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“Late” trout open is Saturday, May 22 SALEM –The “late” trout opener is this Saturday, May 22.
A green booklet with all the ocean salmon and halibut regulations is being distributed this week to license agents and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife offices. Ocean anglers should pick up a copy.
The Columbia River salmon seasons are now open under permanent regulations, as listed in the 2004 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations. Spring chinook angling in the mainstem Columbia is closed for the year. Anglers are reminded that tributaries to the Columbia River such as the Willamette and Sandy remain open for salmon and steelhead angling under permanent rules listed in the 2004 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations.
The Columbia River sturgeon fishery between the mouth at Buoy 10 upstream to Wauna Powerlines is open to retention, but the minimum size increased from 42 inches to 45 inches. The maximum size remains the same at 60 inches. The Columbia River between Beacon Rock and Bonneville dam is closed to all sturgeon angling, including catch and release angling, May 1 – July 31. Both bank angling and boat angling is affected by this closure.
A temporary rule allows anglers to fish for adipose fin-clipped spring chinook in the Snake River between Hells Canyon Dam and Dug Bar. The season is open through Aug. 5 with a daily bag limit of two chinook.
The general spring turkey season closes statewide May 31. Tags may be purchased throughout the season. In addition, controlled spring bear seasons are open in several areas of the state.
NORTHWEST ZONE
FISHING
The following waterbodies will we stocked with trout this week: Big Creek #1 and #2, Cape Mears Lake, Coffenbury Lake, Eckman Lake, Hebo Lake, Loren’s Pond, Lost Lake (Clatsop County), Ollala Creek Reservoir, South Lake, Thissell Pond, and Town Lake
BIG CREEK: A few spring chinook may be available. Anglers may call 503-458-6529 for recorded fishing information.
BIG CREEK RESERVOIR: Has been stocked with rainbow trout.
CARTER LAKE: Adult hatchery winter steelhead were stocked to provide additional angling opportunities. There also has been stocking of rainbow trout.
NEHALEM RIVER: Catch-and-release angling should be slowing down for wild steelhead in the lower Nehalem River.
NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: A few summer steelhead are being caught. A few Spring chinook have been caught recently. Best luck will be in the lower river and tide water. The rivers are low and clear.
NORTH COAST LAKES: There was no stocking in this zone last week.
OLLALA CREEK RESERVOIR: Has been stocked with rainbow trout.
SILETZ RIVER: Steelhead angling is slow. There have been a few reports of summer steelhead being caught below Moonshine Park. Anglers are reminded that there is no retention of non fin-clipped steelhead.
TILLAMOOK AREA LAKES: Local lakes remain open to angling all year. Town, Cape Meares, Smith, Spring, and Lytle lakes, and Lorens Pond have been stocked with excess adult steelhead.
TILLAMOOK BAY: Spring chinook are being caught in the bay and near shore ocean. Angling for sturgeon had been fair.
WILSON, TRASK, AND KILCHIS RIVERS: Some summer steelhead and spring chinook have been caught. Water is low and clear.
SOUTHWEST ZONE
FISHING
The following waterbodies will be stocked with trout this week: Floras Lake, Diamond Lake, and Willow Lake.
ALL SPORTS PARK was stocked with 300 legal rainbow trout recently.
APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: Reports indicate that trout and chinook have been active on the surface during clear days, and catches for trout have been fair. The reservoir is low and fishing pressure has been light.
COOS COUNTY LAKES: Saunders, Empire, Eel, Bluebill, and Bradley lakes, and Powers Pond, have been stocked with legal sized trout. Trophy trout up to 3 pounds were stocked last week in Empire, Bradley, Johnson, and Powers. Bass angling has been excellent at Tenmile Lakes recently. Rainbow trout are provided for youth angling at the Millicoma Interpretive Center pond, near Allegany.
COOS RIVER BASIN: Many Coos streams will open for trout angling this Saturday, May 22. Shad are now running in the Coos. Fish for shad above the South Coos/Millicoma confluence on bright, sunny days. Sturgeon fishing is fair in the Coos River and Bay. Several marine perch species are available now in the bay, around pilings and rock structures.
COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: Many Coquille Basin streams will open for trout angling this Saturday, May 22. Shad will begin running at any time. Fish for them in upper tidewater on bright, sunny days. Several marine perch species are available now in the bay, around pilings and rock structures.
DIAMOND LAKE has been stocked with legal rainbows. The ice is off the lake. A 12-inch rainbow was caught opening weekend along with a few other large ones. Angling was fair for legal rainbows.
EMIGRANT RESERVOIR was stocked with 4,000 legal rainbow trout recently. Fair for trout and smallmouth bass.
EXPO PONDS: Fair for trout.
GALESVILLE RESERVOIR has been stocked with over 900 recycled hatchery steelhead.
LOST CREEK RESERVOIR was stocked with legal rainbow trout recently. Fair for trout and smallmouth bass.
MEDCO POND: Fair for trout.
PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: Redtail surfperch fishing is good off ocean beaches. Anglers should be cautious of high surf conditions. Ocean salmon is open from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain for all salmon except coho. Anglers may use no more than two single point, single shank, and barbless hooks. The minimum size for chinook retention is 20 inches. Angling for chinook has been good out of Winchester Bay, still slow out of Charleston. Boaters need to be cautious of ocean and bar conditions, for those planning offshore trips. Sport halibut is open May 20-22, May 27-29, and June 10-12. Halibut catches were good for the recent May 13-15 opener.
ROGUE RIVER, LOWER (Gold Beach): Winter steelhead fishing has been excellent this year, but will be winding down this month. A good run of spring chinook is expected this year. New special regulations apply. Check the 2004 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations.
ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: Angling for winter steelhead should be good. Non-adipose fin- clipped steelhead over 24 inches may be kept; one per day and five per year, as part of the daily steelhead/salmon bag limit. Please note the new salmon harvest codes when recording your catch. A new instruction sheet may be obtained by calling ODFW Roseburg at 541-440-3353 or ODFW Central Point at 541-826-8774.
ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: Recent rains have put most of the river out of shape. Angling for winter steelhead should improve as more fish move upriver. Non-adipose fin-clipped steelhead over 24 inches may be kept; one per day and five per year, as part of the daily steelhead/salmon bag limit. Please note the new salmon harvest codes when recording your catch.
SELMAC LAKE was stocked recently with 4,400 legal-sized rainbow trout.
SMITH RIVER: Open for striped bass angling only.
SODA SPRINGS DAM: Angling for brown trout is good. Check general regulations for size and limit.
SOUTH COAST LAKES AND PONDS: Angling is slow in most lakes and ponds. Twice per week stocking with legal-sized trout in Garrison Lake and Libby Pond began in early March, and will continue through May.
UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: A few spring chinook are being caught and angling should improve with the increased water flows. Steelhead angling is slow to fair. Smallmouth bass angling is good. Sturgeon angling is slow. Winter steelhead angling begins just above tidal influence at Scottsburg. Areas to bank-angle begin at Family Camp and continue upstream on the south side of the Umpqua River to Lutsinger Creek. Sawyer's Rapids and Scotts Creek are just upstream and are popular bank and drift boat spots. Drift boaters can access the river at the Scotts Creek boat ramp and the Sawyers Rapids RV Park. Bank anglers can also take advantage of the Bunch Bar wayside, which is owned by Douglas County. Hesters Boat Ramp is located on the south side of the river downstream of Bunch Bar. Boat anglers put in and fish upstream of the boat ramp. Both boat and bank angling are available upstream in the town of Elkton at Yellow Creek boat ramp, Osprey boat ramp, James Woods boat ramp, Calapooia boat ramp, Cleveland Rapids and River Forks Park boat ramp. Day drift trips can be made from many of these ramps. Anglers should be reminded that 100 percent of the hatchery adult population passes all these angling locations. Based on data collected by the Umpqua Fish district, about 50 percent of the wild winter steelhead use the mainstem Umpqua and tributaries for spawning, which makes for an exciting catch-and-release fishery.
UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: Steelhead fishing is fair in the all-angling section and in the fly-only section. Chinook angling is slow.
WILLOW LAKE was stocked with 4,900 legal-sized rainbow trout recently.
WILLAMETTE ZONE
FISHING
The following waterbodies are scheduled to be stocked this week: Blue River, Blue River Reservoir, Breitenbush River, Carmen Reservoir, Detroit Reservoir, E E Wilson Pond, Fall Creek, Foster Reservoir, Hills Creek, Junction City Pond, Leaburg Lake, McKenzie River Upper, Quartsville Creek, Salt Creek, Santiam River North Fork, Trail Bridge Reservoir, Willamette River Middle Fork, Estacada Lake, Faraday Lake, Huddeston Pond, North Fork Reservoir, and Timothy Meadows.
CLACKAMAS RIVER: Steelhead angling has been very good in much of the river from the mouth up to Rivermill Dam. Spring chinook are now plentiful throughout the river and catch rates have been good. Bank anglers will find the best access in the High Rocks area, Carver, Barton Park, or up in the McIver Park and Rivermill Dam area. Dog Creek, near the hatchery, was also very good this past week. Boat anglers should find success from McIver Park down to the mouth. Several hundred steelhead have been recycled downstream as well as several dozen chinook from Clackamas Hatchery. These fish are trapped at the hatchery then trucked down to the lower river and released, giving anglers an additional opportunity to catch them. The water temperature in the Clackamas was running at 52 degrees at the hatchery.
DETROIT RESERVOIR: Detroit Lake is almost full. Fish are plentiful and shallow, and limits are common. The lake is scheduled to be stocked again with rainbow trout this week.
E.E. WILSON POND recently was stocked with a few rainbow brood trout. Angling is allowed only with a free, self-service permit, available at the E.E. Wilson Pond check station.
FOSTER RESERVOIR continues to be good for trout and will be stocked again this week. Best success has been near the dam and along the north side of the lake. Boats trolling at a depth of about 30 feet have been doing well.
GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: Anglers targeting kokanee have been doing well, with several limits being taken - mostly in the 9-10 inch group. The fish are relatively shallow at 20-30 feet. The lake was stocked last week with trout.
SANDY RIVER: Spring chinook fishing continues to be good to excellent, with the best catches in the Cedar Creek/Sandy Hatchery area. Steelhead fishing was fair this past week with most of the fish caught near the Dodge Park area and Cedar Creek. The water temperature continues to hover near 50 degrees. Spring chinook fishing should continue to be good with fish available throughout the lower river.
SANTIAM RIVER: Flow is the river is scheduled to decrease a little more this week as releases from the dam are cut back. River level will change with the amount of precipitation we get. Highest angling pressure and success has been in the Stayton area with chinook catch exceeding steelhead catch. Anglers are also picking up fish further up the river in the reach between Mill City and Mehama. The South Santiam flow will continue to be decreased as well. Anglers are doing well on summer steelhead in the upper reaches of the river while chinook are much more common near Lebanon. Trout season opens to catch-and-release angling this Saturday (May 22) in the river reaches below Big Cliff and Foster dams.
SAUVIE ISLAND: The Gilbert River Boat Ramp and Disabled Person Fishing as well as the Columbia River beaches are open.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: The river level has dropped a little this past week with flows as of Monday running at 14,000 cfs. The water temperature was 58 degrees and the visibility at 6.0 feet. The river remains fishable as we head into the final two weeks of May. The warm, clear water is ideal for passage as the fish become focused on moving upstream to spawning areas. Spring chinook continued passing through the Willamette Falls Fishway last week with several days of passage exceeding 2,000 fish per day.
Steelhead angling has been fair in the Oregon City area, near the mouth of the Clackamas River and at Meldrum Bar. There are still a few bright Winter Steelhead in the system. Good numbers of Summer Steelhead are now present and several thousand have passed Willamette Falls on their way to upper river tributaries.
This past week catch rates were fair in most sections of the Willamette River. Effort was light in the middle part of the river with most of the boats seen in the lower channel, the St. Johns area, or in Oregon City. Spring chinook were caught from Multnomah Channel up to Oregon City with several bright fish seen in the lower river. This could indicate that there are still a few decent days left for spring chinook fishing in the Willamette.
Last weekend 11 spring chinook were checked for 41 boats in the St. Johns/Swan Island area. The middle river was fair with four spring chinook checked for 16 boats. In the Oregon City area 23 spring chinook were checked for 90 boats.
Sturgeon angling was fair this past weekend throughout the river. The St. Johns/Portland area has been producing some legal white sturgeon for boat anglers. Please make note of the angling regulation changes on the Willamette before going sturgeon fishing. http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ODFWhtml/Regulations/2004_reg_changes.htm
Shad angling effort and catch picked up in the Oregon City area this past weekend. Look for shad effort and success to increase in the coming days as the focus shifts away from salmon. The Oregon City area is the most popular spot but Multnomah Channel can also produce some good shad catches.
CENTRAL ZONE
FISHING
The following waterbodies are scheduled to be stocked this week: Big Cultis, Bikini Pond, Cent. Gravel Pit, Chikahominy Reservoir, Clear Lake, Cottonwood Meadows, Deschutes #5, East Lake, Fall River, Holbrook Reservoir, Lofton Reservoir, North Twin, South Twin, Shelvin, Sprague Pit, Spring Creek, and Walton Lake.
ANTELOPE RESERVOIR: No report, however, there are some nice rainbow trout in the reservoir. Angling is generally best in spring through mid-summer. By late summer, low water levels and warm water temperatures limit success. There is an unimproved boat ramp for small to medium-sized boats; however, this is often not operational by late summer. Trout numbers have decreased the last two years. Trout up to 18 inches are present in the reservoir.
BIG LAVA LAKE: Reports are mixed. Some anglers had good success with other reporting the angling as being slow. Fish are running 10 - 18 inches, with an occasional fish over 20 inches being caught.
CLEAR LAKE is open and accessible and has been stocked with legal size trout.
CRANE PRAIRIE: No report. Wild and hatchery rainbow trout are available. There is good opportunity for brook trout and largemouth bass. Kokanee are also available for the angler. Hatchery rainbow trout are 100 percent marked with an adipose fin clip or left ventral clip. Anglers are asked to please voluntarily limit your harvest of wild trout to protect this fishery. Expect fish to be scattered early in the season. Anglers should target shallow water areas for best early season success. Good numbers of brook trout are available, and the best angling is early in the season. Bass angling should improve as water temperature increases; target willow areas early in the season. Recent illegal introductions of black crappie and bluegill have occurred. There is no limit on size or number of crappie or bluegill.
CROOKED RIVER, MAINSTEM BELOW BOWMAN DAM: Angling is reported to be good. Best opportunities are in the nine miles immediately below the dam. Flows are down to between 250 and 300 cfs between Bowman dam and the City of Prineville.
CRESCENT LAKE: Reports of nice brown trout being caught along with a few lake trout. Kokanee bite is still a little slow. Good opportunity for kokanee, brown trout and lake trout.
CULTUS LAKE: Angling for lake trout is still reported to be good.
DAVIS LAKE: No report. North Lava camp is accessible although there is no boat ramp at this site. West Davis boat ramp opened April 30 (Contact USFS Crescent Ranger District for more information (541-433-3200).
DESCHUTES RIVER (LOWER) The Deschutes bordering the Warm Springs Reservation is open for rainbow trout and fin-clipped steelhead. The Deschutes from the mouth to Sherars Falls is open for adipose fin-clipped adult hatchery originated spring chinook through July 31, 2004. Daily limit is two fin-clipped adult and five fin-clipped jack spring chinook. Anglers cannot continue to angle after retaining a daily limit of adult chinook. Chinook fishing is fair to good. A few salmon flies are present below Sherars Falls.
DESCHUTES RIVER: Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls - No report. The best fish populations are upstream from Bend to Benham Falls and downstream of Steelhead Falls. Wickiup Reservoir Dam downstream to Benham Falls - Opens May 22
EAST LAKE: Fly-anglers and some boat anglers are reportedly having good success. Kokanee, rainbow, brown trout, and Atlantic salmon are present in the lake. Expect fair to good catches of rainbow and brown trout early in the season. Brown trout numbers are excellent with good numbers of large fish. Catchable rainbow trout are stocked intermittently through the season. Expect fair to good numbers of carryover rainbow early in the season. East Lake is becoming a popular fly fishing destination for Atlantic salmon.
ELK LAKE: Road is open to the lake and the lake is ice-free, but boat ramp is still closed due to snow.
FALL RIVER: Angling is reported to be fair.
FROG LAKE is open and accessible and has been stocked with legal sized trout as well as brood trout.
HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: Haystack was recently stocked; however, no reports of angler success or lack of success have come in to this point. Moderate numbers of large brown trout are present. Kokanee angling should be fair in the spring while angling for bass, bluegill and crappie should improve as the water warms. Angling for brown bullhead should be good. Launch ramps on the east and west shores are in good condition. The daily bag limit is five trout, including kokanee. This is an irrigation re-regulating reservoir; thus water levels fluctuate daily. However, there will be adequate boating water throughout the season.
HOSMER: No report, however, the Atlantic salmon should be biting.
KINGSLEY RESERVOIR: The boat ram is free of snow and the reservoir is full and has been stocked.
LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: Bull trout catch is slowing. Anglers hopeful of catching a legal bull trout should fish the Metolius arm of the reservoir. Kokanee catches are still requiring a fair amount of work. Kokanee size this year is averaging from 8 to 13 inches. Peak angling for kokanee is typically in July and August. Angling for trout should be fair in the uppermost reaches of all three arms. Bass angling should be fair in all three arms as the water warms. A tribal angling permit is required in addition to an Oregon State angling license to fish in the Metolius Arm. The Metolius Arm is open to angling from March 1 through Oct. 31 and a tribal angling permit is required. The balance of the reservoir is open the entire year.
LAURANCE LAKE is open and has been stocked, but is not full pool.
LITTLE LAVA LAKE: Reports of nice rainbow and brook trout showing up in the creel.
METOLIUS RIVER: Good reports of nice rainbow trout being caught and released. Mainstem above Allingham Bridge opens May 22.
NORTH TWIN LAKE: Some success reported for rainbow trout. Provides a “put and take” fishery for nine to 11-inch rainbow trout. Some carryover fish up to 15 inches are available. Brown bullhead catfish have been illegally released into the lake and will likely overpopulate and stunt growth of rainbow trout. Motors are prohibited.
OCHOCO RESERVOIR: Angling for rainbow trout has been good with fish ranging from 12 to 16 inches. Anglers are effective with a wide range of bait and tackle. Boat anglers should concentrate in the upper end of the reservoir near the mouths of Ochoco and Mill Creeks during May. The boat ramp and camping facilities will be available for use. The boat ramp has been improved and extended allowing use at lower water levels. Black crappie fishing should improve as the water warms. There is no limit on this illegally introduced species. Bank anglers are asked respect private property on the shoreline.
ODELL LAKE: Fair to good catches of kokanee running 12 - 16 inches. Lake trout angling is also reported to be good. Expect fair catches of kokanee early in the season with improved catch as water warms in May and June. Only one lake trout per day is allowed as part of the daily trout limit and must be at least 30 inches in length. Angling is closed within 200 feet of the mouth of Odell Creek to protect bull trout.
PAULINA LAKE: Reports of some success for brown trout and kokanee. Expect best catches of large brown trout early in the season and early and late in the day. Kokanee angling is expected to be good with most fish ranging from 13 to 16 inches. Kokanee catches will improve as lake productivity increases in May and June.
PINEHOLLOW RESERVOIR has been stocked and trout fishing is good. The reservoir is nearly full.
PRINVILLE RESERVOIR: North side road is open. Opportunity is good for 12 to 16 rainbow trout. Anglers should concentrate their efforts by the dam and Bear Creek arm. Black crappie angling should begin to pick up with the warmer temperatures. Bullhead enthusiasts should fish the upper end of reservoir.
ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR has been stocked and trout fishing is good. The reservoir is full.
SOUTH TWIN: Anglers are enjoying fair to good catches. South Twin is a popular lake for rainbow trout angling and provides sheltered angling opportunity when early season cold temperatures and wind become a problem on larger water bodies. Rainbow trout are typically 11 to 13 inches for the opener with carryover fish in the 14 to 16-inch size. A number of large 4-5 lb. rainbow trout were caught from South Twin in 2003. South Twin provides good bank angling opportunity. Boat launching is available, however, motors are prohibited.
SUTTLE LAKE: Angling for brown trout and kokanee is fair to good. Reports of some nice kokanee been taken. Target brown trout early and late in the day for best results.
WALTON LAKE: No report. Angling for holdover rainbow trout should be good early in the season. Legal-sized rainbow trout were stocked in early May and through the season. Beginning in late May and continuing on a monthly basis throughout the summer, the lake will be stocked with trophy trout (one to two pounds each). The daily bag limit is five trout. Walton Lake is open to year-round angling.
WICKIUP RESERVOIR: Anglers reported some nice brown trout catches mixed with a number of kokanee in the creel. Kokanee are running 12-18 inches. Wickiup Reservoir water level is improved over last year. Kokanee numbers are expected to be low again this year, however, size should be improved. Kokanee will be scattered early in the season and begin schooling in channels sometime in June. Target shallow water flats early in the season and river channel areas as the water warms. Good numbers of brown trout are available. Growth of brown trout has been very good due to high feed abundance. Most large browns are captured early in the season, both early and late in the day. Some large rainbow trout are available. There is no limit on size or number of warm water gamefish, including bass, in Wickiup Reservoir. Anglers interested in targeting brown bullhead should fish the southeast areas of the reservoir.
SOUTHEAST ZONE
FISHING
BEULAH RESERVOIR is 77 percent full and the water level is dropping. Fishing in the reservoir is fair. No angling report below the dam.
BLITZEN RIVER: No recent angling report. Flows are coming up. Catch and release only for trout through May 21. Two trout per day May 22-Oct. 31.
BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir is 90 percent full and is beginning to drop. The ramp is usable. Angling for warm water fish is slow.
BURNS POND: The pond has been stocked several times this year. Angling should be fair to good.
BURNT RIVER and tributaries upstream from Huntington-Richland Road Bridge: South Fork were with 1,000 legal fish week of May 17.
CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: The reservoir was stocked with several thousand legal-sized and fingerling rainbow trout this week. The reservoir was also stocked with several thousand legal-sized rainbow trout several weeks ago. The reservoir was dry last year, so the fishery will depend on stocked legal-sized rainbow trout until stocked fingerlings enter the fishery in September.
DELINTMENT LAKE: The lake was stocked with legal-sized and fingerling rainbow trout two weeks ago. Angling should be good. However, there may not be holdover fish from last year. Reports were received of a fish die-off during the winter.
FISH LAKE: (Steens Mountain): The loop road is closed, so access is limited.
GERBER RESERVOIR: Angling for crappie and bass has been improving. Bullhead fishing has been good.
HAINES POND was stocked with 1,000 legal trout week of May 10.
HWY 203 POND was stocked with 2,000 legal rainbow trout week of May 10.
JUNIPER LAKE: The lake was dry for the last few years, and is extremely low this year.
KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: Angling for wild redband has been good for both bank and boat anglers.
KLAMATH RIVER: Angling has been good for wild redband trout.
KRUMBO RESERVOIR: Slow to fair angling for large rainbow trout. Anglers are successful using bait or spinners.
LAKE OF THE WOODS: Trout angling has been good.
LOST RIVER: Angling has been good for perch and brown bullhead.
LAURANCE LAKE is open and has been stocked but is not full.
LOST LAKE: Angling has been improving for perch and brown bullhead.
MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork Malheur River): Water is being released from Warm Springs Reservoir, so flows are up. No angling report.
MALHEUR RIVER (South Fork Malheur River downstream to Gold Creek): Water is being released from Warm Springs and Beulah reservoirs. Few trout survived last summer when reservoir went dry, so angling is poor.
MALHEUR RIVER, NORTH FORK and MIDDLE FORK: No recent angling report.
MALHEUR RESERVOIR: The water level is very low. The reservoir received very little snowmelt. The reservoir will be dry by the end of summer. It will not be stocked this year. Fishing is still poor.
MANN LAKE: In the past few weeks, anglers have been averaging about one fish per hour. The lake is low, and may not fill well this year.
MOON RESERVOIR: The reservoir is full. However, fishing is poor. Most of the fish have died due to low water the last two years. The reservoir will be stocked with fingerling rainbow trout this spring. These fish should enter the fishery by September.
MUD LAKE: Fishing is fair.
NORTH POWDER PONDS: North Powder Pond #1 was stocked with 1,000 rainbows recently.
OWYHEE RESERVOIR: The reservoir is 55 percent full. All boat ramps are watered up. The Leslie Gulch boat ramp is only barely in the water, which would limit the launching and retrieval of larger heavy boats. Angling for crappie and bass is fair, while channel catfish is slow.
OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): Discharge below the dam is averaging about 185 cfs. Trout fishing is fair to good for rainbows and browns.
OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): Flows at Rome are about 578 cfs. No angling report.
PHILLIPS RESERVOIR is 45 percent full. Was stocked with 5,000 rainbow trout the week of May 10.
PILCHER CREEK RESERVOIR: Reservoir level is at 36 percent. Good fishing for crappie.
POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir is low. Irrigation season began April 1. The reservoir will not last the summer and will not be stocked this year. No fish survived last year, so fishing is poor.
POWDER RIVER: Open under permanent regulations listed in the 2004 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations.
NORTH POWDER PONDS: Pond #1 is scheduled to be stocked with 1,000 rainbow trout this week.
SNAKE RIVER: Discharge has dropped and water visibility is low with irrigation discharges. Fishing is fair in the lower river for catfish and poor for smallmouth bass.
SPRAGUE RIVER: Angling for brown and redband trout has been fair.
THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: The reservoir is at 100 percent. The reservoir was drained last year.
UNITY RESERVOIR State park is open. Water level is at 100 percent. Good-sized trout were taken this winter.
WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: The reservoir is 46 percent full. Fishing is slow.
WOOD RIVER: Angling for brown trout has been good.
WILLIAMSON RIVER, UPPER: Angling for wild redband trout has been good.
WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: Angling has been fair.
WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: Water level is 66 percent.
YELLOWJACKET LAKE: The lake will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week. Angling should be good. However, there are probably few holdover fish from last year. Many trout died last summer after a blue-green algae bloom.
NORTHEAST ZONE
FISHING
The following water bodies are scheduled to be stocked this week: Marr Pond, Victor Pond, Wallowa Wildlife Pond, Kinney Lake, Honeymoon Pond, Teepee Pond, Roulet Pond, and Ladd Pond.
JOHN DAY RIVER: The bridge across the John Day River at the Flat Creek access to the Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Area and road south of the bridge is closed to motor vehicles. Smallmouth bass angling has been fair to good. River flow information at the Service Creek gauging station is available at waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/us/14046500.
LADD POND: Surplus steelhead from Wallowa Hatchery have been stocked into Ladd Pond on Peach Road. These steelhead are considered trout in Ladd Pond, so these fish can still be kept. The regulation that only one trout over 20 inches may be taken applies here. Also, 600 legal and 35 trophy rainbows were stocked in late April.
MAGONE LAKE AND BULL PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: Angling for rainbow trout has been good.
MARR POND: Stocked with legal and trophy sized trout.
MORGAN LAKE: Free Fishing Day activities will be held at Morgan Lake this year on Saturday, June 12.
ROULET POND: Surplus steelhead from Wallowa Hatchery have been stocked into Roulet Pond. These steelhead are considered trout in Roulet Pond, so these fish can still be kept. The regulation that only one trout over 20 inches may be taken applies here. Also, 650 legal and 26 trophy rainbows were stocked in late April.
UMATILLA RIVER: The Umatilla River spring chinook season from Hwy 730 bridge upstream to Three Mile Dam closed last week. The area from Three Mile Dam upstream to the reservation boundary remains open.
WALLOWA LAKE: Fair for holdover and recently stocked rainbow trout. Kokanee are in deep water.
WALLOWA WILDLIFE AREA PONDS: Have been stocked with legal and trophy rainbows as well as surplus steelhead.
SNAKE RIVER ZONE
FISHING
BROWNLEE RESERVOIR: Crappie and perch fishing have been very good when the water levels are stable. Bite goes off when the water levels are raised or dropped. Crappie are at all water levels. Bass fishing is good. There is a 12" minimum on bass in Brownlee. Some large trout are being caught with spinners, worms or eggs near stream mouths and just below Brownlee Dam (drift fishing with bait on the bottom). The reservoir is about 10 feet below full and they are starting the spring runoff, so water levels will fluctuate. Call Idaho Power Company’s recording (1-800-422-3143) to get information on access at recreational sites or access www.idahopower.com under the Rivers and Recreation heading. For reservoir level information, access http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/cgi-bin/dataquery.pl?k=brownlee.
HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: Trout and bass fishing has been good. Crappie fishing is starting to pick up.
OXBOW RESERVOIR: Trolling for trout is good. Catfish are being caught below the dam. Crappie fishing is slow right now. Bass fishing is good, but catch and release only until June 30.
SNAKE RIVER, HELLS CANYON DAM TO THE STATE LINE: Open for spring chinook from Dug Bar Boat Ramp to the deadline below Hells Canyon Dam. Two chinook per day, barbless hooks required. Fishing should improve as more fish move upriver into the area. Approximately 1,000 steelhead were trapped below the dam and were stocked in Hells Canyon Reservoir for angling opportunities.
COLUMBIA RIVER ZONE
FISHING
Please consult the 2004 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations pamphlet for further information regarding the Columbia River Zone.
Salmon, Steelhead, and Shad:
BUOY 10 LINE UPSTREAM THE ROCKY POINT/TONGUE POINT LINE This section of the Columbia River is currently closed to angling for salmon and steelhead, but is open to angling for shad.
THE ROCKY POINT/TONGUE POINT LINE UPSTREAM TO THE I-5 BRIDGE: This section of the Columbia River is currently open to the retention of adipose fin-clipped steelhead, adipose fin-clipped chinook jacks (chinook salmon under 24 inches in length), and shad.
I-5 BRIDGE UPSTREAM TO BONNEVILLE DAM: This section of the Columbia River is currently closed to angling for salmon and steelhead, but is open to angling for shad. Effective June 16, 2004 this section will open to angling for adipose fin-clipped steelhead and adipose fin-clipped chinook jacks (chinook salmon less than 24 inches in length).
BONNEVILLE DAM UPSTREAM TO THE OREGON/WASHINGTON BORDER ABOVE MCNARY DAM: This section of the Columbia River is currently closed to angling for salmon and steelhead, but is open to angling for shad. Effective June 16, 2004 this section will open to angling for adipose fin-clipped steelhead and adipose fin-clipped chinook jacks (chinook salmon less than 24 inches in length).
In the lower Columbia River salmonid angler effort increased below the I-5 Bridge with the greatest concentration occurring in the Longview area. There was no steelhead catch observed from boat anglers over the weekend however, bank anglers averaged 0.28 steelhead caught per rod.
Estuary Boat and Bank: No report.
Portland to Longview Boat: No report.
Portland to Longview Bank: Weekend checking showed 14 adipose fin-clipped steelhead and one adipose fin-clipped chinook jack kept, plus two chinook released for 50 bank rods.
Sturgeon:
BUOY 10 UPSTREAM TO WAUNA POWERLINES including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries: This section of the Columbia River is currently open to the retention of sturgeon. The daily bag limit is one fish between 45 and 60 inches in total length and the annual limit is five fish. Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during retention closures. The fishery will be managed for a 15,000 fish quota in this section of the Columbia River and specific retention dates may be adjusted to meet the quota.
WAUNA POWERLINES TO BONNEVILLE DAM including all adjacent Washington tributaries and the Multnomah Channel and Willamette River downstream of Willamette Falls: The current daily bag limit is one fish between 42 and 60 inches in total length and the annual limit is five fish. Boat and bank angling for sturgeon is prohibited from Beacon Rock upstream to Bonneville Dam to protect spawner broodstock until July 31. Catch and release fishing for sturgeon will not be allowed in the area between Beacon Rock and Bonneville Dam during May 1 through July 31. Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during sturgeon retention closures, except during May 1 through July 31 in the area from Beacon Rock upstream to Bonneville Dam when catch and release fishing is prohibited. The fishery will be managed for a 12,000 fish quota in this section of the Columbia River and specific retention dates may be adjusted to meet the quota.
BONNEVILLE DAM UPSTREAM TO THE DALLES DAM: The Bonneville Pool is currently open to the retention of sturgeon. The daily bag limit is one fish between 42 and 60 inches in total length and the annual limit is five fish. The annual catch guideline for the Bonneville Pool is 700 white sturgeon. The catch projection through April 30 is 350 legal white sturgeon.
THE DALLES DAM UPSTREAM TO McNARY DAM: The Dalles Pool and the John Day Pool are currently open to the retention of sturgeon. The daily bag limit is one fish between 48 and 60 inches in total length and the annual bag limit is five fish. The annual catch guidelines for The Dalles and John Day pools are 400 and 165 white sturgeon, respectively. The catch projection through April 30 is 250 and 90 legal white sturgeon in The Dalles and John Day pools respectively.
In the lower Columbia River, sturgeon angler effort decreased slightly in the Gorge and increased in the Estuary this past weekend. Boat anglers had the greatest success in the Gorge and Estuary where anglers averaged 0.92 and 0.76 legal white sturgeon caught per boat. Boat anglers fishing in the Troutdale and Portland to Longview areas also experienced fair success this past weekend where anglers averaged 0.41 and 0.21 legal white sturgeon caught per boat. Bank anglers in the Portland to Longview areas averaged 0.09 legal white sturgeon caught per bank rod.
Estuary Boats: Weekend checking showed 105 legal white sturgeon kept, plus seven legal fish, five oversize, and 813 sub-legal fish released for 147 boats (complete trips).
Estuary Bank: Weekend checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept, plus 12 sub-legal fish released for 21 rods.
Gorge Boats: Weekend checking showed 59 legal white sturgeon kept, plus two legal fish, 13 oversize, and 941 sub-legal fish released for 66 boats (completed trips).
Gorge Bank: No report.
Troutdale Boats: Weekend checking showed five legal white sturgeon kept, plus two legal fish, and 102 sub-legal fish released for 17 boats (completed trips).
Portland to Longview Boats: Weekend checking showed 15 legal white sturgeon kept, plus one oversize, and 210 sub-legal fish released for 70 boats (completed trips).
Portland to Longview Bank: Weekend checking showed three legal white sturgeon kept, plus 14 sub-legal fish released for 34 rods.
Bonneville Pool: Weekly checking showed two legal white sturgeon kept, plus 22 sub-legal fish released for three boats and two legal white sturgeon kept, plus one legal, and 46 sub-legal fish released for 55 bank rods.
The Dalles Pool: Weekly checking showed 24 sub-legal released for five boats and 30 sub-legal fish released for 42 bank rods.
John Day Pool: No report.
Walleye:
Troutdale Boats: Weekend checking showed one walleye kept for 10 boats (completed trips).
Bonneville Pool: No report.
The Dalles Pool: Weekly checking showed two walleye kept for one boat.
MARINE ZONE
FISHING
Perch fishing in coastal estuaries is fair. Anglers at the mouth of the Columbia River are landing some redtail and walleye perch. Yaquina Bay anglers are landing striped and pile perch.
Surf fishing for redtail surfperch is slow coast wide when seas allow. Port Orford anglers landed a few over the weekend.
Coastal jetty fishing has been slow coast wide. Catches consist of mostly greenling, cabezon, and striped sea perch.
Charter boats coastwide are returning with bag limits on legal rockfish and some lingcod when seas allow.
Yaquina Bay anglers were landing good numbers of herring as well as achovies and shad. Anglers at Brookings were also landing herring and shad.
Anglers at Seaside averaged five or more flouder per angler last week.
Ocean salmon:
-Leadbetter Point, WA to Cape Falcon, OR is open Sunday through Thursday June 27 through Sept. 30 or attainment of coho quota. The season closes Aug. 1 between Cape Falcon and Tillamook Head. The allowed bag limit is two salmon per day, only one of which may be a chinook. Retained coho must have a healed adipose fin-clip. Consideration to re-open the fishery seven days a week will occur around July 28. Minimum lengths are: chinook 26 inches, steelhead 20 inches and coho 16 inches.
-Cape Falcon to Humbug Mtn. is open for all species except coho March 15 through Oct. 31 seven days a week. Coho retention is open June 19 through Aug. 31 or attainment of quota between Cape Falcon and the California-Oregon border. Retained coho must have a healed adipose fin-clip. Minimum length for chinook and steelhead is 20 inches, coho is 16 inches.
-Humbug Mtn. south to Horse Mtn., CA, the salmon season is open seven days a week May 15 through Sept. 12 for all salmon except coho except during the selective fishery mentioned above. In the Tillamook Triangular Control Zone, between March 15 and July 31, all retained chinook must have a healed fin clip. More information is available at: www.hmsc.oregonstate.edu/odfw/salmon/
Pacific halibut: Statewide bag limit is the first halibut that is 32 inches or longer in length. No groundfish (excludes halibut) may be possessed during June through Sept. in Oregon waters outside of 40 fathoms.
-Leadbetter Pt., WA to Cape Falcon, OR: Open May 1 through the earlier of 14,241 pounds or October 31. Open seven days per week in all-depth water. Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain inside 40-fathom line season (defined by legal waypoints): Open May 1 through the earlier of 22,574 pounds or October 31. Open 7 days per week.
-Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain Spring All-depth season: Open dates are May 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 and June 10, 11, and 12. If the spring guideline is not taken after these dates, the fishery will continue on the following dates until the spring guideline is taken: June 25, 26 and July 9, 10, 23, and 24 (open days will be announced on NMFS hotline 1-800-662-9825). Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain Summer All-depth season: Opens August 6 unless the spring fishery exceeded the 2004 season total all-depth quota of 259,604 pounds. The fishery will occur on the following dates until the season total all-depth quota is taken: August 6, 7, 20, 21; September 3, 4, 17, 18; and October 1, 2, 15, 16, 29, and 30 (open dates will be announced on NMFS hotline 1-800-662-9825).
-South of Humbug Mountain, OR through California: Open May 1 through October 31 seven days per week in all-depth waters.
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