ODFW Recreation Report


by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
11-30-2023
Website

Follow the #25DaysOfFishmas: Shellfish Edition

ODFW uses this hashtag each December to highlight unique species of Oregon fish. This year's we're hitting the beach with a special Shellfish Edition. Starting Dec. 1, look for it on www.Twitter (X).com/myodfw and www.instagram.com/myodfw.‌

Ideas for winter wildlife watching

Most resident birds and mammals don't hibernate for the winter, and neither should you. Winter can be an excellent time to watch for some of Oregon's native species. Here are a few ideas:‌

  • Over 25,000 gray whales pass by Oregon shores during their winter migration. You can see many from shore. Check out the prime times and viewing locations.
  • Migrating waterfowl and other birds are gathering in large flocks in coastal estuaries and lakes up and down the Oregon coast.
  • Heavy snow in the hills is pushing elk herds to lower elevations where they're easier to see. Several wildlife areas, including Jewell Meadows and Dean Creek, offer excellent viewing opportunities.
  • The 124rd Audubon's Christmas Bird Count is coming up Dec. 14 – Jan. 5. What a great reason to bird watch in the winter. Find out how to participate.

Report your hunt

If you purchased a tag for a 2023 hunt, you must report by Jan. 31 – even if you didn't hunt or were unsuccessful. Information from hunters who did not hunt or did not harvest an animal is as important as from those who did take an animal. Find ways to report.‌

Find duck harvest numbers

If you're wondering how duck hunting has been at ODFW wildlife areas, check the recent harvest statistics on MyODFW.com.‌




More Reports

Junction City Pond and Archery Park to close for improvements beginning Dec. 11
Junction City Pond

11-30-2023
SALEM, Ore. – Junction City Pond and Archery Park will be closed Monday, Dec. 11 until mid-February while improvements are made...... Read More

OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Reports
for Wednesday, November 29th, 2023
Grande Ronde River: Steelhead anglers have been successful with small black jigs fished under bobbers
Imnaha River: Steelhead fishing has slowed as cooler winter weather has begun to set in
Wallowa River: This fall, anglers have had success catching trout and whitefish in the Wallowa River
Crooked River: Flows in the Crooked River below Bowman Dam will be maintained at 100 cfs for the winter.
East Lake: Anglers continue to report good trout fishing
Hosmer Lake: Anglers continue to report good brook, cutthroat and rainbow trout fishing
Lava Lake: Anglers report good fishing for rainbow trout
North Twin Lake: Anglers continue to report excellent fishing for stocked trout
Ochoco Reservoir: The reservoir is 31 percent full
Prinevile Reservoir: Prineville Reservoir at 58 percent full
Three Creek Lake: Open to fishing all year; however, Forest Service Rd 16 is closed seasonally
Clackamas River: Winter steelhead are currently entering the system
Detroit Reservoir: Water levels are slowly dropping and will continue to drop through the fall
Sandy River: Steelhead are currently in the system
Santiam River ( North Fork) : Fishing for coho salmon is just about over
Santiam River (South Fork): Currently flows are around 2,000 cfs at the Waterloo gauge
Alsea River: Fall Chinook is open on the Alsea
Siletz River: Fish have moved upriver and have been caught near the deadline
Yaquina River: Fall Chinook is open on the Yaquina
Agate Lake: Agate Reservoir is steady at 12 percent full
Applegate Reservoir: The reservoir is dropping to its normal wintertime level
Ben Irving Reservoir: Cold weather has likely slowed bass and bluegill fishing
Chetco River: Low and clear
Coquille River: Steelhead anglers will start fishing near the town of Coquille
Diamond Lake: There is a lot of snow in the forecast for Diamond Lake
Elk River: Rains this weekend should improve fishing conditions
Emigrant Reservoir: Emigrant is still at 13 percent full and drafting very slowly
Fish Lake : Fish Lake is slowly filling from spring input and is now 49 percent full
Rogue River - Middle: Summer steelhead and hatchery coho are spread out
Rogue River- Upper (Above Lost Creek): The river upstream of Lost Creek remains a good place to fish
Sixes River: Rain this weekend should improve fishing conditions
Smith River: Chinook fishing has likely come to an end
Umpqua River: Early winter steelhead may start showing up with the rains this week
North Umpqua River: The temporary closure of the North Umpqua expires soon
South Umpqua River : The annual closure of the South Umpqua expires soon
Ana Reservoir: Fishing will start to improve as colder weather continues
Chewaucan River: Currently the river is covered over with ice and will remain that way until spring
Dead Horse Lake: The lake is iced over, but ice thickness is unknown
Heart Lake: The lake is iced over, but ice thickness is unknown
Holbrook Reservoir: The lake is iced over, but ice thickness is unknown
Lofton Reservoir: The lake is iced over, but ice thickness is unknown
Thief Valley Reservoir: Thief Valley Reservoir currently is about 1/3 full and should slowly fill through the winter