The Oregon Recreation Report (fishing, hunting and viewing), updated Tuesday, Nov. 13, by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:

VIEWING

Fall colors, wild spawning salmon, blue heron and beavers

Visit the Oregon Hatchery Research Center in Alsea this weekend for an opportunity to view salmon spawning and wildlife native to coastal streams. Brilliant red, orange and gold leaves against a backdrop of l green mountains and verdant fields, make the drive part of the destination. The Visitors' Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and includes displays of the salmon life cycle.

If predicted showers materialize on Friday or Saturday, water flow in Fall Creek will be ideal for wild fall chinook spawning. Blue heron and American dippers are daily visitors and there is usually the opportunity to see red-legged frogs, beaver and otter. Deer and elk are seen early in the morning and in the evening.

The 32-acre Hatchery Research Center is close enough for a day trip and far enough off the beaten path, you'll know you are in one of Oregon's wonderful wild places. See Willamette Zone Viewing for directions.

HUNTING: Have a wild turkey day

Turkey day is quickly approaching-why not try to put a wild turkey on the Thanksgiving dinner table? You can still purchase a general season tag for $18 and hunt in many counties in Southwest and Willamette Zones. See below for fall hunting tips and look to zone reports or ODFW's turkey hunting brochure for more info.

* Turkeys in the fall are less vocal and less responsive to hunter calls but they flock up in larger groups. Some successful hunters disperse turkey flocks, then sit down and call using the lost call or whistle-like sounds turkeys make when regrouping. Call sparingly in the fall so you don't scare turkeys away.

* Look for turkeys in food (hard and soft mast) producing areas like under oak, maple, hawthorn or dogwood trees. Turkeys tend to seek out easy food from local ranches and farms. Insects are still an important part of a turkey's diet in the fall too so key in on grasshopper producing areas.

* Turkeys spend a lot of time wandering large areas foraging for food. They are not tied to territories like they are in the spring breeding time so increase your searching and calling areas.

* Be prepared for adverse weather conditions.

* Remember that other hunts, like deer and elk hunting, might be going on in the same area so be safe and be sure of your target.

* Ask permission before hunting on private land (where many turkeys are found).

FISHING

Trout fishing has closed in streams (including tidewaters and bays), except as noted in regulations.

WILLAMETTE ZONE

FISHING

Trout fishing has closed in streams (including tidewaters and bays), except as otherwise noted in regulations. Some lakes in the Willamette zone are also closed including Erma Bell Lakes, Estacada Lake, Gold Lake and North Fork Reservoir.

River levels in the North and South Santiams have been quite stable and fishable for the last week or so, and should remain fairly steady except for rain events. Late season steelhead are in the rivers and some fish are still in pretty good shape.

STOCKING SCHEDULE:

The South Willamette Watershed District stocked Walling Pond and Walter Wirth Lake the week of Oct. 29 with legal and larger size rainbow trout. The next scheduled stocking will be the week of Nov. 19.

The North Willamette Watershed stocked Mt. Hood Pond with both legal and larger sized rainbow trout the week of Oct. 15. The next scheduled stocking for the North Willamette Watershed will occur the week of Dec. 17.

BREITENBUSH RIVER AND NORTH SANTIAM: trout

The Breitenbush, North Santiam above Detroit and Quartzville Creek above Green Peter are still holding good numbers of stocked trout. Baits, flies or small spinners work well.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: steelhead

Summer steelhead angling has slowed down. Anglers are reminded that the Clackamas River closed for coho retention after Oct. 31. The water levels are low and clear.

ODFW and OSU have released 80 hatchery summer steelhead implanted with radio-tags into the Clackamas River downstream of River Mill Dam as part of a study to monitor adult summer steelhead behavior. The fish in the study can be identified by an antenna trailing from the abdomen, and a blue plastic tag carrying a unique number inserted just below the dorsal fin on the back of the fish. The department reminds anglers it is against the law for anyone to retain a radio-tagged fish in this river, and these fish must be released unharmed. In addition, these fish have been anesthetized for surgery to implant the radio tags and are not fit for human consumption. Anyone who catches one of the tagged summer steelhead is asked to record the number printed on the plastic tag, without removing the tag from the fish, and notify ODFW of the date and location where the fish was caught and released by calling the Clackamas Office any time at (971) 673-6000. Anyone witnessing a tagged fish in the water is also asked to call. All reports of tagged fish will provide important information for the study.

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 painted rocks on both the park side and Estacada side. 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.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

At the beginning of the week of Nov. 5, Detroit Reservoir water levels were very low. Late-season trout angling has picked up for 11-13 inch rainbow trout.

EAGLE CREEK: steelhead, coho

As of Nov. 5, the water levels were very low, making angling opportunities very poor. Very few fresh fish have moved into the system as a result of the dry weather and low flows. Many of the fish are now up towards the hatchery.

Right now most of the coho in the creek are fairly dark. The most popular spots to try include the Bonnie Lure area, the water above and below the lower fish ladder, Eagle Fern Park, and up near the hatchery. Much of the creek meanders through private property so pay attention to your location and secure permission before fishing on private land. Eagle Creek will remain open for coho angling until Nov. 30 with a bag limit of three adipose fin-clipped fish.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: Rainbow Trout

Foster Reservoir water levels were very low as of Nov. 5. Late-season trout angling has picked up for 11-13 inch rainbow trout.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: kokanee, chinook

Green Peter Reservoir water levels have gotten lower during the beginning of the week of Nov. 5. Late-season trout angling has picked up for 11-13 inch rainbow trout.

HENRY HAGG LAKE: trout, bass

Trout fishing has been reported as excellent at Henry Hagg lake with anglers catching 16-inch rainbows on average. Many anglers have reported success of catching the limit within a couple of hours using nightcrawlers in the morning and switching to powerbait in sunrise, chartreuse or hatch brown as the morning moves on. Opportunities for bass and panfish are slowing down now that the water has cooled off.

HERMAN CREEK: summer steelhead, coho salmon, chinook salmon

The angling at Lower Herman Creek has been very good with lots of coho in the lagoon. The anglers in the now handicapped only are having much better success at catching fish since the change took effect in August. The Herman Creek slough west of the Peninsula was changed to handicap access only for the retention of chinook, adipose fin-clipped coho salmon and adipose fin-clipped steelhead consistent with regulations recently adopted by the ODFW Commission. All other regulations regarding Herman Creek remain the same.

SUNNYSIDE POND: trout, bass, sunfish, catfish

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: Closed Oct. 31 for coho

Anglers are reminded that coho angling on the Sandy closed on Oct 31. Please obey all parking instructions in the area of the hatchery. The hatchery has had several thousand fish return to the trap.

The recent breaching of the temporary coffer dam at Marmot has the potential to affect conditions downstream of that area. The entire section of river near the dam removal site is a hazardous construction zone with no public entrance allowed at this time.

Access to the river can be gained 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.

The recent removal of Marmot Dam has left many changes in the river. One of note to anglers is the temporary fishway that was built several hundred feet below the dam. This fishway and ladder still fall under the written angling regulations. Therefore activity of any kind, fishing or otherwise, is forbidden and unlawful within 200 feet of this temporary structure. The entire Marmot Dam area is posted as a hazardous construction zone and the public is required to avoid the area until the project is completed.

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.

WALTER WIRTH LAKE/WALLING POND: Rainbow trout

Walter Wirth and Walling Pond were stocked the week of Oct. 29 with legal and larger size rainbow trout.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: sturgeon, chinook, steelhead

Angling for white sturgeon has improved with some good catches of keepers reported. The Lower Willamette below the falls closed for coho angling on Oct. 31.

Please note that the Willamette River, including Multnomah Channel, is operating under recently updated and modified rules. Effective Oct. 1, 2007 through Dec. 31, 2007 the retention of sturgeon is allowed on all seven days of the week. Please also note that anglers are limited to the use of only one single-point barbless hook while angling for sturgeon.

The sturgeon catch has been fair to good over recent weeks in many sections of the lower Willamette. From the lower Portland Harbor near St Johns up to the Sellwood Bridge there have been a several keepers reported along with many sublegal sturgeon. The Milwaukie/West Linn area has also been producing a few keepers and sublegals. Bank fishing for sturgeon can be found at Meldrum Bar and at the wall in downtown Oregon City. Sturgeon anglers have been using frozen smelt, herring, or sand shrimp as effective bait.

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. Please be aware that early snowfall may occur and that heading into November the weather can turn at anytime. The high lakes have been aerial stocked and provide an angling experience unlike the more crowded, close-in waters. Bank fishing is the way to fish on these small mountain lakes, with the greatest chances for success likely to be found by fishing in mornings and evenings. Of course 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 anglers. Some of the waters to try include Hartman Pond, Henry Hagg Lake, Salish Ponds, and Wilsonville Pond. Please refer to the ODFW Web site for additional warm water angling locations.

WILLAMETTE ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Waterfowl, pheasant, blue grouse, ruffed grouse and mountain quail, bear, cougar, crow, western gray squirrel (ends Nov. 7), coast bull elk (begins Nov. 10), turkey

TURKEY

The South Willamette district where the general season is open supports large numbers of turkeys. Unfortunately, most flocks occur within the city. Huntable flocks are distributed outside the city limits on low elevation private property. Public lands in the zone do not have suitable habitat to support turkeys so hunters will need to have access to private land for good turkey hunting. If you are lucky enough to have that access, the season should be excellent.

Coast Bull Elk (Nov. 10-13)

ODFW reminds hunters the last day to purchase a coastal bull elk tag is Nov. 9.

Take the time to scout before your hunt. Look for elk sign, and areas where herds have crossed the road. Tracks are easier to be seen following rain. Make the necessary contacts with landowners to hunt on private property before your trip.

ODFW can use your biological samples from all harvested elk. Call the nearest ODFW office for drop off locations. The samples are useful tools for ODFW in testing for chronic wasting disease as well as aging the animals. Hunters who submit an elk sample, will receive a notification by mail regarding the age of the animal harvested. There will be a CWD check station Nov. 10-11 at the Stimson main gate, above Henry Hagg Lake, near Forest Grove.

The first season opens Nov. 10, and the second one on Nov. 17. Hunters are reminded of the spike-only bull bag limit in the Wilson and Trask units during the second season.

Blue grouse, ruffed grouse, mountain & California quail

Look for Mountain and California quail, blue and ruffed grouse while they search for their meal of berries and insects along graveled roads. Hunters targeting the blue grouse should look in upper elevations, openings and clear cuts. Ruffed grouse are more common along streams. Mountain quail should be found in 3-5 year-old clear cuts.

ODFW staff observed good populations of blue and ruffed grouse in the Cascades. The number of grouse chicks observed along the Coast range appears average. Hunters have reported success of ruffed grouse in lower elevations along rocky roads close to water and blue grouse in higher elevations.

Department surveys for California and Mt. Quail showed poor chick survival in the North Willamette Watershed District management units this summer. Hunters will need to look for a variety of berries, grains and other food sources that will concentrate birds.

Hunting after or during rainfall makes the woods quieter and easier to sneak up on prey.

Waterfowl n duck, merganser, goose, snipe

Willamette Valley waterfowl season is in full swing with most of the available ducks being mallards and other local birds although a few migrants are starting to arrive from the north. The weather usually plays a large role in the success of hunters on a given day, with the best conditions being on the onset of storms when birds are leaving the large water bodies and seeking shelter in vegetated areas along the edges of estuaries and lakes. Hunting on windy and rainy days can improve a hunt whereas the birds will fly lower to the ground, and easier to shoot.

Bear and cougar

In North Willamette Watershed, bear and cougar are rare in Scappoose, east Trask, northeast Stott Mt. and Willamette units; populations are higher in north Santiam unit. The highest densities of bears in the South Willamette Watershed can be found in the Siuslaw and Indigo units.

Western gray squirrel are most likely to be found in mixed deciduous-conifer forests amid oak and maple trees and in filbert orchards.

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area success rates are as follows: Nov. 2 averaged 2.1 birds per hunter with Aaron, Steelmen, Seal units leading; Nov. 4 averaged 1.2 birds per hunter with Racetrack and Reeder units leading; Nov. 6 averaged 2.6 birds per hunter with Mud Lake and Rentenaar leading.

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area hunters should enjoy a potentially excellent waterfowl season. Oregon's waterfowl population is up 27 percent and nationwide up 14 percent. The food crops and moist soil plants are in excellent condition and will provide good feeding opportunities well into the season. All hunt units will have flooded areas with opportunities for decoy use.

EE Wilson Wildlife Area

The week of Oct. 29, EE Wilson reported 485 hunters with a harvest of 99 pheasants, 5 quail and 78 rabbits. Rabbit hunting has shown great success and hunters with dogs have shown even greater success. Pheasants are no longer being released, however, some residual pheasants remain on the wildlife area and are available for hunt without a fee pheasant tag until the end of the season. Waterfowl hunting will improve when rains return to fill the ponds.

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area

Hunters at Fern Ridge Wildlife Area are reminded to carefully review wildlife area regulations before heading to the field this season. Several changes were made to hunting and access regulations last season that remain in effect this year. As of Oct. 13, the Fisher Butte and Royal Amazon units remain open for hunting daily with a 1:00 p.m. closure on hunting and a 2:00 p.m. closure for public access. The closure is in effect to provide daily periods of sanctuary for waterfowl. The exception to the 2:00 p.m. closure is that the Royal Avenue roadway and the trail to the Fisher Butte unit viewing blind remain open all day, year-round.

During duck season Fern Ridge lake area remains open all day every day for public recreation including duck hunting. Hunters are reminded that goose hunting is closed on Fern Ridge lake and wildlife area after the September Canada goose season. Also concurrent with duck season dates, the East and West Coyote units are closed to all entry until the reservation waterfowl hunt begins on Nov. 17. Hunters who missed the reservation cut-off date are welcome to attend the reservation hunt and take their chances as a stand-by hunter any Mon-Wed-Sat morning beginning Nov. 17.

Units that are open to hunting are also open to pheasant hunting during general pheasant season and the fee hunt tag is no longer required. One of the best bets is the large grassland field in the southern portion of the Fisher Butte unit accessible by the parking area on Highway 126.

Winter drawdown of Fern Ridge lake is well underway to provide flood storage capacity in the Willamette basin system. Hunters using boats on the lake are cautioned to watch for exposed stumps and shallow water areas as the lake level continues to drop daily. In order to make your visit with local game troopers a pleasant one, be sure to check your license documents before heading to the field, double check to see if your plug is still in your shotgun, and be sure to pack only non-toxic shot. Call the wildlife area headquarters at 541-935-2591 for updates and additional information.

WILLAMETTE ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS:

Animal Tracking Practice, Nov. 10, 9:30am n noon, Portland

Practice the ancient art of tracking on sand, mud and the forest floor at Smith and Bybee Wetlands the second Saturday of each month. This is a great place to find evidence of a variety of urban wildlife including beaver, deer, coyote, raccoon and rabbit. Most of the time will be spent walking on sand or paved trail to find and discuss tracks and sign. Participants will get the most from the class if they have previous tracking experience. Suitable for adults and teens. This class is free, advance registration is required. Call (503) 797-1715 for more information or to register. For more information, http://www.metro-region.org/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=24433&view=details&event_id=25551

Hiker's Wildlife Survey Orientation, Jackson Bottom Wetlands, Nov. 10, Hillsboro

Help improve the habitats at Jackson Bottom Wetlands preserve. The Hiker's Wildlife Survey Project offers community members the opportunity to hike and explore the wetlands preserve while collecting valuable wildlife information. Participants attend a free orientation covering the specifics of the survey process, and basic wildlife observation and identification techniques. The second portion is spent hiking in the preserve and applying skills in the field. Orientation sessions are free; pre-registration is required. To register: (503) 681-6206. For more information, http://www.jacksonbottom.org/HikersWildlifeSurvey.htm

Planting and Invasive Plant removal, Tualatin Hills Nature Park, Nov. 10-11, 9 a.m. n noon, Beaverton

Help protect Oregon's precious wildlife by sprucing up the areas where they live. Join Tualatin River Watershed Council to remove invasive plants and plant new ones in Tualatin Hills Nature Park. The Park, a 222-acre wildlife preserve in the heart of Beaverton, is home to a variety of birds, mammals, and smaller creatures. For more information, http://www.thprd.org/volunteer/ot.cfm

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge Walk, Nov. 10, 9:00 a.m. n noon, Portland

Join Portland's Audubon Society for a stroll around the 160-acre Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Become familiar with the history of Oaks Bottom being designated as Portland's first official urban wildlife refuge and current efforts to restore fish and wildlife habitat throughout the refuge. This trip is appropriate for families. The walk is a two-mile loop on both paved and uneven dirt paths, with two moderate hills. Call (503) 292-6855 x 116 for information or registration.

Fall colors, wild spawning salmon, blue heron and beavers

Visit the Oregon Hatchery Research Center in Alsea this weekend for an opportunity to view salmon spawning and wildlife native to coastal streams. Brilliant red, orange and gold leaves against a backdrop of cool green mountains and verdant fields make the drive part of the destination. The Visitors' Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and includes interpretive displays of the salmon life cycle.

If predicted showers materialize on Friday or Saturday, water flow in Fall Creek will be ideal for wild fall chinook spawning. Blue heron and American dippers are daily visitors to Fall Creek and there is usually the opportunity to see red-legged frogs, beaver and otter. Deer and elk are seen early in the morning and in the evening.

The 32-acre Hatchery Research Center is close enough for a day trip and far enough off the beaten path, you'll know you are in one of Oregon's wonderful wild places.

From Corvallis, take Highway 34 to Alsea. Continue through Alsea on Highway 34 about 12 miles; Turn right on East Fall Creek Road. From Waldport, take Highway 34 to East Fall Creek Road and turn left. It's about 40 miles. See Google maps for additional directions, http://maps.google.com/maps?tab=wl

Around the Valley

Great Horned Owl Sighted in Clackamas County

Several Happy Valley residents report sighting of a Great Horned Owl near the top of the Mt. Scott. The Great Horned Owl is believed to be one of a nest of fledglings earlier this year. Happy Valley is located in Clackamas County. Mount Scott, an extinct volcano, is its highest point.

To learn more about the Great Horned Owl: http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/greathornedowl.htm

Look Up!

Migrating birds are abundant this time of year. It's a great viewing opportunity to see the V formations in the sky and listen to the honking and cackling of different kinds of geese as they travel south for the winter. Several migrations travel at night. When you can't watch them travel, you can listen for their call.

Rainy Day Activity

If you've wondered what to do on a rainy Oregon day, try looking for Banana Slugs. These colorful slugs become active with high humidity and are found along the floors of moist forests. Their natural defense against predators is a quality in their slime that makes the tongues of their predators go numb n an unpleasant feeling that lasts all day. Slugs play an important part in the ecosystem by recycling leaves and debris along the bottom of the forest. To learn more about the banana slug, http://oregonstate.edu/dept/nurspest/banana%20slug.htm

Hillsboro Area

Henry Hagg Lake

Some smaller animals to keep an eye out for this fall include rough skinned newts, snakes and Pacific tree frogs. Always watch for migrating birds in the early morning or evening.

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

NEW: While the fall migration of Sandhill Cranes is winding down, crane enthusiasts can still view population of Sandhills that winter on Sauvie Island. For a novice birder, Sandhill cranes and great blue herons can look similar. One way to tell them apart is the "s" curve of the heron's neck versus the straightened neck of a crane. Another way to distinguish the two is by coloring. Cranes are generally all one color while herons will have white and black feathers in addition to their plumage of blue-grey. http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Sandhill_Crane.html

Viewing areas currently open to the public are Coon Point, the Eastside Viewing Platform and Rentenaar Road. A variety of waterfowl and migratory birds are easily viewed on the wildlife area including Aleutian cackling and dusky Canada geese.

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. Disabled anglers can gain access to the Big Eddy gate by obtaining a permit at the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area office.

Directions to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/sauvieisland.htm

Visit the Viewing Section online to see photos, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/willamette/#viewing

NOTE: This week's information will not be posted until the end of the day on Wednesday.

NORTHWEST ZONE

NORTH COAST LAKES:

Surplus hatchery summer steelhead were released in Town and Cape Meares lakes recently.

Anglers should use caution when heading to Lost Lake (Clatsop County) as logging activities are continuing. Call the Tillamook office at 503-842-2741 or Astoria Oregon Department of Forestry at 503-325-5451 for more information.

MID COAST LAKES:

Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes (located just south of Florence along Hwy 101) are open to wild coho salmon retention through Dec. 31. The daily bag limit is one adult coho salmon and one jack coho salmon. Anglers are limited to retaining five adult coho, in combination, from Siltcoos and Tahkenitch lakes during the season. Some coho have entered the lake with fishing being mostly slow but fair at times. The fishery is anticipated to pick up following the next big rains. Trolling or casting lures and fishing bait from a bobber are effective methods. The coho fishing boundaries are as follows.

The waters of Siltcoos Lake open for coho angling are defined as that area upstream from the Highway 101 Bridge and downstream of the railroad trestle on the Maple Creek arm and the Fivemile Road crossing on the Fiddle Creek arm.

The waters of Tahkenitch Lake open for coho angling are defined as that area upstream from the Highway 101 Bridge and downstream of the first road crossing on the Leitel Creek arm and the ODFW Marker at the bridge on the 059 Road just west of Douglas County Road 49.

ALSEA RIVER: chinook

Anglers have been picking up a few fall chinook in the mainstem river above tidewater. Both drift boat fishing and bank angling has been productive floating eggs or back trolling. The tidewater fishery has slowed but pulses of Chinook should continue well into November. Anglers should watch for the next rain event to pull more fish up into the river. Current river levels: http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?TIDO3

NECANICUM RIVER: chinook

Angling for chinook is slow to fair. Concentrate on the lower river for the best chance at bright fish. Fish are likely to be held up in the deeper holes.

NEHALEM RIVER AND NORTH FORK NEHALEM RIVER: chinook

Angling for chinook is slow to fair. Fish the deeper pools for best success. Baits such as eggs and/or sand shrimp will produce the best action. Try a marabou jig under a bobber for a different look. Angling for coho salmon closed Oct. 31.

NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: chinook, steelhead

Fall chinook are being caught in Nestucca Bay. Angling has been fair. Some chinook are available in the lower river. Target the chinook in deeper holes with eggs and/or shrimp. Large marabou jigs fished under a bobber will also produce fish at times. Spinners or large plugs may work as well, but will be difficult to fish with all the leaves in the water. Angling for summer steelhead is fair. Best action is in Three Rivers or the upper Nestucca River above Blaine. Fish the faster water with small baits (where allowed) or lures (such as marabou jigs, or small spinners).

River levels: http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=pqr

SALMON RIVER: chinook, coho

Fall chinook angling is slowing down but there is fair to good angling for coho salmon. Fresh fish will continue to return well into November but not expected in big numbers. Fishing upper tidewater and the lower river from the bank remains productive. Floating bait or casting lures can be efficient techniques.

SILETZ RIVER: chinook, steelhead

Angling for fall Chinook in tidewater has slowed but picked up in the mainstem river from the town of Siletz down to tidewater. Bright fish will continue to show well into November but likely not in big numbers. Steelhead fishing has remained fair to good with some late summer steelhead being picked up in the upper river. Current river levels and forecasts: http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?SILO3

SIUSLAW RIVER: chinook

The fall chinook fishery in tidewater is slowing down but can still produce fish as new pulses move through. Bank fishing in the lower mainstem river has picked up recently as fish are moving up stream to their spawning areas. Bright fish will continue to return into November but in smaller numbers. Current river levels and forecasts: http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?MPLO3..

NECANICUM RIVER: chinook

Angling for chinook is slow to fair. Concentrate on the lower river for the best chance at bright fish. Fish are likely to be held up in the deeper holes.

NEHALEM RIVER AND NORTH FORK NEHALEM RIVER: chinook

Angling for chinook is slow to fair. Fish the deeper pools for best success. Baits such as eggs and/or sand shrimp will produce the best action. Try a marabou jig under a bobber for a different look. Angling for coho salmon closed Oct. 31.

NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: chinook, steelhead

Fall chinook are being caught in Nestucca Bay. Angling has been fair. Some chinook are available in the lower river. Target the chinook in deeper holes with eggs and/or shrimp. Large marabou jigs fished under a bobber will also produce fish at times. Spinners or large plugs may work as well, but will be difficult to fish with all the leaves in the water. Angling for summer steelhead is fair. Best action is in Three Rivers or the upper Nestucca River above Blaine. Fish the faster water with small baits (where allowed) or lures (such as marabou jigs, or small spinners).

River levels: http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=pqr

YAQUINA RIVER: chinook

Trolling and/or bobber fishing in tide water is producing some fall Chinook but overall angling remains slow to fair. Anlgers still have a few good weeks left as fresh Chinook will continue to return well into November, but in smaller numbers. The best results are occurring around the high tide cycle and just after rain events.

NORTHWEST ZONE HUNTING

Visit the region's Fall Hunting Forecast

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/hunting_forecast/2007_fall_northwest.asp

OPEN: Waterfowl, pheasant, grouse, ruffed grouse and mountain quail, bear, cougar, western gray squirrel (ends Nov. 7) , crow, general coast elk rifle (Nov. 10-13)

HUNTING EVENT: Dec. 1-2 - Build Your Own Longbow in Tillamook.

Hosted by ODFW's Passport to the Outdoors Program, this workshop will allow you to create your own wooden longbow. Master Bowyer, John Strunk, will share his knowledge and expertise with you as he takes you through the process from wood stave to finished bow. No prior experience is necessary to create your own one-of-a kind work of art. Adult men and women are invited to attend this workshop.

Visit web site below to register or email Nancy.E.Smogor@state.or.us.

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/outdoor_skills/bow/registration_form.pdf

Forest grouse and mountain quail

Look for these birds while they search for their meal of seeds, insects and grit along graveled roads in the forest. Hunters targeting the blue grouse should look in upper elevations, especially forested areas on ridge tops. Ruffed grouse are more common along stream bottoms and mid-slope areas. Mountain quail should be found in older, brushy clear cuts, especially on south facing slopes, and tend to be more abundant in the eastern half of the coast range than the western half. ODFW staff observed higher than average number of grouse and moderate numbers of mountain quail on summer surveys in the Coast range.

Waterfowl

Duck season on the north coast generally improves in November with more migrants arriving from the north. Recently, new groups of mallards, wigeon, pintails and teal have been seen on north coast estuaries. Generally, the weather usually plays a large role in the success of hunters on a given day, with the best conditions being on the onset of storms when birds are leaving the large water bodies and seeking shelter in vegetated areas along the edges of estuaries and lakes. When hunting estuaries or other tidally influenced areas, be mindful of tide swings, especially when hunting from a boat.

General Coast Elk (Nov. 10-13)

ODFW reminds hunters that Nov. 9 is the last day to purchase the coast bull elk tag.

Bull escapement from last year's hunting seasons was at or above the management goal in both the Trask and Wilson units, and with good calf recruitment there should be an ample supply of bulls in both units. More timber harvest on the state forest lands in recent years should allow for good access to bulls on those lands. When hunting industrial forest lands, please make sure you understand the landowner's access policy. Most landowners will have gates open on their larger blocks of land, especially on the opening weekend, while smaller blocks tend to be designated as non-motorized access only. The first season opens Nov. 10, and the second one on Nov. 17. Hunters are reminded of the spike-only bull bag limit in the Wilson and Trask units during the second season.

Bear and cougar

Black Bear are actively feeding as the fall progresses, and have largely switched from the very abundant wild berry crops of this summer to later fruit crops, such as apples and pears from abandoned orchards in the forest. A strategy for hunting them in the early morning and late evening hours is watching clear-cuts, old meadows and natural openings. At other times during the day, use of a predator call is the best approach. Generally, long and persistent calling is the most effective way to call them in.

All indicators point to the north coast as having relatively low cougar densities, when compared to most of the rest of the state. However, they can still be located, especially if hunters are dedicated to using calls as their primary strategy. Like with black bear, cougar are probably most effectively hunted by long and persistent calling with a predator call.

Western gray squirrel (ends Nov. 7)

Mixed deciduous-conifer forests are a good place to look for western gray squirrel as well as amid oak and maple trees and in filbert orchards, especially along the eastern slope of the coast range and the Willamette Valley. Unlike in southern Oregon, these native squirrels occur at naturally low densities in north coast forests.

NORTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS:

Birds of Vosburg Creek, Nov. 10, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Join US Fish and Wildlife Service's Dawn Grafe for a morning of birding the riparian woodlands of Vosburg Creek in the lower Nehalem Community Trust Vosburg Creek property. For information: http://www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/calendar/eventshow.cfm?id=259

Salmon Walks, Nov. 10 and 11, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Tillamook

Salmon are undergoing their amazing journey up the rivers of the Tillamook State Forest to spawn. Visit the Tillamook Forest Center to learn about salmon life cycles and habitat requirements. After a short presentation, take a walk over to Jones Creek to observe these majestic fish. Visit, http://tillamookforestcenter.org/

Birding Trip from Corvallis to Newport Coast, Nov. 17, 7:30 a.m.

Join Corvallis Audubon Society for a full-day trip to the Oregon Coast. You'll see shorebirds and migratory birds so be sure to bring your binoculars. Also make sure to pack a large sack lunch, water/drinks, and wear layers of warm clothing, sturdy shoes, and rain gear. The group meets at the Benton Center parking lot in Corvallis to carpool to the coast. Contact Paula Vanderheul (541) 752-0470, vanderp@peak.org for more information. http://www.audubon.corvallis.or.us/field_trips.shtml

What's New?

North Coast

Recently new groups of mallards, wigeon, pintails and teal have been seen on north coast estuaries. Many of these birds will reside here for the winter, while some will continue on south using coastal estuaries to feed and rest up for the long trip to wintering grounds. Several species that are not resident to the north coast may make an appearance and can be viewed during this time, including white-fronted and snow geese.

Sea Foam!

Strong waves and wind injecting air into the ocean and the presence of dissolved organic matter can form sea foam. The organic matter is mostly made of dead phytoplankton. The protein from the phytoplankton gives the water enough surface tension to form bubbles. Surf and winds cause the bubbles to pile up in suds-like masses that are often blown up on the beach. Although this may look worrisome, it is a perfectly natural process that helps the ocean purify its self. Viewed under a microscope, sea foam contains the extraordinarily beautiful glass-like skeletons of the phytoplankton.

Slugs?

If you've wondered what do on a rainy Oregon day, try looking for Banana Slugs. These colorful slugs become active with high humidity and are found along the floors of moist forests. Their natural defense against predators is a quality in their slime that makes the tongues of their predators go numb-an unpleasant feeling that lasts all day. Slugs play an important part in the ecosystem by recycling leaves and debris along the bottom of the forest. To learn more about the banana slug, http://oregonstate.edu/dept/nurspest/banana%20slug.htm

Astoria Area

Ft. Stevens State Park

If you're in the area in early morning or late evening, be on the lookout for elk that inhabit the Park. They are often seen feeding in open marsh grass areas near Trestle Bay, adjacent to the Clatsop Spit Road. Visit the viewing bunker that overlooks Trestle Bay and offers viewing of gulls, terns, pelicans and some waterfowl. Migrating ducks from the north have recently been noted in the area, and those birds will only increase as fall progresses. Binoculars or a spotting scope are helpful to enhance viewing.

Ft. Stevens Park: http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_179.php

Seaside Area

Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area

The cooler weather brings the elk into the open fields making them more visible. With the increased chance of ground fog this time of year, best viewing will probably be in the evenings. On a clear day, mornings are also a good viewing time.

December 1 marks the first day of registration for the popular winter elk feeding tours. Reservations will not be accepted prior to December 1 and all reservations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visitors to the wildlife area are reminded that areas posted as "Wildlife Refuge" are closed to entry all year and posted portions of the Beneke Tract are closed during elk hunting seasons including general archery season. Consult the 2007 Big Game Regulations for more information on hunting seasons: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/OFWbiggamerevised12-20-06%20(2).pdf

Jewell Meadows is located in central Clatsop County along Hwy 202. Directions and information: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/jewellmeodows.htm

Tillamook Area

Harlequin Duck Rocks

Late fall is a great time to view harlequin ducks along the Oregon Coast particularly in the Tillamook Bay just west of Garibaldi at Harlequin Duck Rocks. This pretty and unusual bird is characterized by black-bordered white bars along their back, breast and neck. The female has white spots in front and behind the eyes.

These birds spend most of their life in saltwater, nesting during the spring and summer in the mountains. For more information on harlequin ducks, http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/360/_/Harlequin_Duck.aspx

Cape Meares Lake

NEW: Cape Meares Lake, located west of Tillamook on Bayocean Spit, is a spot to find migrating waterbirds such as grebes, coots and loons. Occasionally, bald eagles can be seen roosting in the tall spruce trees just south of the lake. Recent observations have shown that some migrating ducks from the north have arrived, and the lake is a favorite hangout of canvasbacks.

Visit the Viewing Section online to see photos, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/northwest/#viewing

NOTE: This week's information will not be posted until the end of the day on Wednesday.

SOUTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

Trout fishing is now closed streams (including tidewaters and bays), except as noted in regulations.

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

Now that winter is coming on, try fishing in deeper water. Fishing for warmwater fish tends to slow at this time of year.

APPLEGATE RIVER: trout

Open for adipose fin-clipped trout. Anglers are catching and releasing lots of wild rainbow trout from 15 up to 21 inches between Jackson Picnic Park and the deadline below the dam. Rainbow trout over 16 inches are considered steelhead and must be released unharmed.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Anglers report that decent sized fish are being caught by trolling the deeper parts of the reservoir.

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 10-12 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. Anglers are reminded to keep an eye on the weather as Babyfoot is located at 4500 feet.

CHETCO RIVER: cutthroat trout, fall chinook

Chinook fishing has slowed down as flows have dropped and water cleared. Anglers are focusing on the lower river where fresh chinook are moving in on each high tide. Anglers fishing from drift boats or prams are having the best success.

COOS COUNTY LAKES: trout, bass

Lake stocking is over for the year. Fish are still available for anglers putting in some time. The following lakes were stocked with trout averaging 1 pound during the week of Oct. 22: Upper Empire, Lower Empire, Bradley Lake, and Powers Pond. Each waterbody received approximately 200 fish plus a handful of 5 pound fish. The cool weather should improve angling conditions for these and other fish in local lakes.

COOS RIVER BASIN: chinook

Chinook salmon fishing is still open but effort and catch has dropped off. A few fish may still be available in upper tidewater but will likely be on the dark side. Adipose fin-clipped coho may be retained up to Chandler Bridge. Good spots for bank angling are along Isthmus Slough, the mouth of Daniels Creek, and spots along the Millicoma River. 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

Fishing for chinook has been hit and miss on the Coquille with some large fish being reported. A few Chinook were caught this past week around Myrtle Point but most salmon angling is over for the year.Striped bass are available in the Coquille estuary where anglers usually do better after dark. Sand shrimp and large plugs that imitate 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.

DIAMOND LAKE: rainbow trout

The lake is now closed to fishing.

ELK/SIXES RIVER: fall Chinook

Chinook fishing has slowed. Anglers are targeting estuaries for the best action. Fresh Chinook will be entering on every tide and holding in the lower holes or will head back into the ocean as the tide goes out.

EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Fish deeper water for crappie and bass.

EXPO POND: rainbow trout, bass, panfish

Fishing for trout, bass, and panfish should be fair.

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout

A late September release of 3,000 good-sized rainbow is providing a nice fall fishing opportunity for anglers. The folks at the resort report that the lake is still good for legals and holdovers up to 17". Pressure is real light and the fish are biting real soft.

GARRISON LAKE: trout

Lower water temperatures and light winds have improved fishing on the lake. Anglers trolling the deeper water are reporting success on carry over trout. The best bait of choice is a wedding ring spinner tipped with a worm.

HOWARD PRAIRIE: rainbow trout

Lake closed to angling as of Nov. 1.

HYATT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass

Fishing closed as of Nov. 1.

ILLINOIS RIVER: trout, steelhead

Recent colder water temperatures should put the trout back on the bite.

LAKE SELMAC: trout, bass

Angling pressure is down, with only a few boats on the lake. Work is going on on the dam, and the water level is down.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, smallmouth bass

The reservoir was stocked the first week in October with 7,500 legal sized rainbow trout. In past years anglers have done well trolling deep upstream from the HWY 62 Bridge at the East end of the lake. There still may be some legal sized fish hitting bait near the rock face on the opposite side of the reservoir from the marina.

MEDCO POND: trout, largemouth bass, panfish

Fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and panfish should be fair. Trout fishing should pick up as the water gets colder in the fall.

PACIFIC OCEAN & BEACHES: chinook, bottomfish

Salmon fishing in the ocean closed Oct. 31. Bottom fishing can be excellent in the winter when the weather cooperates. Anglers should be cautious of the ocean and bar conditions which can change quickly. Sport boat anglers may no longer keep cabezon but shore anglers may continue to retain legal sized cabezon. The Pacific halibut sport fisheries are closed for the remainder of 2007.

POWERS POND: trout, largemouth bass

Powers Pond was stocked with trout "Pounders" and a few 5 pound fish the week of Oct. 22. This was the last stocking for 2007 but holdover fish are still be available.

REINHART PARK POND: trout, bass

Fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and panfish should improve as the water cools.

ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: fall chinook, coho, steelhead

Chinook and coho fishing is over. Flows have dropped and anglers can once again can target half pounders or late summer steelhead. Some of the best action will be around tail outs where Chinook are spawning. A good area to fish this time of year is between Foster Bar and Agness.

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: chinook, trout, steelhead

The flow on Nov 5. was 1,580 cubic feet per second at Grants Pass. Troy from U-Save Gas & Guide Service reports. Bright spoons and spinners have been working well. Anglers are catching coho and some summer steelhead. It's pretty good right now, quite a few cohos are being caught on non-rattling plugs, Blue Fox #4 and #5 and Panther Martin holographic in #9 and #15. Steelhead action is picking up, using night crawlers with a pink puff ball. Bor X O Fire cured eggs by Pautzki's have been good also. Plug fishing is good if you can dodge the big leaves floating downstream.

Guide Dan Lyon reports, "We fished Saturday in the Grants Pass area and we had 8 steelhead hooked, but only landed 4. The largest was about 12-13 pounds and the others were 6-7 pounders."

Carol Rice boated a 29-inch hatchery steelhead using a fly rod under the 6th Street Bridge and a 22-inch native steelhead at Finley Bend. Adult salmon are being caught downstream of Hog Creek. Anglers are cautioned not to disturb salmon on the redds as they may not complete spawning if disturbed.

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: trout, steelhead

Fishing has been fair, with guide boats averaging 3-4 steelhead per day and on good days, 8-9 steelhead. Fishing deep with nymphs has worked well at this time of year in the past. The number of summer steelhead over Gold Ray increased to 5, 385 as of Oct. 27. The outflow from Lost Creek Reservoir was 1,202 cubic feet per second and the outflow temperature was 41 as of Monday morning.

Regulations: Angling is restricted to the use of artificial flies and lures between Gold Ray Dam and the Shady Cove Boat Ramp starting Nov. 1. Consult the regulations for more information. Steelhead anglers should target riffles, runs, and slots, though fish can be found in a variety of waters. Only adipose fin-clipped steelhead, trout, and coho salmon may be harvested.

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

Trout fishing closed as of Nov. 1.

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: cutthroat trout

Fall chinook fishing in the Smith River estuary is slow, some chinook are being caught. Striper fishing has been good, with some very nice stripers being caught in lower Smith River. Trout season is now closed in the Smith River and tributaries.

SOUTH COAST LAKES AND PONDS: trout

Fishing is slow on all lakes and ponds.

SOUTH COAST STREAMS: fall chinook, cutthroat trout

Trout season closed in the Umpqua, Smith River, South Umpqua and Cow Creek basins. The North Umpqua mainstem is still open for catch and release trout fishing, from the mouth upstream to Soda Springs Dam, but the tributaries are closed. The North Umpqua and tributaries are closed however from Soda Springs Reservoir upstream.

SOUTH COAST BEACHES:

No report.

TENMILE BASIN: yellow perch

Closed to trout fishing as of Nov. 1. Yellow perch have been biting well at the county docks.

TOKETEE LAKE: brown trout

Fishing is open in Toketee all year round. Fishing has been slow but the best fishing occurs early in the morning.

UMPQUA ESTUARY: sturgeon

Fall chinook and coho fishing has been spotty with the majority of the fish being caught below the 101 bridge. Bank anglers are starting to catch a few chinook at Osprey Point and Winchester Bay. Sturgeon fishing has been slow, some large green sturgeon are being picked up in the Big Bend area. Crabbing has improved with a few limits being caught, the best crabbing is occurring in the half-moon bay area.

UMPQUA HIGH LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

Brook trout fishing has slowed with the warmer days. The best fishing in the high lakes is occurring later in the day as the temperatures warm. Check with the Forest Service for road conditions as it starts snowing in the mountains. Diamond Lake and Lemolo Lake are closed starting Nov. 1. However the other high cascade lakes are open year-round.

UMPQUA RIVER MAINSTEM: shad, bass, chinook

There are small numbers of fall chinook throughout the river. These numbers will continue to increase as more fish move through the bay. Anglers should find some chinook holding below the Calapooya between the Umpqua and James Wood boat ramps. Some of these fish will be coded-wire-tagged and have their adipose fin clipped. The ODFW is requesting that anglers catching a marked chinook between River Forks and Elkton turn in the snouts in the barrel in front of the Roseburg ODFW office. Smallmouth fishing is starting to slow down as the water temperatures cool. 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 improved with the rain and lower water temperatures. Steelhead fishing throughout the North Umpqua has been very poor this year. The fly water (Rock Creek to Soda Springs Dam) is normally very productive this time of year. Summer steelhead fishing in the fly water is very slow, although in the last week a few more fish have been caught. Winchester Dam counts show that 6,614 spring chinook and 4.067 summer steelhead have passed over the dam through Oct. 15. However coho are starting to move in to the North Umpqua, with already over 1,000 coho past the dam. Coho fishing is currently fair, and should improve as the coho run continues.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: closed

The South Umpqua remains closed to all angling until Dec. 1.

WILLOW LAKE: trout, bass

Angling for trout good with catches up to 14.5 inches reported. Bank angling is good for legal sized trout near the dam. Boat anglers are catching larger fish in deeper water.

WINCHESTER BAY: sturgeon

Some chinook are being caught in the bay and around Big Bend. Some fall chinook and coho are being caught at Osprey Point and into Salmon Harbor. Fishing has still been slow.

SHELLFISH

All areas south of Siletz Bay on the Oregon Coast remain open to recreational and commercial shellfish harvest. Areas north of the Siletz are closed to mussel harvest due to elevated levels of PSP. ALWAYS CHECK FOR HEALTH ADVISORIES by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Shellfish line at 1-800-448-2474 for updates.

More information about razor clams and current status of particular areas: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/razorclams

Ocean crabbing is closed now through Dec. 1. Bay crabbing is open the entire year. The next few months are a great time for bay crabbing. Crab are generally full of meat and available in good numbers in coastal bays. Crabbing inside Coos Bay has been good recently with boats returning with nice catches of crab. Shore based crabbers are also getting some keeper crabs. 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.

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

SOUTHWEST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Pheasant, fall turkey, blue grouse, ruffed grouse, cougar, bear, California quail, mt. quail, western gray squirrel (closes Nov. 7), some controlled deer and elk hunts

Visit the Southwest Fall Hunting Forecast

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/hunting_forecast/2007_fall_southwest.asp

DOUGLAS COUNTY

TURKEY: Some of the best turkey hunting in the district occurs on private land but if you don't have access, try these public hunting spots. Click on ODFW's turkey hunting brochure for more information.

* N. Bank Habitat Mgt Area (BLM) which is located NW of Roseburg on N. Bank Road. This area is closed to vehicle traffic so it allows ample opportunity for walking and hunting of turkeys. Several nice gobblers have been taken in the last couple of weeks.

* This is 100% public land.

* Illahae Rock & Dry Creek which is located 45 miles up the North Umpqua Highway. Several large flocks have been spotted over the last several weeks with a few nice turkeys being taken. This area is mostly USFS land but a few private land parcels are in the area.

* Jackson Creek off the S. Umpqua River near Tiller which is 25 miles east of Canyonville. Several flocks and virtually no hunting pressure in the Jackson Creek area. Turkey flocks been spotted in the last few weeks near Tallow Butte, Acker Rock and Squaw Flat.

DEER: General bow buck season re-opens from Nov. 10-Dec. 12 in the Melrose and Evans Creek units for Douglas County. Otherwise, only a few controlled hunts are open at this time. Deer populations are similar to last year.

ELK: General coast bull elk rifle first season is open Nov. 10-13 in the Melrose and Siuslaw units in Douglas County. Also, the controlled SW Cascade muzzleloader elk hunter in SW Oregon is open from Nov. 10n 16. Elk populations are similar to last year so this hunting year will be average.

BEAR: General bear season is now open. Hunters can expect an average year. Some nice size bears have been harvested in the coast range in the last few weeks. Successful bear hunters are encouraged to turn in a pre-molar bear tooth for the ongoing bear statewide population study.

COUGAR: Cougar season is open. Hunters can expect an average year. Cougars are abundant throughout with indicators pointing to healthy population and wide distribution. Cougar harvest is greatest adjacent to private land with high deer populations.

UPLAND GAMEBIRDS:

Grouse & Quail n The season is currently open. Blue grouse success is best in mid to high elevations of the Cascades in partly open conifer stands. Ruffed grouse can be found near creeks mostly at mid elevations of both the Cascades and Coast Range. Success is best in the lower elevation agricultural lands for California quail and mid-elevations of the Cascades and Coast Range near brushy clear cuts on secondary forest roads for Mountain quail.

Fall Turkey n The season is currently open. Hunters can expect an above average year. Most turkeys are on or adjacent to low-mid elevation private lands associated with oak savannah habitat.

WATERFOWL: The season for ducks, geese, snipe and coot is currently open. Duck hunting is improving with many fall migrating ducks arriving daily. Recent ODFW aerial surveys on the South Umpqua revealed large numbers of wood ducks on the lower half of the drainage. Hunting for resident geese in Douglas County is very good because of an excellent production again this year. Nearly all waterfowl hunting in the Umpqua Valley is on private property and hunters should obtain landowner permission before hunting.

CROW n The season is currently open. Hunters can expect an average year. Crow are abundant and widely distributed on the Umpqua Valley floor. Hunting crow is a challenge with most being on or adjacent to private lands.

JACKSON, JOSEPHINE, CURRY COUNTIES

BIG GAME:

District staff encourage hunters to wear blaze orange.

TURKEY: Season opened Oct 15 and will run through Dec. 31. Hunters will find a new type of challenge in hunting turkey in the fall season. They are not as responsive to call but yet they may not be as weary of humans either. Hunters have had success in ambushing or scattering flocks and using the lost call as they begin to regroup. A reminder that either sex can be hunted in the fall, tags are available at first come first serve bases.

Some of the best public hunting spots for turkeys are areas within the Jackon Cooperative Travel Management Area. These areas are Boswell mountain area west of Hwy 62 near Shady Cove and Camel Hump area east of Shady Cove. Another area within the TMA is the Green top unit off of Obenchain road north of Hwy 140 north east of Eagle Point. These areas all have road closure periods and maps are available at local ODFW office.

Deer n Western deer rifle season ended Friday Nov. 2 and Youth general rife western deer hunt ended Nov. 4. During the end of the season deer began their rutting activities and hunters were finding bucks around the does. Overall deer season appeared to be good for hunters with many finding 3 to 4 point bucks. Nov. 10 thru Dec.2 reopens General buck deer bow season for the Evans Creek unit and Rogue unit and muzzleloader hunting in the Applegate unit. For both of these seasons, deer will be in the rut, so consider rattling to bring in the curious animals. Try low elevations where oak trees and buck brush is located.

Elk - Cascade bull rifle season is now closed. The Southwest Cascades controlled muzzleloader elk hunt runs Nov. 10-16. Muzzleloader hunters should have good success in the Dixon and Rogue Units. General Coastal bull elk seasons begin Nov. 10 with Applegate unit the only open unit in the south west, Chetco unit is a controlled hunt. Elk populations in the Applegate unit are minimal, however some herds can be found in select drainages. It is best scout out where the elk are located before hunting the Applegate unit.

Bear n Now that the general deer and elk season is over hunters will now turn back to filling there bear tags. Bear population continue to remain high. Bear can be located in and around oak trees feasting on acorns, green grasses and fruits and berries. Hunters are reminded to turn in their bear tooth for the statewide population study.

Cougar - Cougars are plentiful, although they are a challenge to locate and harvest. Cougars are best hunted with the use of predatory calls in and around areas of the prey base. Locate major ridge lines and rocky out cropping as areas of travel within their home range.

Western Gray Squirrel n Gray squirrel season will close on Nov. 7 except for that portion of the Rogue unit which is open year round with no bag limit; refer to regulations for more detail. Squirrels are found throughout Rogue River Watershed with only a few hunters taking advantage of another hunting opportunity. Squirrels are found from oak savanna habitat to conifer habitat types. Squirrel hunting is a great opportunity for young hunters to hone their hunting skills.

Grouse & Quail - Hunters are reporting a good number of grouse and quail being spotted along forest roads and know habitat types. Look for ruffed grouse in timbered creeks and blue grouse on high mountain ridges. Mountain quail will be located in mid-elevation brush fields and California quail will be found in low elevation brush fields. The use of dogs will aid greatly in retrieval of these well camouflaged birds.

Waterfowl:

Local waterfowl numbers are good and migrating birds are already starting to show. Hunter success will depend on storms to make birds fly and bring more birds into the area. Flooding of fields on the Denman Wildlife Area has begun but more rain is needed to fill all fields. Through the end of waterfowl season, the Hall Tract is open Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas day only. Other tracts are open every day.

COOS COUNTY

BEAR

Bear populations are stable and dense. Huckleberries are beginning to wane as fall progresses. Bears often become very active this time of year in their search for food to put on weight for winter. Calling bears with predator calls is likely to be effective.

DEER

General Deer seasons are now closed. There are a few controlled seasons to come, however. Due to the time of year deer are entering point in the breeding season known as the pre-rut. This is the time when bucks begin competing for breeding status. They become very active during this time. A key factor in finding bucks at this time of year is finding does. Bucks will be attracted to them. Many deer will be found on south slopes where green up is occurring.

COUGAR

Cougar populations appear to be healthy in Coos County. The animals use very large home ranges. To hunt them hunters should take clues from the cougar's prey, deer and elk, to locate cougars. In areas with high densities of deer and elk hunters may find success attracting cougars with predator calls. These animals can be very illusive and represent a supreme challenge for hunters.

UPLAND BIRDS

Late fall is a good time to hunt grouse and quail in Western Oregon. As the leaves of deciduous trees fall, it becomes easier to see birds in the brush as they flush. Hunting closed roads and creek bottoms for grouse and ridge tops for mountain quail should prove effective to the persistent hunter.

Waterfowl

Ducks are presently very numerous on local bays. Birds generally move up into the bay with an incoming tide and they move toward the coast as the tide goes back out. These birds will stay in or near the bays until fall rain fills inland valleys. This will cause birds to move to these valleys and the number of birds available in the bays will decline. Hunters are reminded they need to get a Sea Duck Permit to hunt sea ducks such as Harlequin, scoter, ling-tailed and eider ducks.

SOUTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

Kids: Look for Banana Slugs

If you've wondered what do on a rainy Oregon day, try looking for Banana Slugs. These colorful slugs become active with high humidity and are found along the floors of moist forests. Their natural defense against predators is a quality in their slime that makes the tongues of their predators go numb-an unpleasant feeling that lasts all day. Slugs play an important part in the ecosystem by recycling leaves and debris along the bottom of the forest. To learn more about the banana slug, http://oregonstate.edu/dept/nurspest/banana%20slug.htm

Coos County

Look for migrant waterfowl in local bays and can be seen in large groups feeding in mud flats and other areas. The majority of these are American widgeon, gadwall, mallards and shovelers. Viewers should scan flooded grasslands in upper bays at high tide and mud flats in lower bays at low tide for congregations of birds. Since many of these birds are still in summer plumage, it may be difficult to discern males from females at a distance.

Aleutian Canada geese are moving through the area on their southward migration to California inland valleys. Generally, these birds stay out to sea on their trip south but when storms begin moving from the ocean landward the birds tend to follow the shoreline. Watch for these birds flying along the coast line in groups occasionally numbering in the hundreds.

Migrant waterfowl and can be seen in large groups feeding in mud flats and other areas. The majority of these are American widgeon, gadwall, mallards and shovelers. Viewers should scan flooded grasslands in upper bays at high tide and mud flats in lower bays at low tide for congregations of birds.

California brown pelican are very visible along the coastline and in bays. Many of these birds can be seen in local bays diving on bait fish.

Douglas County

Bald Eagles

Bald Eagles are now commonly seen along the mainstem portion of the Umpqua River from Roseburg to Reedsport.

Buck Deer

Each year at this time bucks are in full rut so look for large bucks doing their breeding for the next couple of weeks.

Wild Fish Spawning

Fall Chinook are spawning in the South Umpqua River for a few more weeks. The South Umpqua currently has a large run of Fall Chinook-look for them spawning on the major gravel bars from Roseburg to Days Creek.

Fish Passage

Coho Salmon are now migrating upstream and passing through Winchester dam fish ladder on the N. Umpqua River in large numbers. The fish ladder is free and open to the public with the best viewing in the afternoon hours. To view the migrating fish go to exit 129 on I-5, proceed southeast on 99 to the fish ladder on the north side of the river. The historic Winchester Bridge is currently under renovation but the fish ladder is still open for public viewing.

Visit the Viewing Section online to see photos, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/southwest/#viewing

NOTE: This week's information will not be posted until the end of the day on Wednesday.

CENTRAL ZONE

FISHING

Trout fishing closed in streams (including tidewaters and bays) on Oct. 31, except as noted in regulations.

ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

No recent reports.

CLEAR LAKE: rainbow trout

No recent reports.

CRESCENT LAKE: brown trout, kokanee

The angling on Crescent is reportedly slow. This is a good time of year to target brown trout and lake trout on Crescent.

CROOKED RIVER MAINSTEM: rainbow trout

Reports of some good to fair angling for rainbow trout.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout

No recent reports. ODFW and OSU have initiated a radio telemetry study on redband trout and whitefish, and anglers are reminded that radio-tagged fish cannot be legally harvested. To determine if a fish is radio-tagged, anglers should check for an eight-inch wire antenna protruding from the rear of both redband and mountain whitefish.

CULTUS LAKE:

No recent reports.

DAVIS LAKE: largemouth bass, redband trout

No reports from the past week. Water levels are low making boat launching a challenge though the lava flow campground boat ramp is open

DESCHUTES RIVER:

Sherars Falls to Warm Springs n Trout anglers will be successful by using nymphs. Water temperatures continue to cool and fewer bug hatches are occurring. Steelhead are in this section in good numbers and water temperatures and clarity are great for steelhead fishing. The entire Deschutes River closed October 31 to the retention of Fall Chinook.

Mouth to Sherars Falls n Steelhead anglers are reporting decent catches, as effort on the river has declined significantly. Many large B-run steelhead are being captured, especially in the area downstream from Macks Canyon. The entire Deschutes River closed October 31 to the retention of Fall Chinook.

Spring Chinook:

No recent report.

DESCHUTES RIVER: Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls:

No anglers were interviewed as basis for a report. Please note that recent increased flow makes this stretch a little more of a challenge for anglers.

ELK LAKE: brook trout, kokanee

No recent report.

FALL RIVER:

Anglers are reporting fair to good success. Remember angling is closed downstream the falls.

FROG LAKE: rainbow trout

No new report.

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

Fishing is reported to be a little on the slow side.

HOOD RIVER: summer steelhead, fin clipped coho

Steelhead fishing has been improving on the Hood River, as cooler temperatures have improved water quality. Anglers are reminded that chinook angling is closed and coho must be fin-clipped for retention. Trout fishing is closed.

HOSMER LAKE:

Angling has been slow.

LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: Bull trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, smallmouth bass

Angling is slow for bull trout. A few anglers are having some success for rainbow trout and brown trout on the Deschutes River arm. Please note that the Metolius arm of the reservoir is closed to angling for the season beginning Nov. 1. Anglers should be advised that the recommended boat launching facility is the upper Deschutes arm ramp of the reservoir.

LAKE SIMTUSTUS: rainbow trout

Closed to angling as of Nov. 1.

LAURANCE LAKE: rainbow trout, smallmouth bass

Closes to angling as of Nov. 1.

LITTLE LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout

No report

LOST LAKE: rainbow trout

Lost Lake has been 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:

Reports of anglers having fair success for brown trout and mountain whitefish.

NORTH TWIN: rainbow trout

No report

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

No recent reports. Anglers targeting rainbow trout should consider fishing the upper eastern end of reservoir.

PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

No recent reports, but fall and early winter fishing can be productive at Pine Hollow.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Opportunity is good for 12 to 16 rainbow trout. No reports on recent angler success.

ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Low reservoir level will limit both access and success.

SUTTLE LAKE:

No recent reports.

WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout

No recent reports.

CENTRAL ZONE HUNTING

Visit the region's Fall Hunting Forecast

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/hunting_forecast/2007_fall_high_desert.asp

Open: Rocky Mt. bull elk (open Nov. 3-11 in some portions of zone), pheasant, chukar, duck, forest grouse, California quail, mt quail (open in Wheeler, Hood Rvr and Wasco counties) cougar, bear, crow

Ochoco Wildlife District

Recent weather conditions have been better for camping than elk hunting. Despite the sunny days and clear nights, hunters during the opening weekend had improved success compared to recent years. Bulls were observed taken at all elevations, on both public and private lands, with the majority of animals seen taken being mature bulls. For opening weekend of the second season, 152 hunters were checked with nine bulls. All nine were mature (3 pt +) compared to last year's 75% mature composition. This year's second season 6% rate was above the 4% observed last year, but was below the 16% rate observed during this year's first period.

With last years large calf crop, there are still good opportunities for those hunters still out in the field to take spike bulls. Hunters are reminded the South Boundary and Rager Green Dot Travel Management Areas (TMA) with restrictions on motorized vehicles are in effect in the Ochoco unit. Maps are available at portal signs as you enter the TMA's, or from local ODFW and forest service offices.

Cougar are scattered at all elevations across both public and private lands. With deer numbers are greatest at higher elevations on the Ochoco National Forest; hunters can expect cougar to be present as well. Areas to consider include Lookout and Pisgah Mountains and Sunflower Creek (Ochoco unit) and Green Mountain and Mill Creek (Grizzly unit).

Valley quail numbers appear strong, with the best opportunities on agricultural private lands throughout Crook and Jefferson Counties. Springs, stream areas, and other rangelands with cover and water on the Crooked River National Grasslands and BLM lands would also be good area to check.

Chukar are more limited in distribution, with areas along the Crooked, Deschutes, and John Day Rivers offering the best opportunities. Much of this involves private lands where permission from the landowner is needed.

The best opportunities for blue and ruffed grouse will be on the higher elevations on the Ochoco National Forest. The better areas will be on the heavier forested north slopes across the Paulina and Lookout Mountain Ranger Districts.

Duck and goose hunters will find most birds present are residents, with migrating birds yet to arrive in any numbers. This area is challenging as most of the better hunting is on private lands. There are limited opportunities on public land around Prineville Res., and along the Crooked River.

The Dalles Wildlife District

Rocky mt bull elk season is open. Elk numbers in the White River and Hood units are near the management objective and will be found scattered in small groups throughout the units. Bull numbers are fair, but heavy cover makes harvesting one a challenge

The Hood unit and the forested portion of White River Wildlife Area can provide excellent opportunity for bear hunters, especially in clear cuts and huckleberry fields. Hunters should focus on still hunting in clearings, spending a good deal of time glassing.

Hunters wishing to pursue cougar should focus their efforts in areas where big game populations are found. The boundary between the White River Wildlife area and the Mount Hood National forest can provide good opportunity.

Grouse wing barrels are scattered around the White River and Hood units to collect wings of blue and ruffed grouse and mt. quail. We ask each successful hunter to contribute a wing and tail off of each harvested bird.

Waterfowl season is now open within the district. The majority of waterfowl hunting opportunities are present on private lands, with a few exceptions along the Columbia and Deschutes rivers.

Upland game birds are found throughout the district. Bird production was fair in the area this year, with populations being at or near the ten year average. Hunters wishing to target pheasant and quail should focus on areas in and around streams or near agricultural areas. Public access can be found on the Lower Deschutes and White River Wildlife areas, as well as BLM property in the Deschutes and John Day canyons. Hunters should be aware that bird hunting is prohibited within ¼ mile of the John Day River from the Columbia upstream to Thirtymile Creek.

CENTRAL ZONE VIEWING

Geese and swans move south

Geese and Tundra Swans are migrating now. They are often heard overhead before being seen. The flight calls are pretty distinct for each of these species. Look for geese along river corridors and near local wetlands.

Sandhill cranes are also occasionally heard and seen overhead in migration. Their call is easily recognized. Cranes can be seen migrating from Harney Basin, through Warner Basin, the Lake Abert area and south to Klamath Basin and into northern California. They return north starting in mid to late February.

In the central Oregon area, wintering birds are showing up in parks and towns. Varied Thrushes, northern Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Pine Siskins and White-crowned Sparrows are some of the species regularly observed. This time of year Townsend's Solitaire are commonly found calling and singing in juniper and juniper/ponderosa pine habitats in Harney, Lake, Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. Recent sightings of Black and White-winged Scoters, and a Parasitic Jaeger at inland lakes and reservoirs were reported shortly after the windy storm events of mid October. These marine species are often blown inland, into central Oregon, when big storms hit the coast.

Hear the call of the Snow Goose, http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/294/_/Snow_Goose.aspx

Hear the call of the Canada Goose, http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/85/_/Canada_Goose.aspx

Hear the call of the Tundra Swan, http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/296/_/Tundra_Swan.aspx

Shorebirds are still migrating and species such as yellowlegs, dowitchers and phalaropes can be observed on mudflat habitat at Summer Lake Wildlife Management Area, Wickiup Reservoir and Prineville reservoir.

Along the Columbia River

All along the Columbia large rafts of Canada Geese, Lesser Scaup and American Coots can be seen from the freeway. A great place to jump of the freeway for a closer look is Government Cove which provides a sheltered spot off of the Columbia River for a wide variety of wintering waterfowl, as well as bald eagles and osprey.

Here are directions to Government Cove, City of Cascade Locks. From I-84, westbound Exit 47 E of Cascade Locks; N 0.1 mi across railroad tracks to entrance; eastbound Exit 44; E on Hwy 30 (Wa Na Pa Street) for 1 mi; E on Forest Lane for 2 mi; E for 0.9 mi and cross I-84 overpass; bear left and yield; N 0.1 mi under I-84 overpass; cross railroad tracks to entrance.

Madras Area

Haystack Reservoir, Crooked River National Grasslands, is 10 miles south of Madras can provide a good opportunity to see waterfowl such as common loon, horned grebe, red-necked grebe and eared grebe that stop here during migration.

For directions and list of wildlife to see. http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/wildlife/sites/15-haystack.shtml

Prineville Area

This is a good time to view big game, particularly mule deer using private lands along the Crooked River between the eastern end of Prineville Reservoir and the town of Paulina. Drivers will need to turn south off of Hwy. 26 at the east side of Prineville, onto the Post/Paulina highway, with the best viewing between milepost 20 and milepost 60. The largest numbers of animals will be in the early morning or late afternoon, and drivers need to be careful of animals crossing the highway. In addition to big game, viewers will have opportunities to see ducks, geese and a variety of birds of prey.

Recent winter-like weather appears to be triggering increasing movements of winter migrating birds to and through Central Oregon. Local reservoirs offer viewing of waterfowl and shorebirds as they feed, rest and prepare for fall migrations. Flocks of Canadian geese and ducks have been using the mudflats at the eastern end of Ochoco and Prineville Reservoir. Ochoco Reservoir is visible from Hwy. 26, eight miles east of Prineville. Migrating and wintering birds of prey are on the increase, with sightings of Redtail Rough-legged, and Swainsons Hawks; Northern Harriers; bald and golden Eagle; and Kestrels increasing.

The Crooked River between Bowman Dam and Prineville offers spectacular cliff scenery interspersed with close views of the Crooked River. Bald and golden eagles frequent this stretch of river and use the cliffs and pine trees for perching and roosting. Otter, beaver, raccoons and a variety of waterfowl and wading birds are also present in the river.

The Dalles, Mid-Columbia Region and Northern Wasco County

Black-tailed deer

Black-tail deer have entered their annual rut. The rut will increase activity periods daily for deer, although the best viewing periods are still early morning and evening. If you are interested in viewing rutting black-tail, focus your efforts on the national forest, especially at lower elevations near the transition between the oak and pine forests.

To see migrating waterbirds, as well as raptors, deer and passerines, visit Pine Hollow Reservoir, which is located near the town of Wamic and ODFW's White River Wildlife Area.

Visit the Viewing Section online to see photos, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/central/#viewing

NOTE: This week's information will not be posted until the end of the day on Wednesday.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Trout fishing closed in streams (including tidewaters and bays) on Oct. 31, unless otherwise noted in regulations. Access into many of the desert reservoirs might become more difficult with rain and snow creating slick and muddy conditions.

ANA RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, hybrid bass

Angling for rainbow trout is very good. Every method is catching rainbow trout (bait, flies, and spinners). Most anglers fish from shore on the east shoreline. Juvenile hybrid bass were recently stocked. Night fishing for hybrid bass is slow.

ANA RIVER: rainbow trout

Ana River is open year long and water temperatures tend to stay warmer due to spring input out of Ana Reservoir. This is a great place to fish during late fall and winter. Angling for rainbow trout has been very good. The river level is high. Rainbow trout can be very spooky so stealth is required. Bait angling is allowed and productive. Expect good hatches of various mayflies during cloudy weather. A white moth is hatching is good numbers and mosquito and caddis patterns are working well. Tui chub and pit roach are abundant minnows in Ana River therefore LARGE minnow lures/flies can catch the larger rainbow trout while not catching as many little fingerling rainbow trout. Concentrate your efforts on the shady spots on the river.

BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, whitefish, bull trout.

The reservoir went dry on August 31. The reservoir is 5 percent full and inflow was 48 cfs on November 4. Fishing is poor.

BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Angling has been reduced to one small open area near the face of the dam, vegetation encroachment and extreme low water has limited fishing options, however fish are still available. BLM and ODFW are working cooperatively to improve water retention in the reservoir.

BLITZEN RIVER: trout

Fair to good angling for redband trout. Anglers should be successful using spinners, stoneflies, and woolly buggers. Flow fluctuated between approximately 35 and 41 cfs from October 29 through November 4. Flow was 36 cfs November 4.

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

The reservoir is 4 percent full on November 4. Angling is poor.

BURNS POND: trout, bass

Angling is fair 10 to 14 inch rainbow trout using spoons, spinners, or powerbait.

CAMPBELL/DEADHORSE: rainbow trout and brook trout

Angling has been good. Fishing at Campbell and Deadhorse has improved with colder weather.

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout

Angling is good for 15 to 20 inch rainbow trout using a variety of gear.

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout

Angling has improved with lower water temperatures and increased flows. Highest redband trout densities occur below Marsters campground. Angling is closed below Paisley.

COTTONWOOD MEADOWS LAKE: Rainbow trout and brook trout

Catch rates are good for rainbow trout and vegetation is beginning to subside making conditions more suitable to successful angling. Look for brook trout to be concentrated at the three inlet streams. At times brook trout can be very easy to catch while spawning.

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: redband trout

Angling for redband trout is good. Angling with bait from the dam is a popular method. This is a large impoundment so covering lots of water while trolling from a boat can be productive. Fat head minnows occur in the lake therefore flies and lures which mimic minnows produce well.

DELINTMENT LAKE: trout

Angling is fair to good for 8 to 14 inch rainbow trout.

DEEP CREEK: redband trout

Angling for redband trout has improved with colder temperatures and higher flows.

DOG LAKE: largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, brown bullhead

Bank angling for crappie has been good. Largemouth bass fishing has been slow and continues to be slow.

DUNCAN RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Angling for rainbow trout should be fair to good. The vegetation line has receded and opened up more water at Duncan. A 22" inch trout was caught and released during ODFW surveys. Most adults were in spawning coloration and this might turn fish off the bite.

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

Keep in mind that as it gets colder, the ability to access to Fish Lake could change quickly. 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

Angling is fair for rainbow trout and good for lake trout. Recent net sampling showed an abundance of 12-16" lake trout cruising the shallows. Angling for brook trout should be good. Trolling spoons, spinners or other lures can be effective. A fish finder will assist in locating lake trout and brook trout. Angling for kokanee is poor as most kokanee are spawning. Kokanee averaged 14" with some kokanee up to 16" in recent net sampling. Length of kokanee is at an historic high. The northwest side of the lake is a good place to begin angling. Angling with bait from shore is usually slow. Fourmile can be very windy in the afternoon with the morning and evening typically calm.

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

Angling for crappie is slow. Most crappie are in the 8-10 inch range but larger crappie are available. The best method is to fish a crappie jig under a bobber. Yellow perch angling has been slow. Lake levels are high therefore boats can be launched. Angling for brown bullhead is fair. For more information on warmwater fishing in Gerber Reservoir and other Warmwater fisheries visit your local ODFW offices for warmwater fishing pamphlets.

HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Recent sampling by the ODFW showed an abundance of large trout still available for harvest. Trolling with spinners and flies in the deeper parts of the lake is recommended.

JUNIPER LAKE:

No recent report.

UPPER KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKE: redband trout and yellow perch

November is one of the best months to catch large redband trout. Redband trout are scattered throughout the lake. Flyfishing and lure fishing can be productive as redband trout begin to feed actively on minnows after a long summer of reduced food consumption. Catch rates are typically one fish per ten hours of fishing.

KLAMATH RIVER: rainbow-redband trout

Angling for wild redband trout has been good. River flows remain below 1000 cfs below Keno dam which is ideal for successful angling. Wading below Keno dam is difficult as the water is turbid and the substrate is made of slick boulders. A wading staff, studded wading boots and wading belt is recommended. Flies and lures imitating minnows are producing well. Angling below JC Boyle Powerhouse is fair due to flow fluctuations. River flows below the Powerhouse will be 1800 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 best time to angle is early morning 6-9 am. 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. The Klamath River provides one of the best opportunities to fish for trout during the fall and winter.

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass

Krumbo Reservoir closes to angling on Nov. 1, and remains closed until late April.

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, and kokanee is slow. Recent net sampling has shown abundant Kokanee in the shallows that average 11". Brown trout are also cruising the shallows looking for a place to spawn. Angling for yellow perch is slow but most yellow perch are small (< 6"). Angling for brown bullhead is fair due to colder water temperatures. Contact Lake of the Woods Lodge at (1-866-201-4194) for recent angling update or visit their website at http://www.lakeofthewoodsresort.com. Anglers are still catching trophy rainbow trout up to 20". 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

River flows are low. Most anglers use lures and flies that mimic minnows. 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. The Link River is open year long.

LITTLE HEART LAKE: rainbow trout, kokanee

Access is open but fishing is slow, large trout are available as are kokanee.

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. The Reservoir is low, launching from the boat ramp is difficult.

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

Angling has been slow for warm water game fish.

LOWER WILLIAMSON RIVER: Large redband trout and brown trout

Angling is closed.

LUCKY RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

The road into Lucky has been improved. Angling should be good. The reservoir is always very turbid.

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

Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir was 0 cfs on November 4. Angling is poor.

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 0 cfs, and discharge from Beulah Reservoir was 0 cfs on November 4. Angling is poor.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Water releases were shut-off in late September. Trout angling is fair.

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

No recent angling report. Remember to release bull trout.

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

No recent angling report. Remember to release bull trout.

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

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

MANN LAKE: trout

Angling is slow for cutthroat trout.

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

This is the best time to fish for brown trout as many brown trout are cruising the shallows looking for a place to spawn. Recent net sampling has shown abundance and size of brown trout are at an all time high. Seventeen percent of the brown trout captured in the net were over 24" and up to 31". Brown trout are feeding on kokanee and stocked rainbow trout. Kokanee and rainbow trout angling is very slow. Most kokanee are under 8" and spawning at this time. Brook trout are very rare but can be caught on occasion at the mouth of Miller Creek.

MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout

The reservoir is very low. Angling is slow for trout and bass

MOUNTAIN AND SKY HIGH LAKES (KLAMATH COUNTY): brook trout and rainbow trout

Access to the high lakes could be difficult due to snow levels. Anglers should contact the Forest Service at 883-6714 for Winema National Forest or 947-2151 for the Fremont National Forest for trail updates. Most of these lakes require long distances to hike over rugged terrain. Brook trout are spawning and easier to catch this month. In many of the lakes a floating device is necessary to catch fish. Another popular method is to use a spinning rod with a fly and bubble which you can cast long distances. Call the Klamath office (541) 883-5732 for more information of which high lakes are stocked.

NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: rainbow trout

No recent angling report from these ponds.

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

The reservoir was 20 percent full Nov. 4. The county ramp near the powerhouse and the ramp at the resort are still useable the other three are not. Angling is fair.

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

Irrigation releases below the dam were shut-off on Oct. 12. Brown Trout are spawning so anglers need to be careful around spawning areas to protect redds. Angling for rainbow trout and brown trout is fair.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish

Discharge at the Rome gauge averaged approximately 122 cfs on November 4. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish is slow.

PAIUTE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout and Lahontan 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

Fishing is fair for trout and perch. Some bass have been caught in the last couple of weeks. Water level is at 7 percent.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout

Fishing is slow. Water levels are very low.

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The water level at Pole Creek Reservoir is very near minimums. Water levels have increase slightly. Rainbow Trout angling is slow.

POWDER RIVER: trout, spring chinook

Fishing for rainbow trout is closed from HuntingtonnRichland road bridge to Hughes Lane bridge in Baker City. Above Hughes Lane to Phillips Reservoir is open to catch and release, and use of artificial flies and lures only.

SEVENMILE CREEK: brook trout and brown trout

Closed to angling

SHERLOCK GULCH RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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

SID LUCE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Access to the reservoir is difficult but fishing should be good.

SNAKE RIVER: catfish and smallmouth bass

Angling for catfish and smallmouth bass is fair. See Snake River zone for more information.

SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: hatchery rainbow trout.

No recent angling report from these ponds.

SPAULDING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Spaulding Reservoir is dry.

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

Closed to angling.

SUNSTONE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Sunstone Reservoir is dry.

SYCAN RIVER: redband and brook trout

Closed to angling.

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout

The reservoir is filling but fishing is expected to be slow for a few months. Fingerlings were stocked in October.

THOMPSON RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, rainbow trout

Angling for largemouth bass is slow. The best location to fish for bass is near the shore on both sides near the dam. 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 rainbow trout has improved as temperatures have dropped and algae bloom is disappearing. Anglers are catching trout on spinners and bait.

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

Angling for warmwater fish is slow. 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. Sunfish can be caught from shore using small bait under bobbers or small flies.

UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie

No recent report. Ice fishing is usually good later in the winter.

UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER: redband and brook trout

Closed to angling.

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

The reservoir is 2 percent full, inflow at the Drewsey gauge averaged 69 cfs on November 4. Angling is poor.

WARNER LAKES (Hart, Crump, Flagstaff, etc.): crappie, brown bullhead, largemouth bass

The Warner Lakes/Crump fisheries are still suffering from low water. Crappie catch rates greatly reduced with low water temperatures.

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

Angling for largemouth bass has been slow. Increased effort by anglers has made largemouth bass more difficult to catch. Crappie angling has been slow. 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. Launching a boat is difficult due to low water levels. 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

Closed to angling.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, trout

No recent report. Reservoir is very low (6 percent). Ice fishing can be good later in the winter.

YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout

Angling for rainbow trout is fair to good using bait, flies, or spinners.

SOUTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

Visit the region's Fall Hunting Forecast

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/hunting_forecast/2007_fall_high_desert.asp

Open: Pheasant, chukar, duck, goose, cougar, bear, forest grouse, crow, mt. quail (open in Klamath County)

New: More than 42,000 acres of private land in Malheur and Harney counties is now open to public hunting access, thanks to ODFW's Access and Habitat Program. More information:

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2007/November/110107.asp

Chukars will not be released in the Lower Klamath Hills Regulated Hunt Area this year (referred to on bottom of page 28 of the 2007-08 Game Bird Regulations). ODFW and the Klamath Chapter of the Oregon Hunters Association had planned to release chukars weekly from the opening of the season (Oct. 6) through Thanksgiving to provide a chukar hunting opportunity. Unfortunately, ODFW was unable to find a supply of chukars to release.

ELK

All south-central units are controlled hunts. Elk populations in this area are low density and widely scattered but bull ratios are good with a good proportion of branch antlered bulls. The pumice soils in this zone are conducive to tracking and most successful hunters are following fresh sign to locate elk.

BEAR

Bear numbers are lower in Southeast zone than in other portions of the state due to limited habitat but populations are stable to increasing. Look in forested areas within the zone.

COUGAR

Cougar populations are healthy in the Southeast zone.

UPLAND BIRDS

The Malheur River and Owhyee River corridors are the best areas in Malheur County, in Lake County the best areas are Abert Rim, Coleman Rim and Guano Rim-chukar numbers are down from last year due to poor hatch success. Most quail and pheasants are on private land and hunters will need to obtain permission before hunting. Hunters should focus on permanent springs and seeps that still have water.

Years of dry conditions are sending some hunters to Klamath Wildlife Area's Miller Island Unit on the WA because the waterfowl habitat also provides good cover for upland birds. Pheasant hunting on the area is primarily "put and take" with the majority of birds provided by local sportsman group Unlimited Pheasants.

WATERFOWL

Duck and goose hunting on the Snake River and major reservoirs in Malheur County should be fair for local birds. In Lake County, best areas are Warner Valley, Abert Lake and Summer Lake Wildlife Area.

The best advice for duck hunters in the Klamath Basin is to go early and go often. Success rates will decline by mid-November. Good walk in hunting is available on Klamath Wildlife Area, Wood River Wetlands, and Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. Waterfowl hunting around the wetlands on Upper Klamath and Agency lakes is excellent with boat access from county parks around the lake.

KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA

Harvest information is collected for the Miller Island Unit only. Last week ending Oct. 27 found a weekly average duck per hunter of 2.7 birds per hunter and a season average of 3.1 birds per hunter. Upland hunters had a weekly and season bird per hunter average of 0.4 pheasant per hunter.

Waterfowl harvest currently is primarily gadwall, northern shoveler and mallard.

As of Oct. 22, the USFWS aerial flight over the Klamath Basin found 1.18 million waterfowl with 46,000 geese and 998,000 ducks. The Miller Island Unit and the associated Klamath River from Lake Ewauna to Gorr Island had about 3000 ducks with almost half of the population being pintail. For the most up-to-date information please visit the USFWS aerial census website at http://www.fws.gov/klamathbasinrefuges/cenfindex.html.

Northern migrants had been arriving in good numbers now, taking advantage of the weather systems that moved through the region last week. Weather conditions have turned mild and are expected to remain that way through the following week and may slow migrant arrival into the basin.

Hunters should find fair opportunities at this time due to good bird numbers and good habitat conditions. Favorable weather conditions will play a major role in hunting success. If calm, mild and warm conditions persist, hunting will be poor. Hunters using decoys and willing to spend time in the marsh should see good results.

Wetland habitat conditions are very favorable across the entire Wildlife Area with nearly all units being well flooded.

Pheasant and valley quail are found predominantly in upland habitats. Pheasant are released on non-hunt days on the Miller Island Unit until the middle of November. These birds are provided to ODFW by the local chapter of Unlimited Pheasants. Hunters, especially those using dogs should find fair to good success in most areas.

Hunting permits are required on the Miller Island Unit for all hunters and are available at the checkstation located on Miller Island. The checkstation opens 1.5 hours prior to waterfowl hunting hours. Hunt days are even days in October, odd days in November and December, and even days in January. Free daily hunting permits are available at the checkstation on hunt days. All units on the Miller Island Unit are open to hunting with a maximum number of thirty-five hunters in each of three units (A, B, and C) until 1PM when there is a mandatory check-in. At 1PM, self-service permits are set out for hunters to hunt Unit C only with no limit on hunter numbers. Units A and B are closed to hunting after 1PM until December 10th when all units will remain open all day. Permits must be carried while in the field hunting and check-out is mandatory.

Shoalwater Bay Unit, Sesti Tgawaals Unit, and the Gorr Island Unit are open to public hunting seven days a week without a permit.

Please remember to have current year HIP, Upland game bird and/or waterfowl validations prior to arriving.

Hunters are reminded that the area south of the boat ramp road in Unit B will be held dry during the entire hunting season due to ongoing marsh management activities. Though hunters might see a short-term impact to their regular hunting spot because of the work, these habitat improvements occurring on areas of Klamath Wildlife Area over several years will improve conditions for waterfowl and for hunters over the long term.

Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit.

Please contact Klamath Wildlife Area at (541) 883-5734 or email lanny.a.fujishin@state.or.us for additional information.

SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA

Daily hunting permits are required of all hunters and are available at the Checking Station located 1.3 miles south of the town of Summer Lake. Free daily hunting permits are available self serve in the Checking Station lobby 24 hours a day.

Fourth week of the season waterfowl hunting was very poor due to unfavorable weather conditions and birds migrating south. Daily bird per hunter averages ranged from a high of 1.31 on Tuesday to a low of 0.55 on Wednesday. The weather conditions for the week were clear, calm and warm. Five hundred and thirty five hunters checked-in for the week, a decrease of 16.1% from the same week last year. Hunters averaged 1.04 birds per hunter for the week, which was a

53.2% decrease from 2006.

Total duck harvest (217; primarily mallards, Am. wigeon, gadwall, and N. shoveler) was down 56.3% compared to last year, while goose harvest (172; 95% snow geese) was down 70.3% from the same week in 2006. A total of 8 American coots, 13 California quail, 2 ring-necked pheasants and 1 Wilson's snipe and were harvested during the entire week. Upland game bird hunting pressure was again light, nearly all hunters were focused on waterfowl.

On Oct. 31, about 30390 ducks and 7444 geese were counted on the Area. Another count will be conducted later this week and results will be posted on the department website and Wildlife Area telephone answering machine by the weekend.

No evidence of southbound migrants have shown up at the wildlife area over the last week, but birds have started migrating south towards wintering areas as shown by the weekly counts. A majority of the birds using the Wildlife Area are found on Summer Lake proper or in Refuges.

Due to declining bird numbers and unfavorable weather conditions hunting could be poor. Favorable weather conditions(stormy) will be needed to increase hunter success. Hunters using decoys and willing to spend time in the marsh should see good results.

Wetland habitat conditions are very favorable across the entire Wildlife Area with nearly all units being well flooded. All open water areas remain ice-free with the exception of skim-ice in some early morning hours.

Hunters are reminded that the Link Marsh area will be held dry during the entire hunting season due to ongoing marsh management activities. Though hunters might see a short-term impact to their regular hunting spot because of the work, these habitat improvements occurring on areas of Summer Lake over several years will improve conditions for waterfowl and for hunters over the long term.

Pheasants and quail are found predominantly in upland habitats in the north portion of the Wildlife Area. These areas provide excellent grass and shrub cover and an abundance of natural and planted foods. Hunters, especially those using dogs should find fair to good success in most areas.

Please remember to have current year HIP, Upland game bird and/or waterfowl validations prior to arriving. Permits must be carried while in the field hunting and check-out is mandatory. Hunters can check-out by filling out the number of birds harvested and hours hunted and dropping off their permits in boxes located at each campground and major access areas.

Camping is available at four sites located on the Area. Campgrounds are primitive but each has vault toilets, trash barrels and a few picnic tables.

Please contact Summer Lake Wildlife Area at (541) 943-3152 or email martin.j.stlouis@state.or.us for additional information.

SOUTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

Tundra swans in Southeast Oregon

Look for tundra swans at the Malheur Refuge in Harney County and at Summer Lake Wildlife area. The swans have recently returned to Summer Lake Wildlife Area from arctic breeding grounds enroute to wintering locales in California?1,000-2,000 will spend the winter. Swan numbers will continue to increase, reaching a peak in early to mid-November. Look for swans in large open water bodies where they can be observed feeding on submerged aquatic plants.

As winter nears, more bald eagles will descend from northern locations to forage on the waterfowl resource in the southern portion of the Klamath Basin. Areas offering excellent viewing include the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge and the Township Road area north of the California state line.

Harney County

Tundra swans have begun to arrive and should increase in number over the next few weeks. Most shore bird species have passed through the area for wintering locals further south. Numbers may not as good as normal due to drought conditions resulting in a lack of standing water bodies. Best viewing opportunities are on the Malheur Refuge.

Golden eagles can be seen near cliff and rim rock areas throughout Harney County; good populations are located along Catlow Rim on the east side of Catlow Valley.

Klamath Falls Area

NEW: Recently pinyon jays were observed in the area of Moore Park located on the south end of Upper Klamath Lake just outside Klamath Falls. White-headed woodpecker, Lewis' woodpecker, red-shafted flicker and many other passerine (perching) birds can be found within the park.

Peak migration is in full swing in the Klamath Basin as birds stage here prior to migrating farther south for winter in California. In the past few weeks thousands of ducks and geese have arrived including northern pintail, northern shoveler, green-winged teal, and greater white-fronted geese. Good areas to view migrant species are near the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge and private agricultural lands to the north. Upper Klamath and Agency Lakes also provide excellent viewing opportunities.

Klamath Wildlife Area

Waterfowl seasons are now underway and hunting will occur every other day. Best viewing opportunities will be on non-hunt days at the Miller Island Unit. Good viewing of raptors is available including northern harrier, kestrel, red-tailed hawk, bald eagle and rough-legged hawk. Most shorebirds have already migrated south towards wintering areas in California.

The Wildlife Area is located four miles south of Klamath Falls. For directions and more information, visit the ODFW Web site. www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/klamath_wa.htm

Lake County and Lakeview Area

Common raptors wintering throughout the county are present including rough-legged hawks, harriers, red-tail hawks and golden eagles. Waterfowl are abundant at this time and those shorebird and passerine species that will winter in the county are present. Most migrating shorebirds and passerines have moved through the county to winter ranges south of Oregon. Best viewing opportunities are along the Warner Valley lakes, Goose Lake at Goose Lake State Park and along the shores of Lake Abert. Resident and migrating raptors can be viewed throughout the Goose Lake and Warner Valleys.

To learn about rough-legged hawks,

http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/42/overview/Rough-legged_Hawk.aspx

Summer Lake Wildlife Area

This section was last updated on Oct. 30.

Note: Though many areas remain open to viewing, with waterfowl hunting season in progress, this is not the most ideal time to visit Summer Lake to view wildlife. Refuge areas are closed to all entry during hunting seasons.

Wildlife viewers are permitted to access the Viewing Blind situated adjacent to the Schoolhouse Lake Refuge to observe migrant waterbirds. Hunting is not allowed in this area.

The Wildlife Viewing Loop and major dike roads are closed and will remain that way through the end of General Waterfowl Hunting Season.

Fall migration continues with new arrivals and departures on a nearly daily basis. Snow geese from arctic Russia have arrived and are staging in good numbers and migrants from the Western Canadian Arctic should arrive soon. Look for Ross' geese in the near future. Recently they have been easy to observe in the County Road Field Refuge along Thousand Springs Lane.

Shorebird migration is over and only a few hardy late season migrants remain.

Waterfowl

Ducks remain numerous and are widely scattered across the Area. Nearly all ducks have completed their molt and are in their bright and colorful nuptial plumage commonly seen during fall and winter.

Resident Canada goose flocks are dispersed widely across the Wildlife Area and adjacent private lands. They can be found in most wetlands and hayed meadows in the surrounding area. Nearly all migrant greater white-fronted geese have departed to California wintering grounds. Large numbers of Arctic nesting (primarily Wrangel Island, Russia) snow geese are staging. The last weekly waterfowl count (Oct. 24) found about 16,000 using the Wildlife Area at that time.

Tundra swans have recently returned to Summer Lake Wildlife Area from arctic breeding grounds enroute to wintering locales in California. Some (1,000-2,000) will spend the winter. Swan numbers will continue to increase, reaching a peak in early to mid-November. Look for swans in large open water bodies where they can be observed feeding on submerged aquatic plants.

Shorebirds

Nearly all shorebirds have migrated through the Area but a few late migrants can continue to be found. Hardier species such as greater yellowlegs, killdeer and long-billed dowitchers will be present for about another month, or until harsh weather conditions (cold temperatures and frozen wetlands) usher them on south.

Most waders and other waterbirds have also migrated south. A few can still be found along canals and in ponds scattered across the Area.

Raptors and Others

Resident raptors remain scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Highway 31. Meadows have been hayed recently and now offer excellent foraging opportunities for many raptors. Migrant raptors are staging in good numbers throughout the Summer Lake Basin and are very apparent along Highway 31. Young of the year are quite numerous and offer excellent viewing. Migrating and wintering Cooper's and sharp-shinned hawks have been observed regularly over the past week. 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 arrival of arctic nesting rough-legged hawks is expected soon. Of interest is a red-shouldered hawk found near the Headquarters Complex. Look for this species in tree cover where it behaves similar to accipiters.

Eurasian collared doves, present throughout the breeding season remain at Headquarters Complex.

Passerine (perching) species, especially sparrows and finches 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. Wintering species are arriving now.

Facilities and Access

Non-motorized access and viewing opportunities are available in most of the Area at this time. Posted refuge areas are closed to all entry since game bird hunting seasons have started. Camping is permitted at four sites on the Wildlife Area.

The Wildlife Viewing Loop closed on October 3 and will remain so through the General Waterfowl Hunting Season (ending on January 27, 2008).

Secondary and minor dikes remain closed to motor vehicle traffic and cross country travel by motor vehicles and ATVs is prohibited.

Habitat

Wetland habitats remain in good condition and nearly all areas are well flooded. As late fall and winter storms continue to move through the area, tall and erect emergent marsh plants (bulrush and cattails) will become lodged over and increase visibility across wetlands. Seeds and submerged vegetation is very abundant at this time.

Meadows and hayfields are found on adjacent private lands and in selected locations on the Wildlife Area. These areas will provide tremendous hunting sites for raptors and when flooded, shallow water feeding sites for many species of waterbirds.

Habitat enhancement and restoration activities continue in Bullgate Refuge, Link Marsh and East Link Units. These areas were controlled burned in spring and dried out to mimic drought conditions that historically restored productivity to semi-permanent wetlands. Bullgate Refuge Unit is fully flooded at this time, while East Link and Link Marsh units will remain dry until fall 2008. These areas have been mowed and portions will be disked next field season to reduce dense monotypic stands of tall emergent vegetation. Bullgate Refuge continues to hold a large number of raptors and waterfowl

Natural food sources of seeds, tubers and plant parts remain very abundant and available in nearly all wetland areas. Virtually the entire area is open and ice-free. Only a couple of days over the past week has skim ice formed on ponds in the early morning. Upland sites are in excellent condition due to lush growth of grasses and forbs. All plant species have produced seeds that are being utilized by many species of wildlife. Trees and shrubs have produced an abundance of fruits and seeds that are being utilized by a wide variety of wildlife species now.

Please contact Summer Lake Wildlife Area at (541) 943-3152 or email martin.j.stlouis@state.or.us for additional information.

Visit the Viewing Section online to see photos, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/southeast/

NOTE: This week's information will not be posted until the end of the day on Wednesday.

NORTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Trout fishing in most Northeast Zone streams and Kinney Lake closed Oct. 31. They will open again on May 24, 2008. Check regulations for exceptions.

GRANDE RONDE, WALLOWA AND IMNAHA RIVERS: trout, steelhead

Trout fishing closed October 31 and will re-open May 24, 2008. Steelhead angling in the lower Imnaha and Grande Ronde Rivers is very good. Steelhead anglers surveyed on the lower Grande Ronde River last week averaged one steelhead for every 6.8 hours fished. Counts of adult steelhead moving upstream at lower Snake River dams are exceeding last years counts and the ten year average. We expect good steelhead angling to continue.

JOHN DAY RIVER: bass and steelhead

Steelhead and late season smallmouth bass fishing has been good. River flows peaked at about 700 cfs and are now gradually dropping, so there should be some excellent opportunities for steelhead anglers as pods of fresh fish move through the lower sections of the river. There is good potential for steelhead, through the end of the year. Remember to keep those clipped hatchery fish and release the unmarked ones.

Stream flow levels, Service Creek gauging station: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/uv?14046500.

The John Day River above Kimberly and all tributaries are closed to trout angling. The John Day River below Kimberly is open to angling for steelhead and bass all year.

KINNEY LAKE: trout

Kinney Lake is closed for the season and will re-open on May 24, 2008.

LAGRANDE RESERVOIR: Closed to fishing until next spring.

MAGONE LAKE: trout

Angling success for brook and rainbow trout has been fair. Rainbows to 14" will be available to boaters and bank anglers until ice covers the lake. Once ice becomes safe to walk on, anglers should have fair to good success fishing through the ice.

MORGAN LAKE: trout

Closed to fishing until next spring.

UMATILLA RIVER: steelhead, salmon

Fishing is fair to good for steelhead and coho below Threemile Dam. Open for adipose fin clipped steelhead through Dec. 31. Open for coho salmon and jack fall Chinook through Nov.30. Adult returns to Threemile Dam to date are 2,056 Coho, 1,270 Fall Chinook and 191 Summer Steelhead.

WALLOWA LAKE: trout

Fair for stocked rainbow trout. Lake conditions are good but the boat launches are a challenge because water levels are low and boat docks have been removed for the winter. Rainbow should be distributed throughout the lake and bait angling will be most effective for rainbow from the bank.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: Trout,crappie, bullhead catfish

Trout angling is fair.

NORTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

ATV users, please respect road closures designed to protect wildlife and improve the hunting experience.

Visit the Northeast Fall Hunting Forecast

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/hunting_forecast/2007_fall_northeast.asp

Open: Rocky mt bull elk (Nov. 3-11 in portions of zone), pheasant, cougar, bear, forest grouse, controlled fall turkey, chukar, duck, mt. quail and California quail (open only in portions of zone)

Turkey Hunting: Controlled fall turkey seasons Pine Valley and Blue Mountain are now open. See district reports for recommendations on where to hunt turkeys.

UPDATE: The Malheur National Forest recently announced that the planned Murderers Creek closure will be further limited because salvage logging has been delayed. Forest Road 2150 going to Aldrich Lookout will remain open 7 days a week, throughout hunting season. Additionally, hunters may now access the entire Shaketable Complex Fire area in the Murderers Creek Hunt Unit by foot.

For public safety, the following restrictions still apply:

* Forest Road 2140 will remain closed to motorized vehicles. Foot travel is permitted.

* Forest Road 2170 where it travels into the fire perimeter remains closed to motorized vehicles. Foot travel is permitted.

* Off road motorized vehicle travel within the Shaketable Complex Fire Area is prohibited.

UNION COUNTY

Warm weather contributed to a light harvest for first season; leaving a good number of yearling bulls for the general season. Precipitation late this week should improve hunting conditions for general season hunters.

Fall turkey hunting has been very productive for those with tags. Hunters should contact the Northeast Regional Office @ 541-963-2138 for a list of landowners with fall turkey damage.

Waterfowl season opened in early October. Hunters had some success, where they could find water to hunt. Hunting will improve later in the season as standing water becomes more abundant.

Upland bird production is about average. Pheasant numbers appear slightly better than last year, probably due to the dry spring.

Bear and cougar populations are healthy to increasing in the area. Bears are congregated in drainages and low lands, feeding on fall fruits. Remember that a valid, unused deer or elk tag is required to be on your person to hunt bear or cougar with a centerfire or muzzleloading rifle during Eastern Oregon controlled buck deer centerfire firearm season.

GRANT COUNTY

The planned Murderers Creek access closure has been further limited; Forest Road 2150 gong to Aldrich Lookout will remain open seven days per week and hunters can access the entire Shaketable Complex Fire area by foot. For more information, see above.

Chukars and Huns can be found on open slope were green up has started growing. Over all numbers of birds are low but chicks per brood is fair. Quail can be found in brushy draws and riparian areas along river system. Production is fair around the county.

Look for forest grouse in open ridges at high elevations and ruffed grouse in riparian areas. Philip W. Schneider Wildlife Area near John Day is open to the public and offers good bird hunting. Mt. quail season is open in Grant District.

Bear and cougar populations are healthy and increasing in the area.

MORROW COUNTY

TURKEY: For fall turkey hunters planning on hunting in the Heppner and Fossil units, the turkey populations are doing well. They are well distributed throughout the forest, although not as common in the higher elevations areas. In the Heppner unit, the Southern part of the forest from Tamarack to Indian Creek has the most consistent activity. Fossil unit hunters should focus on the Northern side of the Forest.

For the second elk season, unusually warm weather lowered opening weekend success for the Heppner district. Overall the District had a 2% hunter success rate for the opener. Fossil unit hunters have experienced a slow start to the season with general season hunters in the Heppner unit being slightly more successful.

Upland bird production was down in the district this year. The Chukar and Hun numbers about the same as they were last year. Quail and Pheasant numbers are down compared to last year. Overall hunters should expect a similar season to last year.

Bear populations are naturally lower in the district.

Cougar populations are healthy. As the winters snows arrive is the time to look for fresh cougar sign and calling with distress type calls or recorded cougar vocalizations can be effective. Dawn and dusk are the best times for calling.

Coyotes are abundant in the district. Finding a good location with coyote sign, watching the wind direction and using distress type calls or howlers can be effective.

WALLOWA DISTRICT

COUGAR: Cougar are abundant throughout Wallowa County, but can be difficult to observe. Locating fresh cougar sign and patiently calling attempting to imitate a fawn or calf in distress can sometimes be an effective technique.

COYOTE: Good numbers of coyotes can be found throughout Wallowa County. Calling coyotes with rabbit distress type calls has been effective for hunters. It is important to choose areas with abundant coyote sign and little human activity.

BLACK BEAR: Black bears are abundant in all units. Bear hunting is best in drainage bottoms along riparian areas where bears are feeding on berries. Early in the morning and the last hour of daylight are best times to observe bears.

CONTROLLED BULL ELK: The second rifle bull elk seasons began Saturday November 3. Hunters can anticipate good numbers of bulls in all units except the Wenaha where spike numbers are down. Mild weather conditions are expected through the opening of the season allowing good access at all elevations.

MOOSE: Hunters may encounter moose during their travels, particularly in the Wenaha unit, and are encouraged to report sightings to the ODFW Enterprise district office.

UPLAND BIRDS: Chukar hunters can expect birds to be widely scattered as populations are still below normal.

WATERFOWL: Duck hunting is expected to remain slow until more birds arrive. Currently jump shooting provides the best opportunity for hunters.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS: Noregaard, Whiskey Creek, Shamrock, and Grouse-Lick Creeks travel management areas in the Sled Springs and Imnaha units will be in effect. In the Snake River unit the Lord Flat road north of Warnock Corral is closed to motor vehicles.

UMATILLA DISTRICT

TURKEY: The forecast for the turkey season is generally good. The success of the season relies on mild weather to keep the turkeys up in higher elevation areas where hunters can access them on public land. The fall so far has been very mild and turkeys are up in high elevation areas and available for harvest. In the Umatilla district, turkeys are almost everywhere in little bunches and groups so a hunter won't go wrong in almost any national forest area. If you get to an area, and no turkey evidence turns up, just move because the next spot will likely be good.

Grouse: Blue grouse continue to be distributed along ridges with pine/Douglas fir overstory and deciduous shrub understory such as snowberry. Running timbered edges along the edges of canyons should net some birds. Ruffed grouse are going to continue to be found in forested bench or riparian areas dominated by shrubs. Old clear cuts with numerous sapling trees will also hold ruffed grouse in good numbers.

Waterfowl: Hunters can expect normal numbers of early local birds in areas on or adjacent to the Columbia River. As weather becomes cooler, fall migrants will begin to arrive to produce improved hunting opportunity. Rivers and creeks will provide consistent jump shooting opportunity throughout the season with brief times of high quality hunting in below freezing cold snaps.

Pheasant: Good numbers of pheasants are being sighted as a result of average production from this last springs hatch. Hunters should concentrate on brushy areas along creeks in agricultural areas.

Quail: Numbers are good and will provide some good recreation throughout the season. Hunters will be served best by concentrating on Shrub areas along creeks in low areas. The Columbia River Wildlife Areas are good locations for quail hunting (Irrigon, Power City, Coyote Springs, and Willow Creek Wildlife Areas).

Bear and cougar populations are healthy to increasing. Bear densities are higher north of I-84 due to increased mast and berries which the bears feed on. Bears will be pulling down into lower areas to feed on hawthorn berries as the fall progresses. Most bears will be heading for the den by the last few days of October.

BAKER COUNTY

TURKEY: Turkey hunting is looking very good n populations appear to be increasing in the county probably due to several easy winters in a row. Hunters should look for birds on low elevation portions of the Wallowa Whitman National Forest near Halfway. Try the "west wall" area just west of Halfway or the area around Bear Wallow Reservoir north of Halfway. Remember the Pine Valley controlled fall turkey hunt ends Nov. 15.

Chukar/Hun: While chukar numbers are low this year, decent bird hunting can still be found. For best success try portions of the Pine Creek and Lookout Mountain Units located along Brownlee Reservoir. Decent hunting can often be found for Hungarian Partridge which are an often underutilized opportunity.

Grouse: Blue grouse can be found along timbered ridges while ruffed grouse should be targeted in riparian corridors with abundant vegetation.

Quail: Look for quail around agricultural areas or lowland riparian areas with abundant forage. Try along Snake River Road in eastern Baker County.

Waterfowl: Waterfowl hunting has been decent, but will improve as cold fronts move through the area and bring in migrant waterfowl. Try areas along the Powder River.

Cougar: Populations are high across the county. Calling tactics or tracking once snow falls are good methods. Try Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee.

Elk: Second bull elk season started Nov. 3. For best success try portions of the district under travel management restrictions or remote areas with few roads. Hunters should be prepared for snow in higher elevations.

NORTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

Baker County

NEW: Bighorn sheep are well in to their breeding season offering exciting ram viewing. Bighorn sheep can be viewed in the Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee or along the Snake River Road south of Richland.

Elk are visible along the base of the Elkhorn Mountains in the early mornings and late evenings. Mule and whitetail deer are abundant this time of year in agricultural valleys throughout Baker County. Mature bucks are becoming easier to see as they seek out the company of does. While traveling Highway 86, observe the many beaver dams that have been recently created on the Powder River.

For an opportunity to see a wide variety of waterfowl, try viewing the gravel ponds from Best Frontage Road in eastern Baker City.

Gilliam, Morrow, and Wheeler Counties

NEW: Rough-legged hawks (Buteo lagopus) are showing up in their wintering areas in the area. Rough-legged hawks summer at the artic tree line and winter down here in Oregon's open country. The open grass lands in the lower foot hills of the Blues will give one the best chance of seeing a Rough-legged hawk. Drive any of the highways in the Heppner area and one is sure to see a few on the power poles.

To learn about rough-legged hawks,

http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/42/overview/Rough-legged_Hawk.aspx

Columbia River

Waterfowl and osprey can be seen along the river. Raptors and shorebirds can be seen along the areas wetlands and waterways. Established in 1969, the Refuge has become a mecca for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. For information and directions. http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=13583

Umatilla National Forest

The Umatilla National Forest provides good birding opportunities for songbirds, woodpeckers, forest grouse, turkeys and raptor species. Deer and elk can also be seen in the forest. Once winter snows have fallen it is a great time to find tracks of various animals as the cross the road or trail. Snowshoe hares, deer, elk, coyotes, bobcats, and cougars are some of the most common and easiest to identify.

Information. http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/uma/

Union County

Whitetail and mule deer can be seen in irrigated fields and near cover in the early morning and at dusk. Several species of raptors are visible, perched on power poles and irrigation structures. Watch for river otters, beaver, mergansers and wood ducks along the Grande Ronde River; driving west on Highway 244 from La Grande provides good access to river viewing.

Sandhill cranes have started to congregate for migration and can be seen in numbers along the south end of the Grande Ronde Valley. Mated pairs of Sandhill cranes stay together year round, and migrate south as a group with their offspring.

Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area

The season's first tundra swans have begun passing through Ladd Marsh. Look for swans in any of the open water areas including the refuge below Foothill Road and areas near Peach Road. Researchers in Alaska placed neck bands on tundra swans in 2006 and again in 2007. Please report neck-banded swans observed on Ladd Marsh to wildlife area staff, (541) 963-4954.

Use binoculars or a spotting scope for the best views as the wildlife area is closed to public entry except Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Elk have been moving into the wildlife area and may be seen quite often from Pierce Road, Foothill Road or Hot Lake Lane. Several large bulls have been seen in the wetlands below Foothill Road at dawn.

Umatilla County

Along the Columbia River, gulls and raptors including bald eagles can be seen. As cold weather settles in, waterfowl numbers will increase. With the Columbia Basin experiencing an increase in field corn production, the area is positioned to experience a large increase in wintering waterfowl with the dominant species being mallards. If this waterfowl wintering concentration develops, impressive numbers of ducks will be observed going out from and returning to the Columbia River on feeding flights. These flights of waterfowl will occur in the first half hour of light in the morning and last half hour of light in the evening. Visit area wildlife areas to see shore and marsh birds in addition to perching birds and raptors.

The neotropical migration is winding down and birds destined to winter in the Columbia Basin and other areas of Umatilla County are settling in. Wintering rough-legged hawks and short-eared owls will be common sights in grassland areas. Wood ducks are flocking up at this time and can be seen traveling in flocks up and down the river systems with cottonwood trees along the banks.

Swainson's hawks are starting to accumulate for migration and can often be seen traveling in large groups in the Hermiston/Echo area during the early and late hours of the day. With the bat migration on, elevated numbers of bats can be seen at twilight near bodies of water and cliff areas foraging on insects. All forested habitats in the east and southern portions of the County will have large numbers of migrating birds during the September to mid October timeframe. Riparian and deciduous flat areas will offer the best viewing.

White-tailed deer can be seen in foothill areas near the base of the Blue Mountains in the early morning and the last hour of light in the evening. Mule deer can be seen out in the desert areas west of Highway 11 and 395 south of Pendleton during the same hours as white-tailed deer.

ODFW's Willow Creek Wildlife Area, Pendleton

Visit the Willow Creek Wildlife Area to see waterfowl, raptors, game birds and passerines (perching birds). On the road through the farm lands to the Wildlife Area, glassing the irrigation pivots can reward the viewer with some of the areas rare visitors, Gyrfalcons, the largest of all falcons, and Snowy owls (Artic owl) if the winter is cold enough to bring them this far south.

The habitat varies from open water to riparian woodlands. Bald eagles are an occasional visitor. The brush and thick vegetation areas in the uplands and fields are good spots for pheasant and California quail. The Wildlife Area is open to hunting. Take exit 151 off I-84, go south and follow the signs.

For information about Snowy owls, http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Snowy_Owl.html

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.

Visit the Viewing Section online to see photos, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/northeast/#viewing

NOTE: This week's information will not be posted until the end of the day on Wednesday.

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

FISHING

BROWNLEE RESERVOIR:

Bluegill angling has been good and many small crappie are being caught. Some larger crappie are being caught also in deeper water. The best fishing for crappie and bluegill have been in the late afternoon and evening. Bass fishing is still good. Perch angling is good but they are in tight groups. Catfish angling is slowing down. The reservoir is fairly stable and is 30 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.

Reservoir level information:

http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/perl/dataquery.pl?k=brownlee

OXBOW RESERVOIR: trout

Trout are at the mouth of streams. Bass fishing is fair to good.

HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout

Trout are at the mouth of streams. Bass fishng is fair to good.

SNAKE RIVER below HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: steelhead, trout

Steelhead fishing has been good throughout the reach from state line to below the dam.

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

Flow was 9,203 cfs near Nyssa and approximately 11,174 cfs near Weiser on October 28. Angling for catfish and smallmouth bass is slow.

SNAKE RIVER ZONE FALL VIEWING

Bighorn sheep can often be sighted in the cliffs along the Snake River from Cherry Creek to Temperance Creek. Bald eagles will also become common along the river as winter approaches. River otter are often spotted in small groups feeding in areas where the water is not very swift. Great blue herons are also a common species through out Hells Canyon.

During your visit to the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA), observe the wildlife that live in one of the most varied habitats in the nation. http://www.fs.fed.us/hellscanyon/life_and_the_land/wildlife/

COLUMBIA ZONE

FISHING

SALMON, STEELHEAD, AND SHAD:

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Buoy 10 Line upstream to Tongue Point: This section of the Columbia River is currently open through the end of the year to the retention of Chinook, adipose fin-clipped coho and adipose fin-clipped steelhead. The daily bag limit of two adult salmon or steelhead (only one of which may be a Chinook) has been modified to allow the retention of two additional fin-clipped adult coho. The retention of chum salmon is prohibited. Effective Oct. 1 this section is also open to the retention of jack salmon with a daily bag limit of five jacks.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Tongue Point to Bonneville Dam: This section of the Columbia River is currently open through the end of the year to the retention of Chinook, adipose fin-clipped coho, and adipose fin-clipped steelhead. The daily bag limit of two adult salmon or steelhead (only one of which may be a Chinook), and five jacks has been modified to allow the retention of two additional fin-clipped adult coho. It is unlawful to angle for jack salmon after the daily bag limit has been reached. The retention of chum salmon is prohibited. Effective Nov. 1-Dec. 31, angling for salmon from a floating device is prohibited between Beacon Rock and Bonneville Dam.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Bonneville Dam to the Oregon/Washington Border: This section of the Columbia River is currently open to angling for Chinook, coho (only adipose fin-clipped coho may be retained between Bonneville Dam and the Hood River bridge), and adipose fin-clipped steelhead. The daily bag limit is two adult salmon or steelhead and five jacks. It is unlawful to angle for jack salmon after the daily bag limit has been reached. The retention of chum salmon is prohibited.

Steelhead fishing is good in the Columbia above John Day Dam and in the John Day Arm. Salmonid angler effort and catch are winding down in the lower Columbia River. A few late coho are being caught near the mouths of some Washington tributaries and in the Troutdale area. Effective Nov. 1-Dec. 31, angling for salmon from a floating device is prohibited between Beacon Rock and Bonneville Dam.

Gorge Bank:

Weekly checking showed no catch for three salmonid anglers.

Gorge Boats:

No report.

Troutdale Boats:

Weekly checking showed no catch for 26 boats (complete trips).

Portland to Longview Bank:

No report.

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed one adipose fin-clipped coho kept for three boats (incomplete trips).

Estuary Bank:

No report.

Estuary Boats:

No report.

John Day Pool (Columbia River above John Day Dam and John Day Arm):

Weekly checking showed six adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept and two unclipped steelhead released for 28 bank rods; and 52 adipose fin-clipped steelhead and one Chinook jack kept, plus 24 unclipped steelhead released for 71 boats.

STURGEON:

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

This section of the Columbia River is closed to the retention of sturgeon through Dec. 31. Catch and release will be allowed during the retention closure.

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

Effective Monday Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, this section of the Columbia River is open to the retention of sturgeon seven days per week with a daily bag limit of one sturgeon between 42-60 inches in length and an annual limit of five fish. The retention of green sturgeon is prohibited.

BONNEVILLE DAM UPSTREAM TO THE DALLES DAM:

The retention of sturgeon in the Bonneville pool is currently closed through the end of the year. Catch and release will be allowed during the retention closure.

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 and release will be allowed during the retention closure.

In the lower Columbia River this past week, sturgeon anglers had the best success in the Gorge where boat anglers averaged 1.38 legal white sturgeon caught per boat, and bank anglers averaged 0.12 legal white sturgeon per bank rod. Boat anglers in the Troutdale and Portland to Longview areas averaged 0.00 and 0.05 legal white sturgeon caught per boat, respectively.

Gorge Bank:

Weekly checking showed 10 legal white sturgeon kept, plus one legal, 19 sublegal, and three oversize sturgeon released for 91 bank rods.

Gorge Boats:

Weekly checking showed eight legal white sturgeon kept, plus three legal, 138 sublegal and 11 oversize sturgeon released for eight boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Bank:

No report.

Troutdale Boats:

Weekend checking showed 148 sublegal and one oversize sturgeon released for 26 boats (complete trips).

Portland to Longview Bank:

No report.

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed two legal white sturgeon kept, plus 81 sublegal sturgeon released for 44 boats (incomplete trips).

WALLEYE:

Troutdale:

No report.

COLUMBIA RIVER ZONE VIEWING

Columbia River

Osprey can also be seen along the river. Other raptors and shorebirds can also be seen along the areas wetlands and waterways. Established in 1969, the Refuge has become a mecca for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Information and directions. http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=13583

MARINE ZONE

Fishing

Good weather allowed some fishers to venture out into the ocean this week.

Average catches of rockfish were about two per angler coastwide. Species illustrations and descriptions are in the The Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet (page 98) and The Red Rockfish Identification Guide.

About one in two of the fishers going after lingcod were successful except out of Newport where success was one fish per angler. The minimum length for lingcod is 22 inches, for cabezon it is 16 inches and for greenling it is 10 inches. Fishing for cabezon from a boat is closed, but cabezon may still be caught from shore and by shore-based divers.

Fishing for bottom fish outside of the 40-fathom curve opened to anglers on Oct. 1. Remember: yellow eye rockfish and canary rockfish may not be retained. Also, the Stonewall Bank Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area approximately 15 miles west of Newport is closed to the harvest of rockfish, ling cod and flat fish. The waypoints for the Stonewall Bank YRCA may be found at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/regulations/sport_fishing/stonewall.asp

The marine daily bag limit for 2007 is six fish (including rockfish, greenling and other marine species) and two lingcod and 15 surfperch. Complete regulations are in the 2007 Oregon Sport Ocean Regulations for Salmon, Halibut and other Marine Fish Species.

Fishing for Pacific halibut is closed for the year.

All salmon in the ocean closed Oct. 31 except: Tillamook Fall Chinook Terminal fishery from Pyramid Rock on the south to Twin Rocks on the north and out three miles, which is open until Nov. 15, and the Elk River Ocean Terminal Fall Chinook Salmon Fishery from Humbug Mountain on the south to Cape Blanco on the north and out three miles, which is open until Dec. 15.

Clams

A series of minus tides just after dark starting this weekend and continuing until Tuesday will provide good opportunity for clam diggers with lanterns. The entire Oregon coast is open for the harvest of razor clams. 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 is available at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/razorclams/index.asp

Mussel harvesting is closed from north of Siletz Bay to the Columbia River. All other shellfish species are open at this time. For information on domoic acid or PSP see:

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

or call the 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.

Crabs

Crabbing is closed in the ocean until Dec. 1, but bays and estuaries remain open. Crabbing success is good. Many fishers report good success using chicken for bait. For sport crabbers the minimum size for Dungeness crab is 5¾ 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

What's New

The North Coast

Recently, new groups of mallards, wigeon, pintails and teal have been seen on north coast estuaries. Many of these birds will reside here for the winter, while some will continue on south using coastal estuaries to feed and rest up for the long trip to wintering grounds. Several species that are not resident to the north coast may make an appearance and can be viewed during this time, including white-fronted and snow geese.

Who loves rain?

If you've wondered what do on a rainy Oregon day, try looking for Banana Slugs. These colorful slugs become active with high humidity and are found along the floors of moist forests. Their natural defense against predators is a quality in their slime that makes the tongues of their predators go numb n an unpleasant feeling that lasts all day. Slugs play an important part in the ecosystem by recycling leaves and debris along the bottom of the forest. To learn more about the banana slug, http://oregonstate.edu/dept/nurspest/banana%20slug.htm

Take a drive: Fall colors, wild spawning salmon, blue heron and beavers

Visit the Oregon Hatchery Research Center in Alsea this weekend for an opportunity to view salmon spawning and wildlife native to coastal streams. Brilliant red, orange and gold leaves against a backdrop of cool green mountains and verdant fields make the drive part of the destination. The Visitors' Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and includes interpretive displays of the salmon life cycle.

If predicted showers materialize on Friday or Saturday, water flow in Fall Creek will be ideal for wild fall chinook spawning. Blue heron and American dippers are daily visitors to Fall Creek and there is usually the opportunity to see red-legged frogs, beaver and otter. Deer and elk are seen early in the morning and in the evening.

The 32-acre Hatchery Research Center is close enough for a day trip and far enough off the beaten path, you'll know you are in one of Oregon's wonderful wild places.

From Corvallis, take Highway 34 to Alsea. Continue through Alsea on Highway 34 about 12 miles; Turn right on East Fall Creek Road. From Waldport, take Highway 34 to East Fall Creek Road and turn left. It's about 40 miles. See Google maps for additional directions, http://maps.google.com/maps?tab=wl

Brown pelicans patrol the coast

Flights of brown pelicans patrol the coast in precision formations this time of year. Gliding silently wing tip to wing tip just above the wave tops they make the unruly "V" of flapping, honking Canadian geese flying south look like amateurs.

Fall Migrants

Nestucca Bay, Siletz Bay and Bandon Marsh are excellent places to watch for migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. Waterfowl that will winter along the coast begin to arrive at this time.

Sea Foam!

Strong waves and wind injecting air into the ocean and the presence of dissolved organic matter can form sea foam. The organic matter is mostly made of dead phytoplankton. The protein from the phytoplankton gives the water enough surface tension to form bubbles. Surf and winds cause the bubbles to pile up in suds-like masses that are often blown up on the beach. Although this may look worrisome, it is a perfectly natural process that helps the ocean purify its self. Viewed under a microscope, sea foam contains the extraordinarily beautiful glass-like skeletons of the phytoplankton.

Watch those waves!

Large waves buffet the Oregon coast this time of year providing an impressive display of the Pacific's majestic power. The big curlers hurl everything from large logs to small Japanese floats onto the beach making the days following a storm perfect for beach combing. Don't become so entranced by what you find that you stop paying attention to the ocean, however. A large wave could do more than just get you wet if it drags you out to sea or causes logs on the beach to shift and injure you. For your safety, don't turn your back on the ocean and stay off beached logs. To view a video of a sneaker wave in Washington go to: www.uscg.mil/d13/publicaffairs/av/sneakerwave.wmv

Visit the Viewing Section online to see photos, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/marine/#viewing