2007 Zone-by-Zone Oregon Spring fishing forecast

SALEM, Ore. - Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officials today announced the 2007 Spring Fishing Forecast, a statewide overview of conditions and fishing opportunities throughout Oregon.

Trout season opens April 28 in most parts of the state, kicking off the spring and summer angling seasons for thousands of Oregon families and fishing enthusiasts. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will stock millions of catchable trout this year in 300 lakes, reservoirs, and select streams giving anglers plenty of trout-fishing opportunities throughout the state.

Many waterbodies in the state have been stocked with fingerling trout that are now available for harvest. In some areas, these fingerling releases can reach up to 12 inches after one year's growth and up to 20 inches two years after stocking.

In addition, there are hundreds of opportunities to fish for warmwater game fish species. A new series of Warmwater Angling Pamphlets that will provide information on warmwater angling opportunities and fishing techniques throughout the state will be available at local ODFW offices in late April and on ODFW's website http://www.dfw.state.or.us/.

Additionally, ODFW recommends several resources for people new to or returning to fishing. They include:

* ODFW's Web site, www.dfw.state.or.us, contains information on warm water fishing, the weekly recreation report, the annual trout stocking schedule and the 2007 Spring Fishing Forecast

* ODFW publications, including "Easy Angling Oregon," and "Warmwater Fishing" provide information on more than two dozen statewide angling destinations that are easy to reach and do not require specialized equipment or boats.

* ODFW regional and district offices have personnel to answer questions for anglers planning ahead. ODFW reminds anglers that calling ahead is especially important when heading to high desert rivers or lakes. Low snow packs and water levels can lead to poor fishing conditions late in the year.

* Several excellent fishing guides on fishing in Oregon can be checked out from local libraries or purchased from bookstores.

ODFW also sponsors events for novice youths to learn to fish. Free Fishing Weekend occurs June 9-10, 2007. A license is not needed to fish in Oregon that weekend. More than 50 fishing clinics are planned at hatcheries, lakes and ponds in Oregon, including a clinic at Bonneville Hatchery in the Columbia River Gorge. ODFW coordinates the statewide Youth Angler Education Program to teach young people to learn how to fish and enjoy the outdoors. More information about Free Fishing Weekend and the Youth Angler Education Program can be obtained through ODFW's Information and Education Division at 503-947-6002 or by checking the ODFW Web site at www.dfw.state.or.us for more information.

Anglers are reminded to review the 2007 Sport Fishing Regulations and remember that using live fish for bait is illegal in Oregon "except live nongame fish may be used in the oceans, bays and tidewaters when taken from the waterbody in which they will be used".

The mission of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. The agency consists of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, a commission-appointed director and a statewide staff of approximately 950 permanent employees. Headquartered in Salem, ODFW has regional offices in Clackamas, Roseburg, Bend, and La Grande with ten district offices located throughout the state. For additional information, please visit www.dfw.state.or.us.

WILLAMETTE ZONE

FISHING

STOCKING SCHEDULE: South Willamette Watershed District: ODFW will stock Dorena Reservoir, EE Wilson Pond, Foster Reservoir, Freeway Lake East, Green Peter Reservoir, Junction City Pond, Timber Linn Lake, Walling Pond and Walter Wirth Lake with Rainbow Trout the week of April 9. Foster Reservoir will receive 4,000 trout, Dorena Reservoir will receive 6,300 trout and Green Peter Reservoir will receive an impressive 9,000 fish during this stock. ODFW will stock EE Wilson and Junction City Ponds will legal, larger and trophy trout. In the North Willamette watershed Haldeman Pond and Trojan Pond will be stocked the week of April 9.

FISHING EVENTS: In the South Willamette Watershed, ODFW region staff is hosting a youth angling event Saturday, April 14 at Cottage Grove Pond in Cottage Grove, OR from 9:30am to 1:00pm. ODFW Angler Education instructors will be on hand to assist young anglers. All the supplies will be provided including rods, reels and bait. ODFW will even clean your catch for you. ODFW will stock 480 legal size rainbow trout and 250 trout twelve inches or greater. To get to Cottage Grove Pond, take the Dorena Lake exit from I-5 (Exit 174) and head east on Row River Road approximately 1.5 miles. The pond is accessed from an asphalt pathway behind the weigh station on the north side of Row River Road. Children under 14 years old do not need a license.

Steelhead counts over Willamette Falls continued to be slow last week, bringing the total for winter steelhead to 4,362 through April 6th. The summer-run steelhead counted through April 6th total 400 that have also moved past the falls. Conditions in the mainstem Willamette have been good, and angling effort has switched over to targeting chinook as mid-April approaches. So far this season 60 spring chinook have passed the fish ladder. Winter fish are present through the Santiam system and a few summers have made their way up to Foster on the South Santiam. River levels have been higher than desirable for drifting and probably will continue to be so if air temperatures remain warm and snow comes off too fast. Catch in the Santiam Rivers has been sporadic, with better success in the lower and middle reaches.

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

CLACKAMAS RIVER: Steelhead angling has been fair depending on the given day or the section of river you choose. Chinook fishing has continued to be slow, due likely to the 46° water temperature and the fact that it's still a little early for springers in the Clackamas in good numbers. The river has risen in the past week due to some recent heavy showers. Monday's flows were at 3,940 cfs (13.19') and the color was still good. There were a number of hatchery fish in last weeks catch with an occasional wild steelhead mixed in. A few spring chinook have been caught between the mouth and Barton while some bright summer steelhead are now showing up in the reports.

Bank anglers can find access to the river in the Gladstone/Cross Park area, at Carver near the mouth of Clear Creek, along Clackamas River Rd, at Barton Park, at Bonnie Lure Park, at McIver Park near Dog Creek, and from the McIver Park boat ramp on up to River Mill Dam.

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

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

DETROIT AND GREEN PETER RESERVOIRS: have been stocked already this season by ODFW and are producing some good catches of rainbow trout. Foster Reservoir will be stocked week of April 9 with 4,000 trout.

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

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

The most popular spots to try include the Bonnie Lure area, the water above and below the lower fish ladder, Eagle Fern Park, and up near the hatchery. Much of the creek meanders through private property so pay attention to your location and secure permission before fishing from private property.

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

ROARING RIVER PARK POND will receive rainbow trout the week of April 2. A few sunny days will warm these ponds enough that the bass, sunfish, and catfish will begin to bite as well.

SANDY RIVER: A few winter fish were picked up last weekend and the occasional summer is now being reported. Overall steelhead fishing has been slow in the lower Sandy. There continue to be fair numbers of wild winter steelhead just below Marmot Dam. Very few spring chinook have been reported so far this year. The conditions on Monday showed flows at 2,700 cfs (9.99').

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

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

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

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

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

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

WILLAMETTE RIVER: Spring chinook fishing is fair overall but slowly improving. The water conditions are ideal for early April. Monday's flows on the Willamette showed 19,300 cfs, a temperature of 53°, and the visibility at 4.3 feet.

Winter steelhead anglers are still picking up a few fish but the catch rate has slowed in recent days as effort switches to chinook. Anglers can expect the Meldrum Bar and Dahl Park areas to provide the greatest opportunity. Steelhead will usually hug the bank in this area, many trying to get into the Clackamas River water as it flows into the eastern side of the Willamette. Most of these fish are destined for the Clackamas River and Eagle Creek.

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

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

There continue to be reports of keeper and sublegal sturgeon in the Willamette catch. The downtown Portland harbor has been producing a few keeper sturgeon. Boat anglers might also try the Oregon City/Gladstone area. Bank fishing for sturgeon can be found at Meldrum Bar and at the wall in downtown Oregon City. Sturgeon anglers have used fresh smelt or herring as effective bait.

HUNTING

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

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

VIEWING

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

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

SAUVIE ISLAND WILDLIFE AREA (Portland): Sauvie Island Wildlife Area is scheduled to open Monday April 16for another great season of hiking, birding, fishing, kayaking, picnicking, trap shooting and dog training (permit is required for dog training, call 503-621-3488 to acquire this free permit). Haldeman Pond also opens Monday, April 16 and will be stocked by ODFW with legal size rainbow trout. This is a great place to take kids fishing with plenty of excitement and after fishing, the hike around Oak Island Trail provides great wildlife viewing opportunities. Fishing at Willow Bar is currently open and has picked up.

The eagles are busy on their nests but no eaglets have been spotted yet. The osprey are busy building their massive nests too. Although most of the migratory birds have moved on there are plenty of resident birds to watch. These can be viewed from Rentenaar road, the Eastside Viewing Platform or Coon Point. A parking permit is required for the Wildlife Area and can be purchased at several POS vendors. A daily permit is $3.50 and an annual permit is only $11.00.

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

E.E. WILSON WILDLIFE AREA (Monmouth): There are large numbers of migratory birds returning. April and May are the best viewing times for birders as there are both migratory and nesting birds in the wildlife area at the same time in breeding plumage. E.E. Wilson provides a photography blind for waterfowl from April 1 through May 15 by reservation only. There are two sessions available per day, one in the morning and one in the evening. Reservations can be made by calling the office at (541) 745-5334.

NORTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

ODFW Reminds Steelhead Anglers: Many Coastal Rivers closed to steelhead fishing starting April 1. Be sure to consult the regulations prior to fishing a specific water body.

NORTH COAST LAKES: ODFW will stock the following lakes with catchable rainbow trout during the week of April 16: Battle Lake, Spring Lake, Lost Lake, and Vernonia Pond. Anglers should use caution when heading to Lost Lake (Clatsop County) as active logging and travel restrictions are in effect. Call the Tillamook office at 503-842-2741 for more information.

MID COAST LAKES: Week of April 9. ODFW will stock the following water bodies with catchable rainbow trout. In Lincoln City: Devils Lake. In the Florence area: Carter Lake, Cleawox Lake, Woahink Lake.

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

NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: Angling for winter steelhead has been fair, with some good catches reported. The winter fishery is beginning to wind down for the year, but a few hatchery and wild winter steelhead are still available. Some early hatchery summer steelhead are showing in the catch also. Fish are distributed throughout the river system. An early spring chinook has been reported, but expect fishing to be slow during April. Before fishing, check river levels at http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfopqr

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

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

SIUSLAW RIVER: Closed to fishing above tide water April 1st through May 25th except for the area from Whittaker Creek boat launch to 200 yards below Wildcat Creek boat launch which is open through April 15th for hatchery steelhead. Hatchery steelhead returns are slowing at basin traps with an increase in wild steelhead. The fishery is anticipated to remain fair through April 15th. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?MPLO3

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

WILSON AND TRASK RIVERS: Winter steelhead are available throughout the Wilson and Trask rivers. Angling has generally been fair to good, but is tapering off as the end of the run nears. The catch has been a mix of hatchery and wild fish, with most hatchery fish caught in the Wilson River. Spring chinook angling is generally very slow during April. Check river levels at http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfopqr prior to fishing.

HUNTING

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

SPRING BEAR season opened April 1 in the Wilson and Trask WMUs. Bears will be active in early April, and will be busy feeding on a variety of food sources, such as skunk cabbage, insects and the cambium (under the bark) layers of younger conifer trees. As with cougar, once bears have been known to occur in certain areas, a predator call is the best bet for getting the animals within range. As the spring progresses, bears will be found occasionally in natural and created forest openings, especially in the early morning and late evening hours. Visit

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

VIEWING

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

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

In recent weeks, small numbers of dead seabirds have washed up on northern Oregon coast beaches. Most of the dead birds have been AUKLETS and PUFFINS. While the numbers are not particularly alarming, the public should be aware of the issue and report substantial die-offs to either the USFWS office in Newport or the ODFW offices in Newport or Tillamook.

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

GRAY WHALES will be migrating past the northern Oregon coastline in March and April, on their way to the northern Pacific and Bering Sea where they will feed on rich ocean life during the summer and fall months. Along with the adults should be young calves that were recently born in southern waters off of the coast of Baja California. Bring your binoculars for the best viewing.

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

SOUTHWEST ZONE

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

FISHING

APPLEGATE RIVER: Closed to all angling until May 26.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: Legal-sized rainbow trout will be stocked again this week and land-locked chinook salmon are available. Angling for bass and panfish should improve as the water warms and the fish move into the shallows. The Copper and Hart-Tish boat ramps are open, Updated boat access information is available by calling the Applegate Ranger District at 541-899-3800.

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

COOS COUNTY LAKES: Trout fishing is good in local lakes. Bluebill and Saunders were scheduled for stocking the week of April 9. Many other lakes will be stocked again the week of April 16. The Millicoma Interpretive Center youth fishing pond has also been stocked again and kids have done well there. Fishing equipment is available for kids to use at the Millicoma Pond. Large "trophy" trout have been stocked in Bradley Lake, Empire Lakes, and Johnson Mill Pond. Warmwater fishing is also improving with some large bass showing up.

COOS RIVER BASIN: No steelhead reports have come in recently. Effort has dropped off, allowing any remaining anglers to fish in less crowded conditions. Anglers are likely to encounter kelts heading back to sea. The West Fork Millicoma has good public access on the Elliott State Forest where many steelhead are caught. The Nesika Park area on the East Fork also has good public access. Access to the South Fork above Dellwood requires a permit from Weyerhaeuser Co., available at Airport Heights and TNT Markets. Weyerhaeuser is no longer issuing these permits at their Dellwood office. The stretch of river above Dellwood has good bank access and and an acclimation site near mile 5 where many fish are caught.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: The forks of the Coquille close to steelhead angling on April 30. Steelhead are still available in the Coquille River but fishing has slowed as we hit the end of the run and anglers may encounter runbacks this time of year. The South Fork is still producing some fish for the few people fishing it. The South and North Fork Coquille provide good opportunities for anglers to catch steelhead. Laverne Park on the North Fork provides good bank access for anglers.

EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: ODFW will stock Emigrant Reservoir with legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Bass and panfish should become more active as the weather improves. The reservoir nearly full and is turbid. Trout anglers will likely want to fish in and around the county park and boat ramps using floating bait or worms with a weight about two feet above the hook. As the water clears in the spring, trollers fishing flies, lures or a flasher and worm combination can have good success.

EXPO POND: The pond is stocked with good numbers of rainbow trout, and some adult summer steelhead are still available, along with bass and panfish. Nightcrawlers are probably the bait of choice. Fish bait either from a bobber or on the bottom with weight. Floating bait fished from the bottom is another good technique.

FISH LAKE: Rainbow and brook trout are available. Bait fishing with worms and floating bait is effective. Trollers can do very well at Fish Lake in the spring, fishing flies, lures and small spoons or spinners. The lake is ice free, and the Forest Service and Fish Lake Resort boat ramps are open. Information on Forest Service campgrounds and boat ramp accessibility is available by calling the Butte Falls Ranger District office at 541-865-2700. The Fish Lake Resort can be reached at 541-949-8500.

ILLINOIS RIVER: Closed to all angling until May 26.

LAKE SELMAC: Lake Selmac will be stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout again this week. All lake-fishing techniques can be effective. Trout anglers use floating bait or worms with a weight about 2 feet above the hook. Casting and retrieving lures or flies can be effective, along with trolling lures or flies from a boat. Largemouth bass and panfish are becoming more active as the water warms.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: Another 20,000 legal-sized rainbow trout will be stocked this week. Bank anglers primarily fish either floating bait or worms. Boat anglers use a wide variety of techniques. Trollers often fish wedding ring and nightcrawler combinations behind a weight, while fly anglers can have success both trolling and casting. Angling for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish should improve as the weather warms and the fish move into the shallows.

PACIFIC OCEAN & BEACHES: Bottom fishing in the ocean has been good when boats can get out. Bay angling has been fair. Ocean salmon opened March 15 for all salmon except coho from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain. The first Chinook has been brought into Charleston. Few anglers have targeted ocean salmon with bottom fishing being so good recently. Surfperch fishing should be good now for anglers casting shrimp or other baits from the beach. Good spots for surfperch are around Horsfall Beach and Bullards Beach. Look for steep beaches or small streams entering the ocean.

REINHART PARK POND: Reinhart Park Pond is stocked with rainbow trout and fishing should be good. Adult summer steelhead, bass, and panfish are also available. Anglers using nightcrawlers have had some success. Other techniques include casting small spinners or spoons. Fly anglers may want to try casting leech or wooly bugger-type streamers.

ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: Spring Chinook fishing is slow. Boat anglers fishing the incoming tide near Elephant Rock have reported some success with about a fish for every 5 boats. Anglers should keep an eye on flows and water temperatures as a successful spring chinook outing depends greatly on river conditions. Spring chinook tend to bite best with water temperatures between 52 and 56 F.

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: Winter steelhead are still being caught in good numbers. Flows are averaging 2,680 cubic feet per second at Grants Pass as of Monday morning. Drifting with roe and puff balls or yarn, and backtrolling plugs have been productive techniques for steelhead. Bank access for steelhead can be found at Chinook Park, Matson Park, Griffin Park and Robertson Bridge. Additional access is available below Hellgate Canyon. Gold Hill to Rogue River and Robertson Bride to Hog Creek are popular drifts for boat anglers. Anglers are reminded that the river is closed to all trout angling until May 26.

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: Good numbers of winter steelhead are available in the upper Rogue River. A total of 10,917 winter steelhead and 4 spring chinook salmon have been counted at Gold Ray Dam as of April 6. Angling with bait, lures, and flies have all produced good catches. Outflows from Lost Creek Reservoir are averaging 1,415 cubic feet per second as of Monday morning, and the outflow temperature of the reservoir is 45F.

Bank anglers can enjoy good success between the hatchery and the Highway 62 Bridge, and at public access points such as Casey State Park, Rogue Elk Park, and Touvelle State Park.

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

SMITH RIVER: A total of 460 winter steelhead have been floy tagged and passed through Smith River Falls. Only about 20% of the winter steelhead in Smith River use the ladder, the remainder jump the falls. The steelhead run is winding down on the Smith although there still should be fresh fish to catch. Wild steelhead must be released unharmed from the Smith River. Hatchery clipped steelhead only may be retained.

SOUTH COAST LAKES AND PONDS Garrison, Floras, Libby, and Laird Lakes have been recently stocked and are producing limits of trout. Garrison and Floras Lakes are best fished out of a boat.

Anglers are reminded to pick up all garbage after fishing.

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

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

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

UMPQUA ESTUARY: Crabbing has been slow even with the dropping river flows. Sturgeon fishing has been spotty, but will continue to improve as shad and salmon smolts move into the estuary. Striper and pink fin perch fishing should really turn on in the next month. Stripers are moving higher in the estuary (Smith and Umpqua) to feed on salmon smolts.

UMPQUA RIVER MAINSTEM: The majority of anglers have switched to spring chinook fishing. Spring chinook fishing has been slow, our creel checker saw two spring chinook and one nice steelhead harvested over the weekend in the Scottsburg area. We are not seeing many people fishing for chinook above Elkton at this time. The few people who are still steelhead fishing are doing well and catching bright fresh fish. There are a lot of kelts in the river right now making it hard to get to the fresh fish. Water flows have dropped enough for drift boats to begin fishing again. The number of bank anglers has dropped but there are good opportunities to catch steelhead from the bank. Shad should be starting to enter the Umpqua and will provide good opportunities for bank fishermen. Fishing for shad should start in April and will last into August. Anglers may now retain one wild winter steelhead per day and five for the year.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: Winter steelhead are still crossing Winchester Dam in good numbers. We are still seeing some very bright steelhead in the counts which could be very early summers. Chinook fishing at Amacher Park is very slow and at this time there is very little pressure. Last week there was also very little drift boat pressure from Colliding River boat ramp to Whistlers Bend. Bank fishermen are still catching a few late winter steelhead between Idleyld Park and Rock Creek, but the majority of fishermen seem to be waiting for the first spring chinook. 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 8,913 winter steelhead and 10 spring chinook have passed over the dam through April 5th.

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

WILLOW LAKE: Willow Lake will be stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout again this week and fishing should be good. Angling for bass and other warmwater fish should improve as the water warms and the fish move into the shallows. The store and main campground are now open.

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

SHELLFISH

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

Crabbing is good in the ocean but slow in the bays now. The COOS BAY shoals (20-30 feet deep) along the inside of the North Spit from Empire to Charleston is a good area for crabbing. Public crabbing docks can be found in Winchester Bay,

Bandon, Charleston, and Empire.

HUNTING

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

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

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

COOS COUNTY

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

CURRY, JACKSON AND JOSEPHINE COUNTIES

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

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

BEAR: Spring bear season will be above average this year with population showing signs of increasing. Bears will be found on open hill sides taken advantage of new green grasses. Spend time glassing these areas before season starts for better success. There are plenty of public lands available for hunting. Areas where fires have gone through in the past several years provide great grass green up.

TURKEY: Sunday April 15 is General Spring Turkey Season opener. Spring turkey season will be average this year. Turkey numbers remain high. Pre-season scouting with the use of locator calls will help in locating flocks and roosting areas. Remember that April 7 and 8 is set aside as Spring Youth Turkey Hunt, consult regulations for eligibility and bag limit.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

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

VIEWING

COOS COUNTY

Viewing

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

Most bull elk have shed their antlers now. However, elk can still be seen lounging and feeding on south slopes in forest openings. Using binoculars and spotting scopes, viewers may be able to tell bulls from cows by looking for the pedicels on the heads of bulls where the old antlers were attached and new ones will grow. Viewing opportunities are good at Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area located east of Reedsport on Hwy. 38.

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

Waterfowl are numerous in many water bodies now. Many of these birds are in their colorful breeding plumage. Places to look would be in the calmer waters of Coos Bay and other bays, Bandon Wildlife Refuge, Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area and flooded farm fields in the Coquille River Valley.

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

Early spring migrating birds such as TURKEY VULTURES can be seen in the county now. Aleutian Canada geese are showing up on the south coast on their northward migration. These birds feed in pastures near Langlois during the day and roost on off-shore rocks near Bandon at night. There will be as many as 100,000 birds in the vicinity during their peak and they will leave for the Aleutian islands to nest in May.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

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

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

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

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

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

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

ROGUE WATERSHED

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

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

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

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

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

CENTRAL ZONE

FISHING

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

ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: Recent warm weather has likely opened access to the reservoir. Angling for 14-18 inch carryover rainbow trout should be fair to good. Check with Ochoco National Forest 541-416-6500 for current conditions.

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

CRESCENT LAKE: Anglers targeting kokanee had mixed success over the weekend. . Successful anglers were more than happy with the size and condition of the kokanee with a few fish coming in at 14 to 16 inches in length. Lake trout anglers also reportedly had good success with at least two lake trout over 30 inches in length showing up in the creel. March and April are typically good months to target brown trout, lake trout and kokanee. Trolling shoreline areas in 15 feet of water with a variety of lures has been a successful technique for browns over the few weeks.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: Stream flows are approximately 250 CFS and should remain fairly stable through the spring and summer. Angling conditions are favorable, however, reports suggest the trout population continues to be down. Opportunities for whitefish are excellent.

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

DAVIS LAKE: There are no reports on angler success for Davis from the past week.

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

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

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

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

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-18 inch rainbow and brown trout are fair to good. There are also a limited number of brood rainbow trout available.

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

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

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

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

PINE HOLLOW: ODFW will stock in mid-March.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-16 inch rainbow trout are fair to good. Bullhead angling in the upper end of the reservoir should be excellent. The northside access road is scheduled to open April 15.

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

SUTTLE LAKE. No Suttle Lake angler reports from last week. The kokanee fishery normally picks up in April.

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

HUNTING

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

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

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

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR WMA: The north side access road will open April 13. This is an unimproved dirt road not suitable for travel by low clearance vehicles or with travel trailers.

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

GROUND SQUIRRELS: Squirrels have emerged and are active in agricultural fields and pastures. Best opportunities are on private lands where permission from landowners is a must before hunting.

VIEWING

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

LOWER DESCHUTES WILDLIFE AREA: Visitors to this area can see California bighorn sheep on a regular basis upstream of Harris Canyon (RM 12). Access will be by boat or bicycle.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Contact Klamath Watershed Office (541) 883-5732 or the Hines Office (541) 573-6553 for more information on fishing opportunities. ODFW will begin stocking trout in this region the week of April 9.

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

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

BEULAH RESERVOIR: The reservoir was 82 percent full on April 8, and inflow was 144 cfs. Fishing is slow.

BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: The reservoir has dried completely in recent years, angling for last years rainbow trout is good. The reservoir is at half-full and declining. BLITZEN RIVER: River conditions vary as snow is beginning to come off the mountain. Flow fluctuated between approximately 108 and 185 cfs from March 19 to March 26.

BLITZEN RIVER: Fair angling for redband trout. Flow fluctuated between approximately 95 and 178 cfs from April 2 through April 9.

BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir was 88 percent full on April 8. Angling for warmwater fish is slow.

BURNS POND: Fair angling for 12 to 16 inch rainbow trout.

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

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

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: Angling is fair. The best method for fishing Cottonwood Reservoir is angling from the dam or trolling minnow imitations from a boat. Cottonwood Reservoir is not stocked and the fish you catch are native redband trout produced in Cottonwood Creek.

DEEP CREEK: Angling is fair for redband trout.

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

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

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

FOURMILE LAKE: Access is blocked by snow.

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

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

HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: The abundance of trout has been reduced by the illegal introduction of tui chub, larger trout are still available. Holbrook is still very difficult to access.

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

JUNIPER LAKE: No angling report.

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

KLAMATH RIVER: Angling is fair. River flows are currently 1450 cfs below Keno Dam which make catching rainbow-redband trout more effective. Expect to see hatches of caddisflies and mayflies in the afternoon or try imitations that mimic minnows. Most rainbow-redband are still spawning so numbers of fish in the reach below Keno Dam is low. The angling below JC Boyle Powerhouse is slow due to flow fluctuations. Flows below the Powerhouse will be 1800 cfs during most of the daylight hours which creates difficult angling conditions. The river section from JC Boyle Dam to JC Boyle Powerhouse is fair for rainbow-redband trout 8-12 inches. Small rooster tails and flies are the most effective method for catching rainbow-redband trout in this section. Anglers can call 1-800-547-1501 for river flow information or visit the following website http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/current?typeflow.

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

LAKE OF THE WOODS: The Lake is frozen although the warm weather has made the ice soft and the shoreline is ice free but only about to a foot of water depth. Angling is not recommended at this time. Angling for brown trout is typically good after ice out which is expected in the next few weeks. Contact Lake of the Woods Lodge at (1-866-201-4194) for recent angling update or visit their website at www.lakeofthewoodsresort.com

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

LITTLE HEART LAKE: Access is blocked by snow.

LOFTON RESERVOIR: The road is open to Lofton is passable; but difficult. Expect angling to be slow due to the illegal introduction of tui chub. Larger fish are still available in the lake.

LONG CREEK RESERVOIR: Ice should be unstable.

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

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

MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork Malheur River): Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir was approximately 216 cfs April 8. No angling report.

MALHEUR RIVER (from the South Fork Malheur River near Riverside, downstream to Gold Creek): Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir was approximately 216 cfs, and discharge from Beulah Reservoir was approximately 144cfs April 8. Angling is slow.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: Water level is about 6 feet below full pool. Water temperatures are warming 43?F. Trout angling is fair to good.

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

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

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

MILLER LAKE: Access is blocked by snow.

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

MURRAY RESERVOIR: Be cautious as ice may be getting thin.

NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: Still no ice report on all of the ponds, but most should be ice-free. Access may still be limited by soft roads into some ponds. No angling report from any of the ponds.

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

OWYHEE RESERVOIR: The reservoir was 81 percent full April 8. All boat ramps are in the water. Warmwater angling is slow.

OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): Flows below the dam averaged about 249 cfs on April 8. Angling for rainbow trout and brown trout is fair.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): Discharge at the Rome gauge averaged approximately 503 cfs on April 8. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish is slow.

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

PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: Fishing has been fair-good for trout and perch. Trout are running 12-14 inches. Perch are 10-11 inches. Ice is off the lake. Water is rising and is at 62 percent.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: Ice is melted on the edges. Fishing is Fair-slow. Water level is at 42 percent.

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir is approximately 10 to 15 feet down from full. Angling is fair.

POWDER RIVER: Open for catch and release upstream of Hughes Lane Bridge to Mason Dam. Artificial lures and flies only.

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

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

SNAKE RIVER: Flow was 7,580 cfs near Nyssa and approximately 12,659 cfs near Weiser on April 8. Angling for catfish and smallmouth bass is slow.

SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: Still no ice report on all of the ponds, but most should be ice-free. Access may still be limited by soft roads into some ponds. No angling report from any of the ponds.

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

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

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

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: Reports of trout fishing picking up. Reservoir is full.

UNITY RESERVOIR: Water level is at 93 percent. Ice should be off the lake.

WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: The reservoir was 68 percent full April 8. Inflows at the Drewsey gauge averaged 214 on April 8. Angling is slow.

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

WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: Angling for largemouth bass has been fair. Angling for largemouth bass has improved with the warming weather. Angling for largemouth bass should be very good in coming months. Crappie angling has been slow. Look for crappie and bass around the many wood and habitat structures in the reservoir. Yellow perch are very abundant but are typically small (6 inches). Lahontan cutthroat are available but rare in the catch. The most effective way to fish Willow Valley is from boat but largemouth bass can be captured at the boat ramp and all along the dam.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: Ice is off the lake. Water level is at 34 percent and rising.

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

HUNTING

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

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

VIEWING

Late winter and early spring is one of the best wildlife viewing time periods in the Klamath Basin, which is a major staging area for migratory birds starting their northward migration to primary nesting areas.

NEAR BURNS: The Harney Basin, located near the town of Burns, provides good viewing opportunities during March and April for a variety of migrating birds. Thousands of migrating snow, Ross's, white-fronted and Canada geese as well as ducks, sandhill cranes and tundra swans use the basin during their annual migration north to their breeding grounds. Another attraction is viewing strutting sage grouse which do their annual mating display from mid-March through April. Sage grouse viewing is best during the first hour of daylight on days when the weather is good.

The 26th Annual John Scharff Migratory Bird Festival and Art Show will be held in Burns from April 13-15, 2007. The Festival includes events such as birding, cultural and historical tours, workshops and an art show. For more information on the Festival you can contact the Harney County Chamber of Commerce at 541 573-2636 or you can visit their web site at www.migratorybirdfestival.com.

The KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA and LOWER KLAMATH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE are excellent locations to view thousands of ducks, geese, and swans. Snow, ross's, and white-fronted geese have just returned from the central valley of California. These geese will spend the next two months here in the Basin before continuing north to Alaska and Canada where they nest. These geese can be found foraging in agricultural fields near Midland. Numerous tundra swans (5000-10000)can be observed at Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge and private lands to the north of the refuge.

Upper Klamath Lake is another location to view diving ducks including bufflehead, goldeneye, scaup, ruddy duck, redhead and canvasback. Bald eagles can be found anywhere there are concentrations of waterfowl, their primary food source this time of year.

SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA

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

Waterfowl species remain very apparent and are widely scattered across the Area. Ducks are in their brilliant nuptial plumage now, and courtship activities are intensifying. A weekly waterbird count conducted on April 4, 2007 found about 8,200 ducks and 4,700 geese on the Area at this time. Arctic nesting greater white-fronted and snow geese continue to stage in good numbers, but most will be moving on north in the next couple of weeks. Greater white-fronted geese are widely scattered throughout the Wildlife Area, while snow geese have been actively feeding and roosting throughout the day in shallow emergent marsh found on the north and west sides of the Area.

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

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

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

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

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

Prairie falcons, bald and golden eagles are frequently seen during this time of the year, and peregrine falcons should arrive soon.

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

Passerine species (primarily sparrows) remain fairly common around the Headquarters Complex, Summer Lake Rest Area, homestead sites and shelterbreak plantings at the north end of the Area where they are attracted to tree and shrub cover found at those locations. Tree swallows are increasing in number, and arrival of other species continues with spring appearance of bank and cliff swallows, brown-headed cowbird and fox sparrow over the past week.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Camping is permitted at four sites on the wildlife area.

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

NORTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

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

IMNAHA RIVER: River flow has increased recently and will likely reduce angler success. Results of the most recent creel survey indicated catch rates of 5.8 hours per fish. Steelhead angling success is generally best between 200 and 600 cfs. You can check Imnaha River flows online at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/uv?site_no13292000. Steelhead season on the Imnaha River ends on April 15.

JOHN DAY RIVER: Steelhead angling in the lower reaches of the river has tapered off as fish have moved upstream. Success in the Mainstem John Day River above Service Creek and in the North and Middle forks up to the Highway 395 deadlines has been good, with excellent river conditions. All angling will be closed from April 15 through May 25 upstream from Kimberly, but remains open below Kimberly year long. Smallmouth bass angling is just starting, with cool water temperatures making them pretty lethargic. Streamflow at the time this report was filed measured 3,290 cfs at Service Creek which is good level for angling. Stream flow levels are available from the Service Creek gauging station at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/uv?14046500.

LADD POND (Peach Road): Pond is open for fishing. Surplus steelhead were stocked in Ladd Pond. These fish are considered trout, and only one can be taken per day if over 20 inches.

LOWER GRANDE RONDE RIVER: Steelhead angling success has been poor because of high flow. Angling success should improve somewhat if flow recedes, but many fish bound for Wallowa system hatcheries are already upstream. Flows between 800 and 2000 cfs generally offer best fishing conditions. Steelhead season on the Grande Ronde River ends on April 15. Check the flow at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/uv/?site_no13333000&PARAmeter_cd00065,00060.

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

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

MCNARY AND HAT ROCK PONDS: Both ponds are scheduled to be stocked this week. Fishing is expected to be good. A youth fishing event will be held at Hat Rock Pond on Saturday, April 14th. Contact the Pendleton District Office for more information.

MCKAY RESERVOIR: The water level is now at 85% of capacity. Best opportunities are for trout and yellow perch. Anglers have had good success catching 14-16 inch rainbows. Trolling throughout the reservoir has been effective as well as fishing bait or lures at the inlet. Anglers fishing at the inlet need to make sure they are fishing in the reservoir and not in McKay Creek as the creek between the reservoir and Shaw Road does not open until April 28th.

ROULET POND: Pond is open for fishing. Approximately 35 surplus steelhead were stocked in March. These fish are considered trout, and only one can be taken per day if over 20 inches.

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

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

UMATILLA RIVER: Fishing for steelhead has been good with a catch rate of 8 hours per fish over the past week. The best area is from Barnhart to Pendleton. River conditions are good with the flow between 700 and 1000 cfs. No fish are being hauled upstream. For up-to-date flow information, visit the following website: www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/umatilla/index.html. Steelhead season will close on April 15th and spring Chinook season will open on April 16th. The pre-season estimate for the spring Chinook run is 2,500 fish. At this run size managers will likely need to implement an early closure to stay within harvest guidelines. No Chinook have returned to the Umatilla to date, and counts so far at Bonneville Dam indicate a late run as has been the case the past two years. Fishable numbers of Chinook will likely not appear in the Umatilla until May.

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

WALLA WALLA RIVER: Water conditions are good. Anglers should find fair numbers of steelhead in the river through the end of the season, April 15th.

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

WESTON POND: This pond is scheduled to be stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Fishing should be good.

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

HUNTING

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

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

GRANT DISTRICT

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

BAKER DISTRICT

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

TURKEYS: Time to start scouting for spring turkey season which starts April 15. Look for turkeys in lower elevation forest of the Keating and Pine Creek Units.

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

COYOTES: Coyote numbers remain relatively high and calling and trapping should be good. Be sure to ask permission to hunt or trap on private properties.

UMATILLA/PENDLETON DISTRICT

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

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

WALLOWA DISTRICT

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

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

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

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

UNION DISTRICT

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

GROUND SQUIRRELSn As the weather warms in the next several months, ground squirrels will begin to become available. Scout agricultural grounds on the east side of the Grande Ronde Valley and southern Union County. Always ask for permission before hunting private lands. Many landowners are receptive to allowing youth ground squirrel hunters.

TURKEYn Spring turkey season opens April 15. The mild winter has resulted in excellent turkey survival. Some birds have already started moving upslope but the main movement will occur mid-March. Pre-season scouting towards the end of March is best. Most of the turkeys are located in the northern end of the county. The youth statewide turkey hunt takes place April 7-8. Elkhorn Wildlife Area is closed to all entry December 1-April 10.

BEARn Spring bear season opens April 15. Look for bears in mid to low elevations within the Starkey Unit. Elkhorn Wildlife Area is closed to all entry December 1-April 10. Successful hunters are requested to send in a premolar tooth for black bear population monitoring.

VIEWING

Bald eagles can be seen along the South Columbia River basin wildlife management areas.

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

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

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

ELKHORN WILDLIFE AREAS: Reopen to public access. Many migratory song birds are returning to the area. With warmer temperatures elk are leaving the feed site areas.

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

FISHING

BROWNLEE RESERVOIR: Crappie fishing has picked up but the bite is soft, as the fish are deep. As the water warms, crappie should move near shore. Perch and bluegill are being caught by boat and from shore. Use worms, jigs with crappie nibbles or cutbait. A few catfish and bass are being picked up as well. The reservoir is fairly stable right now and is at 21 feet below normal. Call Idaho Power Company's recording at 1-800-422-3143 to get information on access at recreational sites or visit www.idahopower.com under the "Rivers and Recreation" heading. For reservoir level information, visit http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/perl/dataquery.pl?kbrownlee

OXBOW RESERVOIR: Fishing is slow.

HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: Fishing is slow.

SNAKE RIVER (Below Hells Canyon Dam): Steelhead fishing should be slow.

COLUMBIA RIVER ZONE

Salmon, Steelhead, Shad:

In the lower Columbia River salmonid catch rates continue to improve. In the Estuary boat anglers averaged 0.60 spring Chinook caught per boat, while boat anglers in the Portland to Clatskanie area averaged 0.41 spring Chinook caught per boat. Bank anglers in the Estuary averaged 0.08 spring Chinook caught per bank rod, while bank anglers in the Portland to Clatskanie area averaged 0.07 spring Chinook caught per bank rod.

Portland to Clatskanie Boats: Weekend checking showed 57 adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook and three adipose fin-clipped winter steelhead kept, plus 22 unclipped spring Chinook released for 191 boats (complete trips).

Rainier to Clatskanie Bank: Weekend checking showed 11 adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook and seven adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus four unclipped spring chinook and one unclipped steelhead released for 224 bank anglers (incomplete trips).

Estuary Boats: Weekend checking showed 25 adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook adults and one adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook jack kept, plus three unclipped spring Chinook released for 48 boats (complete trips).

Estuary Bank: Weekend checking showed two adipose fin-clipped winter steelhead kept, plus one unclipped spring Chinook and one unclipped winter steelhead released for 12 bank anglers (complete trips).

Bonneville Pool: No report.

John Day Pool: Weekly checking showed three adipose fin-clipped winter steelhead kept, plus five unclipped winter steelhead released for 14 bank rods.

Sturgeon

Sturgeon catch rates in the lower Columbia River are slowly improving with the increase in water temperature.

Gorge Bank: Weekend checking showed no catch reported for 21 bank anglers.

Gorge Boats: Weekend checking showed two legal white sturgeon kept, plus seven legal and 20 sublegal sturgeon released for eight boats (complete trips).

Troutdale Boats: No report.

Portland to Longview Boats: Weekend checking showed 10 legal white sturgeon kept, plus 105 sublegal sturgeon released for 20 boats (complete trips).

Portland to Clatskanie Bank: No report.

Estuary Bank: No report.

Estuary Boats: No report.

Bonneville Pool: Weekly checking showed one oversize and five sublegal sturgeon released for 52 bank rods; and one oversize and 13 sublegal white sturgeon released for 11 boats.

John Day Pool: No report.

Walleye

Bonneville Pool: Weekly checking showed five walleye kept for nine boats.

John Day Pool: Weekly checking showed 28 walleye kept plus two walleye released for 27 boats.

MARINE ZONE

FISHING

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

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

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

Crabbing in bays and estuaries is poor to fair. Some crabbers have had luck setting their gear higher in the estuary than normal. For sport crabbers the minimum size for Dungeness crab is 5¾ inches measured in a straight line across the back immediately in front of, but not including, the points. For a photograph and diagram see page 93 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

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

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

The Pacific halibut fishery is closed until May.

VIEWING

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

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

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