The statewide recreation report (fishing, hunting, viewing), updated Tuesday, April 17 by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:

WILLAMETTE ZONE

FISHING

STOCKING SCHEDULE: South Willamette Watershed District: ODFW will stock Alton Baker Canal, Blue River Reservoir, Cottage Grove Reservoir, Detroit Reservoir, Dorena Reservoir, Dexter Reservoir, EE Wilson Pond, Foster Reservoir, Junction City Pond, Roaring River Park Pond, Timber Linn Lake and Waverly Lake with Rainbow Trout the week of April 16. Detroit Reservoir will receive 20,000 legal size trout.

In the North Willamette Watershed Benson Lake, Bethany Pond, Blue Lake, Commonwealth Lake, Dorman Pond, Haldeman Pond, Harriet Lake, Hartman Pond, Henry Hagg Lake, Mt Hood Pond, Roslyn Lake, and Trojan Pond will be stocked the week of April 16th. As a special note, Timber Lake will be added back into the stocking schedule in the near future.

FISHING EVENTS: In the South Willamette Watershed, ODFW region staff is hosting their second youth angling event Saturday, April 28 at Garden Lake. The North Willamette Watershed staff is also hosting their second youth angling event at Trojan Pond April 28. Both events will run from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and are free to the public. ODFW Angler Education instructors will be on hand to assist young anglers. All the supplies will be provided including rods, reels and bait.

Winter steelhead counts over Willamette Falls continued to be slow week of April 9, bringing the total for winter steelhead to 4,575 through April 14. The summer-run steelhead counted through April 14 total 577 that have also moved past the falls. Water conditions in the mainstem Willamette and in both forks of the Santiam are good, but pressure remains relatively light. Angling effort has switched over to targeting Chinook as the peak salmon season approaches. So far this season 433 spring Chinook have passed the fish ladder. Winter fish are present through the Santiam system and a few summers have made their way up to Foster on the South Santiam. River levels have been higher than desirable for drifting and probably will continue to be so if air temperatures remain warm and snow comes off too fast. Catch in the Santiam Rivers has been sporadic, with better success in the lower and middle reaches.

EE WILSON and JUNCTION CITY PONDS: ODFW will stock week of April 9 with legal, larger and trophy size trout.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: Steelhead angling has been fair to good depending on the given day or the section of river you choose. Chinook fishing has continued to be slow, due likely to the 47° water temperature and the fact that it's still a little early for springers in the Clackamas in good numbers. The river has dropped in the past week as the heavy rains have subsided. Monday's flows were at 3,060 cfs (12.73') and the color was very good. There were both hatchery and wild winter steelhead in last weeks catch while more bright summer steelhead are now beginning to show up.

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.

Boaters should be aware that early winter high water events have made changes to the river that could surprise unsuspecting boat anglers. Be very cautious of debris as well, since recent high water has likely deposited trees and logs into the river.

COLUMBIA RIVER: From the Dalles Dam to the John Day Dam, sturgeon retention will close at midnight, Wednesday, March 28 effective through the end of the year. Catch-and-release angling for sturgeon in this stretch of the Columbia is allowed throughout the remainder of the year, except during May 1 through July 31, when sturgeon angling is prohibited from the west end of the grain silo located near Rufus upstream to John Day Dam, to protect oversize spawning sturgeon. Catch-and-release sturgeon angling in this sanctuary area re-opens August 1.

DETROIT, FOSTER, AND GREEN PETER RESERVOIRS have all been stocked with trout this spring and have been producing fair to good catches. Both Detroit and Foster will be stocked with trout again by ODFW the week of April 16. Success for kokanee at Green Peter has not yet been consistent, but should be picking up any time.

DORENA RESERVOIR will be stocked the week of April 9 with 6,300 rainbow trout.

EAGLE CREEK: Angling effort is very low and the catch rate has slowed considerably as the winter run comes to close. The creek was running at moderate flows and clear over the weekend. Anglers should keep in mind that water conditions on Eagle Creek can play an important part in deciding the type and color of gear to choose. Be prepared with both bright and subtle colors of jigs or spinners. Anglers may also have success with sand shrimp or small egg clusters and yarn.

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 from private property.

HENRY HAGG LAKE: Trout fishing is fair to slow, better along the banks than from boat. Bass fishing has been doing fairly well. Anglers may have success using white or yellow power bait for trout and night crawlers for bass.

ROARING RIVER PARK POND, TIMBER LINN LAKE, AND WAVERLY LAKE in the Albany area are scheduled to be stocked again with rainbow trout the week of April 16.

SANDY RIVER: Very few winter fish were picked up last weekend and the summer steelhead are now more commonly reported. Overall steelhead fishing has been slow in the lower Sandy. There continue to be wild winter steelhead just below Marmot Dam. An occasional spring chinook was reported this past week. The conditions on Monday showed flows decreased somewhat at 2,400 cfs (9.79').

The Sandy winter fish are now a later returning stock versus what anglers were used to a few years ago. This is a result of the wild broodstock program initiated under the current Sandy River fish management plan.

The Sandy fish are now a later returning stock versus what anglers were used to a few years ago. This is a result of the wild broodstock program initiated under the current Sandy River fish management plan.

Anglers can access the river from many parks including Lewis and Clark, Dabney, Oxbow, and Dodge. Bank access is also available to the Cedar Creek area at the Sandy Hatchery. When fishing the Oxbow Park area, remember that there is no angling from a floating device upstream from a point that is 200 feet below the Oxbow Park boat ramp.

Collection/recycling receptacles for discarded or lost fishing gear can now be found along the Sandy River. Look for them near boat ramps at Lewis and Clark, Dabney, Oxbow, and Dodge parks. Any tangled fishing line or old gear can be collected and disposed of in these canisters as an effort to maintain a healthy, clean Sandy River. Please use nearby garbage cans for any other types of trash.

TIMBER LINN, FREEWAY, AND WAVERLY LAKES in the Albany area will be stocked by ODFW the week of April 9.

WALTER WIRTH LAKE and WALLING POND in Salem are also being stocked by ODFW with trout the week of April 9.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: Spring Chinook fishing is showing signs of improving. The water conditions are great for mid-April. April 16 flows on the Willamette showed 17,600 cfs, a water temperature of 51°, and the visibility at 5.0 feet.

There have been fair but increasing numbers of spring Chinook caught throughout the Willamette with fish taken from the lower Multnomah Channel all the way up to Oregon City. As is typical in early April anglers are still encountering pockets of fish in the river making the hot spot move from day to day. The Sellwood/Milwaukie area is still one of the most consistently productive sections of river with 22 Chinook checked for 51 boats over the weekend. The West Linn area was also a good bet with a weekend check showing 17 Chinook caught for 33 boats. Anglers should see improvement moving later into April as the Chinook become more plentiful and spread out from the lower Willamette up to the falls in Oregon City.

There have been fair numbers of spring chinook caught throughout the Willamette with fish taken from Coon Island in the channel all the way up to Oregon City. As is typical in early April anglers are encountering pockets of fish in the river making the hot spot move from day to day. The Sellwood area is still the most consistently productive section of river with boats working from below the bridge on upstream past Waverly Country Club. Overall fishing remains slow to fair. Anglers should see improvement moving later into April.

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

There were some good reports of keeper and sublegal sturgeon in the Willamette catch this past weekend. In the St Johns area there were 8 legals kept and 76 sublegals released for 5 boats. The downtown harbor area and the Milwaukie/Oregon City area also experienced some good sturgeon catches for boat anglers. Bank fishing for sturgeon can be found at Meldrum Bar and at the wall in downtown Oregon City. Sturgeon angling from the bank was also improved last week. Sturgeon anglers have used fresh smelt or herring as effective bait.

HUNTING

BLACK BEAR: Hunters participating in the spring hunts are advised to keep a close eye on weather conditions before heading afield. Warm weather will bring bears out to open slopes, grassy stream and creek bottoms, and forest clearings. Hunters should be finding these types of habitats and closely monitoring the area for tracks, droppings, and other sign that indicate that bears are using this area. With limited snow pack in the coast range, hunters should have very limited problems with access but hunters looking for a bear to tag in the cascades may find access limited in some upper canyons due to persistent snow pack. For a full spring bear hunting forecast visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/hunting_forecast/index.asp

TURKEY: Spring turkey season opened April 15. Additional advice from the experts, going out hunting with only one call may make your trip home lighter than expected. Turkey hunting success increases if you are skilled at and use a variety of calls during your hunt. By having a slate call, box call for windy days and two or more mouth calls of different pitches, so you sound like more than one hen turkey, you significantly increase your opportunity to bring in a tom. For a complete spring turkey forecast visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/hunting_forecast/turkey.asp

VIEWING

WILLAMETTE VALLEY: Bald eagles are active and easily located along Multnomah Channel and the Columbia River from Portland to Westport for bird watchers who have access to a boat. Bird watchers can expect to see 8-15 eagles during a day on our local rivers. Just remember to avoid disturbing them by keeping your distance and using your binoculars for viewing.

PEREGRINE FALCONS are entering their nesting season and can be seen in the Portland area on the Freemont and St. John's bridges as well as in the South Willamette area around Rocky Top.

SAUVIE ISLAND WILDLIFE AREA (Portland): The Sauvie Island Wildlife Area is now open. The Eagles nest by Rentenaar Road has been vacated and the Eagles are rebuilding across Reeder road also outside the wildlife area. Haldeman Pond has been stocked with trout and is ready for fishermen both young and old. Join ODFW and SOLV for the 16th annual Sauvie Island Earth Day Clean-Up on Saturday, April 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A parking permit is required for the Wildlife Area and can be purchased at several POS vendors. A daily permit is $3.50 and an annual permit is only $11.00.

FERN RIDGE WILDLIFE AREA (Eugene): All units are open to public use except a portion of the Fisher Butte to provide sanctuary during nesting season. Signs have been posted to clearly identify the levee boundary of the wildlife sanctuary area. Visitors are reminded that dogs are allowed but must remain on leash except during game bird hunting seasons.

E.E. WILSON WILDLIFE AREA (Monmouth): Spring shore bird migration is in full swing, with a diversity of species being observed throughout area wetlands. Both Western Canada Goose and Mallard broods have been observed on the area in the last week. More secretive species such as Bobcats and Black-tailed have been more frequently observed in the last two weeks. Osprey have returned to the angling pond with up to four being observed at the same time.

NORTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

YOUTH FISHING EVENT: ODFW and the Florence Step group will be hosting a free youth fishing event on April 28. The event will be held at Cleawox Lake which is located in Honeyman State Park approximately 3 miles south of Florence off Hwy 101. Fishing gear, bait and assistance will be provided by organizers for youth from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. The lake will be stocked with standard catchable and larger trophy rainbow trout. For additional information call 541-867-4741.

NORTH COAST LAKES: Hebo Lake will be stocked during the week of April 23. Anglers should use caution when heading to Lost Lake (Clatsop County) as active logging and travel restrictions are in effect. Call the Tillamook office at 503-842-2741 for more information.

MID COAST LAKES: Week of April 16. ODFW will stock the following water bodies with catchable rainbow trout. In the Newport area: Big Creek Reservoirs 1 and 2, Olalla Reservoir. In the Florence area: Alder Lake, Buck Lake, Cleawox Lake, Dune Lake, Georgia Lake, North Georgia Lake, Munsel Lake, Perkins Lake, Siltcoos Lagoon. In the Alsea Area: Thissel Pond.

ALSEA RIVER: Hatchery steelhead returns have slowed considerably. Harvest of hatchery steelhead will be slow to fair through April but fair to good for catch and release of wild steelhead. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?TIDO3.

NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: Angling for winter steelhead has been fair, but is definitely slowing down. There are still a few hatchery and wild winter steelhead available. Hatchery summer steelhead are showing in the catch on a regular basis, but overall fishing is slow. An early spring chinook has been reported, but expect fishing to be slow during April. Before fishing, check river levels at http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=pqr

SALMON RIVER: Closed to fishing for salmon, steelhead and trout April 1st through May 25th.

SILETZ RIVER: Winter steelhead fishing is slow to fair. Hatchery winter steelhead returns have slowed at basin traps. Fair to good numbers of wild fish are being reported by anglers. The summer steelhead run is approaching with fair numbers anticipated to starting showing around early May. Anglers should concentrate on fishing the upper river during higher water conditions. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?SILO3

SIUSLAW RIVER: Closed to fishing above tide water April 1 through May 25. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?MPLO3.

TILLAMOOK BAY: Angling for sturgeon is fair. Sand shrimp is the preferred bait, although mud shrimp will work also. Concentrate on the channel edges on the outgoing tides for best success. Move often until you locate some fish. Spring Chinook will soon begin entering the bay.

WILSON AND TRASK RIVERS: A few winter steelhead and some summer steelhead are available in the Wilson and Trask rivers. Angling has generally been slow to fair. Spring Chinook angling is generally very slow during April. Check river levels at http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=pqr prior to fishing.

HUNTING

COUGAR season is open on the north coast. These secretive animals are difficult to hunt in an active sense, by stalking or glassing areas. They are best hunted from a stand with a predator call and an aggressive calling technique.

SPRING BEAR season through May 15 in the Wilson and Trask WMUs. Bears will be active in early April, and will be busy feeding on a variety of food sources, such as skunk cabbage, insects and the cambium (under the bark) layers of younger conifer trees. As with cougar, once bears have been known to occur in certain areas, a predator call is the best bet for getting the animals within range. As the spring progresses, bears will be found occasionally in natural and created forest openings, especially in the early morning and late evening hours. Visit

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/hunting_forecast/index.asp for a complete spring bear hunting forecast.

VIEWING

The OREGON COAST BIRDING TRAIL GUIDE www.oregoncoastbirding.com is a website that highlights great birding opportunities all along the Oregon coast. It's divided into sections of coastline, and the north coast is only a click away from the main home page. On the north coast page, you can find key areas with a summary of birds typically found there along with a legend of services found nearby. Links to checklists and sponsors can be found on the home page as well.

BLACK BRANT are present in Netarts Bay during most of the year. This time of year, it's not unusual to see several hundred now that spring migration is underway. The birds are very shy of human activity and are almost always seen in the far southwestern corner of the bay. Thus, having a good spotting scope is necessary to find and identify them.

TWILIGHT EAGLE SANCTUARY, located east of Astoria off of Hwy 30 near Svensen, and is an excellent place to see wintering birds in and around the Columbia River. Not only do bald eagles frequent the adjacent Wolf Bay area, but a wide assortment of water loving birds, including swans, geese, ducks, grebes and rails as well as song birds. There is a handicap accessible platform located just off of the road. Be sure to bring your binoculars and spotting scope.

THREE ARCH ROCKS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE is a collection of several offshore rocks located near Oceanside. Not only is it home to the largest and most diverse seabird colony in Oregon, it also supports a breeding population of Steller sea lions. Although nesting season for seabirds is not here yet, large groups of common murres and other seabirds can be seen staging on the rocks or on the adjacent waters. Even when the rocks seem relatively barren, careful observation can often reveal bald eagles and/or peregrine falcons perched on top of the rocks. A good spotting scope is very helpful for viewing.

SONGBIRDS can be heard throughout forests on the north coast during springtime. Leaf-break has started in lower elevation deciduous trees and will happen soon at higher elevations. Some of the best viewing of canopy-dwelling birds can be done now before the canopy becomes crowded with leaves. Don't forget clearcuts with snags or leave trees in them; they can host an entirely different suite of birds than older forests do.

BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS can be seen regularly at Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge located at the state park of the same name. These unusual shorebirds make a living on rocky shores within the tidal zone. They're name is actually a misnomer as they eat mussels clinging to the black rocks, which can make them difficult to spot. It's best to look for yellow feet and/or orange bill, and eventually the rest of the bird will come into view. Good binoculars are all that's needed to find these striking birds.

SOUTHWEST ZONE

Trout stocking of local reservoirs and ponds within the Umpqua Valley started April 9. Plat I, Cooper Creek, Ben Irving, Herbert's Pond, Gailsville, and Loon Lake should all be stocked by the end of the week.

FISHING

APPLEGATE RIVER: Closed to all angling until May 26.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: Legal-sized rainbow trout were stocked last week and land-locked chinook salmon are available. Angling for bass and panfish has been slowed by the cool weather but should improve when the weather warms up The Copper and Hart-Tish boat ramps are open, Updated boat access information is available by calling the Applegate Ranger District at 541-899-3800.

BURMA POND: Legal-sized rainbow trout will be stocked this week. Largemouth bass and panfish are also available. The water level in the pond has been lowered to facilitate repairs to the dam and will remain low through the summer.

CHETCO RIVER: The Chetco River closed for steelhead at the end of March.

COOS COUNTY LAKES: Trout fishing is good in local lakes. Powers Pond, Empire, Bradley, and Tenmile Lakes are all scheduled to be stocked the week of April 16, with large trophy trout going into Powers Pond, Empire and Bradley Lakes. The Millicoma Interpretive Center youth fishing pond has been very productive for kids. Fishing equipment is available for kids to use at the Millicoma Pond. Warmwater fishing is also improving with some large bass showing up at Tenmile Lakes.

COOS RIVER BASIN: No steelhead reports have come in recently. Steelhead angling above tidewater will close April 30. Effort has dropped off, allowing any remaining anglers to fish in less crowded conditions. Anglers are likely to encounter kelts heading back to sea. Surf perch and other marine fish are available in Coos Bay. Anglers should concentrate around rock structure or pilings.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: The forks of the Coquille close to steelhead angling on April 30. Steelhead are still available in the Coquille but fishing has slowed as we hit the end of the run and anglers may encounter runbacks this time of year. Striped bass are available in the Coquille estuary where anglers usually do better fishing after dark.

DUTCH HERMAN POND: Legal-sized rainbow trout will be stocked this week.

EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: Emigrant Reservoir was stocked last week with legal-sized rainbow trout The reservoir is now full, but the water is quiet cool As a result, fishing for bass and panfish is slow, but should improve when the water warms

EXPO POND: ODFW will stock the pond with rainbow trout this week. Fishing for bass and panfish has been fair, but should improve when the weather warms.

FISH LAKE: Legal-sized rainbow will be stocked this week, and brook trout are available. Angling effort has been light with the cold weather, but fishing should be good once the weather warms up. The lake is ice free, and the Forest Service and Fish Lake Resort boat ramps are open. Information on Forest Service campgrounds is available by calling the Butte Falls Ranger District office at 541-865-2700. The Fish Lake Resort can be reached at 541-949-8500.

ILLINOIS RIVER: Closed to all angling until May 26.

LAKE SELMAC: Lake Selmac was stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout last week, consequently trout fishing should be good for both bank and boat anglers. Catch rates for largemouth bass and panfish have declined with the cool weather, but should improve when the weather clears and the water warms.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: Legal-sized rainbow trout were stocked last week, so trolling and fishing from the bank should both be productive. Angling for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish is slow with the cool weather, but should improve as the weather warms and the fish move into the shallows.

MEDCO POND: ODFW will stock Medco Pond with legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Largemouth bass and panfish are available, and fishing for them should improve when the weather warms up.

PACIFIC OCEAN & BEACHES: The nearshore Pacific halibut season opens May 1 for the central coast. The all-depth halibut dates for Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain will be May 10-12, 17-19, 24-26, 31, June 1-2, and 7-9. Bottom fishing in the ocean has been good when boats can get out. Bay angling has been fair.

The first Chinook has been brought into Charleston. Few anglers have targeted ocean salmon with bottom fishing being so good recently. Surfperch fishing should be good now for anglers casting shrimp or other baits from the beach. Striped bass occasionally surprise surf fishers also. Good spots for surfperch are around Horsfall Beach and Bullards Beach. Look for steep beaches or small streams entering the ocean.

REINHART PARK POND: ODFW will stock the pond with rainbow trout this week. Fishing for bass and panfish has been fair, but should improve when the weather warms.

ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: Spring Chinook fishing picked up slightly over the weekend. Catches were spread throughout the lower river all the way to Agness, with the river below Quosatana Creek producing the best. Anglers are still spending long hours between fish, but some are picking up multiple fish. With water levels low, bank anglers are having a tough time finding fish close enough to the banks to catch fish. Most anglers are using a straight anchovy or an anchovy with a spinner blade.

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: Angling for winter steelhead is slowing down; however, the first few spring chinook of the season have been caught. Flows are averaging 3,550 cubic feet per second at Grants Pass as of Monday morning. Anglers are reminded that the river is closed to all trout angling until May 26.

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: Catches of winter steelhead are dropping off, though some fish are still available. Spring chinook are starting to enter the upper Rogue; however, very few are available at this time. A total of 11,861winter steelhead and 15 spring chinook salmon have been counted at Gold Ray Dam as of April 13. Outflows from Lost Creek Reservoir are averaging 1,898 cubic feet per second as of Monday morning, and the outflow temperature from the reservoir was 50F.

Anglers are reminded that the river is closed to all trout angling until May 26.

SMITH RIVER: Striper fishing in the estuary portion of Smith River should start to heat up. Most striper fishing is done by boat in the lower ten miles of the estuary. A total of 460 winter steelhead have been floy tagged and passed through Smith River Falls. Only about 20% of the winter steelhead in Smith River use the ladder, the remainder jump the falls. The steelhead run is winding down on the Smith although there still should be fresh fish to catch. Wild steelhead must be released unharmed from the Smith River. Hatchery clipped steelhead only may be retained.

SOUTH COAST LAKES AND PONDS Fishing has slowed on most area lakes. Anglers are reminded to pick up all garbage after fishing.

SOUTH COAST STREAMS: All south coast streams are closed to steelhead at the end of March.

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

SPAULDING POND: The access road is now open, and ODFW will stock the pond with legal-sized rainbow trout this week.

TENMILE BASIN: Steelhead fishing in Tenmile and Eel Creeks will close April 30. Effort has dropped off as the season comes to a close. Spinreel Park is a popular spot for anglers who fish within the park or walk downstream. Eel Creek is open for steelhead angling below Eel Lake, but the creek is small and brushy, and requires special techniques to hook and land fish from small pockets.

UMPQUA ESTUARY: Crabbing has been slow even with the dropping river flows. Sturgeon fishing has been spotty, some sturgeon are being picked up in the upper estuary. Striper fishing has improved as more bait moves into the estuary. Pink fin perch fishing should really turn on in the next month.

UMPQUA RIVER MAINSTEM: Spring chinook fishing remains slow, for the weekend of the 14th and 15th our creel checker saw 6 spring chinook and a couple of steelhead harvested. The number of sled boats fishing from Elkton to Scottsburg has increased in the last week. We are not seeing many people fishing for chinook above Elkton at this time. There are a lot of steelhead kelts in the river right now making it hard to get to new fish. Water flows have dropped enough for drift boats to begin fishing again. A few shad fishermen are out and testing the waters. Some shad have entered the river and will provide good opportunities for bank and boat fishermen. Fishing for shad will last into August. Retention of wild steelhead will close on April 30th.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: Winter steelhead continue to cross Winchester Dam in good numbers. Some early hatchery "summers" have been seen crossing and in the fishery below the dam. Chinook fishing at Amacher Park remains very slow and at this time there is very little pressure. Boat anglers need to remember to fish below the deadline, if anglers are caught fishing above the deadline they will be ticketed by OSP. There are a few boats still fishing for steelhead from Colliding Rivers to Whistlers Bend. Bank fishing in the Rock Creek area has been extremely slow, at this time no confirmed spring chinook have been harvested. This is a good time to visit and see spring chinook and steelhead in the viewing windows at the dam. Winchester Dam counts show that 9,371 winter steelhead and 48 spring chinook have passed over the dam through April 15th.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: Wild steelhead must be released unharmed in the South Umpqua River. The South Umpqua will remain open for steelhead fishing until April 30th. Fishing around Canyonville has slowed, most fishing is occurring from Canyonville Park to Myrtle Creek. There are still hatchery steelhead coming back to Canyon Creek. The drift boat slide at Rummel bar is nearly inaccessible and requires a good four-wheel drive. Bank fishing near Canyonville remains slow but there are fish to be caught as hatchery steelhead continue to keg up waiting for flows to increase allowing fish access into Canyon Creek. Hatchery clipped steelhead only may be retained.

WILLOW LAKE: Willow Lake was stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout last week and fishing should be good. Angling for bass and other warmwater fish has been slow with the cool weather, but should improve when the water warms and the fish move into the shallows. The store and main campground are now open.

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

SHELLFISH

SHELLFISH: The entire Oregon coast is now open for razor clams, bay clams, and mussels. ALWAYS CHECK FOR HEALTH ADVISORIES by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Shellfish line at 1-800-448-2474 for updates. For more information about razor clams and current status of particular areas see the ODFW razor clam web page at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/razorclams

Crabbing is good in the ocean. Bay crabbing has been slow but picked up recently. 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.

HUNTING

Controlled spring bear hunting opened April 1. For a complete 2007 spring bear forecast, visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/hunting_forecast/index.asp

General spring turkey hunting season opened April 15. For a complete forecast visit

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

COOS COUNTY

COUGAR: Look for areas frequented by deer and elk to hunt cougars. Roadless areas on public or private land with limited access are good choices. Remember to "ask first" before hunting private lands. Private landowners can be a valuable source of information when it comes to recent cougar sightings in the area. Some hunters find success in harvesting cougars by using predator calls in areas where cougar sign is found.

TURKEY: General turkey season is open now for adult hunters. Turkey populations have been on the rise in Coos County. Presently there are populations in or near all areas in the county with suitable habitat. Hunters should concentrate their efforts near agricultural lands. Remember ask first for permission to hunt.

SPRING BEAR SEASON has been in progress since the beginning of the month. Hunters are reporting seeing bears on south slopes in grassy areas. Hunting should improve as the warmer weather comes on and bears become more active.

CURRY, JACKSON AND JOSEPHINE COUNTIES

COUGARS: A new regulation for 2007 allows the purchase of two cougar tags, consult regulation. Cougar season is expected to be average this year. Cougar tracks maybe easily located along ridge lines, aggressive predator calling have resulted in successful hunting.

COYOTE: Coyotes numbers have increased in our counties. Hunters will find good success by predator calling. There are plenty of public lands to hunt. If hunting private lands remember to ask for permission.

BEAR: Spring bear season will be above average this year with population showing signs of increasing. Bears will be found on open hill sides taken advantage of new green grasses. Areas where fires have gone through in the past several years provide great grass green up. Besides looking in grassy openings look in draws where tracks can be found along streams and brushy areas leading to open forage areas. There are plenty of public lands available for hunting.

TURKEY: Sunday April 15 is General Spring Turkey Season opener. Spring turkey season will be average this year. Turkey numbers remain high. Pre-season scouting with the use of locator calls will help in locating flocks and roosting areas. Turkeys can be found in oak savannah habitat with open grassy clearing, where much of this habitat is found on lower elevation private lands and BLM public lands. A growing population is being found in thinned out areas of conifer forest habitats that have interspersed grassy clearings. The first few weeks will receive heavy pressure from hunters try using a variety of different calls during your set up.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

COUGARn Hunters can expect an average year. Cougars are abundant throughout with indicators pointing to stable or increasing numbers.

VIEWING

COOS COUNTY

Early spring is a good time for viewing wildlife in Coos County. Big game animals are becoming visible in clear cuts and other forest openings. Often south slopes are the best place to look due to the fact that these slopes warm first in the mornings and green up occurs there first.

Viewing opportunities are good at Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area located east of Reedsport on Hwy. 38.

BLACK BEARS are becoming active as spring comes on. Those wishing to see these elusive animals may have some luck using optics to watch forest openings. Often bears will move into slides on hill sides where grass is beginning to green up.

A good viewing opportunity available now that is unique to the coast is the viewing of SEADUCKS in the bays. Seaducks are scoters, eiders, oldsquaw harlequin ducks and others. These species are numerous along the Oregon coast now and they are in prime plumage. Look for these birds in various places in the bays or along the coast. Depending on the species in question and what they are feeding on at the time these birds could be found in many locations. Also, good numbers of brant are showing up in local bays. They stop along the Oregon coast and other places to feed on their northward migration.

ALEUTIAN CANADA GEESE are congregating in large numbers on the south coast as they migrate north for nesting. These birds feed in pastures near Langlois during the day and roost on off-shore rocks near Bandon at night. There will be as many as 100,000 birds in the vicinity during their peak and they will leave for the Aleutian islands to nest in May.

Other migrants to be aware of are SHOREBIRDS. Various species of sand pipers, plovers and other shore birds are appearing in bays, wetlands and along beaches as they migrate north. These birds can be very entertaining to watch as they dart around feeding.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

Observe BALD EAGLES along the main Umpqua River from Roseburg to Reedsport and N. Umpqua from Roseburg to Steamboat Creek.

Good early morning WATERFOWL (duck and goose) viewing exists at Cooper Cr. in Sutherlin plus Stewart Park in Roseburg.

Check out Plat I Reservoir in Sutherlin at Sutherlin creek inlet on the eastside of the lake for various SHORBIRDS. This area is also a good site to see RAPTORS like Black-shouldered Kites and Northern Goshawks.

SONGBIRDS like Western Bluebirds, Black-headed Grosbeaks, House Wrens, thrushes and various sparrows are present at Stewart Park Duck Pond and Stewart Park trail in Roseburg. Remember to clean out your songbird nesting boxes or put up new boxes now since courtship, nest building and raising nestlings happens for many birds in April and May.

FISH SPAWNING n Each year there is a chance to observe wild Winter Steelhead spawning just below Soda Springs dam on the N. Umpqua River 55 miles east of Roseburg.

FISH PASSAGE - Each year there are Winter Steelhead and Spring Chinook migrating upstream passing through Winchester dam fish ladder on the N. Umpqua River which is open to the public. To view the migrating Steelhead go to exit 129 on I-5, proceed southeast on 99 to the fish ladder on the north side of the river.

ROGUE WATERSHED

DENMAN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA provides a covered viewing station with a good opportunity to view waterfowl, egrets, raptors and songbirds. The structure was built by the Oregon Hunters Association and is accessed by a paved, wheelchair-accessible pathway. It is on the Whetstone Pond, just north of the ODFW Rogue Watershed Field Office in Central Point.

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

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

UPPER AND LOWER TABLE ROCKS rise 800 feet above the valley floor. Habitat types range form oak savanna and chaparral to woodland. On the summit a diversity of wildflowers and wildlife can be found along the trails. Spring can provide some of the best viewing times.

HARBOR SEALS can be observed in estuaries throughout the South Coast. Look for sandy haul out sites. Remember, spring is puping season so please observe these animals from a distance. If you find pups on the beach, leave them where you found them.

CENTRAL ZONE

FISHING

Contact ODFW at the Deschutes Watershed Office (541) 388-6363 for more information.

ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: Angling for 14-18 inch carryover rainbow trout should be fair to good. Check with Ochoco National Forest 541-416-6500 for current conditions.

CLEAR LAKE: Located about 20 miles west of Maupin. Access may be difficult due to snow.

CRESCENT LAKE: Kokanee angling was slow over the past week. April is typically a good month to target brown trout, lake trout and kokanee. Trolling shoreline areas in 15 feet of water with a variety of lures has been a successful technique for browns over the few weeks.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: Stream flows are predicted to be approximately 500 CFS by the weekend. Recent rains and snowmelt have resulted in increased releases from the dam. Angling conditions are marginal until flows are reduced.

CULTUS LAKE: Cultus Lake is now accessible and anglers were out on the lake over the weekend. There are no reports from anglers however on their success. Spring is the best time to fish for lake trout at Cultus Lake .

DAVIS LAKE: Reports of fly anglers catching a few largemouth bass. No reports on the redband trout catch.

DESCHUTES RIVER: Dry fly fishing has been slow; anglers should look at using nymphing tactics in the slow water areas.

DESCHUTES RIVER Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls: No anglers were observed on the river as basis for a report. Flows through this reach flows are down to 500 cfs . This is a good time to fish the middle Deschutes for brown trout and rainbow trout.

FALL RIVER: Observations indicate success for rainbow trout was poor during the course of the past week.

FROG LAKE: Located about 20 miles west of Maupin. Access may be difficult due to snow.

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-18 inch rainbow and brown trout are fair to good. Approximately 100 rainbow trout brood fish will be released this week.

LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: Bull trout angling was fair last week with most fish caught early in the morning or in the evening. Cove Palisades State Park is currently conducting repairs and improvements to the boat ramp on the Crooked River Arm. The only boat ramps open for launching are the upper ramp on the Deschutes Arm and Perry South on the Metolius Arm. This is scheduled to be in effect until May 15. Contact the State Park for current information at 541-546-3412

METOLIUS RIVER: Anglers interviewed over the weekend reported catching a few redband trout though overall the fishing seemed to be a little on the slow side.

NORTH TWIN: Anglers are reporting fair success at North Twin. Late winter/early spring at North Twin Lake provides a good opportunity for rainbow trout which carried over from the summer of 2006.

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-16 inch rainbow trout are fair to good. Boat anglers generally target the upper end of the reservoir near the mouths of Mill and Ochoco Creeks this time of year. Bullhead angling at the east end of the reservoir should be excellent

PINE HOLLOW: ODFW will stock in mid-March.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-16 inch rainbow trout are fair to good. Bullhead angling in the upper end of the reservoir should be excellent. The northside access road is open..

ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: Located near Wamic. ODFW will stock this waterbody in the spring.

SUTTLE LAKE. Anglers reported good success for brown trout. Springtime at Suttle Lake provides good opportunity for brown trout and kokanee. .

WALTON LAKE: Opportunities for carryover rainbow trout up to 16 inches should be fair to good. The gate to the campground is closed and anglers will have to walk the last ¼ mile to the lake.

HUNTING

For a complete 2007 spring bear forecast, visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/hunting_forecast/index.asp

The general spring turkey hunting season opens April 15. For a complete forecast visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/hunting_forecast/turkey.asp Hunters in the Hoold Unit will have better access to the mid elevations due to the lack of snow in those areas.

GENERAL: Spring has arrived and recreationalists should be prepared for variable weather conditions. Snow accumulations are disappearing; however some persistent drifts remain above 4000 feet. Off road motorized travel should not be attempted without proper equipment and checking with local BLM and Forest Service officials regarding motorized access regulations.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR WMA: The north side access road is open, with motorized access limited to this route only. This is an unimproved dirt road not suitable for travel by low clearance vehicles or with travel trailers.

COUGAR: Cougar are reported regularly in the Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly units, at all elevations and habitat types. Deer, elk, and pronghorn have moved off of wintering areas and are scattered at higher elevations across transition and summer ranges. Cougar will be following them and be harder to find as big game move on to the more expansive summering areas on the Ochoco National Forest.

GROUND SQUIRRELS: Squirrels have emerged and are active in agricultural fields and pastures. Best opportunities are on private lands east of Prineville along the Crooked River between Paulina and Post. These are private lands where permission from landowners is necessary before hunting.

VIEWING

OCHOCO DISTRICT: Bald and golden eagles, a variety of hawks and falcons, and waterfowl are present along the Post-Paulina Highway east of Prineville. If observers extend their drive and include the Puett Road loop through the Paulina Ranger Station they have an opportunity of seeing wintering deer, pronghorn, elk, and coyotes. This route is suitable for passenger cars.

LOWER DESCHUTES WILDLIFE AREA: Visitors to this area can see California bighorn sheep on a regular basis upstream of Harris Canyon (RM 12). Lambs are being born starting the first couple weeks of April. Access will be by boat or bicycle. Sheep can also be seen on the Deschutes River down the Mack's Canyon Road down stream of Shearer's Falls with a major lambing grounds at Beavertail.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Contact Klamath Watershed Office (541) 883-5732 or the Hines Office (541) 573-6553 for more information on fishing opportunities. ODFW will begin stocking trout in many of the lakes and reservoirs in the coming weeks. Please see this website for a stocking schedule for the Klamath-Malheur watersheds http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ODFWhtml/InfoCntrFish/trout_stocking_sched/2007/southeast/Klamath_Malhuer.html.

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

ANA RIVER: Angling for rainbow trout has been good. Mayfly and caddisflies are hatching in good numbers in the early afternoon. Look for rising trout in shaded areas of the river or wait until overcast days to fish over rising fish. These fish can be very spooky so stealth is required. Flyfishing with small bead head pheasant tails (#16-18) on the swing can be a productive technique. Bait angling is productive.

BEULAH RESERVOIR: The reservoir was 84 percent full on April 15, and inflow was 160 cfs. Fishing is slow.

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

BLITZEN RIVER: Fair angling for redband trout. Flow fluctuated between approximately 100 and 135 cfs from April 10 through April 17

BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir was 87 percent full on April 15. Angling for warmwater fish is slow.

BURNS POND: The pond will be stocked with rainbow trout this week. Angling should be good.

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: Angling is fair to good for 10 to 18 inch rainbow trout. Fly anglers and trollers have had the best success.

BURNT RIVER: Upstream from Huntington-Richland Road Bridge will be opened for fishing on April 28.

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: River flows are decreasing and water temperatures are producing improved fishing conditions. Look for fishing to be best in the early mornings.

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: Angling is fair with increasing water temperatures and the end of spawning. The best method for fishing Cottonwood Reservoir is angling from the dam or trolling minnow imitations (rapalas, cleos, deceiver flies) from a boat. Cottonwood Reservoir is not stocked and the fish you catch are native redband trout produced in Cottonwood Creek.

DEEP CREEK: Angling is fair for redband trout.

DUNCAN RESERVOIR: Angling for rainbow trout has been good. Flies replicating chironomids and water boatmen juveniles are catching trout in the late morning and afternoon. Bait near the surface and trolling lures has had some success. The Reservoir is spilling; fishing in the creek will improve but access is limited.

DELINTMENT LAKE: No angling report. Access up the Forest Service 41 road was only possible by snowmobile in late March.

EAGLE CREEK and TRIBUTARIES: Opens April 28.

FISH LAKE (Steens Mountain): The north loop road is closed at Page Springs.

FOURMILE LAKE: Access is blocked by snow.

GERBER RESERVOIR: Yellow perch angling has been fair. Lake levels are high therefore boats can be launched. Angling for brown bullhead, largemouth bass and crappie is fair. Crappie are abundant in the reservoir but are difficult to catch until water temperatures increase. Crappie are spread throughout the reservoir but difficult to locate. ODFW is expecting very good crappie angling in Gerber Reservoir this year.

HAINES POND: Was stocked with 1000 legals week of April 2.

HIGGINS RESERVOIR: Opens April 28th. Should provide fair angling for 10-18-inch rainbow trout. Higgins Reservoir is located on private land, and the landowner allows public access for angling but has limited it to walking access only. There is a gate approximately ¾ mile from the reservoir.

HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: The abundance of trout has been reduced by the illegal introduction of tui chub, larger trout are still available. Access to Holbrook Reservoir by the 3716 road is clear . There are a few snow drifts on the 3817 road off the 3715 but are passable with a four wheel drive vehicle. Holbrook will be stocked with legal and trophy rainbow trout the week of May 1.

HWY 203 POND: Was stocked with 2000 legals week of April 2.

JUNIPER LAKE: No angling report.

Angling for wild redband trout has been slow. Expect angling to improve this month as water temperatures increase which will increase redband trout feeding and activity. Most anglers have been successful casting lures or flies that mimic minnows from an anchored boat. Some anglers have caught fish trolling lures or flies but catch rates are low. Angling from shore using bait or lures has also been effective but has been slow. Trolling near Eagle Ridge, Howard Bay and the channel between Klamath and Agency Lakes should be the prime areas to try in the coming weeks.

KLAMATH RIVER: Angling is slow below Keno Dam to J.C Boyle Reservoir. River flows are currently 1910 cfs below Keno Dam which make catching rainbow-redband trout difficult. Expect to see hatches of caddisflies and mayflies in the afternoon or try imitations that mimic minnows (flies, cleos, rapalas, panther martins). Most rainbow-redband are still spawning so numbers of rainbow-redband trout in the reach below Keno Dam is low. The angling below JC Boyle Powerhouse is fair due to flow fluctuations. Flows below the Powerhouse will be 2000-2800 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 black or gold spinners (Rooster tail, panther martins, blue fox). Redband-rainbow trout are concentrated so covering lots of water will increase your odds of catching fish. The river section from JC Boyle Dam to JC Boyle Powerhouse is good for rainbow-redband trout 6-12 inches. River flows in this section are a constant 380 cfs. Small rooster tails and flies are the most effective method for catching rainbow-redband trout in this section. Anglers can call 1-800-547-1501 for river flow information or visit the following website http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/current?type=flow.

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: The reservoir is closed to angling through April 27.

LAKE OF THE WOODS: The Lake is mostly ice free. Boats can be launched at the lodge. Angling for brown trout is typically good after ice out. Angling for largemouth bass, crappie, brown bullhead, and smallmouth bass is slow. Angling for rainbow trout, yellow perch and kokanee should be fair. Lake of the Woods will be stocked with legal and trophy rainbow trout just before the opening weekend of trout season on April 28. Contact Lake of the Woods Lodge at (1-866-201-4194) for recent angling update or visit their website at www.lakeofthewoodsresort.com.

LINK RIVER: This is the best month to catch large redband trout in Link River. Angling is currently fair. Most anglers use rapalas or minnow imitations. Access is available along the entire west side and boats can be launched at Veterans Park and motored upstream to the powerhouse. Catch rates are typically low and a good day is landing a few redband trout.

LITTLE HEART LAKE: Access is blocked by snow.

LOFTON RESERVOIR: The road open to Lofton is passable; but difficult. Expect angling to be slow due to the illegal introduction of tui chub. Larger fish are still available in the lake. Lofton Reservoir will be stocked with legal and trophy rainbow trout the week of May 1.

LONG CREEK RESERVOIR: Fishing should be good for rainbow trout.

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

LUCKY RESERVOIR: Currently reservoir is free of ice; road access is difficult with muddy conditions.

MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork Malheur River): Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir was approximately 307 cfs April 15. No angling report.

MALHEUR RIVER (from the South Fork Malheur River near Riverside, downstream to Gold Creek): Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir was approximately 307 cfs, and discharge from Beulah Reservoir was approximately 173cfs April 15. Angling is slow.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: Water level is down about 6 feet from full. Trout angling is fair to good.

MALHEUR RIVER, NORTH FORK: Access to the North Fork remains limited by snow. Trout angling is slow. Remember to release bull trout.

MALHEUR RIVER, MIDDLE FORK: Access to the Middle Fork remains limited by snow. Trout angling is slow. Remember to release bull trout.

MANN LAKE: Fair to good angling for 10 to 18 inch cutthroat trout. Fly anglers have had the best success.

MILLER LAKE: Access is blocked by snow.

MOON RESERVOIR: Angling should be fair to good for rainbow trout. The access road was opened in late March.

MURRAY RESERVOIR: Trout fishing should be good.

NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: Access may still be limited by soft roads into some ponds. No angling report from any of the ponds.

NORTH POWDER PONDS 1 & 2: Was stocked week of April 2.

OWYHEE RESERVOIR: The reservoir was 80 percent full April 15. All boat ramps are in the water. Warmwater angling is fair.

OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): Flows below the dam averaged about 251 cfs on April 15. Angling for rainbow trout and brown trout is fair.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): Discharge at the Rome gauge averaged approximately 469 cfs on April 15. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish is slow.

PAIUTE RESERVOIR: Angling for rainbow trout is fair 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: Fishing has been fair-good for trout and perch. Trout are running 12-14 inches. Perch are 10-11 inches. Ice is off the lake. Water is rising and is at 67 percent.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: Campground is open. Fishing is Fair-slow. Water level is at 50 percent.

PINE CREEK: Opens April 28 for trout fishing upstream of Oxbow bridge in Baker County.

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir is approximately 15 feet or more down from full. Angling is fair.

POWDER RIVER: Opens April 28, upstream from Huntington-Richland Road Bridge. Use of bait allowed

SHERLOCK GULCH RESERVOIR: Fishing has been fair for legal sized trout. Road is open with some muddy spots. The reservoir is near full and turbid.

SID LUCE RESERVOIR: SID LUCE RESERVOIR: Access to the reservoir is difficult and not recommended at this time due to deep mud.

SNAKE RIVER: Flow was 8,183 cfs near Nyssa and approximately 12,662 cfs near Weiser on April 15. Angling for catfish and smallmouth bass is slow.

SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: Access may still be limited by soft roads into some ponds. No angling report from any of the ponds.

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

THOMPSON RESERVOIR: Access to both boat ramps are open. Angling for largemouth bass is slow but will be getting better as water temperatures warm. Angling for trophy rainbow trout is slow but is improving. The best location to fish for bass is near the shore on both sides near the dam. Angling for rainbow trout is best near the dam and along the rocky northeast bank.

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

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: Trout fishing is good. Reservoir is full.

UNITY RESERVOIR: Reservoir is full.

WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: The reservoir was 68 percent full April 15. Inflows at the Drewsey gauge averaged 235 on April 15. Angling is slow.

WARNER LAKES (Hart, Crump, Flagstaff, etc.): Angling for crappie is slow. Crappie angling should be very good later this year.

WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: Angling for largemouth bass has been fair but will improve with the warming weather. Angling for largemouth bass should be very good in coming months. Crappie angling has been slow. Look for crappie and bass around the many wood and habitat structures in the reservoir. Yellow perch are very abundant but are typically small (6 inches). 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.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: Water level is at 40 percent and rising.

YELLOWJACKET LAKE: Fair to good angling for 10 to 14 inch rainbow trout. No reports on what gear is most successful.

HUNTING

For a complete 2007 spring bear forecast, visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/hunting_forecast/index.asp

The general spring turkey hunting season opens April 15. For a complete forecast visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/hunting_forecast/turkey.asp

VIEWING

Early spring is one of the best wildlife viewing time periods in the Klamath and Harney Basins , which are major staging areas for migratory birds starting their northward migration to primary nesting areas.

NEAR BURNS: Currently thousands of migrating snow, Ross's, white-fronted and Canada geese as well as ducks, lesser sandhill cranes and tundra swans are using the Harney Basin near the town of Burns. Some other species of note in the basin are bald eagles, golden eagles, American white pelicans, greater sandhill cranes, white-faced ibis and long-billed curlews. Another attraction is viewing strutting sage grouse which do their annual mating display from mid-March through April. Sage grouse viewing is best during the first hour of daylight on days when the weather is good.

The KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA and LOWER KLAMATH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE are excellent locations to view thousands of ducks, geese, and swans. Snow, ross's, and white-fronted geese are in abundance now will and will provide excellent viewing opportunities until the end of April before continuing to Alaska and Canada for nesting. These geese can be found foraging in agricultural fields near Midland. Many shorebirds have arrived including American avocet, black-necked stilt, long-billed dowitcher and spotted sandpiper. These shorebirds can be found in shallow wetland areas or along other water areas.

Upper Klamath Lake is another location to view diving ducks including bufflehead, goldeneye, scaup, ruddy duck, redhead and canvasback. Bald eagles can be found anywhere there are concentrations of waterfowl, their primary food source this time of year. Grebes including Clark's, western, pied-billed and eared grebes can be found on Upper Klamath and Agency Lakes taking advantage of the fish resource. Grebes will begin building floating nests made of emergent vegetation. Good numbers of American white pelicans can be found foraging for fish in the larger water bodies. Pelicans use large colonial nest colonies on secluded islands free from disturbance.

SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA

Viewing opportunities remain good as northward migrants and local breeding species continue return to the Wildlife Area and stage in good numbers. Favorable weather conditions prevailed during most of the past week and extensive bird use coupled with new spring arrivals made for excellent viewing conditions.

Waterfowl species, primarily ducks remain very apparent and are widely scattered across the Area. Ducks are in their brilliant nuptial plumage now, and courtship activities are intensifying. Most Arctic nesting geese have departed but fair numbers of greater white-fronted and a few Ross' and snow geese still remain. Nearly all will leave the Area by the end of the month. Greater white-fronted geese are widely scattered throughout the Wildlife Area and been actively feeding and roosting throughout the day in shallow emergent marsh found on the north and west sides of the Area.

Early breeding species, such as mallards are nesting now. Northern shoveler and Am. green-winged teal are staging in good numbers and cinnamon teal and gadwall (common Wildlife Area breeders) are increasing as migrants return from wintering areas. Most diving ducks (canvasback, lesser scaup, ring-necked ducks and bufflehead) have departed, but a variety of species continue to utilize the deeper ponds and lakes to forage for submergent aquatic plants and invertebrates.

Resident Canada geese are becoming very secretive as they occupy nesting territories, while non-breeding birds remain in small flocks. The season's first brood should be observed any time now.

Sandhill cranes have dispersed to breeding territories and are becoming very apparent and vocal. Nesting is underway at this time for some of the established pairs and the season's first colts (crane chicks) should be observed in the near future.

Early migrating shorebirds (Am. avocets, long-billed dowitchers, killdeer and yellowlegs) as well as gulls and other waterbirds continue to arrive and increase in number. Other spring arrivals and increases in migrant numbers should occur this week. Killdeer will begin nesting soon.

Resident and wintering raptors remain scattered throughout the Area as well as on private lands along Highway 31. Northern harriers are especially numerous over marsh and hay meadow areas and both red-tailed and rough-legged hawks are frequently seen. Rough-legged hawks are beginning to depart, heading towards arctic nesting areas.

Prairie falcons, bald and golden eagles are frequently seen during this time of the year, and peregrine falcons should arrive soon. The osprey pair occupying the nest structure at Ana Res. was observed over the past weekend.

Great-horned owls remain very vocal during the night, and nesting for most pairs has begun with hatching to occur soon.

Passerine species (primarily sparrows) remain fairly common around the Headquarters Complex, Summer Lake Rest Area, homestead sites and shelterbreak plantings at the north end of the Area where they are attracted to tree and shrub cover found at those locations. Tree swallows are increasing in number, and arrival of other species continues with spring appearance of barn swallows and chipping and lark sparrows over the past week. A large wave of yellow-rumped warblers arrived over the past weekend and can be observed throughout the entire Area. American pipits returned in good numbers as well and can be found foraging along dikes and the open edges of shallowly flooded ponds.

Viewers can expect to see increased numbers and diversity of some species on a regular basis over the next few weeks. Area breeding species and summer residents are increasing in number as they return from southern wintering locations. New species are arriving almost daily. However, as arctic and northern nesting migrants replenish energy reserves they will depart for other spring staging Areas and overall bird numbers will decline. Be sure to check the list at Headquarters for new arrivals and unusual birds.

Wetland habitats remain in excellent condition. Ponds and other still water areas are full or nearly so and high water levels have created numerous shallow temporary wetlands that are highly favored by many migrants.

Habitat management actions of controlled burning, drawdowns and drying as well as flooding of semi-permanent and seasonal wetlands are creating favorable forging sites for many species.

Natural food sources of seeds, tubers and plant parts remain very abundant and available in nearly all wetland areas. Emergent bulrushes, cattails and other sedges and rushes are lodged over due to strong winds and winter snow accumulation. Bird access and use has increased in these areas and viewing opportunities into these habitats have improved dramatically as well. Emergent vegetation growth is beginning to occur.

Upland sites are in excellent condition due to lush green-up of grasses and forb emergence and growth. Trees and shrubs are leafing out and many are blossoming now. Invertebrate activity is increasing with the warming temperatures and clouds of midges and others species are providing considerable food to insectivorous birds.

The Wildlife Viewing Loop is open and will remain that way until next fall. Other major dike roads (Bullgate, Windbreak and Work Road) are closed to motor vehicle travel from March 15th through August 15th to reduce disturbance to northward migrants and early nesting waterbirds (primarily Canada geese, mallard and sandhill cranes).

Viewer are urged to use care when driving roads since many are soft and muddy especially edges adjacent to ponds and canals.

Secondary and minor dikes will remain closed to motor vehicle traffic and cross country travel by motor vehicles or ATV's is prohibited.

Non-motorized access and viewing opportunities are available across the entire Area at this time.

Camping is permitted at four sites on the wildlife area.

For additional information on viewing opportunities please contact the Wildlife Area at phone (541) 943-3152, fax (541) 943-3204, or email at martin.j.stlouis@state.or.us

NORTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

No stockings are scheduled this week but last week ODFW stocked McNary Ch Ponds, Hatrock Pond and Tatone Pond.

IMNAHA RIVER: River flow has increased recently and will likely reduce angler success. Results of the most recent creel survey indicated catch rates of 5.8 hours per fish. Steelhead angling success is generally best between 200 and 600 cfs. You can check Imnaha River flows online at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/uv?site_no=13292000. Steelhead season on the Imnaha River ends on April 15.

JOHN DAY RIVER: All angling is closed from April 15 through May 25 upstream from Kimberly, but remains open below Kimberly year long. Smallmouth bass angling is just starting, with cool water temperatures making them pretty lethargic. Streamflow at the time this report was filed measured 3,780 cfs at Service Creek which is good level for angling, although slightly off color. Stream flow levels are available from the Service Creek gauging station at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/uv?14046500.

LADD POND (Peach Road): Was stocked with legal rainbows week of April 9th.

LONG CREEK POND, SEVENTH STREET POND, ANSON WRIGHT POND, AND BRANDON'S POND: Have all been recently stocked with legal sized rainbow trout.

LOWER GRANDE RONDE RIVER: Steelhead angling success has been poor because of high flow. Angling success should improve somewhat if flow recedes, but many fish bound for Wallowa system hatcheries are already upstream. Flows between 800 and 2000 cfs generally offer best fishing conditions. Steelhead season on the Grande Ronde River ends on April 15. Check the flow at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/uv/?site_no=13333000&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060.

MAGONE LAKE: Angling success for brook and rainbow trout is good. Access is still blocked by snow from Four Corners, but is open through the Beech Creek route.

MARR POND: Was stocked recently with a small group of trout and a few early surplus steelhead, angling prospects are good. Stocking is scheduled for this week.

MCNARY AND HAT ROCK PONDS: Both ponds were stocked last week with legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing is expected to be good.

MCKAY RESERVOIR: The water level is now at 87% of capacity. Best opportunities are for trout and yellow perch. Anglers have had good success catching 14-16 inch rainbows. Trolling throughout the reservoir has been effective as well as fishing bait or lures at the inlet. Anglers fishing at the inlet need to make sure they are fishing in the reservoir and not in McKay Creek as the creek between the reservoir and Shaw Road does not open until April 28th.

ROULET POND: Was stocked with legal rainbows week of April 9th.

WALLOWA RIVER: Steelhead angling has been fair to good on the Wallowa River. The most recent creel survey data indicated catch rates of 5.5 hours per fish. Expect good angling success as long as river conditions remain favorable. Steelhead season on the Wallowa River ends on April 15.

WALLOWA WILDLIFE AREA POND: Angling is fair to good. The pond was recently stocked with surplus hatchery steelhead and should contain fair numbers of hold-over rainbow trout. The pond will be stocked this week.

UMATILLA RIVER: Spring Chinook season opened on April 16th. The pre-season estimate for the spring Chinook run is 2,500 fish. At this run size managers will likely need to implement an early closure to stay within harvest guidelines. One Chinook has returned to the Umatilla to date, and counts so far at Bonneville Dam indicate a late run as has been the case the past two years. Fishable numbers of Chinook will likely not appear in the Umatilla until late April or early May. River conditions are good with the flow between 400 and 700 cfs. No fish are being hauled upstream. For up-to-date flow information, visit the following website: www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/umatilla/index.html.

VICTOR POND: Angling is fair for hold-over rainbow trout. The pond will be stocked this week.

WALLOWA LAKE: The ice has melted off of Wallowa Lake and angling is fair for rainbow trout. Kokanee angling should improve within the next month as the lake begins to warm.

WESTON POND: This pond was stocked last week with legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing should be good.

WILLOW CREEK: This stream was stocked last week with legal-sized rainbow trout through the towns of Heppner, Lexington and Ione.

HUNTING

For a complete 2007 spring bear forecast, visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/hunting_forecast/index.asp

The general spring turkey hunting season opens April 15. For a complete forecast visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/hunting_forecast/turkey.asp

GRANT DISTRICT

COUGAR: Harvested cougars are required to be checked into an ODFW field office within 10 days of the hunt.

BAKER DISTRICT

SQUIRRELS: Excellent squirrel hunting can be found this time of year in the agricultural valleys. Many private landowners are happy to grant access to hunters who ask permission.

TURKEYS: Turkey hunters have experienced good success. Turkeys are found in varying densities around Baker County. Hunter should try the northern portions of Keating and Pine Creek Units, as well as the eastern edge of the Elkhorn Mountains in the Sumpter Unit.

BEARS: Bears are starting to become more active in low and mid elevation areas. Many high elevation areas are still covered in snow. Look for bears on south facing slopes with abundant forage.

COUGARS: Cougar numbers remain at high levels. With the absence of fresh snow cougar hunting is best accomplished with the use of calls and patience.

COYOTE: Good numbers of coyotes can be found throughout Baker County. Calling is most successful in areas of reduced human activity.

UMATILLA/PENDLETON DISTRICT

COUGAR: Cougars are well distributed in forested areas of the Walla Walla, Mt. Emily, and Ukiah units. Hunters will have best success by finding a fresh naturally made kill and sitting on it, or by using predator calls. Some success has come from following tracks until the cougar is located. Tracking conditions will improve with snows forecast for the end of November and December.

COYOTE: Coyotes are numerous throughout the District and hunters should have good success calling. Remember to ask permission before hunting on private lands.

WALLOWA DISTRICT

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

COYOTE: Good numbers of coyotes can be found throughout Wallowa County. Calling is most successful in areas of reduced human activity.

SQUIRRELS: Excellent time for hunting ground squirrels. Many private landowners are happy to grant permission.

ROAD CONDITIONS: Areas above 4000 feet still have snow while lower elevations are soft and muddy, making off-roading difficult. Roads plowed for logging still provide some access, but will have log truck traffic. Noregaard, Whiskey Creek, and Shamrock travel management areas are in effect through May 31.

UNION DISTRICT

COUGAR n Locating fresh cougar tracks in the snow continues to be a good starting point on where to hunt. More hunters are starting to use remotely activated calls with good results. Finding a fresh deer or elk kill that a cougar has fed on is an excellent place to set up a blind down wind of the carcass. Cougar will cover their kills between feeding and are most active in the morning and early evening. Cougar season closes statewide May 31 until August 1.

GROUND SQUIRRELSnThe warmer weather is bringing ground squirrels and providing a good opportunity for shooters. Scout agricultural grounds on the east side of the Grande Ronde Valley and southern Union County. Always ask for permission before hunting private lands. Many landowners are receptive to allowing youth ground squirrel hunters.

TURKEYn Spring turkey season opened April 15. The mild winter has resulted in excellent turkey survival.

BEARn Spring bear season opened April 15. Look for bears in mid to low elevations within the Starkey Unit. Successful hunters are requested to send in a premolar tooth for black bear population monitoring.

UMATILLA DISTRICT

SPRING BEAR: Controlled hunting open until May 15. Weather is warming up so bears should be out and hides will be in good condition for the next few weeks.

TURKEY: Premium turkey hunting season from now through May 31. Visit link below for full forecast for NE region incl. Umatilla County.

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

VIEWING

Bald eagles can be seen along the South Columbia River basin wildlife management areas. Deer and elk herds should be bunched up and visible in the Blue Mountains and bears are also out.

BAKER DISTRICT: Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mule deer, and bald eagles can be observed along Snake River Road between Huntington and Richland. Waterfowl viewing opportunities are abundant this time of year at the reservoir and pods of the county. Listen for ruffed grouse drumming in forested areas.

WALLOWA DISTRICT: Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, elk, and mule deer can be observed at the Wenaha Wildlife Area, Troy, Oregon. Eden Bench provides a good opportunity to view deer and elk, while bighorn sheep are often observed in rim rocks above the Grande Ronde River. Bald eagles are common along the Grande Ronde River near Troy, and along the Wallowa River from Minam to Joseph.

BRIDGE CREEK WILDLIFE AREA: Good elk viewing opportunities at the Bridge Creek Wildlife Area in Pendleton.

ELKHORN WILDLIFE AREAS: Reopen to public access. Many migratory song birds are

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

FISHING

BROWNLEE RESERVOIR: Crappie fishing has been good especailly at night. Bass fishing has been good and the fish are large. Perch and bluegill are being caught by boat and from shore. Use worms, jigs with crappie nibbles or cutbait. A few catfish are being picked up as well. The reservoir is rising and is at 10 feet below normal. Call Idaho Power Company's recording at 1-800-422-3143 to get information on access at recreational sites or visit www.idahopower.com under the "Rivers and Recreation" heading. For reservoir level information, visit http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/perl/dataquery.pl?k=brownlee

OXBOW RESERVOIR: Fishing is slow.

HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: Fishing is slow.

SNAKE RIVER (Below Hells Canyon Dam): Steelhead fishing is closed. As water warms, the bass fishing should increase.

COLUMBIA RIVER ZONE

Salmon, Steelhead, Shad:

Catch rates remained pretty good through the final weekend of springer fishing on the lower Columbia River. In the Estuary boat anglers averaged 0.65 spring Chinook caught per boat, while boat anglers in the Portland to Clatskanie area averaged 0.43 spring Chinook caught per boat. Bank anglers in the Portland to Clatskanie area averaged 0.02 spring Chinook caught per bank rod.

Portland to Clatskanie Boats: Weekend checking showed 69 adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook adults, one adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook jack, and two adipose fin-clipped winter steelhead kept, plus 21 unclipped spring Chinook released for 209 boats (complete trips).

Portland to Clatskanie Bank: Weekend checking showed seven adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook and six adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept for 323 bank anglers (incomplete trips).

Estuary Boats: Weekend checking showed 42 adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook adults, three adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook jacks, and one adipose fin-clipped winter steelhead kept, plus 10 unclipped spring Chinook released for 85 boats (complete trips).

Estuary Bank: Weekend checking showed no catch for four bank anglers (complete trips).

Bonneville Pool: Weekly checking showed no catch reported for one bank rod and one boat.

John Day Pool: Weekly checking showed four adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus 19 clipped and 21 unclipped winter steelhead released for 25 bank rods.

Sturgeon

In the Portland to Longview area sturgeon catch rates showed great improvement this past weekend.

Gorge Bank: Weekend checking showed no catch reported for six bank anglers.

Gorge Boats: Weekend checking showed 18 sublegal sturgeon released for seven boats (complete trips).

Portland to Longview Boats: Weekend checking showed 22 legal white sturgeon kept, plus two legal, and 99 sublegal sturgeon released for 19 boats (complete trips).

Portland to Clatskanie Bank: Weekend checking showed 11 sublegal sturgeon released for 13 bank anglers.

Bonneville Pool: Weekly checking showed 26 sublegal sturgeon released for 54 bank rods; and 18 sublegal sturgeon released for eight boats.

John Day Pool: Weekly checking showed two sublegal sturgeon released for 38 bank rods; and one legal white sturgeon kept, plus three oversize and 43 sublegal sturgeon released for 20 boats.

Walleye

Bonneville Pool: Weekly checking showed no catch for two boats.

John Day Pool: Weekly checking showed 31 walleye kept plus two walleye released for 18 boats.

MARINE ZONE

FISHING

Angler activity and success has been very good in the ocean when weather conditions permit. Lingcod fishing continues to be very good. Lingcod and cabezon move inshore to mate and lay eggs this time of year. Anglers may also find success fishing from jetties for these species. Spring is also the time that some estuaries see an influx of surfperch that come in to release their young. The marine daily bag limit for 2007 is six fish (including rockfish, greenling, cabezon and other marine species) and two lingcod and 15 surfperch. New this year, the daily limit for flatfish (flounders, soles, sanddabs, turbots and halibuts except Pacific halibut) is 25. Canary rockfish and yelloweye rockfish may not be retained. For illustrations and descriptions of these species see page 98 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet or download the Red Rockfish Identification Guide at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/regulations/sport_fishing. The minimum length for lingcod is 22 inches, for cabezon it is 16 inches and for greenling it is 10 inches. For complete regulations and the

Marine Sport Fishing Supplement, please see http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/

Ocean fishing for salmon, other than coho, opened March 15 south of Cape Falcon (near Manzanita) and north of Humbug Mountain (near Port Orford). This time of year, most chinook salmon are farther than 30 miles offshore and deep.

Crabbing in bays and estuaries is poor to fair. Some crabbers have had luck setting their gear higher in the estuary than normal. For sport crabbers the minimum size for Dungeness crab is 5 ¾ inches measured in a straight line across the back immediately in front of, but not including, the points. For a photograph and diagram see page 93 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

The entire Oregon coast is open for the harvest of razor clams. There is a low-tide series in the late afternoon this week that should allow good clamming opportunities. The daily limit for razor clams is the first 15 taken regardless of size or condition. For more information on Oregon's razor clams, including tips on how to dig razor clams, visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/razorclams. Sport harvest of mussels and bay clams is open coastwide also. A shellfish license is required for taking all shellfish.

For information on domoic acid visit the Oregon Department of Agriculture website at http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/shellfish_status.shtml or call their shellfish hotline at 503-986-4728 or 1-800-448-2474.

The Pacific halibut fishery is closed until May.

VIEWING

YAQUINA HEAD OUTSTANDING NATURAL AREA Accessible tide pools reveal their secrets at low tide. See anemones, hermit crabs, sea urchins, small fish, jelly fish, sea stars, barnacles and more. Look for harbor seals and sea lions.

The northbound migration of GRAY WHALES continues through the end of April. During the spring migration the whales are closer to shore and sometimes stop to eat. A group of more than 200 gray whales stay along the Oregon coast from the spring through fall. This resident population joins the Artic gray whales during their winter migration to the calving grounds in the Sea of Cortez and then returns each year to feed on small shrimp that live in Oregon's kelp forests.

Calmer days are better whale watching days. Any spot with an ocean view may yield whale sightings, but higher locations are better than sandy beaches. Several carter boat operations along the coast offer whale-watching trips.