ODFW Recreation Report


by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
6-13-2024
Website

Includes updates to fishing, crabbing and clamming

 

Hunting updates will resume in August

The big game and game bird hunting reports will be taking the summer off and will be back in August -- in time for opening of big game archery and upland game bird seasons.‌

Oregon coast closed for clamming

Currently the entire Oregon coast is closed the clam (both bay and razor) and mussel harvest due to high biotoxin levels. Be sure to call the ODA shellfish safety hotline at 1-800-448-2474 or visit the ODA shellfish closures website before harvesting for the most current information about shellfish safety closures.‌

Let young wildlife stay wild – we can't say it enough

ODFW district offices are reporting an increasing number of drop offs of young animals, including deer, coyote and bobcats. Remember, the best thing you can do for young wildlife you find alone is LEAVE THEM THERE. Chances are good mom is nearby -- just waiting for you to leave so she can return to her baby. Here's what to do if you find young animals alone in the wild.‌

Proposed fall coastal salmon seasons

The 2024 coastal fall salmon seasons for wild Chinook and coho will be similar to last year under ODFW staff proposals. The Commission will consider these proposals at their June 14 meeting in Chiloquin. Find more information here. ‌

Sign up for hunter education

The fall hunting season will be here sooner than you think. If you've got a young, would-be hunter that hopes to hunt for the first time this fall, help them sign up for hunter education now. Because the closer we get to opening days, the harder it will be to find an open class or field day. Here are the ways to take hunter education. ‌

Best bets for weekend fishing

Salmon, steelhead, trout, kokanee, bass and rockfish are all on the table this weekend.‌

  • Spring Chinook fishing on the North Coast picked up last week in the Nestucca and Trask Rivers as rain brought in a push of fresh fish.
  • Hyatt and Howard Prairie continue to put out large trout in the 15 to 18-inch range.
  • On the upper Rogue, hatchery spring Chinook continue to pour into the hatchery.
  • Anglers have been catching cutthroat trout in the Chetco, Elk and Sixes rivers. Anglers looking for a bit more adventure, might try exploring the upper reaches of these rivers.
  • Summer steelhead fishing continues to be good in the Lower McKenzie, Middle Fork Willamette, and the North and South Fork Santiam.
  • Trout stocking has started to shift to some higher elevation lakes on the flanks of Mt. Hood.
  • At the same time, bass and warmwater fishing has picked up in most locations as water temperatures continue to get warmer.
  • With kokanee biting at Lake Billy Chinook, Odell and Paulina, now might be a good time to consider these tips for catching more kokanee.
  • Anglers have been catching spring Chinook on the Snake River below Hells Canyon Dam.

These examples are for demonstration purposes only. Check the zone reports for details and more options.‌





OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Reports
for Wednesday, June 5th

Hat Rock Pond: Hat Rock Pond Report
Umatilla River: The spring Chinook fishery on the Umatilla River is open currentl
Crane Prairie Reservoir: The reservoir 87 percent full
Crescent Lake: Recent reports of good fishing for large brown and lake trout
Haystack Reservoir: Haystack is currently at 80 percent full
Hosmer Lake: Hosmer Lake is now accessible
Ochoco Reservoir: The reservoir is 96 percent full
Prinevile Reservoir: Prineville Reservoir at 98 percent full
Wickiup Reservoir: The reservoir is 67 percent full
Breitenbush River: The Breitenbush River will not be stocked with trout this year
Detroit Reservoir: Detroit Reservoir is full and all boat ramps are currently in the water
Foster Reservoir: The reservoir is beginning to fill and the water level is rising
Green Peter Reservoir: The water level in Green Peter continues to rise and is now only 10 feet below full pool
McKenzie River: Fishing for summer steelhead has been good and spring Chinook should be heating up
Santiam River ( North Fork) : Flows are currently around 1,400 cfs where it flows into Detroit Reservoir and dropping
Santiam River (South Fork): Flows are currently in great shape, about 1,560 cfs at the Waterloo gauge
Alsea River: Trout fishing is back open on the Alsea!
Nestucca River: The river is at near winter flow levels
Salmon River: The Salmon River is back open for trout fishing!
Siletz River: This last week we saw our first summers reach the trap, bright and chrome!
Three Rivers: Three Rivers has a spring Chinook showing up in moderate numbers
Trask River: A good freshet over the weekend brought the Trask to winter flow levels
Wilson River: Trout fishing should be fair to good throughout the river
Agate Lake: Agate Lake Report
Applegate Reservoir: All boat ramps are open as well as Hart-Tish
Chetco River: Cutthroat trout are scattered throughout the river