ODFG Report

Wednesday, May 4, 2005 www.dfw.state.or.us

Youngs Bay, Blind Slough reopen to spring chinook harvest Thursday
Biologists now estimate Columbia River run to be 70,000 to 100,000

Oregon and Washington fishery managers met Tuesday and decided to reopen Youngs Bay, Deep River and Blind Slough to a limited recreational and commercial spring chinook harvest, starting Thursday, because the risk to imperiled wild salmon is extremely low. In addition, Knappa Slough will open to sport angling.

The mainstem Columbia River from Buoy 10 to McNary Dam remains closed to the harvest of spring chinook.

Youngs Bay, Deep River, Blind Slough and Knappa Slough are backwaters and sloughs of the Columbia River and are the release sites of hatchery-reared spring chinook salmon. Commercial boats may fish Thursday evening for four hours in Youngs Bay and six hours in Deep River and Blind Slough. The recreational season will reopen 12:01 a.m., Thursday, May 5, under permanent rules listed in the 2005 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations on pages 89-94.

Pre-season predictions for 254,100 "upriver" spring chinook salmon to enter the Columbia River and cross Bonneville Dam have not materialized. Biologists now estimate the run size to be between 70,000 and 100,000 spring chinook.  As of May 2, 37,265 adult spring chinook have been counted at the dam. Over the last five years, an average of 65 percent of the run had passed by this time.

Additional information about the Columbia River spring chinook season also may be found on ODFW's Web page at  http://www.dfw.state.or.us/OSCRP/CRM/action_notes.html .

Fishery managers will meet again Tuesday, May 10, to assess the Columbia River fish runs.

NORTHWEST ZONE
FISHING
Because of unseasonably low lake and river levels quality stocking conditions are becoming less optimal at an increasing rate. District staff are re-scheduling most stockings in August and September to be stocked by the end of May.
Warm water Game fish: Anglers can anticipate good fishing for warm water game fish from spring through fall in area lakes. In the Florence Area, both Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes can offer anglers very good fishing for large mouth bass, perch, bluegill, crappie and brown bullhead. In addition, Mercer, Sutton and Woahink Lakes can offer anglers fair fishing for similar warm water species. In the Lincoln City area, Devils Lake can offer fair fishing for a variety of warm water species.
ALDER LAKE: Stocked recently with legal-sized trout.
BIG CREEK RESERVOIR #1 and #2: Was recently stocked legal-sized trout.
BUCK LAKE: Was recently stocked legal-sized trout.
CARTER LAKE: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
CLEAWOX LAKE: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
CULLABY LAKE: Was stocked with legal-sized trout last week.
DUNE LAKE: Was recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
ELBOW LAKE: Was recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
GEORGIA LAKE and NORTH GEORGIA LAKE: Was recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
LOST LAKE: Was stocked with legal-sized trout last week.
LYTLE LAKE: Was recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
MERCER LAKE: Was recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
MUNSEL LAKE: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: Winter steelhead angling is winding down, but a few fish are being caught. A few early summer steelhead and spring chinook have been reported. Spring chinook angling is best in Nestucca Bay and tidewater areas.
NORTH COAST LAKES: Angling for trout should be good in recently stocked lakes. Angling for warmwater fish should be improving as water temperatures warm up with recent nice weather. Best action will be in shallower water around the shorelines.
OLALLA CREEK RESERVOIR: Was recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
PERKINS LAKE: Was recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
SILETZ RIVER: Winter steelhead angling is slow to fair in the upper Siletz. In the Siletz River, the winter steelhead run typically comes to an end in May just as the summer steelhead run starts off. Ideal fishing conditions for winter steelhead generally exist following good rainfalls, as river levels start to lower, particularly when stream gauge levels are between 4-6 feet. Current flow conditions can be determined from the USGS website at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/rt for the Siletz. and other Oregon rivers.
SILTCOOS LAKE: Was recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
SUNSET LAKE: Stocked with legal-sized trout last week.
SUTTON LAKE: Will be stocked this week with legal-sized trout.
TILLAMOOK AREA LAKES: Hebo Lake was stocked with legal size trout the week of April 25. Angling for trout should be good. Best bets for warmwater fish should be Cape Meares Lake and Lytle Lake.
TILLAMOOK BAY: A few spring chinook are moving through the bay, but angling is slow. Trolling herring in the lower bay along the jetties or near the Coast Guard station. Angling for sturgeon remains fair at best, with scattered reports of fish being caught. Fish sand or mud shrimp on the bottom near the edge of the channels on the out going tide for best results. Move around often to find fish.
THISSEL POND: Was recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
WILSON AND TRASK RIVERS: Winter steelhead angling has been fair, but is slowing down. A few summer steelhead and spring chinook has been reported. Try bobber and eggs and/or sand shrimp for spring chinook.

SHELLFISH
The most current closure information is available on the Oregon Department of Agriculture Shellfish Hotline at (800) 448-2474.

VIEWING
Bald eagles are nesting on the north coast. Birds can often be seen hanging around established nest sites usually situated along major rivers, like the Columbia, and coastal estuaries.
The peregrine falcons that nest by Cape Meares State Park and Lighthouse have been seen in the traditional area where they usually nest (a ledge on a steep cliff face). It is a rare opportunity to see peregrines nesting in a natural setting from a relatively short distance. Bring your binoculars for the best view.
Common murres and tufted puffins are staging around nearshore coastal rocks such as Three Arch Rocks near Oceanside. Some birds are already sitting on the rocks indicating that nesting is starting soon. At Cape Meares State Park, there are a number of excellent informational panels that describe the history and biology of this colonial nesting phenomenon. Each year over 200,000 murres and several thousand tufted puffins nest just at Three Arch Rocks.
Songbirds can now be heard in abundance as one walks through the forests on the north coast. These include warblers that tend to nest higher in tree canopies, and others that nest in bushes. Many birds that you hear calling are declaring nesting territories.

SOUTHWEST ZONE
FISHING
Effective Jan. 1, rainbow trout over 16 inches are considered steelhead when caught in streams and must be entered on a tag if harvested.
ALL SPORTS POND: The pond will be stocked this week with legal-sized rainbow trout.  Fishing should be good.
APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: Applegate Reservoir is stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout, and land-locked juvenile spring chinook salmon are available, along with bass and panfish.  Fishing should pick up. The reservoir was 70 percent full as of mid-April. The Copper and Hart-tish boat ramps are usable at this time.
APPLEGATE RIVER: Anglers are reminded that the Applegate River is closed to steelhead fishing as of March 31.
BURMA POND: Burma Pond will be stocked this week with legal-sized rainbow trout.
COOPER CREEK RESERVOIR, DIAMOND LAKE, BEN IRVING RESERVOIR, GALESVILLE RESERVOIR, LOON LAKE, and PLAT I RESERVOIR: These water bodies are all stocked with catch-able trout. Fishing for trout will remain good throughout the spring with our continued stocking schedule. Warmwater fishing is improving now that water temperatures are increasing. 
COOS COUNTY LAKES: TENMILE LAKES, BRADLEY LAKE, EMPIRE LAKES, JOHNSON MILL POND, EEL LAKE, BLUEBILL LAKE, and POWERS POND have been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout (approximately 9 inches).  Anglers may also be surprised with a trophy trout up to five pounds from some of these lakes. Trout are available for beginning youth anglers at the Millicoma Interpretive Center pond near Allegany. The Upper (or "Middle") Empire Lake was heavily stocked last week prior to the Family Fun Day event last Saturday, and many of those trout are still available to catch.
COOS COUNTY DUNE LAKES: Angling for warmwater species such as bluegill, crappie, brown bullhead, and yellow perch should be good in these lakes at this time. These fish are congregating in shallower water for spawning, making them easier to catch. They can be taken with bait (such as worms) and small lures (such as jigs), and provide a great beginner fishery, especially for kids. Now is a good time to fish for warmwater species, before weed growth gets thick in lakes and ponds.
COOS RIVER BASIN: COOS RIVER BASIN: Winter steelhead angling is now closed in most basin streams. Trout angling in streams will open May 28.

Sturgeon can be caught at this time of year near the McCullough Bridge (Hwy. 101) or upriver near the South Coos/Millicoma confluence. Several surfperch species are in the Bay, and can be caught with shrimp and other baits around pilings and rock structures. Perch are often caught around the McCullough Bridge and structures near Empire boat ramp. Striped bass will be in tidewater of the Coos Basin at this time, although striper populations in the Coos have been low in recent years.
COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: Winter steelhead angling is now closed in most basin streams.  Trout angling in streams will open May 28.
 
Striped bass are in the lower COQUILLE RIVER, up to Arago. Other areas where they are commonly caught included Riverton, Randolph Island, and adjacent to Johnson Mill Pond. Stripers will take bait such as shrimp or baitfish, as well as large plugs. Most feeding activity is near dawn and dusk.

DIAMOND LAKE: Fishing at Diamond Lake has been good in the southwest end of the lake where Silent Creek enters. Anglers have been successful using powerbait or trolling needlefish, rapalas, warblers, and flies. An observed 10.5-pound Williamson Rainbow was caught Saturday on a needlefish and reports of two fish weighing over 6 pounds were recorded on opening weekend. The overall bite at all high-mountain lakes should improve with an increase in water temperature.
DUTCH HERMAN POND: Dutch Herman Pond will be stocked this week with legal-sized rainbow trout.
EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: Emigrant Reservoir will be stocked this week with legal-sized rainbow trout, and bass and panfish are also available. Crappie less than 8-inches must be released unharmed. Emigrant is 89 percent full as of early May. 
EXPO POND: The pond at the Jackson County Fairgrounds complex will be stocked this week with rainbow trout. Bass and panfish are also available.
FISH LAKE: The lake is stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout, and some anglers are catching larger holdover trout. Fishing should be good.
HOWARD PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: Fishing should be fair to good for rainbow trout. The trout are in excellent condition, averaging 12-14 inches and running up to 20 inches. The reservoir is 58 percent full as of early May.
HYATT LAKE: Trout fishing should pick up at Hyatt Lake on large trout, primarily in the 14-16 inch size range. The reservoir is 92 percent full as of early May.
LAKE SELMAC: The lake is stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout, and fishing for largemouth bass should be improving with warmer water temperatures.
LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir is stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout and land-locked juvenile spring chinook salmon are also available, along with bass and panfish. The reservoir was 92 percent full as of mid-April.
MEDCO POND: The pond will be stocked this week with legal-sized rainbow trout. Bass and panfish also are available.
PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: Ocean and bar conditions have improved recently. Boaters are cautioned to beware of hazardous ocean and bar conditions, that may change rapidly.  For the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain, the Chinook General Season (all salmon except coho) is open from March 15 to Oct. 31 with a bag limit of two salmon per day. Retention of coho is prohibited until the Selective Coho Fishery opens June 18. The Selective Coho season will run through July 31, or until a quota of 40,000 adipose fin-clipped coho are harvested. Minimum lengths for chinook and steelhead are 20 inches. No more than two hooks may be used, and they must be single-point, single-shank, and barbless. 
For the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain, the "Inside 40-Fathom Line" halibut season runs May 1 through October 31, or until a quota of 20,101 pounds are harvested.  The "All-Depth" halibut season will occur on May 12-14, May 19-21, June 2-4, and June 9-11.  Later opening dates may occur if quota poundage remains after the listed openings.  The area at Stonewall Banks, off Newport, is closed to Pacific halibut fishing.
Surf angling conditions have improved in the last week, but catch rates have been slow for redtail surfperch. Redtail surfperch are available off local beaches, especially the steeper beaches at Horsfall, Bullards, and Whisky Run. Fish two dropper lines, baited with sand worms or shrimp, above a three to six-ounce weight. Surf anglers are reminded to beware of surf conditions that can be dangerous.
ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: The river flow measured at Grants Pass is 1,570 cubic feet per second on Monday morning. The Rogue is open to angling for adipose fin-clipped steelhead the entire year, but is now closed to the retention of non-adipose fin-clippped steelhead.  Spring chinook salmon are just beginning to migrate through the area. 
ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: Reservoir outflows at Lost Creek are averaging 770 cubic feet per second, but the flow at the Raygold gauge near Central Point is 1,410 cfs on Monday morning. A total of 11,634 winter steelhead and 642 spring chinook salmon have passed Gold Ray dam as of May 2. The Rogue is open to angling for adipose fin-clipped steelhead the entire year, but is now closed to the retention of non-adipose fin-clipped steelhead. 
ROGUE RIVER ABOVE LOST CREEK DAM: The mainstem and tributaries above Lost Creek Reservoir opened April 23. 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.
SPAULDING POND: Spaulding Pond will be stocked this week with legal-sized rainbow trout.  Road access to Spaulding Pond can be blocked by snow early in the year. Updated road information is available by calling the Siskiyou National Forest at 541-471-6500.
TENMILE LAKES BASIN: Winter steelhead angling is now closed in most basin streams.  Under new regulations for 2005, rainbow over 20 inches in TENMILE LAKES are considered "trout" from May 1 to October 31, and the bag limit is one per day over 20 inches.
Tournament catch rates for bass have been good this spring in TENMILE LAKES. Anglers are reminded that largemouth bass 15 inches and larger must be released. Bluegill, crappie, brown bullhead, and yellow perch are congregating in shallower water for spawning, making them easier to catch. Now is a good time to fish for warmwater species, before weed growth gets thick in lakes and ponds.
UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: The mainstem Umpqua River is dropping with visibility about three to five feet. Best locations for spring chinook are from Scottsburg to Sawyers Rapids. The best fishing is occurring from anchored boats fishing with anchovies, spinners, or Kwikfish wrapped with sardines. The Umpqua River is now closed to the take of non fin-clipped steelhead effective May 1.
UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: The South Umpqua River is now closed to all angling effective May 1 through May 27.
UMPQUA RIVER NORTH: The river has excellent water color, and summer steelhead will be showing up soon. Spring chinook numbers are beginning to pick up though the ladder at Winchester Dam and fishing for chinook should improve. Good bank access occurs from the Narrows to the mouth of Rock Creek located near Idleyld Park. As of April 22, 164 spring chinook and 7,426 winter steelhead have been counted at Winchester Dam.  he North Umpqua River is now closed to the take of non fin-clipped steelhead effective May 1.
WHETSTONE POND (DENMAN WILDLIFE AREA):  The pond has been stocked with rainbow trout, and bass, bullheads and panfish are available.
WILLOW LAKE: The lake is stocked with rainbow trout. Largemouth bass and panfish are also available.

SHELLFISH
Ocean shores and bays in Coos and Curry counties remain open to most clamming and mussel harvest, except for the harvest of ALL RAZOR CLAMS WHICH ARE CLOSED due to elevated domoic acid toxins ON ALL OREGON BEACHES.  Always check for health advisories by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Shellfish line at 800-448-2474 for updates.
Crabbing is fair in the estuaries at Charleston and Bandon, but crabs will become increasingly soft and have low meat content as they molt. Boaters can access crabbing grounds along the inside of North Spit from the BLM Boat Ramp south to the jetties. Crabs can also be taken with crab rings off the public docks in Charleston and Bandon. Bait your rings with turkey or chicken parts to deter seals and sea lions from stealing your bait.

A recreational shellfish license is required for everyone 14 years and older when harvesting marine abalone, clams, crabs, crayfish, mussels, piddocks, scallops, shrimp and sand shrimp and other marine invertebrates. 
 
WILLAMETTE ZONE

FISHING
BENSON LAKE: Was recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
BETHANY POND: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
BLUE LAKE: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
BLUE RIVER: Blue River is a McKenzie River tributary entering at the town of Blue River on Highway 126. The stocked portion of the stream is located upstream of Blue River Reservoir. In addition to legal rainbow trout, wild cutthroat trout are found in this stream section.
CANBY POND: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
CLACKAMAS RIVER: The Clackamas River water conditions continue to be excellent, with flows on Monday running at 2300 cfs (12.26'). Water temperatures are in the upper 40s. There are still a few winter steelhead in the river, along with a scattering of summer steelhead, but catch rates should be considered slow to fair. There were some reports of spring chinook caught as far up as Feldheimer's, but not in significant numbers yet. Look for chinook angling to improve as the fish spread throughout the system.
Bank anglers can access the river in the Gladstone/Cross Park area, at Carver near the mouth of Clear Creek, at Barton 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, Feldheimers, Barton, Carver, Riverside, or Clackamette. Keep in mind that the lower McIver boat ramp has been improved and provides a great launch site for drift boats.
The Oregon Department of Transportation has cleared debris from a rock slide on Highway 224 at milepost 36.5, but travel remains slow. Travelers should check the ODOT Web site for the latest information.
COMMONWEALTH LAKE: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
DETROIT, FOSTER AND GREEN PETER RESERVOIRS: Foster Reservoir is being kept at low pool to aid juvenile steelhead outmigration and is scheduled to stay that way until mid-May. Boat access at Detroit is still restricted to the old highway at Mongold State Park, but both ramps at Foster and both at Green Peter are now usable. Detroit Reservoir is scheduled to be stocked with trout again this week and anglers are reminded that, in Foster, only fin-clipped trout may be kept. Kokanee in Green Peter are being picked up at about 20-30 feet deep and averaging about 11". Anglers are also catching some chinook that are averaging about 9" long and can be distinguished from the kokanee by the larger black spots and black mouth. In Green Peter Reservoir, chinook should be included in the regular trout bag, rather than the kokanee bonus bag.
DORMAN POND: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
EUGENE-AREA FISHING INFORMATION:
Angling Guide: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ODFWhtml/springfield/anglingguide.html
Fishing Resources: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/springfield/fish_links.html
FREEWAY LAKES (south of Albany): Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
HAGG LAKE: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
HALDEMAN POND: Recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
HARRIET LAKE: Recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
HARTMAN POND: Recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
HUDDLESTON POND: Recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
MCKENZIE RIVER: The McKenzie River, from Blue River downstream to Leaburg Dam, is a unique section of water. It is the most heavily stocked section of stream in the state and a fish-planting raft is used to stock it with trout. The craft allows an even distribution of fish throughout the entire stream reach. Stocking begins with the opening weekend of fishing season and occurs every other week through the end of August. Best bets for fish are at boat ramps and turnouts along the highway on both sides of the river. If you own a drift boat any section you choose to drift should provide good fishing.
MT. HOOD POND: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
ROARING RIVER PARK POND (near Roaring River Hatchery): Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
ROSLYN LAKE: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
SANDY RIVER: Sandy River water conditions are good, with flows decreasing to 1,846 cfs (9.40') and the temperature in the upper 40s. Angling effort has been moderate but steady, and the catch rate is improving. Summer steelhead are available throughout the river as winter steelhead numbers begin to decline. Spring chinook angling has improved greatly, with many chinook caught below Dabney Park. There have been a few taken as far up as Oxbow Park. The Sandy River Hatchery at Cedar Creek has had both spring chinook and summer steelhead swim into the hatchery holding pond.
Anglers can access the river from many parks, including Lewis and Clark, Dabney, Oxbow, and Dodge. 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. Watch for additional sites to be added soon.
SANTIAM, NORTH AND SOUTH FORKS: Numbers of fish passing the dams at Stayton and entering the trap at Foster last week are increasing a little, and more of the new fish coming in are summers. Chinook counts are still low, but passage has picked up substantially at Willamette Falls so that there are good numbers in the main river above the falls. Chinook numbers in the lower Santiam rivers should be increasing this week. Stream levels have also been raised some to maintain good flow and cooler temperatures in the mainstem Willamette for juvenile steelhead on their way to the ocean.
SAUVIE ISLAND: The Sauvie Island Wildlife Area is now open. Haldeman Pond has been stocked with trout a total of three times since the Wildlife area opened last month. The upper Willow Bar gate remains open for Sturgeon fishing. The Gilbert River Boat Ramp and Disabled Person Fishing dock are open. The Wildlife Area is experiencing a high level of litter in the area of Big Eddy. If it continues the gate which allows vehicle access will be locked. A parking permit is required for the Wildlife Area.
SILVER CREEK RESERVOIR: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
TIMBER LINN LAKE (Albany): Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
TROJAN POND: Recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
WALTER WIRTH LAKE and WALLING POND in Salem will be stocked with trout this week.
WAVERLY LAKE: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
WEST SALISH POND: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: The Willamette River is in good angling shape with flows at 15,360 cfs, a temperature of 58° F, and visibility of 5.3 feet. The catch for the past week was slow, but passage numbers have been strong. Spring chinook survey data from the weekend showed a catch of 34 fish/173 boats in the Multnomah Channel/Lower Harbor area, 9 fish/60 boats near Milwaukie/Sellwood, and 25 fish/135 boats near Oregon City. Bank angling in the Oregon City/Gladstone area was fair over the weekend. Fish counts at Willamette Falls are 5,588 winter steelhead, 1,696 summer steelhead, and 8,254 spring chinook through April 28.
Sturgeon catch continued to be good last week, with many legal-sized sturgeon taken in the St. Johns/Lower Harbor area and near Milwaukie. Catch has been slow for bank anglers near Oregon City. The Willamette River downstream of Willamette Falls is open to sturgeon retention Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of each week through July 31 and again Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. Please note that anglers are limited to the use of only one single-point barbless hook while angling for sturgeon.
Fish counts for the Willamette and Siuslaw basins can be found here:
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ODFWhtml/springfield/fish_home.html.

VIEWING
The Sauvie Island Wildlife Area is now open. The spring migration is in full swing with a variety of Warblers, Vireos and Flycatchers a common sight. The Bald Eagle nests are reported to be active. Waterfowl broods are now a common sight and, although it is real early a few Quail chicks were spotted over the weekend. The best opportunity to view these species is from Coon Point, the Eastside Viewing Platform and the end of Rentenaar Road. A parking permit is required at all three places.
SOUTH WILLAMETTE VALLEY: Great blue herons have young in their nests at this time of year. The young are very vocal when the adults arrive with food. One of the most visible colonies in the area is in a large cottonwood tree along the bike path at the east end of Alton Baker Park in Springfield (east side of I-5, north side of the millrace). Herons are usually very sensitive to disturbance and in other areas several instances of nest abandonment are known to have occurred due to human disturbance. This colony is especially acclimated to and tolerant of people. To minimize disturbance to the birds, do not approach the base of the tree from the north side of the millrace. Another very visible colony is in a stand of large cottonwood trees next to a pond on the east side of Delta Hwy, just north of the Valley River Shopping Mall in Eugene.

CENTRAL ZONE
FISHING
ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR - Mild winter may have provided for considerable carryover of rainbow trout. Opportunities for 14-18 inch trout should be good to excellent.
BIG LAVA LAKE:  Those anglers braving the elements had a good weekend at Big Lava Lake with a number of fish caught between 12 - 16 inches in length.
BURNS POND: The pond was stocked with rainbow trout last week, including some large trout. Angling has been slow to fair using worms, Powerbait, or spinners.
COLUMBIA RIVER from Bonneville Reservoir to John Day Dam:  Spring Chinook fishing is closed.  Sturgeon fishing continues to be slow, but success is improving.  Warming temperatures in backwaters and highway ponds of the Columbia should increase angler success of smallmouth bass. 
CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: Some nice rainbow trout in the 12 - 14 inch range are showing up in the creel. Anglers working the reservoir are turning in some positive reports on the fishery. 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 2005 regulation change 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. There is no limit on size or number of crappie or bluegill.

CRESCENT LAKE: Lake trout and brown trout continue to dominate the action at Crescent Lake with kokanee still not biting.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM:  With recent rains, flows have increased to approximately 700 CFS. Flows will likely remain high throughout the week and begin decreasing with drier weather over the weekend. Opportunities for angling will be limited during the high flow period. Anglers are should use extreme caution while wading.
CULTUS LAKE: Good reports. Anglers appear to be having a fair amount of success. Now is the time to fish Cultus Lake for lake trout.

DAVIS LAKE: Few anglers are fishing Davis at this time with no reports on their success. Water levels are again low, resulting in limited access. Accessible for small craft (i.e.: canoes, small pontoon boats and float tubes).

DESCHUTES RIVER-Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls:  Reports of a good salmon fly hatch. Good opportunity for brown trout and redband trout.

BENHAM FALLS upstream to Wickiup Reservoir: Opens to angling May 28.

WICKIUP RESERVOIR upstream to Crane Prairie Reservoir: Opens to angling May 28.

CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR upstream to Little Lava Lake: Opens to angling May 28.

BENHAM FALLS, upstream to Wickiup Reservoir: Opens to angling May 28.
CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR, upstream to Little Lava Lake: Opens to angling May 28.
EAST LAKE:  A good portion of the lake is ice - free. Some brown trout and kokanee action was reported though not many anglers have worked the lake yet. Kokanee, rainbow, brown trout, and Atlantic salmon are present in the lake.

ELK LAKE: The road into Elk Lake is not yet open.

FALL RIVER: Reports are that the angling has been good.
HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: No recent reports, however, angling for brown and rainbow trout should be fair to good.
HOOD RIVER: Steelhead fishing on the Hood River has been moderate.  Spring rain has increased flow and attracted winter, and some early summer-run, fish. 
Spring Chinook fishing on the Hood River opened April 15, but is very slow.  Fishing should improve soon due to increased numbers of fish passing over Bonneville Dam. 
HOSMER LAKE: The road into Hosmer is not yet open.
LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: Bull trout angling continues to be good in the Metolius Arm.  Consult angling synopsis for special regulations. Opportunities for kokanee are fair to good with most fish averaging 10-12 inches. A Tribal fishing permit is required for the Metolius Arm, as well as an Oregon fishing license.
LAKE SIMTUSTUS - Angling for 8-10 inch rainbow trout, with the occasional larger fish, should be excellent. Kokanee are also present in the reservoir with fish up to 16 inches available. A Tribal fishing permit is required for the Metolius Arm, as well as an Oregon fishing license.
LITTLE LAVA LAKE:  The word on the street is that fishing is good, weather is wet. Good opportunity for rainbow trout and brook trout.

NORTH TWIN: No reports for North Twin over the last week. North Twin provides a good opportunity for rainbow trout in 8" to 12" size range.

ODELL LAKE: Anglers continue to take home nice catches of kokanee. No report on the lake trout side of things.

SOUTH TWIN LAKE: South Twin Lake anglers continue to see a fair amount of success. Boat launching is available, but motors are prohibited.
SUTTLE LAKE: Good opportunity for kokanee and brown trout.

WICKIUP RESERVOIR: Anglers are reporting that Wickiup is producing some good kokanee catches. Kokanee are running 8-11-inches, with a few up to 17 inches. Anglers targeting brown trout are not reporting much success. Wickiup reservoir provides opportunity for brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee and largemouth bass. Anglers should note 2005 regulation change pertaining to Deschutes Arm of Wickiup Reservoir. Beginning July 15 through August 31st from the marker located near the West South Twin Boat Ramp upstream; the regulations are: Flies and lures only, 2 trout per day (including only 1 trout over 20 inches).

 

 

SOUTHEAST ZONE

 

FISHING
ANA RESERVOIR:  Angler success has been low for hybird bass and fair for trout. Reservoir level is at full pool. 
ANA RIVER: Trout fishing has been good. Anglers reported catching fish using flies and lures.
BEULAH RESERVOIR: The reservoir is 83 percent full. Boat ramp is usable. Trout angling is slow.

BLITZEN RIVER: No recent angling report. Flow was 199 cfs on May 2. Remember, special regulations are in effect. Catch and release for trout through May 27.

BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir is full. Boat ramp is useable. Angling for warmwater fish is improving.

BURNS POND: The pond was stocked with rainbow trout last week. Angling should be fair to good.

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: Fair angling for 12-16 inch rainbow trout. Angling is best at dawn or dusk and slow during the day. Fly anglers are doing best using dark leech patterns or midge imitations. Spin anglers are doing best using gold or dark spinners. Bait anglers have caught a few fish using Powerbait and worms.
COTTONWOOD MEADOWS: Access to lake difficult due to muddy road conditions. Angling success has been low.

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: Angling success has been variable. A few nice trout are being caught trolling lures.

DELINTMENT LAKE:  The lake will be stocked with rainbow trout this week (if snow conditions allow).  The lake was accessible by high clearance vehicle last week.
DUNCAN RESERVOIR: Angling success has increased. Trout fishing from the bank and boats should be productive with warmer temperatures.
FISH LAKE (Steens Mountain): The loop road is closed.

GERBER RESERVOIR: Angling will improve for crappie, bass and bullheads with the warming weather. Reservoir is very low.
JUNIPER LAKE: The lake has been dry for the past few years, and is dry this year as well.

KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: Angling from a boat for wild redband trout has been improving with the warming weather. Bank angling with bait has been good. Petric Boat ramp closed until May 13.
KLAMATH RIVER: Angling for wild redband has been fair on flies and lures. Flows have increased.
KRUMBO RESERVOIR: Fair to good angling for rainbow trout. Bank anglers are doing best with Powerbait or worms, while boat anglers have caught fish using spinners or still-fishing with bait. Fly anglers are picking up some fish using leech imitations.

LAKE OF THE WOODS: Angling for trout and perch has improved as the water temperature has increased.
LOST RIVER: Angling has been slow for warm water game fish.
MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork Malheur River): Water releases from the reservoir have been turned on. Current release below Warm Springs Dam is 135 cfs.  Fishing is poor.

MALHEUR RIVER (South Fork Malheur River near Riverside, and mainstem downstream to Gold Creek): Flows from South Fork Malheur have subsided, but releases from Warm Springs and Beulah Reservoirs have begun. Flows below the confluence of the North Fork are about 315 cfs.  Angling is poor. 

MALHEUR RIVER- NORTH FORK: Access to the upper North Fork is limited by snow. The river just above Beulah Reservoir is high. Trout angling is slow. Remember to release bull trout. Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures upstream of Beulah Reservoir.

MALHEUR RIVER- MIDDLE FORK: Access to the upper Malheur is limited by snow. The river above Warm Springs Reservoir is high. 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 approximately 10 percent full. The water will not last the summer. It will not be stocked this year.

MANN LAKE: Water level remains low. No recent angling report. However, in the past month, angling has been fair to good for cutthroat trout when weather permits. Fly anglers are doing best with midge imitations or small woolly buggers.

MOON RESERVOIR: Fair angling for rainbow trout using bait or spinners.
MUD LAKE RESERVOIR: The reservoir is being drained to deal with an illegal goldfish introduction. The reservoir will be completely dry throughout the spring/summer of 2005.
OWYHEE RESERVOIR: The reservoir is 48 percent full.  The ramps at the powerhouse, day use area, and resort are usable.  Ramps at the State Park and Leslie Gulch are out of water.  Angling for all species is slow.

OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): Flows turned on below Owyhee Dam on April 16.  Flows have increased to 144 cfs.  Angling for rainbows and browns is fair to good.
OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): Flows at Rome are down from 8,000 cfs to about 5,000 cfs.  Great float flows, but poor fishing flows for smallmouth and channel catfish. 
PAIUTE RESERVOIR: Water level is low. Angling success for trout has been fair to good using bait and lures.  

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir is approximately 10 percent full. The water will not last the summer.

SNAKE RIVER: Flows in the Snake River near Nyssa remain constant near 8,000 cfs. Flows near Weiser have increased to near 12,000 cfs. Angling is fair for catfish is improving and slow for smallmouth bass.

SPRAGUE RIVER: Angling has been fair. Flows are low.
SYCAN RIVER: Angling has been slow. Flows are low.
WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: The reservoir is 42 percent full. The ramp is still out of the water. Fishing is poor.
WILLIAMSON RIVER (UPPER): Angling for wild redband trout has been fair on flys and lures.
WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: Angling should improve for trout and warm water fish with the warming weather. Reservoir is very low.
WOOD RIVER: Angling slow for brown and wild redband trout on both lures and flies.
YELLOWJACKET LAKE: The lake will be stocked with rainbow trout this week. Good angling for 8 to 12 inch rainbow trout using bait, small spoons, or spinners. 
HUNTING
KLAMATH DISTRICT:
Spring Bear Bear populations are the highest along the east slope of the Cascades from about Keno north and east to Sun Pass. Bear damage complaints are increasing around Rocky Point and Ft. Klamath and would be good areas to target by still -hunting along clearcuts, creeks, and meadows. The Gearhart Mountain area holds fewer bears but open meadows in the area will provide more opportunity for glassing or spot and stalk. In more timbered areas the use of a predator call can also be effective.
Spring Turkey- Highest turkey populations occur in the southern portion of the Keno unit. Good reproduction last year combined with several transplants during the winter should make for a good turkey season. This area offers good public access and receives a lot of hunting pressure; good scouting and patience are prerequisites for success. Please report harvest of banded birds to the Klamath District Office 541-883-5732

WHITE RIVER UNIT:
Turkey - Hunters continue to harvest turkeys throughout the White River Unit.  Seasonably mild weather will keep the birds active.  Those hunters who spend the time locating the scattered birds continue to have success.  Turkeys near private lands have moved where hunting pressure in minimal but hunters are reminded to get permission before accessing private lands.  Hunters should concentrate on hard to reach areas where the turkeys have not been disturbed as often.  

 

 

 

 

 


NORTHEAST ZONE


FISHING
REMINDER:  Steelhead season on all Northeast Oregon streams except the Snake River closed April 15. The Snake River from Oregon/Washington Border upstream to Hells Canyon Dam closes April 30.  General trout season opens May 28 for NE Zone Streams.
COLD SPRINGS RESERVOIR:  The reservoir is 54% full.
GRANDE RONDE RIVER:  Closed until May 28 trout opener.

HONEYMOON AND TEPEE PONDS: Holdover trout from last summer's stocking are available and fishing success should be good.
UPPER GRANDE RONDE RIVER: No seasons open. Steelhead fishing closed April 15. Trout season opens May 28.

IMNAHA RIVER: Closed until May 28 trout opener.

JOHN DAY RIVER: Steelhead fishing has closed above Kimberly in the Mainstem John Day River, the North Fork and Middle Fork. Steelhead angling is open the entire year for adipose fin-clipped steelhead on the mainstem John Day River from Tumwater Falls to the North Fork John Day River.  Smallmouth bass angling success is improving with warmer water temperatures.
LADD POND: Stocked with 500 legal rainbow trout week of April 18. Large trout are being caught. Approximately 30 hatchery steelhead were released into the pond. Treat these as trout (take only one over 20 inches).
MAGONE AND BULL PRAIRIE LAKES: Access to Magone Lake and Bull Prairie is available and angling success has been good.
MARR AND WALLOWA WILDLIFE PONDS: Ponds were recently stocked and trout fishing should be good.
MCKAY RESERVOIR: Due to drought conditions, the reservoir is 47% full when it should be near filling. The North boat ramp is not usable, but the south ramp is not. Fishing for trout, perch and warmwater gamefish has been fair. Fishing for warmwater species should improve as water temperatures warm. Anglers are reminded that off-road vehicle travel is prohibited on the widlife refuge.
MCNARY, HAT ROCK, WESTON AND TATONE PONDS: These ponds have all been stocked with legal-sized trout.
MORGAN LAKE: Opened April 23. The lake was stocked with 100 trophy and 300 legal rainbow trout the week of April 18 as part of a Youth Angling Enhancement Program. More trophy and legal-sized rainbow will be stocked for free fishing day on June 11 as part of the same program. 
NORTH POWDER PONDS: North Powder Ponds #1 and #2 were stocked with 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout the last week of March.
ROULET POND: The pond was stocked with 500 legal-sized rainbow trout the week of April 18. Large trout are being caught. Approximately 30 hatchery steelhead were released into the pond. Treat these as trout (take only one over 20 inches).
UMATILLA RIVER: Spring chinook counts at Columbia River dams have improved, but only a few have been counted at Three Mile Dam. Spring Chinook fishing is expected to be slow over the next week. However, Chinook return numbers can change quickly. Anglers are encouraged to keep track of Columbia River dam counts. Chinook will be trapped at Three Mile Dam and hauled upstream above the lower river irrigation diversions due to drought conditions. 
WALLA WALLA RIVER: Steelhead season has closed.  General trout season will open May 28. Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures.
WALLOWA RIVER:  Closed until May 28 trout opener.

WALLOWA LAKE:  Lake is scheduled to be stocked with legal-size rainbow trout this week.  Trout fishing should be good.  Kokanee fishing is poor to fair but should improve as water temperatures increase.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir has been stocked with catchable trout. Fishing for trout and warmwater gamefish is good.
WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: The rreservoir level is 60 percent full.

REMINDER
The Noregaard, Shamrock, and Whiskey Creek travel management areas are in effect in the Sled Springs unit. Motor vehicles are restricted to designated open roads. 

VIEWING
COLUMBIA RIVER AREA: Many spring bird migrants and breeding birds are being seen by avid birders. The Lewis and Clark Heritage trail along the Columbia River through Irrigon Wildlife Area is open for hiking and horse riding enthusiasts.  Bird watchers can contact Umatilla NWR for viewing route information and recent bird sightings at 509-545-8588.
BRIDGE CREEK WILDLIFE AREA: Bridge Creek Wildlife Area main entrance gate is now open to allow access for wildlife viewing and hunting.  Camping is permitted within 300 feet of the main road.
ELKHORN WILDLIFE AREA: The wildlife area opened for visitors on April 11 and remains open until December 1. Visitors are reminded of road closures within the wildlife area.
Turkey are scattered throughout the area. Hunters are reminded of the safety zones around the wildlife area headquarters and at the campground. 
Ground squirrels are out and hunters should be successful on warm days with best success at the Auburn feed site. Elk and deer are dispersing and are scattered throughout the wildlife area. The campground is now open. Campers are reminded of the 14-day limit per stay. 
LADD MARSH WILDLIFE AREA: Antelope have been seen on the wildlife area and the best spots for viewing them are off Pierce Road or Highway 203. Many shore birds are showing up, especially avocets, black-necked stilts and yellowlegs and can be seen throughout the wetlands. Many raptors have young in the nest now and Osprey have arrived to their nesting platform near Hot Lake. Goslings have hatched and baby great horned owls can be seen from the auto tour. A few duck broods have been spotted but most ducks are still on their nests. Sandhill cranes are still on their nests and young are expected to hatch very soon. The automobile route and walking trail at the Tule Lake area off of Peach Road is open and are still attracting many visitors. 
UNION COUNTY: Turkeys are dispersing from winter flocks to nesting areas. The mild weather has brought spring migrants to the Grande Ronde Valley. Canada Goose goslings have hatched. Ducks and Sandhill cranes are still on the nest and are expected to hatch soon. 
WENAHA WILDLIFE AREA:  Early spring conditions and good green-up have deer and elk scattered at all elevations up to 6000 ft. Deer and/or elk can be seen from the Eden Bench road. High clearance four-wheel drive vehicles can make the loop from the Eden Bench road/Forest Road 6212 and back to Troy via Forest Road 62. Passenger cars are not recommended. Forest Service roads are not maintained for winter use and can become impassable quickly. Caution should be used when traveling these roads.
Turkey numbers are very good this spring. Turkeys can be seen in and around the town of Troy and on Eden Bench.
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 within a quarter-mile of the Grande Ronde River between Wildcat Bridge and the State Line. This area is designated as a scenic waterway. The area 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.
COLUMBIA RIVER ZONE

FISHING
Columbia River:

Please consult the 2005 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulation pamphlet for further information regarding the Columbia River Zone.

Salmon, Steelhead, and Shad:  The following regulations are now in effect for the mainstem Columbia River salmon fishery from Buoy 10 upstream to the Oregon/Washington border above McNary Dam with modifications in bold:

BUOY 10 LINE UPSTREAM TO THE OREGON/WASHINGTON BORDER ABOVE MCNARY DAM:  Effective 11:59 PM Wednesday April 20, this section of the Columbia River will be closed seven days a week to angling for salmon, steelhead, and shad until further notice.

Sturgeon:
BUOY 10 UPSTREAM TO WAUNA POWERLINES:  This section of the Columbia River 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 use of more than one single point barbless hook is prohibited.  Effective Sunday May 1 through Friday May 13, the retention of sturgeon is prohibited seven days per week.

The following modifications were adopted for the 2005 mainstem Columbia River sturgeon fishery from Wauna power lines (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 Saturday January 1, 2005 through Saturday April 30, 2005.
* Prohibit the retention of sturgeon seven days per week from Sunday May 1, 2005 through Friday May 13, 2005 and Tuesday July 5, 2005 through Saturday December 31, 2005.
* Allow the retention of sturgeon seven days per week from Saturday May 14, 2005 through Monday July 4, 2005.
* Increase the minimum size limit from 42" to 45" during the Saturday May 14, 2005 through Monday July 4, 2005 retention season.
* Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during retention closures.
* Fishery will be managed for a 17,000 fish quota not to exceed 17,818 in this section of the Columbia River, and specific retention dates may be adjusted to meet the quota.

WAUNA POWERLINES TO BONNEVILLE DAM:  This section of the Columbia River is currently 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.  Effective May 1 through July 31, angling for sturgeon is prohibited from Beacon Rock upstream to Bonneville Dam.

The following modifications were adopted for the 2005 mainstem Columbia River Sturgeon fishery from the Wauna power lines (River Mile 40) upstream to Bonneville Dam, including all adjacent Washington tributaries and the Willamette River downstream of Willamette Falls (including the Multnomah Channel).  The modifications include:

* Allow retention of sturgeon three days per week on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and prohibit retention of sturgeon four days per week on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday beginning Saturday January 1, 2005 through Saturday July 30, 2005 and Saturday October 1, 2005 through Saturday December 31, 2005.
* Prohibit the retention of sturgeon seven days per week from Monday August 1, 2005 through Friday September 30, 2005.
* Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during sturgeon retention closures.
* Fishery will be managed for a 12,000 fish quota not to exceed 12,800 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 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 use of more than one single point barbless hook is prohibited.  The annual catch guideline for the Bonneville Pool is 700 white sturgeon.

THE DALLES DAM UPSTREAM TO McNARY DAM:  The Dalles and John Day pools are 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 use of more than one single point barbless hook is prohibited.  The annual catch guidelines for The Dalles and John Day pools are 400 and 165 white sturgeon, respectively.

In the lower Columbia River sturgeon angler effort continued to increase this past weekend, with the greatest concentration of boat angler effort occurring in the gorge.  Sturgeon anglers had the greatest success in the gorge where boat anglers averaged 1.92 legal white sturgeon caught per boat, while the bank anglers averaged 0.14 legal white sturgeon caught per bank rod.  In the Portland to Longview areas boat anglers averaged 0.22 legal white sturgeon caught per boat.

GORGE BOATS: Weekend checking showed 23 legal white sturgeon kept, plus 29 legal and 391 sublegals released for 25 boats (complete trips).

GORGE BANK: Weekend checking showed 14 legal white sturgeon kept, plus one legal, three oversized, and 18 sublegals released for 110 rods (incomplete trips).

PORTLAND TO LONGVIEW BOATS: Weekend checking showed 14 legal white sturgeon kept, plus 260 sublegals released for 63 boats (complete & incomplete trips).

ESTUARY BOAT AND BANK: Weekend checking showed four sublegals released for nine boats (complete trips).

BONNEVILLE POOL BOAT AND BANK: Weekly checking showed 47 sublegals released for seven boats, and one oversize and 35 sublegals released for 54 bank rods.

THE DALLES POOL BOAT AND BANK: Weekly checking showed one oversized and 27 sublegals released for three boats, and one oversized and 21 sublegals released for 36 bank rods.

JOHN DAY POOL BOAT AND BANK: Weekly checking showed two oversized and 71 sublegals released for 38 boats, and one sublegal released for 39 bank rods.


Walleye:

JOHN DAY BOATS: Weekly checking showed 11 walleye kept, plus four walleye released for 17 boats.

THE DALLES BOAT AND BANK:  Weekly checking showed no catch reported for two boats.

BONNEVILLE BOATS: Weekly checking showed no catch reported for one boat.

 

 

 

 

 

 


MARINE ZONE


 


 
Fishing

PERCH fishing in coastal estuaries is slow coast-wide, most species will be entering coastal estuaries April through June and increase angler opportunity. Surf fishing for Redtail Surfperch is improving coast-wide and large fish are being landing on the south coast. Central coast anglers are landing good catches north of Newport. North coast catches are improving with the weather. Coastal jetty fishing has been slow coast-wide. Anglers are landing Black Rockfish, greenling, cabezon and striped seaperch. Legal sized Lingcod are being landed coast-wide from jetties, bays and shore cliffs.

ROCK FISH: Ocean charter boats have been landing good catches of rockfish and lingcod.
 
Anglers are reminded that the marine fish bag limit for 2005, which includes rockfish and other species such as greenling and cabezon, has been reduced from 10 fish a day to 8 effective January 1, 2005. The minimum length for greenling is 10-inches and for cabezon is 16-inches. The daily bag limit on lingcod remains at 2 fish with a 24-inch minimum length. Fishing for groundfish species outside of the 40-fathom line closes June 1 through September 30, 2005. More information on 2005 marine fish regulations, and a list of waypoints describing the 40-fathom line, can be found at: hmsc.oregonstate.edu/odfw/regs/recregs.html
 
PACIFIC HALIBUT: The 2005 fishery opens coast-wide on May 1, but only inside the 40-fathom curve from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain (central coast). The spring all-depth fishery on the central coast area will be open on May 12-14, and 19-21; and June 2-4 and 9-11. If quota remains after these initial dates additional days will be open. The central coast area summer fishery opens Aug. 5 every other Friday through Sunday. A map detailing the Oregon 2005 Sport Halibut Fishery Regulations can be found at www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP by clicking on the Sport halibut picture under Quick Links and then on the line that says: "View regulation map with dates and quotas."
 
OCEAN SALMON, NORTH OF CAPE FALCON: Open July 3 through Sept. 30 for fin-clipped coho. The quota is 60,900 or the overall chinook guideline. Open area is from Leadbetter Point, Wa to Cape Falcon, OR. Closed in the Columbia River Control Zone, and closed between Tillamook Head and Cape Falcon beginning August 1. Open for all salmon, two fish per day, but only one may be a chinook, and all retained coho must have a healed adipose fin clip. Minimum length for Chinook is 24 inches, for Coho is 16 inches and for Steelhead is 20 inches.
CAPE FALCON to Humbug Mountain: Open for all species except Coho March 15 through June 17, and from the end of the selective coho fishery through Oct. 31. The bag limit is two salmon per day, except closed to retention of coho salmon. Minimum length for Chinook and Steelhead is 20 inches.

In the Tillamook Triangular Control Zone between March 15 and July 31 all retained chinook must have a healed adipose fin clip.  During days open for the all depth halibut fishery, only salmon trolling is allowed within the Stonewall Bank Groundfish Conservation Area. The Selective Coho Salmon Season is open June 18 through earlier of July 31 or coho quota of 40,000. The bag limit is two salmon per day, all retained coho must have a healed adipose fin clip. Minimum length for coho is 16 inches.

SOUTH OF HUMBUG MOUNTAIN:  Open May 21 through July 4; and Aug. 14 through Sept. 11. The Klamath Control Zone is closed. The bag limit is two salmon per day, closed to retention of coho salmon except during the selective coho fishery as listed above. More information may obtained at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/salmon/salsport2005.html 

CRABS: Bay crabbing is poor coast-wide.
 
CLAMMING: Razor clamming is now closed along the entire Oregon coast due to elevated levels of domoic acid. Bays continue to be open for harvest of all shellfish. Bait harvesting is not allowed in areas that are closed to the harvest of razor clams. The most current closure information is available on the Oregon Department of Agriculture Shellfish Hotline at (800) 448-2474.