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Tuesday, May 9, 2006 Razor clamming opens north of Florence NEWPORT – State fishery officials today announced razor clamming will open May 11 from the north jetty of the Siuslaw River near Florence to the mouth of the Columbia River. Other beaches south of the Siuslaw River still have domoic acid levels too high to allow digging. Recent testing of razor clams by the Oregon Department of Agriculture found domoic acid levels well below the 20 parts-per-million threshold at several testing sites north of the Siuslaw River jetty at Florence. Oregon beaches south of Florence remain closed because of domoic acid levels more than 20 ppm, ODA officials said. Razor clamming areas north of Newport to Seaside opened in March this year after a yearlong closure due to unsafe domoic acid levels. Normally, razor clamming south of Tillamook Head is open throughout the year and razor clamming from the Columbia River to Tillamook Head is open from Oct. 1 through July 14. However shellfish harvesting areas are closed to all harvesting when toxins exceed an alert level. An alert level of 20 ppm for domoic acid provides a margin of safety and halts harvest before toxins reach a higher level that may cause illness. A recreational shellfish license is required for anyone 14 years or older to harvest all shellfish. The daily sport limit for razor clams is the first 15 taken, regardless of size or condition. Small and broken clams must be retained. For additional information on shellfish toxins, visit the Oregon Department of Agriculture website at http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/shellfish_status.shtml or call the shellfish hotline at 1-800-448-2474. YAEP Events Scheduled Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife today announced youth fishing events May 13 at the Sunnyside Park Pond near Sweet Home and at Commonwealth Lake in Cedar Hills. ODFW will stock 800 trout in Sunnyside Park Pond and 2,500 trout in Commonwealth Lake as part of the Youth Angling Enhancement Program, now in its third year. The event at Sunnyside Park will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at Commonwealth Lake from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ODFW will provide young anglers with loaner rods and reels, bait and tackle, and volunteers will be available to help the kids develop their fishing skills and to learn about cleaning and caring for their catch.
NORTHWEST ZONE FISHING Most Mid-Coast Rivers are closed to steelhead fishing and will reopen on May 27th. Anglers are encouraged to consult the regulations prior to fishing for steelhead. ALSEA RIVER: Winter steelhead angling is closed and will reopen with the cutthroat trout season on May 27th. Only fin clipped steelhead may be harvested. During high flows, anglers should concentrate on upper river and headwater areas first as river conditions improve more rapidly. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?TIDO3. MID COAST LAKES: Anglers are reminded that most lakes on the Mid Coast stocking schedule have been stocked with legal sized rainbow trout on multiple occasions. Fishing has been very good in most locations. For the week of May 1st the following lakes will be stocked. In the Florence Area; Munsel, Cleawox, Carter and Sutton lakes. NESTUCCA RIVER and THREE RIVERS: Spring chinook angling is slow. Summer steelhead angling is fair. Water is low and clear. The lower river sections are probably the best bet for fresh fish. A few winter steelhead are still available also. NORTH COAST LAKES: Coffenbury, Lost, South, Town, Hebo, and Cape Meares lakes, and Lorens Pond are scheduled to be stocked with legal size rainbow trout the week of May 15th. Bay City Reservoir was not stocked due to blocked access, and will likely not be stocked this year. SALMON RIVER: The river including tidewater is closed to fishing for steelhead, salmon and cutthroat trout. Fishing for these species opens on May 27. SILETZ RIVER: Winter steelhead fishing is slow and expected to cease in the coming weeks. The majority of steelhead have spawned or will be during April and early May making for less quality table fair. The first summer steelhead are being caught in the lower river and are expected to increase by the end of May. River conditions for fishing should remain favorable through the weekend. During high flows, anglers should concentrate on upper river and headwater areas first as river conditions improve more rapidly. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?SILO3. SIUSLAW RIVER: All Siuslaw River Basin waters are closed to steelhead fishing. Steelhead and cutthroat trout angling reopens on May 27th, 2006. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?MPLO3. TILLAMOOK BAY: Sturgeon fishing has been slow to fair. A few spring chinook have been caught recently, and angling is improving. Trolling herring on the incoming tide in the lower bay has produced a few fish. Trolling spinners in the upper bay is another option. WILSON AND TRASK RIVERS: Spring chinook and summer steelhead angling is slow to fair. Best prospects for spring chinook are in the lower Trask. Bobber and eggs/shrimp has been the more productive method. Water levels are low and clear. YAQUINA RIVER: Steelhead fishing is closed above tidewater and will reopen on May 27 along with cutthroat trout fishing. Chinook salmon fishing is open in tidewater but is expected to be slow until late summer. During high flows, anglers should concentrate on upper river and headwater areas first as river conditions improve more rapidly. HUNTING COUGAR: These large predators are very reclusive animals and are not common on the north coast. The most effective way to hunt them is by calling aggressively with a predator call. VIEWING GRAY WHALES should be visible off the coast of Oregon, and April marks the peak of the whale-watching season on the north coast. These large mammals are making their annual trek to northern waters, and will continue to be visible through early May. Calmer ocean conditions make for the best viewing prospects. Although it’s possible to spot them with the unaided eye, a good pair of binoculars is a real advantage in locating and viewing them. Some excellent places to view whales include Tillamook Head at Ecola State Park, Silver Point (south of Cannon Beach), Cape Falcon at Oswald West State Park, Neah-Kah-Nie Mtn., Cape Meares, and Cape Lookout. COASTAL ESTUARIES such as Netarts Bay are an excellent place to view a variety of migrating birds. Some species are only visible for a few weeks at this time of year while others spend the entire winter there. Some of the types of birds to be found include scoters, diving and puddle ducks, black brant, grebes, loons and eagles. MIGRATING SHOREBIRDS are common now along beaches and shallow estuaries on the north coast. Many species of shorebirds are on their way north to nest, and present some unique opportunities for bird sightings. Beaches to check out include Bay Ocean Spit, Netarts Spit, Clatsop Beach. Good prospects for estuaries include Sand Lake, Netarts Bay, Tillamook Bay and Nehalem Bay. STELLAR SEA LIONS can be seen on Seal Rock, a smaller rock associated with the Three Arch Rocks near Oceanside. They can be seen there at any time of year, and have recently been seen there in large numbers. TWILIGHT EAGLE SANCTUARY, located east of Astoria off of Hwy 30, is an excellent place to observe bird life on the lower Columbia River. Bald eagles are nesting in the vicinity and can often be seen in the greater Wolf Bay area. A host of other migratory and resident birds are present this time of year as well. A wildlife viewing platform is there, so be sure to bring binoculars and/or a spotting scope. SOUTHWEST ZONE FISHING APPLEGATE RIVER: Anglers are reminded that fishing for steelhead and trout on the Applegate closed on April 1. Trout fishing will reopen on May 27. AGATE RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout have been stocked in Agate Reservoir for a spring fishing opportunity. Fishing for largemouth bass should improve as water temperatures warm. Crappie success is fair. Boat anglers have caught crappie on flies recently, and bank anglers have had success on worms fished from a bobber. ALL SPORTS POND: All Sports Pond is stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout, and fishing should be good. Bait such as nightcrawlers will probably be the best bet, fished either from a bobber or on the bottom with weight. Floating bait fished from the bottom is another good technique. BURMA POND: Burma Pond is stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. CHETCO RIVER: Closed until May 27th opener. COOS COUNTY LAKES: Many trout are being caught in area lakes right now. Bluebill and Bradley Lake have probably seen the least amount of pressure but they do have large numbers of fish available. Warm water fishing in local lakes has also improved with the warmer weather. Several bass over 4 pounds and one hitting 7 pounds were observed in a tournament recently on Tenmile Lakes. Tenmile anglers are reminded that largemouth bass over 15 inches must be released unharmed back into the lake. COOS RIVER BASIN: Bay fishing has been great for surfperch and fair to good for other marine fish. Trout angling in streams opens May 27. Trout anglers are restricted to flies and lures only in streams above tidewater. Shad should start showing up at the end of May with a great fishery occurring in the lower Coos and Millicoma. Shad fishing is often best in the afternoon. COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: Surfperch and other marine fish should be available inside the bay now. Trout angling in streams opens May 27. Trout anglers are restricted to flies and lures only in streams above tidewater. Shad fishing in the Coquille should also start up in late May. Trolling or casting shad darts around the City of Coquille can be very productive. DUTCH HERMAN POND: Dutch Herman Pond is stocked with rainbow trout. EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: Emigrant Reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout, and should be a good bet for anglers prepared for turbid water conditions. Trout have been active near the boat ramp at the county park recently. Bait fisherman will likely have the best success. Bass and panfish are also available, and success on crappie is improving. Anglers should be aware that recent testing by the Department of Human Resources 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 website at www.healthoregon.org/fishadv. EXPO POND: Expo Pond is stocked with rainbow trout, and fishing should be good. A wide variety of techniques will catch fish. Bait such as nightcrawlers is probably the best bet, fished either from a bobber or on the bottom with weight. Floating bait fished from the bottom is another good technique. Largemouth bass and panfish are also available. FISH LAKE: Fish Lake is stocked with rainbow trout, and fishing should be good. Among the reliable techniques at Fish Lake, boat anglers trolling flies or flatfish on light gear will do well this time of year. Both the resort and the US Forest Service boat ramp are open at this time. Brook trout are available in addition to rainbow trout. HIGH LAKES: The high lake season has started. With the warmer weather many of the lakes should become accessible in the next couple of weeks. Diamond Lake remains frozen over, and ice fishing is not recommended due to unstable ice. Lemolo Lake is open and fish are being caught. HOWARD PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: Trout fishing is slow at Howard Prairie, but occasional limits have been reported. Legal-sized trout have been released to supplement the fingerling-based fishery. The reservoir is full, so fishing conditions will be good. HYATT LAKE: Trout anglers are reported to be picking up some large trout at Hyatt. Legal-sized rainbow trout have been stocked as well. The reservoir is full, so fishing conditions will be good. Both Bureau of Land Management boat ramps are open. ILLINOIS RIVER: Anglers are reminded that fishing for trout and steelhead on the Illinois closed April 1. Fishing for adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout reopens May 27. LAKE SELMAC: Selmac is stocked with rainbow trout, and fishing should be good. Bank anglers fishing floating bait off the bottom have done well. Largemouth bass fishing has been very good, and panfish are also available. Anglers casting flies for crappie and bluegill had good success recently LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: Both bank and boat anglers have reported good success at Lost Creek recently on stocked rainbow trout, and effort is up at the reservoir. A bank angler fishing near the Highway 62 bridge caught trout on both chartreuse and pink floating bait recently. Juvenile spring chinook, bass and panfish are also available. MEDCO POND: Medco Pond is stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Bass and panfish are also available. PACIFIC OCEAN & BEACHES: Ocean salmon fishing is still slow with just a couple fish reported. Most of the ocean effort has been towards bottom fish. Ocean anglers have done well bottom fishing this year when conditions permit. The recreational salmon season in the ocean from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain remains open through October 31 for all salmon except coho. The minimum length for Chinook is 20 inches. No more than 2 single point, single shank barbless hooks are allowed. A selective season for coho with a healed adipose fin clip will open June 17 and remain open through July 31 or the attainment of the 20,000 fish quota. The nearshore Pacific halibut season opened May 1 for waters inside the 40-fathom line. The daily bag limit is one fish with no minimum length. All-depth halibut openers this spring will occur on May 11-13, 18-20, 25-27, June 1-3, and 8-10. Additional days may be scheduled if the spring quota is not reached. All depth days are also scheduled for August-October. Surfperch fishing has been good when the wind and waves are low. Good areas for surfperch include Horsfall Beach and Whiskey Run Beach south to Bandon. Surfperch can also be found along jetties and pile structures. Sand shrimp, clam necks, mussels, and marine worms are all popular choices for bait. Bottom fishing has been good when ocean and bar conditions have been safe. Good rockfish and lingcod catches are still being reported. ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: Spring Chinook fishing continues to be spotty. Most fishing pressure is between Ferry Hole downstream to Elephant Rock. Fishing conditions continue to be excellent, but anglers are reporting low catch rates. Warmer weather in the valley has increased run off and flows. Bank angling is really slow. ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: Winter steelhead and some spring chinook are available, but anglers are reminded that the river closed to the harvest of non adipose fin-clipped steelhead on April 30. The Rogue is open for adipose fin-clipped steelhead the entire year. Flows at Grants Pass are averaging 3,700 cubic feet per second on Tuesday morning. The temporary boat ramp at the Depot Street bridge project in Rogue River is open at this time. Trout fishing on the Rogue reopens May 27th. ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: Winter steelhead and some spring chinook are available in the upper river. Reservoir outflows are averaging 2,500 cubic feet per second on Tuesday morning. River conditions are good. A total of 9,426 winter steelhead and 190 spring chinook have been counted at Gold Ray Dam as of May 2nd. Anglers are reminded that the river closed to the harvest of non adipose fin-clipped steelhead on April 30. The Rogue is open for adipose fin-clipped steelhead the entire year. Trout fishing on the Rogue reopens May 27th. ROGUE RIVER ABOVE LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: The mainstem and tributaries above Lost Creek Reservoir are open, with a limit of five trout per day, eight inch minimum length, and no limit on the size or number of brook trout taken. The use of bait is allowed. Stocking with rainbow trout will begin just prior to Memorial Day weekend. SMITH RIVER: Striper fishing has continued to improve as more feeder fish enter the estuary from the river. Wasson ramp is open. Trout season will open on May 27th. SOUTH COAST BEACHES: Surf perch fishing has been pretty good. SOUTH COAST LAKES AND PONDS: Garrison Lake, Libby Pond, and Laird Lake have been producing good catches of catchable trout. Access at Libby Pond is bank access only. Recent reports indicate Babyfoot Lake is snow free and fishing is good for carryover rainbow trout. SOUTH COAST STREAMS: All streams are closed until the general trout opener May 27th. SPAULDING POND: The road to Spaulding Pond is open now, and the pond has been be stocked with rainbow trout. Updated road information is available by calling the Siskiyou National Forest at 541-471-6500. TENMILE BASIN: Steelhead angling on Tenmile Creek also closed April 30. Trout angling in Tenmile Creek opens May 27, with flies and lures required above tidewater. UMPQUA ESTUARY: Sturgeon fishing has been very good in the estuary for oversize with a few legal fish being harvested. Striper fishing has picked up as the numbers of salmonid smolts increase in the lower river and estuary. UMPQUA RIVER MAINSTEM: Spring chinook fishing remains spotty. Angler effort has increased but harvest remains low. Spring chinook fishing is occurring from Scotts Creek boat ramp to the Tyee area. Mainstem Umpqua is now closed to the retention of all non fin-clipped steelhead. Mainstem Umpqua remains open year round for fin-clipped steelhead. Shad fishing is improving and will continue to get better as we move into May. Bank angling opportunities are available for spring chinook and shad depending on flows UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: Fishing has been slow with the cold water temperatures. Water flows have also increased with increased snow melt and this will also slow the fishing. Most anglers have now switched over to spring chinook angling, with the majority of the angling occurring around the Idleyld Park area. Spring chinook boat angling at Amacher Park has been slow with the cooler water temperatures and increased flows. Winchester Dam counts show 7,261 winter steelhead and 68 spring chinook have crossed through April 25th. Non fin-clipped steelhead season is now closed. All drift boat slides are currently open UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: The South Umpqua is now closed for steelhead. Trout season will begin May 27th. WHETSTONE POND (Denman Wildlife Area): Anglers are having some success on stocked rainbow trout. Bait such as nightcrawlers will probably be the best bet, fished either from a bobber or on the bottom with weight. Floating bait fished from the bottom is another good technique. Fishing for bass and panfish is good. WILLOW LAKE: Willow Lake will be stocked this week with rainbow trout. Fishing should be good. SHELLFISH Razor clam harvest is CLOSED for the OREGON COAST SOUTH OF NEWPORT, on beaches, spits, jetties, and estuaries due high levels of domoic acid. Harvest of mussels and other shellfish species is open at this time. ALWAYS CHECK FOR HEALTH ADVISORIES by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Shellfish line at 800-448-2474 for updates. Bay and ocean crabbing has been slow lately with people catching crab but not getting their limits and a few soft crab have showed up. Crabbing can be done from the public docks in the boat basins (where allowed), or from a boat. The COOS BAY shoreline along the inside of the North Spit from Empire to Charleston is a good area for crabbing. HUNTING COOS COUNTY COUGAR: Look for areas frequented by deer and elk to hunt cougars. Roadless areas on public or private land with limited access are good choices. Remember to “ask first” before hunting private lands. Private landowners can be a valuable source of information when it comes to recent cougar sightings in the area. Some hunters find success in harvesting cougars by using predator calls in areas where cougar sign is found. FURBEARERS: Hunting of furbearers like bobcats, raccoons, foxes and coyotes (not technically a furbearer) is an often over looked opportunity in Oregon. Hunting them may require a furbearer hunting license and/or tags. However, some animals like coyotes require no more that the hunting license many sportsmen and women have in their pockets right now. Hunters are encouraged to contact their local wildlife biologists for information. DOUGLAS COUNTY COUGAR: Hunting cougar is a challenge because these animals are very secretive, but harvest success is usually good adjacent to private lands with high deer populations using a predator call. Hunters are reminded it is unlawful to take spotted kittens or females with spotted kittens. SPRING BEAR: Continues through the end of May. Hunters would do well to focus their efforts around forest clearings, meadows, or burns. Bears can be found in most elevations in the Cascades and the coast range. Hunters are reminded to be aware of and avoid sows with cubs when hunting. Successful bear hunters are asked by ODFW to turn in a bear tooth for the statewide bear population study. TURKEY: The spring season continues through the end of May. Gobblers are out strutting and vocalizing throughout most days. Hunters are reminded that turkeys are often found on private lands in the Umpqua drainage, and hunters need to obtain permission from landowners before hunting. JACKSON, JOSEPHINE AND CURRY COUNTIES COUGAR: Cougar hunters can expect an average year and will find greatest success using a predator call in areas that have good deer numbers. When snowfall occurs, hunters should look for fresh cougar tracks and pursue. Good cougar hunting opportunities exist throughout southwest Oregon. VIEWING COOS COUNTY Water levels are lowering and stabilizing and the airs is calm and clear so viewing opportunities are good. Viewers should be look around edges of flooded fields and bays for birds. Viewers also need to be cautious of high fast moving water. These conditions can be dangerous. Now is the time to watch for various bird species that migrate to our area for winter. There are many song birds, birds of prey and water birds that move into the area to spend a few months during the winter and are not seen at other times. Often prolonged, stormy weather conditions will cause species not usually found in the area to be pushed in. The recent stormy weather and forecasted stormy weather may create such a situation. Birders should watch for unexpected visitors to our area. Other than local bays, viewers will find good opportunities to see birds at Bandon Federal Wildlife Refuge, located east of Bandon, Oregon along North Bank Lane. Flooding may affect the accessibility of these areas. Local viewing opportunities also can be found or Johnson Mill Pond located between Myrtle Point and Coquille and at the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area located three miles west of Reedsport along Hwy 38. Bulls can be seen lounging in the fields, and cows with calves can be seen along field edges. The rut is now complete so bulls will become less active. Generally, September is the height of rutting activity. Bulls will retain their antlers well into spring so they can still be seen in all their glory. They will begin to form bachelor groups as fall progresses. Due to recent rain flooding will occur on some fields at Dean Creek. This makes for good waterfowl viewing opportunities. Flooding may affect the accessibility of these areas. Dean Creek has a viewing facility with an interpretive center and restrooms attached. Dean Creek is a good location to waterfowl and other water birds and various song birds that take advantage of the large wetland on the west end of the area. DOUGLAS COUNTY Young ducks and geese are continuing to arrive at local reservoirs and ponds like Cooper Creek Reservoir, Plat I Reservoir, Galesville, Berry Creek Reservoir and Stewart Park ponds. Western Pond turtles are visible basking in the sun on warm days at these local water bodies. The Vaux’s swifts, various swallows have arrived so look for them around these water bodies. Ospreys have returned to the Umpqua basin and are nesting near rivers, creeks and lakes. A friendly reminder that International Migratory Bird Day is this Saturday May 13, 2006. The 14th annual “Free” Umpqua Valley Migratory Bird Festival is at the Umpqua Valley Arts Center on Harvard Ave. in Roseburg from 10am to 3pm. The festival has live birds, free bird feeders and bird boxes, live music, games, prizes and much more. ROGUE WATERSHED A covered viewing station on the Denman Wildlife Management Area provides a good opportunity to view waterfowl, egrets, raptors and songbirds. The structure was built by the Oregon Hunters Association and is accessed by a paved, wheelchair-accessible pathway. It is on the Whetstone Pond, just north of the ODFW Rogue Watershed Field Office in Central Point.
WILLAMETTE ZONE
FISHING Waters scheduled to be stocked this week include BENSON LAKE, HARTMAN POND, HENRY HAGG LAKE, and WEST SALISH POND. CLACKAMAS RIVER: The conditions on the Clackamas River are virtually unchanged from the past week. Flows on Monday were at 3,670 cfs (13.04’) with the water temperature in the upper 40’s. The early season algae bloom which had been plaguing the Clackamas seems to have been flushed out of the river, at least for now. Steelhead angling has been slow for both hatchery and wild winters, with the area from Barton up to Dog Creek producing the best. The catch rate on summers has improved somewhat, but is still only fair. The spring chinook are reportedly in the river all the way up to Rivermill Dam, but the angling is slow so far. The best bet for chinook is likely to be in the lower half of the river below Barton since it is still early in the springer season. The water needs to warm up some before the chinook fishery gets going. The hatchery has been getting enough fish into the trap that they are putting all surplus winters into Faraday Lake. Summers will be recycled back downriver. PGE has been recycling hatchery winter steelhead from the North Fork Reservoir trapping facility with the fish going into Faraday Lake. Reports are that this has been a hot steelhead fishery lately with jigs and spinners being the gear of choice. Bank anglers can find access to the river in the Gladstone/Cross Park area, at Carver near the mouth of Clear Creek, at Barton Park, at Bonnie Lure Park, at McIver Park near Dog Creek, and around River Mill Dam. Boat anglers can find access to the river from boat ramps located at McIver Park, Feldheimer’s, Barton, Carver, Riverside, or Clackamette. COUGAR RESERVOIR: Cougar Reservoir is located on the South Fork McKenzie off of Highway 126 between the towns of Blue River and McKenzie Bridge. The reservoir is deep but offers a good chance to catch cutthroat and rainbow trout. Bull trout are native to this area so be able to identify and release bull trout. Adult chinook are released to spawn naturally in the South Fork McKenzie above the reservoir so rearing juveniles may be found in the reservoir as well. Areas containing structure are good bets. DETROIT, FOSTER, and GREEN PETER reservoirs have all been recently stocked with trout and Foster is scheduled for stocking again this week. At Detroit, the Hoover and Detroit Lake State Park boat ramps are now usable, as well as the Mongold ramp. Sunnyside Park boat ramp at Foster is the only one currently usable, as the reservoir level has been temporarily reduced to provide more efficient out migration of juvenile steelhead. Green Peter is within a couple of feet of full pool with the Thistle Creek ramp and the Whitcomb Creek County Park and ramp both open and usable. SANDY RIVER: The Sandy River water has come up a little from last week, due mainly to the steady rainfall over the weekend. The conditions were very good on Monday with the river running at 2,260 cfs (9.81’) and the temperature a bit cold at 49°. The lower river is still experiencing backup from the Columbia so down near Troutdale there is often very little current. At times the river will look more like a lake through this lower stretch down to the mouth. The catch rate for winter steelhead, both broodstock hatchery fish and native fish, has been slow. But the summer steelhead are beginning to arrive in good numbers with fish being caught from Cedar Creek all the way down to Troutdale. This fishery should continue to improve through the month of May. There are a few spring chinook being caught, some as far up as the Cedar Creek area. The springer catch should improve with some warmer water later in May. The Sandy Hatchery has also been placing surplus steelhead into Roslyn Lake, with over 90 fish transferred to the lake so far this spring. Anglers can access the river from many parks including Lewis and Clark, Dabney, Oxbow, and Dodge. 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. Please use nearby garbage cans for any other types of trash. NORTH and SOUTH SANTIAM river levels are holding fairly steady. Flows in the South Fork are somewhat higher than in the North Fork as water from Green Peter/Foster is being released to maintain water quality in the Willamette River. Water temperatures increased last week, resulting in a surge of fish coming over Willamette Falls. Even though run sizes are still lower than normal, because of the good weather and water conditions, angling pressure has been relatively high in the mainstem Willamette and lower to middle reaches of the Santiams. Anglers are catching a fair number of steelhead, with bright summers becoming more plentiful. Chinook will be moving into the Santiam system in the next few days. WILLAMETTE RIVER: The Willamette River water conditions are in good shape for spring chinook angling. Monday’s flows were at 14,800 cfs, the water temperature was steady at 58°, and the visibility was at 5.0 feet. Fish counts at Willamette Falls were 5,986 winter steelhead, 1,768 summer steelhead, and 10,067 spring chinook through May 2nd. The spring chinook catch has been fair to good, depending on the day and the location. The middle river near Sellwood and Milwaukie has been pretty slow the past few days, as often happens when the water warms and clears. However, the lower river from below the St Johns Bridge down through Multnomah Channel has seen several days of good catches. Weekend checks in this area showed 64 chinook caught for 115 boats. The Oregon City fishery has been fair, but with many daily counts of over 1,000 fish passing through the ladder at Willamette Falls there are some fish in that stretch of the river. The best bet might be to fish the section of the river where you are the most familiar and comfortable. Please note that the Willamette River, including Multnomah Channel, will remain open for the retention of sturgeon on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of each week for the period running from January 1, 2006 through July 31st, 2006. Please also note that anglers are limited to the use of only one single-point barbless hook while angling for sturgeon. The sturgeon catch continues to be fair to good in the Willamette with keepers checked on all sections of the river. A decent number of released sub-legal fish were also reported, as well as a few released oversize sturgeon. Fresh smelt, if you can get it, is the bait of choice. HUNTING SAUVIE ISLAND WILDLIFE AREA: Please refer to the Oregon Big Game Regulations and Oregon Game Bird Regulations for hunting opportunities. A parking permit is required for the wildlife area. VIEWING SAUVIE ISLAND WILDLIFE AREA: With spring migration beginning there are a number of exciting birds to view. The first osprey of the season was sighted along with the rufous hummingbird and tree violet green swallows. The Sandhill cranes and waterfowl are high in numbers and busy with nesting as are the Eagles. The first eaglets have been spotted popping their heads up from their nests. The best one to view is NW from the eastside check station. With spring migrants arriving in greater numbers this year promises to be full of opportunities to view many species of birds. SOUTH WILLAMETTE WATERSHED DISTRICT: A caracara has shown up in the district and is creating lots of excitement with birders. Caracaras are large raptors that live in South and Central America and rarely get very far north of the Mexico boarder into the SW US and Florida. Yesterday morning it was near the Corvallis airport feeding on a road kill along airport road. CENTRAL ZONE
FISHING ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: Access to the reservoir is good. Reservoir is full. Opportunities for carryover rainbow trout are unknown until sampling is conducted later this week. Reservoir will be stocked with legal size rainbow trout next week. BIG LAVA LAKE: Not yet accessible. CLEAR LAKE: Clear Lake, located about 20 miles west of Maupin, has recently been stocked with keeper trout and should offer good angling opportunity. COLUMBIA RIVER FROM BONNEVILLE RESERVOIR TO JOHN DAY DAM: Retention of sturgeon is open in the Bonneville Reservoir until the quota is reached. However, retention of sturgeon is closed in The Dalles Reservoir. Anglers are encouraged to read the 2006 fishing regulation changes on this website for updated sturgeon regulations and seasons. CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: Crane Prairie is ice free though access may still be limited in some areas. Anglers fishing Crane Prairie reported fair success for rainbow and brook trout. Water temperatures are still cool and angler success should begin to pick up as the water warms over the next several weeks. Good numbers of wild and hatchery rainbow trout are available and they are in excellent condition. Hatchery fish are 100 percent marked with an adipose fin clip or left ventral clip, so please voluntarily limit your harvest of wild trout to protect this fishery. Please note regulation specifying that the daily trout limit may include only one rainbow trout over 16 inches in length. Expect fish to be scattered early in the season. Anglers should target shallow water areas for best early season success. Large numbers of brook trout are available, and the best brook trout angling is early and late in the season. CRESCENT LAKE: Resort ramp is accessible though all other Forest Service ramps are still inaccessible. Please call the Crescent Ranger District for more information (541 - 433 – 3200). Anglers are good catches of brown trout and lake trout catches, and a few nice kokanee. Water temperature remains cold. Angler success should increase as the water temperature begins to warm. CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: Opportunities for 8-16 inch rainbow trout and whitefish are poor. Flows as of May 1 were 2000 CFS. Flows are anticipated to be high through the weekend, however, the snowpack is melting quickly and the Crooked should finally be fishable by next week. Angling opportunities in the Crooked are likely to be limited until the spring runoff has ended. Current flows are available at this website http://www.usbr.gov/pn-bin/rtgraph.pl/?sta=PRVO&parm=Q. CULTUS LAKE: Cultus Lake is ice free and the ramps accessible although parking is limited. No reports on angler success though this time of year provides anglers an excellent opportunity for lake trout. DAVIS LAKE: Anglers are reporting excellent catches of largemouth bass. Success for rainbow trout has been slow. DESCHUTES RIVER: High water on the Deschutes has made trout fishing a little more challenging. Anglers are catching quite a few whitefish with some rainbows. Dry fly fishing has been slow; anglers should look at using nymphing tactics in the slow water areas. DESCHUTES RIVER (Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls): No recent reports on angler success. EAST LAKE: East Lake is still iced cover. ELK LAKE: Elk Lake is not yet accessible. FALL RIVER: Anglers working the upper river had fair success. There is excellent opportunity for rainbow trout in the upper river. HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: Rainbow and brown trout 10-18 inches are available. Haystack was stocked with legal size rainbow last week. Trout anglers last week reported fair success. Kokanee, largemouth bass, black crappie and brown bullhead are also available. HOOD RIVER: Some bright winter steelhead are still entering the lower river while some early summer run steelhead are passing Powerdale Dam. Visibility is good this week and anglers are reporting catch of bright winter and early summer steelhead. HOSMER LAKE: Hosmer Lake is not yet accessible. KINGSLEY RESERVOIR: Kingsley Reservoir, located west of Hood River, has recently been stocked with keeper and trophy trout and should offer good angling opportunity. LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: Bull trout angling continues to be fair to good. La Opportunities for kokanee are fair to good with most fish averaging 10-12 inches and in very good condition. Smallmouth bass angling is excellent in shoreline areas of both the Crooked and Deschutes Arms. Anglers are reminded harvest is limited to one bull trout over 24”and a Tribal angling permit is required in the Metolius Arm. Please consult 2006 Sport Fishing Regulations. LAKE SIMTUSTUS: Opportunities for 8-14 inch rainbow trout are excellent. Reservoir has been recently stocked. Kokanee up to 15 inches are also available with most successful anglers fishing the upper end of the reservoir near Round Butte Dam. LAURANCE LAKE: Laurance Lake, located near Parkdale, has recently been stocked with keeper trout and should offer good angling opportunity. LITTLE LAVA LAKE: Little Lava Lake is not yet accessible. METOLIUS RIVER: No recent angler reports. This is typically a good time of year for rainbow trout in the river reach below Allingham Bridge and bull trout in the reach from Canyon Creek downstream pass Wizard Falls Hatchery. The Metolius River provides catch and release opportunity for rainbow trout and bull trout. Please consult angling regulations for regulations specific to various reaches of river. NORTH TWIN LAKE: Anglers are catching fair numbers of 9 to 11 inch rainbow trout. North Twin Lake provides a “put and take” fishery for nine to 11-inch rainbow trout. North Twin is a nice setting to take children to fish. It provides a degree of shelter from the wind and has some nice shoreline where kids can fish and play. Some carryover fish up to 15 inches are available. Motors are prohibited. OCHOCO RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-18 inch rainbow trout are good. Both boat and bank anglers should have success with bait and lures. Anglers targeting bullhead in the upper part of the reservoir are reporting success. ODELL LAKE: Both resort ramps and the Sunset Cove ramp are open. This past weekend saw fair catches of kokanee. Water temperature is cold. Kokanee activity should begin to pick up over the next several weeks as the water begins warming. The kokanee are running in the 11 – 14 inch size range and in good condition. Only one lake trout per day is allowed as part of the daily trout limit and must be at least 30 inches in length. Odell Lake also provides a good opportunity for rainbow trout for those anglers interested in targeting them. Bull trout are federally listed as threatened and their numbers are extremely low in Odell Lake. Targeted angling for bull trout is not allowed and any incidentally caught bull trout must be released unharmed. Angling is closed within 200 feet of the mouth of Odell Creek to protect bull trout. Do not remove fish from water when releasing. Anglers should consult the 2006 Oregon Sport Fishing regulations on how to release fish unharmed. PAULINA LAKE: Paulina Lake mostly ice free although some patches still remain. Please call the Paulina Lake Resort (514-536-2240) for the most current lake conditions. PINE HOLLOW: Pine Hollow Reservoir, located near Wamic, has recently been stocked with keeper trout and should offer good angling opportunity. PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-16 inch rainbow trout are fair to good. Brown bullhead angling in the upper reservoir should be excellent. Black crappie and bass opportunities should improve with the warmer weather. Northside access road is open. ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: Rock Creek Reservoir, located near Wamic, has recently been stocked with keeper and trophy trout and should offer good angling opportunity. SOUTH TWIN: Anglers are reporting fair success. South Twin Lake is a popular and reliable lake for rainbow trout angling and provides sheltered angling opportunity when early season cold temperatures and wind become a problem on larger water bodies. The rainbow trout in South Twin typically run 11 to 13 inches with a fewer carryover fish in the 14 to 16-inch size. An occasional fish over 20 inches is also caught every summer by anglers. South Twin provides nice shorelines for both kids and adults alike to fish from. Boat launching is available, however, motors are prohibited. SUTTLE LAKE: No reports on the past weeks success. Target brown trout early and late in the day along the north shoreline. Kokanee numbers should be good this season with the kokanee angling improving as the lake temperature warms. Suttle Lake has a kokanee bag limit of 25 fish per day in addition to the trout species catch limit. TAYLOR LAKE: Taylor Lake, located near The Dalles, has recently been stocked with keeper trout and should offer good angling opportunity. WALTON LAKE: Snow still blocks vehicular access to the lake. Anglers can park at the gate and walk ¼ mile to the lake. Opportunities for carryover rainbow trout should be good. The Forest Service anticipates opening the gate to the public May 19. Call the Ochoco National Forest at 416-6500 for current information. WICKIUP RESERVOIR: Anglers are having fair success on kokanee and brown trout. A number of brown trout over 20 have been observed in the creel along with rainbow trout and a small number of kokanee. Kokanee are running 11 inches with several 14 - 15 inch kokanee seen in the creel. Target shallow water flats early in the season and river channel areas as the water warms. Kokanee will be scattered early in the season and begin schooling in channels sometime in June. There is a bonus bag limit on kokanee of 25 fish in addition to the trout bag limit. Largemouth bass anglers should seek out the willow flats, though brown bullhead to have to some degree taken over the southeastern area of the reservoir. The largemouth bass angling will improve as water temperatures warms. There is no limit on size or number of warmwater gamefish, including largemouth bass, in Wickiup Reservoir. Anglers interested in targeting brown bullhead should fish southeast areas of the reservoir. HUNTING OCHOCO DISTRICT TURKEY: The recent warming trend has accelerated green up and the snowmelt. Turkeys can be expected to be moving to higher elevations which should make them more available on the Lookout Mountain and Paulina Ranger Districts of the Ochoco National Forest. COUGAR: Deer are moving to higher elevation ranges as snowmelt and green up occurs. Cougar will be more difficult to locate as deer and elk disperse to the more extensive summering areas on the Ochoco National Forest. GROUND SQUIRRELS: Squirrels have been increasing active with the warm weather. Vegetation is growing, but is still low enough that squirrels are easily visible making this the prime time for exciting hunting. Best opportunities will be on private agricultural lands where permission from landowners is needed. MID-COLUMBIA DISTRICT COUGAR: Hunters are encouraged to have a cougar tag in their possession. Although no cougars were taken during deer season, cougars are widely scatted throughout the district. SOUTHEAST ZONE
FISHING ANA RESERVOIR: Fishing for hybrid bass has been fair. Anglers report catching legal size bass throughout the reservoir. Some fish have been over 10 lbs. Trout fishing has been fair. ANA RIVER: Fishing has been good for rainbow trout in the river. Excellent fly-fishing opportunities are available both for dry fly and nymph fishing. Check weather prior to fishing due to winter road conditions. BALM CREEK RESERVOIR: Road is blocked due to snow. BEULAH RESERVOIR: The reservoir was 97 percent full on May 8. Inflows are dropping, but continue to be turbid. The reservoir is also turbid and fishing slow. BLITZEN RIVER: Special regulations are in effect. Catch and release for trout from November 1 through May 26. Flow was 412 cfs on May 8, and flow fluctuated between approximately 350 and 55 cfs over the prior week. BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir is 100 percent full on May 8, and the boat ramp is accessible. The reservoir is very turbid due to muddy inflows. Angling for warmwater fish is slow. BURNS POND: The pond was stocked with rainbow trout two weeks ago. Angling should be good. BURNT RIVER: Upstream from Huntington-Richland Road Bridge is opened for fishing as of April 22. The South Fork will be stocked with legal rainbows the week of May 1. CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: Slow to fair angling for rainbow trout. Angling should improve as water temperature increases and water clarity improves. Anglers are catching 14 to 18 inch rainbow trout either bait fishing, trolling, or fishing flies using a very slow retrieve. COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: Still ice covered. DUNCAN RESERVOIR: Fishing has been good for boat and bank anglers. EAGLE CREEK: Road is blocked due to snow. Will be stocked with rainbows in late June. FISH LAKE (Halfway): Road is still closed due to snow. Likely will open in mid-late June. FISH LAKE (Steens Mountain): The loop road is still closed because of snow. FOURMILE LAKE: Fourmile Lake is ice covered and access is by snowmobile GERBER RESERVOIR: Boat ramps are accessible. Angling for crappie and Warmwater fish should improve with the recent warm weather. The Reservoir is full so look for crappie in the shallow around flooded vegetation HAINES POND: Will be stocked with an additional 1500 rainbows week of May 1. HIGGINS RESERVOIR: It should provide fair angling for 10 to 18-inch rainbow trout. Higgins Reservoir is located on private land, and the landowner allows public access for angling but has limited it to walking access only. There is a gate approximately ¾ mile from the reservoir. HWY 203 POND: Will be stocked with an additional 2000 rainbows week of May 1. JUNIPER LAKE: The lake was dry for the last few years, but it has a substantial amount of water this year. The lake has been stocked with fingerling cutthroat trout this spring. KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: Angling is fair for large redband trout for bank and boat anglers. KLAMATH RIVER: Angling for native redband trout has been very slow on flies and lures. The Klamath River from Keno dam downstream to Topsy Reservoir is very slow due to high flows. JC Boyle Dam to JC Boyle Powerhouse is very slow for redband trout (6-12”) due to spill at JC Boyle Dam. Anglers can call 1-800-547-1501 for river flow information. KRUMBO RESERVOIR: Fair to good angling for rainbow trout from 10 to over 20 inches. Fly anglers had the best success using leech imitations fished slowly. Anglers have had some success using spinners or spoons. Bait anglers have had fair success. LAKE OF THE WOODS: Recent warm weather has made ice extremely dangerous. Call Lake of the Woods Lodge for recent ice conditions (541-949-8300). The lake is still frozen but ice is starting to break up. LONG CREEK RESERVOIR: Ice is off. Fishing should be good for rainbow trout. LOST RIVER: Angling has been fair for warm water game fish (largemouth bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, and Sacramento perch). MALHEUR RESERVOIR: Spring run off has started. The water level continues to rise. The reservoir was not stocked last year. Fishing is poor. MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork Malheur River): Approximately 537 cfs was being released from the Warm Springs Reservoir on May 8. Fishing is poor. MALHEUR RIVER (South Fork Malheur River near Riverside, downstream to Gold Creek): Flow in this section is a result of runoff down the South Fork Malheur River and releases from the dams. Approximately 537 cfs was being released from Warm Springs Reservoir and 616 cfs was being released from Beulah reservoir as of April 17. Fishing is poor. MALHEUR RIVER, MIDDLE FORK: Access to the upper river is limited by snow. Trout angling is slow. Remember to release bull trout. Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures upstream of Bluebucket Creek. MALHEUR RESERVOIR: The reservoir is full. The reservoir was not stocked last year. It will be stocked with both fingerling and legal sized trout in May. Fishing is poor. MANN LAKE: Special regulations are in effect. Fair angling for cutthroat trout. Two trout per day, 16 inch minimum length. Restricted to artificial flies and lures. When conditions allow, fly anglers are catching 14-16 inch cutthroat trout MILLER LAKE: Access is limited due to snow. Lake is ice covered. MOON RESERVOIR: The main access road is open. No angling report, but angling should be slow to fair for rainbow trout. Water is high and turbid. MURRAY RESERVOIR: The reservoir will be stocked with 2,000 legal rainbow trout the week of May 1. NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: Roads are generally dry and drivable. Many of the ponds are very turbid due inflows. Some of the roads may be washed out, so anglers need to be cautious. Trout angling is fair to good. NORTH POWDER POND #1: North Powder Pond #1 will be stocked with additional 1000 rainbows the week of May 1. NORTH POWDER POND #2: North Powder Pond #2 was stocked with 1000 rainbows the week of April 3. OWYHEE RESERVOIR: Inflows remain high. The reservoir is full as of May 8. The whole reservoir is turbid. All boat ramps are in the water. Angling for bass and small crappie is slow. OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): Water is being released down the “Glory Hole”. Flows below the dam have increased to about 2,938 cfs and are very turbid. Anglers need to continue to use caution when fishing the river. Wading will continue to be dangerous for the next few weeks. Angling for rainbows and browns is slow. OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): Discharge at the Rome Gage was 4,674 cfs on May 8. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish is slow. PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: Will be stocked with an additional 5,000 legal rainbows the week of May 1. Ice is off the reservoir. Water level is at 84 percent. PILCHER RESERVOIR: Angling for rainbow has been fair to good. Ice is off the reservoir. Water level is at 55 percent. PINE CREEK: Opened April 22 for trout fishing upstream of Oxbow bridge in Baker County. POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir is full. This reservoir was stocked last year but few if any survived the low water conditions during late summer. Fishing is poor. POWDER RIVER: Opened April 22, upstream from Huntington-Richland Road Bridge. Use of bait allowed. SHERLOCK GULCH RESERVOIR: Fishing has been good for legal sized trout. Check road conditions prior to traveling to reservoir. SNAKE RIVER: Flow was 39,198 cfs near Nyssa and 55,402 cfs near Weiser on May 8. The river is muddy. Angling for catfish and smallmouth bass is slow. SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: Roads are generally dry and drivable. Many of the ponds are very turbid due inflows. Some of the roads may be washed out, so anglers need to be cautious. Trout angling is fair to good. SPRAGUE RIVER: River flows are very high making angling difficult. SYCAN RIVER: Most the Sycan River is inaccessible due to snow. Flow on the Sycan is very high. THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: The reservoir is full. It was drained last year so fishing will be fair. Some reports of large trout being caught. Will be stocked with fingerlings this spring. TOPSY RESERVOIR: Angling for Warmwater fish (largemouth bass, crappie, brown bullhead and pumpkinseed) is fair. TWIN LAKES (Halfway): Road closed due to snow. Will likely open in late June. UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER: Angling is slow due to high flows. UNITY RESERVOIR: Ice is off the reservoir. Bass fishing has been good. Trout fishing should get better as temperatures warm a little. Water levels are at 93 percent. The State Park is open. WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: The reservoir was 93 percent full May 8. Boat ramp is usable. Fishing is slow. WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: The reservoir is at full pool. Angling for warmwater fish species should improve as water temperatures warm. Launching large boats is difficult. WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: Fishing should be good for rainbow trout. Water level is at 96 percent. WOOD RIVER: Angling is slow due to high water. YELLOWJACKET LAKE: Good angling for 12 to 16 inch rainbow trout. Anglers have had success using bait, lures, or flies. HUNTING KLAMATH DISTRICT COUGAR: Hunting is difficult during the early season without snow to assist in tracking the big cats, but increasing number of hunters are reporting success using predator calls. Most cougars are taken incidental to other pursuits and hunters interested in harvesting a cougar are encouraged have a cougar tag in their possession when hunting these other species. SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA All game bird and big game hunting seasons are over and it is unlawful to discharge firearms on the Area, except by permit. VIEWING SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA Viewing opportunities are good at this time. Migrant waterfowl have largely departed the Area and breeding season is well underway for summer resident species. Most of the remaining greater white-fronted geese made a major departure last week en route to the Lower Cook Inlet region of Alaska. Breeding duck are widely scattered throughout the Area’s wetlands actively defending nesting territories and engaged in courtship activities. Canada goose nesting is winding down and broods can sometimes be observed, although most have move to larger ponds where disturbance is minimal. Other waterbirds continue to return to the Area. Eared, pied-billed and Western grebe numbers are increasing. Gulls (California and ring-billed) are continuing to increase in numbers as are double-crested cormorants and white pelicans. Caspian and Forster’s terns and plus the black-headed gulls (Bonaparte’s and Franklin’s) recently arrived and numbers are increasing. Sandhill cranes have dispersed to breeding territories and nesting is underway. Pairs are secretive now and very difficult to observe but can be heard calling in the early morning hours. Non-breeding sub adults can be found in the Foster Place grainfields and meadows. Shorebirds continue to return to the Area and numbers are increasing. Semi-palmated plovers and Wilson’s phalarope arrived over the past week. Many shorebird species have yet to arrive and should be making their spring arrival and others will increase in number as migration continues over the next several weeks. Breeding season is well underway for killdeer and nests can be found along road shoulders and parking areas. Viewers are urged to use caution when driving or parking to avoid destroy nests when birds are nearby. The Bypass and E. Link Units are providing very good viewing opportunities. Resident raptors are scattered throughout the Area as well as on private lands along Highway 31. Northern harriers and red-tailed hawks are especially numerous over marsh and hay meadow areas. Osprey have occupied the nest platform at Ana Reservoir and nesting is underway. Falcons, bald and golden eagles can sometimes be seen during this time of the year. Both great-horned owls and red-tailed hawks are nesting with several nests containing chicks. Passerine species (especially sparrows) remain fairly common around the Headquarters Complex, Summer Lake Rest Area, homestead sites and shelterbreak plantings at the north end of the Area where they are attracted to the tree and shrub cover found at those locations. Spring arrivals continue to be noted with common yellowthroat and Western kingbird making appearances over the past week. A large movement yellow-rumped warblers has been noted over the past week and other species are expected to make an appearance soon. Other migrant and returning summer resident species are expected to arrive over the next several weeks. Swallows continue to increase in numbers especially around the Headquarters Complex as they explore nest boxes and other sites for occupancy. Cliff swallows are very active in nest construction along the eaves of buildings on the Headquarters Complex. Wetland habitat conditions remain excellent with extensive flooding and generally high water levels. Summer Lake proper is full with flooded conditions to the edge of vegetation along the west and south shores. Mudflat habitat is greatly reduced in these areas. Upland sites remain in very good condition with residual grasses providing abundant seeds. Trees and shrubs are beginning to leaf out and green-up is extensive across the valley floor due to warm and sunny weather following the recent rain showers. This green-up is providing abundant forbs and new vegetative growth. Invertebrates are becoming active with large swarms of midges being common throughout the marsh. Biting gnat and mosquito season has yet to arrive. May 1 marks the start of flood irrigation season in the Summer Lake Valley and additional habitats will become available to migrant and resident bird species as hay meadows and fields are flooded. On the Wildlife Area, as diminished flows are rerouted to supply permanent and semi-permanent ponded areas, seasonally flooded marshes and units will begin to recede and provide additional opportunities for may bird species. The wildlife viewing loop is open and will remain that way into early fall. Major dike roads (Bullgate, Windbreak and Work Road) were closed to motor vehicle travel on March 15, 2006 to reduce disturbance to migrant and nesting waterfowl. The major dikes will open once again on August 15, 2006. Other minor dike roads and trails are also closed to motor vehicles, and cross country travel by motor vehicles or ATV’s is prohibited. Non-motorized access and viewing opportunities are available throughout the entire Wildlife Area at this time. Camping is permitted at four sites on the wildlife area. For additional information on viewing opportunities please contact the Wildlife Area at phone (541) 943-3152, fax (541) 943-3204, or email at odfwslwa@gooselake.com.
NORTHEAST ZONE
FISHING STEELHEAD FISHING CLOSED APRIL 15. STREAMS WILL OPEN FOR TROUT FISHING ON MAY 27. CUTSFORTH POND: The pond was stocked last week with legal-sized and trophy-sized trout. HONEYMOON AND TEEPEE PONDS: Ponds are now accessible and angling is fair for hold-over rainbow. They are scheduled to be stocked next week. LADD POND: Will be stocked with an additional 500 legal and 25 trophy trout the week of May 1. MARR POND: Was stocked last week with legal and trophy rainbow. Fishing is good. MCKAY RESERVOIR: The reservoir is approximately 97% full. No reports available. Angling for trout and warmwater gamefish should improve with forecasted warm temperatures. MCNARY, HAT ROCK AND TATONE PONDS: McNary and Hat Rock ponds were stocked last week. A youth angling event is Scheduled for Saturday, May 13th at McNary Ponds. MORGAN LAKE: Morgan Lake has been stocked in late April with legal and trophy rainbow trout. ROULET POND: Will be stocked with an additional 600 legal and 25 trophy trout the week of May 1. UMATILLA RIVER: River flows and color are very good. Fifty-two Chinook have been counted at Three Mile Dam to date and a few have been caught below the dam. Good numbers of Chinook were counted over the weekend at Bonneville Dam, indicating that more fish are on their way. Based on the current Bonneville Dam counts, the season will remain open. However, the season status could change at any time. The estimated return is much lower than in recent years and an early closure is expected. Anglers are encouraged to watch local media and the ODFW web site for season changes. Anglers should keep an eye on flows as best fishing conditions are when the river is between 400 and 800 cfs. Anglers can check Umatilla River flows at the following web site: http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/. UMATILLA FOREST PONDS: The ponds in the Road 54 area northeast of Ukiah will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week. Along the Summit Road, the Walk-in, Boundary, Owsley and Keyhole ponds will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week. For more information contact Tim Bailey, District Fish Biologist, at 541-276-2344. VICTOR POND: Angling is fair for hold-over rainbow. Pond will be stocked next week with legal and trophy rainbow trout. WALLOWA LAKE: Angling is fair for hold-over rainbows. The lake was stocked with legal rainbow last week. Kokanee fishing is poor but should improve with warmer weather. WALLOWA WILDLIFE AREA POND: Was stocked last week with legal and trophy rainbow. Fishing is good. WILLOW CREEK: The creek has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout downstream of Willow Creek Reservoir. WESTON POND: The pond was stocked last week and fishing should be good. HUNTING BAKER DISTRICT GENERAL CONDITIONS: There is little or no snow on winter ranges and at lower elevations. Overall the weather has been sunny with highs in the upper 30’s and lows in the high teens. COUGARS: Cougar numbers remain at high levels. With the absence of fresh snow cougar hunting is best accomplished with the use of calls and patience. Cats have followed the deer and elk as they moved to lower elevations for winter. COYOTES: Fresh early morning tracks and the right wind can make for a successful calling situation. Be sure to ask permission if hunting on private property. FURBEARERS: Some seasons are coming to end: Bobcat season end February 28; River Otter, and Beaver end March 15. With the end of the seasons coming up; remember that pelts must be checked in with ODFW within 5 days after the close of the season. GRANT DISTRICT WILD TURKEY: Warmer weather last week meant increased success rates for turkey hunters in the Grant district. Success was high for “jakes” with the larger mature birds still hanging close with hens. As the hens begin to actively sit on nests, patience and timing could pay off for the larger birds. SPRING BEAR: Spring bear hunters have had slow success with a lot of the hunt-able areas still inaccessible due to snow. Hunters should seek out high elevation open slopes to glass early morning and late evening. COUGAR: Harvested cougars are required to be checked into an ODFW field office within 10 days of the hunt. UMATILLA DISTRICT COUGAR: Cougar densities are higher in the northern areas of the Umatilla District with Walla Walla and Mt. Emily being good prospects for success. However, Ukiah Unit cougar densities have been on the increase and should provide some quality hunting as well. Hunters are enjoying the most success using predator calls, sitting on a kill previously made by a cougar, or by putting up tree stands in natural crossing areas for cougars. Most sport harvest occurs as a result of incidental sightings during deer and elk rifle seasons. Hunters are reminded to check all harvested cougars in to an ODFW office within 72 hours of the animal being taken. UNION DISTRICT General Spring Turkey Season is currently open. Warmer weather this week and weekend should improve hunting conditions. Many of the traditional mid and upper elevation hunting areas have limited access due to snow. Bring tired chains and overnight survival gear if you attempt to hunt these areas. Locating roost trees is one way to improve your odds of harvesting a bird. Roost trees generally have a large amount of droppings at the base of the tree(s). The birds will generally be in the vicinity of these roost sites just after sunrise and before dusk. The highest concentrate of birds is in the northern end of the county. You are allowed two tags for Spring Turkey Season (one bird per day bag limit). Bear observation reports have increased. The cooler weather and remnant snow appears to have delayed the emergence of hibernating bears. Spring bear hunters should watch open south slopes during morning hours. General cougar season remains open. You are allowed two cougar tags in most of Eastern Oregon (see page 48 of 2006 Big Game Regulations). Cougar will be most active early morning or just before dark. Calling cougar with the use of a rabbit, fawn deer, or calf elk call may be effective. When using a call for cougar, patience is very important. These cats generally approach the caller slowly using what ever cover is available. Consider the use of a remotely activated call. This type of call centers the cougar's attention on a spot other than where the hunter is located. Being in possession of a cougar tag during other hunting seasons may provide an unexpected harvest opportunity. WALLOWA DISTRICT COUGAR: Cougar can be difficult to observe during winter months; however, locating fresh cougar sign and patiently calling attempting to imitate a fawn or calf in distress can sometimes be an effective technique. COYOTE: Good numbers of coyotes can be found throughout Wallowa County. Calling is most successful in areas of reduced human activity. VIEWING ELKHORN WILDLIFE AREA Elk are starting to arrive at the Anthony Creek feed site. With winter weather continuing to worsen feeding of deer and elk on wildlife area lands will began the first of December. The public is reminded that all Elkhorn Wildlife Area lands are closed to all public access from December 1 through April 10 each year. The public will be able to view the Anthony Creek elk from the view point located along The North Powder River Road, nine miles west of North Powder, Oregon. Winter elk feeding wagon trips will again be provided by T&T Wildlife tours. For information on their tour days and times please call T&T wildlife tours at 541-856-3356. LADD MARSH WILDLIFE AREA Many areas of Ladd Marsh are closed in the summer to protect nesting birds and other wildlife. However several areas are open for the public to enjoy. These areas include the nature trail just east of Interstate 84, the area west of foothill road on Glass Hill, the Peach Road Fishing Pond and the recently completed auto route and hiking trails off Peach Road. The new auto route and hiking trails go through wetlands restored in 2004. Area visitors will be able to enjoy this magnificent wetland come back to life. When visiting the area, remember to obey the following rules: * The auto route and hiking trails are open one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. * Dogs are prohibited on the wildlife area except during authorized hunting seasons (Dog training is allowed on the area west of foothill August 1 until the first authorized hunting season). * Weapons are prohibited except during authorized hunting seasons. Spring time wildlife viewing is excellent this year. Antelope can be seen between Pierce Road and Highway 203. Fawns should appear in May and June. Most of the migratory birds have returned to Ladd Marsh. Shore birds including avocets, black-necked stilts and yellowlegs can be seen throughout the wetlands. Bank swallows have returned to their colony on the north end of Peach Road. Many raptors have young in the nest now and Osprey are incubating at their nesting platform near Hot Lake. A few duck broods have been spotted but most ducks are still on their nests. Sandhill cranes are still on their nests and young are expected to hatch very soon. The meadow and upland flowers are beginning to blossom. WENAHA WILDLIFE AREA Good numbers of deer and elk can be seen on the Wildlife Area as they feed on the spring green up. Due to snow conditions at higher elevations, travel should not be attempted on roads not maintained by the County. Big Horn sheep can be seen on the cliffs adjacent to the Grande Ronde River Road. Many early passerine migrants have started to show up at lower and mid elevations. The Wildlife Area is open to hunting during all legal seasons and for non-motorized recreation year round. Due to a State Parks Administrative Rule, open fires are prohibited year round with in ¼ mile of the Grande Ronde River between Wildcat Bridge and the State Line. This area, designated a Scenic Waterway, includes BLM lands as well as State owned lands. Fires are permitted if contained within fire pans, but all debris and ashes must be packed out.
SNAKE RIVER ZONE
FISHING BROWNLEE RESERVOIR: Generally fishing has been poor lately due to fluctuating water levels and cool, turbid water entering into Brownlee, but trout fishing below the dams can be good. Some perch and bass have been taken from shore. The Hewitt Park boat ramp is generally un-useable. The Woodhead ramp is useable on the Idaho side. Water levels are 58 feet below full and will remain low through out April. Call Idaho Power Company’s recording at 1-800-422-3143 to get information on access at recreational sites or visit www.idahopower.com under the “Rivers and Recreation” heading. For reservoir level information, visit http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/perl/dataquery.pl?k=brownlee. OXBOW RESERVOIR: Trout fishing has been fair, especially below the dams. Water is turbid. HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: Trout fishing has been fair below all dams. Other fishing has been poor, with the exception of a few catfish. Water is turbid.
COLUMBIA RIVER ZONE
FISHING Please consult the 2006 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulation pamphlet for further information regarding the Columbia River Zone. SALMON, STEELHEAD, and SHAD The following regulations are now in effect for the mainstem Columbia River from Buoy 10 upstream to the Oregon/Washington border above McNary Dam: BUOY 10 UPSTREAM TO THE TONGUE POINT/ROCKY POINT LINE: This section of the Columbia River is closed to all salmon, steelhead, and shad angling. This section of the river is scheduled to reopen for shad angling on May 16, 2006. TONGUE POINT UPSTREAM TO THE I-5 BRIDGE: This section of the Columbia River is closed to all salmon, steelhead, and shad angling. This section of the river is scheduled to reopen to angling for shad, adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead, and adipose fin-clipped chinook jacks (?24”) on May 16, 2006. I-5 BRIDGE UPSTREAM TO BONNEVILLE DAM: This section of the Columbia River is closed to all salmon, steelhead, and shad angling. This section of the river is scheduled to reopen to angling for shad on May 16, 2006. BONNEVILLE DAM UPSTREAM TO THE OREGON/WASHINGTON BORDER ABOVE MCNARY DAM: This section of the Columbia River is currently closed to angling for salmon and steelhead, but is open to angling for shad. Effective June 16, 2006 this section will open to angling for adipose fin-clipped chinook jacks (?24”) and adipose fin-clipped steelhead. Portland to Longview Boats & Bank: CLOSED. Estuary Boats & Bank: CLOSED. Bonneville, The Dalles, and John Day Pools: CLOSED. STURGEON BUOY 10 UPSTREAM TO WAUNA POWERLINES: Effective May 1 through Friday May 12, this section of the Columbia River is closed for sturgeon retention. Effective Saturday May 13 through Tuesday July 4, 2006 this section of the Columbia River will be open to the retention of sturgeon. The daily bag limit will be one fish between 45 and 60 inches in length and the annual limit is five fish. The use of more than one single point barbless hook is prohibited. The following modifications were adopted for the 2006 mainstem Columbia River sturgeon fishery from Wauna powerlines (River Mile 40) downstream to the mouth at Buoy 10, including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries. The modifications include: * Prohibit the retention of sturgeon seven days per week from Monday May 1, 2006 through Friday May 12, 2006 and Wednesday July 5, 2006 through Sunday December 31, 2006. * Allow the retention of sturgeon seven days per week from Saturday May 13, 2006 through Tuesday July 4, 2006. * Increase the minimum size limit from 42” to 45” during the Saturday May 13, 2006 through Tuesday July 4, 2006 retention season. * Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during retention closures. * Fishery will be managed for a catch guideline of 15,000 fish in this section of the Columbia River and specific retention dates may be adjusted to meet the guideline. WAUNA POWERLINES UPSTREAM TO BONNEVILLE DAM: This section of the Columbia River is open to the retention of sturgeon on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The daily bag limit is one fish between 42 and 60 inches in length and the annual limit is five fish. The use of more than one single point barbless hook is prohibited. All sturgeon angling is prohibited from Marker 85 upstream to Bonneville Dam during May 1 through July 31 to protect spawning sturgeon. The following modifications were adopted for the 2006 mainstem Columbia River Sturgeon fishery from the Wauna powerlines (River Mile 40) upstream to Bonneville Dam, including all adjacent Washington tributaries and the Willamette River downstream of Willamette Falls (including Multnomah Channel). The modifications include: * Allow the retention of sturgeon three days per week on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and prohibit the retention of sturgeon four days per week on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday beginning Sunday January 1, 2006 through Monday July 31, 2006 and Sunday October 1, 2006 through Sunday December 31, 2006. * Prohibit the retention of sturgeon seven days per week from Tuesday August 1, 2006 through Saturday September 30, 2006. * Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during sturgeon retention closures. * Fishery will be managed for a catch guideline of 12,000 fish in this section of the Columbia River and specific retention dates may be adjusted to meet the guideline. BONNEVILLE DAM UPSTREAM TO THE DALLES DAM: The Bonneville pool is currently open to the retention of sturgeon seven days per week. The daily bag limit is one fish between 42 and 60 inches in length and the annual limit is five fish. The annual catch guideline for the Bonneville Pool is 700 white sturgeon. THE DALLES DAM UPSTREAM TO JOHN DAY DAM: Sturgeon retention in The Dalles pool is prohibited through the remainder of the year because the catch guideline has been reached. Catch and release angling is allowed during the retention prohibition; however, all sturgeon angling is prohibited in the mainstem Columbia River from the west end of the grain silo located near Rufus upstream to John Day Dam during May 1 through July 31, 2006 to protect spawning sturgeon. JOHN DAY DAM UPSTREAM TO MCNARY DAM: The John Day pool is currently open to the retention of sturgeon seven days per week. The daily bag limit is one fish between 48 and 60 inches in length and the annual limit is five fish. The annual catch guideline for the John Day Pool is 165 white sturgeon. All sturgeon angling is prohibited from the Highway 395 Bridge upstream to McNary Dam during May 1-July 31 to protect spawning sturgeon. In the lower Columbia River this past weekend, sturgeon angler success was excellent in the gorge below marker 85 where boat anglers averaged 2.32 legal white sturgeon caught per boat. Boat anglers in the Portland to Longview areas averaged 0.09 legal white sturgeon kept per boat. Gorge Boats: Weekend checking showed 72 legal white sturgeon kept, plus 16 legal, four oversize, and 1,143 sub-legal sturgeon released for 38 boats (complete trips). Gorge Bank: No report. CLOSED. Portland to Longview Boats: Weekend checking showed four legal white sturgeon kept, plus 123 sub-legal sturgeon released for 45 boats (incomplete trips). Portland to Longview Bank: Weekend checking showed 12 sub-legal sturgeon released for 13 bank rods. Estuary Boat & Bank: CLOSED to sturgeon retention. Bonneville Pool: Weekly checking showed 27 sub-legal sturgeon released for 41 bank rods and one legal white sturgeon kept, plus one oversize and nine sub-legal fish released for seven boats. The Dalles Pool: CLOSED to sturgeon retention. No report. John Day Pool: Weekly checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept, plus six sub-legal sturgeon released for 25 bank rods and one legal white sturgeon kept, plus one oversize and 10 sub-legal fish released for 10 boats. WALLEYE John Day Pool: Weekly checking showed five walleye kept, plus three walleye released for 12 boats.
MARINE ZONE
FISHING Razor clamming opens 12:01 a.m. Thursday, May 11, north of the Siuslaw River near Florence to the mouth of the Columbia River. Other beaches south of the Siuslaw River still have domoic acid levels too high to allow digging. Razor clamming areas north of Newport to Seaside opened in March this year after a year-long closure due to unsafe domoic acid levels. Normally, razor clamming south of Tillamook Head is open all year and razor clamming from the Columbia River to Tillamook Head is open from Oct. 1 through July 14. However shellfish harvesting areas are closed to all harvesting when toxins exceed an alert level. An alert level of 20 ppm for domoic acid provides a margin of safety and halts harvest before toxins reach a higher level that may cause illness. Most diggers can get their limits when ocean conditions permit in the Clatsop beaches. In the Newport area clam diggers are successful at Agate beach when surf conditions allow. The daily limit for razor clams is the first 15 taken regardless of size or condition. For more information on Oregon’s razor clams, including tips on how to dig razor clams, visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/razorclams. For additional information on domoic acid visit the Oregon Department of Agriculture website at http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/shellfish_status.shtml or call their shellfish hotline at 503-986-4728 or 1-800-448-2474. A series of morning minus tides late this week and early next week should provide increased opportunity for bay and ocean beach clamming. The low tides will also provide opportunities for tide pool viewing. "All-depth" halibut fishery for the central coast management zone opens May 11 for Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. This should be one of the best Pacific halibut opportunities off the Oregon Coast in the past decade. This year’s sport halibut quota is more than 276,400 pounds for Oregon, up 4 percent from last year. Boat anglers along the central coast report good catches of black, blue and yellowtail rockfish and lingcod. Bottom fishing trips out of Depoe Bay netted about 3 to 3.5 fish per angler, Newport saw about 5 fish per angler and trips out of Charleston saw about 3.5 fish per angler. The marine daily bag limit for 2006 is six fish (including rockfish, greenling, flounder, sole, cabezon and other marine species) and two lingcod. Canary rockfish and yelloweye rockfish may not be retained. The minimum length for lingcod is 24 inches, for cabezon it is 16 inches and for greenling it is 10 inches. For complete regulations please see http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/regulations_2006-marine.pdf.
An addendum to the 2006 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations with 2006 sport groundfish regulations is available at ODFW offices and through fishing license distributors. Fishing for chinook salmon in the ocean from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain is open. Now is a good time to go whale watching on the Oregon coast. Male gray whales leave the lagoons in Mexico for their return migration shortly after mating and appear off our coast in March and early April. The females with calves wait until their calves gain some strength before leaving for the trip north. They are most often seen off the Oregon coast from late April through June. Unlike the winter migration, which is short and quick, the spring migration brings the gray whales closer to the shore so their calves can avoid being eaten by killer whales and great white sharks. Sometimes you can almost look directly down on them from the headlands. Rocky Creek, Cape Lookout, Ecola viewpoint and the large viewpoint at Neahkahnie Mountain are all good whale-watching locations. Recreational crabbing is fair in the ocean with only a few sport crabbers reporting limits. Crabbing in the central coast bays and estuaries is fair to poor with no reported limits. For sport crabbers the minimum size for Dungeness crab is 5 ¾ 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 96 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet. A shellfish license is required for taking all shellfish. A series of morning minus tides for the first few days in April should provide increased opportunity for bay and ocean beach clamming. The low tides will also provide opportunities for viewing tide pools. VIEWING Now is a good time to go whale watching on the Oregon coast. The male gray whales leave the lagoons in Mexico for their return migration shortly after mating and appear off our coast in March and early April. The females with calves wait until their calves gain some strength before leaving for the trip north. They are most often seen off the Oregon coast from late April through June. Unlike the winter migration, which is short and quick, the spring migration brings the gray whales closer to the shore so their calves can avoid being eaten by killer whales and great white sharks. Sometimes you can almost look directly down on them from the headlands. Rocky Creek, Cape Lookout, Ecola viewpoint and the large viewpoint at Neahkahnie Mountain are all good whale-watching locations.
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