The Oregon Recreation Report (fishing, hunting, viewing), updated Tuesday, June 19, by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:
Attention: Campers, Hikers, Anglers
Please, don't feed the bears! When camping, hiking, fishing or birdwatching, pick up and pack out all your garbage. Follow these tips to keep wildlife safe and where they belong-in the wild.
* Store food in airtight containers in the trunk of your car, in bear boxes or on provided platforms in campgrounds
* Hang food bagged food 10-12 feet high and 6-10 feet from tree trunk or side support.
* Do not leave food items or pet food outdoors or in tents. Clean all food preparation and eating utensils immediately after using them, and place them in vehicles or other sealed, bear-proof containers.
* Dispose of garbage in bear-proof cans or pack it out.
* Do not bury garbage ? bears will dig it up.
Before you head to the wild places this summer, visit ODFW's Living with Black Bears Web site, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/living_with/
Birdwatchers
Whether in the mountains or the desert on the coast, you will not be disappointed in June. Check the Viewing Sections of the Recreation Report and discover what to look for when you are out and about in Oregon this summer.
Summer is here! It is time to go Fishing!
Fishing for warmwater species is in full swing and there are plenty of opportunities statewide to catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, sunfish, channel catfish, bullheads, yellow perch, walleye and hybrid bass. These species are usually found in lower elevation ponds, lakes, reservoirs and streams.
Fishing for warmwater fish is a way to introduce the family to a great outdoor event while enjoying Oregon's beautiful landscape. You don't need very much equipment to fish for warmwater species and there are plenty of opportunities close to home. For more information: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/warm_water_fishing/index.asp
WILLAMETTE ZONE
Passage numbers for summer steelhead moving through the Willamette Falls fishway held steady last week. The summer-run steelhead counted through June 13 total 7,980. Winter steelhead counting ended for the season on May 15 with the final number totaling 5,494 fish passing the ladder. Water conditions in the mainstem Willamette and in both forks of the Santiam are good, but pressure remains relatively light. Salmon angling effort has about ended on the Lower Willamette as the shad fishery hangs on through June. There has been some chinook effort in the lower harbor targeting the annual late-run fish. Counts at the falls through June 13 total 18,572 spring Chinook swimming past the viewing window at the fish ladder.
FISHING
STOCKING SCHEDULE: South Willamette Watershed District: ODFW will stock Breitenbush River, Clear Lake, Leaburg Lake, McKenzie above Leaburg Lake, Salt Creek and the Santiam River North Fork above Detroit Lake with rainbow trout the week of June 18. Leaburg Lake will receive 150 larger trout in addition to over 1,000 legal size trout. McKenzie River below Leaburg Lake will receive approximately 4,750 legal size and over 2,250 larger rainbow trout.
In the North Willamette Watershed, ODFW stocked Faraday Lake, North Fork Reservoir and Silver Creek with rainbow trout the week of June 18. Silver Creek Reservoir will receive legal and larger size trout.
BREITENBUSH RIVER AND NORTH SANTIAM: trout
Breitenbush and North Santiam above Detroit Reservoir were both stocked by ODFW with trout the week of June 18.
CLACKAMAS RIVER: chinook, steelhead, trout
Summer steelhead angling has been spotty with a few fish spread throughout the system. Some spring chinook have been caught with the more experienced anglers still having the greatest success. Anglers will likely have the greatest opportunity above Carver. The best catches for bank anglers have been near Dog Creek and Rivermill Dam. The river has dropped in the past week as Wednesday's flows were at 1,260 cfs (11.26'). The color was very good with the water temperature up near 60°.
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.
Banks 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 paint on the park side and 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 the thin spots. Reports of inexperienced jet sled operators hitting rocks are becoming common. This is particularly true above the Barton area.
DETROIT RESERVOIR:
The U.S. Forest Service has lifted the health-related advisories in Detroit Reservoir in relation to the blue-green algae bloom. More information can be obtained through the Department of Human Services web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/maadvisories.shtml.
GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: kokanee, chinook
No new report. The kokanee finally seem to be biting with some consistency at Green Peter Reservoir. They are averaging about 12" in size and an occasional chinook in the 16-20 inch range is also taken. Best results are from trolling a flasher with a spinner and white corn at 40-60 feet deep.
DEXTER POND, FALL CREEK and LEABURG (Mckenzie River): chinook
No new report. Spring Chinook salmon are arriving in low numbers.
HENRY HAGG LAKE: trout, bass
Fishing is picking up at Henry Hagg Lake. Anglers are encouraged to cast out as far as they can from either boat or bank. Fishing from the bottom seems to be producing results. Success has been seen fishing with marshmallows and night crawlers as well as Berkley's Powerbait chartreuse eggs.
SUNNYSIDE POND: trout, bass, sunfish, catfish
No new report. Near Foster Reservoir has been stocked with trout. 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
Summer steelhead angling has been fair with reports of a few fish from Dodge down to Dabney. Revenue to Dodge has produced some good catch numbers on given days. Spring chinook angling continues to be slow. Hatchery return numbers are low but improving. The abundance of sand has filled in many of the popular holes and "boiling sand" can be a hindrance to angling in the lower river. Water levels are low so boaters need to watch for submerged logs and rocks. The sporadic warmer weather has also increased the glacial melting familiar to the Sandy River in the summer months. The conditions on Monday showed flows had decreased to 757 cfs (8.46') with the water temperature hovering 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.
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
Spring chinook angling effort and catch has nearly ended on the lower Willamette. June 18 conditions showed Willamette flows at 8,700 cfs, a water temperature up to 64°, and the visibility at 5.8 feet.
There has been a slight surge in the spring chinook fishery down in the lower harbor near St Johns as the annual push of late springers moves through. Overall the effort has made the shift towards shad in Multnomah Channel and in Oregon City.
The shad are spread throughout most of the river but the Oregon City area is the top spot. The fish per boat averages are up for kept and released shad as conditions remain steady and the fish move in good numbers. Heading into late June the shad angling effort and catch rates should hold until the end of the month.
Please note that the Willamette River, including Multnomah Channel, is open for the retention of sturgeon under recently modified rules. Effective Feb. 1, 2007 the retention of sturgeon is allowed Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of each week until July 31, 2007. Monday through Wednesday of each week angling for sturgeon is allowed, but on a catch and release basis only. Please also note that anglers are limited to the use of only one single-point barbless hook while angling for sturgeon.
Keeper and sublegal sturgeon are continuing to be caught in good numbers in many sections of the lower Willamette. From the lower Portland Harbor near St Johns up through the Milwaukie/Oregon City area decent catches of keeper and sublegal sturgeon have been reported. Bank fishing for sturgeon can be found at Meldrum Bar and at the wall in downtown Oregon City. Sturgeon angling from the bank was fair last week. Sturgeon anglers have used smelt or herring as effective bait.
WILLAMETTE ZONE HUNTING
Get ready for your fall hunt
Controlled hunt draw results for 2007 fall big game seasons are now available online. Enter your hunting license number at the link below and be sure to purchase your tags no later than the day before the hunt begins:
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/big_game/controlled_hunts/
Begin getting ready for your fall hunt now by taking the following steps:
* Get maps from your local outdoor store or land manager.
* U.S. Forest Service (http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/map/state_list.shtml#Oregon)
* Bureau of Land Management (http://www.blm.gov/or/st/en.html)
* Oregon Department of Forestry. Maps available at local ODF offices. (http://egov.oregon.gov/ODF/index.shtml).
* Online maps for some hunts are available at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/big_game/units/index.asp
* Overall map of ODFW's 67wildlife management units with boundary descriptions is available for $6.25 from our online store http://www.dfw.state.or.us/store/maps.asp
* Check your gear. Make sure all your camping equipment is in good condition. Patch holes in your tent. Break in new boots.
* Practice using your firearm or archery equipment.
* Get your body in shape. Are you prepared to pack out an animal? Use the summer months to strengthen your body for your fall hunt.
VIEWING
Young wildlife is afoot through the Willamette Valley. Please stay away from nests or newborns-look, don't touch.
Clackamas River
Visit the Clackamas River to see cliff swallows nesting on mud banks. They can easily be viewed by boaters. Osprey nests are also visible from the 85-mile long river, a tributary of the Willamette. For a map, visit The Clackamas River Basin Council Web site, http://www.clackamasriver.org/projects/clickablemap.htm
Eugene Area
Visit ODFW's Fern Ridge Wildlife Area and make a day of it. Bird watching opportunities are available at every access point around the lake with open access by hiking or by watercraft. Bird checklists and maps are available at area parking lots or by contacting the wildlife area headquarters at (541) 935-2591. In June, keep an eye out for osprey, pelicans, bald eagles, yellow-headed blackbirds, purple martins and a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds. Western pond turtles can frequently be observed basking on floating logs in Kirk Pond during warm parts of the day. Woodland nature trails are available in the East Coyote, West Coyote, and Applegate units. An extensive series of grass topped levees throughout the wetland units also offer excellent hiking access. For more information, visit www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/fernridge.htm
Portland Area
Watch for peregrine falcons downtown-they are nesting on Portland Bridges including the Fremont. For more information, visit the Portland Audubon Society Web site, www.audubonportland.org/peregrine_delisting
Check out the Red-tailed Hawk Raptor Cam. http://www.kgw.com/livecams/content.html?livecams_birdcams
Sandy Area
See bald eagles and osprey foraging at Rosyln Lake. An active bald eagle is nest site visible from lake.
Sauvie Island
A variety of newborn wildlife is active at Sauvie Island Wildlife Area. The bald eagles' eggs are hatching and eaglets should be visible soon. Deer fawns have also been sighted in addition to several waterfowl young such as goslings or ducklings. A parking permit is required for the Wildlife Area and can be purchased ODFW POS vendors. A daily permit is $3.50 and an annual permit is only $11.00.
Get directions. http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/sauvieisland.htm
NORTHWEST ZONEAngling for warm water species should improve as lakes warm up. Cape Meares, Lytle, Sunset, Cullaby, and Coffenbury lakes offer good opportunities for warm water fish, particularly largemouth bass. Anglers should use caution when traveling 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 for more information.
FISHING
NORTH COAST LAKES: Coffenbury, Lost, Cape Meares, Hebo and Town lakes are scheduled to be stocked the week of June 18 with larger size rainbow trout (about 1 lb. each). Angling for warm water species should be improving as lakes warm up. Cape Meares, Lytle, Sunset, Cullaby, and Coffenbury lakes offer good opportunities for warm water fish, particularly largemouth bass. 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 for more information.
MID COAST LAKES: Rainbow trout stocking of the Mid Coast lakes is complete for the year. Fishing should remain fair to good through June in most lakes previously stocked. The last stocking occurred the week of June 4th at the following water bodies. In the Newport area; Big Creek Reservoirs 1 and 2, Olalla Reservoir. In the Waldport area; Thissel Pond. In the Florence area; Cleawox Lake.
WARM WATER FISH SPECIES: 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) will start returning around mid July. Small spinners or spoons work well for cutthroat trout. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?TIDO3.
NEHALEM RIVER AND NORTHFORK NEHALEM RIVER: cutthroat trout
Angling for chinook in Nehalem Bay will be slow until fish begin arriving in July. Catch and release trout fishing should be good. Good numbers of resident cutthroat trout are present. Angling for sea-run cutthroat will improve later in the summer.
NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: chinook, steelhead, trout
Angling for spring chinook and summer steelhead is slow to fair. Water is very low and clear. Catch and release fishing for cutthroat trout should be good. You may check river levels at http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=pqr.
SALMON RIVER: cutthroat trout
Anglers can expect fair to good fishing for resident cutthroat trout. Small spoons and spinners are very effective. Sea run cutthroat typically start to show around mid July and can be caught in upper tide water and the lower portions of the mainstem river.
SILETZ RIVER: steelhead, cutthroat trout
Steelhead fishing is good in the upper river from Moonshine Park to the fishing deadline. Good numbers of summer steelhead are starting to show. Both bank and drift boat fishing are very effective using a variety of baits, jigs, spoons and spinners with the best success in the morning and evening hours. Resident cutthroat trout angling is good throughout the mainstem and tributaries. Sea run cutthroat typically start showing around mid July in the lower portions of the river. 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 fishing is good throughout the mainstem and tributaries. Sea run cutthroat (Bluebacks) typically start to show in the lower river and tidewater around mid July. Small spinners or spoons work well for cutthroat trout. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?MPLO3.
TILLAMOOK BAY: chinook
Spring chinook angling is slow. Generally, most fish have moved upstream by now. Angling for sturgeon has been slow to fair. Effort has been low. Best success will be in the upper bay and Tillamook River tidewater.
WARM WATER FISH SPECIES: bass, blue gill, yellow perch, crappie, brown bullhead
Devils Lake near Lincoln City and Mercer Lake, Munsel Lake, Woahink Lake, Siltcoos Lake and Tahkenitch Lake near Florence have good populations of warmwater 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.
WILSON AND TRASK RIVERS: steelhead, chinook, cutthroat trout
Angling for spring chinook and summer steelhead is slow to fair. Rivers are low and clear. Spring chinook will be concentrated in the lower rivers, but steelhead will be more spread out. Catch and release fishing for trout should be good. The north, south and east forks of the Trask River closed to angling after June 15. 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 typically start to return to upper tidewater and/or lower river sections around mid July. Small spinners or spoons on light rods and line work well for cutthroat trout.
NORTHWEST ZONE HUNTING
Get ready for your fall hunt
Controlled hunt draw results for 2007 fall big game seasons are now available online. Enter your hunting license number at the link below and be sure to purchase your tags no later than the day before the hunt begins:
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/big_game/controlled_hunts/
Begin getting ready for your fall hunt now by taking the following steps:
* Get maps from your local outdoor store or land manager.
* U.S. Forest Service (http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/map/state_list.shtml#Oregon)
* Bureau of Land Management (http://www.blm.gov/or/st/en.html)
* Oregon Department of Forestry. Maps available at local ODF offices. (http://egov.oregon.gov/ODF/index.shtml).
* Online maps for some hunts are available at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/big_game/units/index.asp
* Overall map of ODFW's 67wildlife management units with boundary descriptions is available for $6.25 from our online store http://www.dfw.state.or.us/store/maps.asp
* Check your gear. Make sure all your camping equipment is in good condition. Patch holes in your tent. Break in new boots.
* Practice using your firearm or archery equipment.
* Get your body in shape. Are you prepared to pack out an animal? Use the summer months to strengthen your body for your fall hunt.
VIEWING
Viewing Event: Join ODFW and Department of Forestry staff at Gnat Creek Hatchery on Saturday, June 16 at 10:00 a.m. for the grand opening of the newest nature trail in the Gnat Creek Forest. Learn about the native birds, plants and animals that live in the forest and take a walk on the new nature trail. Visit the fish hatchery and hike into the woods to see firsthand how forests, fish and wildlife are being cared for.
Get directions. http://www.dfw.state.or.us/hatchery/gnatcreek.htm
Viewing Event: SeaFest 2007 will be held at Hatfield Marine Science Center on June 23 from10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Learn about marine research, meet the scientists and learn about our marine environment, from tidal flats to deep ocean volcanoes. For more information. hmsc.oregonstate.edu/
North Coast Viewing
Songbirds can be heard throughout forests on the north coast during springtime. Don't overlook clearcuts with snags or leave trees (trees left standing) in them; they can host an entirely different suite of birds than older forests do. See and hear western bluebirds, mountain quail, olive-sided flycatchers, red-tailed hawks and robins.
See an illustration of an olive-sided flycatcher and hear its call. http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/170/_/Olive-sided_Flycatcher.aspx
Bald eagle nesting season is well-along. The juveniles, which don't develop the distinctive white head and tail until age five, should be nearing fledging from their parents' nests. Many eagle nests can be viewed along the Columbia River and around coastal estuaries. Use binoculars to scan tree lines near the water for the adult birds, which are often perched near the nest tree. Adults should be actively delivering prey items to the nest for the rapidly growing young during this time.
Fact sheet on the bald eagle http://www.fws.gov/oregonfwo/Species/Data/BaldEagle/default.asp
Black oystercatchers are one of the most common shorebirds to see in summer along the Oregon coast. These unusual birds make a living on rocky shores within the tidal zone. Their name is actually a misnomer as they do not eat oysters; they usually eat mussels or clams that cling to rocks below the high-tide line. This can make oystercatchers difficult to spot. It's best to look for yellow feet and/or orange bill, and eventually the rest of the bird will come into view. Good binoculars are all that's needed to find these striking birds. Look for them along rocky coastal areas.
Its striking black feathers, large size and bright orange bill make this bird stand out.
See a photo and learn more. http://www.pwlf.org/blackoystercatcher.htm
Black oystercatchers can be seen regularly at Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge located about ten miles west of Tillamook.
Arch Cape
There are some great seabird nesting colonies on the coast, including Castle Rock west of Arch Cape. Castle Rock is a sea stack off Hug Point. There are two state parks in the area: Hug Point Recreation Site http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_191.php and Oswald West State Park http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_195.php
Cannon Beach
If you are going to Cannon Beach, walk out to Haystack Rock and bring a spotting scope or a pair of binoculars-you may see tufted puffins nesting high on the rock.
A colony of 200-300 tufted puffins journeys to Haystack Rock every summer to breed and hatch their chicks. The puffins arrive in late March or early April and return to the open sea in late July or early August. Visit the Friends of Haystack Rock Web site for more information. http://www.ci.cannon-beach.or.us/~Natural/HRAP/hrap-habitat.html
Florence area
Dabbling ducks can number in the thousands on Siltcoos Lake south of Florence.
Protected nesting areas for snowy plovers are in the dunes at the mouths of Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Creeks.
Tillamook Area
Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge is a collection of several nearshore rocks located near Oceanside. Not only is it home to the largest and most diverse seabird colony in Oregon, it also supports a breeding population of Steller sea lions. Now hundreds of thousands of seabirds are nesting on the larger rocks, including murres, auklets and puffins. A good spotting scope is very helpful for viewing. Visit the Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge Web site.
http://www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/3archrocks/
Seaside
Visit ODFW's Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area in June and keep your eyes open on the way. Elk have been visible along Highway 202 and Beneke Road. With the warmer weather, best viewing times are early morning and late evening. Elk calves should start to appear within the next couple of weeks. Viewing for elk calves may be difficult due to the tall grass in most meadows. Watch for vegetation movement behind adults as calves try to follow their mothers through the tall grass. Band-tailed pigeons have been seen near the viewing areas along Hwy 202. A variety of songbirds are visible near the bird feeders at most viewing areas. Get directions to the wildlife area. /www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea
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.
Newborn Wildlife
June is the peak of the birthing season for deer and elk. Newborn deer fawns deer fawns and elk calves are starting to appear. Please leave young animals alone as disturbing or touching them will decrease their likelihood for survival. A fawn or calf should never be removed from its environment unless it is in immediate danger (for example, lying in the middle of a paved road) or it has been documented that the mother is dead. Then, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, Oregon State Police or an ODFW office should be contacted for instructions on placement of the animal.
SOUTHWEST ZONEFishing is good for trout, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass in some of the reservoirs and several lakes are providing good opportunities for trout and bass. Shad fishing in the evening is productive on some rivers. Low returns of wild spring chinook have resulted in closing the Rogue River to the harvest of non-adiposed clipped chinook as of June 21st.
FISHING
Agate lake: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, bullhead
Fishing has been good for largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill.
APPLEGATE RIVER: Open for trout.
Applegate Reservoir: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass
Angling has been good for trout, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass.
BABYFOOD 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 12-14 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. Fishing conditions will be excellent all summer.
BURMA POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass
Angling for rainbow trout is good. 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
Access is excellent for bank and boat anglers. Cutthroat fishing is excellent, and should remain excellent all summer. Anglers wishing a wilderness experience can access the upper Chetco River Watershed at several trail heads. Anglers should contact the USFS Ranger District office in Brookings for maps and trail conditions. Spinners or flies tend to work the best.
COOS COUNTY LAKES: trout, bass
Trophy and legal trout are still available at Empire Lakes. Trout and warmwater fish are also available in other local lakes. The Millicoma Interpretive Center youth fishing pond is still a nice spot to take kids trout fishing. Fishing equipment is available for kids to use at the Millicoma Pond. Warmwater fishing is good with many nice bass being caught at Tenmile Lakes. Saunders Lake can be productive for bass also.
COOS RIVER BASIN: shad, trout
A few shad have been picked up but fishing has been slow so far. Anglers should not give up as shad fishing can turn on fast. Most shad fishing takes place on the lower Coos and Millicoma Rivers where anglers troll or cast shad darts. Sunny afternoons are often the best time to catch shad. 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: shad, striped bass
Shad fishing has been good on the Coquille with late afternoons and into the evening the best time. The dock at Sturdivant Park is a good spot for bank fishers. Striped bass are available in the Coquille estuary, anglers usually do better fishing after dark. Sand shrimp and large plugs that immitate small fish can be effective with most fishing taking place up to Arago.
DIAMOND LAKE: trout,
The water clarity has improved at the lake which makes for better fishing. Boat anglers are still catching limits of fish. The fish have spread throughout the lake and the best fishing is occurring on the west side of the lake. Some fish are being caught near Silent Creek. Boat anglers were doing well anchored up and waiting for the fish to find the bait, although with the improved water conditions trolling has improved. Power bait has been the most effective. 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: trout, bass, bluegill
Fishing should be good for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and bluegill.
EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: trout, bass
Angling for rainbow trout, bass, and panfish should be good.
EXPO POND: rainbow trout, bass, panfish
Fishing for trout, bass, and panfish should be good.
FISH LAKE: rainbow trout
Fishing for stocked rainbow trout has been good. Algae is reducing the clarity of the lake.
GARRISON LAKE: trout, bass
Located in Port Orford. The boat access is off the 12th street boat ramp. Bank access is limited to Tseriadun State Park, 12th street boat ramp, Paradise Point Road, and Arizona Steet. Weed growth will limit bank angling. Good numbers of trophy trout and cutthroat are still available mainly on the North end of the lake. Some largemouth bass can be caught out of the mill pond on the east side of Arizona Street in Port Orford.
HOWARD PRAIRIE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth 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 the recently planted legal-sized rainbow trout. Fishing for largemouth bass should be good.
ILLINOIS RIVER: trout, steelhead
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. ODFW recently stocked trophy trout in the lake and should provide for some exciting fishing. The lake is still full of 8-10 inch trout. Small spinners or single eggs are the best bait.
LAKE SELMAC: trout, bass
Fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and bullheads has been good.
LEMOLO LAKE: brown trout, rainbow trout
Fishing at Lemolo has slowed a little with the warming air temperatures. Brown trout fishing remains good at the lake. Fishermen are still catching some limits of browns and rainbows at the lake.
LIBBY POND: trout
Water temperatures and weed growth have pretty much ended the fishing season. Anglers should look to other water bodies for better fishing conditions.
LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass
Fishing for trout and smallmouth bass has been good; however, water sampling has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae in concentrations which can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. People and animals should avoid skin contact with the water and should not ingest or inhale the water. It is recommended that any fish caught be released and not be consumed. For health information, contact Ken Kauffman, DHS Environmental Health Specialist, at (971) 673-0435 or visit http://oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/maadvisories.shtml.
MEDCO POND: trout, bass
Fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and panfish should be good.
PACIFIC OCEAN & BEACHES: chinook, halibut
The selective coho season in the ocean from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain opens June 23rd. Ocean fishing for chinook has been limited due to rough ocean conditions. A few fish have come in but little effort has targeted ocean salmon. The all-depth halibut season has been extended to include June 21-23. Anglers have done well on halibut when the ocean cooperates but ocean conditions have been challenging for many of the openers. Bottom fishing in the ocean has been good when the weather cooperates. Bay angling has been fair for rockfish and perch. Surfperch fishing has been fair for anglers casting bait from the beach. Sand shrimp, clam necks, mussels, and marine worms are all popular choices for bait. Good areas for surfperch include Horsfall Beach and Whiskey Run Beach south to Bandon. Look for steep beaches or small streams entering the ocean. Surfperch can also be found along jetties and pile structures. Striped bass occasionally surprise surf fishers also.
REINHART PARK POND: trout, bass
Fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and panfish should be good.
ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: chinook, steelhead
Low returns of wild spring Chinook have resulted in closing the Rogue River to the harvest of non-adiposed clipped Chinook as of June 21st. Anglers targeting spring Chinook have been reporting mixed catches of hatchery and wild Chinook. Even with the closure on wild Chinook anglers should have a pretty good chance at catching a hatchery fish. This time of year anglers have a choice of fishing the bay or up river, both can be excellent choices.
Specific Rogue River emergency closure regulations are as follows:
* Mouth upstream to Whiskey Creek Boat Landing: June 21 n July 13 anglers may retain only adipose fin-clipped chinook.
* Whiskey Creek upstream to Hog Creek Boat Landing: June 21 n July 31 anglers may retain only adipose fin-clipped Chinook.
* Hog Creek Boat Landing upstream to Gold Ray Dam: June 21 n Aug. 14 anglers may retain only adipose fin-clipped chinook.
* Gold Ray Dam to the Rogue Elk Boat Ramp: June 21 n June 30 anglers may retain only adipose fin-clipped chinook. This area is closed to spring chinook angling July 1 n Oct. 31.
* Rogue Elk Boat Ramp to Cole Rivers Hatchery diversion dam: June 21 n July 31 anglers may retain only adipose fin-clipped chinook.
ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: chinook, trout
Angling for spring chinook has been slow. Flows were 2,270 cubic feet per second at Grants Pass as of Monday morning. Due to the low spring chinook run this year, emergency regulations will go into effect on June 21 to protect the wild spring chinook salmon. The Rogue River will be closed to harvest of nonadipose fin-clipped chinook salmon as follows: June 21-July 31, from Whiskey Creek to Hog Creek boat landing; and June 21-August 14, from Hog Creek boat landing to Gold Ray Dam. The Rogue River is now open to trout angling; however, only adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout may be kept.
ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: chinook, trout
Angling for spring chinook has been fair, with the best chance for success occurring early or late in the day. The number of chinook moving into the upper river has remained low. A total of 6,629 spring chinook salmon and 169 summer steelhead have been counted at Gold Ray Dam as of June 15. Due to the low spring chinook run this year, emergency regulations will go into effect on June 21 to protect the wild spring chinook salmon. From Gold Ray Dam to Rogue Elk boat ramp: June 21-June 30, closed to harvest of nonadipose fin-clipped chinook salmon; July 1-October 31, closed to all chinook salmon angling. From Rogue Elk ramp to Cole Rivers Hatchery dam: June 21-July 31, closed to harvest of nonadipose fin-clipped chinook salmon; August 1-October 31,closed to all chinook salmon angling. The outflows from Lost Creek Reservoir were 2,293 cubic feet per second and the outflow temperature was 51oF as of Monday morning. The Rogue River is open to trout angling; however, only adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout may be kept. Salmonflies are emerging along the upper Rogue, creating good opportunities to catch trout and the occasional steelhead on dry flies.
ROGUE RIVER, ABOVE LOST CREEK DAM: rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout
Legal-sized rainbow trout are scheduled to be stocked at most of the campgrounds and major access points along the river between Prospect and Minnehaha Creek this week. Brook trout and a few brown trout are available as well.
SODA SPRINGS RESERVOIR: 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: striped bass, trout
Stripers are being caught in the Smith River estuary. Most striper fishing is done by boat in the lower ten miles of the estuary. Trout season is open on Smith River and fishing should be good. Small spinners and rooster tails generally work the best. 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 on for trout anglers. ODFW sampled the lake last week and there are still a large number of trophy trout and cutthroat available. The fish seemed 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, steelhead smolts
Conditions are excellent. Anglers can expect a mix of post spawn sea run cutthroat and steelhead smolts. Both of which are activily feeding on chinook fry and sculpins. The best action is early morning and evening. 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: trout
Fishing is good for stocked rainbow trout.
TENMILE BASIN: trout
Trout season is now open.
TOKETEE LAKE: trout
Fishing is open in Toketee all year round. As water temperatures slowly increase German Brown fishing will improve.
UMPQUA ESTUARY: sturgeon
Sturgeon fishing has been slow, some green sturgeon are being picked up in the Big Bend area. Pink fin perch fishing has finally picked up last week, and limits are being caught.
UMPQUA HIGH LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout
A number of the high lakes, with truck access, have been stocked. Fishing in these lakes should be good and there should be large numbers of holdovers also. Many of the wilderness lakes are open and fishing for eastern brook trout is good. Check with the local Forest Service ranger districts on road conditions.
UMPQUA RIVER MAINSTEM: chinook, shad, bass
Water temperatures have increased enough to cause algae problems for anglers fishing for spring chinook. The majority of spring chinook fishermen have called it a season, although there are still fish moving through. 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 has picked up, with good numbers of fish being caught from River Forks to Scottsburg. Remember this section of the river is closed to wild steelhead retention.
UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: chinook, steelhead
Spring chinook and summer steelhead numbers crossing at Winchester Dam have picked up. Fishing remains sporadic, with some spring chinook and summer steelhead being harvested in the Rock Creek area. This is a good time to visit and see spring chinook and steelhead in the viewing windows at the dam. Winchester Dam counts show that 4158 spring chinook and 319 summer steelhead have passed over the dam through June 1st
UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: trout, bass
The South Umpqua is open for trout season. Smallmouth fishing should be very good right now, and will only get better as stream flows continue to drop.
WILLOW LAKE: trout, bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, bullhead
Angling for trout, bass and other warmwater fish is good.
WINCHESTER BAY: crabs, sturgeon
Crabbing has been slow but should improve as smaller crabs grow to legal size. Sturgeon fishing has also been slow but should improve as more food enters the estuary.
SHELLFISH
The entire Oregon coast is now open for razor clams, bay clams, and mussels. ALWAYS CHECK FOR HEALTH ADVISORIES by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Shellfish line at 1-800-448-2474 for updates. For more information about razor clams and current status of particular areas see the ODFW razor clam web page at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/razorclams
Crabbing had been good in the ocean but bay crabbing remains slow. The COOS BAY shoals (20-30 feet deep) along the inside of the North Spit from Empire to Charleston is a good area for crabbing. Public crabbing docks can be found in Winchester Bay, Bandon, Charleston, and Empire.
HUNTING
Get ready for your fall hunt
Controlled hunt draw results for 2007 fall big game seasons are now available online. Enter your hunting license number at the link below and be sure to purchase your tags no later than the day before the hunt begins:
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/big_game/controlled_hunts/
Begin getting ready for your fall hunt now by taking the following steps:
* Get maps from your local outdoor store or land manager.
* U.S. Forest Service (http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/map/state_list.shtml#Oregon)
* Bureau of Land Management (http://www.blm.gov/or/st/en.html)
* Oregon Department of Forestry. Maps available at local ODF offices. (http://egov.oregon.gov/ODF/index.shtml).
* Online maps for some hunts are available at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/big_game/units/index.asp
* Overall map of ODFW's 67wildlife management units with boundary descriptions is available for $6.25 from our online store http://www.dfw.state.or.us/store/maps.asp
* Check your gear. Make sure all your camping equipment is in good condition. Patch holes in your tent. Break in new boots.
* Practice using your firearm or archery equipment.
* Get your body in shape. Are you prepared to pack out an animal? Use the summer months to strengthen your body for your fall hunt.
VIEWING
A trip to Diamond Lake this summer may well result in bald eagle and common loon sightings. In the wild places be aware that black bears and newborn wildlife are afoot. Wherever you go, take your binoculars, and be aware of your surroundings.
Coos County
ODFW Biologist Stuart Love reminds Oregonians not to pick up newborn wildlife. "At this time of year, it is very common to see fawns, young squirrels and fledgling birds alone. Mother has left them there to forage for food and will return." Once removed from the wild, the chance of any young wildlife surviving is slim.
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 go to: http://www.co.douglas.or.us/countyinfo/elk.html
Although black bears elusive animals, those wishing to see them may have some luck using binoculars or spotting scopes to watch forest openings. Salmonberries are ripening in lower elevation along the coast. Bears can be found in these areas near salmonberry patches.
Band-tailed pigeons are now appearing in large numbers. In spring these birds migrate into Oregon for feeding and nesting. They generally feed-noisily-on fruits, nuts and seeds of trees through the summer. They begin nesting early in the summer laying one or two eggs. Once these hatch they initiate another nest and continue this through the summer, sometimes bringing off more than one brood.
Other migrants to be aware of are shorebirds. Various species of sand pipers, plovers and other shore birds are appearing in bays, wetlands and along beaches as they migrate north. These birds can be very entertaining to watch as they dart around feeding. Occasionally, large groups of black brant can be seen resting in local bays on their migration north.
Douglas County
Diamond Lake
Going to Crater Lake? Stop by and visit the Gem of the Cascades, Diamond Lake. Nesting bald eagles are very much in evidence at the lake. There is also a nesting pair of common loons. According to ODFW Biologist Marnie Albriten, however, in spite of their name, they are anything but common in Oregon.
To see a photo and hear the haunting call of the bird, visit:
http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/67/_/Common_Loon.aspx
Roseburg
Ducklings and goslings are now frequently observed at Stewart Park in Roseburg located on the west side of the city, surrounded by Garden Valley Boulevard, Stewart Parkway, and Stewart Park Drive. While at the park, enjoy the butterfly garden and large picnic pavilion.
Sutherlin Area
Plat I Reservoir in Sutherlin is a good place to view various species of songbirds, shorebirds, ducks and geese. Purple martins, our largest swallow in North America, have returned from their wintering areas in South America, and can be seen daily around the reservoir.
Umpqua River
Fish Spawning: Winter Steelhead can be observed spawning in the wild just below Soda Springs dam on the N. Umpqua River 55 miles east of Roseburg.
Fish Passage: Winter Steelhead and Spring Chinook migrating upstream pass through Winchester dam fish ladder on the N. Umpqua River, which is open to the public. To view the migrating Steelhead go to exit 129 on I-5, proceed southeast on 99 to the fish ladder on the north side of the river.
Rogue Watershed
Denman Wildlife Management Area
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 at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/denman.htm
Grants Pass Area
Lake Selmac is a great place to see waterfowl, eagles, osprey and other lake shore birds. Directions from Grants Pass, take Hwy 199 west about 12 miles to lake turn off sign at Lakeshore Drive. Turn left, follow to lake.
Medford Area
Upper and Lower Table Rocks rise 800 feet above the valley floor. Habitat types range form oak savanna and chaparral to woodland. On the summit a diversity of wildflowers and wildlife can be found along the trails. Spring can provide some of the best viewing times. Be aware of rattle snakes along trail. For directions, go to: http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/oregon/preserves/art6805.html
South Coast
Harbor seals can be observed in estuaries throughout the South Coast. Look for sandy haul out sites. Remember, spring is puping season so please observe these animals from a distance. If you find pups on the beach, leave them where you find them.
Trail
Lost Creek Lake provides 30 miles of trails which includes portions of the Rogue River National Recreation Trail. Along the lake and river banks a wide variety of wildlife and wild flowers can be observed. Deer may be seen early in the morning and late evenings along water ways. A brochure of the trail system can be picked up at federal land agency and visitor centers in the area.
CENTRAL ZONE
FISHING
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Father's Day Weekend Youth Angling Event at Century Pond drew close to 100 participants. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stocked 400 legal-sized and 100 trophy-sized rainbow trout into Century Pond and ODFW staff and volunteers were present to assist kids learning to fish and or improve their existing skills.
"The event was a good time for the kids and seemed to be appreciated by fathers and mothers alike. For a number of young kids it provided an opportunity for them to catch their first fish. " said Ted Wise, Fish Biologist for ODFW.
ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: trout
Angling for 14-18 inch carryover rainbow trout are excellent.
BIG LAVA LAKE: trout
Big Lava Lake anglers are having good success on 13 n 16 inch rainbows.
CLEAR LAKE: 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: trout
The bite at Crane Prairie has picked up with a number of 10 n 12 inch rainbows being caught on top of the occasional 20 inch rainbow trout.
CRESCENT LAKE: trout, kokanee
Brown trout and kokanee catches alike have slowed.
CRESCENT LAKE: trout, kokanee
Brown trout catches at Crescent Lake have picked up a little and folks are still having fair success for kokanee.
CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: trout
There have been recent reports that redband trout angling has been picking up with several fish caught in the 14-16 inch range.
CULTUS LAKE: No report.
DESCHUTES RIVER: Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls: trout
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.
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 backeddies. 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.
BENHAM FALLS TO WICKIUP RESERVOIR: trout
Reports of some nice brown trout being caught in this reach.
WICKIUP TO CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: trout
Reports of a few nice rainbow trout being caught in this reach.
Crane Prairie to Little Lava Lake: No reports on success for this reach of river.
EAST LAKE: trout, salmon
Anglers are reportedly catching rainbow trout, brown trout and a surprising number of Atlantic salmon. The Atlantics are averaging 12 inches in length.
ELK LAKE: trout, kokanee
Anglers are reporting nice brook trout in the creel.
FALL RIVER: Anglers are reporting moderate success. .
FROG LAKE: trout
Frog Lake was recently stocked with legal and trophy sized hatchery rainbow trout. Anglers should expect good success.
HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: trout
Opportunities for 12-18 inch rainbow and brown trout are fair to good.
HOOD RIVER: chinook, steelhead
Spring chinook angling remains open through the end of June on the Hood River. Spring chinook catch has slowed, but occasional fish continue to be taken. Early return summer steelhead are beginning to show up in decent numbers in the creel and at Powerdale Dam. The ODFW operates a "recycling" program for hatchery origin summer steelhead, retuning them to the mouth of the river after they are captured at Powerdale Dam. Anglers are finding steelhead success using nearly all traditional steelhead techniques.
HOSMER LAKE: Anglers are reporting that action is slow for Atlantic salmon and good fro brook trout.
LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: trout, bass
Bull trout angling is slow. Smallmouth bass opportunities are good. Brown and rainbow trout angling in the upper ends of the Deschutes and Crooked River Arms has been good. Recent surveys indicate kokanee numbers are fair with fish averaging 10-12 inches and in very good condition. All boat ramps are operational.
LAKE SIMTUSTUS- 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: trout, 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: trout
Angling has reportedly picked up with some nice rainbow trout and brook trout being caught.
LOST LAKE: 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 anglers were interviewed over the weekend.
NORTH TWIN: trout
Angling is still a bit on slow side. Late winter/early spring at North Twin Lake provides a good opportunity for rainbow trout which carried over from the summer of 2006.
OCHOCO RESERVOIR: trout, bullhead
Opportunities for 12-16 inch rainbow trout are fair to good. Boat anglers generally target the upper end of the reservoir near the mouths of Mill and Ochoco Creeks this time of year. Bullhead angling at the east end of the reservoir should be excellent
ODELL LAKE: kokanee
Odell has slowed for kokanee though the lake trout fishery has reportedly picked up. Kokanee are running 9 to 12 inches in length.
PAULINA LAKE: kokanee, trout
The kokanee are reportedly biting well for those anglers jigging. It is supposedly a little slower for those anglers trolling. Anglers are reporting good catches of kokanee in the 8 n 10 inch range. The brown trout fishing is still a little on the slow side.
PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: trout
Pine Hollow Reservoir has been stocked several times with legal and trophy size hatchery rainbow. Warm water anglers should begin finding good success as temperatures warm.
PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: trout
Opportunities for 12-16 inch rainbow trout are fair to good.
ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: 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: trout
The weekend fishing on South Twin was reported to be fair. .. South Twin Lake provides good opportunity for 10 to 16 inch rainbow trout. The lake has good shoreline access and provides good shelter from the wind.
WALTON LAKE: trout
Opportunities for legal sized rainbow trout are excellent. Carryover rainbow trout up to 16 inches are also available. The campground is open and the boat launch is available for use (no motors).
WICKIUP RESERVOIR: kokanee, trout
Wickiup Reservoir anglers are reporting the kokanee angling is slow. Some nice browns have also been showing up in the creel.
HUNTING
Get ready for your fall hunt
Controlled hunt draw results for 2007 fall big game seasons are now available online. Enter your hunting license number at the link below and be sure to purchase your tags no later than the day before the hunt begins:
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/big_game/controlled_hunts/
Begin getting ready for your fall hunt now by taking the following steps:
* Get maps from your local outdoor store or land manager.
* U.S. Forest Service (http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/map/state_list.shtml#Oregon)
* Bureau of Land Management (http://www.blm.gov/or/st/en.html)
* Oregon Department of Forestry. Maps available at local ODF offices. (http://egov.oregon.gov/ODF/index.shtml).
* Online maps for some hunts are available at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/big_game/units/index.asp
* Overall map of ODFW's 67wildlife management units with boundary descriptions is available for $6.25 from our online store http://www.dfw.state.or.us/store/maps.asp
* Check your gear. Make sure all your camping equipment is in good condition. Patch holes in your tent. Break in new boots.
* Practice using your firearm or archery equipment.
* Get your body in shape. Are you prepared to pack out an animal? Use the summer months to strengthen your body for your fall hunt.
SOUTHEAST ZONE
Try fishing for trout in shaded areas of the rivers and pay attention to fluctuating river conditions. Look for kokanee and lake trout in deeper water. Bass fishing is improving in some reservoirs in the southeast zone and some of the rivers are providing good opportunities for brook trout and rainbow trout.
FISHING
Contact Klamath Watershed Office (541) 883-5732, the Hines Office (541) 573-6553, or the La Grande Office (541) 963-2138 for more information on fishing opportunities. See website below for a stocking schedule for the Klamath-Malheur watersheds http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ODFWhtml/InfoCntrFish/trout_stocking_sched/2007/southeast/Klamath Malhuer.html.
ANA RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Angling for rainbow trout is good as the reservoir was stocked with legal rainbow trout last week. 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. Flows are currently low but will increase in late June through July and then drop again. 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.
BEULAH RESERVOIR: trout
The reservoir was 56 percent full on June 17, and inflow was 47 cfs. Fishing is slow.
BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: trout
The reservoir has dried completely in recent years, angling for last years rainbow trout is good. The reservoir is at half-full and declining.
BLITZEN RIVER: trout
Fair to good angling for redband trout, but pay attention to fluctuating river condition. Flow fluctuated between approximately 120 and 300 cfs from June 11-June 18. Flow was 126 cfs June 18.
BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: bass, trout, black crappie.
The reservoir was 55 percent full on June 17. Angling for warmwater fish is slow.
BURNS POND: trout
The pond was stocked with rainbow trout two weeks ago. Fair to good angling for 8 to 12 inch rainbow trout using spoons or spinners. Fair to good angling with worms or power bait.
BURNT RIVER: trout
Legal trout were re-stocked the last week in May in the South Fork Burnt River.
CAMPBELL/DEADHORSE: Rainbow trout and brook trout
Access to these lakes will be closed until the 4th of July to remove hazard trees along the road. Angling on 4th of July should be very good.
CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout
Angling is fair to good for 12 to 18 inch rainbow trout, with a few larger fish reported. Bait anglers have had fair to good success from the fishing access points. Fly anglers and trollers have also had fair to good success. There is good shoreline access near the campground or at the fishing access points.
CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout
River flows are decreasing and water temperatures are producing improved fishing conditions. Look for fishing to be best in the early mornings.
COTTONWOOD MEADOWS LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout
Access is open, fishing has been fair. Cottonwood was stocked with legal and trophy sized rainbow trout in late May.
COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: trout
Angling is fair with increasing water temperatures and the end of spawning. The best method for fishing Cottonwood Reservoir is angling from the dam or trolling minnow imitations (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
The lake was stocked with rainbow trout in May. Fair to good angling for 8-14 inch rainbow trout. No reports on what gear has been most effective. Aquatic vegetation growth may make bank angling more challenging as the weather warms. The lake does have an accessible fishing platform, and the area around the platform tends to stay free of aquatic vegetation.
DEEP CREEK: trout
Angling is fair for redband trout.
DOG LAKE: bass
Fishing for bass has been slow, but numerous large bass have been caught recently out of Dog to make it worth the effort.
DUNCAN RESERVOIR: trout
Angling for rainbow trout has been good.
EAGLE CREEK and TRIBUTARIES: trout
Should be good for trout.
FISH LAKE (Steens Mountain): brook trout, rainbow trout
The loop road is open to Fish Lake, but not open across the top of the mountain. 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
Access is open to Fourmile Lake and the campground is open. The lake is full and launching boats is a tight fit due the large number of logs along the shoreline. Angling is fair for rainbow trout, lake trout and kokanee. Kokanee 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. 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. Yellow perch angling has been good. Lake levels are high therefore boats can be launched. Angling for brown bullhead and largemouth bass is fair. For more information on warmwater fishing in Gerber Reservoir and other Warmwater fisheries visit your local ODFW offices for warmwater fishing pamphlets.
HIGGINS RESERVOIR: 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: trout
The abundance of trout has been reduced by the illegal introduction of tui chub, larger trout are still available. Holbrook was stocked with legal trout early in May.
UPPER KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKE: redband trout and yellow perch
Angling for wild redband trout has been fair. Redband trout are beginning to move into the many cold water spring areas around the lake and the mouths of the Williamson and Wood River. A few fish can still be caught at Eagle Ridge, Ball Bay and other areas but is beginning to slow. 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. Angling for yellow perch should be good in the Rocky Point area.
KLAMATH RIVER: rainbow-redband trout
Angling below Keno Dam to Topsy reservoir is closed. 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 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. Salmonflies and golden stoneflies are emerging in good numbers in the two aforementioned sections. Call 1-800-547-1501 for river flow information
KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout
Fair angling for 12 to 18 inch rainbow trout. There is good bank access near the boat ramp and on the southwest shoreline. 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. Lake of the Woods has been stocked with legal and trophy rainbow trout last week. The best method to catch rainbow trout is to troll using spinners or fishing bait from a boat. Most rainbow trout are in the middle of the lake.
LINK RIVER: 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: trout
Access is open and fishing is slow due to the illegal introduction of minnows into the lake. Heart was stocked with legals in early May.
LOFTON RESERVOIR: trout
Expect angling to be slow due to the illegal introduction of tui chub. Larger fish are still available in the lake. Lofton Reservoir was stocked with legal and trophy rainbow trout in early May.
LONG CREEK RESERVOIR: trout
Fishing is good for small trout.
LOST RIVER: Largemouth bass, yellow perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, crappie, bullhead catfish
Angling has been slow for warm water game fish. A few big largemouth bass are taken each year. The boat ramp, bridge and park at Crystal Springs are closed until at least mid July. Small boats can be launched at Olene Bridge or at Big Springs in Bonanza.
LOWER WILLIAMSON RIVER: Large redband trout and brown trout
Angling is good and flows are low enough for successful angling. 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
LUCKY RESERVOIR: trout
The road into Lucky has been improved. Fishing has been fair, the reservoir was stocked with legal sized trout in lat May.
MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork Malheur River): Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir was approximately 467 cfs on June 17. No angling report.
MALHEUR RIVER (from the South Fork Malheur River near Riverside, downstream to Gold Creek): Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir was approximately 467 cfs, and discharge from Beulah Reservoir was approximately 260cfs June 17. Angling is slow.
MALHEUR RESERVOIR: trout
Water level continues to drop. The ramp is still usable. Trout angling is good. Good numbers of trout from 10 to 14 inches are being caught. The reservoir was stocked with both fingerling and legal sized trout the last week in May.
MALHEUR RIVER, NORTH FORK: trout
Access to the North Fork remains limited by snow. Trout angling is slow. Remember to release bull trout.
MALHEUR RIVER, MIDDLE FORK: trout
Access to the Middle Fork remains limited by snow. Trout angling is slow. Remember to release bull trout.
MALONE RESERVOIR (Lost River): bullhead, sunfish, bass
Angling for yellow, brown and black bullhead is excellent. Angling for sunfish and largemouth bass is slow.
MANN LAKE: trout
No recent angling report, but three weeks ago, angling was good for 12 to 14 inch cutthroat trout. Fly anglers have had the best success using leech imitations or small nymphs.
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
Fair to good angling for bass. Fair angling for rainbow trout. No report on which gear is most successful. Shoreline access is good near the dam, but difficult along much of the reservoir. Boat anglers have had the best success.
MURRAY RESERVOIR: trout
Was restocked May 23 with an additional 2000 legal rainbow trout. Fishing is good.
NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: trout
No angling report from the ponds. Squaw Creek and Littlefield reservoirs were stocked with rainbow trout fingerling the last week of May.
NORTH POWDER PONDS 1 & 2: trout
Both ponds were stocked in April. Fishing should be good.
OWYHEE RESERVOIR: black crappie, bass
The reservoir was 61 percent full June 17. All boat ramps are in the water. Good numbers of 8 to 10 black crappies are being caught in the middle third of the reservoir (Elbow to Airport). Bass fishing is improving.
OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): trout
Flows below the dam averaged about 252 cfs on June 17. Angling for rainbow trout and brown trout is fair. The river was stocked with rainbow trout fingerling from the gingerbread house downstream to the concrete bridge the last week of May.
OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): bass, catfish
Discharge at the Rome gauge averaged approximately 175 cfs on June 17. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish is improving.
PAIUTE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout and cutthroat trout
Angling for rainbow trout is fair with bait. A boat is not needed to catch fish successfully on Paiute Reservoir. A few Lahontan cutthroat trout are available. The reservoir is at half full, and will progressively get lower.
PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch
Was restocked with an additional 3000 legal trout week of May 21. Fishing has been fair for trout and perch. Trout are running about 12 inches. Perch are 9-11 inches. Water level is at 58 percent.
PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout
Campground is open. Fishing is Fair. Water level is at 90 percent.
PINE CREEK: trout
Open for trout fishing upstream of Oxbow bridge in Baker County.
POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: trout
The reservoir is slowly dropping. Angling is fair.
POWDER RIVER: trout
Was re-stocked below Mason Dam with 1000 legal rainbows week of May 21.
SEVENMILE CREEK: Brook trout and brown trout
Angling should be good for small brook tout up to 14". Brown trout fishing should be good but brown trout occur on private property so permission is needed to access.
SHERLOCK GULCH RESERVOIR: trout
Fishing has been fair for legal sized trout. The reservoir is near full and turbid.
SID LUCE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Access to the reservoir is difficult and fishing has been fair.
SNAKE RIVER: catfish, bass
Flow was 6,529 cfs near Nyssa and approximately 9,423 cfs near Weiser on June 17. Angling for catfish and smallmouth bass is fair.
SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: trout
No angling report from the ponds. All of the ponds with good water were stocked with fingerling trout the last week of May.
SPAULDING RESERVOIR: trout
Fishing has been good for legal sized trout. The reservoir is half-full and will decline through the summer.
SPRAGUE RIVER: redband trout, large brown trout, brook trout
Angling is good for redband trout in the mainstem Sprague. Look for fish feeding on black drake mayflies. Angling is slow for brown bullhead and largemouth bass. A few large brown trout and redband trout are available. Angling is good for redband trout, brook trout and brown trout in the North and South Forks of the Sprague. Large brown trout can be found in the North Fork Sprague above and below the 3411 road crossing. Bull trout can be encountered in the North and South Fork of the Sprague so know your fish species.
SUNSTONE RESERVOIR: trout
Angling with bait or flies near the dam is good for rainbow trout. The reservoir will most likely go dry this summer.
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" redband trout 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
Access to both boat ramps is open. Angling for trophy rainbow trout is improving. The best location to fish for bass is near the shore on both sides near the dam. Also, look for largemouth bass on their nest. This is the best time to catch trophy pre-spawn largemouth bass. 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 will be good this week.
TOPSY RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, crappie, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed sunfish
Angling for warmwater fish is good. Look for largemouth bass in the shallow backwater areas near J.C. Boyle Dam or near the Klamath River. Angling from a boat is more productive for largemouth bass and crappie than angling from shore. Angling with bait from shore can be productive for catching brown bullhead. Angling for sunfish will improve with increased water temperatures. Sunfish can be caught from shore using small bait under bobbers or small flies.
THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout
Fishing is very good and fish are large. Due to drought conditions, the daily trout bag limit has been raised to 15 with no possession limit. Reservoir level has dropped to 65 percent.
UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass
Reservoir is dropping and is at 75 percent. Trolling for trout has been good. Many are using ford fenders. Bass fishing has been good also.
UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER: redband and brook trout
Angling has been slow due to the lack of black drake mayflies. Small trico mayflies are hatching in small numbers in the morning. The black drake mayfly hatch could provide good angling this week as air temperatures have increased. 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: perch, bass
The reservoir was 46 percent full and the inflow at the Drewsey gauge averaged 7 cfs on June 17. Angling is fair for yellow perch and smallmouth bass.
WARNER LAKES (Hart, Crump, Flagstaff, etc.): crappie
Angling for crappie is still slow due to last weeks colder weather. Crappie angling should be very good later this year.
WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch and Lahontan cutthroat
Angling for largemouth bass has been good. Angling for largemouth bass should be very good in coming months. Crappie angling has been fair. 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: trout
Angling is slow for redband trout and fair for brown trout. Most angling is done from a drift boat as public access is limited. Look for hatches or cast salmonfly patterns to undercut banks.
WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR:
Water level is at 40 percent. Fishing is poor.
YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout
Fair to good angling for 10 to 14 inch rainbow trout. Bait anglers have done well using powerbait or worms on the bottom. Bank access is good near the boat ramp and along the west shore. For those who can hike a short distance, bank access is good along the dam and the east shore. Aquatic vegetation growth may make bank angling more challenging as the weather warms.
HUNTING
Get ready for your fall hunt
Controlled hunt draw results for 2007 fall big game seasons are now available online. Enter your hunting license number at the link below and be sure to purchase your tags no later than the day before the hunt begins:
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/big_game/controlled_hunts/
Begin getting ready for your fall hunt now by taking the following steps:
* Get maps from your local outdoor store or land manager.
* U.S. Forest Service (http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/map/state_list.shtml#Oregon)
* Bureau of Land Management (http://www.blm.gov/or/st/en.html)
* Oregon Department of Forestry. Maps available at local ODF offices. (http://egov.oregon.gov/ODF/index.shtml).
* Online maps for some hunts are available at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/big_game/units/index.asp
* Overall map of ODFW's 67wildlife management units with boundary descriptions is available for $6.25 from our online store http://www.dfw.state.or.us/store/maps.asp
* Check your gear. Make sure all your camping equipment is in good condition. Patch holes in your tent. Break in new boots.
* Practice using your firearm or archery equipment.
* Get your body in shape. Are you prepared to pack out an animal? Use the summer months to strengthen your body for your fall hunt.
SOUTHEAST ZONE: HUNTING
Most of Oregon's southeast zone covers an area called the northern basin and range ecoregion. It is a sparsely populated area, rich in nature-based recreation areas that provide fantastic opportunities to view wildlife.
Burns Area
Some species of note in the basin are bald eagles, golden eagles, American white pelicans, greater sandhill cranes, white-faced ibis and long-billed curlews. Bald eagles are nesting now and fledglings (juveniles) may be seen. Juveniles are mixture of brown and white with black beaks. They do reach adult plumage until they are five or six years old.
Visit the Oregon Zoo Web site to learn more about bald eagles. http://www.oregonzoo.org/Cards/EagleCanyon/bald_eagle.htm
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
A variety of migratory birds have returned to their summer nesting areas on the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge south of Burns. Several species of warblers, sparrows, wrens, shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors can be observed in this area.
Refuge headquarters is located approximately 25 miles south of Burns off Highway 205. For more information, go to: www.fws.gov/malheur/
Klamath Falls Area
In June, there are many species of interest in the Klamath Basin including breeding ducks, geese and other water birds. They can usually be seen at National Wildlife Refuges and State Wildlife Areas. Many ducks are in the middle of nesting season. Duck broods are beginning to appear at many of the water bodies in the Klamath Basin. Duck species include mallard, gadwall, cinnamon teal, wood duck, redhead, canvasback and scaup.
Western and Clark's grebes can be observed in their courtship displays on Upper Klamath and Agency Lakes. For information on Upper Klamath Lake, visit: www.volcaniclegacybyway.org/KFallsregion.html. For the location of Agency Lake and more information, visit: www.southernoregon.com/agencylake/index.html
Red-necked grebes are only found in a few locations in Oregon including Pelican Bay at Rocky Point on Upper Klamath Lake where they breed annually. Viewing from a boat or canoe is recommended as the red-necked grebes are usually found along emergent vegetation in Pelican Bay. To see a photo and hear its call, visit the What Bird Web site at: http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/275/overview/Red-necked_Grebe.aspx
White-faced ibis, which have only been nesting in the Klamath Basin since the early 1980s, can be viewed foraging in flooded pastures south of Klamath Falls. IBIS nest in emergent vegetation in marshes at Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.
Moore Park, within Klamath Falls, is a great spot to view the bald eagle pair which nest up on the ridge above the park. In downtown Klamath Falls, the Link River Nature Trail offers a great opportunity to view many water birds and passerine species as well. Many mammals including DEER, BEAVER, MUSKRAT, MINK, RACCOON, SQUIRRELS and MARMOTS can also be seen.
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. To see a photo and learn more, visit: www.herpetologynorthwest.org/nwherps/turtles/western-pond-turtle.html
The Wildlife Area is located four miles south of Klamath Falls. Please note, dogs are allowed in dog training area only (near boat ramp) until 1 August. Discharge of firearms is prohibited outside of hunting seasons. Discharge of handguns and rifles prohibited without permit. For directions and more information, visit the ODFW Web site at: www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/klamath_wa.htm
Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Early June is a good time of year to visit Klamath Marsh Refuge. Drive the Silver Lake Road for good viewing and photo opportunities for a variety of marsh birds. The natural marsh provides important nesting, feeding and resting habitat for waterfowl, while the surrounding meadowlands are attractive nesting and feeding areas for sandhill crane, yellow rail, and various shorebirds and raptors. For more information, go to: http://www.fws.gov/klamathbasinrefuges/klamathmarsh/klamathmarsh.html
Summer Lake Wildlife Area
If you are headed to southeast Oregon this summer, take a trip to Summer Lake Wildlife Area. Birdwatchers and wildlife lovers will not be disappointed. Northward migrants and local breeding species continue return to and pass through the Wildlife Area. Breeding season is in full swing for nearly all species now. Check the list at ODFW Headquarters for new arrivals and unusual birds. Directions to the Wildlife Area at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/summerlake.htm
What's new?
The last of the spring migrants occurred over the past week with Western wood pewee and common nighthawk arriving. Breeding species are increasing in number and nesting activities are in full swing for all species. Other migrants continue to pass through the Area enroute to nesting locales elsewhere. Hummingbirds are beginning to appear at ODFW headquarters complex feedersnBLACK-CHINNED and calliopes were observed last week. Visit the What Bird Web site to see a photo of the very small CALLIPOE HUMMINBIRD and listen to its call, go to: http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/222/_/Calliope_Hummingbird.aspx
What's unusual?
Eurasian collared doves remain at the headquarters complex and calling is very common during the morning and evening hours.
Birdwatching
As wildlife are being born and reared at this time of year, visitors are urged to keep pets in close control. It is unlawful to allow dogs to run at large during this time of the year. Nests are sometimes situated along roads and trails and can be encountered easily. If nests or young are found, please move away from the vicinity immediately to avoid undue disturbance.
Waterfowl species, primarily ducks, remain very apparent and are widely scattered across the Area. Ducks are in their brilliant nuptial plumage now and nesting for all species is well underway. In the early morning you can see many duck pairs scattered along roads and in fields as females scout for nesting sites. Territorial encounters and chasing flights are common now. Drakes of early nesting species are beginning to form bachelor groups as they prepare to enter the molt. Duck broods are being observed, especially during early morning and evening hours, close to the protective cover of emergent vegetation.
Canada geese remain very secretive as they are rear broods. Broods continue to be observed, but most are in remote areas where disturbance is minimal. Adults are beginning to molt and will be flightless until new feathers are grown. They will be very difficult to view while in this vulnerable condition since they seek security of larger open water areas and protective vegetation.
Sandhill crane nesting and brood rearing is underway and the several observations of colts (crane chicks) have occurred recently. They are also very secretive and hard to observe.
Shorebirds are well into breeding season activities. Courtship and nesting (there are nine species regularly on the Wildlife Area) is occurring for all species now and will be intensifying. Killdeer and snowy plover chicks were observed over the past week. Many killdeer nests have been located; viewers are urged to park and walk with caution to avoid undue disturbance or nest destruction.
Waders and other waterbirds are increasing in number and species. American white pelicans, great egrets, gulls (primarily ring-billed) and terns are numerous now and are taking advantage of forage fish found in canals and ponds. Snowy egrets have been observed recently. Early in the morning it is not uncommon to hear the "uumpa-uump" call of American bitterns as they are very active in courtship. Sora and Virginia rails are becoming very vocal as well and nesting is underway.
Resident RAPTORS remain scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Highway 31. Northern harriers are especially numerous over marsh and hay meadows. Bald eagles are commonly seen along the Ana River near the River Ranch. Prairie falcons and golden eagles are sometimes seen during this time of the year, and peregrine falcons make occasional appearances. The osprey pair at Ana Reservoir is occupying the nest structure and the adults are busy rearing young. Visit the Oregon Zoo Web site for a photo and a description of peregrine falcons at:
http://www.oregonzoo.org/Cards/BirdsOfPrey/peregrinefalcon.htm
Great-horned owls remain very vocal during the night, and rearing of chicks is well underway in several locations.
Ring-necked pheasants are beginning to hatch broods and California quail have paired-up and are dispersed across upland nesting sites. The first quail broods of the season are expected to hatch in the next couple of weeks.
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.
Invertebrate activity is increasing with the warming temperatures and clouds of midges and others species are providing considerable food to insectivorous birds across the Area. Biting insects have emerged and are increasing in number.
Facilities, Roads
The Wildlife Viewing Loop is open and will remain so until fall. Other major dike roads (Bullgate, Windbreak and Work Road) are closed to motor vehicle travel from March 15 - August 15 to reduce disturbance breeding, brood rearing and molting waterbirds.
Viewers are urged to use care when driving roads since several species of birds may nest along edges. Secondary and minor dikes will remain closed to motor vehicle traffic and cross country travel by motor vehicles and ATVs is prohibited.
Non-motorized access and viewing opportunities are available across the entire Area at this time. Camping is permitted at four sites on the wildlife area.
For additional information on viewing opportunities, please contact the Summer Lake Wildlife Area at (541) 943-3152 or Marty St. Louis, martin.j.stlouis@state.or.us
NORTHEAST ZONE
FISHING
The best time to fish for crappie and perch is in the evenings after sunset. Be aware that angling success for trout will be affected as water temperatures increase.
CUTSFORTH POND: trout
The pond was stocked in May and June 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 although recent rains have created muddy water, which will slow the bite. Water will clear with the return of dry weather. Streamflow at the time this report was filed measured 881 cfs at Service Creek which is good level for angling, although it is rising. Stream flow levels are available from the Service Creek gauging station at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/uv?14046500.
JUBILEE LAKE: trout
Fishing is good for 8 to 12 inch rainbow trout. Boat anglers have done the best catching the trophy-sized fish on the north side of the lake.
KINNEY LAKE: trout
The Lake is open and has been 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.
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 70% full and being drawn down. Fishing for crappie and perch has improved. The best angling has been in the evenings after sunset.
MCNARY, HAT ROCK AND TATONE PONDS: trout
These ponds were stocked with legal-sized trout March through June. Angling success will decline as water temperatures increase.
PENLAND LAKE: trout
Fishing is good for rainbow trout 10-13 inches with an occasional fish in the 13-18 inch range. The bite will slow down as water temperatures warm.
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.
WALLOWA WILDLIFE AREA POND: trout
Angling is fair to good. The pond has been stocked with legal size rainbow trout.
UMATILLA FOREST PONDS: trout
All ponds north of Ukiah and along the summit road have been stocked and fishing is fair. However, warm water temperatures will slow down the bite. The highest elevation ponds will be the best bet through July. For more information contact the Pendleton ODFW office at 541-276-2344.
UMATILLA RIVER: trout
The spring Chinook season is closed. 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 or worms. Kokanee anglers are having their best success trolling at 25 to 50 feet deep. Lures or worm and bobber can be effective from the bank.
WALLOWA AND IMNAHA RIVERS: trout
Flows are high from recent rain and spring runoff. Expect fair 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 fair to good.
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: bass, catfish
The reservoir will be stocked with fingerling rainbow trout this week. Bass and catfish angling is good.
NORTHEAST ZONE HUNTING
Get ready for your fall hunt
Controlled hunt draw results for 2007 fall big game seasons are now available online. Enter your hunting license number at the link below and be sure to purchase your tags no later than the day before the hunt begins:
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/big_game/controlled_hunts/
Begin getting ready for your fall hunt now by taking the following steps:
* Get maps from your local outdoor store or land manager.
* U.S. Forest Service (http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/map/state_list.shtml#Oregon)
* Bureau of Land Management (http://www.blm.gov/or/st/en.html)
* Oregon Department of Forestry. Maps available at local ODF offices. (http://egov.oregon.gov/ODF/index.shtml).
* Online maps for some hunts are available at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/big_game/units/index.asp
* Overall map of ODFW's 67wildlife management units with boundary descriptions is available for $6.25 from our online store http://www.dfw.state.or.us/store/maps.asp
* Check your gear. Make sure all your camping equipment is in good condition. Patch holes in your tent. Break in new boots.
* Practice using your firearm or archery equipment.
* Get your body in shape. Are you prepared to pack out an animal? Use the summer months to strengthen your body for your fall hunt.
Northeast Zone: Viewing
Look for bighorn sheep and listen for bobolinks in June.
Baker County
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep can be seen at the Brownlee Dam. Look on the Oregon side just below the dam. Mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk have recently had their fawns and calves. Try looking for them in the early morning and evenings in high elevation meadows on the Wallowa Whitman National Forest.
Excellent birding can be found throughout Baker County. Try birdwatching in different habitat to find a variety of different species. 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 can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/w-w/recreation/trails-brd/TR-Powder-River-Rec.shtml
Enterprise
Bobolinks have been heard calling in the early morning.
For information on this relatively rare bird and to hear its bubbly call, visit What Bird.com at: http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/566/overview/Bobolink.aspx
La Grande
The Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area is a popular bird and wildlife viewing area located south of La Grande off of I-84. The 3,000-acre wetland area is managed by ODFW. For information about the Wildlife Area, go to: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/ladd_marsh_wildlife.htm
Bird, mammal, plant, reptiles and amphibians checklists for the area are provided by the Friends of Ladd Marsh at: http://www.eou.edu/~kantell/friends%20of%20ladd%20marsh/laddmarsh.htm
Wallowa Whitman National Forest
Wallowa Whitman National Forest and surrounding Bureau of Land Management lands offer the best viewing opportunity. For information, go to: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/w-w/
SNAKE RIVER ZONE
FISHING
BROWNLEE RESERVOIR: crappie, bass, catfish
Crappie fishing has been good, especially at night. Bass fishing has been very good and the fish are large. Females have spwaned and the males are on the nest. Perch and bluegill are being caught by boat and from shore. Use worms, jigs with crappie nibbles or cutbait. A few catfish are being picked up as well. The reservoir is 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. For reservoir level information, visit http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/perl/dataquery.pl?k=brownlee
OXBOW RESERVOIR: crappie, bass
Crappie fishing is good. Bass are being caught as well but are catch and release only until July 1.
HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: crappie, bass, perch
Crappie, bass and perch fishing is good. Catfish angling is picking up.
SNAKE RIVER (Below Hells Canyon Dam): bass
Steelhead fishing is closed. Smallmouth bass fishing should be good.
SNAKE RIVER Zone Summer Viewing
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
The following information about summer wildlife viewing comes from the Hells Canyon Recreation Area Web site at: http://www.fs.fed.us/hellscanyon/life_and_the_land/wildlife/
Summer - June, July, and August
June is a particularly rewarding time to see wildlife from the lowest elevations to as high as receding snow will permit travel. The patient and lucky observer may see river otter in rivers or larger creeks. The small canyon wren flits between rocks in bunchgrass areas, and the powerful badger burrows for smaller rodents. In the early evening, find a comfortable sitting rock overlooking the rivers and listen for the winnowing of the common snipe and the whizzing boom of the common nighthawk. You may also see the butterfly-like flight of the tiny western pipistrelle bat in search of mosquitoes and no-see-ums.
Be on the lookout for the western rattlesnake, a reptile common to the Recreation Area, particularly in lower elevations. The rattlesnake is beneficial to the wildlife ecosystem; we encourage you to merely watch it and all other species of nongame wildlife. At lower elevations, the visitor may see the unusual rubber boa snake, which appears to have no head.
Numerous elk, many with young calves, may be seen on the benches above the Imnaha and Snake Rivers. In the steep cliff areas around Dry Diggins Lookout in Idaho, one might also see mountain goats.
If your summer visit takes you high into the timbered areas, you may see or hear the pileated woodpecker, the largest North American woodpecker. Watch out! You may get your hat knocked off by a swooping goshawk if you wander too close to its nest during the month of June. The diligent observer may find tracks or even see the pine marten, a small mammal similar to a mink.
A birders checklist is available at: http://www.idahopower.com/pdfs/riversrec/hcBirdCheckList.pdf
COLUMBIA RIVER ZONESalmon, Steelhead, and Shad:
COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Tongue Point to McNary Dam: Effective June 16 through June 30, 2007 (or until the catch guideline is reached) this section of the Columbia River is open to the retention of summer chinook. The daily bag limit is two adult summer chinook salmon or adipose fin-clipped steelhead plus five chinook jacks. It is unlawful to angle for jack salmon after the adult bag limit has been reached.
In the lower Columbia River, catch rates for salmon and steelhead improved slightly from the previous weekend. Boat anglers are catching salmon on spinners, wobblers, and qwickfish, while bank anglers are catching salmon and steelhead on spinners and spin-n-glos. Shad angling remains good for both boat and bank anglers in the Gorge and fair for boat anglers between Troutdale and Longview. Shad are being taken on small darts, spoons, and jigs.
Gorge Bank: chinook
Weekend checking showed seven adult and one jack summer chinook kept for 45 salmonid anglers; and 369 shad kept plus 27 shad released for 162 shad anglers.
Gorge Boats: chinook
Weekend checking showed 17 adult and three jack summer chinook kept for 26 salmonid boats; and 204 shad kept for nine shad boats (complete trips).
Troutdale Boats: chinook
Weekend checking showed four summer chinook kept for 77 salmonid boats; and no shad reported for three shad boats.
Portland to Clatskanie Bank: chinook, steelhead
Weekly checking showed seven adipose fin-clipped adult spring chinook, three jack spring chinook, and 10 adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept, plus two unclipped spring chinook and two unclipped steelhead released for 102 salmonid anglers.
Portland to Longview Boats: chinook, steelhead
Weekend checking showed six summer chinook and five adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept, plus one unclipped steelhead released for 50 salmonid boats (complete trips).
Estuary Bank: chinook, steelhead
Weekend checking showed four adult and two jack summer chinook, and three adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept for 43 bank anglers.
Estuary Boats: chinook, steelhead
Weekend checking showed three summer chinook and two adipose fin-clipped summer steelhead kept for nine boats.
Bonneville Pool Boat and Bank:
Weekly checking showed no catch reported for 21 bank anglers.
The Dalles Pool Boat and Bank:
No report.
John Day Pool Boat and Bank:
No report.
Sturgeon:
BUOY 10 UPSTREAM TO WAUNA POWERLINES (including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries): This section of the Columbia is currently open to the retention of sturgeon seven days per week with a daily limit of one sturgeon between 45-60 inches through Wednesday, July 4. The retention of green sturgeon is prohibited.
WAUNA POWERLINES UPSTREAM TO MARKER 85 (including all adjacent Washington tributaries and the Willamette River downstream of Willamette Falls including the Multnomah Channel): This section of the Columbia River is currently open to the retention of sturgeon on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with a daily bag limit of one sturgeon between 42-60 inches in length and an annual limit of five fish effective through July 31. Catch and release of sturgeon is allowed on non-retention days. In the spawning sanctuary between Marker 85 upstream to Bonneville Dam all sturgeon angling is prohibited through Tuesday, July 31. The retention of green sturgeon is prohibited.
BONNEVILLE DAM UPSTREAM TO THE DALLES DAM: The retention of sturgeon is currently allowed in the Bonneville Pool seven days per week. The daily limit is one sturgeon between 42 and 60 inches and the annual limit is five fish.
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 except: all sturgeon angling is prohibited during May 1-July 31 in The Dalles Pool from the grain silo near Rufus upstream to John Day Dam and in the John Day Pool from the Highway 395/Highway 82 Bridge upstream to McNary Dam.
Catch rates for sturgeon in the lower Columbia River declined this past weekend. The best catch rates were in the Estuary where boat anglers averaged 1.01 legal white sturgeon caught per boat. In the Gorge below Marker 85, boat anglers averaged 0.06 legal white sturgeon caught per boat, while boat anglers in the Portland to Longview area averaged 0.07 legal white sturgeon caught per boat.
Gorge Boats:
Weekend checking showed two legal white sturgeon kept, plus 325 sublegal and 21 oversize sturgeon released for 31 boats (complete trips).
Portland to Longview Bank:
Weekend checking showed six sublegal sturgeon released for five bank anglers.
Portland to Longview Boats:
Weekend checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept, plus one oversize, and 51 sublegal sturgeon released for 15 boats (complete trips).
Estuary Boats:
Weekend checking showed 179 legal white sturgeon kept, plus two legal, 24 oversize, and 647 sublegal sturgeon released for 179 boats. Charter boat anglers average 0.50 legal sturgeon per rod.
Estuary Bank:
Weekly checking showed no catch reported for five bank rods.
Bonneville Pool:
Weekly checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept, plus five legal, 84 sublegal and three oversize sturgeon released for 60 bank rods; and three legal sturgeon kept, plus one legal, 25 sublegal and one oversize sturgeon released for seven boats.
The Dalles Pool:
No report.
John Day Pool:
No report.
Walleye
Troutdale:
Weekend checking showed no catch reported for one boat.
Bonneville Pool:
Weekly checking showed no catch reported for one boat.
The Dalles Pool:
No report.
John Day Pool:
No report.
Viewing
IRRIGON WILDLIFE AREA
Visit the Irrigon Wildlife Area for summer viewing opportunities. Upland birds, waterfowl and songbirds are common during most of the year. Western painted turtles can be observed during the early morning hours in summer. These native turtles spend most of their time in shallow, slow-moving water of streams, lakes and rivers; preferably with a soft, muddy bottom with vegetation and submerged logs. For photos and more information, visit: http://www.willametteturtles.com/about.html
To reach the Wildlife Area, take exit 168 (Highway 730) and follow the signs to Irrigon. The wildlife area begins just east of Irrigon and runs to the Umatilla River near the City of Umatilla. Umatilla Wildlife Area is located between Highway 730 and the Columbia River. For more information, go to: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/irrigon_wildlife.htm
MARINE ZONE
FISHING
Fishing for coho opens this weekend, Saturday, June 23 from Cape Falcon to the Oregon-California boarder. All retained coho must have a healed adipose fin clip. Fishing for chinook salmon was slow this past week with low effort and only one in 10 anglers reporting success.
Eight out of 10 fishers going after lingcod were successful. Average catches of rockfish were less than two per angler coastwide.
The marine daily bag limit for 2007 is six fish (including rockfish, greenling, cabezon and other marine species) and two lingcod and 15 surfperch. New this year, the daily limit for flatfish (flounders, soles, sanddabs, turbots and halibuts except Pacific halibut) is 25. Canary rockfish and yelloweye rockfish may not be retained. For illustrations and descriptions of these species see page 98 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet or download the Red Rockfish Identification Guide at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/regulations/sport_fishing. The minimum length for lingcod is 22 inches, for cabezon it is 16 inches and for greenling it is 10 inches. For complete regulations and the Marine Sport Fishing Supplement, please see http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/
Coastwide catches of Pacific halibut averaged about one per angler again this week. The season opened May 1 in all-depth waters north of Cape Falcon and in nearshore waters (shoreward of the 40-fathom curve) off the Oregon central coast. The all-depth halibut fishery for Oregon's central coast between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mountain has been extended to June 21-23 and will continue on one or more of the following days: July 5-7 and 19-21 until the quota is met. The area south of Humbug Mountain runs May 1 through Oct. 31, seven days a week. For more information go to http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/finfish/halibut/index.asp.
Crabbing success in the ocean, bays and estuaries is about two crab per angler, except out of Garibaldi and Charleston where anglers report five crab per angler. For sport crabbers the minimum size for Dungeness crab is 5 ¾ inches measured in a straight line across the back immediately in front of, but not including, the points. For a photograph and diagram see page 97 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.
The entire Oregon coast is open for the harvest of razor clams. The daily limit for razor clams is the first 15 taken regardless of size or condition. For more information on Oregon's razor clams, including tips on how to dig razor clams, visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/razorclams. Sport harvest of mussels and bay clams is open coastwide also. A shellfish license is required for taking all shellfish.
For information on domoic acid visit the Oregon Department of Agriculture website at http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/shellfish_status.shtml or call their shellfish hotline at 503-986-4728 or 1-800-448-2474.
VIEWING
Viewing Event: SeaFest 2007 will be held at Hatfield Marine Science Center on June 23 from10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Learn about marine research, meet the scientists and learn about our marine environment, from tidal flats to deep ocean volcanoes. For more information, visit hmsc.oregonstate.edu/.
Marine Zone viewing
Stop at Cannon Beach on your next trip to the coast and visit Haystack Rock to see a wealth of intertidal life. Plan to be there at low tide for the best experience as the marine garden exists in the zone between high and low tides. Weather and tide permitting Haystack Rock Awareness Program staffers can be found on the beach throughout the summer and on most low-tide mornings.
The program features:
- Bird stations with spotting scopes
- Display tanks and microscopes
- Interpretative signs and informative brochures
- Trained naturalists and interpreters
For more information, go to: http://www.ci.cannon-beach.or.us/%7ENatural/HRAP/hrap-summer.html
Cannon Beach tide tables can be found at: http://www.cannon-beach.net/cbweather.html
In June many seabirds that nest on the sea cliffs and rocks of the Oregon coast are raising their young. Gulls, cormorants, murres and oystercatchers can all be observed along rocky coastal areas. Occasionally, bald eagles may be seen attacking the nesting birds. Watch the sky for peregrine falcons.
Calmer oceans and clear weather also allows viewing of whales and other marine mammals. 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 will be 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.
Here are some other good viewing spots.
Bandon Area
Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge is located near Bandon. The refuge includes 1,800 rocks, reefs and islands and two headland areas and spans 320 miles of the Oregon coast. Coquille Point is a spectacular place to observe seabirds and harbor seals. It can be reached from US Highway 101 by turning west onto 11th Street in Bandon.
Cannon Beach
Haystack Rock, one of the largest seastacks on the Oregon coast, is a protected marine garden. View a variety of birds including tufted puffins, gulls and cormorants. During low tides in the summer volunteers are on hand to answer questions and point our wildlife. For not-so-common bird sightings, tufted puffins can be seen flying in and out of their nesting burrows at Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge and Haystack Rock near Cannon Beach, but folks have to be patient when watching these birds.
Oceanside/Tillamook Area
Three Arch Rocks Refuge
This Refuge lies a half mile offshore of Oceanside, west of Tillamook. One of the smallest designated Wilderness Areas in the country, the refuge consists of three large and six smaller rocks totaling 15 acres. A breeding population of Steller's sea lions is almost always visible at Three Arch Rocks.
The refuge also supports the largest breeding colony of common murre south of Alaska. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope. For more information, go to: http://www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/3archrocks/
Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge
Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge is located approximately ten miles west of the town of Tillamook. When approaching Tillamook on US Highway 101, follow signs for the Three Capes Scenic Route and the town of Oceanside then turn west to the parking lot for Cape Meares. For more information, go to: http://www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/capemeares/index.htm
Posted in Community on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 12:00 am Updated: 11:21 pm.
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