The Oregon Recreation Report (fishing, hunting, viewing), updated Wednesday, Oct. 17, by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:

WILLAMETTE ZONE

FISHING

Flows in the North and South Santiams have been holding pretty steady and are still fishable. Anticipated rains this week will likely bring river levels up. Recycling of fish from the Minto and Foster traps has been discontinued for the year, but steelhead are still in the rivers and in good shape.

STOCKING SCHEDULE:

South Willamette Watershed District stocked Detroit Reservoir with 7,000 legal-sized rainbow trout the week of Oct. 8. Department staff also stocked Walling Pond and Walter Wirth Lake with legal and larger sized rainbow trout the week of Oct. 8. The next scheduled stocking will be week of Oct. 29 for Walling Pond and Walter Wirth Lake.

The North Willamette Watershed will stock Mt. Hood Pond with both legal and larger sized rainbow trout the week of Oct. 15.

Coho salmon bag limit increased on <<Sandy>>, Clackamas and Eagle Creek

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife adopted a temporary rule that increased the bag limit for coho salmon to three adipose fin-clipped coho salmon per day on Eagle Creek and the Sandy and Clackamas rivers.

The previous regulation allowed anglers a limit of two adipose fin-clipped coho salmon per day. Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery on the <<Clackamas> > and Sandy Hatchery on the <<Sandy> > are expecting higher than average returns, making this additional sport angling opportunity possible.

The Sandy and Clackamas rivers will remain open through Oct. 31 and Eagle Creek, a tributary to the <<Clackamas> >, will remain open through November 30. Anglers are reminded to consult the 2007 angling regulations for areas open to fishing in these rivers.

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: coho, steelhead

Summer steelhead angling continues to be productive for the few anglers out there with some low water conditions still existing. The best steelhead angling is above Barton, with the area from Dog Creek up to Rivermill Dam providing the greatest opportunity for steelhead bank anglers. The lower areas of McIver Park would also be worth the effort. The boat anglers are having some decent days picking up fish from Dog Creek down to Feldheimer's. Try using assorted spinners or plugs rather than bait when chasing summer steelhead. The spring chinook swimming into the hatchery trap has come to an end for the season with over 5,000 springers having returned to the hatchery. The hatchery has also recycled over 550 summer steelhead back down to Riverside Park to give anglers another chance at them. These fish will have a "hole punch" in their gill plate. Anglers could try the river section below Carver to get the first shot at these recycled summer steelhead.

The coho numbers have improved with recent rainfall. Reports are that coho can be taken as far up as Bonnie Lure Park, with good catch days in Eagle Creek. The greatest opportunity for bank anglers on the Clackamas will likely be down in the Gladstone area closer to the river mouth and the bowling alley or up near Bonnie Lure Park. Boat anglers are seeing fish holding in most holes all the way up to McIver Park. With rainfall the coho have been moving through in groups so if you find a concentration of fish, stay on it for awhile. They'll likely be further upstream by the next day or even that afternoon.

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.

Boaters should be aware that at these low flows many stretches of the river may only be accessible with a drift boat. Even with a drift boat or raft you could still be out walking through some very thin spots. With current water levels the river is no longer maneuverable by motorized boat. This is particularly true above the Barton area.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Detroit Reservoir is down about 4 feet from full, so that the only usable boat launch is at Mongold State Park. Rainbow trout are plentiful. The lake has been recently stocked with 12,000 additional fish for the fall.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: Rainbow Trout

Foster Reservoir has been drawn down, but both Sunnyside and Gedney Creek ramps are still usable. Foster has recently been stocked with catchable rainbow trout.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: kokanee, chinook

Green Peter Reservoir is just 16 feet above low pool, making Thistle Creek ramp the only place one can launch a boat. Surface water temperatures are starting to cool, but are still warm enough that the bass will be active. Fish the areas where the banks are not too steep and water is relatively shallow. Rainbow in the 10-12" range are also available.

HENRY HAGG LAKE: trout, bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish

Trout fishing is going very well at Henry Hagg Lake. Powerbait powereggs in chartreuse and marshmallow colors are still bringing the fish in as well as a new color, hatch brown. On rainy days, fishing with a bobber is best.

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.

HORSE LAKES: cutthroat trout, brook trout

Lower, middle and upper Horse lakes in the Three Sisters Wilderness area are fishing well for cutthroat and brook trout. Fly angling as well as a bubble and fly with a spinning rod work well.

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: coho, steelhead

Coho angling on the Sandy has been fair to good thanks to the recent rains. Fish were caught over the weekend in the mainstem Sandy and in the Cedar Creek area near the hatchery. The parking lot at Sandy Hatchery has been well beyond capacity over the past several days. Please obey all parking instructions in the area of the hatchery. A good run of coho is expected so fishing should improve heading into mid-October, particularly with a wet forecast ahead.

Mainstem Sandy River water levels are still fairly low and boaters need to watch for submerged logs and rocks. Work at the Marmot Dam removal site could be affecting conditions further upstream.

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.

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 Lake and Walling Pond in Salem have been stocked for the first time this fall with catchable sized rainbow trout.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: coho, sturgeon, warmwater species

Anglers have been directing more attention towards white sturgeon as the catch improves. Warmwater angling is also still available in the lower Willamette. Bright coho can be found near the mouth of the Clackamas along Meldrum Bar.

If you are out on the river use extreme care during low river flows. With the current water levels boaters need to be especially aware of "deadheads" and slightly submerged rocks that can do great damage to a boat and motor, along with putting people at risk. Proceed cautiously, particularly up near the Willamette Falls area and in the narrows near Lake Oswego and Milwaukie.

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 improving over the past week in some sections of the lower Willamette. From the lower Portland Harbor near St Johns up to the Fremont Bridge there have been several keepers reported along with sublegal sturgeon. 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, shad, or herring as effective bait.

Anglers are reminded that the Willamette provides an excellent warm water fishery in the summer and early fall months. You can expect to find an abundance of bass, crappie, and bluegill available. Target the rocky outcroppings, structures, or old pilings. Casting a variety of plugs or jigs near the shoreline can be successful. A simple bobber and night crawler might prove to be the right choice also. The local tackle shops can set you up with the right gear and direct you to the best spots.

HIGH LAKES:

There are many mountain lakes available in the area for day use or overnight camping that require only a short hike in to them. The remoteness of the lake will usually dictate the degree of difficulty of the hike. Be prepared for cool nights. Early season snowfall is not unheard of. The high lakes have been aerial stocked and provide an angling experience unlike the more crowded, close-in waters. Bank fishing or float-tubes are the way to fish on these small mountain lakes, with the greatest chances for success likely to be found by fishing in mornings and evenings. Please be aware of current campfire rules as extreme fire conditions continue to grip much of the state. 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 the summertime angler. Some of the waters to try include

Dorman Pond, Hartman Pond, Salish Ponds, and Vernonia Pond. Please refer to the ODFW Web site for additional warm water angling locations.

WILLAMETTE 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, blue grouse, ruffed grouse and mountain quail, bear, cougar, general deer rifle season (closes Oct. 19), crow, western gray squirrel

Event:

KUIK Bitsy Kelley's Live Outdoor Radio Show, Oct. 20, 10am to noon

Join ODFW at Sportsman's Warehouse in Clackamas on 82nd Dr. for a live broadcast of Bitsy Kelley Outdoors on KUIK. ODFW will have a booth with giveaways and lots of information to help you on your trip.

Oct. 27 goose check station moves to ODFW Research Lab in Corvallis

The Oregon State University Crew Dock site is the regular location for the Corvallis area goose check station, but due to a scheduling conflict on Oct. 27, will move one mile down the road to the ODFW Research Lab for that hunt only. A station will be set up in the ODFW Research Lab parking lot. The entrance to the Research Lab on Highway 34 is marked with a wooden sign with the ODFW logo. Hunters should enter the driveway, pass the first two buildings, and park near the goose check station near the entrance sign for the main building.

The OSU Crew Dock site, serving Benton and Linn Counties, will remain the goose check station for all other goose hunt dates this season.

Cascade Bull Elk, Rifle: (open Oct. 20 - 26)

Cascade bull elk season is open from Oct. 20 -26 for the harvest of one bull elk with visible antler in the Dixon, Evans Cr., Indigo, Keno, McKenzie, Metolius, Rouge, Santiam and Upper Deschutes units, parts of Fort Rock and Sprague units west of Highway 97 and part of Grizzly Unit west of Hwy 97 and south of Hwy 26.

The bull ratios in the McKenzie, north Indigo, and south Santiam are above management objectives. This means bulls, including some larger bulls, should be available to hunters. At this point in time the weather forecast indicates the season will likely start off wet with snow possible at the highest elevations. These weather conditions favor hunters as it is easier to remain quiet when moving around in the woods. Additionally, snow and/or wet ground make tracking of elk easier. As a result of the weather forecast I expect the Cascade elk opener to be better than usual.

Bull ratios have increased slightly in Scappoose unit (10 bulls per 100 cows), where ODFW added a youth elk hunt this year (211T Scappoose unit). Bull ratios are stable in northern Santiam unit but are down in both the Trask and Stott Mt units. If you are hunting the Trask unit, try the western portion where bull ratios and overall elk numbers are much stronger. Like the coastal portion of the unit, east Stott Mt. buck ratios are down at just 6 bulls per 100 cows. Elk numbers have decreased in Mt. Hood National Forest with increasing numbers found in lower elevation private timber and agricultural lands. ODFW is working with the forest service to manage open forage areas for elk and installing guzzlers to provide water in areas with limited sources.

CWD Cascade bull elk check stations: Oct. 20 & 21.

A check station will be established at the Abiqua Basin Access Area near the Abiqua Mainline gate. ODFW staff will be out in the Santiam Unit checking hunters and collecting samples for Chronic Wasting Disease.

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.

Blue and Ruffed Grouse hunting has been slow. The hot, dry weather is keeping grouse close to cover and water. Hunters willing to push the brush near creeks, rivers and streams should have the best chances for success. 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.

California and Mt. Quail hunting has also been slow. Department surveys 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.

Waterfowl n duck, merganser, goose, snipe

Duck season in the Willamette Valley began Oct. 13 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.

General Rifle Deer

ODFW reminds deer hunters that the season closes in the cascades on Oct. 19. The season will reopen on Oct. 27.

Overall deer populations remain lower than desired but buck ratios are good in many units in the Cascades including the Santiam and McKenzie units. Highest deer densities tend to occur on land with abundant early seral stage habitat. On private timberland, look for areas with clearcuts ranging from 2 to 10 years old. Please check access restrictions before hunting on private lands. On public lands look for deer in high elevation areas around old timber harvest units that are still producing forage or in burn areas.

Wet weather and damp vegetation will help hunters sneak through the woods, keeping quiet during their hunt. Try using a tree stand around areas with good sign to keep your scent up and away from animals using the area.

Check the latest fire closure restrictions on industrial forest lands and access opportunities: http://egov.oregon.gov/ODF/FIRE/OPS/daily.shtml

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. Armenian (Himalayan) Blackberries are ripe at lower elevations and bears are foraging heavy in these berry patches. Bears often wade into the middle of these patches making it possible for hunters to determine if a bear has been using the area. At higher elevations hunters should target areas with western raspberry, trailing blackberry, thimbleberry or other ripe berries. Blue huckleberries are beginning to ripen. A recent check of berries at 5,000 elevation in the McKenzie Unit showed some huckleberries are now ripe. Bear should be foraging in these areas soon. Predator calls can be used effectively this time of year.

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 experienced a very successful opening weekend for waterfowl season. The east side reported 87 hunters and 103 birds harvested. The west side had success of 76 birds harvested for 44 hunters.

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. 8, 869 hunters visited EE Wilson Wildlife Area for big game and waterfowl. A good harvest was recorded of 260 pheasants, 4 ducks and 2 snipe. For waterfowl season, most ponds are seasonal wetlands and will begin filling up as the rains progress, typically making the waterfowl hunting better as the season progresses.

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area

REPORT ON YOUTH, FEE PHEASANT HUNTS: 1,945 hunters participated in the fee pheasant hunt program on Fern Ridge with 711 pheasants harvested. 84 youth hunters harvested 63 pheasants and 1 dove during the youth hunt.

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. Beginning 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 still have until Oct. 31 to apply for a reservation hunt date. Interested hunters are also 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:

Kid's Day for Conservation, Oct. 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Benton Co. Fairgrounds, Corvallis

Join ODFW at the fifth annual Kids Day for Conservation in the Arena Building to learn "What's in Your Watershed?" This free family event is fun for kids of all ages. See turtles, snakes, insects and birds. Build a birdhouse to take home and learn about the different kinds of fish in your area. Forty-six natural resource organizations and agencies will be there-including ODFW. For more information, call the Benton County Extension Service at (541) 766-6750 or http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton/kdc.htm

A Celebration of Raptors Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m., Agate Hall Auditorium, Eugene

Spend an evening with award-winning nature photographer John Hendrickson. This entertaining and inspirational program celebrates the beauty of raptors with exceptional photography and fascinating information from his lifetime of nature study and sharing it through education. Several Cascade Raptor Center birds will be present for viewing. $10 per person or $8 for CRC members. For more information, http://www.eraptors.org/

Baskett Slough NWR Field Trip, Oct. 20, 8:30 a.m., Salem Audubon Society

Take a birding trip around Polk County to the Baskett Slough refuge and the Monmouth Sewage Ponds. Species likely to be found are waterfowl, raptors and passerines, and maybe late migrant shorebirds as well. The group will meet at the Salem Audubon Society Nature Reserve at 8:30 am and be back by early afternoon. For more information: Roy Gerig (503) 589-4636.

Program: Winter Waterfowl and their Avian Predators, Oct. 24, 7-9 p.m.; Oct. 27, 8-11 a.m., Portland

The Willamette Valley attracts large numbers of waterfowl in the fall, winter, and spring. The concentration of these birds in turn attracts raptors such as the bald eagle and others in search of a meal. Enjoy an entertaining evening program focusing on the interplay between predator and prey followed by a Saturday trip to Fernhill Wetlands, to view ducks, geese, swans, and eagles. Class is held at Portland Audubon Society's Audubon House. For more information, call (971) 222-6119.

Eugene Area

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area

Visitors 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. Beginning 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.

Beginning Oct. 13, Fern Ridge lake area remains open all day every day for public recreation including duck hunting. The East and West Coyote units are closed to all entry until Nov. 17. Bird checklists and maps are available at area parking lots or by contacting the Wildlife Area headquarters at (541) 935-2591.

Directions to Fern Ridge. http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/fernridge.htm

Portland Area

Henry Hagg Lake

Henry Hagg Lake is a great place to view large numbers of Canada geese during their migration. Large flocks of birds move into the lake just before dark and spend the night. They leave early in the morning.

For more information on species to view at Henry Hagg Lake:

http://thebirdguide.com/washington/site_guides/hagg_lake/hagg_lake.htm

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

Oaks bottom is a good location to see Great Blue Heron, the official city bird and the star of the show. Oaks Bottom is one of the favorite places of a score of these impressive birds because of its proximity to one of the rookeries on Ross Island.

Information and directions: http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=490&action=ViewPark

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

ODFW staff report a rare sighting of a barred owl near the Wildlife Area. Barred Owls occur primarily in the eastern states but are spreading to the Northwest. Preferred habitats include deep, moist forests, wooded swamps, and woodlands near waterways. See an illustration and range map and listen to the owl's owl call, http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/3/_/Barred_Owl.aspx

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

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

Springfield Area

Leaburg Hatchery

Spring chinook salmon are currently spawning in the McKenzie River. One easy place to view the salmon during this spawning ritual in the McKenzie River is in front of Leaburg Hatchery.

Directions to the Leaburg Hatchery: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/hatchery/leaburg.htm

McKenzie and Willamette Hatcheries

Adult spring chinook salmon are easily seen at McKenzie and Willamette hatcheries. Salmon will be available for viewing at Willamette Hatchery through Oct. 1, slightly longer at McKenzie Hatchery. Please remember to be respectful of the spawning fish and to observe the salmon quietly, without disturbing them. While at Willamette Hatchery, make sure to stop at the educational putt-putt golf course, which teaches kids of all ages about the life of hatchery salmon.

McKenzie Hatchery directions: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/hatchery/mckenzie.htm

Willamette Hatchery directions: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/hatchery/willamette.htm

NORTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

NORTH COAST LAKES:

Trout stocking is complete for the year. Angling in most lakes is likely slow to fair for leftover trout.

Anglers should use caution when heading to Lost Lake (Clatsop County) as active logging and travel restrictions are in effect. Call the Tillamook office at 503-842-2741 or Astoria Oregon Department of Forestry 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 until 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. Coho fishing typically does not pick up until after the first big rains around late October. 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.

Warm water fishing is starting to slow down as lake temperatures cool: Devils Lake near Lincoln City and Mercer Lake, Munsel Lake, Woahink Lake, Siltcoos Lake and Tahkenitch Lake near Florence have good populations of warm water fish species such as large mouth bass, blue gill, yellow perch, crappie, and brown bullhead. Typically good fishing occurs from late spring through early fall for these species.

ALSEA RIVER: cutthroat trout, chinook

Even with favorable river and weather conditions recently the fall Chinook fishery has been slow to fair for the season. Angling has been patchy with fair to good fishing at times from the lower bay through upper tide water. Bright fish will continue to return throughout October. Fishing in tide water is the most effective until fish push up into the main stem river. Sea run cutthroat (Bluebacks) fishing has slowed as many fish have spread out through the main stem. Bank fishing and trolling in tide water with small lures (spinners, spoon or plugs) is very effective.

Current river levels: http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?TIDO3

BIG CREEK: coho

A few hatchery coho should be available.

NECANICUM RIVER: chinook, cutthroat trout

Angling for chinook is fair in the estuary, and lower river. A few chinook have moved upstream with recent rains. Catch and release angling is fair for sea-run cutthroat.

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

Angling for chinook and hatchery coho in Nehalem Bay is slow to fair. Fish are available throughout tidewater areas and the lower Nehalem River. Trolling herring or spinners in the lower bay is the most productive, while upper tidewater areas are best fished with bobber and eggs and/or shrimp. Hatchery coho have begun to enter the North Fork Nehalem River in low numbers. Catch and release cutthroat trout fishing should be fair to good. Small lures or flies should produce good results.

NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: chinook, steelhead, cutthroat trout

Fall chinook are being caught in Nestucca Bay. Angling is fair to good. Some chinook have moved upstream with recent rains. Angling for summer steelhead improved with recent rises in river flow. Good numbers of fish should be available in lower Three Rivers and in the mainstem Nestucca. Catch and release fishing for cutthroat trout should be fair to good.

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

SALMON RIVER: chinook, coho, cutthroat trout

Fall chinook angling has been slow to fair for the season despite recent rains and favorable river conditions. Fresh fish will continue to return through October but not expected in big numbers. The hatchery coho salmon fishery has been slow to fair in tide water but expected to pick up some by the end of the month. Anglers can expect fair fishing for resident and sea run (Bluebacks) cutthroat trout. Bank fishing and trolling in tide water with small lures (spinners, spoons, plugs) is very effective. Bluebacks can be found throughout much of the main stem river but typically the higher concentrations are in upper tidewater and the lower river area.

SILETZ RIVER: chinook, steelhead, cutthroat trout

Angling for fall Chinook has been slow to fair. Fish are being caught in tide water and the lower section of the river. Bright fish will continue to show through October but all indications are that this year will be a smaller run. Steelhead fishing has picked up over the last couple weeks. The best harvest opportunity is in the upper river from Moonshine Park and in the lower river as a few later returns continue to pulse through. Resident cutthroat trout and sea run cutthroat (Bluebacks) fishing is good throughout most of the river. Current river levels and forecasts: http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?SILO3

SIUSLAW RIVER: cutthroat trout, chinook

The fall chinook fishery has been slow overall but with fair to good fishing at times. Bright fish will continue to return through October with fishing in tidewater or the lower river from the bank being the most effective. Resident cutthroat trout and sea run cutthroat (Bluebacks) fishing is fair to good throughout much of the basin. Current river levels and forecasts: http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?MPLO3.

TILLAMOOK BAY: chinook, coho

Fall chinook are being caught throughout the bay and tidewater areas, and the nearshore ocean when weather permits. Fishing has been fair to good. Trolling with herring is most popular in the lower bay and ocean, while trolling with spinners or large plugs is more popular in the upper bay. Bobber fishing with eggs or shrimp will produce fish in river tidewater areas.

WILSON AND TRASK RIVERS: steelhead, chinook, cutthroat trout

Angling for summer steelhead improved with recent rains. Fish are more active with increased river flows. A few fall chinook have entered the lower rivers, but angling is slow. Low numbers of hatchery coho have entered the lower Trask River, and angling is slow to fair. Bobber and bait or casting spinners will produce some fish. Boaters should try backbouncing bait or backtrolling plugs also. Catch and release fishing for sea-run cutthroat trout should be fair to good.

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

YAQUINA RIVER: chinook, cutthroat trout

The fall chinook fishery has been slow to fair with a few good days recently. Fresh Chinook will continue to return through October. Sea run cutthroat trout (Bluebacks) and resident cutthroat trout fishing is fair to good throughout upper tidewater and the mainstem. Bank fishing or trolling in tidewater with small spinners, spoons or plugs on light tackle works well for cutthroat trout.

NORTHWEST ZONE HUNTING

Visit the region's Fall Hunting Forecast

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

OPEN: Duck and goose, pheasant, grouse, ruffed grouse and mountain quail, bear, cougar, general Western deer centerfire (closes Oct. 19 and reopens Oct. 27), western gray squirrel, crow

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 began Oct. 13 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. When hunting estuaries or other tidally influenced areas, be mindful of tide swings, especially when hunting from a boat.

General Rifle (deer)

BLACK-TAILED DEER tend to be active earlier in the season primarily in the early morning and late evening. Significant rains lately have quieted the woods down and provided some excellent conditions for deer to be out and about. As the fall progresses and leaf drop increases, bucks become less wary as the rut begins. Best bets are to scout in older clearcuts with some cover, especially along edges near bigger timber. While deer numbers overall are moderate, buck escapement from last year's seasons was high, leaning towards older bucks. Entry-level bucks (which tend to make up more of the usual harvest) may be in shorter supply.

The latest fire closure restrictions on industrial forest lands and access opportunities: http://egov.oregon.gov/ODF/FIRE/OPS/daily.shtml

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 squirrels are most likely to be found in mixed deciduous-conifer forests 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

Tillamook Field Trip, Oct. 24, 7:30 a.m., Salem Audubon Society

Take a short trip to a big birding spot. Expect to find a wide variety of species including waterfowl, seabirds, shorebirds, raptors and passerines. Meet at the Salem Audubon Society Nature Reserve at 7:30 am; bring a lunch. The tour plans to return to Salem by late afternoon. For information: Glen Lindeman, (503) 364-6968.

Salmon Saturday, Oct. 20, 1:30 p.m., Hatfield Marine Center, Newport

Hatfield Marine Center will celebrate Oregon's native salmon throughout the day. ODFW's Steve Johnson will discuss his research using acoustic tags to track and study salmon as they take their inaugural trip to the ocean. http://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/visitor/current.html

Along the coast

Ducks and geese are beginning to move south and can often be seen and heard overhead in the evenings. Coastal estuaries are stop-over points for many of these birds as they gather resources and rest up for their 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.

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 elk breeding season or "rut" is nearly over and males are starting to separate from the cows and calves to form bachelor groups. Elk have been more visible in the open fields due to the cooler weather. They tend to be visible in the mornings as well as in late afternoon and evening hours. With the increased chance of ground fog this time of year, best viewing will probably be in the evenings.

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

Three Arch Rocks Refuge Celebrates Centennial

Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge provides habitat for Oregon's largest breeding colonies of Tufted Puffins and Common Murre. With the breeding birds gone now, look for peregrine falcons and bald eagles on the tops of the rocks.

More information: http://www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/3archrocks/index.htm

Cape Meares Lake

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.

SOUTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

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.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Trout fishing has picked up with bank anglers reporting limits on Power Bait.

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

Recent rain events have moved a few fall chinook into the lower river. The best fall chinook fishing spots are Social Security Bar, Tide Rock, and Morris Hole. The fall chinook run and will continue to get better through October and into November. Early in the season these spots are be very crowded. Anglers can avoid some of the crowds by fishing mid week or early in the morning.

COOS COUNTY LAKES: trout, bass

The following lakes will be stocked with trout averaging 1 pound during the week of Oct. 22: Upper Empire, Lower Empire, Bradley Lake, and Powers Pond. Each waterbody will receive approximately 200 fish. The cool weather should improve angling conditions for these and other fish in local lakes.

COOS RIVER BASIN: searun cutthroat trout, chinook

Chinook salmon fishing is slowing down in Coos Bay. Anglers are reporting more coho catches recently. Adipose fin-clipped coho may be retained up to Chandler Bridge. Fishing has improved in the South Coos and Milllicoma rivers. Good spots for bank angling are along Isthmus Slough, the mouth of Daniels Creek, and spots along the Millicoma River. Searun cutthroat trout have entered the estuary, and should be in upper tidewater at this time. Purple lures and flies are a favorite for searuns which are open through Oct. 31. 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, searun cutthroat trout

Fishing for chinook has been hit and miss on the Coquille with some large fish being reported. Although on the tailend of this fishery, a number of fish were caught last weekend around Rocky Point. There should be more fish moving into the Coquille, including coho salmon which may be retained up to Lampa Creek at rivermile 11.5. Chinook are generally caught by trolling herring or spinners close to the bottom. 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. Searun cutthroat trout have entered the basin, and should be in upper tidewater at this time. Purple lures and flies are a favorite for searuns. This trout fishery is open through Oct. 31.

DIAMOND LAKE: rainbow trout

Fishing pressure at Diamond Lake has slowed down, however angling is still good. We are starting to see some of the fingerlings (planted at 3-4 inches) show up in the creel (8-9 inches. Anglers have also been using various combinations of bait. There's been a few snow flurries in the area, but the roads and boat ramps are still open. Water clarity remains the best that it has been in many years. Anglers need to remember that the limit is five fish per day, and only one trout over 20" may be harvested per day.

EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Angling for rainbow trout should be good. Fish deeper water for crappie and bass.

EXPO POND: rainbow trout, bass, panfish

Fishing for trout, bass, and panfish should be fair and will probably improve as the weather cools off.

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout

Fishing for stocked rainbow up to 2 pounds and brook trout is picking up for bank anglers. A late September release of 3,000 good-sized rainbow is providing a nice fall fishing opportunity for anglers. Only 2 boats have been seen on the lake in the last 3 days. Fish are being caught on Power Bait, night crawlers, and Panther Martins.

GARRISON LAKE: trout, largemouth bass

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, largemouth bass

Trout fishing is very good with lots of trout over 14-inches. Power Bait (chartreuse and rainbow), velveeta cheese, and night crawlers are the most popular baits. Boat anglers are bringing in limits of trout. The lake is open for angling through Oct. 31. Folks at the resort indicate bass fishing has slowed.

HYATT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass

Anglers are still catching trout; some large ones. Most anglers are fishing from boats. Power Bait and worms are the most popular baits.

ILLINOIS RIVER: trout, steelhead

Open for adipose fin-clipped trout and steelhead; however, fishing is slow. Steelhead and half-pounders are in the lower 8 miles. Fly-fishing tends to produce the best catches.

LAKE SELMAC: trout, bass

The lake is low, and fishing for bass and panfish is slow.

LEMOLO LAKE: brown trout, rainbow trout

Fishing has improved with the cooler water temperatures. The lake is still open for camping and fishing, however the lake will start being drawn down.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, smallmouth bass

Fishing for trout is definitely picking up. Anglers are using pink, yellow, or orange colored Power Bait and spinners to catch legal sized trout near the rock face on the opposite side of the lake from the marina. The reservoir was stocked the first week in October with 7,500 legal sized rainbow trout.

The lake recently turned over and better fishing for trout, bass, and panfish is expected as the fish get used to the colder water.

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

The selective coho season in the ocean from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain is closed. The ocean remains open for chinook salmon through Oct. 31. Most of the salmon effort has moved into the bays. Bottom fishing is still good but the weather can be challenging at times. 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 is scheduled to be stocked with trout "Pounders" the week of Oct. 22. Bass fishing should be good through mid October. Mornings and evenings are still likely the best times to fish.

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 fair. Anglers are reporting mixed catches of fall chinook and coho in the bay and lower river. Anglers side drifting salmon eggs, running kwikfish, or thowing spinners are reporting fair success in the lower river. Chinook and coho fishing will taper off by the end of October as most fish will have moved through the lower river or into the tributaries.

Adult steelhead fishing has slowed, but half pounder steelhead are throughout the lower river. Anglers are picking up half pounders on spinners and flies about equally well.

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: chinook, trout, steelhead

The flow on Oct. 15 was 1,460 cubic feet per second at Grants Pass. Troy from U-Save Gas & Guide Service said steelhead fishing is improving on single eggs and glow plugs Boat anglers are catching steelhead on small plugs, side-drifting roe, or Glo-BugsFall Chinook salmon have begun to spawn. 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.

The Rogue River from Whiskey Creek to Hog Creek Boat Landing will remain open to chinook angling and harvest per zone regulations through the calendar year. The Rogue River from Hog Creek Boat Landing to Gold Ray Dam closed to chinook angling and harvest on Sept 30. The Rogue River from Whiskey Creek up to Hog Creek is open to the harvest of salmon, trout, and steelhead. Fishing from Foster Creek up to Whiskey Creek is allowed with lures and flies only until 31 October. The Rogue River is open to steelhead and trout angling; however, only adipose fin-clipped steelhead and rainbow trout may be kept. The Rogue is open to the harvest of adipose fin-clipped coho salmon, however, only 28 have crossed Gold Ray Dam as of Oct. 7.

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: trout, steelhead

Pressure is light and few steelhead are being caught. 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 4,241 as of Oct. 7. The outflow from Lost Creek Reservoir was 1,096 cubic feet per second and the outflow temperature was 45 as of Monday morning.

Regulations: The Rogue River above Gold Ray Dam is closed to all chinook salmon angling. Angling is restricted to the use of artificial flies only between Gold Ray Dam and Cole Rivers Hatchery through October 31. 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

Legal-sized rainbow were stocked before Labor Day at most of the campgrounds and major access points along the river between Prospect and Minnehaha Creek. Brook trout and a few brown trout are available as well. The season runs through Oct. 31.

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, but the tributaries are closed.

SOUTH COAST BEACHES: no report

TENMILE BASIN: searun cutthroat trout

See Coos County lakes. Searun cutthroat should be available in the lakes and in Tenmile Creek. Purple lures and flies are a favorite of searuns. Tenmile Creek is open to trout fishing through October 31.

TOKETEE LAKE: brown trout

Fishing is open in Toketee all year round. Fishing has been slow with the best fishing occurring 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 occurs early in the morning and late in the evening. Check with the local Forest Service ranger districts on local fire conditions.

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 3,893 summer steelhead have passed over the dam through Oct. 2.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: closed

Closed to all angling until Dec. 1.

WILLOW LAKE: trout, bass

Angling for trout, bass and other warmwater fish is fair. Trout fishing should pick up as the temperature of the water cools.

WINCHESTER BAY: sturgeon

Fishing has still been slow 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.

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 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: Cascade elk (opens Oct. 20 in some SW counties), pheasant, fall turkey, general western deer rifle (closes Oct. 19), blue grouse, ruffed grouse, cougar, bear, California quail, mt. quail, western gray squirrel

Visit the Southwest Fall Hunting Forecast

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

DOUGLAS COUNTY

BIG GAME:

Deer - General Western Oregon rifle season is open until Oct. 19; then it reopens Oct. 27-Nov. 2. The recent wet weather has helped hunters locate bucks with local biologists reporting fair to good harvest throughout the county for the first couple weeks of the season. Harvest success should continue to improve as the season progresses through October. Hunters are reminded that low elevation lands are privately owned so hunters are reminded to obtain permission before hunting on those lands

Elk - The Cascade General Bull Season starts Oct. 20. Elk populations are similar to last year so this hunting year will be average. Hunters should find elk widely scattered with good numbers in dense conifer stands. Elk numbers are good in the Dixon and S. Indigo units. Hunters are reminded that some of the local private timberlands are restricting access so contact them for information on any restrictions before hunting.

Bear - General bear season is now open. Hunters can expect an average year. Hunters should concentrate their efforts in the berry patches in early morning and late afternoon. Bear numbers are good with the highest numbers in the coast range, and with smaller populations in the Cascades. Successful bear hunters are asked to turn in a bear tooth for the ongoing bear statewide population study.

Cougar n Cougar season is open. Hunters can expect an average year. Cougars are abundant throughout with indicators pointing to healthy population best in high deer population areas using a predator call.

Western Gray Squirrel n Gray squirrel season is currently open. Squirrels are widely distributed throughout the county with good numbers in areas of oaks and conifers. Many areas of high squirrel populations are on private lands so hunters are reminded to ask for permission on these lands before hunting.

UPLAND GAMEBIRDS:

Grouse & Quail n The season is currently open. Hunters can expect an average year.

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. Hunters that kill grouse are asked to drop off in a paper bag the frozen wing and tail of each grouse at the local ODFW office.

Nesting season was average for California quail and Mountain quail so hunting opportunity should be good. 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 from Oct. 15 n Dec. 31. Hunters can expect an above average year. The 2007 summer chick/poult counts showed above average production again this year. Most turkeys are on or adjacent to low-mid elevation private lands associated with oak savannah habitat.

WATERFOWL:

Duck & Goose hunters can expect an average to above-average year. The season opened for ducks, geese, snipe and coot on Oct. 13. North American, Northwest U.S. and Oregon production is up this year according to USFWS surveys. Local duck production is historically good but small so a fair number of local ducks are available now with improved opportunity as the fall migrating ducks arrive later in the season. Hunting for resident geese in Douglas County should be 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.

MIGRATORY GAMEBIRDS:

Crow n Crow 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 crow located on or adjacent to private lands.

JACKSON, JOSEPHINE, CURRY COUNTIES

BIG GAME:

District staff encourage hunters to wear blaze orange, especially during opening weekend when conditions tend to be more crowded.

Deer n Last week deer were moving during rainy days. The weekend was sunny and hunters had a hard time finding the deer. This week will be rainy and deer are likely to be moving and more visible to hunters. Cascade buck deer season (Dixon, Rogue, and Evans Creek units) will end Friday Oct. 19 for the Cascade elk season and will reopen on Oct. 27. The Coast buck season (Chetco, Sixes, and Powers) will remain open.

Elk - Wednesday Oct. 17 begins the Upper Rogue Green Dot Travel Management road closure, which is three days before opening of Cascade Elk season. Hunters can expect better than average success in the Rogue and South Dixon units this year. Calf production is similar to last year when combined for both units. Weather conditions will play a factor for the success of hunters. There should be a good surplus of mature bulls for the 2007 season. Elk in the Evans Creek Unit are primarily found near private properties. Bull ratios and calf production are both quite high, but private properties often limit access. Elk populations in the E. Applegate are minimal, however bulls can be found in select drainages so be sure to scout ahead of time to find the herds.

Bear n Hunters are finding bears while out hunting deer; it is always good to carry bear tag while hunting other season. Hunters need to remember that in order to be hunting bear during the Cascade bull elk firearm season they need to have a valid unused elk tag while in that area. In other words as soon as the Elk tag is filled hunters are no longer allowed to hunt bears until elk season is over. 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. Deer hunters are having success in harvesting cougars while out in the field after deer. While hunting be aware of your surroundings when sitting quietly or stopping to rest. Hunters can not hunt cougars during the Cascade bull elk firearm season unless they have a valid unused elk tag while in that area. When the elk tag is filled hunters are no longer allowed to hunt bears until elk season is over.

Western Gray Squirrel n Gray squirrel season is currently open with portions of the Rogue unit open year round; 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. Storms will bring more northern birds into the area. This weekend opened the waterfowl season in our area. Hunters found a few local waterfowl on Denman Wildlife Area to harvest; weather provided only a fair success for hunters. Flooding of fields on the Denman Wildlife Area has begun to fill.

SOUTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

Focus: Fish Spawning on South Umpqua

Each year there is opportunity to observe wild Fall Chinook spawning along the South Umpqua River. The South Umpqua has a large run of Fall Chinook so look for them spawning on the major gravel bars from Roseburg to Tiller.

Coos County

Aleutian Canada geese will be moving through the area soon 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.

Winter storms can bring in other unexpected visitors to the coast. Occasionally these storms cause pelagic species such as albatross and others to appear near shore. Seeing these uncommon species takes frequent, persistent visits to the coast before and after storms.

Early waterfowl migrants are beginning to appear 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.

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.

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

Douglas County

Love hummingbirds? People are encouraged to take down their hummingbird feeders in October to encourage natural migration of summer hummers.

Migratory waterfowl have been observed throughout the Umpqua Valley moving south for the fall and winter. Look for the migratory ducks and geese at local ponds and reservoirs.

Many other species of birds are starting their southward migration so look for species congregating at roosts and feeders or in the air just before or during migration. Some migratory species to watch are: ospreys, turkey vultures, swifts, swallows, cedar waxwings, and some species of flycatchers, warblers, finches and shorebirds.

Coho salmon are now migrating upstream and passing through Winchester dam fish ladder on the N. Umpqua River which is open to the public. 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 under renovation but the ladder is still open to the public.

Medford Area

Lower and Upper Table Rocks

Both Lower and Upper Table Rocks have trail systems on them that provide great opportunities to see raptors and buzzards flying high in the skies. Watch for a wide variety of reptiles along the path. Table Rocks are located north of Medford and just south of Hwy 234.

The hike to Upper Table Rock is an easy 2.8-mile trip. The hike up Lower Table Rock is a moderate 5.4-mile trip. For more information. http://www.oregon.com/hiking/tablerocks.cfm

Lost Creek 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. All types of reptiles, songbirds and shorebirds can be found. On many trails along the way tracks of all types of animal will be found, take a moment to determine what they are. Be aware of poison oak as move along the path it can be abundant. A brochure of the trail system can be picked up at federal land agency and visitor centers in the area. Lost Creek Lake is located about 30 miles northeast of Medford. For directions. http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/projects.cfm?Id=G210090

CENTRAL ZONE

FISHING

ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

No recent reports.

BIG LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout

No report.

CLEAR LAKE: rainbow trout

Low reservoir level will limit access and success but Clear Lake was stocked both legal and trophy sized rainbow trout.

CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Anglers are reporting some nice rainbow catches up to 24 inches in length. .

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

Redband trout and mountain whitefish fishing has improved with the onset of fall. Fishing for both redband trout and mountain whitefish are best from late morning to sunset. Fly fishing has been successful as anglers have been targeting the abundance of hatches, including the October Caddis. Although population estimates indicate the redband population is low compared to previous years, whitefish are still very abundant. 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 recent reports.

DESCHUTES RIVER:

Sherars Falls to Warm Springs n Trout anglers should find good success throughout this reach. October, as well as other caddis flies, should be present in good numbers. Steelhead angling is improving as good numbers of fish are dispersed upstream to Warm Springs.

Mouth to Sherars Falls n Steelhead anglers are reporting decent catches, as effort on the river has declined significantly. Many large B-run fish are showing up the creel, especially in the area downstream from Macks Canyon. Fall Chinook along with steelhead are being caught in the Sherars Falls area, however, many Chinook are beginning to turn dark.

Trout Anglers:

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

Spring Chinook:

No recent report.

DESCHUTES RIVER: Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls:

No anglers were interviewed as basis for a report.

Benham Falls to Wickiup Reservoir:

No recent reports.

Wickiup to Crane Prairie Reservoir:

No recent report.

Crane Prairie to Little Lava Lake:

Closed to angling.

EAST LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout

No report.

ELK LAKE: brook trout, kokanee

No recent report.

FALL RIVER:

Anglers are reporting fair to good success.

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: spring chinook, summer steelhead

Steelhead fishing has been improving on the Hood River, as cooler temperatures have improved water quality. Anglers are reminded that chinook and coho angling is closed on the Hood River.

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 success for rainbow trout and brown trout on the Deschutes River arm.

LAKE SIMTUSTUS: rainbow trout

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

LAURANCE LAKE: rainbow trout, smallmouth bass

Anglers can fish for both hatchery trout, and naturally produced wild trout. Anglers are reminded that only artificial flies and lures are allowed, and only fin-clipped trout can be kept. Anglers are encouraged to keep all smallmouth bass caught. Laurance Lake closes to angling on Oct. 31.

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.

ODELL LAKE: kokanee

Fishing is quiet on the Odell.

PAULINA LAKE: kokanee, brown trout

No recent reports. This is typically a good time of year for anglers to target brown trout.

PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Pine Hollow Reservoir was stocked several times with legal and trophy size hatchery rainbow.

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.

SOUTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout

Fishing on South Twin is slow.

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: Pheasant, chukar, duck, forest grouse, California quail, mt quail (open in Wheeler, Hood Rvr and Wasco counties) cougar, bear, crow

Rocky mt bull elk season opens Oct. 24.

Prineville Wildlife District

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 population 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 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

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 except for upland hunting which is allowed from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31.

CENTRAL ZONE VIEWING

EVENT

Migrating raptors can be viewed at the HawkWatch site on Bonney Butte east of Mt. Hood. Viewing occurs on clear days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The viewing site will be operational until the end of October. Take advantage of environmental education programs and a great hawk watching site. The most commonly seen species are the sharp-shinned hawk, red-tailed hawk, Cooper's hawk, turkey vulture and golden eagle.

For directions and more information. http://www.hawkwatch.org/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=81&Itemid=35

Throughout the Region

Although hard to see, with the cold nights in October, rattlesnakes, garter snakes and other reptiles are migrating back to their winter dens. These species communally hibernate in traditional den sites. They reappear in mid spring with the onset of warmer weather.

Kokanee salmon are spawning at several locations in Central Oregon. Good places to view are at the spillway at Paulina Lake in Newberry National Volcanic Monument, at Trapper Creek campground near Odell Lake and at Sheep's Bridge campground on the Deschutes arm of Wickiup reservoir. Bald eagles can be seen at the Sheep's Bridge site taking spawning Kokanee.

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.

Deer season is a good time to see and hear Townsend's Solitaire especially in the juniper-ponderosa pine zone. The solitaires sing and call this time of year and it becomes a familiar bird song for hunters and other outdoor recreationists. Solitaires winter in the lower elevation juniper zone and summer in the higher conifer forests. To learn more about Townsend's Solitaire, http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Townsends_Solitaire_dtl.html

Bend Area

This is a good time of year to visit the wildlife viewing blind at Cabin Lake, 8 miles north of Fort Rock State Park. The water guzzler at this site attracts many species of forest birds including white-headed woodpecker, pinyon jays, crossbills, Cassins finch, all three species of nuthatches. The viewing blind is a good place to photograph these species up close.

For directions and more information, http://www.traveloregon.com/Explore-Oregon/Central-Oregon/Outdoor-Recreation/Camp-Oregon/Camping/Cabin-Lake-Campground.aspx

Madras Area

Mountainview Drive along the west side of Lake Billy Chinook offers spectacular vista views of the Cascades, Lake Billy Chinook and a variety of wildlife including waterfowl, birds of prey, quail, deer, coyotes and small mammals.

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

Local reservoirs offer viewing of waterfowl and shorebirds as they feed, rest and prepare for fall migrations. Large 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.

The Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Area offers opportunities to see a wide variety of waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors including bald and golden eagles and osprey, furbearers such as beaver, otter, and raccoons. The early morning or late afternoon offer the best viewing times, and visitors should use the north side access road. The road is unimproved so a high clearance SUV or pickup is recommended. There is access by canoe or kayak which offers a wonderful opportunity to see areas not accessible by foot or vehicle.

For directions. http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/prineville.htm

The Dalles, Mid-Columbia Region and Northern Wasco County

Cascade Lakes provide a unique opportunity in early fall to combine great views, and varying wildlife viewing opportunities. Vine maple is a dominant component of the understory throughout the Northern Cascades, and the maple is in full color with the recent cooler weather. Passerines and waterbirds are common sites, especially in and around waterbodies. Black-tail deer are also more active as the weather cools and can provide excellent viewing for those with an eye sharp enough to pick them out in the heavy cover they prefer.

For information on the Cascades Lakes Scenic Byway, visit http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2144/stories/47049

Migrating Waterbirds

If you are in search of waterbirds, the shores of the Columbia can offer some great opportunities. Mayer State Park offers shoreline access to the river, as well as a great place to grab a picnic or some late summer fishing. For more information on the Park, http://www.stateparks.com/mayer.html

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

SOUTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Contact Klamath Watershed Office (541) 883-5732, the Hines Office (541) 573-6582, or the La Grande Office (541) 963-2138 for more information on fishing opportunities.

ANA RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, hybrid bass

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

ANA RIVER: rainbow trout

Angling for rainbow trout has been good. The river level is high. These fish can be very spooky so stealth is required. Bait angling is allowed and productive. Expect good hatches of various mayflies during cloudy weather.

ANTHONY LAKES: rainbow trout, brook trout

Has been good for rainbows and brook trout.

BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, whitefish, bull trout.

Fishing is poor. The reservoir went dry on Aug. 31. Inflow was 32 cfs on Oct. 14. This reservoir has no dead storage.

BLITZEN RIVER: trout

Check special angling regulations. Catch and release angling from November 1 through the end of May. Fair to good angling for redband trout. Water temperature has cooled off with recent cold weather. Anglers should be successful using spinners, stoneflies, and woolly buggers. Flow fluctuated between approximately 34 and 36 cfs from Oct. 8 through Oct. 15. Flow was 35 cfs Oct. 15.

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

Angling is poor. The reservoir has about 300 acre-feet of active storage left on Oct. 14.

BURNS POND: trout, bass

No recent angling report, but angling should be fair 10 to 14 inch rainbow trout using spoons, spinners, or bait. No angling report for bass.

CAMPBELL/DEADHORSE: rainbow trout and brook trout

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

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout

Good angling for 15 to 20 inch inch rainbow trout using a variety of gear.

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout

Look for fishing to be best in the afternoon especially with cloudy weather. Angling is fair below Marsters Campground downstream to near Paisley. Water temperatures are cooling so angling should get better as fall approaches.

COTTONWOOD MEADOWS LAKE: Rainbow trout and brook trout

Angling is improving as colder weather has decreased water temperatures. Brook trout are susceptible as they are eager to spawn and less weary.

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: redband trout

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

DELINTMENT LAKE: trout

Angling should be 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, redband trout

Fishing for bass has been slow. Fishing for crappie has been fair.

DUNCAN RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Angling for rainbow trout has been slow but catch rates should increase with cooler water temperatures. The reservoir has lots of vegetation on the south end which makes for difficult angling. The fingerling rainbow trout make up most of the catch and make catching larger fish difficult.

FISH LAKE (Halfway): brook trout, rainbow

Fishing has slowed for rainbow and brook trout.

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

Check for access to the lake. There is snow at high elevations on Steens Mountain. If the lake is accessible, angling will be fair 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. Most lake trout are running 14 -19 inches with a few in the 8-9 lb range. Lake trout are beginning to move into the shallows to spawn. Angling is fair for brook trout as they are beginning to move into the shallows preparing to spawn. Trolling spoons, spinners or other lures can be effective. Downriggers are often needed to catch kokanee and lake trout as they are often in deep water. Jigging in deep water can also be effective on kokanee and lake trout. A fish finder will assist in locating lake trout and kokanee. Angling for kokanee is poor as most kokanee are spawning. The northwest side of the lake is a good place to begin angling. Angling with bait from shore is usually slow.

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

Angling for crappie 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.

GRANDE RONDE LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout

Fishing has been good.

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

Angling for wild redband trout has been good. 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

The Klamath River is open below Keno dam and angling is good. 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 1500-2000 cfs during most of the daylight hours which creates difficult angling conditions; however some trout can be captured in the shallow, slow moving water near shore using spinners. Redband- rainbow trout are concentrated so covering lots of water will increase your odds of catching fish. The 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.

Anglers should check the website for river flow information, http://www.pacificorp.com/hydro_hiws/JCBoyleEstFlow.html or call, 1-800-547-1501

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass

Open through Oct. 31. Check special angling regulations. Fair to good angling for 12 to 18 inch rainbow trout. No angling report for bass. There is good bank access near the boat ramp and on the southwest shoreline. There is also an accessible fishing platform near the boat ramp. No reports on what gear has been most effective.

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

Angling for largemouth bass, crappie, smallmouth bass, and kokanee is slow. Angling for brown torut has improved as brown trout are cruising the shallows looking for a place to spawn. Angling for yellow perch is good but most yellow perch are small (< 6"). Angling for brown bullhead can be excellent with a worm near the bottom of the lake. Contact Lake of the Woods Lodge at (1-866-201-4194) for recent angling update. Angling should be good for rainbow trout. The best method to catch rainbow trout is to troll using spinners or fishing bait from a boat. Most rainbow trout are in the middle of the lake. Many large trout up to 6 lbs have been taken out of Lake of the Woods this year. Lake of the Woods was stocked with 4000 legal rainbow trout one month ago therefore catch rates should be good.

LINK RIVER: redband trout

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

LITTLE HEART LAKE: rainbow trout, kokanee

Access is open and 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. 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 fair. Flyfishing from a drift boat is the most popular method to catch large redband trout. Anglers can also troll spoons and lures below the Modoc Point bridge. Look for trico and other small mayfly hatches especially during inclement weather. There are good numbers of redband trout in the 18-20" range.

LUCKY RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

No recent report

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

Angling is poor. Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir has dropped to 2 cfs on October 14.

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

Angling is poor. Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir was approximately 2 cfs, and discharge from Beulah Reservoir was 0 cfs on October 14.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Trout angling is fair. Good numbers of trout from 10 to 16 inches are still being caught.

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

No recent report.

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

No recent report.

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 should be slow for cutthroat trout.

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

This is the best time to fish for brown trout as many brown trout are cruising the shallows looking for a place to spawn. Angling with downriggers is the most effective method. Brown trout are feeding on kokanee and stocked rainbow trout.

MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout

The reservoir is very low. Slow angling for trout and bass

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

Most of these lakes require long distances to hike over rugged terrain. Call the Klamath office (541) 883-5732 for more information of which high lakes are stocked.

NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: rainbow trout

No angling report from these ponds.

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

Angling is fair.The reservoir was 19 percent full Oct.14. The boat ramp at the state park, Leslie Gulch, and at the day use area are not useable. The rest of the boat ramps are in the water and usable.

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 106 cfs on Oct. 14. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish is slow to fair.

PAIUTE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout and cutthroat trout

Angling for rainbow trout is slow with bait. A boat is not needed to catch fish successfully on Paiute Reservoir. A few Lahontan cutthroat trout are available.

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

No report

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

No report.

POWDER RIVER: trout, spring chinook

Fishing for rainbow trout is still open through Oct. 31.

SEVENMILE CREEK: brook trout and brown trout

No recent report.

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.

SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: hatchery rainbow trout.

No angling report from these ponds.

SPAULDING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Spaulding Reservoir is dry.

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

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

SUNSTONE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Sunstone Reservoir is dry.

SYCAN RIVER: redband and brook trout

Angling is good for brook trout above Pikes Crossing and good for redband trout below Pikes Crossing. Look for concentrations of spawning brook trout in the meadow sections above Pike's crossing.

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout

The reservoir is filling but fishing is expected to be slow for a few months.

THOMPSON RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, rainbow trout

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.

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.

UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER: redband and brook trout

Angling is typically slow unless a hatch is in progress. Mahogany duns area hatching in good numbers during cloudy days. Redband trout are available from six to over twenty inches with the average fish twelve inches. Brook trout are more abundant as you progress upstream and ODFW encourages unlimited harvest of brook trout.

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

Angling is poor.The water level in the reservoir is at dead storage, inflow at the Drewsey gauge averaged 36 cfs on Oct. 14.

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

No recent report.

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

No recent report.

WOOD RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES: redband and brown trout

Angling is fair for redband trout and brown trout. Most angling is done from a drift boat as public access is limited. Redband trout have moved into the river in good numbers as the spawning urge increases. Most redband trout are located in the lower river whereas brown trout angling is better upstream of Weed Road. Good hatches of Mahogany Duns are occurring above Loosley Road in the early afternoon. Brown trout are rising freely.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, trout

Fishing is good for crappie. Reservoir is very low (6 percent).

YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout

Angling for rainbow trout should be 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)

Hines office closed: Please note that ODFW's Hines office is temporarily closed due to a car accident that occurred the evening of Oct. 15 and compromised the structure of the building. If you need to purchase a hunting or fishing license or tag can visit nearby point-of-sale agents B&B Sporting Goods and Rite Aid on Hwy 20 in the Hines/Burns area. If you require specialized service will need to go to the nearest ODFW office which is the John Day field office, an hour away from Hines at 305 North Canyon Blvd in Canyon City, tel. (541) 575-1167.

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.

FIRE CLOSURES:

Always check for fire restrictions before heading out: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/malheur/

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.

WATERFOWL

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

KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA

Opening day of pheasant season last Saturday saw the most hunters since 2000 and an increase in birds harvested too. The 140 hunters that checked in harvested 65 pheasants, a nine percent increase from the five-year average. Years of dry conditions are sending some hunters to 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 and upland game bird hunting continues on the area this week.

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.

First week of the season waterfowl hunters found good hunting success throughout the week. Daily bird per hunter averages ranged from 1.25 (Monday following opening weekend) to 2.24 on Sunday. Over 430 hunters checked-in for the week, down (-3.1%) from the same week last year. Hunters averaged 1.84 birds per hunter, which was an 80.7% increase from 2006.

Total duck harvest (321; primarily mallards, gadwall and Am. wigeon) was up 55.8% compared to last year, while goose harvest (308; 88% snow geese) was over 3 times the number harvested in 2006. Only 4 Am coots and 3 snipe were reported taken. Ring-necked pheasant harvest was down by half (7 versus 14 taken in 2006) as was California quail harvest (down -43.8%). Upland game bird hunting pressure was very light.

On Oct. 10, over 76,000 ducks and 9,200 geese were counted on the Area. This was in advance of several storm systems that passed through the area during most of last week. Additional birds probably moved into the Area during the latter part of the week after the count was conducted. Weather conditions were generally mild over the weekend, but an abundance of newly arrived birds made for good hunting success. 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.

Northern migrants are arriving in good numbers now, taking advantage of the weather systems that are moving through the region at this time. A majority of the birds are found on Summer Lake proper or in refuge areas.

Hunters should find good opportunities at this time due to high bird numbers and good habitat conditions. Favorable weather conditions will play a major role in hunting 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.

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 have 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

Many northern breeding species of shorebirds are beginning fall migration and can now be found staging on the mud flats around Malheur and Harney Lakes. Long-billed dowitchers, greater and lesser yellowlegs and many other species will continue to become more common over the next few weeks. Canada geese are becoming more apparent as goslings have fledged and joined into larger groups. Canada geese can be found in the mornings and evenings throughout the Harney Basin traveling from roosting areas to feed in local agricultural lands.

Harney County

Fall migrating waterfowl are beginning to arrive in Harney County. Numbers are not as good as normal due to droughty conditions resulting in a lack of standing water bodies. Best viewing opportunities are on the Malheur Refuge and Chickahominy Reservoir west of Riley. The most abundant species are Canada geese, mallards and green-winged teal.

Early October is an excellent times to view the fall colors on Steens Mountain, as aspen leaves begin to turn various shades of red, orange, yellow and green. The best viewing opportunities are from the North Loop Road, which goes up Steens Mountain heading east from Frenchglen.

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

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

Burns Area

Many northern breeding species of shorebirds are beginning fall migration and can now be found staging on the mud flats around Malheur and Harney Lakes. Long-billed dowitchers, greater and lesser yellowlegs and many other species will continue to become more common over the next few weeks. Canada geese are becoming more apparent as goslings have fledged and joined into larger groups. Canada geese can be found in the mornings and evenings throughout the Harney Basin traveling from roosting areas to feed in local agricultural lands.

Klamath Falls Area

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.

For an excellent place to view local avian fauna, a trip to Moore Park located on the south end of Upper Klamath Lake just outside Klamath Falls provides great viewing opportunities. White-headed woodpecker, Lewis' woodpecker, red-shafted flicker and many other passerine (perching) birds can be found within the park.

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

Most migrating shorebirds and passerines have moved through the county to winter ranges south of Oregon. Waterfowl are abundant at this time, and those shorebird and passerine species that will winter in the county are present. 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.

For information on Goose Lake State Recreation Area, a green and shady lakeside refuge for wildlife and wildlife watchers, visit http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_1.php

Summer Lake Wildlife Area

This section was update on Oct. 16. Highlight: Wildlife biologists expect arctic nesting rough-legged hawks to arrive soon.

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. Most greater white-fronted geese have moved onto wintering areas in California, but snow geese from arctic Russia are beginning to arrive in good numbers. Nearly all sandhill cranes have departed to south staging areas.

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

Waterfowl

Ducks are very numerous and are widely scattered across the Area. Nearly all ducks have completed their molt and are growing feathers leading to the 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.

Shorebirds

Most 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) 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. 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.

Passerine (perching) species, especially sparrows 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 should be arriving soon. Warblers, especially yellow-rumped continue to be observed in fair numbers across the Area.

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; all emergent marsh plants are at full growth and nearly all are showing fall senescence. As winter storms arrive, tall and erect vegetation will begin to become lodged over. 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 nearly 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 is attracting a large number of raptors, waterfowl, waders and other waterbirds as advancing water is increasing food availability.

Westside areas, especially along Dutchy and Rest Lakes, Windbreak Dike and Work Road Ponds remain well watered and are receiving considerable waterbird use at this time. Natural food sources of seeds, tubers and plant parts remain very abundant and available in nearly all wetland areas. 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 now.

NORTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Trout fishing in Northeast Zone streams and Kinney Lake closes Oct. 31.

CUTSFORTH POND: trout

The pond has been stocked with legal-sized and trophy-sized trout. Fishing is fair.

GRANDE RONDE, WALLOWA AND IMNAHA RIVERS: trout, steelhead

Flows are low and fishing conditions are good. Expect fair to good angling for trout. Steelhead angling in the lower Grande Ronde and Imnaha Rivers is improving. Steelhead anglers surveyed on the lower Grande Ronde River last week averaged one steelhead for every 10 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 steelhead angling to continue to improve, especially if river flows increase.

HONEYMOON AND TEPEE PONDS: trout

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

JOHN DAY RIVER: bass

Steelhead fishing should pick up with the colder weather and increased flow due to the end of irrigation season and the little bit of rain the region has experienced. There is good potential for steelhead, especially in the lower river through the end of the year. Remember to keep those fin 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 and tributaries above Kimberly will close to trout angling after Oct. 31, but will remain open for steelhead angling. The John Day River below Kimberly is open to angling for steelhead and bass all year.

JUBILEE LAKE: trout

No recent report.

KINNEY LAKE: trout

Trout to several pounds, most in the 8-12" range, conditions are good and should remain so, bank angling only, use lures or bait and bobber.

MAGONE LAKE: trout

Angling success for brook and rainbow trout is fair. Success should increase with colder temperatures.

MCKAY RESERVOIR:

Currently closed to angling.

MCNARY, HAT ROCK AND TATONE PONDS: trout

Angling is poor.

MORGAN LAKE: trout

Should be good for rainbow trout.

PENLAND LAKE: trout

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

SALT CREEK AND MCGRAW PONDS: trout

Small forest setting ponds southeast of Joseph, off the 39 Road, stocked with legal rainbow trout up to 12 inches, use lures or bait.

UMATILLA FOREST PONDS: trout

All ponds north of Ukiah and along the summit road have been stocked.

UMATILLA RIVER: trout, steelhead, salmon

Fishing is fair to good for steelhead and coho below Threemile Dam. Open for adipose fin clipped steelhead from Sept. 1- Dec. 31. Open for coho salmon and jack fall Chinook Sept. 1- Nov.30. Coho numbers are increasing downstream of the Hwy 730 bridge. Open for warm water game fish. Trout angling is open above the Reservation boundary but is restricted to artificial flies and lures. All fish must be safely released.

WALLOWA LAKE: trout, kokanee

Good for stocked rainbow trout to several pounds, lake conditions are good but the boat launches are a challenge for larger boats because of low water levels. Rainbow should be distributed throughout the lake Lures or worm and bobber can be effective for rainbow from the bank.

WESTON POND: trout

Fishing will be poor.

WILLOW CREEK: trout

Fishing is fair.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: Trout,crappie, bullhead catfish

Trout angling should improve with cooler temperatures. Fair fishing for bullhead catfish

NORTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

ATV users, please respect road closures designed to protect wildlife and improve the hunting experience. OSP cited six northeast region hunters for violating road closures during buck deer rifle opening weekend.

Remember to check with land management agencies about fire restrictions before hunting.

Visit the Northeast Fall Hunting Forecast

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

Open: pheasant, cougar, bear, forest grouse, controlled fall turkey, chukar, duck, mt. quail and California quail (open only in portions of zone)

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

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 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.

General Rocky Mountain Elk 1st Season opens Oct. 24 and runs to Oct. 28. These hunts include: Wenaha spike only, Mt. Emily spike only, Catherine Cr. any bull, Starkey any bull and Starkey spike only. This year's calf survival numbers are consistent with 2006 which should produce yearling bull numbers similar to last season. Rain forecasted for this week will reduce fire danger and improve hunting conditions.

Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area (La Grande)

Pheasant hunting was good for the opener this year. Hunting pressure was down slightly from the last two years. "Dry conditions continue to allow pheasant hunters to work areas that have been covered with water in the past," says area manager Dave Larson.

Waterfowl hunting continues to be slow. Lack of rainfall, warm temperatures and dry south winds continue to hamper efforts to fill the wetlands. Only 25 percent of wetlands on the area have huntable water and waterfowl numbers remain low. However, things will get better. "Duck hunting should be fantastic once we get water," says Dave Larson, Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area manager. "Temperatures have dropped and we have plenty of food here." Though it dried them out, the drought also brought abundant vegetation growth in wetlands for ducks to eat once they come for the water. Hunting at Ladd Marsh usually starts getting very good after the first of November and may be good throughout the season if freeze-ups thaw, as they usually do.

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

Ditch Creek muzzleloader deer should be an above average season with the cold weather patters that the Heppner Unit has experienced. The rains have brought on fall green up conditions and more available water sources.

Elk hunting in the district for mature bulls should be average. Spike hunters are in for another tough year due to continued low calf recruitment.

Upland bird production was down in the district this year. 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.

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 controlled bull elk season opens Oct. 24. Bull to cow ratios are good and hunter success is expected to be up over previous years harvest in all units.

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. Remember moose are not legal to hunt.

UPLAND BIRDS: Blue grouse hunter success has been fair to poor, and hunters are reporting birds widely scattered. Grouse hunters can find blue grouse along ridges associated with older timber stands and near water sources. Ruffed grouse are common in riparian areas, and hunters should find good numbers in most areas. 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, and Shamrock travel management areas in the Sled Springs unit will be in effect. In the Snake River unit the Lord Flat road north of Warnock Corral is closed to motor vehicles.

UMATILLA DISTRICT

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.

Fall Turkey: Turkeys are still distributed in many parts of forested areas. Hunters will find the most turkeys in the Mt. Emily and Ukiah Units.

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

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

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.

Deer: While buck seasons have ended, doe seasons have begun in most areas. For best success, target private land agricultural areas. If you have a tag, contact ODFW Baker office (541) 523-5832 for recommendations on areas with highest agricultural damage. Hunters who are willing to ask permission from private landowners will often be rewarded with hunting access.

Elk: Bull season is just around the corner so hunters should continue to scout their areas. Many cow seasons are in full swing. Hunters with a cow tag should concentrate on areas adjacent to agricultural land.

NORTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

Bighorn sheep, Sandhill cranes, migrating birds, beaver dams! Look for new viewing reports in Baker and Union Counties.

Baker County

Bighorn sheep are entering their breeding season offering some 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. Best locations to view deer are along Pocahontas Road west of Baker City and Highway 86 between Baker City and Richland. While traveling Highway 86, observe the many beaver dams that have been recently created on the Powder River.

Cooler weather heralds the waterfowl migration. 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

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

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. 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.

Umatilla County

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

Riparian areas all over the county are alive with migrating neotropical migrant passerine birds (birds that breed in North America and winter in the tropics) along with a profusion of other species. 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.

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. 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 and in 20-30 feet of water. 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.

HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, steelhead

Trout are at the mouth of streams. Steelhead season is open but fish have not moved up yet.

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

Angling for catfish and smallmouth bass is fair. Flow was 8,357 cfs near Nyssa and approximately 10,113 cfs near Weiser on Oct. 14.

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. Effective October 1 this section is 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.

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 and/or steelhead and five jacks. It is unlawful to angle for jack salmon after the daily bag limit has been reached.

In the lower Columbia River this past weekend salmonid angling was fair. Salmonid anglers had the best success in the Gorge where boat anglers averaged 0.40 fall Chinook and 0.10 coho caught per boat. In the Portland to Longview area boat anglers averaged 0.13 fall Chinook and 0.16 coho caught per boat, while anglers in Troutdale averaged 0.03 fall Chinook, 0.15 coho, and 0.03 steelhead caught per boat. Bank anglers in the Gorge averaged 0.06 fall Chinook caught per angler.

Gorge Bank:

Weekend checking showed one fall Chinook adult and two fall Chinook jacks kept for 17 salmonid anglers.

Gorge Boats:

Weekend checking showed four fall Chinook and one adipose fin-clipped coho kept for 10 boats.

Troutdale Boats:

Weekend checking showed one fall Chinook, five adipose fin-clipped coho adults, one adipose fin-clipped coho jack, and one adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept for 33 salmonid boats (complete trips).

Portland to Longview Bank:

Weekend checking showed no catch reported for three salmonid anglers.

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed four fall Chinook and five adipose fin-clipped coho kept for 31 boats (complete & 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 one adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept and one unclipped steelhead released for 12 bank rods; and 21 adipose fin-clipped steelhead and one coho kept, plus 15 unclipped steelhead released for 48 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 December 31, 2007. 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 October 1 through December 31, 2007, 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. The catch guideline of 700 legal white sturgeon was reached in the Bonneville pool on Sunday July 29. 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 guidelines were reached in The Dalles Pool on March 28, 2007 and in the John Day Pool on June 10, 2007. Catch and release angling is allowed until the end of the year.

In the lower Columbia River this past weekend sturgeon anglers had the best success in the Gorge where boat anglers averaged 0.64 legal white sturgeon caught per boat. In Troutdale boat anglers averaged 0.33 legal white sturgeon caught per boat, while boat anglers in the Portland to Longview area averaged 0.08 legal white sturgeon caught per boat. Bank anglers in the Gorge averaged 0.31 legal white sturgeon caught per bank rod.

Gorge Bank:

Weekend checking showed 57 legal white sturgeon kept, plus 43 sublegal and two oversize sturgeon released for 181 bank rods.

Gorge Boats:

Weekend checking showed 33 legal white sturgeon kept, plus one legal, 786 sublegal, and nine oversize sturgeon released for 53 boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Bank:

No report.

Troutdale Boats:

Weekend checking showed three legal white sturgeon kept, plus two legal, and 57 sublegal released for 15 boats (complete trips).

Portland to Longview Bank:

Weekend checking showed one sublegal sturgeon released for 11 sturgeon anglers.

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed five legal white sturgeon kept, plus one legal and 165 sublegal sturgeon released for 73 boats (complete & incomplete trips).

WALLEYE:

Troutdale:

No report.

COLUMBIA RIVER ZONE VIEWING

Columbia River

Waterfowl are starting to show up along the Columbia River in greater numbers. Osprey can also be seen along the river. An immature Great Egret has been seen on the Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge near the hunter check station pond. 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

Mount Hood: Last chance to view raptor migration

Take a drive to see the fall raptor migration. The project runs through October 31 each year. Visit Bonney Butte to take advantage of environmental education programs and a great hawk watching site. The most commonly seen species are the sharp-shinned hawk, red-tailed hawk, Cooper's hawk, turkey vulture and golden eagle.

For directions and more information. http://www.hawkwatch.org/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=81&Itemid=35

MARINE ZONE

Fishing

Lingcod catches averaged about 1 fish per ocean boat angler last week except on the south coast where lingcod were not as cooperative.

Average catches of rockfish and misc. marine fish 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.

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 bottomfish outside of the 40-fathom curve opened to anglers on Oct. 1. Remember: yelloweye 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, lingcod and flatfish. 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 north of Humbug Mt. is closed for the year.

Ocean salmon seasons are winding down for the year. Anglers between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mountain may still fish for all salmon except coho through Oct. 31. No salmon were reported caught last week.

The tuna fishery is also coming to a close for the year. Four tuna were sampled in the sport fishery last week.

Clams

A shellfish safety closure is present on central and north Oregon beaches from Siletz Bay (Lincoln County) to the mouth of the Columbia River due to high levels of the Paralytic Shellfish Poisioning (PSP) toxin. The closure prohibits harvesting of clams and mussels on beaches, rocks, jetties and entrance to bays.

Shellfish contaminated with PSP toxins can cause minor to severe illness -even death. The symptoms usually begin with tingling of the mouth and tongue. Severe poisoning can result in dizziness ; numbness and tingling in the arms and legs ; paralysis of the arms and legs ; and paralysis of the muscles used for breathing.

Beaches south of Siletz Bay and bays remain open. 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

For information on domoic acid see:

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

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

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

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

Crabs

Crabbing is closed in the ocean until Dec. 1, but bays and estuaries remain open. Crabbing has been good, but heavy rains are likely to put a damper on catch rates. Crabbers are advised to check their catch for "soft shell" condition of recently molted crab. This causes the crab meat to be watery and of poor quality. Check for this by gently squeezing a leg section closest to the crab's body. If it doesn't feel hard, it's a good idea to let him go so he can fill up with meat. 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

Whales and Birds Ply Coast

The beginning of October is one of the migration peaks for nearshore birds like the black-footed albatross, northern fulmar, flesh-footed shearwater, Buller's shearwater, south polar skua, Cassin's auklet and Rhinoceros auklet. On a recent offshore birding boat trip to Perpetua Bank, about 40 miles southwest of Newport, bird watchers saw all those species and three sperm whales, as well as other marine mammals. The trip was conducted by The Bird Guide Inc., which charters about eight trips a year to take bird watchers offshore to see birds that do not approach within sight of land in Oregon.

For more information about The Bird Guide and to read about recent sightings, http://thebirdguide.com/

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.

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. For information about wildlife viewing at the Coast.

http://www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/wildlife.htm

Download a Watchable Wildlife map of the coast.

http://www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/images/maps/ORCoast_wildlifeviewing.pdf