(Updated Tuesday, July 16)

WILLAMETTE ZONE

Passage numbers for summer steelhead moving through the Willamette Falls fishway showed some signs of slowing down last week. The numbers remain low, in comparison to some years, but steady. The summer-run steelhead counted through July 9 total 12,381. Water conditions in the mainstem Willamette and in both forks of the Santiam are good, but pressure remains relatively light. Salmon angling effort has ended on the Lower Willamette and the shad fishery is winding down also. Counts at the falls through July 9 total 22,289 spring Chinook swimming past the viewing window at the fish ladder. Fish are spread throughout the North and South Santiams, though warmer water than usual has caused the majority of the fish to move upstream more quickly and concentrated them in the middle to upper reaches. River levels are expected to be reduced to summer lows within the next few days.

FISHING

STOCKING SCHEDULE: South Willamette Watershed District: ODFW will stock Breitenbush River, Detroit Reservoir, Leaburg Lake, McKenzie above Leaburg Lake, Salt Creek, Santiam River North Fork above Detroit Reservoir and Trail Bridge Reservoir the week of July 16.

In the North Willamette Watershed, ODFW will stock Faraday Lake, Harriet Lake and North Fork Reservoir with rainbow trout the week of July 16.

BREITENBUSH RIVER AND NORTH SANTIAM: trout

Breitenbush and North Santiam above Detroit Reservoir are both scheduled to be stocked by ODFW the week of July 16.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: chinook, steelhead, trout

Summer steelhead angling has remained fair with a bulk of the fish found above Barton. The same holds true for spring chinook. The best catches for bank anglers have been from Dog Creek up to Rivermill Dam. Boat anglers are picking up fish from Dog Creek down to Feldheimer’s. The hatchery is still experiencing some good numbers of spring chinook swimming into the trap with over 3,000 springers having returned to the hatchery so far. They have also recycled 390 summer steelhead back down to Riverside Park to give anglers another chance at them. Due to the very low water conditions overall effort is low with very few boats out on the river. The Clackamas continues to drop which was reflected in Monday’s flow reading at 901 cfs (10.78’). The color remains good with the water temperature up near 65°.

Now that summer has arrived and the weather is heating up, anglers should expect to share the river with rafters and inner tubers, particularly below Barton. Planning a fishing trip for the early morning or late evening hours is likely to leave you with less company on the river.

Bank anglers can find access to the river in the Gladstone/Cross Park area, at Carver near the mouth of Clear Creek, along Clackamas River Rd, at Barton Park, at Bonnie Lure Park, at McIver Park near Dog Creek, and from the McIver Park boat ramp on up to River Mill Dam.

Bank anglers need to be aware that with the new fish ladder at Rivermill Dam there has been a change to the angling deadline. This change is particularly noticeable on the McIver Park side of the river where a new fishway entrance was installed. The new angling deadline is clearly visible in bright yellow paint on the park side and anglers must adhere to this deadline, making sure to fish and cast downstream of the line. The new deadline is being strictly enforced by law enforcement.

Boaters should be aware that at these low summer flows many stretches of the river may only be accessible with a drift boat. Even with a drift boat or raft you could still be out walking through the thin spots. Reports of inexperienced jet sled operators hitting rocks are becoming common. This is particularly true above the Barton area.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: Rainbow Trout

The water level at Detroit Reservoir is down about six feet from full pool, but all ramps are still accessible. Anglers are still finding success by fishing below the warm surface water. Trolling at 20-30 feet with flashers and bait, or still fishing at that depth should increase chances of success. Detroit is scheduled to be stocked the week of July 16.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: Rainbow Trout

Foster Reservoir is full and still has a lot of rainbow trout available. Bass can be caught along the face of the dam or shoreline. Valley ponds and river sloughs offer good opportunities for bass and sunfish.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: kokanee, chinook

Kokanee fishing at Green Peter Reservoir remains mildly successful with fish running in the 14-15 inch range. The fish have moved into deeper water at 45-60 feet. Rainbow can be caught by fishing at shallower depths. The reservoir level is low enough that the only usable boat ramp is at Thistle Creek.

HENRY HAGG LAKE: trout, bass, crappie

With the temperatures on the rise, warm water fishing for bass and crappie is good at Henry Hagg Lake. Fishing in deep water seems to be producing results.

SUNNYSIDE POND: trout, bass, sunfish, catfish

Near Foster Reservoir. Sunnyside has been stocked with trout. Trout stocking in the valley ponds is mostly completed for the season as water is warming up. All of these ponds support several species of warmwater game fish. Success for bass, sunfish, and catfish can be had by using bait and being patient.

SANDY RIVER: steelhead, chinook

Angling on the Sandy continues to be slow for both steelhead and chinook with a few fish caught from Dodge down to Dabney. The Cedar Creek area near the hatchery has produced an occasional summer and spring chinook, but the creek is running at extremely low flows. Mainstem Sandy River water levels are very low, so boaters need to watch for submerged logs and rocks. The glacial runoff has returned to the river and the color is very cloudy and silt-laden. Fishing on the Sandy is definitely a challenge right now. The conditions on Monday showed flows had decreased again to 522 cfs (8.11’) with the river water temperature hovering near 64°. The temperature in Cedar Creek has been approaching 75° on the hot afternoons.

Anglers can access the river from many parks including Lewis and Clark, Dabney, Oxbow, and Dodge. Bank 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.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: shad, sturgeon, warmwater species

Angling effort for spring chinook appears to have ended in the lower Willamette harbor and in Oregon City. Shad angling is coming to a close also. July 16 conditions showed Willamette flows down to 6,200 cfs, a water temperature up to 77°, and the visibility at 6.1 feet.

If you are out on the river use extreme care during these low river flows. As the water levels get low, boaters need to be especially aware of “deadheads” and slightly submerged rocks that can do great damage to a boat and motor. Proceed cautiously, particularly up near the Willamette Falls area.

Please note that the Willamette River, including Multnomah Channel, is open for the retention of sturgeon under recently modified rules. Effective Feb. 1, 2007 the retention of sturgeon is allowed Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of each week until July 31, 2007. Monday through Wednesday of each week angling for sturgeon is allowed, but on a catch and release basis only. Please also note that anglers are limited to the use of only one single-point barbless hook while angling for sturgeon.

Sturgeon catches have slowed in most sections of the lower Willamette. From the lower Portland Harbor near St Johns up through the Milwaukie/Oregon City area catches of sublegal sturgeon have dominated the reports. Bank fishing for sturgeon can be found at Meldrum Bar and at the wall in downtown Oregon City. Sturgeon anglers have used smelt or herring as effective bait.

Anglers are reminded that the Willamette provides an excellent warm water fishery in the summer months. You can expect to find an abundance of bass, crappie, and bluegill available. Target the rocky outcroppings, structures, or old pilings. The local tackle shops can set you up with the right gear and direct you to the best spots.

HIGH LAKES: There are many mountain lakes available in the area for day use or overnight camping that require only a short hike in to them. The remoteness of the lake will usually dictate the degree of difficulty of the hike. The high lakes have been aerial stocked and provide an angling experience unlike the more crowded, close-in waters. Bank fishing or float-tubes are the way to fish on these small mountain lakes. Please be aware of current campfire rules, and always pack out what you pack in. Maps should be available at the local U.S. Forest Service office.

WARM WATER ANGLING: The Portland metropolitan area, as well as the entire Willamette zone, offers many warm water fishing opportunities. A variety of species, including bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and perch are available to the summertime angler. Some of the waters to try include the Columbia River, the Willamette River (including Multnomah Channel), Henry Hagg Lake, and the Salish Ponds. Please refer to the ODFW website for additional warm water angling locations.

WILLAMETTE ZONE VIEWING

Event: Dragonflies and Damselflies

Wednesday, July 18, 7:00 p.m. at Tualatin Heritage Center 8700 SW Sweek Drive.

Take some time to learn about another interesting freshwater species, the Dragonflies and Damselflies. The presentation will cover their life cycle, when and where to find them, and the different species found in the Northwest. Speaker Jim Johnson is a Portland native and amateur naturalist. For more information: (503) 885-1926, www.TualatinHistoricalSociety.org

Event: Portland Audubon Birding Event at Timberline Lodge Area

Monday, July 23, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Hike the trails above and around Timberline Lodge and explore the habitats on the slopes of Mt. Hood. Species to look for include Cassin’s Finch, Calliope Hummingbird and Black-crowned Rosy Finches. The Tour leaves Clackamas Town Center parking lot off Sunnyside Road at 8:00 a.m. Call Ron Escano (503) 771-3454 for details and to reserve a spot.

Willamette Valley

Don’t feed the ducks

Late spring through early summer is a great time to see ducklings and goslings up close in urban parks and recreational areas. While viewing waterfowl, please remember that bread and human food is difficult for birds to digest and may make them ill. So, please look, don’t feed.

Summer temperatures are heating up and that means wildlife will be in search of shade and water. Don’t be surprised if you see local wildlife in your backyard on hot days. If you prefer to keep deer and other animals out of your flowers and garden, try putting a fence around your garden or installing motion detected sprinklers and lights as a deterrent. Remember not to feed any wild animal for their safety and yours. If you see an injured or orphaned animal, leave it alone and contact your local ODFW office or Oregon State Police Department. More tips on living with wildlife can be found at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ODFWhtml/InfoCntrWild/urbanwild.pdf.

Clackamas River:

See cliff swallows nesting on mud banks of the Clackamas River. They can easily be viewed by boaters. Osprey nests are also visible from the river. Osprey are among the most specialized of hawks, hovering high over the water to spot fish and then diving head and feet first to capture their prey. Special pads on their feet help to grip the slippery fish. Information on ospreys in Oregon, http://fresc.usgs.gov/products/fs/fs-153-02.pdf

Eugene Area:

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area

ODFW’s Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is open daily during the summer months. The great weather provides ample opportunities for hiking and birdwatching. Many species of waterfowl can be easily spotted including osprey, black-necked stilts, yellow-headed blackbirds, and occasionally, pelicans. Fern Ridge Lake provides a scenic destination for wildlife viewing and a wide variety of water-based recreation. 

This is an important time of year for breeding waterfowl and other wetland dependent wildlife species so, please, keep your dogs on leash at all times until Sept. 1. Many of the birds are ground-nesting species, and it is particularly important to keep dogs under control and on leash when hiking on the wildlife area. If your dog does flush a bird from a nest or get in close proximity to a brood, please lead the dog away immediately, and try to minimize the disturbance to the birds. 

Bird checklists and maps are available at area parking lots or by contacting the Wildlife Area headquarters at (541) 935-2591. Directions to Fern Ridge. http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/fernridge.htm

Monmouth Area:

Go birdwatching at the EE Wilson Wildlife Area while the waterfowl broods and songbirds are caring for their young. Directions. http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/eewilson.htm

Portland:

While you’re at the zoo this summer make a point to stop at The Great Northwest Exhibit. Here you can walk through a native Oregon forest peppered with bears, cougars, bobcats and eagles. Get a close up look at the animals that live in our state, see what a bald eagle looks like at eye level, learn what fish are swimming in Oregon’s rivers and discover how to recognize animal tracks.

To learn more about the exhibit, visit the Oregon Zoo Web site. http://www.oregonzoo.org/Exhibits/GreatNW/main.htm

Sandy Area:

See bald eagles and osprey foraging at Rosyln Lake. An active bald eagle is nest site visible from lake.

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area:

Come out and watch young birds as they learn new skills and gain their independence. At Sauvie Island Wildlife Area, you can easily see many of the resident waterfowl trailing goslings and ducklings. In addition to the red and gold finches that are common on Sauvie Island, a Western Meadow Lark, Oregon’s state bird, has been recently spotted. The Meadow Lark is characterized by a bright yellow breast and double noted, flute-like song. Hear it sing at WhatBird.com.

A parking permit is required for the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area and can be purchased at ODFW Point of Sale vendors. A daily permit is $3.50 and an annual permit is only $11.00. Directions. http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/sauvieisland.htm

NORTHWEST ZONE

Most of the region’s rivers are providing good opportunities for cutthroat trout and there are good numbers of summer steelhead entering some rivers. As river temperatures rise fish tend to hold near cool water or shaded areas. Small spinners or spoons work well for cutthroat trout.

FISHING

NORTH COAST LAKES: Spring trout stocking is now complete for this year. Trophy trout stocking is scheduled to occur in September. Anglers should use caution when heading to Lost Lake (Clatsop County) as active logging and travel restrictions are in effect. Call the Tillamook office at 503-842-2741 or Astoria Oregon Department of Forestry 503-325-5451 for more information.

Angling for warm water species should be fair to good. Cape Meares, Lytle, Sunset, Cullaby, and Coffenbury lakes offer good opportunities for warm water fish, particularly largemouth bass.

MID COAST LAKES: Rainbow trout stocking of the Mid Coast lakes is complete for the year. Warm water fishing is good in the following lakes: Devils Lake near Lincoln City and Mercer Lake, Munsel Lake, Woahink Lake, Siltcoos Lake and Tahkenitch Lake near Florence have good populations of warm water fish species such as large mouth bass, blue gill, yellow perch, crappie, and brown bullhead. Typically good fishing occurs from late spring through early fall for these species. A variety of lures and baits can be effective with the best fishing in the morning and late afternoon hours.

WARM WATER FISH SPECIES: Devils Lake near Lincoln City and Mercer Lake, Munsel Lake, Woahink Lake, Siltcoos Lake and Tahkenitch Lake near Florence have good populations of warm water fish species such as large mouth bass, blue gill, yellow perch, crappie, and brown bullhead. Typically good fishing occurs from late spring through early fall for these species. A variety of lures and baits can be effective with the best fishing in the morning and late afternoon hours.

ALSEA RIVER: cutthroat trout

Anglers can expect fair to good fishing for cutthroat trout throughout the Alsea River Basin. Sea run cutthroat, also known as Bluebacks, have started to return. Anglers should concentrate in upper tidewater and the lower river area. As river temperatures rise fish tend to hold near cool water or shaded areas. Small spinners or spoons work well for cutthroat trout. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?TIDO3

NECANICUM RIVER: cutthroat trout

Catch and release angling for sea-run cutthroat is fair to good. More fish should be entering the river.

NEHALEM RIVER AND NORTH FORK NEHALEM RIVER: chinook, cutthroat trout

Angling for chinook in Nehalem Bay is slow. A few chinook have been caught in the ocean near the mouth of the bay. Best bet would be trolling herring near the mouth on an incoming tide. Catches should improve later in July. Catch and release cutthroat trout fishing should be good. Casting or trolling small lures or flies in the estuary should be effective for fish fresh in from saltwater.

NESTUCCA RIVER: chinook, steelhead, trout

Angling for spring chinook and summer steelhead is slow. Good numbers of summer steelhead are entering the river, and are visible in the low, clear water. Use light gear for best results. Catch and release fishing for cutthroat trout should be good. Sea-run cutthroat should begin entering the river in good numbers. Three Rivers is closed to angling below the hatchery July 1-September 30. You may check river levels at http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=pqr.

SALMON RIVER: cutthroat trout

Anglers can expect fair to good fishing for resident cutthroat trout. Sea run cutthroat are starting to show tide water and the lower portions of the mainstem river. Small spoons and spinners are very effective.

SILETZ RIVER: steelhead, cutthroat trout

Steelhead fishing is fair to good in the upper river from Moonshine Park to the fishing deadline. Good numbers of summer steelhead are returning. Bank fishing is currently the most effective because of low summer flows. Anglers are using a variety of baits, jigs, spoons and spinners with the best success in the morning and evening hours or during or just after a rain event. Resident cutthroat trout angling is good throughout the mainstem and tributaries. Sea run cutthroat are starting to show in the lower portions of the river. As river temperatures rise, fish tend to hold near cool water sources and shaded areas. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?SILO3

SIUSLAW RIVER: cutthroat trout

Resident cutthroat trout fishing is good throughout the mainstem and tributaries. Sea run cutthroat, sometimes called Bluebacks, are starting to show in tidewater and the lower river areas. Small spinners or spoons work well for cutthroat trout. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?MPLO3.

WILSON AND TRASK RIVERS: steelhead, chinook, cutthroat trout

Angling for spring chinook and summer steelhead is slow. Rivers are low and clear. Spring chinook will be concentrated in the lower rivers, but steelhead will be more spread out. Use light gear and small lures or bait, and fish early or late in the day for best results. Catch and release fishing for sea-run cutthroat trout should be good. Check river levels at http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=pqr prior to fishing.

YAQUINA RIVER: cutthroat trout

Resident cutthroat trout fishing is fair to good throughout the mainstem and tributaries. Sea run cutthroat trout are starting to show in upper tidewater and the lower river sections. Small spinners or spoons on light rods and line work well for cutthroat trout.

Northwest Zone Viewing

North Coast

Headed for Seaside this summer? Newly mowed fields let you see more elk.

The meadows along Highway 202 at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area have been recently mowed, increasing opportunity for elk viewing, especially for calves. With shorter vegetation, elk are more visible when in the open meadows. Best viewing times are limited to early morning and late evening. Wildlife Area staff mow the meadows annually to remove mature vegetation and promote fall re-growth to provide forage for the elk in the winter. 

Get directions to the wildlife area. http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/jewellmeodows.htm

Twilight illuminates night owls

Wildlife viewing just after sundown gives the viewer access to a whole new suite of species that are just beginning their activity cycle. Owls, bats, small mammals and predators like bobcats are active almost exclusively at night but begin their emergence while viewing conditions are still quite good.

Look for common nighthawks in the twilight summer sky, hunting insects in the early evening over towns, fields and clearings. Nighthawks are dark overall with white wing patches and can be distinguished from other evening insect hunters (swallows, swifts and early-emerging bats) by their relatively large size—they have a wingspan of nearly two feet. Active all night, nighthawks roost during the day on the ground or lengthwise along a tree branch, where they are well camouflaged.

Spotting raptors

Two of the more uncommon raptors (birds of prey) seen on the north coast in the summer are the osprey and the white-tailed kite. Both are usually present during the summer but take a little effort to find. Osprey nest in several areas along the coast and are best located by looking near lakes with numbers of standing snags near the shoreline. Osprey are among the most specialized of hawks, hovering high over the water to spot fish and then diving head and feet first to capture their prey. Special pads on their feet help to grip the slippery fish.

Kites may be found most often in open fields and marshy areas with widely-scattered trees and fence posts. They will hover in place before swooping down, wings raised, to capture small rodents. Kestrels have the same hunting habit, but kites are a bit larger and are very distinctive being mostly white with black shoulder patches. Both osprey and white-tailed kites superficially resemble gulls when in flight, being mostly white (the osprey only from below) with a few dark patches, and both can be very vocal when on the wing. For more information on white-tailed kites, http://www.audubonportland.org/trips_classes_camps/junioraudubonclub/bird_month/white_tailed_kite

Listen for Songbirds

Songbirds can be heard throughout forests on the north coast during the summer. By now, most breeding songbirds have fledged their young, but are still present and vocal. Don’t forget clearcuts with snags or leave trees in them; they can host an entirely different suite of birds than older forests do.

Arch Cape:

There are some great seabird nesting colonies on the coast, including Castle Rock west of Arch Cape. Castle Rock is a sea stack off Hug Point.

Clatskanie:

Visitors are taking advantage of the newest nature trail at Gnat Creek Hatchery. The 2-mile trail is great for mountain biking and hiking. While on the trail, keep an eye out for sea-run cutthroat trout that are visible in the Barrier Falls pool and all the way up to the hatchery.

On the new trail, you may also get the chance to watch American dippers. These unusual birds, sometimes called water ouzels, actually forage underwater. Whether wading, walking on the bottom, or swimming through the water, dippers eat aquatic insects, snails, fish eggs and small fish. To see photos and hear a bird call, visit

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Dipper.html#sound

Seaside Area

Visit Jewel Meadows Wildlife area. Get directions, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/jewellmeodows.htm

Tillamook Area

Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge is a collection of several nearshore rocks located near Oceanside. Not only is it home to the largest and most diverse seabird colony in Oregon, it also supports a breeding population of Steller sea lions. Currently, hundreds of thousands of seabirds, including murres, auklets and puffins are completing nesting and rearing of young there. A good spotting scope is very helpful for viewing. Other great seabird nesting colonies include Pyramid Rock west of Cape Meares and Castle Rock west of Arch Cape. More information, http://www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/3archrocks/

Yaquina Bay

Harlequin ducks are often sighted at the Yaquina Bay south jetty and at Seal Rocks. Numerous species of waterfowl and shorebirds are actively feeding in and around coastal estuaries and lakes. 

Summer is a great time to visit Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area to see colonial nesting birds such as Common Murre, Brandt's Cormorant and Pigeon Guillemot. Nearby shores and rocky beaches are good locations for spotting Harbor Seal and California Sea Lion. The Historic Lighthouse just off Hwy 101 is a great place to view migrating Gray whales. The trail leading to the tide pools is ADA accessible.

SOUTHWEST ZONE

Due to the low spring chinook run this year, emergency regulations went into effect June 21 on the Rogue River to protect wild spring chinook salmon.

From Gold Ray Dam to Rogue Elk boat ramp: July 1-October 31, closed to all chinook salmon angling.

From Rogue Elk ramp to Cole Rivers Hatchery dam: June 21-July 31, closed to harvest of nonadipose fin-clipped chinook salmon; August 1-October 31 closed to all chinook salmon angling.

FISHING

AGATE LAKE: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, bullhead

Fishing has been good for largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. Fishing will probably be best during mornings and evenings as the weather heats up.

APPLEGATE RIVER: trout

Open for trout.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Angling has been good for trout, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. Fishing will probably be best during mornings and evenings as the weather heats up. Find sunken or overhanging trees to catch fish on Sinkos and small jigs.

BABYFOOT LAKE: rainbow trout

Access is by forest service trail located off Eight Dollar Road. The trail is 1 mile long. Flies or small spinners tend to work the best for 12-14 inch rainbows. Anglers wanting to fish the lake should contact the USFS Ranger District office located in Cave Junction for maps and road closure information. Fishing conditions will be excellent all summer.

BURMA POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass

Angling for rainbow trout is good. Largemouth bass and panfish are also available.  The water level in the pond has been lowered to facilitate repairs to the dam and will remain low through the summer.

CHETCO RIVER: cutthroat trout

Access is excellent for bank and boat anglers. Cutthroat fishing is excellent, and should remain excellent all summer. Anglers wishing a wilderness experience can access the upper Chetco River Watershed at several trail heads. Anglers should contact the USFS Ranger District office in Brookings for maps and trail conditions. Spinners or flies tend to work the best.

COOS COUNTY LAKES: trout, bass

Local lake water temperatures will start to rise as we get into summer. Anglers should concentrate their efforts in the morning and evening. Trout may become more difficult to catch but bass and other warmwater fish should be good through the summer. Warmwater fishing is good with nice bass being caught at Tenmile Lakes. Anglers should consider Eel Lake for bass also. The shores are undeveloped and boats have a 10 mph limit creating a peaceful setting for fishing. There is a trail along the southeast shore providing bank access and a fishing dock near the boatramp accessible to all abilities.

COOS RIVER BASIN: shad, trout

Trout angling is open with anglers restricted to flies and lures only if fishing streams above tidewater. Surf perch and other marine fish are available in Coos Bay. Anglers should concentrate around rock structure or pilings.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: chinook salmon, striped bass

Striped bass are available in the Coquille estuary, anglers usually do better fishing after dark. Sand shrimp and large plugs that immitate small fish can be effective with most fishing taking place up to Arago. The dike at Johnson Mill Pond can be a good place to catch stripers. No Chinook salmon catches have been reported yet, but the first Chinook in the Coquille is usually caught in mid-July. Salmon should start showing up there soon.

DIAMOND LAKE: rainbow trout,

Fishing has slowed a little at the lake; the water clarity is the best that it has been in many years. Boat anglers are still catching some limits of fish. The fish have spread throughout the lake and the best fishing is occurring on the west side of the lake and near the mouth of Silent Creek. Boat anglers were doing well anchored up and waiting for the fish to find the bait, although with the improved water conditions trolling has improved. Power bait has been the most effective. Anglers need to remember that the limit is five fish per day, and only one trout over 20” may be harvested per day.

DUTCH HERMAN POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill

Fishing should be good.

EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Angling for rainbow trout, bass, and panfish should be good. Fishing will probably be best during mornings and evenings as the weather heats up.

EXPO POND: rainbow trout, bass, panfish

Fishing for trout, bass, and panfish should be good. Fishing will probably be best during mornings and evenings as the weather heats up.

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout

Fishing for stocked rainbow trout has been good.

GARRISON LAKE: trout, largemouth bass

The boat access is off the 12th street boat ramp. Bank access is limited to Tseriadun State Park, 12th street boat ramp, Silver Butte Road and Arizona Street. Weed growth will limit bank angling. Good numbers of trophy trout and cutthroat are still available mainly on the north end of the lake. Some largemouth bass can be caught out of the mill pond on the east side of Arizona Street in Port Orford.

HOWARD PRAIRIE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass

Anglers are catching a few large, hold-over rainbow trout, as well as the recently planted legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing for largemouth bass should be good.

HYATT RESERVOIR:  rainbow trout, largemouth bass

Anglers are catching a few large, hold-over rainbow trout, as well as the recently planted legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing for largemouth bass should be improving with the warmer weather. Smaller size largemouth are plentiful and easy to catch.

ILLINOIS RIVER: trout, steelhead

Open for trout and steelhead; however, fishing is slow.

LAIRD LAKE: trout

Located approximately 15 miles up Elk River road. The road is gravel for the last 8 miles. The lake is small with a lot of woody material. Bank access is good, with a float tube or small inflatable boat a good choice. The lake is stock biannually with trout. Small spinners or single eggs are the best bait.

LAKE SELMAC: trout, bass

Fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and bullheads has been good. Fishing will probably be best during mornings and evenings as the weather heats up.

LEMOLO LAKE: brown trout, rainbow trout

There is a blue green algae warning in effect for Lemolo. The lake is still open for camping and fishing. Fishing is very slow at this time as water temperatures continue to increase.

LIBBY POND: trout

Located approximately 8 miles up the north bank of Rogue River Road. Bank access is excellent. No boats are allowed. Trout are stocked several times in the spring with fishing winding down in June as water temperatures get to high. Power bait fished just off the bottom is the lure of choice with most anglers.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, smallmouth bass

Fishing for trout and smallmouth bass has been fair. A few smallmouth are being taken. One over 4 pounds was weighed Saturday. Trout fishing is fair on upper stretches of the lake, near and above the bridge

MEDCO POND: trout, largemouth bass, panfish

Fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and panfish should be good. 

PACIFIC OCEAN & BEACHES: chinook, halibut, tuna

The selective coho season in the ocean from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain is open now. Ocean salmon fishing is improving and should continue to get better over the next couple weeks. Tuna fishing has been good out of Coos Bay when the weather cooperates. Tuna trips still require a long boat ride in the ocean. Anglers should be cautious with the weather and ocean conditions. It is best to buddy up with other boats in case of mechanical problems. Bottom fishing has slowed some and a lot of the effort has switched to salmon, but fish are still available. Another all-depth halibut opener is scheduled for July 19-21. Surfperch anglers should concentrate on steep beaches or small streams entering the ocean. Surfperch can also be found along jetties and pile structures. Sand shrimp, clam necks, mussels, and marine worms are all popular choices for bait. Striped bass occasionally surprise surf fishers also.

POWERS POND: bass

Low dissolved oxygen likley caused a fish kill at Powers Pond in late June. The pond is recovering and some trout have been reported recently. Bass and other warm water fish should also be available. Trout stocking will resume in the spring.

REINHART PARK POND: trout, bass

Fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and panfish should be good. Fishing will probably be best during mornings and evenings as the weather heats up.

ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: spring chinook, steelhead

Spring chinook fishing is winding down. Water temperatures are expected to jump this week with warming valley temperatures. Anglers targeting spring chinook should fish at first light. The first reported summer steelhead came in last week. Anglers can expect summer steelhead fishing to be fair in June, with August and September the best months.

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: chinook, trout, steelhead

Flows were 1680 cubic feet per second at Grants Pass as of Monday morning. Summer steelhead are being caught at Baker Park, below Caveman Bridge, and above Schroeder Park. Successful bank anglers are using nightcrawlers and dark corkies, like black with green spots. Boat anglers side-drifting pink corkies or pulling small plugs like Hot Shots or crayfish patterns are having success. Panther Martins are also catching fish. Only adipose fin clipped steelhead may be harvested. Due to the low spring chinook run this year, emergency regulations went into effect on June 21 to protect the wild spring chinook salmon. The Rogue River will be closed to harvest of non-adipose fin-clipped chinook salmon through July 31 from Whiskey Creek to Hog Creek boat landing and through August 14 from Hog Creek boat landing to Gold Ray Dam. The Rogue River is now open to trout angling; however, only adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout may be kept.

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: chinook, trout, steelhead

Anglers are reminded that due to the low spring chinook run this year, emergency regulations went into effect on June 21 to protect the wild spring chinook salmon. From Gold Ray Dam to Rogue Elk boat Ramp; July 1-Oct. 31, closed to all chinook salmon angling. From Rogue Elk ramp to Cole Rivers Hatchery dam: June 21-July 31, closed to harvest of nonadipose fin-clipped chinook salmon; August 1-October 31,closed to all chinook salmon angling. Angling for spring chinook has been fair, with the best chance for success occurring early or late in the day. Anglers are starting to catch a few summer steelhead by side drifting roe. The number of chinook and steelhead moving into the upper river has remained low. A total of 9299 spring chinook salmon and 1173 summer steelhead have been counted at Gold Ray Dam as of July 9. The outflows from Lost Creek Reservoir were 1703 cubic feet per second and the outflow temperature was 51oF as of Monday morning. The Rogue River is open to trout angling; however, only adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout may be kept. Trout fishing has been good on flies, spinners and nightcrawlers with occasional large cutthroat being caught.

ROGUE RIVER, ABOVE LOST CREEK DAM: rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout

Legal-sized rainbow will be stocked again at most of the campgrounds and major access points along the river between Prospect and Minnehaha Creek. Brook trout and a few brown trout are available as well.

SODA SPRINGS RESERVOIR: brown and rainbow trout

Soda Springs reservoir is open all year round for brown and rainbow trout. The road to Soda Springs dam is currently closed due to a high volume of dump trucks and heavy equipment. At this time the only access into the reservoir is at Medicine Creek bridge.

SMITH RIVER: striped bass, cutthroat trout

Trout season is open on Smith River and fishing should be good. Small spinners and rooster tails generally work the best. Mainstem Smith River below Sisters Creek is catch and release only on trout. Tributaries and the mainstem above Sisters is open for harvest of trout

SOUTH COAST LAKES AND PONDS: trout

Garrison Lake is still the number one choice for trout anglers. The fish seem to be concentrated on the North side of the lake. Anglers will need to fish a boat to keep outside the weed line.

SOUTH COAST STREAMS: cutthroat trout, steelhead smolts

Conditions are excellent. Anglers can expect a mix of post spawn sea run cutthroat and steelhead smolts. Both of which are activily feeding on chinook fry and sculpins. The best action is early morning and evening. Anglers are reminded to carefully release all undersized fish.

SOUTH COAST BEACHES: perch

Perch fishing has been good.  Anglers should keep an eye on surf conditions and tides before heading out.  Usually the best perch fishing in on an incoming tide. 

SPAULDING POND: rainbow trout

Fishing is good for stocked rainbow trout. 

TENMILE BASIN: trout

Trout season is now open.

TOKETEE LAKE: brown trout

Fishing is open in Toketee all year round. As water temperatures slowly increase German Brown fishing will improve.

UMPQUA ESTUARY: sturgeon

Sturgeon fishing has been slow, some green sturgeon are being picked up in the Big Bend area. Crabbing is finally beginning to pick up with some limits being caught.

UMPQUA HIGH LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

A number of the high lakes, with truck access, have been stocked. Horseback high lake stocking will begin this week. Fish will be stocked into lakes that have hiking access only. Fishing in these lakes should be good and there should be large numbers of holdovers also. Many of the wilderness lakes are open and fishing for eastern brook trout is good. Check with the local Forest Service ranger districts on road conditions.

UMPQUA RIVER MAINSTEM: shad, bass

Shad fishing was slow this year and the run is past its peak. For those who wish to continue fishing for shad, Sawyers Rapids is the place to go. Shad can be caught at the rapids through August. Smallmouth fishing is good; worms and crawfish plugs are working the best. Remember this section of the river is closed to wild steelhead retention.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead

Spring chinook and summer steelhead numbers crossing at Winchester Dam have slowed. Fishing remains sporadic, with some spring chinook and summer steelhead being harvested in the Rock Creek area. Winchester Dam counts show that 5,159 spring chinook and 607 summer steelhead have passed over the dam through June 15th

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: trout, bass

The South Umpqua is open for trout season. Smallmouth bass fishing is very good right now, and will only get better as stream flows continue to drop.

WILLOW LAKE: trout, bass

Angling for trout, bass and other warmwater fish is good. 

WINCHESTER BAY: sturgeon

Crabbing has been slow but should improve as smaller crabs grow to legal size. Sturgeon fishing has also been slow but should improve as more food enters the estuary.

SHELLFISH

Clams and mussel harvesting south of the Siuslaw River closed July 3 due to elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins. Crab are not affected by this level of toxin and are safe to eat. ALWAYS CHECK FOR HEALTH ADVISORIES by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Shellfish line at 1-800-448-2474 for updates. For more information about razor clams and current status of particular areas see the ODFW razor clam web page at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/razorclams

Crabbing is fair to good in the ocean but bay crabbing remains slow. Crab are likely to be soft now due to the molt. Anglers are encouraged to check the hardness of the crab and throw back soft crab with little meat in them. The COOS BAY shoals (20-30 feet deep) along the inside of the North Spit from Empire to Charleston is a good area for crabbing. Public crabbing docks can be found in Winchester Bay, Bandon, Charleston, and Empire.

For information about bay clams: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/bayclams/

SOUTHWEST Zone Viewing

Coos County

This week, Biologist Stuart Love reports on band-tailed pigeons and black bears.

Starting about this time and continuing through late summer band-tailed pigeons frequent certain springs along the coast that have high calcium in the water—mineral springs. Likely, the nesting birds are making up for a calcium deficiency in the food they are able to get now. Pigeons visit springs in morning and evening and can congregate in very large numbers. See photos and listen to the call of band-tailed pigeons, http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Band-tailed_Pigeon.html#fig1

Blackberries, a top priority food item for bears, will soon be ripening—in some spots they are already ripe. People interested in seeing black bears should begin watching for sign around secluded black berry patches. Although black bears are elusive animals, those wishing to see them may have some luck using binoculars or spotting scopes to watch forest openings.

Stuart also said that several off-shore fishermen are reporting seeing pelagic birds like albatross closer to shore that usual. This could be due to warm water moving closer to shore due to wind currents.

Other South Coast viewing opportunities

California brown pelican numbers are increasing along the coastline and in bays. This is the time of year that non-nesting adults begin to congregate in larger numbers. Information about the species can be found on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Web site, http://www.fws.gov/oregonfwo/Species/Data/BrownPelican/default.asp

Bait fish (herring, anchovies and sardines) are appearing close to shore and in bays. This attracts seabirds like murres, gulls, and pelicans that feed on the fish. Watching a group of pelicans dive on a school of bait fish can be spectacular. Good places to see this activity are any of the local bays or various view points along the coast line.

 

For good wildlife viewing, visit Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area located east of Reedsport on Hwy. 38 and Bandon National Wildlife Refuge near Bandon. For more information. http://www.co.douglas.or.us/countyinfo/elk.html

Other migrants to be aware of are shorebirds. Various species of sand pipers, plovers and other shore birds are appearing in bays, wetlands and along beaches as they migrate north. These birds can be very entertaining to watch as they dart around feeding. Occasionally, large groups of black brant can be seen resting in local bays on their migration north.

Central Point Area

Denman Wildlife Management Area

The area provides a covered viewing station with 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. For directions, visit the ODFW Web site, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/denman.htm

Grants Pass Area

Lake Selmac is a great place to see waterfowl, eagles, osprey and other lake shore birds. Directions from Grants Pass, take Hwy 199 west about 12 miles to lake turn off sign at Lakeshore Drive. Turn left, follow to lake.

Trail

Lost Creek Lake provides 30 miles of trails which includes portions of the Rogue River National Recreation Trail. Along the lake and river banks a wide variety of wildlife and wild flowers can be observed. Deer may be seen early in the morning and late evenings along water ways. A brochure of the trail system can be picked up at federal land agency and visitor centers in the area.

CENTRAL ZONE

Attention campers, anglers, boaters: recent fires on the lower six miles of the Deschutes River have limited camping opportunities for the rest of the summer.

FISHING

ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Angling for rainbow trout is poor. Water temperature is warm and fish are concentrated in the deeper water and lethargic. Opportunities should pick up in the fall.

BIG LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout

Big Lava Lake anglers continue to have fair success on 13 n 16 inch rainbows.

CLEAR LAKE: rainbow trout

Clear Lake has been stocked several times this spring with both legal and trophy sized rainbow trout. Fishing should remain good as long reservoir levels remain full.

CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

The bite at Crane Prairie has picked up with a number of 10 n 12 inch rainbows being caught on top of the occasional 20 inch rainbow trout. Crane Prairie has been fishing steady. Some folks are able to catch several fish a day and other more.

CRESCENT LAKE: brown trout, kokanee

No report as of July 10, 2007.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout

Opportunities for rainbow trout are fair. Recent surveys indicate the trout population remains low compared to previous years. Whitefish are very abundant. Anglers are encouraged to harvest this highly edible game fish.

CULTUS LAKE:

Reports of good success for rainbow trout.

DAVIS LAKE: largemouth bass, redband trout

Anglers are having fair success catching largemouth bass and an occasional redband trout.

DESCHUTES RIVER: Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls: No anglers were observed on the river as basis for a report. This is a good time to fish the middle Deschutes for brown trout and rainbow trout.

Trout Anglers: Fly anglers in the Warm Springs Area continue to find good success on the tail end of the salmonfly and golden stone hatch. Downstream of Trout Creek fly anglers should begin focusing on nymphs and other hatches such as caddis or mayflies. Anglers should focus their attention near the river bank or in back eddies. Angers are reminded that extremely warm temperatures may trigger glacial melting on the White River, and fishing conditions in the Deschutes downstream of White River may be less than optimal due to turbid waters.

Spring Chinook: Fishing has slowed considerably in the Sherars Falls area. The bulk of the catch is beginning to be comprised of jacks, indicating most of the run has likely past upstream.

Benham Falls to Wickiup Reservoir: Reports of some nice brown trout being caught in this reach.

Wickiup to Crane Prairie Reservoir:

No report as of July 10, 2007.

Crane Prairie to Little Lava Lake: No reports on success for this reach of river.

EAST LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout

Anglers are reportedly catching rainbow trout, brown trout and Atlantic salmon.

ELK LAKE: brook trout, kokanee

No report as of July 10, 2007

FALL RIVER:

Anglers are reporting fair to good success. .

FROG LAKE: rainbow trout

Frog Lake was recently stocked with legal and trophy sized hatchery rainbow trout. Anglers should expect good success.

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

Opportunities for 12-18 inch rainbow and brown trout are poor.

HOOD RIVER: spring chinook, summer steelhead

Early return summer steelhead are beginning to show up in decent numbers in the creel and at Powerdale Dam. The ODFW operates a “recycling” program for hatchery origin summer steelhead, retuning them to the mouth of the river after they are captured at Powerdale Dam. Anglers are finding steelhead success using nearly all traditional steelhead techniques.

HOSMER LAKE:

Anglers are reporting that action is on the slow side.

LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: bull trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, smallmouth bass Kokanee angling has been picking up with good catches reported in all three arms of the reservoir. Fish are larger this year with the average size 12-14 inches.

LAKE SIMTUSTUS: rainbow trout

Opportunities for 8-10 inch rainbow trout are excellent. A limited number of carryover trout from 14-18 inches are also available. Tribal angling permit as well as State license is required.

LAURANCE LAKE: rainbow trout, smallmouth bass

Laurance Lake has been stocked with fin clipped hatchery rainbow trout. Anglers should find good success on both hatchery trout, and naturally produced wild trout. Anglers are reminded that only artificial flies and lures are allowed, and only fin-clipped trout can be kept. Anglers are encouraged to keep all smallmouth bass caught.

LITTLE LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout

Angling is reportedly good rainbow trout and brook trout being caught.

LOST LAKE: rainbow trout

Lost Lake has been recently stocked with legal and trophy sized hatchery rainbow trout. Some naturally produced brown trout are also available for anglers. Anglers should focus on the shallower shoal areas for best success.

METOLIUS RIVER: No report as of July 3, 2007.

NORTH TWIN: rainbow trout

Angling is still has picked up for rainbow trout.

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Opportunities for 12-16 inch rainbow trout are fair to good. Black crappie angling has been excellent. Anglers should target areas with cover near the shoreline.

ODELL LAKE: kokanee

Odell has slowed for kokanee though the lake trout fishery has reportedly picked up. Kokanee are running 9 to 12 inches in length.

PAULINA LAKE: kokanee, brown trout

The kokanee are biting well in the mornings. Anglers are reporting good catches of kokanee up to 14 inches in length. The brown trout and rainbow trout are in the shallows going after the blue chub and are said to be biting well.

PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Pine Hollow Reservoir was stocked several times with legal and trophy size hatchery rainbow. Warm water anglers should begin finding good success as temperatures warm.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Opportunities for 12-16 inch rainbow trout are fair to good.

ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Rock Creek Reservoir has been stocked several times with legal and trophy size hatchery rainbow. Fishing should remain good until reservoir levels begin dropping.

SOUTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout

The weekend fishing report on South Twin was good for rainbow trout.

SUTTLE LAKE. No reports from anglers as of July 3, 2007.

WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout

Opportunities for legal sized rainbow trout are excellent. Walton was stocked with rainbow trout from 8-14 inches at the end of June.

WICKIUP RESERVOIR: kokanee, brown trout

Wickiup Reservoir anglers are reporting the kokanee angling is slow. Some nice browns have also been showing up in the creel.

CENTRAL ZONE VIEWING

 

July’s Woodpeckers

In July, visitors and residents in Deschutes County have an opportunity to view some of the state’s most sought after woodpeckers. Look in recent burn areas for Lewis’s woodpecker, namesake of explorer Meriwether Lewis—a dark-winged bird with pink belly and red face. Shevlin Park near Bend also provides a good opportunity to view the species.

White-headed woodpeckers along with olive-sided flycatchers and several species of warblers are regularly seen at Cold Springs Campground, four miles west of Sisters on OR 242.

See photos and hear calls:

Lewis’s woodpecker, http://www.birds.cornell.edu/bfl/speciesaccts/lewwoo.html

White-headed woodpecker, http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/185/_/White-headed_Woodpecker.aspx

Watch Raptors Hunt

Young raptors are on the wing in Central Oregon. Look for red-tailed, Swainson’s and ferruginous hawks in agricultural areas—especially newly-cut alpha fields—and watch these fascinating birds hunt. Go to Fort Rock State Natural Area and Christmas Valley, about 70 and 90 miles southeast of Bend, respectively, to see the action. Agency Plains, north of Madras, is also a good viewing site

See Young Deer and Elk

Visitors to the White River Wildlife Area, about 35 miles south of The Dalles, may be able to see young deer and elk this time of year. Elk calves and blacktail deer fawns are now getting large enough that they are traveling with their mothers. Remember that if you do encounter any young wildlife, view them from a distance and do not get between a mother and her young. For directions, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/whiteriver.htm

Here are some other great places to visit.

Bend Area

Visit Pilot Butte Park in Bend to see large flocks of pinyon jays. The park is an old cinder cone that provides several hiking trails through stands of juniper and sage. Best viewing is in the juniper rangeland. The view from the top of the butte is worth the trip—a panorama of the high desert. More information about the park, http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_42.php

Hear the call of a pinyon jay and see a photo, http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/80/_/Pinyon_Jay.aspx

Prineville Area

Note to visitors to the Prineville and Bend areas:  Fire danger is increasing. Contact the Bureau of Land Management in Prineville (541) 416-6700, Ochoco National Forest (541) 416-6500 or Deschutes National Forest (541) 383-4000 for latest fire restrictions that could effect camping and access around Bend and Prineville.

The Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Management area offers opportunities to see a wide variety of waterfowl, some shorebirds and raptors including bald and golden eagles and osprey.

Prineville Wildlife Biologist Brian Ferry suggests visitors to Central Oregon visit Rimrock Springs Wildlife Management Area, a wildlife oasis. Located along highway 26 between Prineville and Madras, the area has been developed to provide habitat for waterfowl, upland game birds, songbirds and raptors—look for golden eagles, red-tailed hawks and great horned owls. The rich insect life attracts bats, swallows and nighthawks.

There is a has a interpretive trail (with an ADA-approved portion) and two blinds where the public can view a variety of waterfowl, upland game birds, raptors, shorebirds and large and small mammals—often including mule deer, pronghorn (antelope), beaver, muskrat, jackrabbits, cottontail rabbits, round squirrels and chipmunks.

More information.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/wildlife/sites/29-rimrocksprings.shtml

The Dalles

Attention campers, anglers, boaters: recent fires on the lower six miles of the Deschutes River have limited camping opportunities for the rest of the summer.

Viewing opportunities abound in and around The Dalles and the Gorge through late spring and summer. Outdoor enthusiasts can find a wide variety of species and habitats. Popular destinations include hiking through the Columbia River Gorge, where visitors can find a wide variety of song birds, mammals and raptors. To gain more diversity, plan your outings to incorporate more than one habitat type.

California bighorn sheep can be viewed almost year round on the lower 34 miles of the Deschutes River between Beavertail and Harris Canyon.

A lone male Rocky Mountain goat that took up residence along I-84 east of The Dalles is still in the area. It can generally be spotted south of the freeway between mile posts 90 and 93. “It’s probably just on a walk-about,” said the local biologist.

Rocky Mountain goats are native only to the rugged mountains of western North America. The presence of mountain goats in Oregon prior to European settlement is supported by archeological evidence in Hells Canyon. Rocky Mountain goats were apparently extirpated from Oregon prior to European settlement. Since that time ODFW staff has reintroduced the species into the Wallowa and Elkhorn Mountains where herds have been successfully established. It is estimated there are about 700 Rocky Mountain goats in Oregon?200 in the Elkhorn Mountains and 500 in Wallowa County, primarily in the Wallowa Mountains.

To see a photo and learn more.

http://www.enature.com/fieldguides/detail.asp?recnum=MA0041

SOUTHEAST ZONE

The Egley Complex wildfires, burning in northern Harney County, are creating smoky conditions in the Burns area at this time. Due to these fires public access is currently prohibited on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District of the Malheur National Forest (including BLM lands) west of State Highway 395, except for Joaquin Miller Campground. Other road closures are in effect in the Calamity Butte area. For a complete list of fire closures in the area as well as an update on their current status call the Burns Interagency Fire Zone at 541 573-4519 or the Malheur National Forest at 541 575-3000.

Contact Klamath Watershed Office (541) 883-5732, the Hines Office (541) 573-6582, or the La Grande Office (541) 963-2138 for more information on fishing opportunities. See website below for a stocking schedule for the Klamath-Malheur watersheds http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ODFWhtml/InfoCntrFish/trout_stocking_sched/2007/southeast/Klamath Malhuer.html.

FISHING

ANA RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, hybrid bass

Angling for rainbow trout has been fair. Most angling occurs from the bank using bait. Angling for hybrid bass has been slow. The reservoir is full. 

ANA RIVER: rainbow trout

Angling for rainbow trout has been slow. Look for rising trout in shaded areas of the river or wait until overcast days to fish over rising fish. Fingerling rainbow trout below the dam will take most bait and flies which make it difficult to catch larger fish. These fish can be very spooky so stealth is required. Bait angling is allowed and productive.

ANTHONY LAKES: rainbow trout, brook trout

Was re-stocked with legal rainbows week of July 16. Should be good for rainbows and brook trout.

BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, whitefish, bull trout

The reservoir was 34 percent full on July 15, and inflow was 31 cfs. Fishing is slow. A new fire started last week west of Juntura. Check with the Vale BLM for current road closures.

BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

The reservoir has dried completely in recent years, angling for last years rainbow trout is good. The reservoir is at half-full and declining.

BLITZEN RIVER: trout

Fair angling for redband trout. Flow fluctuated between approximately 42 and 55 cfs from July 9-July 16. Flow was 42 cfs July 16.

BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: bass, white crappie, yellow perch, catfish, and trout.

The reservoir was 37 percent full on July 15. Angling for warmwater fish is fair.

BURNS POND: trout, bass

The pond was stocked with rainbow trout in early June. Slow to fair angling for 8 to 12 inch rainbow trout using spoons, spinners, or powerbait. No angling report for bass.

CAMPBELL/DEADHORSE: rainbow trout and brook trout

Access to these lakes is open and fishing has been good. Both lakes have been stocked with legal and rainbow trout over the 4th of July holiday.

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout

Chickahominy Reservoir is closed to public access. The campground is being used as a staging area to fight fire.

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout

River flows are decreasing and water temperatures are high. Look for fishing to be best in the early mornings.

COTTONWOOD MEADOWS LAKE: Rainbow trout and brook trout

Access is open, fishing has been fair. Aquatic vegetation growth in the lake makes angling difficult with bait and from the shore

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: redband trout

Angling is slow with increasing water temperatures. The best method for fishing Cottonwood Reservoir is angling from the dam or trolling minnow imitations (spoons and deceiver flies) from a boat. Cottonwood Reservoir is not stocked and the fish you catch are native redband trout produced in Cottonwood Creek.

DELINTMENT LAKE: trout

This portion of the Emigrant Creek Ranger District is closed to public access because of fire.

DEEP CREEK: redband trout

Angling is fair for redband trout. Flows are low

DOG LAKE: largemouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead

Fishing for bass has been slow, but numerous large bass have been caught recently out of Dog to make it worth the effort.

DUNCAN RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Angling for rainbow trout has been slow. The reservoir has lots of vegetation on the south end which makes for difficult angling. The fingerling rainbow trout make up most of the catch and make catching larger fish difficult.

EAGLE CREEK and TRIBUTARIES: trout

Has been good for trout and was stocked twice in July.

FISH LAKE (Steens Mountain): brook trout, rainbow trout

The lake was stocked with rainbow trout in June. The loop road is open around the entire mountain. Angling should be fair to good for 8 to 14 inch brook trout and rainbow trout. Fly anglers usually have the best success using small nymphs. Spinners and bait should also work well.

FOURMILE LAKE: kokanee, lake Trout, rainbow trout, brook trout

Access is open to Fourmile Lake and the campground is open. The lake is full and launching boats is a tight fit due the large number of logs along the shoreline. Angling is fair for rainbow trout, lake trout and kokanee. Kokanee are averaging around 12 inches. Angling is slow for brook trout. Trolling spoons, spinners or other lures can be effective. Downriggers are often needed to catch kokanee and lake trout as they are often in deep water. The northwest side of the lake is a good place to begin angling. Angling with bait from shore is usually slow.

GERBER RESERVOIR: crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead and largemouth bass

Angling for crappie has slowed down but is still fair to good. Most crappie are in the 8-10 inch range but larger crappie are available. Yellow perch angling has been good. Lake levels are high therefore boats can be launched. Angling for brown bullhead and largemouth bass is fair. For more information on warmwater fishing in Gerber Reservoir and other Warmwater fisheries visit your local ODFW offices for warmwater fishing pamphlets.

GRANDE RONDE LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout

Was re-stocked with legal rainbows week of July 16. Should be good for rainbows and brook trout.

HIGGINS RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Should provide fair angling for 10-18-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.

HIGHWAY 203 POND: rainbow trout, bluegill

Highway 203 Pond was stocked with legal and trophy rainbows. Fishing for trout may not be as good as waters warm. Bluegill are plentiful but small. Some bass are available as well, but are small.

HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

The abundance of trout has been reduced by the illegal introduction of tui chub, larger trout are still available.

JUNIPER LAKE:

No angling report as of July 10.

UPPER KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKE: redband trout and yellow perch

Angling for wild redband trout has been fair. Redband trout have moved into the many cold water spring areas around the lake and the mouths of the Williamson and Wood River. A few fish can still be caught at Eagle Ridge, Ball bay and other areas but is beginning to slow. Flyfishing is more productive in the Lake this month because redband trout have become more concentrated. Catch rates are typically one fish per ten hours of fishing.

KLAMATH RIVER: rainbow-redband trout

Angling below Keno Dam to Topsy reservoir is closed. Angling below JC Boyle Powerhouse is fair due to flow fluctuations. River flows below the Powerhouse will be 1500-2000 cfs during most of the daylight hours which creates difficult angling conditions; however some trout can be captured in the shallow, slow moving water near shore using spinners. Redband- rainbow trout are concentrated so covering lots of water will increase your odds of catching fish. The river section from JC Boyle Dam to JC Boyle Powerhouse is good for rainbow-redband trout 6-12 inches. River flows in this section are a constant 380 cfs. Small spinners and flies are the most effective method for catching rainbow- redband trout in this section. Call 1-800-547-1501 for river flow information

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass

Fair angling for 12 to 18 inch rainbow trout. Fair angling for largemouth bass. There is good bank access near the boat ramp and on the southwest shoreline. There is also an accessible fishing platform near the boat ramp. No reports on what gear has been most effective.

LAKE OF THE WOODS: rainbow trout, kokanee, brown trout, yellow perch, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, crappie, and smallmouth bass

Angling for largemouth bass, crappie, smallmouth bass, kokanee and brown trout is fair. Angling for yellow perch is good but most yellow perch are small (< 6”). Angling for brown bullhead can be excellent with a worm near the bottom of the lake. Contact Lake of the Woods Lodge at (1-866-201-4194) for recent angling update. Angling should be good for rainbow trout. The best method to catch rainbow trout is to troll using spinners or fishing bait from a boat. Most rainbow trout are in the middle of the lake.

LINK RIVER: redband trout

Angling is slow as many redband trout have moved through Link River. Most anglers use minnow imitations. Access is available along the entire west side and boats can be launched at Veterans Park and motored upstream to the powerhouse. Catch rates are typically low and a good day is landing a few redband trout.

LITTLE HEART LAKE: rainbow trout

Access is open and fishing is slow due to the illegal introduction of minnows into the lake.

LOFTON RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Expect angling to be slow due to the illegal introduction of tui chub. Larger fish are still available in the lake.

LONG CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

Fishing is good for small trout.

LOST RIVER: largemouth bass, yellow perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, crappie, bullhead catfish

Angling has been slow for warm water game fish. A few big largemouth bass are taken each year. The boat ramp, bridge and park at Crystal Springs are closed until at least mid July. Small boats can be launched at Olene Bridge or at Big Springs in Bonanza.

LOWER WILLIAMSON RIVER: Large redband trout and brown trout

Angling is good and flows are low enough for successful angling. Flyfishing from a drift boat is the most popular method to catch large redband trout. Anglers can also troll spoons and lures below the Modoc Point bridge. A few brown trout are available but difficult to catch. The large yellow mayflies (Hexagenia) are hatching in the late evenings providing good angling

LUCKY RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

The road into Lucky has been improved. Fishing has been fair; the reservoir was stocked with legal sized rainbow trout.

MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork Malheur River): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout

Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir was approximately 591 cfs on July 15. No angling report.

MALHEUR RIVER (from the South Fork Malheur River near Riverside, downstream to Gold Creek): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout

Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir was approximately 591 cfs, and discharge from Beulah Reservoir was approximately 284cfs July 15. Angling is slow to fair.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Water level continues to drop. The ramp is still usable. Trout angling is good. With the summer heat, fishing is best during the early morning and late evening hours. Good numbers of trout from 10 to 16 inches are being caught. The reservoir was stocked with both fingerling and legal sized trout the last week in May.

MALHEUR RIVER, NORTH FORK: redband trout, whitefish, and bull trout

No angling report as of July 16, 2007. Remember to release bull trout.

MALHEUR RIVER, MIDDLE FORK: redband trout, brook trout, and bull trout

No angling report as of July 16, 2007. Remember to release bull trout.

MALONE RESERVOIR (Lost River): yellow, brown and black bullhead

Angling for yellow, brown and black bullhead is excellent. Angling for sunfish and largemouth bass is slow.

MANN LAKE: trout

No recent angling report as of July 16, 2007, but angling should be slow for cutthroat trout.

MILLER LAKE: large brown trout, rainbow trout and small kokanee

Angling is fair for brown trout. Angling with downriggers is the most effective method. Brown trout are feeding on kokanee and stocked rainbow trout.

MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout

Fair angling for bass. Slow to fair angling for rainbow trout. Shoreline access is good near the dam, but difficult along much of the reservoir. Boat anglers have had the best success.

NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: rainbow trout

No angling report from the ponds. Squaw Creek and Littlefield reservoirs were stocked with rainbow trout fingerling the last week of May.

OWYHEE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, catfish

The reservoir was 49 percent full July 15. The boat ramp at the state park and Leslie Gulch are out of the water. The rest of the boat ramps are in the water. Angling is fair.

OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): brown trout and hatchery rainbow trout

Flows below the dam averaged about 261 cfs on July 15. Angling for rainbow trout and brown trout is fair to good. The river was stocked with rainbow trout fingerling from the gingerbread house downstream to the concrete bridge the last week of May.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish

Discharge at the Rome gauge averaged approximately 81 cfs on July 15. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish is improving.

PAIUTE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout and cutthroat trout

Angling for rainbow trout is slow with bait. A boat is not needed to catch fish successfully on Paiute Reservoir. A few Lahontan cutthroat trout are available. The reservoir is at half full, and will progressively get lower.

PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch

Was restocked with an additional 3000 legal trout week of July 9. Fishing has been good for trout and very good for perch. Trout are running about 12-14 inches. Perch are 9-12 inches and fat. Use worms or cut bait for perch and fish early for best results. Fish are close to the bottom this time of year. Water level is at 37 percent.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout

Campground is open. Fishing is poor. Water level is at 55 percent.

PINE CREEK: trout

Was stocked in late June with legal rainbow trout. Best fishing is around Cornucopia.

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The reservoir is getting low. Angling is slow to fair.

POWDER RIVER: trout, spring chinook

Spring chinook (jacks) have been stocked below Mason Dam, and will be open for fishing July 14 through September 30. The open area is from Hughes Lane Bridge near Baker City to Mason Dam. Daily bag limit is 5 jacks. A salmon tag is needed. These are surplus fish that have returned to the Imnaha River Weir. Please “ask first” if entering private lands to fish.

SEVENMILE CREEK: brook trout and brown trout

Angling should be good for small brook tout up to 14”. Brown trout fishing should be good but brown trout occur on private property so permission is needed to access

SHERLOCK GULCH RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Fishing has been fair for legal sized trout. The reservoir is near full and turbid.

SID LUC RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Access to the reservoir is difficult and fishing has been fair.

SNAKE RIVER: catfish and smallmouth bass

Flow was 7,613 cfs near Nyssa and approximately 9,729 cfs near Weiser on June 10. Angling for catfish and smallmouth bass is fair.

SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: hatchery rainbow trout.

Fires are contained. Anglers should continue to use caution when angling in this area.

SPAULDING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Fishing has been slow for legal sized trout. The reservoir is half-full and will decline through the summer.

SPRAGUE RIVER: redband trout, large brown trout, brook trout

Angling is slow for redband trout in the mainstem Sprague. Angling is fair for brown bullhead and largemouth bass. A few large brown trout and redband trout are available. Angling is good for redband trout, brook trout and brown trout in the North and South Forks of the Sprague. Large brown trout can be found in the North Fork Sprague above and below the 3411 road crossing. Bull trout can be encountered in the North and South Fork of the Sprague so know your fish species.

SUNSTONE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Angling with bait or flies near the dam is good for rainbow trout. The reservoir will most likely go dry this summer.

SYCAN RIVER: redband and brook trout

Angling is very good for brook trout above Pikes Crossing and good for redband trout below Pikes Crossing. Angling is slow for redband trout from 8-12” below Teddy Powers Meadow. Large brown trout are available in the Sycan below Teddy Powers Meadow but are difficult to locate.

THOMPSON RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, rainbow trout

Angling for trophy rainbow trout is improving. The best location to fish for bass is near the shore on both sides near the dam. This is the best time to catch trophy pre-spawn largemouth bass. Most trophy bass are feeding on tui chub or stocked rainbow trout. Angling for rainbow trout is best near the dam and along the rocky northeast bank. Angling for stocked rainbow trout will be good this week.

TOPSY RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, crappie, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed sunfish

Angling for warmwater fish is good. Look for largemouth bass in the shallow backwater areas near J.C. Boyle Dam or near the Klamath River. Angling from a boat is more productive for largemouth bass and crappie than angling from shore. Angling with bait from shore can be productive for catching brown bullhead. Angling for sunfish will improve with increased water temperatures. Sunfish can be caught from shore using small bait under bobbers or small flies.

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout

Due to drought conditions, the daily trout bag limit has been raised to 15 with no possession limit. Reservoir level has dropped to 13 percent. The boat ramp is currently inaccessible, and reports are that the fish are getting ‘muddy’.

UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie

Reservoir is dropping and is at 41 percent. Crappie fishing has been good, even from shore.

UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER: redband and brook trout

Look for the large yellow mayfly hatch (Hexagenia) at 9 pm. Redband trout are available from six to over twenty inches with the average fish twelve inches. Brook trout are more abundant as you progress upstream and ODFW encourages unlimited harvest of brook trout.

WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: smallmouth bass, white crappie, catfish, perch, hatchery rainbow trout

The reservoir was 28 percent full and the inflow at the Drewsey gauge averaged 2 cfs on July 15. Angling is fair for yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and rainbow trout. There have been a few reports of anglers catching crappie.

WARNER LAKES (Hart, Crump, Flagstaff, etc.): crappie

Angling for crappie is still slow due to last weeks colder weather. Crappie angling should be very good later this year.

WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch and Lahontan cutthroat

Angling for largemouth bass has been good. Crappie angling has been fair. Look for crappie and bass around the many wood and habitat structures in the reservoir. Lahontan cutthroat are available but rare in the catch. The most effective way to fish Willow Valley is from boat but largemouth bass can be captured at the boat ramp and all along the dam. Recent sampling has shown largemouth bass and bluegill to be abundant in the reservoir. Most bluegill are small. Black crappie are common and in the 8-10” range. The yellow perch population has decreased substantially and not worth angling for.

WOOD RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES: redband and brown trout

Angling is slow for redband trout and fair for brown trout. Most angling is done from a drift boat as public access is limited. Look for hatches or cast salmonfly patterns to undercut banks

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR:

Water is low. Fishing is poor.

YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout

This portion of the Emigrant Creek Ranger District is closed to public access because of fire.

Southeast Zone Viewing

Burns Area

Note for visitors to northern Harney County: The Egley Complex wildfires are creating smoky conditions in the Burns area at this time. Due to these fires public access is currently prohibited on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District of the Malheur National Forest (including BLM lands) west of State Highway 395, except for Joaquin Miller Campground. Other road closures are in effect in the Calamity Butte area. For a complete list of fire closures in the area as well as an update on their current status call the Burns Interagency Fire Zone at (541) 573-4519 or the Malheur National Forest at (541) 575-3000.

Some species of note in the Harney Basin and Harney County are American white pelicans, greater sandhill cranes, white-faced ibis, long-billed curlews, golden eagles, Swainson’s hawks and ferruginous hawks.

American white pelicans are often seen from Highway 205 near Malheur and Mud Lakes, while white-faced ibis and long-billed curlews can be seen in the Harney Basin, near Burns, feeding in shallow wetlands and irrigated areas. Greater sandhill cranes can be observed feeding in meadows on the Malheur Refuge and in the Harney Basin.

Golden eagles use cliff and rim rock areas throughout Harney County, however good populations are located along Catlow Rim on the east side of Catlow Valley. The best opportunity to view Swainson’s and ferruginous hawks is in agricultural areas and adjacent rangelands near Crane and Princeton.

Klamath Falls Area

Moore Park, within Klamath Falls, is a great location to view many passerine species including warblers, western tanagers, nuthatches, juncos and chickadees. Also look for young California quail broods in open areas adjacent to cover patches.

Red-necked grebes are only found in a few locations in Oregon including Pelican Bay at Rocky Point on Upper Klamath Lake where they breed annually. Viewing from a boat or canoe is recommended as the red-necked grebes are usually found along emergent vegetation in Pelican Bay. To see a photo and hear its call, visit the What Bird Web site. http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/275/overview/Red-necked_Grebe.aspx

White-faced ibis, which have only been nesting in the Klamath Basin since the early 1980s, can be viewed foraging in flooded pastures south of Klamath Falls. IBIS nest in emergent vegetation in marshes at Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.

Klamath Wildlife Area

See Great Basin Canada Geese with broods, Sandhill cranes with colts, ducks and ducklings. There are also a lot of shorebirds: avocet, black neck stilt and dowitchers. Western pond turtles—one of our two native turtle species—can be seen basking in or near ponds. To see a photo and learn more, visit www.herpetologynorthwest.org/nwherps/turtles/western-pond-turtle.html

 

The Wildlife Area is located four miles south of Klamath Falls. Please note, dogs are allowed in dog training area only (near boat ramp) until August first. Discharge of firearms is prohibited outside of hunting seasons. Discharge of handguns and rifles prohibited without permit. For directions and more information, visit the ODFW Web site. www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/klamath_wa.htm

Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

Drive the Silver Lake Road for good viewing and photo opportunities for a variety of marsh birds. The natural marsh provides important nesting, feeding and resting habitat for waterfowl, while the surrounding meadowlands are attractive nesting and feeding areas for sandhill crane, yellow rail, and various shorebirds and raptors. For more information. http://www.fws.gov/klamathbasinrefuges/klamathmarsh/klamathmarsh.html

Summer Lake Wildlife Area

What’s unusual?

Eastern Kingbird was found at the Turner Place Orchard this past weekend. Eurasian collared doves are easily observed and remain very vocal at the Headquarters Complex.

What can I see?

Breeding season is winding down rapidly and flighted young of many species can be found. Duck broods, especially the later nesting gadwall are very common now. Fall migration is beginning. Unsuccessful or failed breeders are returning from northerly breeding locales and molting waterfowl are staging in Area wetlands. Shorebirds are staging for migration and southern migrants are appearing. Hummingbirds are increasing in number at ODFW headquarters complex feeders?black-chinned, calliopes and rufous were observed last week. Visit the What Bird Web site to see a photo of the very small calliope hummingbird and listen to its call, http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/222/_/Calliope_Hummingbird.aspx

Birdwatching

All wildlife are still being born and reared at this time of year, visitors are urged to keep pets in close control. It is unlawful to allow dogs to run at large during this time of the year. Nests are sometimes situated along roads and trails and can be encountered easily. If nests or young are found, please move away from the vicinity immediately to avoid undue disturbance.

Waterfowl species primarily ducks, remain very apparent and are widely scattered across the Area.  Drakes are losing their brilliant nuptial plumage now and beginning to molt. They are very dull and drab in this eclipse plumage. Breeding season is nearly over for most duck species, but renesting by earlier unsuccessful nesting attemps continues. Brood rearing is well underway and the late nesting gadwall broods are abundant and easily observed.  Look closely along the protective cover of emergent vegetation during early morning and evening hours for the best chances to observe broods.

Canada geese are regaining flight capability following completion of the molt and goslings reaching flight stage. Some broods remain very secretive until young are fully flight capable and most are found in remote areas where disturbance is minimal. Nearly all will have become flighted in the next week or two and they will disperse across the Wildlife Area.

Sandhill Crane brood rearing continues and many colts (crane chicks) are nearly full grown.  They too are very secretive and hard to observe until they attain flight. Small groups of unsuccessful breeders and subadults can sometimes be found.

Shorebirds have nearly completed their breeding season activities. Nesting is winding down for most species now and chicks are sometimes observed. Early nesting species such as LONG-BILLED CURLEW and WESTERN WILLET have largely departed to staging or wintering areas further to the south. Other species are forming post-breeding season assemblages to forage in wildlife area wetlands as they prepare for fall migration. Southern migrants, GREATER AND LESSER YELLOWLEGS, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, and PEEPS (least and western sandpipers) as well as other migrating shorebird species can be found now. Now is a good time to encounter rare or unusual species passing through the area.

WADERS and other WATERBIRDS are increasing in number and species. AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, GREAT EGRETS, GULLS (primarily RING-BILLED) and TERNS are numerous now taking advantages of forage fish found in canals and ponds.  Post breeding season dispersal is occurring and many waterbirds can be found foraging in semi-permanent and seasonal wetlands. Flocks of foraging WHITE-FACED IBIS were numerous in shallowly flooded wetlands over the past week.

 

Resident RAPTORS remain scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Highway 31. NORTHERN HARRIERS are especially numerous over marsh and hay meadows. BALD EAGLES are commonly seen along the Ana River near the River Ranch. PRAIRIE FALCONS and GOLDEN EAGLES are sometimes seen during this time of the year, and PEREGRINE FALCONS make occasional appearances. The OSPREY are common at Ana Reservoir and young are now flighted. They are frequently observed along Ana River near the River Ranch.

GREAT-HORNED OWL CHICKS have fledged and can be found near nest sites, still being fed by the adults. 

RING-NECKED PHEASANT and CALIFORNIA QUAIL are hatching and brood observations have been numerous. Watch carefully along road shoulder in upland areas to spot broods closely attend by hens, and in the case of quail, both parents.

PASSERINE SPECIES remain fairly common around the Headquarters Complex, Summer Lake Rest Area, homestead sites and shelter break plantings at the north end of the Area where they are attracted to tree and shrub cover. Swallow nesting activity is winding down and many are congregating into mixed species flocks as they stage for migration.

INVERTEBRATE activity continues to increase with the warming temperatures and provide considerable food to insectivorous birds across the Area.  Tremendous numbers of bright blue damsel flies have emerged adding considerable variety to the various shades of brilliant green vegetation. Biting insects have emerged and are increasing in number.

Facilities and Access

The Wildlife Viewing Loop is Open and will remain so until fall. Other major dike roads (Bullgate, Windbreak and Work Road) are closed to motor vehicle travel from March 15 through August 15 to reduce disturbance breeding, brood rearing and molting waterbirds. 

Viewers are urged to use care when driving roads since several species of birds may nest or have broods along edges. Secondary and minor dikes will remain closed to motor vehicle traffic and cross country travel by motor vehicles and ATVs is prohibited. 

Special care and attention is necessary since habitat improvement and maintenance projects are underway. Heavy equipment and dump trucks may be encountered while driving Area roads.

Non-motorized access and viewing opportunities are available across the entire Area at this time. Camping is permitted at four sites on the wildlife area.

Habitat

Wetland habitats remain in good condition; all emergent marsh plants are showing considerable growth and flowering activity.

Habitat enhancement and restoration activities are underway in Bullgate Refuge, Link Marsh and East Link Units. These areas were controlled burning in spring and dried out to mimic drought conditions that historically restored productivity to semi-permanent wetlands.  Bullgate Refuge Unit will be reflooded in early fall, while Link Marsh will remain dry until fall 2008. Viewers will find these traditionally flooded areas dry and with very little bird activity. However, water birds have shifted their use to other portions of the wildlife areas that remain flooded. The nearby Bypass Unit is full and receiving good waterbird use at this time.

Westside areas, especially along Dutchy and Rest Lakes, Windbreak Dike and Work Road Ponds remain well watered and are receiving considerable waterbird use at this time. Natural food sources of seeds, tubers and plant parts remain very abundant and available in nearly all wetland areas.  Regrowth of the native plants is very extensive and very apparent throughout the Area.  Invertebrate populations are high due to the warmer water temperatures.

Upland sites are in excellent condition due to lush green-up of grasses and forb emergence and growth. Trees and shrubs have blossomed and are producing fruits or seeds now. 

For additional information on viewing opportunities, please contact the Summer Lake Wildlife Area at (541) 943-3152 or martin.j.stlouis@state.or.us

NORTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Several ponds have been stocked with rainbow trout. Fishing for spring chinook on the Umatilla River closed July 1.

CUTSFORTH POND: trout

The pond was stocked in May and June with legal-sized and trophy-sized trout. Fishing success is being affected by warm water temperatures.

HONEYMOON AND TEPEE PONDS: trout

These small quarry ponds are located on the WallowanWhitman National Forest, north of Enterprise and accessed via the 46 Road. They have been stocked with legal size rainbow trout.

JOHN DAY RIVER: bass

Smallmouth bass angling was good. Water will clear with the return of dry weather. Streamflow at the time this report was filed measured 881 cfs at Service Creek which is good level for angling, although it is rising. Stream flow levels are available from the Service Creek gauging station at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/uv?14046500.

JUBILEE LAKE: trout

Fishing is good for 8 to 12 inch and 2 pound trophy-sized rainbow trout. The lake was stocked in June with 4,000 legal-sized trout and 500 trophy-sized trout. Boat anglers have done the best catching the trophy-sized fish.

KINNEY LAKE: trout

The Lake is open and has been well stocked. Trout angling is good. Rainbow trout to several pounds, most in the 8-12" range, conditions are good and should remain so, bank angling only, use lures or bait and bobber.

LONG CREEK POND, SEVENTH STREET POND, ANSON WRIGHT POND, MORROW COUNTY OHV PARK PONDS, MCHALEY POND AND BRANDON’S POND: Have all been stocked with legal sized rainbow trout.

MAGONE LAKE: trout

Angling success for brook and rainbow trout is fair. The most successful anglers are fishing relatively deep.

MCKAY RESERVOIR: crappie, perch

The reservoir is approximately 50% full and being drawn down. Fishing for crappie has been fair with some larger fish reported. The best angling has been near the dam in the evenings after sunset.

MCNARY, HAT ROCK AND TATONE PONDS: trout

These ponds were stocked with legal-sized trout March through June. Angling success will be poor as water temperatures increase.

PENLAND LAKE: trout

Fishing is fair for rainbow trout 10-13 inches with an occasional fish in the 13-18 inch range. Weed growth has limited fishing to only small areas of the lake.

SALT CREEK AND MCGRAW PONDS: trout

Small forest setting ponds southeast of Joseph, off the 39 Road, stocked with legal rainbow trout up to 12 inches, use lures or bait and bobber, great places to get away on hot days.

WALLOWA WILDLIFE AREA POND:  trout

Angling is fair to good. The pond has been stocked with legal size rainbow trout.

UMATILLA FOREST PONDS: trout

All ponds north of Ukiah and along the summit road have been stocked and fishing is good. However, warm water temperatures will slow down the bite. The highest elevation ponds will be the best bet through July.

UMATILLA RIVER: trout

Fishing for spring chinook closed on July 1. Open for warm water game fish. Trout angling is open above the Reservation boundary but is restricted to artificial flies and lures. All fish must be safely released.

WALLOWA LAKE: trout, kokanee

Fair angling for kokanee to 15" and good for stocked rainbow trout to several pounds, lake conditions are good, windy days can be a challenge, try the north end for kokanee and the south end for rainbow, boat angling is best but the south east shore can be productive for rainbow and kokanee. Most fish are caught with troll gear, flashers followed up with a wedding ring and maggots, corn, or worms. Kokanee anglers are having their best success trolling at 35 to 50 feet deep. Lures or worm and bobber can be effective from the bank.

WALLOWA AND IMNAHA RIVERS: trout

Flows are receding and fishing conditions are good. Expect fair to good angling for trout.

WALLOWA VALLEY PONDS (Marr, Victor and Wallowa Wildlife ponds): trout

These ponds have been stocked with legal size trout. Marr Pond has been stocked with trophy trout as well. Angling is fair to good.

WESTON POND: trout

Fishing will be poor with weeds and warm water limiting trout activity.

WILLOW CREEK: trout

This stream bas been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout through the towns of Heppner, Lexington and Ione. Low water is limiting trout activity to early morning hours only.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, bullhead catfish

The reservoir is being drawn down. Fair fishing for small crappie and catfish

For more information contact Jeff Neal, District Fish Biologist, at 541-276-2344.

Northeast Zone Viewing

Blue Mountain Forested Areas

Mark Kirsch, ODFW wildlife biologist, reports the Blue Mountains of NE Oregon are alive with wildlife this time of year. Viewers can see both deer and elk along gravel forest roads in the early morning and in the last hour of light in the evening.

Birdwatchers will find a profusion of bird species in the varied habitats found throughout the forested areas. Short walks along creeks or across timbered flats should net good numbers of passerine birds as well as some owls or goshawks. The owls that are found in the forested areas are generally great horned owls. Occasional great gray, long-eared, screech, and saw-whet owls are sighted. These owls can be seen during the day if disturbed. Otherwise, they are often heard calling in the twilight hours or after dark. If one knows what to listen for, it is neat to hear. Hear the call of a great horned owl, http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/7/_/Great_Horned_Owl.aspx

Near Heppner

Travis Schultz, fish and wildlife technician at ODFW’s Heppner office, advises wildlife viewers that mountain quail broods are becoming more visible along the North Fork John Day River and that turkey broods can be seen in the fields near the forest edge along the Top road north of Monument.

Grande Ronde Valley

In the spring’s birds are on the wing and June’s calves are afoot. Immature bald eagles can be seen from the boat ramp at Pilcher Reservoir, about 20 miles south of La Grande. Look for immature osprey perched on nests on the occasional power pole through the Valley. See elk calves early in the morning or in the evening along the Upper Grande Ronde River, possibly in Vey Meadows.

Here are viewing opportunities by county.

Baker County

California bighorn sheep can be viewed in the Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee. Rocky Mountain goats can be viewed throughout the high elevation areas of the Elkhorn Mountains. Hikers can view goats along the southern portion of the Elkhorn Crest hiking trail. For a more accessible viewing opportunity, look for several goats that have been reported recently near the Anthony Lake campground and trail.

For information on the Elkhorn Crest hiking trail, http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/w-w/recreation/trails-brd/TR-1611.shtml

For information on the Anthony Lake campground, http://www.forestcamping.com/dow/pacficnw/wwcmp.htm

Excellent birding can be found throughout Baker County. Try birdwatching in different habitat to find a variety of different species. For greatest species diversity try birding at the Powder River Recreation Area along Hwy 7 downstream from the dam on Phillips Reservoir. An ADA accessible path leads along the river. A variety of birds can be seen including hummingbirds, dippers, woodpeckers, warblers and raptors. Directions to Powder River Recreation Area.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/w-w/recreation/trails-brd/TR-Powder-River-Rec.shtml

Umatilla County

Along the Columbia River, waterfowl, gulls and raptors can be seen. Visit area Wildlife areas to see shore and marsh birds in addition to perching birds and raptors.

Wildlife Areas along the Columbia River

As summer heats up, the Columbia Basin wildlife areas provide some quality early morning birding opportunities. Willow Creek and Coyote Springs Wildlife Areas are both found next to interstate 84 and the Columbia River and have excellent viewing for wetland and riparian obligate bird species. The upland areas are also available to see savanna and shrub steppe species of birds. Willow Creek has an ample deer herd and the evidence of beaver activity can be seen on the Willow Creek delta area of the wildlife area.

Coyote Springs Wildlife Area is near Boardman; Willow Creek Wildlife Area is near Pendleton. Directions, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/willowcreek.htm

The Irrigon Wildlife Area holds riparian and wetland habitat and hosts a number of species of birds associated with each habitat. One can see an abundance of warblers in the willows along the Columbia River bank as well as a number of waterfowl and wading bird species in the pothole pond areas. Painted turtles are also common in the pond areas. White pelicans can be commonly found along the Columbia River as well. For directions, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/irrigon_wildlife.htm

Power City Wildlife Area between Hermiston and Umatilla on Highway 395 is also characterized by both wetland and upland habitat. Birding in the early hours will offer opportunity at a number of summering bird species typical of Columbia Basin habitats.

Umatilla National Forest

The Umatilla National Forest provides good birding opportunities for song birds, woodpeckers, forest grouse, turkeys and raptor species. Deer and elk can also be spotted in the forest. Watch the edges of meadows near dawn and dusk for the best chance of catching a glimpse of elk. As berries start to ripen, pickers are reminded to keep a lookout for black bears, as they will also be out looking for the ripest berries. Information about the forest, http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/uma/

Union County

La Grande

Visit ODFW’s Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, a popular bird and wildlife viewing area located south of La Grande off of I-84. Immature sandhill cranes (colts) are starting to walk around the Wildlife area and make for fun watching.

Young shorebirds and waterfowl can be seen along Peach Road adjacent to the driving route along the Wildlife Area. At least two white-faced ibis have been seen repeatedly from the auto route along Peach Road over the past few weeks. Shorebird flocks have also been visible on the mudflats of the Public Access Area at Ladd Marsh.

For information about the Wildlife Area. http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/ladd_marsh_wildlife.htm

Bird, mammal, plant, reptiles and amphibians checklists for the area are provided by the Friends of Ladd Marsh. http://www.eou.edu/~kantell/friends%20of%20ladd%20marsh/laddmarsh.htm

Wallowa County:

Summer is a great time to go birding or searching for big game animals in Wallowa County. Great Blue Herons are common along rivers and streams throughout the Wallowa Valley. For hikers in the higher elevation alpine habitats, look along ridge tops for gray-crowned rosy finches and prairie falcons that are often observed along with mountain goats. Various raptor species including Ferruginous and Swainson’s hawks can be observed in the Zumwalt Prairie grassland habitats. Mid-elevation timber habitats north of Enterprise and Wallowa are great places to see a variety of song birds and well as elk in meadow habitats during early morning and late evening hours.

During early morning and late evening hours mule and white-tailed deer are common in alfalfa pastures along Highway 82. If you travel down the rough Dug Bar Road, you may see bighorn sheep below the Cow Creek Bridge.

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

FISHING

BROWNLEE RESERVOIR: Crappie fishing is spotty. Bass, bluegill and perch are fair-good. Catfish angling is very good especially in the mornings. Use worms or cutbaint in shallow water. The reservoir is slowly dropping and is at 16 feet below full. 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: Crappie, bass, and perch angling is fair. Bass under 12 and over 16 can now be kept. Catfish angling is good.

HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: Crappie, bass and perch fishing is fair. Some trout are being caught as well.

SNAKE RIVER (Above Brownlee Reservoir): channel catfish, flathead catfish, smallmouth bass

Flow was 7,370 cfs near Nyssa and approximately 8,833 cfs near Weiser on July 15. Angling for catfish is fair to good and angling for smallmouth bass is fair.

SNAKE RIVER Zone Summer Viewing

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area

Summer - June, July, and August

The patient and lucky observer may see river otter in rivers or larger creeks. The small canyon wren flits between rocks in bunchgrass areas, and the powerful badger burrows for smaller rodents. In the early evening, find a comfortable sitting rock overlooking the rivers and listen for the winnowing of the common snipe and the whizzing boom of the common nighthawk. You may also see the butterfly-like flight of the tiny western pipistrelle bat in search of mosquitoes and no-see-ums.

Be on the lookout for the western rattlesnake, a reptile common to the Recreation Area, particularly in lower elevations. The rattlesnake is beneficial to the wildlife ecosystem; we encourage you to merely watch it and all other species of nongame wildlife. At lower elevations, the visitor may see the unusual rubber boa snake, which appears to have no head.

Numerous elk, many with young calves, may be seen on the benches above the Imnaha and Snake Rivers. In the steep cliff areas around Dry Diggins Lookout in Idaho, one might also see mountain goats.

If your summer visit takes you high into the timbered areas, you may see or hear the pileated woodpecker, the largest North American woodpecker. The diligent observer may find tracks or even see the pine marten, a small mammal similar to a mink.

A birders checklist is available, http://www.idahopower.com/pdfs/riversrec/hcBirdCheckList.pdf

COLUMBIA RIVER ZONESALMON, STEELHEAD, AND SHAD:

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Tongue Point to Bonneville Dam:

Effective July 1 through July 31, 2007 this section of the Columbia River is closed to the retention of adult Chinook but is open for adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead and adipose fin-clipped Chinook jacks (24 inches or less).

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Bonneville Dam to the Oregon/Washington Border: Effective July 3 through July 31, 2007 this section of the Columbia River is closed to the retention of adult Chinook but is open for adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead and adipose fin-clipped Chinook jacks (24 inches or less).

Angling for summer steelhead is fair in both the Gorge and estuary but slow in the remainder of the river. Anglers fishing the Columbia near the mouth of the Cowlitz River should be mindful of shallow sandbars at the downstream end of Cottonwood Island near the entrance of Carroll’s Channel.

Gorge Bank:

Weekend checking showed four adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept, plus 10 unclipped steelhead released for 22 salmonid anglers.

Gorge Boats:

Weekend checking showed three adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus three Chinook and two unclipped steelhead released for six salmonid boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Boats:

Weekend checking showed two adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept for 12 salmonid boats.

Portland to Clatskanie Bank:

Weekend checking showed one adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept and one unclipped steelhead released for 23 salmonid anglers.

Portland to Clatskanie Boats:

Weekend checking showed seven adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept, plus six unclipped steelhead and one Chinook released for 34 salmonid boats (complete & incomplete trips).

Estuary Bank:

Weekend checking showed nine adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept, plus three unclipped steelhead released for 26 bank anglers.

Estuary Boats:

Weekend checking showed seven adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept and two unclipped summer steelhead released for nine boats (incomplete trips).

Bonneville Pool Boat and Bank:

Weekly checking showed one summer steelhead released for 26 bank anglers; and one adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept plus two unclipped steelhead released for 3 boats.

The Dalles Pool Boat and Bank:

No report as of July 17, 2007

John Day Pool Boat and Bank:

No report as of July 17, 2007.

STURGEON:

BUOY 10 UPSTREAM TO WAUNA POWERLINES (including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries):

Effective July 5 through December 31, 2007 this section of the Columbia River is closed to the retention of sturgeon. Catch and release will be allowed during the retention closure.

WAUNA POWERLINES UPSTREAM TO MARKER 85 (including all adjacent Washington tributaries and the Willamette River downstream of Willamette Falls including the Multnomah Channel):

This section of the Columbia River is currently open to the retention of sturgeon on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with a daily bag limit of one sturgeon between 42-60 inches in length and an annual limit of five fish effective through July 31. Catch and release of sturgeon is allowed on non-retention days. In the spawning sanctuary between Marker 85 upstream to Bonneville Dam all sturgeon angling is prohibited through Tuesday, July 31. The retention of green sturgeon is prohibited.

BONNEVILLE DAM UPSTREAM TO THE DALLES DAM:

Effective 11:59 PM Sunday July 29, 2007 the retention of sturgeon in the Columbia River and tributaries between Bonneville and The Dalles dams will be prohibited. Catch and release fishing will be allowed throughout the remainder of the year.

THE DALLES DAM UPSTREAM TO MCNARY DAM:

The retention of sturgeon in The Dalles and John Day pools is currently closed through the end of the year. Catch guidelines were reached in The Dalles Pool on March 28, 2007 and in the John Day Pool on June 10, 2007. Catch and release angling is allowed until the end of the year except: all sturgeon angling is prohibited during May 1-July 31 in The Dalles Pool from the grain silo near Rufus upstream to John Day Dam and in the John Day Pool from the Highway 395/Highway 82 Bridge upstream to McNary Dam.

Sturgeon angling was very slow in the lower Columbia River this past weekend.

Gorge Boats:

Weekend checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept, plus 76 sublegal and three oversize sturgeon released for seven boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Bank:

Weekend checking showed one sublegal sturgeon released for eight bank anglers.

Troutdale Boats:

Weekend checking showed 14 sublegal sturgeon released for three boats (complete trips).

Portland to Longview Bank:

No report as of July 17, 2007

Portland to Clatskanie Boats:

Weekend checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept, plus 84 sublegal sturgeon released for 35 boats (complete & incomplete trips).

Estuary Boats:

CLOSED for retention.

Estuary Bank:

CLOSED for retention.

Bonneville Pool:

Weekly checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept and 60 sublegal sturgeon released for 45 bank anglers; and two legal white sturgeon kept, plus one legal, 46 sublegal and 7 oversize sturgeon released for 11 boats.

The Dalles Pool:

No report as of July 17, 2007.

John Day Pool:

No report as of July 17, 2007.

WALLEYE:

Troutdale:

Weekend checking showed one walleye kept for three boats.

Bonneville Pool:

No report as of July 17, 2007.

The Dalles Pool:

No report as of July 17, 2007.

John Day Pool:

No report as of July 17, 2007.

Columbia Zone Viewing

Columbia Zone Viewing

Bonneville Hatchery:

Heading out to Multnomah Falls or points east? Stop by Bonneville Hatchery and pay a visit to the sturgeon viewing and interpretive center where you can watch sturgeon and trout through an underwater window.

The big attraction is Herman, a big white sturgeon. For more information, http://www.ashcreekimages.com/Gorge/Fisheries/Herman-the-Sturgeon-01.html

Feed large rainbow trout in ponds and view adult white sturgeon measuring more than 10 feet long. Interpretive displays are available inside and out, including an informational video. Disabled-accessible restrooms are available. A gift shop is open during summer months.

The Hatchery is located 3 miles west of Cascade Locks, off of Interstate 84 within the Bonneville Dam complex. Neighboring Bonneville Dam offers a visitor center with a fish-viewing window.

Irrigon/Umitilla Area:

Irrigon Wildlife Area

Visit the Irrigon Wildlife Area for summer viewing opportunities. Upland birds, waterfowl and songbirds are common during most of the year. Western painted turtles can be observed during the early morning hours in summer. These native turtles spend most of their time in shallow, slow-moving water of streams, lakes and rivers; preferably with a soft, muddy bottom with vegetation and submerged logs. For photos and more information, visit http://www.willametteturtles.com/about.html

To reach the Wildlife Area, take exit 168 (Highway 730) and follow the signs to Irrigon. The wildlife area begins just east of Irrigon and runs to the Umatilla River near the City of Umatilla. Umatilla Wildlife Area is located between Highway 730 and the Columbia River. For more information. http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/irrigon_wildlife.htm

MARINE ZONE

FISHING

Tuna breaks all records

Tuna fishers had another record-breaking week. The tuna catch has already exceeded the total catch for all years for which the department has records. Anglers found them as close as 15 miles out in some places, but most seem to be about 25 miles offshore. The average catch per angler was between six and seven fish.

Fishing for coho slowed along most of the coast this past week with most ports reporting one fish for every two anglers. The exceptions were Astoria, Coos Bay and Winchester Bay where the average catch was better than one fish per angler. All retained coho must have a healed adipose fin clip.

Fishing for chinook salmon continues to be slow with reported catches coastwide of only two fish for every 10 anglers, except at Brookings where the catch was one fish per angler.

Herring are in many of the coastal bays this time of year. Jigging for herring is very popular with kids.

A morning low tide series starts at 5:30 a.m. July 27 and continues through Aug. 2 getting about 45 minutes later each day. This will provide good opportunity for razor clam and bay clam digging. A minus tide is also an excellent time to go tide pooling.

Clatsop County beaches north of Tillamook head are closed to razor clams from July 15 to Sept. 30. The rest of the Oregon coast is open for the harvest of razor clams except south of the jetty at Florence to the California boarder because of a paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) alert. This applies to mussels as well as razor clams collected from the ocean beaches. The daily limit for razor clams is the first 15 taken regardless of size or condition.

More information on Oregon’s razor clams, including tips on how to dig razor clams

Sport harvest of mussels and bay clams is open coastwide also. A shellfish license is required for taking all shellfish.

Information on domoic acid:

http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/shellfish_status.shtml

shellfish hotline, 503-986-4728 or 1-800-448-2474.

Check out the new recreational bay clam pages on the ODFW Web site: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/bayclams/index.asp

They contain everything you need to know for identifying and harvesting Oregon’s plentiful bay clams.

About half of the fishers going after lingcod were successful. Average catches of rockfish were less than three per angler coastwide.

The marine daily bag limit for 2007 is six fish (including rockfish, greenling, cabezon and other marine species) and two lingcod and 15 surfperch. New this year, the daily limit for flatfish (flounders, soles, sanddabs, turbots and halibuts except Pacific halibut) is 25. Canary rockfish and yelloweye rockfish may not be retained.

Species illustrations and descriptions:

The Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet (page 98):

The Red Rockfish Identification Guide

The minimum length for lingcod is 22 inches, for cabezon it is 16 inches and for greenling it is 10 inches.

Complete regulations

The Marine Sport Fishing Supplement

Coastwide catches of Pacific halibut averaged about one per angler again this week. The season opened May 1 in all-depth waters north of Cape Falcon and in nearshore waters (shoreward of the 40-fathom curve) off the Oregon central coast. The all-depth halibut fishery for Oregon’s central coast between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mountain has been extended to July 19-21 until the quota is met. The area south of Humbug Mountain runs May 1 through Oct. 31, seven days a week.

Crabs

Crabbing success in the ocean, bays and estuaries is about three crab per angler, except out of Florence where anglers report more than six crab per angler. 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 97 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

MARINE ZONE VIEWING

Tide poolers: set your alarm clocks

A morning low tide series starts at 5:30 a.m. July 27 and continues through Aug. 2 getting about 45 minutes later each day. This will provide great viewing opportunities to see the microcosm of life teeming in tide pools. Tides of 0.0 or lower are best for tidepool viewing; however, when the ocean is calm, many intertidal areas can still be viewed at plus 1- or 2-foot tides.

Stand or sit still and watch a pool for a few minutes. You will begin to see hermit crabs, small fish, shrimp and other life scurrying about. Gently move seaweeds aside to view the myriad of life that lives under, on and among the plants, but remember to replace the seaweed to its original position. Remember to face the ocean when viewing tide pools so you don’t get surprised by a sneaker wave.

See tide tables for July, http://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/weather/tides/2007/sbjul2007.html

Puffins on Three Arch Rocks!

Tufted puffins are back on the Oregon Coast to nest for the summer and most of them are found on Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge. This sanctuary about two miles south of Cape Meares and one-half mile offshore west of Oceanside in Tillamook County. The three large rocks and six smaller ones make up the refuge, which is home to 12 species of seabirds breed here totaling 226,093 birds. This includes 30 percent of the Common murres breeding in Oregon and 21 percent of all common murres breeding in the eastern Pacific south of Alaska. This site also harbors 60 percent of the tufted puffin breeding population in Oregon. More than 800 brown pelicans have been seen here roosting and up to 13 bald eagles have been observed preying on seabirds.

Three Arch Rocks NWR can best be viewed from the mainland at Cape Meares and at Oceanside. To prevent disturbance to extremely sensitive seabirds, Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge is closed to public entry year-round and waters within 500 feet of the refuge are closed to all watercraft from May 1st through September 15th.

Other viewing opportunities

Bait fish (herring, anchovies and sardines) are appearing close to shore and in bays. This attracts seabirds including murres, gulls and pelicans that feed on the fish. Watching a group of pelicans dive on a school of bait fish can be spectacular. Good places to see this activity are bays or various view points along the coast line.

The seabirds that nest on the sea cliffs and rocks of the Oregon coast are raising their young. Gulls, cormorants, murres and oystercatchers can all be observed along rocky coastal areas. Occasionally, bald eagles may be seen attacking the nesting birds. Watch the sky for peregrine falcons.

Oregon’s high ocean cliffs provide good vantage points to look for the more than 200 resident grey whales that stay along the Oregon coast during the summer.

Tide pooling is good at low tide. Look for anemones, hermit crabs, sea urchins, small fish, jelly fish, sea stars, barnacles and other animals of the intertidal region.

Bandon Area:

Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge is located near Bandon. The refuge includes 1,800 rocks, reefs and islands and two headland areas and spans 320 miles of the Oregon coast. Coquille Point is a spectacular place to observe seabirds and harbor seals. It can be reached from US Highway 101 by turning west onto 11th Street in Bandon.

Cannon Beach:

Stop at Cannon Beach on your next trip to the coast and visit Haystack Rock to see a wealth of intertidal life.

Oceanside/Tillamook Area:

Three Arch Rocks Refuge

This Refuge lies a half mile offshore of Oceanside, west of Tillamook. One of the smallest designated Wilderness Areas in the country, the refuge consists of three large and six smaller rocks totaling 15 acres. A breeding population of Steller's sea lions is almost always visible at Three Arch Rocks.

The refuge also supports the largest breeding colony of common murre south of Alaska. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope. For more information. http://www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/3archrocks/

Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge

Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge is located approximately ten miles west of the town of Tillamook. When approaching Tillamook on US Highway 101, follow signs for the Three Capes Scenic Route and the town of Oceanside then turn west to the parking lot for Cape Meares. For more information.

http://www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/capemeares/index.htm