The Oregon Recreation Report (fishing, hunting, viewing), updated Wednesday, Oct. 10, by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:

Pheasant, duck seasons to open

Pheasant season opens statewide Oct. 13. Populations appear to be up slightly over last year and hunters can expect to find a few more birds in areas of the Columbia Basin. There is still one remaining opportunity for westside hunters to participate in fee pheasant hunting-at EE Wilson Wildlife Area in Monmouth through Oct. 31.

Duck season opens on the westside Oct. 13. "Oregon hunters will have great opportunities for waterfowling this year with the significant numbers of ducks and geese in the flyway," says Brad Bales, chief waterfowl biologist for the department.

Fishing will continue to improve with rain in the forecast

Fall fishing is here and fall chinook are showing up in rivers and streams. Fall chinook fishing is still sporadic in rivers of the Northwest Zone. Fishing for steelhead is picking up in rivers of the Southwest Zone. In the Willamette Zone try your luck at Detroit Reservoir, Walling Pond and Walter Wirth Lake that have been recently stocked with rainbow trout. The John Day River in the Northeast Zone is providing good opportunities for smallmouth bass. In the Central Zone Laurance Lake was recently stocked with fin clipped hatchery rainbow trout. The Klamath River in the Southeast Zone is providing good opportunities for rainbow-redband trout with most being caught with flies and lures imitating minnows.

See salmon spawn

Celebrate the return of the salmon. Near Roseburg, coho salmon are migrating upstream and passing through Winchester dam fish ladder on the N. Umpqua River. In the Springfield area, spring chinook salmon are spawning in the McKenzie River. One easy place to view the spawning ritual is in front of ODFW's Leaburg Hatchery. See SW and Willamette Zone Viewing reports for more information.

Kokanee salmon are spawning at several locations in Central Oregon-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. See Central Zone Viewing report for more information.

WILLAMETTE REGION

FISHING

Daily passage numbers for summer steelhead moving through the Willamette Falls fishway have remained in the low single digits over the past week. The summer-run steelhead counted through October 3 total 13,887. Most of the fish have moved to the middle and upper reaches of the tributaries, though there are some traveling through the lower stretches. Recycling of steelhead from the traps at Foster and Minto, combined with first-run fish, means there are good numbers of fish in the rivers.

Flows in the North and South Santiams have been holding pretty steady and are still fishable. 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. Flow from Big Cliff Dam on the North Santiam increased a little this week to provide additional spawning habitat for chinook, as well as to begin the fall drawdown of the reservoir. Water conditions in the mainstem Willamette and in both forks of the Santiam are good, but pressure remains relatively light. Angling effort on the Lower Willamette is directed towards warm water species and white sturgeon, with coho angling taking place near the Clackamas River and Meldrum Bar. The fall chinook passage counts started August 16 and coho counting started on August 19. Coho counts through October 3 totaled 627.

STOCKING SCHEDULE:

South Willamette Watershed District will stock Detroit Reservoir with 7,000 legal-sized rainbow trout the week of Oct. 8. Department staff will stock Walling Pond and Walter Wirth Lake with both legal and larger sized rainbow trout the week of Oct. 8.

The North Willamette Watershed stocked Mt. Hood Pond the week of October 1. The next scheduled stocking will be the week of Oct. 15 at Mt. Hood Pond.

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

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has adopted a temporary rule that will increase the bag limit for coho salmon to three adipose fin-clipped coho salmon per day beginning Oct. 6 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.

The Monday readings for the Clackamas showed flows up at 1,080 cfs (11.07').

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 30 feet from full, so that the only usable boat launch is at Mongold State Park. Rainbow trout are plentiful. ODFW stocked with rainbow trout the week of Oct. 1.

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

Some trout are still available in Green Peter Reservoir. Anglers will find better success fishing at depths 25 feet or greater.

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. The river has been running with good color most days. Monday's readings showed flows have held steady at 881 cfs (8.52') with the water temperature holding near 52°.

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.

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. The October 8 conditions showed Willamette flows steady at 8,900 cfs, a water temperature reading down to 56°, and the visibility still good at 6.6 feet.

If you are out on the river use extreme care during these 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 October 1, 2007 through December 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 as the fall season arrives. 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 (opens Oct. 13), pheasant (opens Oct. 13), blue grouse, ruffed grouse and mountain quail, bear, cougar, general deer rifle season, crow, western gray squirrel

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.

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 (opens Oct. 13):

Duck season in the Willamette Valley begins October 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

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 hunters are looking forward to 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

Nearly 1,000 upland hunters and 5 big game hunters participated in the first week of the Western Oregon fee hunt at EE Wilson Wildlife Area. Hunters harvested 371 pheasants, 3 quail and 2 crow. As a reminder, all upland bird hunters must have the fee pheasant tag to hunt during the month of October. The fee hunt runs through the end of October and hunters can purchase as many pheasant tags as they like. Pheasants are released every day and the stocking schedule is posted at each of the four check stations along Camp Adair Road.

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area:

This waterfowl season, hunters and man's best friend can enjoy one of several remodeled hunting dog hutches at the duck blinds. These renovated dog hutches offer more space to provide additional comfort for larger dogs during a fun-filled day of hunting.

WILLAMETTE ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS:

Salmon Oxbow Festival, Oct. 13-14, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Celebrate the fall chinook salmon run on the Sandy River It's a fun way to learn about wild salmon and healthy watersheds. Stop by ODFW's booth to see salmon up close, learn about the salmon lifecycle and what ODFW is doing to help wild salmon.

The Festival offers cultural exhibits, salmon walks, activities for children, arts and crafts demonstrations, music. storytelling, horse-drawn wagon rides, forest hikes and a salmon barbecue. Entry fee is $8 per vehicle. Oxbow Regional Park is located 8 miles east of Gresham. From I-84, take the Troutdale exit 17. For more information, http://www.metro-region.org/article.cfm?ArticleID=616

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

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.

Friends of Ross Island Paddle, Oct. 13, 3 p.m., Portland Audubon Society

Take a leisurely paddle around Ross, Hardtack, East and Toe Islands. The paddle is appropriate for beginners and will acquaint participants with the natural history and rich wildlife viewing opportunities of this four-island archipelago. Trips are free; call (503) 292-6855 to register.

Osprey Nest near Rock Creek struck by lightning

An osprey nest tree located south of highway 224/212 near Rock Creek was recently hit by lightning. The tree sustained little damage, but the nest was destroyed. Fortunately, the offspring have fledged and the nest was empty. This nest, in a visible location from the highway is a popular viewing site for local residents. Keep an eye out next spring for the pair of Osprey to rebuild their nest.

Eugene Area

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area

White pelicans have been observed frequently on the lake and in the flooded impoundments on the Fisher Butte unit. There are many access points around Fern Ridge Lake that provide entry for hiking, birdwatching, canoeing and enjoyment of the outdoors. Visitors are reminded that dogs are welcome on the wildlife area but must remain on leash at all times Fern Ridge Wildlife Area remains open daily for public use throughout the summer months. 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

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

Make sure you bring your binoculars. A variety of waterfowl and migratory birds are currently returning to the island including Aleutian cackling and dusky Canada geese and sandhill cranes. Although, the wildlife area is closed seasonally from Oct. 1 through April 15, some viewing areas remain open-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: 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

Willamette Valley

The elk breeding season or "rut" has begun and should last into the first couple weeks of October. Bulls are bugling now, especially from dusk to dawn and will battle for dominance. The whole process can be quite a sensory experience for the ears and eyes! Take a drive to Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area near Seaside for a great elk viewing opportunity.

Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area directions: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/jewellmeodows.htm

NORTHWEST REGION

FISHING

NORTH COAST LAKES:

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

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 starting October 1 and ending December 31st. 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.

PUBLIC MEETING: Hatchery winter steelhead program on Nestucca, Oct. 16, 6:30pm

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host a public meeting Oct. 16 to discuss the hatchery winter steelhead program in the Nestucca River basin. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Oregon Department of Forestry, 5005 E. Third St. in Tillamook.

At the meeting agency personnel will present information from an on-going evaluation of two hatchery winter steelhead stocks currently being used in the Nestucca River. Agency staff will also solicit public feedback on proposed changes to the hatchery smolt release strategy. Public comments will be taken into consideration by agency staff when making a final decision on the proposal.

ALSEA RIVER: cutthroat trout, chinook

Recent rains and cool weather should help to bring in and activate the fall Chinook run. Angling has been patchy with fair to good with fishing at times from the lower bay through tide water. The main run typically returns during October. Trolling in tide water is the most effective during the early portion of the run until fish push up into the main stem river. Sea run cutthroat (Bluebacks) fishing is good. They can be found throughout much of the main stem river but typically the higher concentrations are in upper tidewater and the lower river area until distributed with the fall rains. 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: steelhead, 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

Recent rains should spark the fall chinook fishery. Angling has been hit and miss with most fish being caught in tide water up to the Salmon River Hatchery. The main run typically returns through October. Fishing in tide water is the most effective during the early portion of the run until fish push up into the main stem river. Hatchery coho salmon returns typically start to show in tidewater around late September and peak by late October. Anglers can expect good 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

With the recent change in weather and big tide series the fall Chinook fishery should start to pick up. Angling has been sporadic with fish being caught in tide water and the lower section of the river. Fall chinook are being caught in tide water and the lower section of the river with a fair harvest rate. The run seems to be a little late but typically the bulk of the run returns through October. The best opportunities during the early portion of the run are in tidewater or in deep pools in the lower mainstem. Steelhead fishing is slow. The best harvest opportunity is in the upper river from Moonshine Park to the fishing deadline and in the lower river just above tide water 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. Anglers should concentrate in areas with structure, shade and cool water sources. Small lures (spinners, spoon or plugs) and bait (shrimp, eggs, worms) are very effective. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?SILO3

SIUSLAW RIVER: cutthroat trout, chinook

The fall chinook fishery has been sporadic with fair to good fishing at times. Recent rains and big tide series should help bring in and activate the run. The fall chinook fishery is fair to good with the best opportunity trolling in tidewater. Typically the bulk of the run returns though October. Fishing in tidewater or the lower river from the bank is the most effective until fall rain events pull fish up into the main stem river. Resident cutthroat trout and sea run cutthroat (Bluebacks) fishing is fair to good throughout much of the basin. Blueback fishing is typically best in tidewater and the lower main stem river. Trolling or bank fishing with small lures (spinners, spoons or plugs) works well. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at 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. A few hatchery coho are available throughout the bay and tidewater areas. 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 is underway but with hit and miss results. With falls rains starting and big tide cycles occurring, the fishery should get a kick start any time now. The main run typically returns through October with the fall rains. 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 VIEWING

EVENT

Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge Open House, Oct. 13, 9 a.m. to noon

Celebrate the National Wildlife Refuge System with this free interpretive and interactive event open to the public. Aleutian cackling and Dusky Canada geese can be seen feeding on the short grass pastures at Nestucca Bay Refuge and surrounding farmlands. While you're there, take one of two 2-hour hikes around the refuge to watch wildlife. Nestucca Bay Refuge is located south of Pacific City just off Highway 101.

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

Migrant Waterfowl

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

Elk viewing has been exciting at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area. Elk are in full rut with the bulls bugling and battling for dominance. The breeding season should start to wind down over the next couple of weeks. Best viewing times are early morning and late evening hours, depending on the weather. As fall temperatures start to drop and the rainy season starts, the elk should be visible in the meadows for longer periods during the day.

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 turns 100 years old on Oct. 14. It provides habitat for Oregon's largest breeding colonies of Tufted Puffins and Common Murre. The refuge is also the northernmost pupping site of the federally threatened Steller Sea Lion. Other seabird species breeding on this refuge include Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, Leach's Storm-Petrel, Brandt's Cormorant, Double-crested Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Rhinoceros Auklet, Cassin's Auklet, Pigeon Guillemot Western Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull and Black Oystercatcher.

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 pelicans. 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.

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 (opens Oct. 13), pheasant (opens Oct. 13), blue grouse, ruffed grouse and mountain quail, bear, cougar, general Western deer centerfire, 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

Blue grouse, ruffed grouse

Look for these birds while they search for their meal of seeds, berries and insects 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. ODFW staff observed higher than average number of grouse and moderate numbers of mountain quail in the Coast range.

Waterfowl

Duck season on the north coast begins 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.

SOUTHWEST REGION

FISHING

There should be a good number of coded wire tagged fall chinook in the Umpqua for harvest. The fish are fin-clipped and should be holding from Umpqua Landing downstream. These fall chinook are headed back into Calapooya Creek and will remain in the main-stem Umpqua until flows get high enough for the chinook to enter Calapooya.

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

Fishing has been good for largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. Fishing will be best during mornings and evenings. Good catches of crappie have been reported in recent weeks. Boat anglers fishing deep water, up to 20 feet, are having the best success. Try tolling small plastic twisters or jigs.

APPLEGATE RIVER: trout

Open for trout.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Angling has been good for trout, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. Fishing will be best during mornings and evenings. Find sunken or overhanging trees to catch fish on Sinkos and small jigs. Pressure at Applegate has been light, even on weekends. Fish deeper water during daylight hours.

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.

BURMA POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass

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

CHETCO RIVER: cutthroat trout, fall chinook

No reports of chinook in the estuary. Anglers reported catching a pink salmon and a couple chum salmon in the lower Chetco River. Anglers are reminded that it is only legal to keep chinook salmon and steelhead in the Chetco River.

COOS COUNTY LAKES: trout, bass

The following lakes will be stocked with trout averaging 1 pound during the week of October 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. Much of the Chinook effort has moved to the forks of the South Coos and Millicoma 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 October31. 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. There should be more fish moving into the Coquille, including coho salmon which may be retained up to Lampa Creek at rivermile 11.5. Most fish are being caught in the Rocky Point ramp area. Fishing for chinook is improving in the area around the town of Coquille. 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 October 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). This weekend several people caught their limits and four trout over 20 inches long were caught. Trolling fly's has been very effective the last couple of weeks. 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.

DUTCH HERMAN POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill

Fishing should be fair.

EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Angling for rainbow trout, bass, and panfish should be good. Fishing will be best during mornings and evenings. Anglers are reporting good catches of largemouth on buzz baits in the evening around flooded willows or other structure. Some excellent largemouth action on topwater lures has been reported. During daylight hours, fish deeper water for crappie and bass.

EXPO POND: rainbow trout, bass, panfish

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

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout

Fishing is picking up for stocked rainbow and brook trout. A late September release of 3,000 good-sized rainbow is providing a nice fall fishing opportunity for anglers.

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

Fishing at Howard Prairie for trout has improved. Power bait, velveeta cheese, and night crawlers are the most popular baits. Folks at the resort indicate bass fishing has slowed.

HYATT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass

Within the last week fishing has been good for large trout ranging from 15 inches up to 28 inches in length. Smaller size largemouth are plentiful and easy to catch. Power bait and worms are the most popular baits.

ILLINOIS RIVER: trout, steelhead

Steelhead and half-pounders have started moving into the lower 8 miles. These fish will hold in the lower river all summer and early fall. Fly-fishing tends to produce the best catches. Anglers should fish at first light or late evening.

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

LAIRD LAKE: trout

Fishing is slow. The lake is located approximately 17 miles up Elk River road. The road is gravel for the last 6 miles. The lake is small with a lot of woody material. Bank access is good, with a float tube or small inflatable boat a good choice.

LAKE SELMAC: trout, bass

Fishing for largemouth bass continues to be good, with most fish in the 1-2 pound range.

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.

LIBBY POND: trout

Fishing is slow. Libby Pond is located approximately 8 miles up the north bank of Rogue River Road. Bank access is excellent. No boats are allowed. Power bait fished just off the bottom is the lure of choice with most anglers.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, smallmouth bass

Fishing for trout is slow, but 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.

Folks at the marina report that 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 October 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. Surfperch anglers should concentrate on steep beaches or small streams entering the ocean. Surfperch can also be found along jetties and pile structures. Sand shrimp, clam necks, mussels, and marine worms are all popular choices for bait. Striped bass occasionally surprise surf fishers also.

POWERS POND: trout, largemouth bass

Powers Pond is scheduled to be stocked with trout "Pounders" the week of October 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. Look for the numbers of coho to pick up through the month and into early October. Coho will start moving up river in early October. Fall chinook are scattered throughout the lower river. Anglers side drifting salmon eggs or running kwikfish are reporting fair success.

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 8 October was 1,450 cubic feet per second at Grants Pass. U-Save Gas & Guide Service reports lots of steelhead being caught. Two boats caught 7 keepers and claim to have hooked and played 20 fish total. Bait of choice is night crawlers, puff balls, or roe. Hot spots include Whitehorse Park downstream to Dead Man's Riffle. A few boats are catching steelhead on small plugs, side-drifting roe, or Glo-Bugs. "The key is to go small on these enticers." "We should see salmon on the beds in a few days as the flows have increased a little", said fishing guide Troy Whitaker. 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 4 had crossed Gold Ray Dam as of 29 September.

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: trout, steelhead

Boats are picking up some steelhead all the way from the deadline below the hatchery to Touvelle Park. Of 20 boats fly fishing last Saturday, all hooked summer steelhead, mostly on nymphs.

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. The number of summer steelhead over Gold Ray increased to 3,906 as of September 29. The outflow from Lost Creek Reservoir was 1026 cubic feet per second and the outflow temperature was 46 as of Monday morning.

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

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

SODA SPRINGS RESERVOIR: brown and rainbow trout

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

SMITH RIVER: 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: cutthroat trout

Cutthroat fishing has slowed. Water temperatures and low flows have made for tough fishing. Anglers targeting the esturaries in early morning have had limited success. Anglers are reminded to carefully release all undersized fish. 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: perch

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

SPAULDING POND: rainbow trout

Fishing is fair for stocked rainbow trout.

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 finally started to improve. 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 October 2.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: trout, bass

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

WILLOW LAKE: trout, bass

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

WINCHESTER BAY: sturgeon

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

SHELLFISH

South coast beaches are open for clam and mussel harvest. ALWAYS CHECK FOR HEALTH ADVISORIES by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Shellfish line at 1-800-448-2474 for updates.

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

Ocean crabbing is closed now through Dec. 1. Bay crabbing is open the entire year. The next few months are a great time for bay crabbing. Crab are generally full of meat and available in good numbers in coastal bays. Crabbing inside Coos Bay has been good recently with boats returning with nice catches of crab. Shore based crabbers are also getting some keeper crabs. The COOS BAY shoals (20-30 feet deep) along the inside of the North Spit from Empire to Charleston is a good area for crabbing. Public crabbing docks can be found in Winchester Bay, Bandon, Charleston, and Empire.

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

SOUTHWEST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Pheasant (opens Oct. 13), fall turkey (opens in SW counties Oct. 15), general western deer rifle, 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 currently open. 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 opens 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

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

Remember to check for the latest fire restrictions and closures. With rain forecast, restrictions may change suddenly.

http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/FIRE/precautionlevel.shtml

Deer: Hunters that did not enjoy opening day weather fared better this last weekend This week's weather will have both rain and sunny skies, so pick the days you prefer. Try mid elevation for migrating deer this week. Reports continue to be good for Curry County, especially around the Biscuit fire area.

Bear: Bear numbers in Curry County are fairly high. Berry crops and areas along streams where it is cool will be where hunter will find sign and have the highest chance to harvest an animal. In much of Jackson and Josephine county berry crops have been sparse, bears are turning to other food sources. 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.

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.

Fee pheasant hunting on the Denman Wildlife Area continues and many hunters are participating so wear blaze orange to stand out and be noticed. Roughly 70% of birds released last week were harvested. Area is open for fee hunting Sept. 24 n Oct. 12. The department is releasing birds every night and will release a total of 400 birds over the course of the season.

Grouse & Quail: Hunters are reporting a good number of grouse and quail being spotted along forest roads and know habitat types. Upland bird hunting should be good as brood counts performed this summer in the region show an increase in numbers of birds. 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 will begin in late October.

COOS COUNTY

BEAR: Bear populations are stable and dense. Black berries are becoming less available to bears now but huckleberries are still abundant. Hunters may find success hunting bears near berry patches. Also, calling bears with predator calls may be effective.

Cougar

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

Upland Birds

No reports from the field on hunting success but brood production was relatively good this year so hunters should find good numbers of birds in some places. Hunting closed roads and creek bottoms for grouse and ridge tops for mountain quail should prove effective to the persistent hunter.

SOUTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

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

Clear Lake was stocked both legal and trophy sized rainbow trout. Fishing will depend on reservoir levels.

CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Anglers are reporting little activity.

CRESCENT LAKE: brown trout, kokanee

The angling on Crescent is reportedly slow.

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. Lake trout angling usually improves this time of year.

DAVIS LAKE: largemouth bass, redband trout

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

DESCHUTES RIVER:

Sherars Falls to Warm Springs n Trout anglers should find good success in both the early morning and late evening. Generally large insect hatches are limited in September, but small hatches still occur frequently. Anglers should focus their efforts in the morning and evening hours when river temperatures are coolest. Fair numbers of steelhead are now moving upstream of Sherars Falls, and should begin to provide anglers some opportunity.

Mouth to Sherars Falls n Steelhead are dispersed from the mouth upstream to Sherars Falls. Fishing along the Macks Canyon access road has been decent and will continue to improve. Walk in anglers from Heritage Landing have been reporting good success in the lower river. Fly anglers should focus their efforts on morning and evening hours, as the sun leaves the river. Fall chinook are being caught in the Sherars Falls area, along with a few steelhead.

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:

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

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:

Reports of a few nice brook trout being caught. Please note this stretch of river closes to angling on Sunday September 30th.

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

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

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 slow on the Hood River, as warm temperatures have caused glacial melting, resulting in turbid river conditions much of the time. Anglers should watch river conditions, as fresh steelhead will be available when water conditions improve. 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

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

LITTLE LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout

No report

LOST LAKE: rainbow trout

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

METOLIUS RIVER:

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

The word on the street is that things are pretty quiet as far as the fishing goes on 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. Warm water anglers should begin finding good success as temperatures warm.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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

ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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

SOUTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout

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 (opens Oct. 13), chukar, duck, forest grouse, California quail, mt quail (open in Wheeler, Hood Rvr and Wasco counties) cougar, bear, crow

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.

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.

CENTRAL ZONE VIEWING

Throughout the Region

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.

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.

Elk Viewing

October is the rut for bighorn sheep and visitors on the Lower Deschutes may be lucky enough to witness the annual breeding rituals of these animals. It is not uncommon to hear heads crashing while fishing this time of year, so keep an eye on the hills.

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. Fingerling rainbow trout below the dam will take most bait and flies which make it difficult to catch larger fish. These fish can be very spooky so stealth is required. Bait angling is allowed and productive.

ANTHONY LAKES: rainbow trout, brook trout

Has been good for rainbows and brook trout.

BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, whitefish, bull trout

The reservoir went dry on August 31. Inflow was 32 cfs on October 7. This reservoir has no dead storage. Fishing is poor.

BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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

BLITZEN RIVER: trout

Fair to good angling for redband trout. Anglers should be successful using spinners, stoneflies, and woolly buggers. Flow fluctuated between approximately 34 and 48 cfs from October 1 through October 8. Flow was 35 cfs October 8.

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

The reservoir was 1 percent full on October 7. The reservoir has about 300 acre-feet of active storage left. Angling is poor.