The Oregon Recreation Report (fishing, hunting, viewing), updated Tuesday, Aug. 21, by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:

WILLAMETTE ZONE

FISHING

Daily passage numbers for summer steelhead moving through the Willamette Falls fishway improved somewhat from the previous week. The summer-run steelhead counted through August 16 totaled more than 13,500. 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 on the North and South Santiam rivers will give anglers a second or third shot at some of these fish. Recycled fish are taken as low as Mehama on the North Santiam and Waterloo Park on the South Santiam.

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 predominantly focused on warm water species or white sturgeon. Counting for spring chinook passage ended on August 15. The unofficial total passage number for spring chinook swimming past the viewing window at the fish ladder is 22,818. The fall chinook passage counts started August 16.

STOCKING SCHEDULE:

South Willamette Watershed District: ODFW will stock Clear Lake and Leaburg Lake the week of August 20.

In the North Willamette Watershed, ODFW will stock Faraday Lake, North Fork Reservoir and Small Fry Lake with rainbow trout the week of August 20.

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: chinook salmon, steelhead, trout

Summer steelhead can still be found but the continued low water is keeping most anglers off the river. The best fishing success remains above Barton while a few spring chinook have been caught up near Rivermill Dam. The area from Dog Creek up to Rivermill Dam is providing the greatest opportunity for bank anglers. Boat anglers are picking up fish from Dog Creek down to Feldheimer's, with a few summers near Barton. The number of spring chinook swimming into the hatchery trap has been slow but nearly 3,900 springers having returned to the hatchery so far. The hatchery has also recycled nearly 500 summer steelhead back down to Riverside Park to give anglers another chance at them. The Clackamas came up after the weekend rain but the difference wasn't noticeable. The low flows should be expected to hold until some good fall rain arrives. The Monday readings for the Clackamas showed flows at 929 cfs (10.82').

The warm summer days mean that anglers should expect to share the river with rafters and inner-tubers, particularly between Barton and Carver. Planning a fishing trip for the early morning or late evening hours is likely to leave you with less company on the river.

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 summer flows many stretches of the river may only be accessible with a drift boat. Even with a drift boat or raft you could still be out walking through 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

The water level at Detroit is down about 13 feet from a full pool, but all boat ramps are still usable. The lake is full of trout, but most of them are at 40-60 feet below the warm surface water. Trolling flashers and bait at these depths will work best.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: rainbow Trout

Foster Reservoir is full and providing opportunities for bass and sunfish, primarily along the face of the dam or around the peninsula between the two arms. Rainbow and kokanee are available by fishing deeper.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: kokanee, chinook

A few kokanee are still being taken in Green Peter Reservoir. The fish are large this year, in the 14-15 inch range, and are relatively deep at 55 or more feet. The lake is quite low and the only usable boat ramp is at Thistle Creek.

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

Anglers are reporting success of catching big fish in Henry Hagg Lake including bass, trout, bluegill, crappie and catfish. Powereggs and nightcrawlers remain a favorite at Henry Hagg Lake. On warm days, anglers have been showing success fishing with a slip sinker about 36 inches off the bottom.

The small and largemouth bass are very active as they get ready for their second spawning along the creek the beds which will last up to three weeks.

HERMAN CREEK: summer steelhead, coho and chinook salmon

The Herman Creek slough west of the Peninsula has been 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. This change took effect Aug. 11. All other regulations regarding Herman Creek remain the same.

SUNNYSIDE POND: trout, bass, sunfish, catfish

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

SANDY RIVER: steelhead, chinook salmon

Angling activity on the Sandy remains quiet for both steelhead and chinook with a scattering of fish caught from Dodge down through Dabney. The Cedar Creek area near the hatchery is slow for both summer steelhead and spring chinook, but the creek is still running at extremely low summer flows. Mainstem Sandy River water levels are very low also and boaters need to watch for submerged logs and rocks. The glacial runoff seems to have subsided and the water color is actually looking pretty good. Work at the Marmot Dam removal site could be affecting conditions further upstream. Monday's readings showed flows had increased slightly to 360 cfs (7.81') with the river water temperature holding near 60°.

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: shad, sturgeon, warmwater species

Angling effort has likely switched over entirely to sturgeon or warmwater fish in the lower Willamette. August 20 conditions showed Willamette flows at 6,500 cfs, a water temperature reading at 72°, and the visibility steady at 6.8 feet.

If you are out on the river use extreme care during these low river flows. With summertime water levels staying low, 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 August 18, 2007 through September 30, 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.

Sturgeon catches remain fairly slow in most sections of the lower Willamette. From the lower Portland Harbor near St Johns up through the Milwaukie/Oregon City area sublegal sturgeon have provided the bulk of the catch. 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 or herring as effective bait.

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

HIGH LAKES:

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

WARM WATER ANGLING:

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

Sporting Clays and Shotgun Clinic, Oct. 6 in Gervais, hosted by ODFW's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program. Mitchell's Clay Target Sport Center will provide the facilities for this exciting hands-on workshop. No matter what your skill level, sporting clays is a great way to improve your existing skills or learn some new ones. All the basics of shotgunning will be covered and there will be ample time on the range to put your new skills to work. This workshop is focused primarily towards women.

WILLAMETTE ZONE HUNTING

Open: General deer and elk bow seasons (open Aug. 25), western gray squirrel (open Aug. 25), cougar, bear

Deer and elk

Overall deer populations remain lower than desired but buck ratios are good in many units in the Cascades including the Santiam and McKenzie units. With land management changes, more deer are being found on private not public lands.

Bull elk ratios are good in the Cascades units McKenzie, south Santiam, and north Indigo units. Overall elk populations are stable to declining in the area but increasing on lower elevation private timber and agricultural lands.

Staff and hosts at EE Wilson Wildlife Area have seen many deer in recent days. Although the Coffin Butte tract at EE Wilson is in the Alsea Unit, the rest of the wildlife area is in the Willamette Unit. Shortly after archery season opens, Sept. 1 marks the start of the Willamette deer tag. Hunters with the Willamette any deer tag can also hunt several state parks and Willamette greenways. Directions. http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/eewilson.htm

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. During these hot summer days bears will likely be most active in the mornings and evenings. Predator calls can be used effectively this time of year.

INDIGO UNIT BEAR HUNTERS: On Aug. 6, ODFW returned a two-year-old black bear to the wild from within the city limits of Eugene. Tranquilizers were used during the operation. These drugs can stay in the bear's system for up to 30 days, and the animal's meat is not safe to consume during that time. Should you harvest a bear in the area, be on the lookout for metal and plastic ear tags identifying the bear and call ODFW before consuming the meat, tel. (541) 726-3515. More information:

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2007/august/080707a.asp

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

WILLAMETTE ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS:

Bug Fest at Tualatin Hills Nature Park, August 25, noon to 4:00 p.m., Beaverton.

Tualatin Hills Nature Park hosts the 7th annual Bug Fest. This year's featured critters are bees. Celebrate the many spineless creatures both big and small like beetles, butterflies, slugs and spiders. Admission to the festival is $1.50 per person. For more information.

http://calendar.metro-region.org/dsp_details.cfm?event_id=13410

Celebrate Portland's aquatic animals: Seaport Celebration, Aug.25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 7201 N. Marine Dr., Portland. Come on out to the Port of Portland's Marine Terminal 6, for a free Seaport Celebration. The marine environmental group will have a western painted turtle display, information on ospreys and their life history in full view of the nesting pairs on Terminal 6 as well as a display on invasive zebra mussels and other invasive aquatic species. For information. http://www.flypdx.com/Notices/Seaport_Celebrate_Invt_01_BLT.htm

Guided Hike in Tryon Creek, August 26, 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Portland

Join a park naturalist for a guided nature hike to explore the natural and cultural histories of Tryon Creek State Natural Area in Portland. All ages welcome; kids must be accompanied by a parent or adult. The hike is free, advance registration is not required. For more information, call (503) 636-9886 ext. 225 or (503) 636-4398.

Wild on the Willamette, Wild in the City: Lower Willamette River Kayak, Bike, and Foot tours, September 1 through October 31.

Portland Audubon Society is leading a series of tours along the lower Willamette River from the Canby Ferry to the river's confluence with the Columbia River. Various tours include bicycle, kayak, and hiking during the fall and winter. These trips focus on current city and regional efforts to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat on the river's main stem and in its tributary streams. The trips are free to the public. Advance registration is required. A complete list of tours is available at http://www.audubonportland.org/trips_classes_camps/adult_programs/wildcity/index_html

Eugene Area

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area

Watch the sky as white pelicans ride the thermals and spiral in the airspace above Fern Ridge Lake. These large white birds with black wing-tips 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

The migration has begun. Look for large chimneys in urban areas to view the fall migration of the Vaux's Swifts. From late August to early September, swifts gather at migratory roosts-which include chimneys and large hollow trees-before traveling to their winter homes in Central and South America. In the fall, up to 40,000 birds may use the larger roosts at one time. Oregon City High School's large brick chimney is one place to witness thousands of birds inhabiting a single roost site. Another is Chapman Elementary School in northwest Portland. For more information on Vaux's Swifts in Portland. http://www.audubonportland.org/science/swift_watch/view?searchterm=vaux's%20swift

Willamette Valley

Keep your eyes open for mountain and valley quail as well as forest grouse as their young should be maturing now. The best places to look are along gravel forest roads while they look for berries and insects. The band-tailed pigeon is another bird to watch while it searches for a meal. They can be found near water sources and elderberry bushes.

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

Wild Himalayan blackberries are ripe and ready to be picked. Visitors to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area are welcome to pick the berries after obtaining a free permit from the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area office at 18330 NW Sauvie Island Road

Take Hwy. 30 to the Sauvie Island Bridge. After crossing the bridge, stay on NW Sauvie Island Road for about two miles. Stay left at the "Y" intersection. The wildlife area office is on the right about 1/4 mile from the intersection.

Help us keep the wildlife area open: If you come, please be a good wildlife steward and pack out your trash-or someone else's! Unfortunately, the Big Eddy and gate have been closed for the remainder of the season due to excessive trash.

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

NORTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

NORTH COAST LAKES:

Angling for warm water species should be fair to good. Cape Meares, Lytle, Sunset, Cullaby, and Coffenbury lakes offer good opportunities for warm water fish, particularly largemouth bass. Trophy trout are scheduled to be stocked in September in some lakes. 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:

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

ALSEA RIVER: cutthroat trout

Anglers can expect fair to good fishing for cutthroat trout throughout the Alsea River Basin. Sea run cutthroat (Bluebacks) have started to return in good numbers. Anglers should concentrate in upper tidewater and the lower river area. Bank fishing and trolling in tide water with small lures (spinners, spoon or plugs) is very effective. As river temperatures rise fish tend to hold near cool water or shaded areas. A few early chinook tend to show in tide water through August with trolling being the most effective. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?TIDO3.

BIG CREEK: all species

The area downstream of the hatchery is closed to all angling Aug 15-31 under emergency regulations. Returns of fall chinook are expected to be low, and the closure is necessary to protect fish for hatchery broodstock. Anglers are reminded that Big Creek downstream of the hatchery is also closed during the month of September under permanent regulations.

NECANICUM RIVER: cutthroat trout

Catch and release angling for sea-run cutthroat should be fair to good.

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

Angling for chinook in Nehalem Bay is fair overall. The catch has been sporadic, with a few fish caught as groups pf fish move into the bay, and periods of little activity. Fishing is best from The Nehalem/Wheeler area downstream to the mouth. A few chinook are also being caught in the nearshore ocean when conditions allow boats to get outside. Catch and release cutthroat trout fishing should be good. Small lures or flies should produce good results.

NESTUCCA RIVER: steelhead, trout

Fall chinook are being caught in Nestucca Bay. Angling is slow to fair. A couple of 40 lb class chinook were reported caught last week. Angling for summer steelhead is slow. Good numbers of summer steelhead are in the river, and are visible in the low, clear water. Best fishing has been very early in the morning. Catch and release fishing for cutthroat trout should be good. River levels are available at http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=pqr.

SALMON RIVER: cutthroat trout

Anglers can expect fair to 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. Anglers should concentrate effort in slow moving pools and holes with structure and shade.

SILETZ RIVER: steelhead, cutthroat trout

Steelhead fishing is slowing as river conditions stay warm, low and clear. The best harvest opportunity is in the upper river from Moonshine Park to the fishing deadline. Anglers are using a variety of baits, jigs, spoons and spinners with the best success in the morning and evening hours or around a rain event. Steelhead fishing typically improves in September after the first rains start. 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. A few early chinook start showing throughout August with the best opportunities in tidewater. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?SILO3

SIUSLAW RIVER: cutthroat trout

Resident cutthroat trout and sea run cutthroat (Bluebacks) fishing is fair to good throughout much of the basin. Blueback fishing is best in tidewater and the lower river. Trolling or bank fishing with small lures (spinners, spoons or plugs) works well. A few early chinook may start to show in August with the best opportunity trolling in tidewater. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?MPLO3.

TILLAMOOK BAY: chinook and coho salmon

Fishing for fall chinook and adipose clipped coho is slow, but should begin to improve, especially for coho, around the end of the month.

WILSON AND TRASK RIVERS: steelhead, chinook salmon, cutthroat trout

Both rivers are very low and clear. Use light gear and small lures or bait, and fish early or late in the day for best results. Catch and release fishing for sea-run cutthroat trout should be good. Check river levels at http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=pqr prior to fishing.

YAQUINA RIVER: cutthroat trout

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

NORTHWEST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: Bear, cougar, general deer and elk bow seasons (open Aug. 25), western gray squirrel (open Aug. 25)

The weather conditions on the north coast leading up to the general archery deer and elk seasons have been very favorable for reducing fire danger and quieting the woods for bow hunters. For access on private forest lands, it's always a good idea to check with the land managers first. Fire danger conditions, and landowner access policies, can change with changes in weather.

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

Deer and elk

Black-tailed deer tend to be quite active during the daylight hours in late summer but will restrict their activities more and become more wary as the fall progresses. Best bets are to scout along older, brushed-in clearcut edges near bigger timber. Buck ratios were healthy after last season, but were leaning towards older bucks. Entry-level bucks (which tend to make up more of the usual harvest) may be in shorter supply. For deer on the north coast, numbers of animals are modest in most areas, but buck escapement from past hunting seasons has been high in recent years. So, if you see an adult deer, it could easily be a buck. Animals will be at all elevations at this time of year, and will favor cooler areas if the weather is hot.

Elk are numerous in the Coast Range in general and bull ratios were at or above management objective in the Trask, Wilson and Saddle Mountain units. Early season hunting may be difficult while dry conditions persist and access to private land is restricted due to fire danger. September rains and the arrival of the rut will make for better chances of success. Bull escapement has been good across the north coast in recent years, so there should be no shortage of bulls around. Elk populations are also near management goals, and elk will be distributed at various elevations this early in the fall. During warmer stretches of weather, look for elk more in the cooler areas such as ridge tops and upper drainage creek bottoms. In the Saddle Mountain WMU, the bag limit for bulls is one having not less than 3 points on at least one antler (see big game regulations). For the Wilson and Trask the bag limit for bulls is one bull with a visible antler.

Bear and cougar

Black Bear are actively feeding, especially on the very abundant wild berry crops from this summer. A strategy for hunting them in the early morning and late evening hours is watching clearcuts and natural openings. At other times during the day, use of a predator call is the best approach. Generally, long and persistent calling is the most effective way to call them in.

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

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

NORTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS:

Skullduggery, Tillamook Forest Center, Aug. 31, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

If you've ever come across an animal skull in the forest, you might have wondered what kind of animal it was and how it lived. Skullduggery at Tillamook Forest Center is an introduction to the different types of mammals. All programs are free and open to all ages. The center is located about one hour from Portland. For more information contact Gail Barnhart at (503) 815-6808, http://www.tillamookforestcenter.org/calendar/index.cfm?event=events.list

North Coast Shorebird Tour, Aug. 30-31

Join Portland Audubon Society on a specially designed shorebird viewing trip to the North Oregon Coast. The tour departs Portland at 9:00 a.m. Thursday morning, and returns early Friday evening. Unusual species like Baird's and Pectoral Sandpipers may be more visible during the afternoon high tides. Registration is required. The fee is $165 non-member and $135 for members, which covers transportation and lodging. For more information http://www.audubonportland.org/trips_classes_camps/adult_programs/birding_tours/fallshorebirds2007

Focus on Astoria

Several viewing opportunities exist in the greater Astoria area for birdwatchers. The viewing bunker at Ft. Stevens State Park overlooks Trestle Bay and offers viewing of gulls, terns, pelicans and some waterfowl. Binoculars or a spotting scope are helpful to enhance viewing. The nearby South Jetty platform on the western side of Clatsop Spit is a great place to observe brown pelicans and occasionally seabirds. It's best to bring binocular to view from the platform. Information about Ft. Stevens Park,

http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_179.php

The Twilight Eagle Sanctuary is located east of Astoria just off of Hwy 30 adjacent to Wolf Bay on the Columbia River. The platform there offers great viewing of resident waterfowl, some shorebirds and will soon be host to early migrating waterfowl. Spotting scopes are very useful at this platform. The Twilight Creek Eagle Sanctuary is about six miles east of Astoria.

http://www.nwsource.com/travel/scr/tf_detail.cfm?dt=5030&cid=2&pageid=OR&cityid=60

Other North Coast Viewing Opportunities

As berry crops ripen in abundance, many species of birds can be observed taking advantage of the opportunity. Band-tailed pigeons can be seen working elderberries and cascara in the coast range foothills. Wild currant is a favorite of grouse. Cedar waxwings may dine on backyard berries, but are especially numerous along bays and waterways. Since insects also tend to be abundant around berry patches, insectivorous birds like flycatchers, thrushes, swallows and wrens may be spotted as well.

Brown pelicans are a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act, but can become very plentiful on the north coast in late summer and early fall. In recent weeks, they have shown up along the north coast and will continue to increase in numbers. These birds usually roost on near-shore rocks and feed on fish in the ocean and north coast estuaries, including the Columbia River. During low tides, Netarts Bay has been host to hundreds, if not thousands of the birds, fishing in its shallow waters. Brown pelicans are both humorous and awe-inspiring to watch. This big, gangly bird that almost recklessly dives into the water can glide over the ocean waves gracefully with its wing tips seemingly inches from the waves.

Waterfowl molting

Ducks, such as the mallard, are going through a molting period where the male with its typical green head, is almost indistinguishable from the uniformly brown female. This temporary plumage is called the "eclipse" plumage, and lasts for a relatively short time. By October, the birds should be in their typical plumage.

Seaside Area

The elk breeding season or "rut" should begin in about a week or so and last throughout September. Bulls will battle for dominance and start their unmistakable bugling call. A great place to view elk is at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area. The best times to watch are early in the morning and late in the evening. With the start of hunting seasons, 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. For directions and information,

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/jewellmeadows.htm

Tillamook Area

Currently, hundreds of thousands of seabirds, including murres, auklets and puffins are completing rearing of young at Three Arch Rock National Wildlife Refuge located near Oceanside. It is home to the largest and most diverse seabird colony in Oregon, and supports a breeding population of Steller sea lions. In recent weeks brown pelicans have also been using the rocks as roosting place. A good spotting scope is very helpful for viewing. Other great seabird nesting colonies include Pyramid Rock west of Cape Meares and Castle Rock west of Arch Cape.

Yaquina Bay

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

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

SOUTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Fall chinook will start nosing into the estuary by mid August following bait fish. High tide is the best time to target fall chinook in the estuary.

COOS COUNTY LAKES: trout, bass

High water temperatures will likely slow angling during the middle of the day. Anglers should concentrate their efforts in the morning and evening. Trout may become more difficult to catch but bass and other warmwater fish should be good through the summer. Warmwater fishing is fair with nice bass being caught at Tenmile Lakes. Yellow perch are on the bite at Tenmile. This is a great opportunity to take kids as the bites are frequent. Anglers should consider Eel Lake for bass also. The shores are undeveloped and boats have a 10 mph limit creating a peaceful setting for fishing. There is a trail along the southeast shore providing bank access and a fishing dock near the boatramp accessible to all abilities.

COOS RIVER BASIN: trout, chinook salmon

A few chinook have been caught in Coos Bay by anglers fishing between the jetties. Salmon have also been observed near the highway 101 bridge. Fall chinook fishing is usually good starting in late August and lasts into October. Chinook are generally caught by trolling herring or spinners close to the bottom. Bank anglers have some success casting spinners from shore near the highway 101 bridge on the South shore. Trout angling is open with anglers restricted to flies and lures only if fishing streams above tidewater. Surf perch and other marine fish are available in Coos Bay. Anglers should concentrate around rock structure or pilings.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: chinook salmon, striped bass

Chinook fishing is improving on the lower Coquille with fish being reported each week. 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 immitate small fish can be effective with most fishing taking place up to Arago. The dike at Johnson Mill Pond can be a good place to catch stripers.

DIAMOND LAKE: rainbow trout

Fishing remains good, fishing pressure has been light. Those who are going to the lake are still catching some limits. We are starting to see some of the fingerlings (planted at 3-4 inches) show up in the creel (8-9 inches). There are still a few of the 5-6 lb fish showing up in the creel as well. The best fishing remains on the south end of the lake. Trolling fly's has been very effective the last couple of weeks. 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.

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 for stocked rainbow trout has been fair.

GARRISON LAKE: trout, largemouth bass

Located in Port Oxford. The boat access is off the 12th street boat ramp. Bank access is limited to Striatum State Park, 12th street boat ramp, Paradise Point Road, and Arizona Stet. Weed growth and high winds will make for tough fishing the next couple of weeks. Some largemouth bass can be caught out of the mill pond on the east side of Arizona Street in Port Oxford.

HOWARD PRAIRIE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass

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

HYATT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass

Anglers are catching a few large, hold-over rainbow trout, as well as a few legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing for largemouth bass continues to be good. Smaller size largemouth are plentiful and easy to catch. Plastic worms and Sinkos have produced larger fish for some anglers.

ILLINOIS RIVER: trout, steelhead

Steelhead and half-ponders 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

Located approximately 15 miles up Elk River road. The road is gravel for the last 8 miles. The lake is small with a lot of woody material. Bank access is good, with a float tube or small inflatable boat a good choice. The lake is full of 8-10 inch trout. Small spinners, single eggs, or flies all work well.

LAKE SELMAC: trout, bass

Fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and bullheads continues to be good. Fishing will be best during mornings and evenings.

LEMOLO LAKE: brown trout, rainbow trout

The blue green algae warning is no longer in effect at the lake. Fishing should be improving with the cooler water temperatures. The lake is still open for camping and fishing.

LIBBY POND: trout

Located approximately 8 miles up the north bank of Rogue River Road. Bank access is excellent. No boats are allowed. Trout were stocked several times in the spring. Power bait fished just off the bottom is the lure of choice with most anglers.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, smallmouth bass

Fishing for trout and smallmouth bass has been fair. Trout are fairly deep and fishing is best on the upper reaches of the lake early and late in the day.

MEDCO POND: trout, largemouth bass, panfish

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

PACIFIC OCEAN & BEACHES: chinook salmon, halibut, tuna

The selective coho season in the ocean from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain is open now. Ocean salmon fishing is good for coho with chinook slowly improving Anglers have done well bottomfishing lately also. Sport boat anglers may no longer keep cabezon but shore anglers may continue to retain legal sized cabezon. Sportfishers continue to bring in Tuna when ocean conditions are calm.. Tuna trips require a long boat ride in the ocean. Anglers should be cautious with the weather and ocean conditions. It is best to buddy up with other boats in case of mechanical problems. All-depth halibut days are now scheduled for every Friday through Sunday until the quota is reached or Oct. 28, whichever comes first. Halibut fishing has been good on the all-depth days. 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.

REINHART PARK POND: trout, bass

Fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and panfish should be fair. Fishing will be best during mornings and evenings.

ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: fall chinook, steelhead

Fall Chinook fishing has been slow in the bay and lower river. The bay continues to be the best spot to catch a Chinook. Most anglers are trolling an anchovy with a spinner blade. Steelhead fishing has been spotty throughout the lower river. Anglers targeting steelhead have been doing the best with spinners or flies. Anglers should try early mornings or late evenings for best results. Fishing should improve for both steelhead and Chinook this week as water temperatures have dropped.

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: chinook salmon, trout, steelhead

Flows were 1840 cubic feet per second at Grants Pass as of Monday morning. Summer steelhead are being caught at Baker Park, below Caveman Bridge, and above Schroeder Park. Successful bank anglers are using nightcrawlers and dark corkies, like black with green spots. Boat anglers side-drifting pink corkies or pulling small plugs like Hot Shots or crayfish patterns are having success. Panther Martins are also catching fish. Only adipose fin-clipped steelhead may be harvested. A few catches of fall chinook are being reported below Hog Creek. More fall run chinook salmon should be arriving in the middle river in coming weeks. The Rogue River from Whiskey Creek to Hog Creek Boat Landing reopened to the retention of nonadipose fin-clipped chinook salmon per zone regulations on August 1 to allow anglers to harvest the more abundant wild fall chinook. The Rogue River from Hog Creek Boat Landing to Gold Ray Dam reopened to the retention of nonadipose fin-clipped chinook salmon per zone regs on August 15. The Rogue River is open to trout angling; however, only adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout may be kept.

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: chinook salmon, trout, steelhead

The Rogue River above Gold Ray Dam is closed to all chinook salmon angling. Summer steelhead fishing is picking up. Anglers are reporting some success on summers side-drifting bait, pulling plugs or casting spinners. Nymphing flies on or near the bottom may also produce fish. The best fishing is likely to be mornings and evenings when the sun is off the water. The number of chinook and steelhead moving into the upper river has remained low. A total of 11,171 spring chinook salmon and 3,005 summer steelhead have been counted at Gold Ray Dam as of August 15. The outflows from Lost Creek Reservoir were 1787 cubic feet per second and the outflow temperature was 56 as of Monday morning. The Rogue River is open to trout angling, however, only adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout may be kept. Trout fishing has been good on flies, spinners and nightcrawlers with occasional large cutthroat being caught. Targeting trout is a great alternative when steelhead aren't biting or to pass the daylight hours between morning and evening steelhead sessions.

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

Legal-sized rainbow will be stocked again this 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

Fishing should be good. Small spinners and rooster tails generally work the best. Fall chinook fishing in the Smith River estuary is slow, but should begin to improve. Stripers has been good for the few who are trying it. Mainstem Smith River below Sisters Creek is catch and release only on trout. Tributaries and the mainstem above Sisters is open for harvest of trout

SOUTH COAST LAKES AND PONDS: trout

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

SOUTH COAST STREAMS: cutthroat trout

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.

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: trout

Trout season is now open.

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 not improved in the estuary. Fishing has been very slow with only a few chinook being caught in the 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

Some fall chinook have moved into the river but until water temperatures begin to drop chinook fishing will remain very slow. Shad fishing was slow this year and the run is past its peak. For those who wish to continue fishing for shad, Sawyers Rapids is the place to go. Shad can be caught at the rapids through August. Smallmouth fishing is excellent right now; 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. A few summer steelhead are being harvested in the Rock Creek area. Fishing has remained poor at best for much of the North Umpqua. 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. this year fishing has been poor. Winchester Dam counts show that 9,074 spring chinook and 2,958 summer steelhead have passed over the dam through August 2.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: trout, bass

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

WILLOW LAKE: trout, bass

Angling for trout, bass and other warmwater fish is fair and is best during the morning and evening hours.

WINCHESTER BAY: sturgeon

Crabbing has been slow most limits are being taken just outside the jetties. Some early chinook are being caught in the bay and around Big Bend. Fall chinook should start moving into the Salmon Harbor by the first of September.

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. Crabbing inside Coos Bay picked up recently with boats returning with good numbers of crab. Some crab are likely to be soft this time of year. Crabbers are encouraged to check the hardness of crab and throw back the soft ones that only have a little meat in them. The COOS BAY shoals (20-30 feet deep) along the inside of the North Spit from Empire to Charleston is a good area for crabbing. Public crabbing docks can be found in Winchester Bay, Bandon, Charleston, and Empire.

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

OPEN: General deer and elk bow seasons (open Aug. 25), western gray squirrel (open Aug. 25), cougar, bear

COOS COUNTY

Bear populations are stable and dense. Black berries are just starting to become ripe so bears will soon be feeding on them heavily as they are a key fall food for bears. Hunters may find success hunting bears near berry patches. Also, calling bears with predator calls may be especially effective now, before blackberries become the bears feeding target.

Conditions are in place for hunting to be good for the opening of the archery deer season. Deer populations have been showing some increase over the past two years due to good fawn production and a reduction in the prevalence of Deer Hair Loss Syndrome. Recent rain has allowed fire precautions to be reduced. The rain may, also cause deer to become active.

Moist, cool conditions are expected to make elk active through out the day. Due to the fact that elk generally rut later in September calling may not be the most effective method to hunt elk. Thanks to the moist conditions still hunting should be effective.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

Deer populations are similar to last year, with low levels at upper elevations and higher population levels on the Umpqua Valley floor. Most low elevation lands are privately owned so hunters are reminded to obtain permission before hunting on those lands. The recent wet weather should quiet the woods & ease fire concerns. During the early part of the archery season, hunters should find deer on the northerly slopes and near water and green up areas. Check local fire restrictions due to fire danger before hunting.

Elk populations are similar to last year so this hunting year will be average. This prediction is a result of ratio increases, good escapement from last hunting season and another mild winter. During the early part of the archery season, hunters should find elk on the northerly slopes and in dense conifer stands. Elk numbers are highest in the Tioga with lower levels in the Dixon, S. Indigo and Melrose units. The recent wet weather should quiet the woods & ease fire concerns for a while. Hunters are encouraged to contact private timberland owners regarding access restrictions before hunting.

Western gray squirrel season opens Aug. 25. Hunters can expect an average year. 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.

Bear hunters can expect an average year. The dry weather conditions will concentrate bears near streams where foraging will be better. Hunters should concentrate their efforts in the berry patches in early morning and late afternoon. Bear numbers are good with the highest numbers at in the coast range, and with smaller populations in the Cascades. Successful bear hunters are reminded to turn in a bear tooth for the ongoing bear statewide population study.

Cougar hunters can expect an average year. Cougars are abundant throughout with indicators pointing to healthy population and wide distribution. Hunting cougar is a challenge because these animals are very secretive, but harvest success is greatest adjacent to private land with high deer populations using a predator call.

SOUTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

Bats can be seen foraging for insects from dusk to after well after dark. Look off into the lighted horizon to see their erratic and uneven flight. Some of the common species that can be observed are big brown bat, Brazilian free-tailed bat and several species of small bats (Myotis group). Bats are the nighttime equivalent of daytime insect-eating birds like swifts, swallows, kingbirds, etc.

Coos County

Many young birds start to fledge in late summer. Young birds are generally recognizable by plumage that is different from adults. Opportunities to see these newly flighted birds exist almost everywhere depending on species. Something that can be interesting to do is record the number of birds in fledgling plumage and those in adult plumage you see in a given area. Then compare this ratio from year to year. The result will be an index to the reproductive success of that species.

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

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

Central Point Area

Denman Wildlife Area

Visit Denman Wildlife Area near Central Point to see early migrating ducks such as cinnamon teal. They are visible in the morning and evening. Young ospreys have fledged and are easily viewed over Whetstone Pond. Songbirds and raptors are beginning to show and should increase in abundance into September. The area provides a covered viewing station with a good opportunity to view waterfowl, egrets, raptors and songbirds.

The area provides a covered viewing station with a good opportunity to view waterfowl, egrets, raptors and songbirds. The structure was built by the Oregon Hunters Association and is accessed by a paved, wheelchair-accessible pathway. It is on the Whetstone Pond, just north of the ODFW Rogue Watershed Field Office in Central Point. For directions, visit the ODFW Web site, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/denman.htm

Douglas County

The migration has begun: Vaux swifts can be observed at Fir Grove Park in downtown Roseburg and other areas at dusk. Look for the awesome aerial displays the last hour of daylight with congregating swifts flying in concentrations forming large vortex's before dropping into the top of their night roosting site.

Western pond turtles can be seen basking in the summer sun early mornings and late afternoons at Stewart Park, in local ponds and at Cooper Creek, Galesville and other reservoirs.

Young ospreys can be observed fishing in local rivers and lakes for another month or so. Young ducklings and goslings can be seen at most ponds, lakes and reservoirs in Douglas County. Turkey broods (chicks) of various age groups are commonly seen throughout the valley since it appears production is excellent again this year.

California quail broods are commonly being observed in the lower elevations of the Umpqua Valley. In the mid- to high-level forest areas of the county see mountain quail, blue and ruffed grouse.

CENTRAL ZONE

FISHING

ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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

BIG LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout

Big Lava Lake anglers continue to have fair success on 13 n 16 inch rainbows. Anglers fishing in the early morning or late evening are seeing more success.

CLEAR LAKE: rainbow trout

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

CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

The bite at Crane Prairie has picked up for rainbow trout and brook trout though it's still slow going if you're chasing largemouth bass. Good numbers of fish stocked earlier in the summer are beginning to show up in the catch.

CRESCENT LAKE: brown trout, kokanee

Fishing has picked up kokanee with fishing in the 15 n 18 inch range. The fishing for brown trout rainbow trout and lake trout is still slow. The best success is by those angling early in the morning before the heat of the day.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout

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

CULTUS LAKE:

No recent reports.

DAVIS LAKE: largemouth bass, redband trout

Fishing has been fair. Water levels are low making boat launching a challenge.

Deschutes River - River users should be aware that recent wildfires have burned along both banks of river from Heritage Landing State Park (rivermile 0.4) upstream to the Sharps Bar area (rivermile 6.0). Both sides of the river suffered intermittent burning into the streamside vegetation. Public access is still open throughout the area, but anglers should be prepared to encounter burned conditions, which may limit camping opportunities in this area. Camping is not affected at Heritage Landing State Park.

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 August, but small hatches still occur frequently. Anglers should focus their efforts in the morning and evening hours when river temperatures are coolest. A few 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. The best steelhead fishing has been from Macks Canyon downstream. Walk in anglers from Heritage Landing have been reporting good success in the lower river. Anglers should focus their efforts on morning and evening hours, as the sun leaves the river. A few early Fall chinook have been 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. Angers are reminded that extremely warm temperatures may trigger glacial melting on the White River, and fishing conditions in the Deschutes downstream of White River may be less than optimal due to turbid waters.

Spring Chinook:

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

DESCHUTES RIVER: Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls:

No anglers were observed on the river as basis for a report. This is a good time to fish the middle Deschutes for brown trout and rainbow trout.

Benham Falls to Wickiup Reservoir:

No recent reports.

Wickiup to Crane Prairie Reservoir:

No recent report.

Crane Prairie to Little Lava Lake:

Anglers are reporting good numbers of fish being caught.

EAST LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout

Anglers are reportedly catching rainbow trout, brown trout and Atlantic salmon. The fishing tends to be a little better in the evening when the temperatures start to drop.

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

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

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 angling is closed on the Hood River.

HOSMER LAKE:

No report.

LAKE BILLY CHINOOK:

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

LAKE SIMTUSTUS: rainbow trout

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

LAURANCE LAKE: rainbow trout, smallmouth bass

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

LITTLE LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout

Anglers reported good success over the weekend.

LOST LAKE: rainbow trout

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

METOLIUS RIVER:

No recent report.

NORTH TWIN: rainbow trout

Angling has been slow.

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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

ODELL LAKE: kokanee

The kokanee bite is starting to pick up with the fish measuring in at 12 n 13 inches.

PAULINA LAKE: kokanee, brown trout

The Kokanee are biting well in the mornings. Anglers are reporting fair catches of kokanee up to 14 inches in length.

PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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

ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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

SOUTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout

The weekend fishing on South Twin was reported to be slow.

SUTTLE LAKE:

No recent report.

WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout

Opportunities for legal sized rainbow trout should be good.

WICKIUP RESERVOIR: kokanee, brown trout

No report

CENTRAL ZONE HUNTING

Open: General deer and elk bow seasons (open Aug. 25), pronghorn antelope, cougar, bear

The Dalles Wildlife District

Maupin and West Biggs offer the highest bull ratios for deer archery hunters in the district. A mild winter helped with fawn survivability.

Surveys show bull elk ratios have met management objectives in the White River and Hood units.

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.

White River Wildlife Area near Tygh Valley is a popular destination for deer, elk and turkey hunters. ODFW is accepting public comments on a draft plan (pdf) to manage the area for the next 10 years. Among the issues the department will consider are any recommended changes to rules for off highway vehicle use and shed antler collecting, activities which are increasing on the area. Comments on the plan can be emailed to ODFW.Comments@state.or.us by Sept. 14.

Prineville Wildlife District

Archery hunters are reminded a controlled elk tag is needed to hunt in the Ochoco Unit. Warm, dry, and noisy hunting conditions are anticipated, with fire danger still extreme. The Maury and Ochoco units offer the most public land, and this year have a good carry over of mature bucks. Additionally a bumper calf crop from last year, plus above average bull survival should provide good opportunities for bull elk. The Ochoco Unit also contains the South Boundary Travel Management Area on the Ochoco National Forest where motorized vehicle restrictions are in effect. The Grizzly unit also has good deer and elk numbers, but is mostly private land where you must have permission from landowners to hunt.

Cool, wet weather during the opening weekend improved hunting conditions for pronghorn antelope. A return to dry, hot conditions will make it difficult for those remaining hunters who have yet to bag an animal. The Ochoco and Maury units have the better antelope populations, and will offer hunters the best opportunity for taking a memorable buck. Antelope are keying in to areas with water, including private lands where hunters need permission. Breeding season is nearing and larger bucks are with does. Fire danger is extreme and hunters should check with the Prineville BLM regarding current fire restrictions in effect for camping and motorized access.

Early antlerless elk hunts currently ongoing in portions of the Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly units primarily on or near agricultural private lands. These hunts are intended to help manage elk on private lands and hunters need to contact and have permission from landowners to hunt.

CENTRAL ZONE VIEWING

Early fall shorebird migration is underway and the exposed shoreline of many Central Oregon reservoirs are good places to see western and least sandpipers, Greater Yellowlegs, Wilson's Phalaropes and dowitchers. Shorebird viewing is good near the dam at Wickiup Reservoir, at the upper end of Prineville Reservoir and other smaller lakes and ponds with exposed mudflats.

Many waterfowl species are in eclipse plumage now making identification more difficult. Eclipse plumage refers to non breeding season colors. Male ducks take on the appearance of hens. And with all the juvenile ducks around it's a real challenge to identify and sort out the different species. Binoculars and a good field guide are essential tools this time of year.

Hawks

Visitors to White River should be on the lookout for Lewis' woodpeckers as well as Cooper's and sharp-shinned hawks. See photos and learn how to identify these hawks. http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/AboutBirdsandFeeding/accipiterIDtable.htm

Watch Raptors Hunt

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

Here are some other great places to visit.

Bend Area

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

Prineville Area

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

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

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

More information.

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

The Dalles

Visitors to The Dalles can see a variety of birds by taking a walk on the riverfront trail. California bighorn sheep can be viewed almost year round on the lower 34 miles of the Deschutes River between Beavertail and Harris Canyon.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Call the Burns Interagency Fire Zone at 541 573-4519 or the Malheur National Forest at 541 575-3000 for an update on any fire closures.

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.

Stocking schedule for the Klamath-Malheur watersheds: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ODFWhtml/InfoCntrFish/trout_stocking_sched/2007/southeast/Klamath Malhuer.html

ANA RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, hybrid bass

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

ANA RIVER: rainbow trout

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

ANTHONY LAKES: rainbow trout, brook trout

Restocked with legal rainbows in late July. Has been good for rainbows and brook trout.

BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, whitefish, bull trout

The reservoir was 9 percent full on August 19, and inflow was 29 cfs. Fishing is slow. At current releases, this reservoir should near empty in a week or two or early in September. Continue to check with the Vale BLM for current road closures.

BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Angling is slow as the reservoir is low and water temperatures are warm.

BLITZEN RIVER: trout

Fair to good angling for redband trout. Spinners are working well near Page Springs. Flow fluctuated between approximately 33 and 35 cfs from August 13 through August 20. Flow was 35 cfs August 20.

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

The reservoir was 14 percent full on August 19. At current releases, this reservoir should near empty in late August or early September. Boat ramp is getting close to being unusable. Angling for warmwater fish is fair.

BURNS POND: trout, bass

Slow angling for 8 to 12 inch rainbow trout using spoons, spinners, or powerbait. No angling report for bass.

CAMPBELL/DEADHORSE: rainbow trout and brook trout

Angling has been fair. The last stocking of legal and trophy rainbow trout occurred in July.

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout

Fair angling for 13-15 inch rainbow trout. Anglers have had the best success trolling or casting flies.

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout

Look for fishing to be best in the early mornings. Angling is fair below Marsters Campground downstream to near Paisley. Water temperatures are high therefore fish that are released should be landed quickly and resuscitated.

COTTONWOOD MEADOWS LAKE: Rainbow trout and brook trout

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

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: redband trout

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

DELINTMENT LAKE: trout

Delintment Lake is now open to public access. No angling report.

DEEP CREEK: redband trout

Angling is slow for redband trout. Flows are low.

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

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

DUNCAN RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Angling for rainbow trout has been slow. The reservoir has lots of vegetation on the south end which makes for difficult angling. The fingerling rainbow trout make up most of the catch and make catching larger fish difficult. Water temperatures are warm so the best fishing will occur in the early mornings.

EAGLE CREEK and TRIBUTARIES: trout

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

FISH LAKE (Halfway): brook trout, rainbow

Has been good for rainbow and brook trout.

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

Angling should be fair to good for 8 to 14 inch brook trout and rainbow trout. Fly anglers usually have the best success using small nymphs. Spinners and bait should also work well.

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

Angling is fair for rainbow trout and good for lake trout. Most lake trout are running 14 -19 inches with a few in the 8-9 lb range. Angling is slow for Kokanee and they are averaging around 12 inches. Angling is slow for brook trout. Trolling spoons, spinners or other lures can be effective. Downriggers are often needed to catch kokanee and lake trout as they are often in deep water. Jigging in deep water can also be effective on kokanee and lake trout. A fish finder will assist in locating lake trout and kokanee. The northwest side of the lake is a good place to begin angling. Angling with bait from shore is usually slow.

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

Angling for crappie has slowed down but is still fair to good. Most crappie are in the 8-10 inch range but larger crappie are available. 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. Angling for largemouth bass has been unusually good. 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 should be good.

HIGGINS RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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

HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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

JUNIPER LAKE:

No recent report.

UPPER KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKE: redband trout and yellow perch

Angling for wild redband trout has been good. Redband trout have moved into the many cold water spring areas around the lake and the mouths of the Williamson and Wood River. Flyfishing is more productive in the Lake this month because redband trout have become more concentrated. Catch rates are typically one fish per ten hours of fishing.

KLAMATH RIVER: rainbow-redband trout

Angling below 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 and late evening 8-9 pm. The river section from JC Boyle Dam to JC Boyle Powerhouse is good for rainbow-redband trout 6-12 inches. River flows in this section are a constant 380 cfs. Small spinners and flies are the most effective method for catching rainbow- redband trout in this section. Call 1-800-547-1501 for river flow information

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass

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

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

Angling for largemouth bass, crappie, smallmouth bass, kokanee and brown trout is fair. Angling for yellow perch is good but most yellow perch are small (< 6"). Angling for brown bullhead can be excellent with a worm near the bottom of the lake. Contact Lake of the Woods Lodge at (1-866-201-4194) for recent angling update. Angling should be very 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. The lake will not be stocked again until late August due to high water temperatures. Many large trout up to 6 lbs have been taken out of Lake of the Woods this year. Lake of the Woods will be stocked with trophy rainbow trout this week and legal rainbow trout next week.

LINK RIVER: redband trout

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

LITTLE HEART LAKE: rainbow trout

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

LOFTON RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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

LONG CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

Fishing is fair for small trout.

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. A few brown trout are available but difficult to catch. 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

The road into Lucky has been improved. Angling has been slow due to warm water temperatures.

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

Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir was approximately 580 cfs on August 19. No angling report.

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

Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir was approximately 580 cfs, and discharge from Beulah Reservoir was approximately 265 cfs on August 19. Angling is slow to fair.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Water level continues to drop. The ramp is still usable as of August 19th. Trout angling is fair. With the summer heat, fishing is best during the early morning and late evening hours. Good numbers of trout from 10 to 16 inches are being caught. The reservoir was stocked with both fingerling and legal sized trout the last week in May.

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

No 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 excellent. 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

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

MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout

No recent angling report. Angling should be fair for bass and slow to fair for rainbow trout. Shoreline access is good near the dam, but difficult along much of the reservoir. Boat anglers have had the best success.

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

Most of these lakes require long distances to hike over rugged terrain. This is one of the best months to fish the high lakes as brook trout begin to move into shallows to prepare to spawn. Angling is typically slow during the middle of the day but success increases dramatically in the morning or evening. In many of the lakes a floating device is necessary to catch fish. Another popular method is to use a spinning rod with a fly and bubble which you can cast long distances. Bring your mosquito spray. 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 the ponds. Squaw Creek and Littlefield reservoirs were stocked with rainbow trout fingerling the last week of May. Anglers should check with Vale BLM for current road closures.

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

The reservoir was 33 percent full August 19. The boat ramps at the state park and Leslie Gulch are out of the water. The rest of the boat ramps are in the water. Angling is fair. Check with Vale BLM for current road closures.

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

Flows below the dam averaged about 236 cfs on August 19. Angling for rainbow trout and brown trout is good. The river was stocked with rainbow trout fingerling from the gingerbread house downstream to the concrete bridge the last week of May. The river upstream of the power lines was stocked with large fingerlings on July 17.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish

Discharge at the Rome gauge averaged approximately 76 cfs on August 19. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish is fair to good.

PAIUTE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout and cutthroat trout

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

PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch

Fishing has been good for trout and perch. Trout are running about 12-14 inches. Perch are 9-12 inches and fat. Use worms or cut bait for perch and fish early for best results. Fish are close to the bottom this time of year. Water level is at 15 percent.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout

Campground is open. Fishing is poor. Boat ramp is out of the water.

PINE CREEK: trout

Was stocked in July with legal rainbow trout. Fishing has been good near Cornucopia.

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The water level at Pole Creek Reservoir has dropped since July 31. We are still unsure if the reservoir will over winter some water and trout. Angling is slow.

POWDER RIVER: trout, spring Chinook

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

SEVENMILE CREEK: brook trout and brown trout

Angling is good for brook trout above Nicholson road crossing. This is a small rugged stream and most brook trout are small (6-8").

SHERLOCK GULCH RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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

SID LUC RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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

SNAKE RIVER: catfish and smallmouth bass

Angling for catfish and smallmouth bass is fair.

SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: hatchery rainbow trout.

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

SPAULDING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Angling is slow as the reservoir is extremely low and water temperatures warm.

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

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

SUNSTONE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Sunstone Reservoir is dry.

SYCAN RIVER: redband and brook trout

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

THOMPSON RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, rainbow trout

Angling for largemouth bass is good. The best location to fish for bass is near the shore on both sides near the dam. Most trophy bass are feeding on tui chub or stocked rainbow trout. Angling for rainbow trout is best near the dam and along the rocky northeast bank. Angling for stocked rainbow trout is slow.

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.

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout

Due to drought conditions, the daily trout bag limit has been raised to 15 with no possession limit. Reservoir is empty.

UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie

Reservoir is dropping and is at 18 percent. Crappie fishing has tapered off but the trout fishing remains fair. Docks have been taken out but boat ramps are still accessible.

UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER: redband and brook trout

Angling is typically slow unless a hatch is in progress. Grasshopper patterns can be effective. Redband trout are available from six to over twenty inches with the average fish twelve inches. Brook trout are more abundant as you progress upstream and ODFW encourages unlimited harvest of brook trout.

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

The reservoir was 5 percent full and the inflow at the Drewsey gauge averaged 1 cfs on August 19. Water Levels at this reservoir are managed with Beulah Reservoir. At current releases, this reservoir could reach minimum levels in early September. Angling is fair for yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and rainbow trout. There have been a few reports of anglers catching crappie and bass.

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

Angling for crappie has been hit or miss with most of the best angling occurring in Hart and Crump Lakes. Angling for small crappie is good in Flagstaff Lake.

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

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

WOOD RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES: redband and brown trout

Angling is fair for redband trout and good for brown trout. Most angling is done from a drift boat as public access is limited. Grasshoppers are out in abundance so a grasshopper pattern with a nymph dropper cast to the undercut banks has produced. Redband are beginning to move 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.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR:

Water is low. Fishing is poor.

YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout

Yellowjacket Lake is now open to public access. No angling report.

Open: General deer and elk bow seasons, pronghorn antelope, cougar, bear

FIRE CLOSURES: The Egley wildfire complex fire is still affecting access to the Silvies Hunt Unit, located near Burns. For the latest on Egley Complex Fire Area Closures, visit

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/malheur/

While overall deer populations are down in Harney County, buck ratios are meeting or exceeding management objective. Elk populations in the North Malheur River and High Desert Hunt Areas have met management objectives and the population is above objectives in Silvies. Bull ratios are slightly below management objectives in all three areas.

Good fawn recruitment and many mature bucks adds up to good hunting opportunities for those lucky enough to have a pronghorn tag for this area. ODFW increased tags for this year.

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 populations are healthy in the zone.

HUNTING EVENT: Pheasant Hunting Clinic, Sept. 15, Klamath Wildlife Area in Klamath Falls. ODFW's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program will host this workshop which includes sessions on shotgun safety, upland bird hunting techniques and hunting with dogs. A field experience will be offered as part of the workshop with volunteer guides, dogs and support provided by the Klamath Chapter of the Oregon Hunters Association and Pheasants Unlimited. For additional information about these workshops, contact Nancy Smogor by e-mail at nancy.e.smogor@state.or.us or visit

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/outdoor_skills/bow/index.asp

SHOTGUN SKILL CLINICS: Oct. 5 and 6, 11 a.m. n 4 p.m. at Summer Lake Wildlife Area. Bird hunters seeking to improve their shooting skills and overall success in the field are encouraged to attend free shooting clinics being offered through the Cooperative North American Shotgunning Education Program (CONSEP) and ODFW. Arrive anytime to receive about one hour of training.

Summer Lake Wildlife Area, a popular destination for waterfowl hunters, is taking public comments on a draft plan to govern management of the area for the next ten years. E-mail comments by the deadline of Sept. 14 to ODFW.Comments@state.or.us.

SOUTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

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.

Time is running out to take a drive on the awesome 55-mile Steens Mountain loop, which is usually only open from mid-July through October. This national backcountry byway is the highest road in the state, it is one of the most scenic areas of Oregon.

ODFW Wildlife Biologist Ron Garner advises you to take your bird book and binoculars along with you on the drive. This is an excellent area to view wildlife during the summer. A variety of raptor species as well as mule deer and pronghorn antelope can be seen along the way. The top of the mountain is a good place to look for species such as the white-throated swift and California bighorn sheep. Visit the Harney County Web site for more information,

http://www.harneycounty.com/SteensMtn.htm

Harney Basin and Harney County

August and September are good months to view. See American white pelicans, greater sandhill cranes, white-faced ibis, long-billed curlews, golden eagles, Swainson's hawks and ferruginous hawks.

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

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

Klamath Falls Area

Early fall migratory birds are just starting to show up around area lakes, rivers and wetlands. Check around Upper Klamath Lake just north of Klamath Falls from Highway 97 or Highway 140 to view thousands of lesser scaup using the edge of the lake. These areas are also good to view black-crowned night heron, western grebe, Clark's grebe, white pelican and many other wildlife species.

Klamath Wildlife Area

See Great Basin Canada Geese with broods, Sandhill cranes with colts, ducks and ducklings. There are also a lot of shorebirds: avocet, black neck stilt and dowitchers. Western pond turtles-one of our two native turtle species-can be seen basking in or near ponds. 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

Summer Lake Wildlife Area

There are many good viewing opportunities at the wildlife area. Sandhill Crane colts are nearly full grown and birds are beginning to flock up and stage for migration.

Late summer viewing activity

Eurasian collared doves are easily observed at the Headquarters complex. Breeding season is nearly over and fledged and flighted young of many species can be found. Duck broods, especially the later nesting gadwall are very common now. Fall migration is underway and intensifying. Unsuccessful or failed breeders are returning from northerly breeding locales and molting waterfowl are staging in Area wetlands.

Shorebirds are staging for migration and migrants heading south are appearing. Last week Hudsonian and marbled godwits and red knots were observed.

Hummingbirds can be seen at ODFW headquarters feeders?black-chinned, calliopes and rufous were observed last week.

Waterfowl

Ducks have become very numerous now, and are widely scattered across the Area. Drakes have lost their brilliant nuptial plumage and are molting. They are very dull and drab in this eclipse plumage. Early migrating species such as cinnamon teal are beginning to flock-up for departure to Southern California and Central America. Brood rearing continues and the late nesting gadwall broods are abundant and easily observed. Look closely along the protective cover of emergent vegetation during early morning and evening hours for the best chances to observe broods.

Resident Canada goose family groups are dispersing widely across the wildlife area and can be found in most wetlands or recently hayed meadows in the surrounding area. Sandhill Crane colts (crane chicks) are nearly full grown and birds are beginning to flock up and stage for migration.

Shorebirds

Shorebirds have completed their breeding season activities. Early nesting species such as long-billed curlew and western willet have largely departed to staging or wintering areas further to the south. Other species are forming post-breeding season assemblages to forage in wildlife area wetlands as they prepare for fall migration. Southern migrants, greater and lesser yellowlegs, long-billed dowitchers, peeps (least and western sandpipers) and phalaropes (red-necked and Wilson's) as well as other migrating shorebird species can be found now. Now is a good time to encounter rare or unusual species passing through the Wildlife Area. Several uncommon species were observed over the past week. Bypass Unit and the alkaline flats near Windbreak Campground are excellent sites to view a wide variety of shorebirds.

Waders and other waterbirds are increasing in number and species. American white pelicans, great egrets, gulls (primarily ring-billed) and terns are very numerous now taking advantages of forage fish found in canals and ponds. Black terns, Bonapartes gull and Franklins gull were observed recently. Post breeding season dispersal is occurring and many young waterbirds can be found foraging in semi-permanent and seasonal wetlands. Flocks of foraging white-faced ibis and white pelicans were numerous in shallowly flooded wetlands, canals and ponds over the past week. Nearly 200 white pelicans were present on the Area over the past week. Look for them on larger ponds such as Gold Dike Impoundment, Jack Lake and County Road Ponds. Ibis are widely scattered throughout emergent marsh areas.

Raptor Watch

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. OSPREY are common at Ana Reservoir and are frequently observed along Ana River near the River Ranch.

Ring-necked pheasant and California quail brood observations have been numerous and small coveys of quail are beginning to form. Watch carefully along road shoulders in upland areas to spot broods closely attend by hens, and in the case of quail, both parents.

Passerine species remain fairly common around the Headquarters complex, Summer Lake Rest Area, homestead sites and shelter break plantings at the north end of the Area where they are attracted to tree and shrub cover. Many forest breeding species are passing through the area now. Swallow nesting activity is nearly over with the exception of barn swallows, a late nesting species. Most swallows are congregating into flocks as they stage for migration and several species have departed.

Invertebrate activity remains high due to the warm temperatures and provides considerable food to insectivorous birds across the Area. Biting insects remain very numerous.

Facilities and Access

The Wildlife Viewing Loop is open and will remain so until early fall. Major dike roads (Bullgate, Windbreak and Work Road) are open to motor vehicle travel until September 19th (three days prior to and including the Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend). The Wildlife Viewing Loop will be closed during this time period (Sept. 19-23) as well.

Those dikes and roads will reopen following the end of the Youth Hunt and remain open until October 3rd when they will close for the General Waterfowl Hunting Season (ending on January 27, 2008).

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

Special care and attention is also necessary since several habitat improvement and maintenance projects are underway. Heavy equipment and dump trucks may be encountered while driving Area roads. Please be especially aware along the east side of the Wildlife Area in the Schoolhouse Lake and Deep Water Canal areas.

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

Habitat

Wetland habitats remain in good condition; all emergent marsh plants are showing considerable growth. Seeds and submerged vegetation is very abundant at this time. Invertebrate populations are very abundant due to warm water temperatures and are providing food to many species.

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

Habitat enhancement and restoration activities are underway 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 will be reflooded in early fall, while Link Marsh will remain dry until fall 2008. These areas are now being mowed and disked to reduce dense monotypic stands of tall emergent vegetation. Viewers will find these traditionally flooded areas dry and with very little bird activity. However, water birds have shifted their use to other portions of the wildlife areas that remain flooded. The nearby Bypass Unit is full and receiving good waterbird use at this time.

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

Of special interest to wildlife viewers and Area users is that public comments are being taken regarding Summer Lake Wildlife Area's draft long range management plan. Email comments by the deadline of Sept. 14 to ODFW.Comments@state.or.us. To view the plan go to the ODFW website at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/commission/minutes/07/july/index.asp Scroll down to Exhibit F then click on Summer Lake.pdf.

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

NORTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

CUTSFORTH POND: trout

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

HONEYMOON AND TEPEE PONDS: trout

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

JOHN DAY RIVER: bass

Smallmouth bass angling has been good. Water levels are very low (34 cfs at the time of this report), which will limit boat access.

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

JUBILEE LAKE: trout

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

KINNEY LAKE: trout

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

LONG CREEK POND, SEVENTH STREET POND, ANSON WRIGHT POND, MORROW COUNTY OHV PARK PONDS, MCHALEY POND AND BRANDON'S POND:

Have all been stocked with legal sized rainbow trout, although warm water will reduce angler success.

LOWER GRANDE RONDE RIVER: bass

Bass angling is good for fish up to 16", use hardware, plugs and rubber worms.

MAGONE LAKE: trout

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

MCKAY RESERVOIR: crappie, perch

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

MCNARY, HAT ROCK AND TATONE PONDS: trout

Angling success will be poor with higher water temperatures.

PENLAND LAKE: trout

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

SALT CREEK AND MCGRAW PONDS: trout

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

UMATILLA FOREST PONDS: trout

All ponds north of Ukiah and along the summit road have been stocked and fishing is good. However, warm water temperatures will slow down the bite.

UMATILLA RIVER: trout

Open for warm water game fish. Trout angling is open above the Reservation boundary but is restricted to artificial flies and lures. All fish must be safely released.

WALLOWA LAKE: trout, kokanee

Fair angling for kokanee to 15" and good for stocked rainbow trout to several pounds, lake conditions are good, windy days can be a challenge, try the north end for kokanee and the south end for rainbow, boat angling is best but the south east shore can be productive for rainbow and kokanee. Most fish are caught with troll gear, flashers followed up with a wedding ring and maggots, corn, or worms. Kokanee anglers are having their best success trolling at 60 to 50 feet deep. Lures or worm and bobber can be effective for rainbow from the bank.

WALLOWA AND IMNAHA RIVERS: trout

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

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

These ponds have been stocked with legal size trout. Marr Pond has been stocked with trophy trout as well. Angling is only fair this late in the season due to warm water conditions.

WESTON POND: trout

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

WILLOW CREEK: trout

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

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, bullhead catfish

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

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

NORTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

Open: General deer and elk bow seasons, pronghorn antelope, cougar, bear

Recent rains could make this one of the best archery openers in years. But hunters should remember that the area is in the 5th year of a drought. Deer and elk will be looking for food, cover and cool conditions; hunters should do the same and not rely only on disturbed habitat like fire and clear-cuts.

BAKER COUNTY

Bowhunters who are willing to put in some time this year should experience good success. Target high elevation areas with green forage and available water or areas were forest borders agricultural land. Excellent bowhunting can be found throughout the county but several areas to try are the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area, Lookout Mountain, and the Elkhorn Mountains. Successful hunters use a variety of tactics including spot-and-stalk, calling, still hunting, and treestand hunting n just remember to stay versatile and adapt to the conditions.

Pronghorn populations are slightly increasing in Baker County with excellent buck ratios. Hunters lucky enough to draw a controlled hunt tag should try areas near water. Populations in certain areas are found on private land and hunters must have permission prior to hunting.

Bear hunters should target areas of the county with abundant fruit and berry production. Try hunting the early morning and evening hours in the mid to high elevation areas of the Wallowa or Elkhorn Mountains.

Cougar pOpulations are high across the county. Cougar hunting can be difficult this time of year, for greatest success try spot-and-stalk or calling tactics.

NORTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

What's new near La Grande?

Cathy Nowak, Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area biologist, reports that most of the young sandhill cranes at ODFW's Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area have fledged and family groups are beginning to gather into groups as large as 50 or more. Watch for these groups in the meadows and wetlands from Foothill Road, Hot Lake Lane and Peach Road. American white pelicans have also been using the wetlands visible from Foothill Road. Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, a popular bird and wildlife viewing area, is located south of La Grande off I-84. Directions, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/ladd_marsh_wildlife.htm

What's new in the Grande Ronde Valley

Mourning doves can be seen around the valley until the first frost, when they head south to warmer climates. Deer fawns can be seen with does in irrigated fields and near cover in the early morning and at dusk. Juvenile red-tailed and Swainson's hawks are visible, perched on power poles and irrigation structures. Young osprey are fledging and can be seen along Woodell Lane and Courtney Lane, as well as other locations around the Union county.

Baker County

Bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain Goats: California bighorn sheep can be viewed in the Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee or along the Snake River Road south of Richland. Hikers along the Elkhorn Crest Trail continue to report excellent viewing opportunities for Rocky Mountain goat. Goats have been reported recently along the Elkhorn Crest Trail in the area of Twin Lakes, Rock Creek Lake, Pine Creek, and Summit Lake. Goats will be active in the morning and evening. During the day, look for them bedded in the shade of rock ledges.

Birdwatchers: try the west end of Philips Reservoir off of Hwy 7. Look in the meadows and dredge tailings ponds for waterfowl broods, sandhill cranes, passerines, and several mule deer does and fawns that have been using the abundant wetland forage. View is best in the early morning or late evening. For greatest species diversity try birding at the Powder River Recreation Area along Hwy 7 downstream from the dam on Phillips Reservoir. An ADA accessible path leads along the river. A variety of birds can be seen including hummingbirds, dippers, woodpeckers, warblers and raptors. Directions to Powder River Recreation Area,

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

Blue Mountain Viewing

Mark Kirsch, ODFW wildlife biologist, reports animal viewing in the region will remain as reported here until September approaches and some species start to migrate. Visitors to the Blue Mountains can see both deer and elk along gravel forest roads in the early morning and in the last hour of light in the evening.

Birdwatchers will find a profusion of bird species in the varied habitats found throughout the forested areas. Short walks along creeks or across timbered flats should net good numbers of passerine birds as well as some owls or goshawks. The owls that are found in the forested areas are generally great horned owls. Occasional great gray, long-eared, screech, and saw-whet owls are sighted. These owls can be seen during the day if disturbed. Otherwise, they are often heard calling in the twilight hours or after dark. If one knows what to listen for, it is neat to hear. Hear the whistling call of a saw-whet owl and see an illustration, http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/9/_/Northern_Saw-whet_Owl.aspx

Heppner Area: Morrow, Gilliam, and Wheeler Counties

Mountain quail broods are visible in the lower portions of North Fork John Day River below the Monument fire.

The Umatilla National Forest provides good birding opportunities for song birds, woodpeckers, forest grouse, turkeys, and raptor species. Deer and elk can also be seen in the forest. Information about the forest, http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/uma/

Elk can be seen from Highway 19 by glassing the agricultural fields on the southern side of the John Day River from Heppner/Spray junction. Elk can also be spotted further south on 19 to about Kimberly. Dusk and dawn are the best times to spot elk in the fields.

Union County

La Grande

Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area: Fall shorebird migration is in progress with sightings of least, western and semipalmated sandpipers, red-necked phalaropes, long-billed dowitchers and marbled godwits among others. A single stilt sandpiper was reported on August 18 near Hot Lake. The best place to watch for shorebirds is on the Tule Lake Public Access Area adjacent to any remaining water. Also, watch for turtles basking on logs near the auto route in the mornings. Pheasant, quail and Hungarian Partridge broods can be seen along gravel roads in the early morning and around sunset.

Elk have been moving into the wildlife area in recent days and may be seen from Pierce Road, Foothill Road or Hot Lake Lane. Use binoculars or a spotting scope for the best views as the wildlife area is closed to public entry at this time. Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, a popular bird and wildlife viewing area, is located south of La Grande off I-84. Directions, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/ladd_marsh_wildlife.htm

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.

Wallowa County

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

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

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

FISHING

BROWNLEE RESERVOIR:

Crappie fishing is spotty and fish are deep. Bass fishing has been good using gitzits and worms, Catfish angling is good n fair. Use worms or cutbaint in shallow water. Perch fishing has been fair using worms on the bottom. The reservoir is still dropping and is at 23 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:

Crappie, bass, and perch angling is fair. Bass under 12 and over 16 can now be kept. Catfish angling is good.

HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR:

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

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

Flow was 7,560 cfs near Nyssa and approximately 8,877 cfs near Weiser on August 12. Angling for catfish is fair to good and angling for smallmouth bass is fair.

COLUMBIA ZONE

SALMON, STEELHEAD, AND SHAD:

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Buoy 10 Line upstream to Tongue Point:

Effective August 1 this section of the Columbia River is open for adipose fin-clipped adult coho (greater than or equal to 16 inches) and adipose fin-clipped steelhead with a two fish daily limit. Chinook retention will be allowed from Wednesday August 22 through Monday September 3 and from Monday October 1 through December 31, 2007 with a daily bag limit of two fish, only one of which may be a Chinook.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Tongue Point to Bonneville Dam:

Effective August 1 through December 31, 2007 this section of the Columbia River is open to angling for fall Chinook, adipose fin-clipped coho, and adipose fin-clipped steelhead: however, chinook retention is prohibited downstream from a line projected from Warrior Rock to the bottom of Bachelor Island during September 5 n 30. The daily bag limit is two adult salmonids, only one of which may be an adult Chinook salmon, and five jack salmon. Jack salmon are chinook less than or equal to 24 inches and coho less than or equal to 20 inches. Effective August 15 through September 30 angling from the Big Creek railroad trestle is prohibited.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Bonneville Dam to the Oregon/Washington Border:

Effective August 1 through December 31, this section of the Columbia River is open to angling for fall 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 salmonids and five jack salmon. It is unlawful to angle for jack salmon after the daily bag limit has been reached.

Salmon fishing has picked up slightly at Buoy 10, where anglers averaged 0.34 chinook and 0.05 coho caught per rod over the weekend. Catch rates in the Buoy 10 fishery should continue to improve. In the mainstem Columbia, salmon fishing remains fair while steelhead anglers continue to do well especially in the Gorge. Anglers fishing the Columbia near the mouth of the Cowlitz River should be mindful of shallow sandbars at the downstream end of Cottonwood Island near the entrance of Carroll's Channel.

Gorge Bank:

Weekend checking showed one fall chinook and 20 adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept, plus one unclipped steelhead released for 55 salmonid anglers.

Gorge Boats:

Weekend checking showed one fall chinook and seven adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept, plus two unclipped steelhead released for 11 salmonid boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Boats:

Weekend checking showed two fall chinook and eight adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept, plus three unclipped steelhead released for 92 salmonid boats (complete trips).

Rainier to Clatskanie Bank:

Weekly checking showed no catch reported for seven salmonid anglers.

St. Helens to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed 17 fall chinook, and 16 adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept, plus eight unclipped steelhead released for 138 salmonid boats (complete trips).

Estuary Bank:

No report.

Estuary Boats:

Weekend checking showed an estimated 19 adipose fin-clipped coho kept, plus 160 fall chinook and six unclipped coho released for 471 anglers (complete trips).

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 Saturday August 18 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 effective through Sunday September 30. 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.

Gorge Bank:

Weekend checking showed nine legal white sturgeon kept, plus one legal and six sublegal sturgeon released for 52 bank rods.

Gorge Boats:

Weekend checking showed four legal white sturgeon kept and 215 sublegal sturgeon released for 16 boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Bank:

Weekend checking showed no catch reported for two bank rods.

Troutdale Boats:

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

Portland to Longview Bank:

No report.

St. Helens to Longview Boats:

Weekend checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept, plus 21 sublegal white sturgeon released for six boat (complete trip).

WALLEYE:

Troutdale:

Weekend checking showed no catch reported for two boats.

MARINE ZONE

FISHING

Tuna came within four miles of Depoe Bay and within six miles of Pacific City last week. Even though the fish are closer in, they seem to be more scattered. The sport-caught tuna catch broke the 50,000 fish mark. The next best year was 2004 when 17,700 fish were caught. The average catch per angler was down last week from previous weeks to between four and five fish. Two fishers surveyed out of Gold Beach together caught 35 tuna.

Pacific halibut sport anglers north of the Columbia River will get a few more fishing days later this month. The fishery will have a three-day opening on Aug. 24-26. The fishery will remain closed after those dates unless sufficient quota remains and the halibut managers announce another opening.

South of Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain (central Oregon) the all-depth Pacific halibut fishery is open every Friday through Sunday until the catch limit is reached. From Bandon north along the open area of the coast nearly every fisher surveyed got their halibut. The nearshore fishery in the central Oregon area (shoreward of 40-fathoms) remains open seven days a week. South of Humbug Mountain fishing for halibut continues until Oct. 31.

Fishing for coho was good out of Astoria, where the average catch was almost two fish per angler. The rest of the coast reported catches of about one fish per anglers. All retained coho must have a healed adipose fin clip.

Fishing for chinook salmon is good on the southern half of the coast from Bandon south to the California boarder where the catch was better than one fish for every two anglers. Chinook fishing continues to be slow with reported catches coastwide of only one fish for every four anglers.

Clatsop County beaches north of Tillamook head are closed to razor clams from July 15 to Sept. 30. The rest of the Oregon coast is open for the harvest of razor clams. The daily limit for razor clams is the first 15 taken regardless of size or condition.

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

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

Information on domoic acid:

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

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

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

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

About half of the fishers going after lingcod were successful. 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.

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

Complete regulations are in the 2007 Oregon Sport Ocean Regulations for Salmon, Halibut and other Marine Fish Species.

Crabs

Crabbing is closed in the ocean until Dec. 1, but bays and estuaries remain open. Crabbing success is about three crab per angler. 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

Event: 21st annual Oregon Shorebird Festival, Aug. 31-Sept. 2 in Charleston

Festival will host field trips along the coast.

More information:

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

Minus tide series next week

A minus tide series starts Saturday (Aug. 25) before daybreak. Monday and Tuesday are the lowest of the series at -0.7 each of those days at 6:14 and 6:49 a.m. near Newport. Wednesday's low tide is a -0.4 at 7:25 p.m. Tide pooling is especially good during minus tides. Look for anemones, hermit crabs, sea urchins, small fish, jelly fish, sea stars, barnacles and other animals of the intertidal region. Remember to face the ocean and watch for sneaker waves.

Dungeness crab molting

Oregonians visiting the coast for the last taste of summer in August might encounter an unusual sight-crab molts washing up on the beach. When preparing to molt, a crab's old exoskeleton separates from the new one beneath. At this time the new exoskeleton absorbs water and become larger. This causes a split at their molt line. The new and extremely soft crab now has the flexibility to back out of its old shell. During this incredible feat, crabs are extremely vulnerable to predators and for that reason it's done quickly. Soon after the live crab has exited they bury themselves in sand to allow their new shell to harden.

Tufted Puffins

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

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

Other viewing opportunities

Oregon's high ocean cliffs provide good vantage points to look for the more than 200 resident grey whales that stay along the Oregon coast during the summer. Tide pooling is good at low tide. Look for anemones, hermit crabs, sea urchins, small fish, jelly fish, sea stars, barnacles and other animals of the intertidal region.