26