Tuesday, April 18, 2006

 Umatilla River open for spring chinook fishing

PENDLETON - Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reminds anglers that the Umatilla River opened April 16 for spring chinook angling.

Harvest management guidelines for the Umatilla River are based on actual returns of adults to Three Mile Dam. The estimated return of spring chinook to the river this year is much lower than in recent years, according to ODFW District Fish Biologist Tim Bailey. ODFW fishery managers anticipate an early closure of the season in order to stay within harvest management guidelines. However, managers will closely monitor fish returns and harvest to maximize angling opportunities and ensure that season changes are made at the appropriate time.

Anglers also should be aware of fishing regulation changes for 2006. Only adipose fin-clipped chinook may be kept. The bag limit is now two adult and five jack spring chinook per day and 10 adults per year.

"This regulation change will allow naturally produced fish to return to the upper Umatilla River to spawn," Bailey said. "Over 90 percent of the spring chinook return is expected to be adipose fin-clipped fish."

Anglers are encouraged to check the agency website and local media to keep updated on the status of the fishery. Rules and regulations for this fishery and for statewide angling are listed in ODFW's Oregon Sport Fishing 2006 Regulations.

For more information visit ODFW's Web site at, www.dfw.state.or.us or contact Bailey at ODFW's Pendleton office at 541-276-2344.

Fisheries in the Umatilla River are co-managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

NORTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

Most Mid-Coast Rivers are closed to steelhead fishing. Some of the large river basins have specific areas open in April. Anglers are encouraged to consult the regulations prior to fishing for steelhead.

ALSEA RIVER: Winter steelhead angling is slow to fair. The mainstem Alsea River and North Fork are open to steelhead fishing through April 30. The South Fork Alsea River is closed for steelhead fishing. Anglers are reminded that only adipose fin-clipped steelhead may be harvested. The river conditions for fishing should remain favorable through the week. During high flows, anglers should concentrate on upper river and headwater areas first as river conditions improve more rapidly. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?TIDO3.

MID COAST LAKES: The week of April 17th the following water bodies will be stocked with legal sized rainbow trout. In the Florence Area; Alder, Buck, Dune, Erhart, Perkins, Elbow, Lost, Mercer, Munsel, Georgia, North Georgia, Cleawox, Siltcoos, and Sutton lakes. In the Alsea area; Thissel Pond; In the Newport area; Big Creek Reservoir 1 and 2.

NEHALEM RIVER: Good numbers of winter steelhead are available, and water conditions are good. Angling should be good through mid-April.

NESTUCCA RIVER and THREE RIVERS: Angling for winter steelhead has been slow. Spring chinook angling opened April 1. Angling will be slow during April as few fish are in the system yet. A few summer steelhead have been caught recently. Water levels are low, but should improve with forecasted rains.

NORTH COAST LAKES: Most north coast lakes on the stocking schedule were stocked with legal size rainbow trout the week of April 10. Fishing should be good. Bay City Reservoir was not stocked due to blocked access, and will likely not be stocked this year.

SALMON RIVER: The river including tidewater is closed to fishing for steelhead, salmon and cutthroat trout. Fishing for these species opens on May 27.

SILETZ RIVER: Winter steelhead fishing is slow to fair. Most fish can be found in the upper basin above the Town of Siletz. A majority of steelhead have spawned or will be during April making for less quality table fair. The first summer steelhead should be showing up in the lower river by the end of April into early May. River conditions for fishing should remain favorable through the weekend. During high flows, anglers should concentrate on upper river and headwater areas first as river conditions improve more rapidly. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?SILO3.

SIUSLAW RIVER: All Siuslaw River Basin waters are closed to steelhead fishing. Steelhead trout and cutthroat trout angling opens on May 27th, 2006. Current river levels and forecasts can be found at http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?MPLO3.

TILLAMOOK BAY: Sturgeon fishing has been slow to fair.

WILSON AND TRASK RIVERS: Winter steelhead angling has been slow to fair. Water is low and clear, but forecasted rains should help improve conditions. Spring chinook angling opened April 1. Angling will be slow during April as few fish are in the system yet. A few summer steelhead have been caught also.

YAQUINA RIVER: Steelhead fishing is closed above tidewater and will reopen on May 27 along with cutthroat trout fishing. Chinook salmon fishing is open in tidewater but is expected to be slow until late summer. During high flows, anglers should concentrate on upper river and headwater areas first as river conditions improve more rapidly.

HUNTING

COUGAR: These large predators are very reclusive animals and are not common on the north coast. The most effective way to hunt them is by calling aggressively with a predator call.

VIEWING

GRAY WHALES should be visible off the coast of Oregon, and spring break usually marks the beginning of the whale-watching season on the north coast. These large mammals are making their annual trek to northern waters, and will continue to be visible through April. Calmer ocean conditions make for the best viewing prospects. Although it’s possible to spot them with the unaided eye, a good pair of binoculars is a real advantage in locating and viewing them. Some excellent places to view whales include Tillamook Head at Ecola State Park, Silver Point (south of Cannon Beach), Cape Falcon at Oswald West State Park, Neah-Kah-Nie Mtn., Cape Meares, and Cape Lookout.

GREAT EGRETS are a majestic-looking white bird that resembles a great blue heron in size and shape. Recently they have been seen in the greater Tillamook Bay area. They sometimes occur in large numbers (up to 40 in a group) on the east side of the bay, and in fields along the lower Wilson, Kilchis and Tillamook Rivers. They can also be seen in Netarts Bay on occasion.

Coastal estuaries such as Netarts Bay are an excellent place to view a variety of MIGRATING BIRDS. Some species are only visible for a few weeks at this time of year while others spend the entire winter there. Some of the types of birds to be found include scoters, diving and puddle ducks, black brant, grebes, loons and eagles.

STELLAR SEA LIONS can be seen on Seal Rock, a smaller rock associated with the Three Arch Rocks near Oceanside. They can be seen there at any time of year, and have recently been seen there in large numbers.

TWILIGHT EAGLE SANCTUARY, located east of Astoria off of Hwy 30, is an excellent place to observe bird life on the lower Columbia River. Bald eagles are nesting in the vicinity and can often be seen in the greater Wolf Bay area. A host of other migratory and resident birds are present this time of year as well. A wildlife viewing platform is there, so be sure to bring binoculars and/or a spotting scope.

SOUTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

APPLEGATE RIVER: Anglers are reminded that fishing for steelhead and trout on the Applegate closed on April 1. Trout fishing will reopen on May 27.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: Legal-sized and lunker rainbow trout have been stocked in Applegate Reservoir, and fishing should be good. Both the Copper and Hart-tish boat ramps are open. Applegate will be a “best bet” for anglers throughout this spring, because of good numbers of lunkers released as a special opportunity during 2006. The reservoir also offers land-locked juvenile spring chinook salmon, along with bass and panfish.

ALL SPORTS POND: All Sports Pond will be stocked this week with legal-sized rainbow trout, and fishing should be good. Bait such as nightcrawlers will probably be the best bet, fished either from a bobber or on the bottom with weight. Floating bait fished from the bottom is another good technique.

BURMA POND: Burma Pond will be stocked this week with legal-sized rainbow trout.

COOS COUNTY LAKES: Fishing for rainbow trout should be good in local lakes with the spring stocking in full swing now. Another round of lake stocking took place the week of April 17, with fish going into Bradley, Empire, Johnson Mill Pond, Powers Pond, Saunders, Tenmile, and the Forest Service lake above Powers. Trophy trout were also stocked in Bradley, Empire, and Powers Pond. Warm water fishing in local lakes is starting to improve. Tenmile Lakes has seen some nice catches of bass. Tenmile anglers are reminded that largemouth bass over 15 inches must be released unharmed back into the lake.

COOS RIVER BASIN: Steelhead angling above tidewater will close April 30. Bay fishing has been great for surfperch and fair to good for other marine fish. Some nice lingcod, rockfish, and greenling have been reported recently when the weather has been cooperative. Trout angling in streams will not open until May 27.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: Steelhead angling remains open through April 30 on the forks of the Coquille River. Angling effort has dramatically dropped off recently. Surfperch and other marine fish should be available inside the bay now. Trout angling in streams will not open until May 27. 

DUTCH HERMAN POND: Road access to Dutch Herman Pond is blocked at this time, and the pond will not be stocked as scheduled. Stocking may be delayed by 2-3 weeks. Updated road information is available by calling the Bureau of Land Management at 471-6500.

EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: Emigrant Reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout and should be a good bet for anglers prepared for turbid water conditions. Bait fisherman will likely have the best success. Bass and panfish are also available. Anglers should be aware that recent testing by the Department of Human Resources has found elevated levels of mercury in smallmouth bass at Emigrant, and a health advisory has been issued recommending limits on consumption of all fish from Emigrant except rainbow trout. Information on the Emigrant Reservoir advisory, along with general information on mercury and fish can be found on the DHS website at www.healthoregon.org/fishadv.

EXPO POND: Expo Pond will be stocked this week stocked with both legal-sized and lunker rainbow trout and fishing should be good. Bait such as nightcrawlers is probably the best bet, fished either from a bobber or on the bottom with weight. Floating bait fished from the bottom is another good technique. Largemouth bass and panfish are also available.

FISH LAKE: Rainbow trout will be stocked this week if road conditions allow access. Ice and snow may limit access for anglers. The resort is open, but the US Forest Service boat ramp is blocked by snow at this time. Brook trout are available in addition to rainbow trout.

HIGH LAKES: High lake opener is April 22; due to the high snow pack many of these lakes will not be accessible. Diamond Lake and Lemolo Lake also open April 22. Lemolo will be fishable by opening day. Diamond Lake is iced over and may not see ice off until May.

HOWARD PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: Howard Prairie will open for fishing this Saturday, April 22nd. Snow may limit access for anglers, but the resort is open and the lake is reported to be free of ice. Legal-sized trout have been released in time for the opener to supplement the fingerling-based fishery. The reservoir is full, so fishing conditions will be good.

HYATT LAKE: Hyatt will open for fishing this Saturday, April 22nd, but snow and ice may limit access for anglers. Ice still covers the lake as of Monday. The reservoir is full, so fishing conditions will be good. Updated road information is available by calling the Bureau of Land Management at 618-2200.

ILLINOIS RIVER: Anglers are reminded that fishing for trout and steelhead on the Illinois closed April 1. Fishing for adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout reopens May 27.

LAKE SELMAC: Selmac is stocked with rainbow trout, and fishing should be good. Bank anglers fishing floating bait off the bottom have done well. Largemouth bass and panfish are also available.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: Both bank and boat anglers have reported good success at Lost Creek recently, and the reservoir is scheduled to be stocked again this week. Juvenile spring chinook, bass and panfish are also available. Anglers trolling a flasher and worm combination caught juvenile chinook salmon and rainbow trout near the marina throughout the winter.

MEDCO POND: Medco Pond will be stocked this week with legal-sized rainbow trout. Bass and panfish are also available

PACIFIC OCEAN & BEACHES: Surfperch fishing should be good for the next couple months. Good areas for surfperch include Horsfall Beach and Whiskey Run Beach south to Bandon. Surfperch can also be found along jetties and pile structures. Sand shrimp, clam necks, mussels, and marine worms are all popular choices for bait.  Bottom fishing has been good when ocean and bar conditions have been safe. Good rockfish and lingcod catches are still being reported.

The recreational salmon season in the ocean from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain is open March 15-April 30 for all salmon except coho. Effort has been low with no boats crossing the bar this past weekend due to weather conditions. The first sport caught Chinook salmon has been reported in the ocean off Coos Bay. The minimum length for Chinook and steelhead is 20 inches. No more than 2 single point, single shank barbless hooks are allowed. The recreational salmon season for the rest of 2006 will be set in April. Anglers should use extreme caution when angling in the ocean this time of year.

ROGUE RIVER, LOWER: On Monday, boat and bank anglers picked up a few spring chinook and some fresh winter steelhead, but things slowed downed considerably on Tuesday. Anglers should still expect spending long hours between fish. Boat anglers have been concentrating from Lobster Creek down to the mouth. The best bank angling continues to be at Huntley Park and Lobster Creek. River conditions have been excellent and anglers should expect conditions to remain good.

ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: Winter steelhead are available, but reports of success are mixed. Flows at Grants Pass jumped are averaging roughly 4,800 cubic feet per second on Tuesday morning. The Rogue is open for adipose fin-clipped steelhead the entire year. From February 1 through April 30 anglers may keep non adipose fin-clipped steelhead at least 24 inches in length, one per day and five per year between Hog Creek below Grants Pass and Cole Rivers Hatchery. The temporary boat ramp at the Depot Street bridge project in Rogue River is open at this time. Anglers are reminded that trout fishing on the Rogue closed April 1st, and reopens May 27th.

ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: Winter steelhead are available in the upper river, and water conditions are good. Reservoir outflows increased to 2,000 cubic feet per second over the weekend. Flows at Gold Ray are averaging 3,970 cfs on Tuesday morning. A total of 8,509 winter steelhead have been counted at Gold Ray Dam as of April 16th. The Rogue is open for adipose fin-clipped steelhead the entire year. From February 1 through April 30 anglers may keep non adipose fin-clipped steelhead at least 24 inches in length, one per day and five per year between Hog Creek below Grants Pass and Cole Rivers Hatchery. Anglers are reminded that trout fishing on the Rogue closed April 1st, and reopens May 27th.

ROGUE RIVER ABOVE LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: The mainstem and tributaries above Lost Creek Reservoir open on Saturday, April 22. The limit is five trout per day, eight inch minimum length, and no limit on the size or number of brook trout taken. The use of bait is allowed. Stocking with rainbow trout will begin just prior to Memorial Day weekend.

SMITH RIVER: Flows are good on Smith River.  This is a flashy system and one of the first to clear up after a major storm event. This is a catch and release fishery for wild steelhead. Less than 1% of the fish captured in the Smith River falls trap are hatchery fish. Striper fishing is just starting in the Smith River estuary and should get better as the stripers move in to feed on out migrating fish. Wasson ramp is open. Repairs to the ramp should begin in the next two weeks. Wild steelhead must be released unharmed from the Smith River. Hatchery clipped steelhead only may be retained.

SOUTH COAST LAKES AND PONDS: Garrison Lake and Libby Pond have been producing good catches of catchable trout. Access at Libby Pond is bank access only. Laird Lake has recently been stocked with 2,500 catchable trout, and anglers have reported excellent success.   

SOUTH COAST STREAMS:  All non Rogue River streams are closed until the general trout opener May 27th.

SPAULDING POND: Road access to Spaulding Pond is blocked at this time, and Spaulding Pond will not be stocked as scheduled. Updated road information is available by calling the Siskiyou National Forest at 541-471-6500.

TENMILE BASIN: Steelhead angling on Tenmile Creek also closes April 30. Trout angling in Tenmile Creek opens May 27. 

UMPQUA ESTUARY: Sturgeon fishing has been very good in the estuary for oversize with a few legal fish being harvested. Striper fishing should begin to pick up as the numbers of out migrants increase in the estuary.

UMPQUA RIVER MAINSTEM: Spring chinook fishing was spotty through the week, and then the river blew out this weekend. The majority of spring chinook fishing is occurring from Scotts Creek boat ramp to Scottsburg Park. Winter steelhead are still being caught but fishing pressure is light as everyone has switched to spring chinook. Anglers need to remember that the season for non fin-clipped winter steelhead closes April 30th. Mainstem Umpqua remains open year round for fin-clipped steelhead. Shad fishing is just beginning and will pick up through April and peak in late May. Bank angling opportunities are available for winter steelhead, spring chinook, and shad depending on flows 

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: Fishing has been slow with the cold water temperatures. Bank and boat angling is occurring with the majority of bank angling taking place around Swiftwater Bridge. Spring chinook boat angling at Amacher Park should continue to improve as more spring chinook enter the North Umqpua. Winter steelhead were also being caught near Winchester Dam. Winchester Dam counts show 7,036 winter steelhead and 10 spring chinook have crossed through April 13th.  Non fin-clipped winter steelhead season closes April 30th. All drift boat slides are currently open. Anglers may retain one wild winter steelhead per day and five per year

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: Winter steelhead fishing is slow. Bank anglers in the Canyonville area continue to pick up hatchery winter steelhead. Drift boats have been putting in just above Canyonville and at Lawson Bar and catching hatchery fish. Wild steelhead must be released unharmed from the South Umpqua River, steelhead season closes April 30th. Hatchery clipped steelhead only may be retained.

WHETSTONE POND (Denman Wildlife Area): Anglers are having some success on stocked rainbow trout. Bait such as nightcrawlers will probably be the best bet, fished either from a bobber or on the bottom with weight. Floating bait fished from the bottom is another good technique. Fishing for bass and panfish will improve as water temperatures warm this spring.

WILLOW LAKE: Willow Lake will be stocked this week with rainbow trout. Fishing should be good.

SHELLFISH

Razor clam harvest is CLOSED for the OREGON COAST SOUTH OF NEWPORT, on beaches, spits, jetties, and estuaries due high levels of domoic acid. Harvest of mussels and other shellfish species is open at this time. ALWAYS CHECK FOR HEALTH ADVISORIES by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Shellfish line at 800-448-2474 for updates.

Bay crabbing has been slow lately with people catching crab but not getting their limits and a few soft crab have showed up. Bar and ocean conditions have prevented most people from ocean crabbing but it has been good when the weather has cooperated. Crabbing can be done from the public docks in the boat basins (where allowed), or from a boat. The COOS BAY shoreline along the inside of the North Spit from Empire to Charleston is a good area for crabbing.  

HUNTING

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.

FURBEARERS: Hunting of furbearers like bobcats, raccoons, foxes and coyotes (not technically a furbearer) is an often over looked opportunity in Oregon. Hunting them may require a furbearer hunting license and/or tags. However, some animals like coyotes require no more that the hunting license many sportsmen and women have in their pockets right now. Hunters are encouraged to contact their local wildlife biologists for information.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

COUGAR: Cougars are abundant. Hunting cougar is a challenge because these animals are very secretive, but harvest success is usually good adjacent to private lands with high deer populations using a predator call.

SPRING BEAR: Spring Bear season started April 1st. Hunters would do well to focus their efforts around forest clearings, meadows, or burns. The new vegetation growth in these areas will draw bears to them. With the late season snows, bears are likely to be in lower elevations in the Cascades. Recently, reports have surfaced about hunters using predator calls while hunting coyote and have had bears come to the calls instead. Hunters are reminded to be mindful of sows with cubs. Successful bear hunters are asked to turn in a bear tooth for the statewide bear population study.

TURKEY: Opportunity abounds in the southern portion of the county. Though, only a few areas are open to public access. Hunters are encouraged to start contacting potential landowners and locating flocks. Just a reminder, ask permission before hunting.

GENERAL INFO: This is the time of year when we start getting reports of sick acting deer and reports of deer with little to no hair or patches of hair missing. The above descriptions are possibly Adenovirus Hemorrhagic Disease (AHD) or Deer Hair Loss Syndrome (DHLS).

JACKSON, JOSEPHINE AND CURRY COUNTIES

COUGAR: Cougar hunters can expect an average year and will find greatest success using a predator call in areas that have good deer numbers. When snowfall occurs, hunters should look for fresh cougar tracks and pursue. Good cougar hunting opportunities exist throughout southwest Oregon.

VIEWING

COOS COUNTY

Water levels are lowering and stabilizing and the airs is calm and clear so viewing opportunities are good. Viewers should be look around edges of flooded fields and bays for birds. Viewers also need to be cautious of high fast moving water. These conditions can be dangerous.

Now is the time to watch for various bird species that migrate to our area for winter. There are many song birds, birds of prey and water birds that move into the area to spend a few months during the winter and are not seen at other times. Often prolonged, stormy weather conditions will cause species not usually found in the area to be pushed in. The recent stormy weather and forecasted stormy weather may create such a situation. Birders should watch for unexpected visitors to our area.

Other than local bays, viewers will find good opportunities to see birds at Bandon Federal Wildlife Refuge, located east of Bandon, Oregon along North Bank Lane. Flooding may affect the accessibility of these areas.

Local viewing opportunities also can be found or Johnson Mill Pond located between Myrtle Point and Coquille and at the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area located three miles west of Reedsport along Hwy 38. Bulls can be seen lounging in the fields, and cows with calves can be seen along field edges. The rut is now complete so bulls will become less active. Generally, September is the height of rutting activity. Bulls will retain their antlers well into spring so they can still be seen in all their glory. They will begin to form bachelor groups as fall progresses. Due to recent rain flooding will occur on some fields at Dean Creek. This makes for good waterfowl viewing opportunities. Flooding may affect the accessibility of these areas.

Dean Creek has a viewing facility with an interpretive center and restrooms attached. Dean Creek is a good location to waterfowl and other water birds and various song birds that take advantage of the large wetland on the west end of the area.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

The warm days of spring are upon us, so get out and enjoy a day of wildlife watching. Young ducks and geese are starting to show up at local reservoirs and ponds like Cooper Creek Reservoir, Plat I Reservoir, Galesville and Berry Creek Reservoir. Also, watch for Western Pond turtles on warm afternoons at these local water bodies. The first Purple Martin’s should be showing up any day. Ospreys are back in the area along the rivers and Bald Eagles have started nesting. If you haven’t already done it, get your nest boxes up, birds are looking for nesting cavities. Now would be a good time to get out and start looking for shed elk antlers.

ROGUE WATERSHED

A covered viewing station on the Denman Wildlife Management Area provides 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.

WILLAMETTE ZONE

FISHING

EE WILSON and JUNCTION CITY PONDS will be stocked this week with legal, larger, and a few trophy trout. Other waters scheduled to be stocked this week include Benson Lake, Bethany Lake, Blue Lake, Commonwealth Lake, Dorman Pond, Haldeman Pond, Hartman Pond, Henry Hagg Lake, Mt Hood Pond, Roslyn Lake, Salmonberry Lake, Silver Creek Reservoir, and Trojan Pond.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: The water conditions on the Clackamas River have held steady this past week. Flows on Monday were at 4,300 cfs (13.38’) with the water temperature still cool at 46°. The Clackamas is experiencing some early season algae growth which, according to reports, is making angling difficult at times. Steelhead angling has been fair to good for hatchery and wild winter steelhead and the fish are now spread throughout the system. The best angling continues to be between Riverside and Barton, although now that some steelhead are starting to show up at the Clackamas Hatchery trap the fishing has improved at the Dog Creek area in McIver Park. The hatchery is beginning to get enough fish into the trap that they are able to recycle some back downstream and into Faraday Lake. There have also been a few spring chinook caught in the lower river.

PGE has begun recycling hatchery winter steelhead from the North Fork Reservoir trapping facility with fish going into Faraday Lake.

Bank anglers can find access to the river in the Gladstone/Cross Park area, at Carver near the mouth of Clear Creek, at Barton Park, at Bonnie Lure Park, at McIver Park near Dog Creek, and around River Mill Dam.

Boat anglers can find access to the river from boat ramps located at McIver Park, Feldheimer’s, Barton, Carver, Riverside, or Clackamette.

COUGAR RESERVOIR: Cougar Reservoir is located on the South Fork McKenzie off of Highway 126 between the towns of Blue River and McKenzie Bridge. The reservoir is deep but offers a good chance to catch cutthroat and rainbow trout. Bull trout are native to this area so be able to identify and release bull trout. Adult chinook are released to spawn naturally in the South Fork McKenzie above the reservoir so rearing juveniles may be found in the reservoir as well. Areas containing structure are good bets.

EAGLE CREEK: The creek has good water conditions with moderate flow, clear water, and a temperature in the low 40° range. The winter steelhead run is about over in the creek so both the effort and catch have dropped off significantly. There was a scattering of anglers out over the weekend, but the catch was slow. The total number of winter steelhead entering the hatchery this season has exceeded 500.EUGENE AREA FISHING: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ODFWhtml/springfield/anglingguide.html   Fishing Resources: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/springfield/fish_links.html

SANDY RIVER: The Sandy River water conditions are nearly unchanged from last week with the flows on Monday running at 3,290 cfs (10.50’) and the temperature at 46°. The water color is very good. The catch rate for broodstock hatchery fish was slow to fair this past week, with native fish very common in the catch reports. Anglers should remember that these wild fish are catch and release only and need to be released unharmed. The drift from Oxbow down to the mouth has been slow to fair for both hatchery and wild fish. The stretch from Marmot down through Dodge Park has been fair for mostly native steelhead. Fish should be spread throughout the system from Marmot Dam down to Troutdale. Anglers have already landed several summer steelhead and there have been some spring chinook caught in the lower river.

The Sandy Hatchery has also been placing surplus steelhead into Roslyn Lake, with nearly 50 fish transferred to the lake so far this spring.

The Sandy winter steelhead 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 that is part of the current Sandy River fish management plan. These steelhead should create a mid-to-late winter fishery that should go well into spring.

Anglers can access the river from many parks including Lewis and Clark, Dabney, Oxbow, and Dodge. 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.    

NORTH and SOUTH SANTIAM river levels have increased a little as the Corps of Engineers is releasing more water from the reservoirs to improve available spawning habitat for steelhead. Willamette River water temperatures increased substantially last week, however, fish movement over the falls did not. Counts have been steady, but at low levels. Angling pressure has been relatively heavy in the lower Santiams, with a fair number of unmarked winter steelhead being caught and released. Marked summer steelhead are still fairly scarce, but should be increasing soon. Not much for chinook yet.

SAUVIE ISLAND WILDLIFE AREA: The Sauvie Island Wildlife Area is scheduled to open on April 16 2006. The Gilbert River Boat Ramp and Disabled Person Fishing dock continue to be open. Haldeman Pond will be stocked this week for the opening of the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area with 2000 legal size trout. For information on the trout stocking schedule for Haldeman Pond and many other lakes in the area please refer to our website: www.dfw.state.ro.us . A parking permit is required for the wildlife area.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: The Willamette River water conditions are fair but that should improve with some warmer and drier weather predicted. Monday’s flows were at 30,100 cfs, the water temperature had fallen to 48°, and the visibility was at 2.8 feet. Fish counts at Willamette Falls were 4,928 winter steelhead, 439 summer steelhead, and 148 spring chinook through April 14th.

The spring chinook angling effort slowed down over the past weekend due largely to the unseasonably cold, stormy weather. The checking reports showed a few chinook are being caught from the Lower Multnomah Channel all the way up to Oregon City. The Sellwood Bridge area has been the best spot with several chinook checked at the Willamette Park boat ramp over the past few days. The area near the head of Multnomah Channel and the power lines at St Johns has also seen some good catch rates. Bank angling at Meldrum Bar has been slow for both spring chinook and winter steelhead.

Please note that the Willamette River, including Multnomah Channel, will remain open for the retention of sturgeon on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of each week for the period running from January 1, 2006 through July 31st, 2006. Please also note that anglers are limited to the use of only one single-point barbless hook while angling for sturgeon. The sturgeon angling improved this past week in the Willamette with many keepers reported, particularly in the harbor area from Portland down to St Johns. A fair number of released sub-legal fish were also reported. Fresh smelt, if you can get it, is the bait of choice. 

HUNTING

SAUVIE ISLAND WILDLIFE AREA: Please refer to the Oregon Big Game Regulations and Oregon Game Bird Regulations for hunting opportunities. A parking permit is required for the wildlife area.

VIEWING

SAUVIE ISLAND WILDLIFE AREA: With spring migration beginning there are a number of exciting birds to view. The first osprey of the season was sighted along with the rufous hummingbird and tree violet green swallows. The Sandhill cranes and waterfowl are high in numbers and busy with nesting as are the Eagles. The first eaglets have been spotted popping their heads up from their nests. The best one to view is NW from the eastside check station. With spring migrants arriving in greater numbers this year promises to be full of opportunities to view many species of birds.

SOUTH WILLAMETTE WATERSHED DISTRICT: A caracara has shown up in the district and is creating lots of excitement with birders. Caracaras are large raptors that live in South and Central America and rarely get very far north of the Mexico boarder into the SW US and Florida. Yesterday morning it was near the Corvallis airport feeding on a road kill along airport road.

CENTRAL ZONE

FISHING

COLUMBIA RIVER from BONNEVILLE RESERVOIR to JOHN DAY DAM: Retention for sturgeon opened January 1, 2006, in Bonneville and The Dalles reservoirs. Anglers are encouraged to read the 2006 fishing regulation changes on this website for updated sturgeon regulations and seasons.

CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: Access to Crane Prairie Reservoir will be limited though the ice should be off for opening day. Be well advised to check with Crane Prairie Resort (541 – 383 – 3939), the Deschutes National Forest or Bend District ODFW office for the most up to date conditions. Good numbers of wild and hatchery rainbow trout are available and they should be in excellent condition. Hatchery fish are 100 percent marked with an adipose fin clip or left ventral clip, so please voluntarily limit your harvest of wild trout to protect this fishery. Please note regulation specifying that the daily trout limit may include only one rainbow trout over 16 inches in length. Expect fish to be scattered early in the season. Anglers should target shallow water areas for best early season success. Large numbers of brook trout are available, and the best brook trout angling is early and late in the season.

CRESCENT LAKE: Resort ramp is accessible though status of Forest Service ramp is still in question. Please call the Crescent Ranger District for more information (541 - 433 – 3200). Anglers are reporting nice catches of brown trout, along with lake trout and a few kokanee. Crescent Lake provides good opportunity for lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and kokanee.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: Opportunities for 8-16 inch rainbow trout and whitefish are poor. Flows as of April 10 were 3200 CFS. Flows are anticipated to be high through the weekend. Angling opportunities in the Crooked are likely to be limited until the spring runoff has ended. Current flows are available at this website http://www.usbr.gov/pn-bin/rtgraph.pl/?sta=PRVO&parm=Q.

CULTUS LAKE: Cultus Lake is open year round, providing a good early season lake trout fishery. Ice conditions for opening day are questionable. Anglers are urged to check with the local ODFW office, Deschutes National Forest Service, or the local resort regarding lake ice conditions

DAVIS LAKE: Davis Lake is inaccessible though this could change shortly. Please check with the Crescent Ranger District (541 - 433 – 3200).

DESCHUTES RIVER: Flows on the Deschutes River are currently very high and unfishable.

If these high flows subside, the area around Maupin should the best opportunity for catching summer steelhead. Prior to the high water, fly fishermen were having success with large nymphs and indicators. Those tactics will likely yield the most success when the high water subsides.

Although trout fishing can be slow during this time of the year, some fish can be found by fishing slow water and back-eddies with an indicator and nymphs. On warm gray days blue-winged olives should begin to hatch.

Anglers are reminded that fishing is now closed until April 22 on the Deschutes from the northern boundary of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation to Pelton Dam.

DESCHUTES RIVER (Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls): Reports of good success for brown trout in the river reaches above Bend.

EAST LAKE: East Lake is still iced over and will not be accessible for opening day.

FALL RIVER: A large number of anglers have been working the upper river with success being reported as excellent on day and slow the next. There is excellent opportunity for rainbow trout in the upper river.

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: Haystack was stocked last week with a limited number of large (8-15 pound) rainbow trout. Anglers are encouraged to take advantage of this rare opportunity. Rainbow and brown trout 10-18 inches are also available. Kokanee, largemouth bass, black crappie and brown bullhead are also available.

HOOD RIVER: Winter steelhead have started to enter the lower Hood River. Visibility is good this week and anglers are reporting catch of bright winter steelhead.

LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: Bull trout angling continues to be fair to poor. The cool, wet weather is impacting both angler effort and success. Good numbers of bull trout are present in the reservoir. Anglers are locating them in deeper water than normal for this time of year (50-70 feet). Anglers are reminded harvest is limited to one bull trout over 24”and a Tribal angling permit is required in the Metolius Arm. Please consult 2006 Sport Fishing Regulations.

METOLIUS RIVER: No report on recent angler activity or success. This is typically a good time of year for rainbow trout in the river reach below Allingham Bridge and bull trout in the reach from Canyon Creek downstream pass Wizard Falls Hatchery. The Metolius River provides catch and release opportunity for rainbow trout and bull trout. Please consult angling regulations for regulations specific to various reaches of river.

NORTH TWIN LAKE: The ice should be off the lake by the open though the road in might be a little rough and parking limited. North Twin Lake provides a “put and take” fishery for nine to 11-inch rainbow trout. North Twin is a nice setting to take children to fish. It provides a degree of shelter from the wind and has some nice shoreline where kids can fish and play. Some carryover fish up to 15 inches are available. Motors are prohibited.

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-18 inch rainbow trout are good. Both boat and bank anglers should have success with bait and lures. Anglers targeting bullhead in the upper part of the reservoir are reporting success.

ODELL LAKE: Both resort ramps are reported to be open. Forest Service is working to open Sunset and Princess Creek ramps though it is advisable to call the Crescent Ranger District (541 - 433 – 3200) for the most up to date information on campground and boat ramp accessibility. . Expect fair catches of kokanee early in the season with improved catch as water warms in May and June. During the course of the 2005 angling season the most successful anglers were those that were up and on the water at the crack of dawn. Working the lake just before the sun went down also proved to be successful for some anglers. Early season kokanee should be running in the 11 – 13 inch size range and should be in good condition. Early season lake trout angling should be good as the Odell Lake trout population is a healthy one. Only one lake trout per day is allowed as part of the daily trout limit and must be at least 30 inches in length. Odell Lake also provides a good opportunity for rainbow trout for those anglers interested in targeting them. Bull trout are federally listed as threatened and their numbers are extremely low in Odell Lake. Targeted angling for bull trout is not allowed and any incidentally caught bull trout must be released unharmed. Angling is closed within 200 feet of the mouth of Odell Creek to protect bull trout. Do not remove fish from water when releasing. Anglers should consult the 2006 Oregon Sport Fishing regulations on how to release fish unharmed.

PAULINA LAKE: Paulina Lake is still iced over and will not be accessible for opening day.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-16 inch rainbow trout are fair to good. Brown bullhead angling in the upper reservoir is starting to pickup. Northside access road should open April 15.

SOUTH TWIN: Ice is off the lake and the ramp is open. South Twin Lake is a popular and reliable lake for rainbow trout angling and provides sheltered angling opportunity when early season cold temperatures and wind become a problem on larger water bodies. The rainbow trout in South Twin typically run 11 to 13 inches with a fewer carryover fish in the 14 to 16-inch size. An occasional fish over 20 inches is also caught every summer by anglers. South Twin provides nice shorelines for both kids and adults alike to fish from. Boat launching is available, however, motors are prohibited.

SUTTLE LAKE: Boat ramp is open and lake is ice free. Anglers are reporting catches of kokanee and brown trout. Expect fair to good catches of brown trout and kokanee. Target brown trout early and late in the day along the north shoreline. Kokanee numbers should be good this season with the kokanee angling improving as the lake temperature warms. Suttle Lake has a kokanee bag limit of 25 fish per day in addition to the trout species catch limit.

TAYLOR LAKE: Taylor Lake, near The Dalles, has been stocked with legal sized rainbow trout and should offer good angling opportunities.

WICKIUP RESERVOIR: Wickiup Reservoir is ice free and ramps are accessible. The large browns of Wickiup are captured early in the season, both early and late in the day. Some large rainbow trout are also available. Target shallow water flats early in the season and river channel areas as the water warms. Kokanee numbers and return to the angler is expected to good this year. Kokanee will be scattered early in the season and begin schooling in channels sometime in June. There is a bonus bag limit on kokanee of 25 fish in addition to the trout bag limit. Largemouth bass anglers should seek out the willow flats, though brown bullhead to have to some degree taken over the southeastern area of the reservoir. The largemouth bass angling will improves as water temperatures get warmer. There is no limit on size or number of warmwater gamefish, including largemouth bass, in Wickiup Reservoir. Anglers interested in targeting brown bullhead should fish southeast areas of the reservoir.

HUNTING

OCHOCO DISTRICT

GENERAL: Spring thaw conditions are present and travel off of surfaced roads is not recommended.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR WMA: The north side access road is now open. The road is not an all weather road and is not suitable for automobiles and other low clearance vehicles.

TURKEY: Hunters should expect unseasonably cold and muddy conditions. The combination of the late spring and snow accumulations at mid and higher elevations still has most turkeys at low elevations, and mostly on private lands. Potential areas to check would be on BLM lands along the southern boundaries of the Lookout Mtn. and Paulina Ranger Districts in the Ochoco Unit.

COUGAR: Deer are moving onto transition ranges which will make finding cougar more difficult. Areas to consider include: Bear and Sanford Creeks (Maury Unit); Sunflower Creek, NF Crooked River and Bridge Creek (Ochoco Unit); McKay, Mill and Trout Creeks (Grizzly Unit).

COYOTE: Hunting will be more difficult as deer and antelope are dispersing and moving onto transition ranges.

GROUND SQUIRRELS: Best opportunities will be on private pastures and fields where permission from the landowner must be obtained. The squirrels have recently emerged and make inviting targets due to the low height of ground vegetation.

MID-COLUMBIA DISTRICT

COUGAR: Hunters are encouraged to have a cougar tag in their possession. Although no cougars were taken during deer season, cougars are widely scatted throughout the district.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

ANA RESERVOIR: Fishing for hybrid bass has been fair. Anglers report catching legal size bass throughout the reservoir. Some fish have been over 10 lbs. Trout fishing has been fair.

ANA RIVER: Fishing has been good for rainbow trout in the river. Excellent fly-fishing opportunities are available both for dry fly and nymph fishing. Check weather prior to fishing due to winter road conditions.

BEULAH RESERVOIR: The reservoir was 94 percent full on April 17. Runoff is high and muddy, so fishing the inflow is slow.

BLITZEN RIVER: Special regulations are in effect. Catch and release for trout from November 1 through May 26. Flow was 270 cfs on April 17, and flow fluctuated between approximately 225 and 390 cfs over the prior week.

BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir was 98 percent full on April 17, and the boat ramp is accessible. The reservoir is very turbid due to muddy inflows. Angling for warmwater fish is slow.

BURNS POND: The pond will be stocked with rainbow trout this week.

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR:  Slow to fair angling for rainbow trout. Angling should improve as water temperature increases. Anglers are doing best either bait fishing, or fishing flies using a very slow retrieve.

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: Still ice covered.

DUNCAN RESERVOIR: Fishing has been good for boat and bank anglers.

FOURMILE LAKE: Access is by dog sled team or snowmobile. Lake is ice covered.

GERBER RESERVOIR: Ice on the reservoir is beginning to thaw and ice fishing is dangerous. Gerber Reservoir will fill this year and crappie and bass angling should be good around flooded vegetation and at the mouth on Ben Hall and Barnes Valley Creeks.

HAINES POND: Was stocked with 1000 rainbows week of April 3.  

Hwy 203 POND: Was stocked with 2000 rainbows week of April 3. 

JUNIPER LAKE: The lake was dry for the last few years, but it has a substantial amount of water this year. The lake will be stocked with fingerling cutthroat trout this spring.

KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: Upper Klamath Lake is ice free. Angling is slow for large redband trout. Bait anglers angling from the bank around the south end of the lake and Algoma pond are using dead minnows.

KLAMATH RIVER: Angling for native redband trout has been very slow on flies and lures. The Klamath River from Keno dam downstream to Topsy Reservoir is very slow due to high flows (2700 cfs). Angling is best when flows are below 1500 cfs. Angling in the cold water reach from JC Boyle Dam to JC Boyle Powerhouse is fair for small redband trout (6-12”). Flows have been reduced to approximately 325 cfs. Anglers can call 1-800-547-1501 for river flow information. The area below the powerhouse has had high flows. Angling is not recommended at this time.

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: The reservoir opens for angling April 22.

LAKE OF THE WOODS: Recent warm weather has made ice extremely dangerous. Call Lake of the Woods Lodge for recent ice conditions (541-949-8300).

LOST RIVER: Angling has been slow for warm water game fish (largemouth bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, and Sacramento perch. Most of the Lost River is ice free and boats can be launched at Crystal Springs boat ramp.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: Spring run off has started. The water level continues to rise. The reservoir was not stocked last year. Fishing is poor.

MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork Malheur River): Approximately 2,146 cfs was being released from the Warm Springs Reservoir on April 10. Fishing is poor.

MALHEUR RIVER (South Fork Malheur River near Riverside, and mainstem downstream to Gold Creek): Flow in this section is a result of runoff down the South Fork Malheur River and releases from the dams. Approximately 2,146 cfs was being released from Warm Springs Reservoir and 1,145 cfs was being released from Beulah reservoir as of April 17. Fishing is poor.

MALHEUR RIVER, MIDDLE FORK: Access to the upper river is limited by snow. Trout angling is slow. Remember to release bull trout. Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures upstream of Bluebucket Creek.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: The reservoir is full. The reservoir was not stocked last year. It will be stocked with both fingerling and legal sized trout in May. Fishing is poor.

MANN LAKE: Special regulations are in effect. Two trout per day, 16 inch minimum length. Restricted to artificial flies and lures. High winds have limited angling opportunity. When conditions allow, fly anglers are catching 14-16 inch cutthroat trout. Fly anglers have the most success using a very slow retrieve.

MILLER LAKE: Access is limited due to snow. Lake is ice covered.

MOON RESERVOIR: The access road is currently closed to prevent damage. No angling report.

MURRAY RESERVOIR: Ice fishing for rainbow has been good. Use caution around edges as water levels fluctuate.

NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: Roads are beginning to dry and firm up and much of the low elevation snow has melted. Trout angling should begin to improve.

NORTH POWDER POND #1: North Powder Pond #1 was stocked with 2000 rainbows the week of April 3.

NORTH POWDER POND #2: North Powder Pond #2 was stocked with 1000 rainbows the week of April 3.

OWYHEE RESERVOIR: Spring runoff has increased again. The reservoir was 94 percent full on April 17. The reservoir is turbid from Fisherman’s Cove upstream. All boat ramps are in the water. Angling for bass and small crappie is slow.

OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): Water is being released down the “Glory Hole”. Flows below the dam are about 10,435 cfs. Flows are expected to remain high for the next few weeks. Anglers need to use caution when fishing the river. Wading will continue to be dangerous for the next few weeks. Angling for rainbows and browns is slow.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): Discharge at the Rome Gage was 13,096 cfs on April 17. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish is slow.

PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: Ice is melting off. Water level is at 57 percent.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: Angling for rainbow has been fair to good. Ice is breaking up. Water level is at 38 percent.

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir is full. This reservoir was stocked last year but few if any survived the low water conditions during late summer. Fishing is poor.

SHERLOCK GULCH RESERVOIR: Fishing has been good for legal sized trout. Check road conditions prior to traveling to reservoir.

SNAKE RIVER: Flow was 40,862 cfs near Nyssa and 63,424 cfs near Weiser on April 17. Flows have increased again. Angling for catfish and smallmouth bass is slow.

SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: Roads are beginning to dry and firm up and much of the low elevation snow has melted. Trout angling should begin to improve.

TOPSY RESERVOIR: Angling for Warmwater fish is slow. The reservoir is ice free.

UNITY RESERVOIR: The reservoir has been rising fast and the ice is off the reservoir. Water levels are at 93 percent. The State Park is open.

WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: The reservoir was 92 percent full April 17. Access into the reservoir is limited because of soft roads. Boat ramp is usable. Fishing is slow.

WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: The reservoir is at full pool. Angling for Warmwater fish species (largemouth bass and crappie) should improve as water temperatures warm. There is lots of flooded juniper and vegetation.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: The ice is off the reservoir. Water level is at 57 percent.

YELLOWJACKET LAKE: Watch for thin ice. Snow makes access difficult.

HUNTING

KLAMATH DISTRICT

COUGAR: Hunting is difficult during the early season without snow to assist in tracking the big cats, but increasing number of hunters are reporting success using predator calls. Most cougars are taken incidental to other pursuits and hunters interested in harvesting a cougar are encouraged have a cougar tag in their possession when hunting these other species.

SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA

All game bird and big game hunting seasons are over and it is unlawful to discharge firearms on the Area, except by permit.

VIEWING

SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA

Viewing opportunities are good at this time. Migrant waterfowl continue to arrive in good numbers and resident breeding species are increasing. Arctic nesting geese and swans have largely departed the Area with only a handful of swans and snow geese still present.  Duck numbers continue to increase and greater white-fronted geese remain fairly numerous although their departure to the Lower Cook Inlet region of Alaska usually occurs now. Birds are widely scattered throughout the Area’s wetlands. Northern pintail have largely moved out, but northern shoveler are staging in good numbers. Waterfowl are making extensive use of recently burned wetlands and shallowly flooded meadows. Nesting season has begun and Canada goose broods can sometimes be observed. Mallard pairs can be found on territories and many searching for upland nesting sites early in the morning.

Other waterbirds are returning to the Area. Western grebe numbers are increasing and a few eared grebes have been observed recently. Migrant common loons are making appearances now. Gulls (California and ring-billed) are continuing to increase in numbers as are double-crested cormorants and white pelicans. Terns and other migrant gull species have yet to arrive. Sandhill cranes are dispersing to their breeding territories and nesting should be underway. Shorebirds continue to return to the Area and numbers are increasing. Many shorebird species have yet to arrive and should be making their spring arrival and increase in number as migration continues over the next several weeks.

Resident raptors are scattered throughout the Area as well as on private lands along Highway 31.  Migrants are moving north through the area at this time. Northern harriers and red-tailed hawks are especially numerous over marsh and hay meadow areas. Osprey have occupied the nest platform at Ana Reservoir and nesting should be underway. Falcons, bald and golden eagles can sometimes be seen during this time of the year. Both great-horned owls and red-tailed hawks are beginning to nest.

Passerine species (especially 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 the tree and shrub cover found at those locations. Spring arrivals continue to be noted with lark sparrow and brown-headed cowbirds arriving last week. Other migrants and returning summer residents are expected over the next several weeks.

Swallows continue to increase in numbers especially around the Headquarters Complex as they explore nest boxes and other sites for occupancy. 

Wetland habitat conditions remain excellent with extensive flooding and generally high water levels. Summer Lake proper is full with flooded conditions to the edge of vegetation along the west and south shores. Mudflat habitat is greatly reduced in these areas. The entire valley floor is free of snow and upland sites remain in good condition with grasses providing abundant seeds. Green-up is beginning to be extensive across the valley floor due to frequent rain showers and in spite of generally cool temperatures bring snow showers. This green-up is providing abundant forbs and new vegetative growth.

The wildlife viewing loop is open and will remain that way into early fall. Major dike roads (Bullgate, Windbreak and Work Road) were closed to motor vehicle travel on March 15, 2006 to reduce disturbance to migrant and nesting waterfowl. The major dikes will open once again on August 15, 2006. Other minor dike roads and trails are also closed to motor vehicles as is cross country travel by motor vehicles.

Non-motorized access and viewing opportunities are available throughout the entire Wildlife 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 odfwslwa@gooselake.com.

NORTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

TROUT FISHING IS CLOSED ON ALL STREAMS, KINNEY LAKE, LA GRANDE RESERVOIR AND MORGAN LAKE.

GRANDE RONDE RIVER (UPPER): Some fish may be moving into Upper Grande Ronde River soon. Best fishing is still near Rondowa and at Minam.

GRANDE RONDE RIVER (LOWER): Steelhead fishing is closed.

IMNAHA RIVER (LOWER): Flows in the Imnaha River increased to nearly 2,000 cfs following heavy rains last weekend. Angler success has been poor. We do not expect conditions to improve much prior to the season closure April 15.

LADD POND: Will be stocked with 35 trophy trout week of April 17.

MCKAY RESERVOIR: The reservoir is approximately 90% full and filling rapidly. Both the North and South boat ramps are operational. Anglers are having some success catching rainbow trout in the 10 to 16 inch range, but the water is now very turbid due to high inflow. The best areas are near the inlet and adjacent to the dam.

MCNARY, HAT ROCK AND TATONE PONDS: Legal-sized trout will be stocked in McNary Ponds this week. Fishing should be good.

ROULET POND: Will be stocked with 35 trophy trout week of April 17.

UMATILLA RIVER: River flows are high, but receding. The spring Chinook season opened April 16th. No Chinook have been counted at Three Mile Dam. Anglers are encouraged to watch local media and the ODFW web site for season changes. The estimated return is much lower than in recent years and an early closure is expected. Anglers should keep an eye on flows as best fishing conditions are when the river is between 400 and 800 cfs. Anglers can check Umatilla River flows at the following web site: http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/.

WALLA WALLA RIVER: River flows are very high and off-color. Conditions are not expected to improve significantly before the April 15th steelhead season closure.

WALLOWA RIVER: Flows in the Wallowa River spiked with heavy rains over the weekend and are now declining. Anglers averaged around eight hours per fish recently. Steelhead angling should improve as flows continue to decline. Season closes April 15.

WESTON POND: The pond will be stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout this week for the first time this year. Angling should be good.

HUNTING

BAKER DISTRICT

GENERAL CONDITIONS: There is little or no snow on winter ranges and at lower elevations. Overall the weather has been sunny with highs in the upper 30’s and lows in the high teens.

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. Cats have followed the deer and elk as they moved to lower elevations for winter.

COYOTES: Fresh early morning tracks and the right wind can make for a successful calling situation. Be sure to ask permission if hunting on private property.

FURBEARERS: Some seasons are coming to end: Bobcat season end February 28; River Otter, and Beaver end March 15. With the end of the seasons coming up; remember that pelts must be checked in with ODFW within 5 days after the close of the season.

GRANT DISTRICT

COUGAR: Hunters wanting to locate a cougar should utilize fresh snow for tracking and target areas of concentrated mule deer. Cougar can also be hunted using remote predator calls or glassing open slopes in morning or evening. Harvested cougars are required to be checked into an ODFW field office within 10 days of the hunt.

COYOTE: Coyote hunters have been fairly successful using predator calls and locating tracks in fresh snow.

UMATILLA DISTRICT

COUGAR: Cougar densities are higher in the northern areas of the Umatilla District with Walla Walla and Mt. Emily being good prospects for success. However, Ukiah Unit cougar densities have been on the increase and should provide some quality hunting as well. Hunters are enjoying the most success using predator calls, sitting on a kill previously made by a cougar, or by putting up tree stands in natural crossing areas for cougars. Most sport harvest occurs as a result of incidental sightings during deer and elk rifle seasons. Hunters are reminded to check all harvested cougars in to an ODFW office within 72 hours of the animal being taken.

UNION DISTRICT

General Spring Turkey Season will open April 15. Winter conditions have been relatively mild this year, which has allowed the birds to periodically have access to open ground so they can scratch for food. Survival over the winter has been good. Birds are currently moving to, or have arrived on their summer range. The tom turkeys have been strutting for the last several weeks. Pre-season scouting is recommended. Turkeys are now distributed throughout Union County. The highest concentrate of birds is in the northern end of the county. Youth hunters 17 and younger may hunt the weekend before the start of general spring turkey season this year for the first time. See page 37 of the 2005 - 2006 Oregon Game Bird Regulations for details.

We do not encourage people to feed turkeys. Feeding these birds discourages them from their natural foraging behavior. Feeding also concentrates birds which creates damage and potential disease problems near the feeding site.

General cougar season remains open. You are allowed two cougar tags in most of Eastern Oregon (see page 48 of 2006 Big Game Regulations). Cougar will be most active early morning or just before dark. Calling cougar with the use of a rabbit, fawn deer, or calf elk call may be effective. When using a call for cougar, patience is very important. These cats generally approach the caller slowly using what ever cover is available. Consider the use of a remotely activated call. This type of call centers the cougar's attention on a spot other than where the hunter is located. If you encounter cougar tracks in the snow try to determine which direction the cat is headed, get ahead of it and wait. Being in possession of a cougar tag during other hunting seasons may provide an unexpected harvest opportunity.

WALLOWA DISTRICT

COUGAR: Cougar can be difficult to observe during winter months; however, 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.

VIEWING

ELKHORN WILDLIFE AREA

Elk are starting to arrive at the Anthony Creek feed site. With winter weather continuing to worsen feeding of deer and elk on wildlife area lands will began the first of December. The public is reminded that all Elkhorn Wildlife Area lands are closed to all public access from December 1 through April 10 each year. The public will be able to view the Anthony Creek elk from the view point located along The North Powder River Road, nine miles west of North Powder, Oregon. Winter elk feeding wagon trips will again be provided by T&T Wildlife tours. For information on their tour days and times please call T&T wildlife tours at 541-856-3356.

LADD MARSH WILDLIFE AREA

Big game viewing opportunities remain excellent. Elk continue to come off Craig Mountain and Glass Hill to feed in the wetland meadows at night. The Glass Hill elk, including several large bulls can be seen feeding on the hill above foothill road. A small group of antelope use the area east of Pierce Road and south of Highway 203.

Most of Ladd Marsh is open to public access Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and state observed holidays. The areas always open include the Glass Hill area above Foothill Road and the nature trail just east of Interstate 84. The auto route and hiking trails off of Peach Road are closed for the season. Dog training is allowed west of Foothill Road.

UNION COUNTY

General Spring Turkey Season opened April 15th. The weather during opening weekend was not favorable for most hunters. Warmer weather this week and weekend should improve hunting conditions. Many of the traditional mid and upper elevation hunting areas have limited access due to snow. Bring tired chains and overnight survival gear if you attempt to hunt these areas. The tom turkeys have been strutting for the last several weeks. Turkeys are now distributed throughout Union County. The highest concentrate of birds is in the northern end of the county. You are allowed two tags for Spring Turkey Season (one bird per day bag limit).

General cougar season remains open. You are allowed two cougar tags in most of Eastern Oregon (see page 48 of 2006 Big Game Regulations). Cougar will be most active early morning or just before dark. Calling cougar with the use of a rabbit, fawn deer, or calf elk call may be effective. When using a call for cougar, patience is very important. These cats generally approach the caller slowly using what ever cover is available. Consider the use of a remotely activated call. This type of call centers the cougar's attention on a spot other than where the hunter is located. Being in possession of a cougar tag during other hunting seasons may provide an unexpected harvest opportunity.

WENAHA WILDLIFE AREA

Winter big game feeding was discontinued as of March 16. Many deer and elk will be visible on the Wildlife Area as they feed on the spring green up. Due to snow conditions at higher elevations, travel should not be attempted on roads not maintained by the County. Big Horn sheep can be seen on the cliffs adjacent to the Grande Ronde River Road. A few of the early passerine migrants have started to show up at lower elevations. The Wildlife Area is open to hunting during all legal seasons and for non-motorized recreation year round. Due to a State Parks Administrative Rule, open fires are prohibited year round with in ¼ mile  of the Grande Ronde River between Wildcat Bridge and the State Line. This area, designated a Scenic Waterway, includes BLM lands as well as State owned lands. Fires are permitted if contained within fire pans, but all debris and ashes must be packed out.

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

FISHING

BROWNLEE RESERVOIR: Generally fishing has been poor lately due to fluctuating water levels and cool, turbid water entering into Brownlee, but trout fishing below the dams has been good. Some perch and bass have been taken from shore. The Hewitt Park boat ramp is generally un-useable. Water levels are 43 feet below full and will remain low through out April. 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: Trout fishing has been good, especially below the dams.

HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: Trout fishing has been good below all dams. Steelhead fishing closed April 15. Other fishing has been poor, with the exception of a few catfish.

COLUMBIA RIVER ZONE

FISHING

Please consult the 2006 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulation pamphlet for further information regarding the Columbia River Zone.

SALMON, STEELHEAD, and SHAD 

Please consult the 2006 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulation pamphlet for further information regarding the Columbia River Zone.

BUOY 10 LINE UPSTREAM TO THE I-5 BRIDGE: Effective 11:59 PM Thursday April 13 through May 15, 2006 this section of the Columbia River is closed seven days a week to angling for salmon, steelhead, and shad.

I-5 BRIDGE UPSTREAM TO BONNEVILLE DAM:  This section of the Columbia River is closed to all salmon, steelhead, and shad angling.

BONNEVILLE DAM UPSTREAM TO THE OREGON/WASHINGTON BORDER ABOVE MCNARY DAM: This section of the Columbia River is open to the retention of adipose fin-clipped spring chinook, adipose fin-clipped steelhead, and shad from March 16 through April 30, 2006 from the Tower Island powerlines (located approximately 6 miles downstream of The Dalles Dam) upstream to McNary Dam plus the Oregon bank between Bonneville Dam and Tower Island.

In the John Day Pool bank anglers averaged 0.43 steelhead caught per bank rod.

Portland to Longview Boats & Bank: CLOSED.

Estuary Boats & Bank: CLOSED.

John Day Pool: Weekly checking showed two adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus 10 steelhead released for 28 bank rods.

STURGEON

BUOY 10 UPSTREAM TO WAUNA POWERLINES: Effective January 1, 2006 this section of the Columbia River is open to the retention of sturgeon. The daily bag limit is one fish between 42 and 60 inches in length and the annual limit is five fish. The use of more than one single point barbless hook is prohibited.

The following modifications were adopted for the 2006 mainstem Columbia River sturgeon fishery from Wauna powerlines (River Mile 40) downstream to the mouth at Buoy 10, including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries. The modifications include:

* Allow the retention of sturgeon seven days per week from Sunday January 1, 2006 through Sunday April 30, 2006.

* Prohibit the retention of sturgeon seven days per week from Monday May 1, 2006 through Friday May 12, 2006 and Wednesday July 5, 2006 through Sunday December 31, 2006.

* Allow the retention of sturgeon seven days per week from Saturday May 13, 2006 through Tuesday July 4, 2006.

* Increase the minimum size limit from 42” to 45” during the Saturday May 13, 2006 through Tuesday July 4, 2006 retention season.

* Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during retention closures.

* Fishery will be managed for a catch guideline of 15,000 fish in this section of the Columbia River and specific retention dates may be adjusted to meet the guideline.

WAUNA POWERLINES UPSTREAM TO BONNEVILLE DAM: Effective January 1, 2006 this section of the Columbia River is open to the retention of sturgeon on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The daily bag limit is one fish between 42 and 60 inches in length and the annual limit is five fish. The use of more than one single point barbless hook is prohibited.

The following modifications were adopted for the 2006 mainstem Columbia River Sturgeon fishery from the Wauna powerlines (River Mile 40) upstream to Bonneville Dam, including all adjacent Washington tributaries and the Willamette River downstream of Willamette Falls (including Multnomah Channel). The modifications include:

* Allow the retention of sturgeon three days per week on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and prohibit the retention of sturgeon four days per week on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday beginning Sunday January 1, 2006 through Monday July 31, 2006 and Sunday October 1, 2006 through Sunday December 31, 2006.

* Prohibit the retention of sturgeon seven days per week from Tuesday August 1, 2006 through Saturday September 30, 2006.

* Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during sturgeon retention closures.

* Fishery will be managed for a catch guideline of 12,000 fish in this section of the Columbia River and specific retention dates may be adjusted to meet the guideline.

BONNEVILLE DAM UPSTREAM TO THE DALLES DAM: The Bonneville pool is currently open to the retention of sturgeon seven days per week. The daily bag limit is one fish between 42 and 60 inches in length and the annual limit is five fish. The annual catch guideline for the Bonneville Pool is 700 white sturgeon.

THE DALLES DAM UPSTREAM TO JOHN DAY DAM: Effective 12:01 AM Saturday April 8 through December 31, 2006 the retention of sturgeon in The Dalles pool and tributaries is prohibited. Catch and release angling is allowed during the retention prohibition; however, all sturgeon angling is prohibited in the mainstem Columbia River from the west end of the grain silo located near Rufus upstream to John Day Dam during 12:01 AM Monday May 1 through July 31, 2006 to protect spawning sturgeon.

JOHN DAY DAM UPSTREAM TO MCNARY DAM: The John Day pool is currently open to the retention of sturgeon seven days per week. The daily bag limit is one fish between 48 and 60 inches in length and the annual limit is five fish. The annual catch guideline for the John Day Pool is 165 white sturgeon. All sturgeon angling is prohibited from the Highway 395 Bridge upstream to McNary Dam during May 1-July 31 to protect spawning sturgeon.

In the lower Columbia River sturgeon angler success continued to improve this past weekend. Boat anglers in the gorge and Portland to Longview areas averaged 1.25 legal white sturgeon caught per boat. Bank anglers in the gorge averaged 0.18 legal white sturgeon caught per bank rod.

Gorge Boats: Weekend checking showed three legal white sturgeon kept, plus two legal and 117 sub-legal sturgeon released for four boats (complete trips).

Gorge Bank: Weekend checking showed six legal white sturgeon kept, plus one oversize and two sub-legal sturgeon released for 33 bank rods.

Portland to Longview Boats: Weekend checking showed five legal white sturgeon kept, plus 19 sub-legal sturgeon released for four boats (complete trips).

Estuary Boat & Bank: Weekend checking showed no catch reported for two boats (complete trips).

Bonneville Pool: Weekly checking showed 16 sub-legal sturgeon released for five boats and two legal white sturgeon kept, plus 39 sub-legal sturgeon released for 74 bank rods.

The Dalles Pool: CLOSED.

John Day Pool: Weekly checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept, plus two oversize and 47 sub-legal sturgeon released for 27 boats and two legal and 16 sub-legal sturgeon released for 43 bank rods.

WALLEYE

Bonneville Pool: Weekly checking showed two walleye kept for six boats and no catch reported for one bank rod.

John Day Pool: Weekly checking showed eight walleye kept, plus nine walleye released for 17 boats.

    MARINE ZONE

FISHING

Now is a good time to go whale watching on the Oregon coast. Male gray whales leave the lagoons in Mexico for their return migration shortly after mating and appear off our coast in March and early April. The females with calves wait until their calves gain some strength before leaving for the trip north. They are most often seen off the Oregon coast from late April through June.

Unlike the winter migration, which is short and quick, the spring migration brings the gray whales closer to the shore so their calves can avoid being eaten by killer whales and great white sharks. Sometimes you can almost look directly down on them from the headlands. Rocky Creek, Cape Lookout, Ecola viewpoint and the large viewpoint at Neahkahnie Mountain are all good whale-watching locations.

Boat anglers along the central coast report good catches of black, blue and yellowtail rockfish and lingcod. Fishing for lingcod, perch and rockfish is good this time of year from the jetties and rocky points. Bottom fishing is open at all depths. The marine daily bag limit for 2006 is six fish (including rockfish, greenling, flounder, sole, cabezon and other marine species) and two lingcod. Canary rockfish and yelloweye rockfish may not be retained. The minimum length for lingcod is 24 inches, for cabezon it is 16 inches and for greenling it is 10 inches. For complete regulations please see http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/regulations_2006-marine.pdf.

An addendum to the 2006 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations with 2006 sport groundfish regulations is available at ODFW offices and through fishing license distributors.

Salmon, except coho, is open in the ocean from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain. The season will continue through April 30. The minimum size for chinook is 20 inches in total length. The limit is two fish per day.

A series of early afternoon minus tides late this week and early next week should provide increased opportunity for bay and ocean beach clamming. The low tides will also provide opportunities for viewing tide pools.

Razor clamming is open north of the Newport north jetty to the Columbia River.

Clamming along Clatsop Beach is good, with large and plentiful clams. Clams are averaging 4 to 4.5 inches and most diggers can easily get their limits when ocean conditions permit. In the Newport area clam diggers are successful when surf conditions allow. The daily limit for razor clams is the first 15 taken regardless of size or condition.

Razor clamming is closed from Newport south to the California border due to elevated levels of domoic acid in razor clams sampled. For additional information please 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.

Recreational crabbing is fair in the ocean with only a few sport crabbers reporting limits. A number of crabbers in the Charleston area report soft shell condition in many of the crab caught there. Crabbing in the central coast bays and estuaries is fair to poor with no reported limits.

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 96 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

A shellfish license is required for taking all shellfish.

VIEWING

Now is a good time to go whale watching on the Oregon coast. The male gray whales leave the lagoons in Mexico for their return migration shortly after mating and appear off our coast in March and early April. The females with calves wait until their calves gain some strength before leaving for the trip north. They are most often seen off the Oregon coast from late April through June.

Unlike the winter migration, which is short and quick, the spring migration brings the gray whales closer to the shore so their calves can avoid being eaten by killer whales and great white sharks. Sometimes you can almost look directly down on them from the headlands. Rocky Creek, Cape Lookout, Ecola viewpoint and the large viewpoint at Neahkahnie Mountain are all good whale-watching locations.

ODFW Weekly Recreation Report

Page 4 of 30