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As Memorial Day Weekend approaches, anglers are finding improved fishing opportunities throughout Oregon's inland lakes, reservoirs and rivers. May 28 is the trout opener on many water bodies statewide. The Oregon Department of Agriculture has extended the closure on Razor clamming along the entire Oregon coast to include all mussel harvest. Officials note domoic acid levels on many beaches are the highest on record. Spring turkey hunters and bear hunters should note the seasons close May 31. All hunters and anglers are reminded to be aware of their locations at all times to avoid trespassing on private land. Hunters are encouraged to check with landowners before hunting on private property. All outdoorspeople are reminded that this is the time of the year to encounter baby wildlife. Do not pick up any baby wildlife that appears orphaned. Additional information and current regulations on open fisheries can be found in the 2005 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations and the ODFW Web page at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ODFWhtml/Regulations/2005_reg_changes.htm. Additional information about the Columbia River spring chinook season is found on ODFW's Web page at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/OSCRP/CRM/action_notes.html.
NORTHWEST ZONE
FISHING
BIG CREEK RESERVOIR #1 and #2: Stocked last week with legal-sized trout.
CAPE MEARES LAKE: Was stocked with legal size rainbow trout the week of May 16. Fishing should be fair to good.
COFFENBURY LAKE: Was stocked with legal size rainbow trout the week of May 16. Fishing should be fair to good.
ECKMAN LAKE: Stocked recently with legal-sized trout.
HEBO LAKE: Was stocked with legal size rainbow trout the week of May 16. Fishing should be fair to good.
LORENS POND: Was stocked with legal size rainbow trout the week of May 16. Fishing should be fair to good. The best access is on the east end of the pond.
LOST LAKE: Was stocked with legal size rainbow trout the week of May 16. Fishing should be fair to good.
MID COAST LAKES: 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.
NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: Spring chinook angling is best in Nestucca Bay and tidewater areas. A few fish are in the lower river below the mouth of Three Rivers. A few summer steelhead have been caught in the lower Nestucca River. The water has risen and is slightly off color with recent rains, but should drop and clear quickly. Recent rains should bring new fish into the river. No spring chinook or summer steelhead have been trapped at Cedar Creek Hatchery so far this spring.
NORTH COAST LAKES: Angling for warmwater fish, particularly largemouth bass, should be improving as water temperatures warm up and fish become more active. Bass are beginning to move to shallow water areas in preparation for spawning.
OLALLA CREEK RESERVOIR: Stocked last week with legal-sized trout.
SILETZ RIVER: Winter steelhead angling is very slow on the Siletz River. On the Siletz River, anglers should start to catching summer steelhead by the end of May. A few hatchery summer steelhead are showing up above Moonshine Park at the Siletz Falls Trap (river mile 64.5). Recent rains have produced good fishing conditions and should help bring in some early summer steelhead. Ideal fishing conditions for steelhead generally exist following good rain falls 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.
SOUTH LAKE: Was stocked with legal size rainbow trout the week of May 16. Fishing should be fair to good.
THISSEL POND: Stocked last week with legal-sized trout.
TILLAMOOK AREA LAKES: Best bets for warmwater fish should be Cape Meares Lake and Lytle Lake, particularly for largemouth bass. A few bass are also available in Town Lake. Bass are beginning to move to shallow water areas in preparation for spawning.
TILLAMOOK BAY: Angling for spring chinook is improving. Fish are available through the bay and tidewater areas. Trolling herring in the lower bay along the jetties or near the Coast Guard station works well. Trolling spinners around Memaloose Point, or bobber fishing with egg and sand shrimp in combination in tidewater areas are the best techniques for the upper bay.
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.
ODFW reminds ocean anglers that the boundary for the "Tillamook Triangular Control Zone," or "triangle," has been re-defined by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission. The new boundary is defined by a line extending from the green buoy approximately one-half mile off the mouth of Tillamook Bay to Pyramid Rock on the south and Twin Rocks on the north. The new boundaries are permanent natural features that anglers should easily recognize. Previously, the boundary lines extended to markers on the beach on either side of the bay. Adipose fin-clipped chinook may be retained in the triangle zone through July 31. The bag limit for chinook salmon caught within the Tillamook Terminal Area, an area from Pyramid Rock to Twin Rocks and out 3 miles, also changed this year. Anglers may no longer keep jack chinook salmon within the terminal area.
TOWN LAKE: Was stocked with legal size rainbow trout the week of May 16. Fishing should be fair to good.
WILSON AND TRASK RIVERS: Angling for spring chinook has been fair, but is improving. Only a few scattered summer steelhead are being caught. The water has risen and is slightly off color with recent rains, but should drop and clear quickly. Best catches of spring chinook have been reported on the Trask River from Trask Hatchery downstream. Bobber and eggs and/or sand shrimp works well for chinook. Boaters should try diver and bait or large plugs also. Bobber and jigs work well for summer steelhead, or try small baits drifted in the faster water.
SHELLFISH
Razor clamming is closed in all areas of Oregon. Clamming for non-razor clams is open only in the bays. The most current closure information is available on the shellfish hotline at (800) 448-2474. Additional information may be found on the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Web site at http://oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/shellfish_status.shtml.
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: Trout fishing was good during a Youth Angling Enhancement Program event held at the pond last Saturday, with young anglers averaging just over one trout per angler. The pond will be stocked again this week, so good fishing should continue. Bluegill and black crappie are biting as well. Numerous western pond turtles in the pond offer an excellent viewing opportunity, but anglers are advised to avoid fishing sections of the pond where turtles have been observed.
AGATE LAKE: Good-sized largemouth bass are moving into the shallows at Agate Lake at this time. Panfish also are available.
APPLEGATE RIVER: The Applegate River upstream to Applegate Dam will re-open for trout fishing this Saturday, May 28. The limit is two adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout per day, 8-inch minimum length. Non-adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout and all cutthroat trout must be released unharmed. The use of bait is allowed.
APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: Applegate Reservoir will be stocked with 800 trophy rainbow trout to complement the existing legal-sized trout in the reservoir. Land-locked juvenile spring chinook salmon are available, averaging 9-12 inches in length. Bass and panfish are present. Fishing is good, and the reservoir is full following heavy late spring rains.
BURMA POND: Burma Pond is stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout.
COOPER CREEK RESERVOIR, HEMLOCK, BEN IRVING RESERVOIR, GALESVILLE RESERVOIR, LOON LAKE, and PLAT I RESERVOIR: The reservoirs have all been stocked with catchable trout. Fishing for trout will remain good throughout the spring with our continued stocking schedule. Warmwater fishing will continue to improve as water temperatures slowly increase.
COOS COUNTY DUNE LAKES: Angling for warmwater species such as largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, brown bullhead, and yellow perch is excellent at this time.
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. Anglers may 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.
COOS RIVER BASIN: Shad should begin biting as river conditions clear up from recent rains. Shad fishing is usually best on warm, sunny days in the lower tidewater areas of the South Coos and Millicoma rivers. Trout angling in streams opens May 28. Angling in streams above tidewater is restricted to artificial flies and lures.
Sturgeon, several surfperch species, and striped bass are in the tidewaters of Coos Basin at this time.
COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: Shad should begin biting when river conditions clear up from recent rains. Shad fishing is usually best on warm, sunny days in the tidewater areas of the Coquille Basin. Trout angling in streams opens May 28. Angling in streams above tidewater is restricted to artificial flies and lures.
COQUILLE RIVER: Striped bass are in the river, preparing to spawn. Areas where they are commonly caught include Arago, 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 along the northwest end of the lake near Lake Creek. Fishing also has been good on the east side of the lake from fish stocking that occurred last week. Anglers have been successful trolling needlefish, rapalas, warblers, and flies.
DUTCH HERMAN POND: Dutch Herman Pond is stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout.
EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: Emigrant Reservoir is stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout, and bass and panfish also are available. Crappie less than 8-inches must be released unharmed. Emigrant is full due to heavy late spring rainfall.
EXPO POND: The pond at the Jackson County Fairgrounds complex is stocked with rainbow trout. Bass and panfish also are available.
FISH LAKE: Fish Lake has been stocked with both legal-sized rainbow trout and 500 large trophy trout. The water clarity is good, and anglers have had success recently trolling flatfish and flies on light gear. Fish Lake is 57 percent full as of mid-May.
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 68 percent full as of early May.
HYATT LAKE: Trout fishing should be good at Hyatt Lake for large trout, primarily in the 14 to 16-inch size range. The reservoir is full following heavy late spring rains.
LAKE SELMAC: The lake is stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout, and fishing for largemouth bass should be improving with warmer temperatures as the weather improves this week.
LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir is full, thanks to heavy spring rainfall. Lost Creek will be stocked again this week with 1,000 trophy-sized rainbow trout to complement the legal-sized trout in the reservoir. Land-locked juvenile spring chinook salmon also are available, along with bass and panfish. Fishing has been very good.
MEDCO POND: Medco Pond is stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Bass and panfish also are available.
PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: 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 October 31 with a bag limit of two salmon per day. Ocean salmon effort is still low with few fish being caught. 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 dates remaining are: 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.
Redtail surfperch are available off local beaches; surf anglers are reminded to beware of surf conditions that can be dangerous.
ROGUE RIVER ABOVE LOST CREEK DAM: The mainstem and tributaries above Lost Creek Reservoir will be stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout this week. The limit is five trout per day, 8-inch minimum length, and no limit on the size or number of brook trout taken. The use of bait is allowed.
ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: The river flow measured at Grants Pass is 4,400 cubic feet per second on Monday morning. River color is good, and the water temperature is warming after a cool spike last week. Fishing should pick up for spring chinook as flows moderate. Between Hog Creek and Gold Ray Dam, the Rogue is open for chinook salmon through July 14 per zone regulations, except that for non-adipose fin-clipped chinook, no more than one per day and three per year may be kept. The Rogue re-opens for trout fishing this Saturday, May 28. The limit is five adipose fin-clipped trout per day, 8-inch minimum length. All non-adipose fin-clipped rainbow and all cutthroat trout must be released unharmed.
ROGUE RIVER, UPPER: Lost Creek Reservoir is full, and outflows at Lost Creek are averaging 2,640 cubic feet per second, while the flow at the Raygold gauge near Central Point is 3,770 cfs on Monday morning. The winter steelhead count has ended for the year with a preliminary total of 11,908 for the run year. A total of 11 summer steelhead and 3,718 spring chinook salmon have passed Gold Ray dam as of May 21. Occasional good catches of spring chinook have been reported in the upper river recently. Between Gold Ray Dam and Cole Rivers Hatchery, the Rogue is open for chinook salmon from January 1 through July 31 per zone regulations, except that for non-adipose fin-clipped chinook, no more than one per day and three per year may be kept. The Rogue re-opens for trout fishing this Saturday, May 28. The limit is five adipose fin-clipped trout per day, 8-inch minimum length. All non-adipose fin-clipped rainbow and all cutthroat trout must be released unharmed.
SPAULDING POND: Spaulding Pond will be stocked this week with legal-sized rainbow trout.
TENMILE LAKES BASIN: 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 allows one per day over 20 inches.
Angling for warmwater species such as largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, brown bullhead, and yellow perch is excellent at this time in the TENMILE LAKES and EEL LAKE.
UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: The mainstem Umpqua is slowly coming back into shape from recent rains. Spring chinook fishing has been slow but should pick up as water temperatures increase. Shad fishing has been slow due to higher flows but will pick up as water conditions improve.
UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: The North Umpqua is slowly coming back into shape. Spring chinook fishing from the Narrows to Rock Creek has been slow but should improve as stream flows drop and water temperatures slowly increase. Summer steelhead fishing will improve as more steelhead cross the dam. Two were harvested last weekend in the Rock Creek area. This area has excellent bank access and is located near Idleyld Park. As of May 18 3,210 spring chinook and 73 summer steelhead have been counted at Winchester Dam.
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 legal-sized rainbow trout and 500 trophy trout. Fishing should be good. Crappie fishing has been very good recently. Largemouth bass are also available.
SHELLFISH: Harvest of all species of clams and mussels found on beaches, spits, and jetties along the Oregon Coast are CLOSED due high levels of domoic acid. Sampling of bay clams indicates the toxin is currently present but at a safe level inside the bays. ALWAYS CHECK FOR HEALTH ADVISORIES by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Shellfish line at 800-448-2474 for updates, as TOXIN LEVELS ARE CHANGING RAPIDLY AT THIS TIME.
VIEWING
COOS COUNTY
Viewing opportunities are available for many birds in the area right now. Shore birds are showing up on numbers on the beaches and in the bays. Migrating songbirds are moving through now in abundance. Also, waterfowl are still available for viewing in inland waters as well as in the bays and along the ocean shore. Some species will become hard to locate as they are attempting to keep newly hatched young hidden. One opportunity to view waterfowl that is especially notable is sea ducks. Sea ducks can be seen in local bays and estuaries all along the southern Oregon coast.
DOUGLAS COUNTY
Purple martins are active at Plat I and Cooper Creek Reservoirs in Sutherlin. You can watch these birds with a good pair of binoculars as they fly to and from nesting gourds placed in the area for them.
DEER: The first fawns of the spring are being seen and it is very important to LEAVE FAWNS ALONE. This is the time of year that well-meaning people pick up fawns and bring them in as orphaned. However, usually mom is nearby feeding or hiding herself. LEAVE THE FAWN and DON'T DISTURB IT. The best chance for a fawn to survive is with its own mother. JACKSON COUNTY
Spring has arrived and brought breeding birds and blooming wildflowers to the Rogue Valley. A covered viewing station, located on the Denman Wildlife Area, provides a good opportunity to observe waterfowl, egrets, raptors, and songbirds. The structure is accessed by a paved wheelchair accessible pathway on Whetstone Pond, just north of the ODFW office. While on the Wildlife Area you may wish to hike the Denman Interpretive Trail off of Agate Road. This 0.7 mile long trail provides access to ponds, marshes, oak-savannah woodlands, chaparral, the Agate Desert, and the Rogue River. It provides an excellent opportunity to get off the beaten path and enjoy wildflowers, song birds, and a nice hike. WILLAMETTE ZONE
FISHING
ALTON BAKER CANAL: Recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
BENSON LAKE: Recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
BIG CLIFF RESERVOIR: Recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
CLACKAMAS RIVER: The Clackamas River conditions continue to be good, although the water is running a little high. Flows on Monday were at 3,010 cfs (12.69') with water temperatures holding in the upper 40s. The effort has been steady on weekends but light on weekdays. There are a few steelhead being taken in the Clackamas River, but catch rates remain slow. Spring chinook angling has also been slow, although a few fish have been taken throughout the system. The warm, dry weather this week should improve conditions. Spring chinook returns to the Clackamas Hatchery are low so far, but high, cold water is contributing to the low numbers.
Bank anglers can find access to the river in the Gladstone/Cross Park area, at Carver near the mouth of Clear Creek, at Barton Park, at 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.
CLEAR LAKE: Recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
COMMONWEALTH LAKE: Recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
E.E. WILSON POND: Recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
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
FARADAY LAKE: Stocked with trout last week.
FOSTER RESERVOIR has filled and is scheduled again to be stocked this week. Kokanee fishing in Green Peter has been good, with fish averaging 11-13 inches. Trolling at 25-35 feet with flashers, spinner, and corn has been most productive. Detroit Reservoir has been well-stocked for the Memorial Day weekend. In addition to the rainbow, anglers who fish a little deeper may pick up some kokanee and chinook.
HAGG LAKE: Scheduled to be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
HARTMAN POND: Recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
HUDDLESTON POND: Scheduled to be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
JUNCTION CITY POND: Recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
LEABURG LAKE: Recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
ROARING RIVER PARK POND (near Roaring River Hatchery): Recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
SANDY RIVER: Sandy River water levels have increased with recent rains, but the river has remained fishable. Monday's flows were running at 3,039 cfs (10.34') with the water temperatures in the upper 40s. The forecasted drying trend should help improve the conditions. Angling effort has been steady, with both boat and bank anglers out on the river. There have been a few summer steelhead caught recently, but the overall catch has been slow. Spring chinook angling has also been slow, with the knowledgeable, persistent anglers finding the most success. The Sandy River Hatchery at Cedar Creek has had over 200 spring chinook swim into the hatchery holding pond.
Anglers can access the river from many parks including Lewis and Clark, Dabney, Oxbow, and Dodge. Access is also available to the Cedar Creek area near the Sandy Hatchery. When fishing the Oxbow Park area, remember that there is no angling from a floating device upstream from a point that is 200 feet below the Oxbow Park boat ramp.
Collection/recycling receptacles for discarded or lost fishing gear can now be found along the Sandy River. Look for them near boat ramps at Lewis and Clark, Dabney, Oxbow, and Dodge parks. Any tangled fishing line or old gear can be collected and disposed of in these canisters as an effort to maintain a healthy, clean Sandy River. Please use nearby garbage cans for any other types of trash.
SANTIAM, NORTH AND SOUTH FORKS: Both Detroit and Green Peter reservoirs are full, so most of the water flowing into the reservoirs is being passed. Flows below the dams are quite high and for good angling. Expected drier weather this week should cause flows to decrease. Steelhead and chinook are present in both systems, though numbers for this time of year are lower than anticipated. Lower and middle river reaches are likely to be holding more fish. South Santiam Fish Hatchery reports spring chinook arriving in good numbers last week. Some were recycled back downstream. Summer steelhead arrivals also are increasing at the Foster Trap, while winter steelhead numbers are low.
SAUVIE ISLAND: Haldeman Pond has been stocked with trout. 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: Scheduled to be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
SMALL FRY LAKE: Stocked with legal sized trout last week.
TIMOTHY MEADOWS: Scheduled to be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
TRILLIUM LAKE: Scheduled to be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
WALTER WIRTH LAKE and WALLING POND in Salem recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
WEST SALISH POND: Recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: The Willamette River angling conditions have continued to be marginal. The water level is up for this time of year, the temperatures are low, and the visibility is only fair. Monday's flows were at 27,900 cfs, and the water temperature was 52° F with a visibility of 2.4 feet. A stretch of dry, warm weather will help greatly. The catch rate for the past week continued to be slow, and the effort was down due to the water conditions. Spring chinook survey data from the weekend showed a catch of 1 fish/9 boats in the Multnomah Channel/Lower Harbor area, and no fish/17 boats near Oregon City. Bank angling in the Oregon City/Gladstone area was also slow over the weekend. Fish counts at Willamette Falls are 3,685 summer steelhead, and 21,371 spring chinook through May 20. The final winter steelhead count was 5,963. Winter steelhead counting ended on May 15. Biologists have revised the spring chinook run size downward to 70,000 - 80,000 for 2005.
Sturgeon catch was fair last week, with a few legal-sized sturgeon taken in the St. Johns/Lower Harbor area. 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.
The month of May brings with it the Willamette River shad fishery and although there were some shad reported in the survey sampling data, the shad angling has been slow. The poor water conditions and light effort kept the catch down. A few shad were checked in all sections of the river from Multnomah Channel up to Oregon City. Expect this fishery to improve as the weeks progress.
WILLAMETTE VALLEY PONDS: Many valley ponds have been stocked regularly this spring and are still producing fair catches of rainbow trout. Freeway Lakes near Albany have been quite muddy, but should begin clearing with decreased rains. These ponds are scheduled to be stocked with trout this week, along with Timber Linn and Waverly lakes.
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 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. 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: Yellow-headed blackbirds, an uncommon bird west of the Cascades, can be seen and heard at the south end of Fern Ridge Reservoir. These birds nest in the Bulrush patches along the edge of the Reservoir. Their raucous calls are very distinctive. Another distinctive call you are likely to hear is the "oonk-a-lunk" of the American Bittern. Black terns have established a breeding colony in recent years in this same area of Fern Ridge Reservoir. Another area to see yellow-headed blackbirds is at private farm ponds near Briedwell Rd., west of Amity.
Look for common goldeneye, Barrow's goldeneye, and hooded mergansers in the high lakes of the Cascades. A good opportunity with easy access is Lost Lake on Hwy 20 near Santiam Pass. Goldeneye ducks are uncommon at lower elevations and during fall when other ducks are seen in abundance.
CENTRAL ZONE
FISHING
ALLEN CREEK RESERVOIR - Angling opportunities for 10-15-inch, naturally produced rainbow trout are good. Anglers are reminded that most of the shoreline is private property.
ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR - Recent surveys confirmed considerable carryover of rainbow trout. Opportunities for 14-18 inch trout are excellent. Reservoir will also be stocked with legal sized rainbow trout this week.
BIG LAVA LAKE: Anglers are having great success at Big Lava Lake with good numbers of fish in excellent condition being caught. Fish are ranging up to 18 inches in length.
CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: Good reports continue with anglers having very good success catching rainbow trout in the 12-14 inch range. Brook trout up to 18 inches are part of the catch Crane Prairie is turning out this spring. Some nice largemouth bass were also part of last weeks catch.
CRESCENT LAKE: Reports are that the kokanee bite is on and the fish are looking good. Lake trout and brown trout are still giving anglers good action as well.
CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: Flows are beginning to drop with drier weather. Flow as of Monday was 600 CFS and predicted flows for the Memorial Day weekend are at or slightly above normal (~250 CFS). Contact either ODFW at 447-5111 or Ochoco Irrigation District at 447-6449 for current information. Opportunities for angling are increasing as flows drop. Excellent numbers of 8-16 inch rainbow trout and whitefish are available.
CULTUS LAKE: Good reports. Anglers appear to be having a fair amount of success for lake trout.
DAVIS LAKE: Good reports of fish being caught though access is limited. Water levels are low. Lake is accessible for small craft i.e. canoes, small pontoon boats and float tubes.
DESCHUTES RIVER:
Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls: Reports of some nice brown trout being caught.
Benham Falls upstream to Wickiup Reservoir: Opens to angling May 28. Good opportunity for brown trout and to a limited degree rainbow trout.
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. Good opportunity for small brook trout. Angling is restricted to flies and lures only.
EAST LAKE: Reports of good brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon action. Fly anglers, lure trollers and bait anglers all seem to be having success.
ELK LAKE: No report available, but there is good opportunity for brook trout and kokanee. The lake has seen little angler pressure to date.
FALL RIVER: Anglers interviewed were having good success on rainbow trout up to 19 inches.
HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: Good numbers of 16-18 inch brown trout are available. The reservoir has been recently stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout, with carryover trout also present.
HOSMER LAKE: Great opportunity for Atlantic salmon. Fly angling only.
LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: Bull trout and kokanee angling continues to be fair. Bull trout numbers are good, but the bite has been inconsistent. Kokanee angling is beginning to improve. Upper end of the Metolius Arm has produced some nice kokanee catches. Opportunities for smallmouth bass are good. ODFW is conducting a study on smallmouth bass. Please report tagged fish caught to ODFW at 388-6444 ext.26 (include date, tag # and location caught). A Tribal fishing permit is required for the Metolius Arm, as well as a State 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 a State license.
LITTLE CULTUS: Good opportunity for brook trout and rainbow trout. Anglers have had good success catching brook trout 8 to 11 inches.
LITTLE LAVA LAKE: The word is that Little Lava Lake can be great fishing one day and a little slow the next. Overall, Little Lava Lake has been turning out consistently good catches.
METOLIUS RIVER: Good opportunity for rainbow trout and bull trout.
NORTH TWIN: North Twin provides a good opportunity for rainbow trout in 8 to 12 inch size range.
OCHOCO RESERVOIR: Angling for rainbow trout 12-20 inches is excellent.
ODELL LAKE: Anglers continue to return to shore with nice catches of kokanee. The occasional nice lake trout is also part of the creel. Kokanee are 12 - 14 inches in length.
PAULINA LAKE: Good reports of rainbow trout and kokanee catches. A few bigger browns also have been caught. Kokanee are running 9 to 13 inches in length.
PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-16 inch rainbow trout are good. Anglers trolling rooster tails are reporting success with trout up to 18 inches. Black crappie angling should be excellent over the weekend with fish 6-9 inches available.
SOUTH TWIN LAKE: South Twin Lake anglers continue to see good success on rainbow trout.
SUTTLE LAKE: Suttle Lake has good opportunity for kokanee and brown trout.
WALTON LAKE: Will be stocked this week with both 8 inch and 12-inch rainbow trout.
WICKIUP RESERVOIR: Wickiup is turning out some good kokanee catches. Kokanee are running in the 11 inch range with reports of a few up to 19 inches in length and one 22 inches in length. Some favorable reports have begun to trickle in regarding the brown trout catch as well. No reports on largemouth bass have come in to date. Wickiup reservoir provides opportunity for brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee and largemouth bass.
Anglers please note 2005 regulation change pertaining to Deschutes Arm of Wickiup Reservoir. Beginning July 15 through August 31 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
BEULAH RESERVOIR: The reservoir is 99 percent full. Boat ramp is usable. Locally heavy rains have increased the turbidity of the inflow and the reservoir so trout angling is slow.
BLITZEN RIVER: River flow has been very high. Flow was approximately 670 cfs May 20. Remember, special regulations are in effect. Catch and release for trout from November 1 through May 27. Anglers may keep two trout per day from May 28 through Oct. 31. Angling should improve as flows drop.
BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir is 100 percent full. Boat ramp is useable. Angling for warmwater fish is improving.
BURNS POND: The pond has been stocked several times with legal rainbow trout. Angling should be fair.
BURNT RIVER - SOUTH FORK: Will be stocked with 1,000 rainbow trout the week of May 23.
CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: Angling has been fair for rainbow trout. Fly anglers are doing best trolling dark leech patterns. Spin and bait anglers have had limited success.
DELINTMENT LAKE: The lake was stocked with rainbow trout two weeks ago. Angling has been good for 10 to 14 inch rainbow trout. Fly anglers have had the best success using small leech imitations. Spin anglers have had success using spinners or bait.
FISH LAKE (Steens Mountain): The loop road is closed.
GERBER RESERVOIR: Angling will improve for crappie, bass and bullheads with the warming weather. Crappie are available and scattered throughout the lake.
HAINES POND: The pond will be stocked with 1,000 rainbow trout week of May 2nd.
HIGGINS RESERVOIR: Opened April 23. The landowner has put a gate about 3/4 mile from the reservoir, which allows foot access only into the reservoir. Artificial flies and lures only. Trout fishing should be good.
HWY 203 POND: The pond will be stocked with 1000 legal rainbow trout the week of May 23. Was also stocked with trophy (1-2 lbs) and additional legals as part of a Youth Angling Enhancement Program.
JUNIPER LAKE: The lake has been dry for the last few years and is dry this year as well.
KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: Boat and bank angling for wild redband trout has been good. Anglers have had good success with bait, flies and lures
KLAMATH RIVER: Angling for wild redband has been challenging on flies and lures. Flows are extremely high.
KRUMBO RESERVOIR: Fair to good angling for rainbow trout. Bank anglers are doing best with Powerbait or worms. Boat anglers have caught fish using spinners or by 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 release from Warm Springs Reservoir was 59 cfs on May 20. 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. Flow below the confluence of the North Fork is about 235 cfs. Angling is poor.
MALHEUR RIVER, NORTH FORK: The upper North Fork is now accessible. Most of the streams are high and turbid. 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: The upper Malheur is now accessible. All streams and creeks are high and muddy. 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 25 percent full. It was not stocked this year.
MANN LAKE: Water level remains low. Angling has been slow to fair for cutthroat trout when weather permits. Fly anglers are doing best with midge imitations or small woolly buggers.
MOON RESERVOIR: Angling has been fair for rainbow trout using bait or spinners.
MURRAY RESERVOIR: Was stocked with 200 legal-sized trout the week of April 25.
OWYHEE RESERVOIR: The reservoir is 81 percent full. All ramps are usable. Angling for bass is fair. Angling for small crappie is improving.
OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): Irrigation flows below Owyhee Dam were turned on in mid April. Flows below the dam were 113 cfs on May 23. Angling for rainbows and browns has slowed due to increased turbidity from the heavy rains.
OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): Flows at Rome were 6,424 cfs on May 23. Great float flows, but poor fishing flows for smallmouth and channel catfish.
PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: ODFW will stock 5,000 legal-sized rainbow trout the week of May 23. Idaho Fish and Game has trapped and transported approximately 195,000 perch from Phillips to Cascade Reservoir to replenish a perch fishery there. Reservoir level is 47 percent full.
PILCHER CREEK RESERVOIR: Trout fishing remains good. Some larger fish are being caught. The reservoir is 90 percent full.
PINE CREEK: Opened April 23 for trout fishing upstream of Oxbow bridge in Baker County.
POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir is five or six feet from full. It was stocked with 1200 fingerling trout in the hopes of some carryover into next year.
POWDER RIVER: Opened April 23, upstream from Huntington-Richland Road Bridge. Use of bait allowed. Approximately 1500 legals will be stocked week of May 23.
SNAKE RIVER: The river near Nyssa was high and muddy on May 20, with flows of 16,045 cfs. Flows near Weiser were near 28,680 cfs on May 20. Angling is fair for catfish and slow for smallmouth bass.
SPRAGUE RIVER: Angling has been fair. Flows are high.
SYCAN RIVER: Angling has been slow. Flows are high.
THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: Fishing is very good, with 16-18 inch rainbow trout being caught. The reservoir level is 100 percent full. Some fish are being caught below the dam as well.
UNITY RESERVOIR: Trout fishing is good with 16-18" trout being caught. The State Park is open for camping. The reservoir is full.
UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER: Angling is slow due to high river flows and poor water clarity.
WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: The reservoir is 54 percent full. The water level has reached the boat ramp. Fishing is poor.
WILLIAMSON RIVER (Upper): Angling for wild redband trout has been good on flies and lures.
WILLOW CREEK: Due to low stream levels only a small number of trout have been stocked in Willow Creek within Heppner.
WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: Angling has been good for bass, ranging from 8" to 12". Fishing for trout and warm water fish will improve with the warming weather. Reservoir is low.
WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: Reservoir level is 75 percent full.
WOOD RIVER: Angling slow for brown and wild redband trout on both lures and flies. Flows are high.
YELLOWJACKET LAKE: The lake has been stocked with rainbow trout and good numbers of trout survived the winter. Good angling for 8 to 12 inch rainbow trout using flies, 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 sitting 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. Hunters are reminded that the season closes May 31.
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. Hunters are reminded that the season closes on May 31.
WHITE RIVER UNIT
TURKEY -- Hunters are still getting into gobblers but hunter success has dropped off as the hens have set on their nests and cool wet weather has settled over the area. Hunters should concentrate on hard to reach areas where the turkeys have not been disturbed as often.
WILDLIFE VIEWING
SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA Viewing opportunities remain good as spring migration continues and breeding season gets into full swing. Birds remain widely scattered throughout the area and are increasing at this time.
Most migrant waterfowl have moved through the region and returning breeding species are widely dispersed throughout the area taking advantage of excellent habitat conditions. Canada geese are well into the breeding season and brood observations have been frequent. Other duck species, with the exception of late nesting gadwall, are nesting now. Duck pairs are actively defending territories and searching for nest sites in upland areas throughout the marsh. If nests or broods are found please move away from those areas quickly to reduce disturbance. Pets should be leashed or under close control during this important time period for breeding water birds.
Shorebirds continue to been seen in good numbers as migrants continue to pass through the area. The Bypass and E. Link Units are good locations for viewing shorebirds. Nesting is underway for most of the nine breeding species on the area. Viewers are urged to use caution to avoid trampling nests in locations where birds are present. Camping and parking areas, as well as road shoulders, receive considerable use by these adaptable birds. Again, please do not allow pets to run loose and keep them in close control at all times.
Other water bird numbers are increasing and breeding season activities are underway. Gulls, terns and white pelicans are commonly found now.
Sandhill crane pairs are now on territories and nesting but are less apparent due to their secretive nature during the breeding season. Unison calling in early morning remains very common. Small groups of sub-adult cranes can sometimes be found in morning and evenings feeding in the Foster Place grain fields. Wading birds can be found in good numbers in the Bullgate Refuge area where draw-downs are making forage fish more accessible.
Raptors can be found scattered throughout the area, as well as on private lands along Highway 31. Northern harriers are especially numerous over marsh and meadow areas and are foraging heavily over recently burned areas. Nesting is underway at present. Bald eagle numbers have declined, but a few non-breeders and nearby nesting residents remain. Ospreys have returned and are incubating in the nesting platform at Ana Reservoir.
Arrival of passerine species continues to be noted at the Headquarters, Summer Lake Rest Area, homestead sites and shelter break plantings at the north end of the area where they are attracted to the tree and shrub cover found at those locations. Several species of swallows are very numerous at the Headquarters Complex. Spring arrivals of new species and increasing numbers of breeding passerines will continue over the next several weeks.
Viewers are urged to check and report spring arrivals and unusual or rare sightings on the observation sheet found at the Area Headquarters.
Weather conditions continue to be unsettled and stormy over most of the past week bringing cool temperatures, rainfall and winds. Conditions improved over the weekend providing excellent viewing conditions.
Spring habitat is in excellent condition at present, with nearly all area wetlands flooded and new plant growth noted. Upland sites are greening-up rapidly with some trees and shrubs beginning to show considerable leaf growth. Controlled burning removed dense tall emergent vegetation in Bullgate Refuge and lower River Ranch, allowing for increased water bird foraging and enhanced viewing opportunities in these areas. A wildfire along Thousand Springs Lane in March removed vegetation in a 160-acre area enhancing viewing opportunities there. Burned areas are re-growing quickly and new plant growth is very evident.
Major dike roads (Bullgate, Windbreak and Work Road) are now closed to motor vehicle travel and will remain that way through Aug. 15 to reduce disturbance to migrating and breeding waterbirds. Non-motorized travel on these dikes is permitted. The wildlife viewing loop will remain open into early fall providing excellent opportunities in a wide variety of habitats. Other minor dike roads and trails remain closed to motor vehicles as is cross-country travel by motor vehicle. Non-motorized access and viewing opportunities are available throughout the Wildlife Area at this time. Camping is permitted at 4 sites on the Area.
For additional information on viewing opportunities please contact the Wildlife Area at phone (541) 943-3152, fax (541) 943-3204, or email at: odfwslwa@gooselake.com
NORTHEAST ZONE
FISHING
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.
ANSON WRIGHT POND: Was recently stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout.
CAVENDER POND: Was recently stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout.
COLD SPRINGS RESERVOIR: The reservoir is 59% full.
CUTSFORTH POND: Legal-sixed trout were stocked in early May and will be stocked once more in early June.
GRANDE RONDE RIVER: Trout season opens May 28.
HONEYMOON AND TEEPEE PONDS: Hold over fish from last summer's stocking are available and fishing success should be good.
IMNAHA RIVER: Trout season opens May 28.
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. The river is currently high and muddy due to recent intense rainstorms.
JUBILEE LAKE: The lake is now accessible. Fishing for 8-12 inch trout is expected to be good.
KINNEY LAKE: Opens May 28. Kinney Lake is scheduled to be stocked with legal and trophy size rainbow trout this week. Trout fishing should be good.
LADD POND: Stocked with 500 legal rainbow trout the week of May 2. Large trout are being caught.
LONG CREEK POND: Was recently stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout.
MAGONE AND BULL PRAIRIE LAKES: Access to Magone Lake and Bull Prairie is available and angling success has been good.
MARR, VICTOR, WALLOWA WILDLIFE, HONEYMOON AND TEEPEE PONDS: Ponds were stocked last week with legal and trophy size rainbow trout. Holdover fish from last summer's stocking are also available. Fishing success should be good.
McHALEY POND (located on Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs property east of Prairie City): Was recently stocked with 1,000 rainbow trout as part of a Youth Angling Enhancement Program.
MCKAY RESERVOIR: Fishing for 8-12" crappie, trout, yellow perch and bass is good. Due to drought conditions, the reservoir is 50% full when it should be near filling. The north boat ramp is usable, but the south ramp is not. 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: The lake was stocked with 100 trophy and 300 legal rainbow trout the week of April 18 as part of a Youth Enhancement Program. More trophy and legal sized trout will be stocked for free fishing day on June 11 as part of the same program.
MORROW COUNTY RV PARK PONDS: Recently stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout.
NORTH POWDER PONDS: North Powder Pond #1 was stocked with 1,000 rainbow trout the week of May 2nd.
PENLAND LAKE: The lake is full and fishing for 8-12 inch trout is good.
ROULET POND: Stocked with 500 legal rainbow trout the week of May 2.
ROWE CREEK RESERVOIR: Was recently stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. The reservoir is approximately half full and will have some holdover rainbow from last year's stocking.
SEVENTH STREET POND: Was recently stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout.
UMATILLA RIVER: Approximately 40-50 spring Chinook are being counted daily at Three Mile Dam. The season total is over 300 fish. Chinook are being trapped at Three Mile Dam and hauled upstream above the lower river irrigation diversions due to drought conditions. When the river flow at Pendleton is below 250 cfs, the fish are being released upstream of Pendleton. When the flow is above 250 cfs, the fish will be released in the Barnhart area. However, most fish returning to Three Mile Dam are currently being taken for hatchery broodstock. Thus, the fishery is primarily below Three Mile Dam. The Umatilla spring Chinook run forecast has been downgraded from the pre-season projection of 6,000 to the current projection of 2,000 fish. Anglers are reminded to check the agency website and local news papers regularly as the season could be closed on short notice.
UMATILLA NATIONAL FOREST PONDS. Six ponds in the USFS Road 54 area and the "Boundary" and "Keyhole" ponds along the Summit Road (USFS Road 31) have been stocked with legal-sized trout. Fishing at the "Walk-in Pond" is good for holdover trout. For information of the location of these ponds contact the ODFW Pendleton District Office at (541) 276-2344.
UPPER GRANDE RONDE RIVER: Trout season opens May 28.
WALLA WALLA RIVER: General trout season will open May 28. Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures.
WALLOWA RIVER: Trout season opens May 28.
WALLOWA LAKE: Trout fishing is good. The lake is scheduled to be stocked this week with legal and trophy size rainbow trout. Kokanee fishing is fair for anglers jigging or trolling between 20 and 40 feet deep. Kokanee fishing should improve as the lake warms.
WILLOW CREEK: Due to low stream levels only a small number of trout have been stocked in Willow Creek within Heppner.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir has been stocked with legal-sized trout. Fishing for trout and warmwater gamefish is good.
VIEWING
LADD MARSH WILDLIFE AREA: The blue camas meadows are in full bloom. The wild flower display is spectacular because of recent rains and warm temperatures. Antelope can be seen between Pierce Road and Highway 203. Shore birds including avocets, black-necked stilts and yellowlegs can be seen throughout the wetlands. Bank swallows have returned to their colony on the north end of Peach Road. Many raptors have young in the nest now and Osprey are incubating at two nesting platforms near Hot Lake and east of the overlook on Foothill Road. Short eared owls can be seen off of Pierce Road. Sandhill crane colts can be seen south of the overlook on Foothill. 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. The automobile route and walking trail at the Tule Lake area off of Peach Road is open from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset during the summer.
Umatilla Wildlife refuge (USFWS) has excellent opportunities for Waterfowl and Shorebird viewing.
All Game birds are presently nesting and dogs are to be kept on leashes at all times while on these wildlife areas. The Heritage trail is open for hiking, biking and equestrian use.
BRIDGE CREEK WILDLIFE AREA
Main access road for vehicle travel is open and road restrictions are in place for secondary roads. Elk have left the wintering grounds and have dispersed into calving areas. Viewing of Migratory songbirds is good at this time.
SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA
Viewing opportunities remain good as spring migration continues and breeding season is getting into full swing. Birds remain widely scattered throughout the Area and are increasing at this time.
Most migrant waterfowl have moved through the region and returning breeding species are widely dispersed throughout the Area taking advantage of excellent habitat conditions. Canada geese are well into the breeding season and brood observations have been frequent. Other duck species, with the exception of late nesting gadwall are nesting now. Duck pairs are actively defending territories and searching for nest sites in upland areas throughout the marsh. If nests or broods are found please move away from those areas quickly to reduce disturbance.
Pets should be leashed or under close control during this important time period for breeding waterbirds.
Shorebirds continue to been seen in good numbers as migrants continue to pass through the Area. The Bypass and E. Link Units are good locations for viewing shorebirds. Nesting is underway for most of the 9 breeding species on the Area. Viewers are urged to use caution to avoid trampling nests in locations where birds are present. Camping and parking areas as well as road shoulders receive considerable use by these adaptable birds. Again, please do not allow pets to run at large and keep them in close control at all times.
Other waterbirds are increasing and breeding season activities are underway. Gulls, terns and white pelicans are commonly found now.
Sandhill crane pairs are on territories and nesting now but are less apparent due to their secretive nature in the breeding season. Unison calling in early morning remains very common. Small groups of sub-adult cranes can sometimes be found morning and evenings feeding in the Foster Place grain fields.
Wading birds can be found in good numbers in the Bullgate Refuge area where draw-downs there are making forage fish more accessible.
Raptors can be found scattered throughout the Area as well as on private lands along Highway 31. Northern harriers are especially numerous over marsh and meadow areas and are foraging heavily over recently burned areas. Nesting is underway at present. Bald eagle numbers have declined but a few non-breeders and nearby nesting residents remain. Osprey have returned and are incubating in the nesting platform at Ana Reservoir.
Arrival of passerine species continue to be noted at the Headquarters, Summer Lake Rest Area, homestead sites and shelter break plantings at the north end of the Area where they are attracted to the tree and shrub cover found at those locations. Several species of swallows are very numerous at the Headquarters Complex. Spring arrivals of new species and increasing numbers of breeding passerines will continue over the next several weeks.
Viewers are urged to check and report spring arrivals and unusual or rare sightings on the observation sheet found at the Area Headquarters.
Weather conditions continued to be unsettled and stormy over most of the past week bringing cool temperatures, rainfall and winds. Conditions improved over the weekend providing excellent viewing conditions.
Spring habitat is in excellent condition at present with nearly all Area wetlands being well flooded and new plant growth noted. Upland sites are greening-up rapidly with some trees and shrubs beginning to show considerable leaf growth. Controlled burning removed dense tall emergent vegetation in Bullgate Refuge and lower River Ranch allowing for increased water bird foraging and enhanced viewing opportunities in these areas. A wildfire along Thousand Springs Lane in March removed vegetation in a 160 acre area enhancing viewing opportunities there. Burned areas are re-growing quickly and new plant growth is very evident.
Major dike roads (Bullgate, Windbreak and Work Road) are now closed to motor vehicle travel and will remain that way through August 15, 2005 to reduce disturbance to migrating and breeding waterbirds. Non-motorized travel on these dikes is permitted. The wildlife viewing loop will remain open into early fall providing excellent opportunities in a wide variety of habitats.
Other minor dike roads and trails remain closed to motor vehicles as is cross country travel by motor vehicle. Non-motorized access and viewing opportunities are available throughout the Wildlife Area at this time. Camping is permitted at 4 sites on the Area.
For additional information on viewing opportunities please contact the Wildlife Area at phone (541) 943-3152, fax (541) 943-3204, or email at odfwslwa@gooselake.com.
WENAHA WILDLIFE AREA
Deer, elk and Big Horn sheep are starting to give birth to their young. Everyone is reminded not to touch or pickup these newborns. Deer & elk can be seen form the Eden Bench road. Big Horn sheep can be seen on the cleft faces adjacent to the Grande Ronde River road.
Turkey hunting is slow on the Wildlife Area and in the surrounding National Forest. The birds are scattered and are not calling much.
The Wildlife Area is open to hunting during all legal seasons and for non-motorized recreation year round.
Due to a State Parks Administrative Rule, open fires are prohibited year round with in one-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.
SNAKE RIVER ZONE
FISHING
BROWNLEE RESERVOIR: Trout and perch fishing have been generally good. Bass and crappie fishing has been exceptional. Crappie are large throughout the reservoir, and in 10-20 feet of water. Catfish angling has picked up. The reservoir is 3 feet below full. Call Idaho Power Company's recording at 1-800-422-3143 to get information on access at recreational sites or visit under the "Rivers and Recreation" heading. For reservoir level information, visit .
HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: Catfish and bass have been good. Crappie and trout fishing have been fair.
OXBOW RESERVOIR: Catfish and bass have been good. Crappie and trout fishing have been fair. Catch and release only for bass until July 1.
SNAKE RIVER, H |
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