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Deschutes River Steelhead
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Tuesday, June 7, 2005 www.dfw.state.or.us
Salmon angling returns to Columbia River
The mainstem Columbia River reopened to spring chinook angling Saturday, June 4, due to improved fish counts at Bonneville Dam and the effects of conservative decisions earlier this spring.
Anglers may fish for adipose fin-clipped spring chinook and adipose fin-clipped steelhead from the Tongue Point/Rocky Point line in the Columbia River estuary upstream to the Oregon-Washington border.
The season is expected to stay open through July 31, at which time the fall chinook season will begin as published in the 2005 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations pamphlet. However, mid-season adjustments may occur around July 1 in response to new run-size projections.
Oregon and Washington state biologists now estimate the "upriver" portion of the Columbia River spring chinook run to be 95,000 fish, which is up from a low mid-season estimate of 78,800 in early May. Further details are available on ODFW's Web site, www.dfw.state.or.us.
Nearly 40 events are scheduled statewide for the 17th annual Free Fishing Weekend, June 11-12. The annual celebration offers Oregon residents and visitors a full weekend to fish, crab and clam without a license. All fishing and shell harvest regulations continue to apply.
ODFW sponsors events at sites throughout the state, mostly geared toward introductory angling opportunities for youth. Many are accessible to disabled anglers. A listing of events in each county is available in this week's recreation report and on the ODFW Web site, www.dfw.state.or.us/free_fishing.
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.
NORTHWEST ZONE
FISHING
BIG CREEK RESERVOIR #1 and #2: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
CAPE MEARES LAKE: Will be stocked with legal sized trout this week. A few trophy trout also will be stocked for free fishing weekend.
CLEAWOX LAKE is the site of a Free Fishing Weekend event Saturday, June 11, from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. The project is sponsored by the Mapleton Forest Service office, Oregon State Parks, ODFW and the Florence STEP Group. Kids will be able to fish, make fish print t-shirts, make flies and lures, and win prizes donated from local merchants. Fishing assistance and boat rides may be provided by the Florence STEP group. The lake will be stocked with 2,000 fish for the weekend.
COFFENBURY LAKE: A learn-to-fish event will occur 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 11, at Coffenbury Lake. About 1,000 fish will be stocked for the event and Free Fishing Weekend. For more information, call 503-861-0376.
HEBO LAKE: A learn-to-fish event will occur 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 11, at this Tillamook County lake. About 1,000 fish will be stocked for the event and Free Fishing Weekend. A few trophy trout also will be stocked. The lake can be reached by heading east on Highway 22 from the town of Hebo and taking a left onto Forest Service Road 14. Signs provide directions to the lake. For more information, call 503-392-3191.
LORENS POND: Was recently stocked with legal-size rainbow trout.
LOST LAKE: Was recently stocked with legal-size rainbow trout.
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.
NEDONNA POND: An ODFW fishing clinic will be held 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 11, at this Tillamook County pond. The pond will be stocked with legal sized trout this week. Call 503-368-6828 for more information.
NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: Spring chinook angling is best in the lower Nestucca River and upper tidewater areas. A few summer steelhead have also been caught in the lower Nestucca River. River levels are falling and clearing quickly.
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: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
SALMON RIVER HATCHERY: An ODFW fishing clinic will be held at the hatchery 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 11, for youth under 14 years. Fishing gear will be provided. There will be a biggest fish of the day contest and casting contest. The pond will open to all other anglers after noon on the 11th and stay open for the remainder of the weekend. The pond will be stocked with legal and trophy sized trout. The hatchery is located east of Otis. Take Highway 18 to Otis and turn north onto Scenic Drive before turning right onto North Bank Road. Call 541-994-8606 for more information.
SILETZ RIVER: Winter steelhead angling is slow on the Siletz River. Hatchery summer steelhead are showing up above Moonshine Park at the Siletz Falls Trap (river mile 64.5). Spring chinook angling is slow on the Siletz River. Note the change in the deadline marker from the Buck Creek Bridge to the Moonshine Park boat ramp. Rains early in the week should produce good fishing conditions for the free fishing weekend and help bring in more summer steelhead to the upper Siletz River. 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 recently stocked with legal-size rainbow trout.
THISSEL POND: Thissell Pond will be the site of a Free Fishing Weekend event Saturday, June 11, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 pm. The event is sponsored by ODFW, USFS Siuslaw National Forest, Waldport Ranger District, and the BLM. It is located off Hwy 34. At mile post 27, turn north onto Fall Creek Road. Greeters will be there to direct anglers to parking and shuttle areas. Fishing gear will be available for use. Family participation and those wanting to fish for the first time are encouraged to attend. Assistance will be provided for first time anglers. The pond will be stocked with legal and trophy sized trout. For more information, call 541-487-7240.
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 fair. 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. Best action will likely be in the upper bay and tidewater areas. Angling for sturgeon remains fair, 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. 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: An ODFW fishing clinic as part of the Youth Angling Enhancement Program will be held 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 11, at this Tillamook County lake. About 1,500 fish will be stocked. A few trophy trout also will be stocked for Free Fishing Weekend. To reach the lake, take the Pacific City-Woods turn off from Highway 101. Continue three miles to Woods and turn right at the bridge. For more information, call 503- 842-2741.
TRASK RIVER HATCHERY: An ODFW fishing clinic will be held 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 11, at the hatchery. The hatchery is located south of Tillamook. From Highway 101, head east on Long Prairie Road and continue east on Chance Road to the hatchery. For more information, call 503-842-4090.
WILSON AND TRASK RIVERS: Angling for spring chinook has been slow to fair. Only a few scattered summer steelhead are being caught. River levels are dropping quickly and beginning to clear. 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
Crabbing: Bay crabbing is poor coastwide.
Clamming: As of June 3, the Oregon Department of Agriculture has opened the beaches, bays and estuaries coast wide to all shellfish harvesting except razor clams. Due to domoic acid levels still above the alert level, razor clam harvesting remains closed on all beaches and bays in Oregon. 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.
VIEWING
Deer fawns have recently been reported in north coast areas. Elk calves should soon be joining the herds on the north coast. Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area is probably the best place for viewing the new elk arrivals. By instinct, mothers leave fawns, calves, bear cubs and cougar kittens for extended periods to feed and so they don't draw attention to their newborns. Please enjoy viewing young wildlife where you find them, but leave them alone. Mother is most likely nearby.
The peregrine falcons that nest by Cape Meares State Park and Lighthouse have been seen in the 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. 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.
Whimbrels, large brown shorebirds, have been seen around the greater Tillamook Bay area. They usually migrate into the area in late May and stay through early June. They can often been seen in pastures around the bay and flying around in the Tillamook valley.
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 is well-stocked with rainbow trout, and fishing should be good. Floating bait has been effective recently. Bluegill and black crappie are biting as well, especially on nightcrawlers. 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: Fishing should be good for largemouth bass and panfish.
APPLEGATE RIVER: The Applegate River upstream to Applegate Dam is open for trout fishing with a limit of 2 adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout per day, 8 inch minimum length. Nonadipose fin-clipped rainbow trout and all cutthroat trout must be released unharmed. The use of bait is allowed.
APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: Applegate Reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout, including 800 trophy trout. Land-locked juvenile spring chinook salmon are available, averaging 9-12 inches in length, along with bass and panfish. Fishing is good.
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, and fishing will remain good throughout the spring with our continued stocking schedule. Warm water fishing is excellent as the fish have moved into the shallows to spawn making them very aggressive. At Cooper Creek and Herberts Pond, Free Fishing Weekend events are scheduled. Both reservoirs will be stocked with legal trout and there will be activities set up for children at each site.
COOS COUNTY LAKES: TENMILE LAKES, BRADLEY LAKE, EMPIRE LAKES, JOHNSON MILL POND, EEL LAKE, BLUEBILL LAKE, AND POWERS POND are good bets for catching legal-sized rainbow trout (approximately nine inches). Anglers also 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. EEL LAKE and POWERS POND will be stocked this week for FREE FISHING WEEKEND, June 11 and 12. Youth events will be held at these two sites on Saturday, June 11.
Under new regulations for 2005, rainbow over 20 inches in TENMILE LAKES are considered "trout" from May 1 to October 31, and the five fish bag limit may include 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, EEL LAKE, and COOS COUNTY DUNE LAKES.
COOS RIVER BASIN: Not much has been happening with shad this season in the SOUTH COOS and MILLICOMA rivers, although this is the time of year when they run. Shad will bite shad darts, small jigs, or flies in upper tidewater areas. Trout angling in streams is now open through October 31. Angling in streams above tidewater is restricted to artificial flies and lures from May 28 through August 31. Sturgeon, several surfperch species, and striped bass are in tidewater of the Coos Basin at this time.
COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: Shad fishing has been slow in the tidewater areas of the COQUILLE RIVER. Shad will bite shad darts, small jigs, or flies in upper tidewater areas. Trout angling in streams is now open through October 31. Angling in streams above tidewater is restricted to artificial flies and lures from May 28 through August 31. Anglers are reminded that a 12-mile section of the SOUTH FORK COQUILLE River from the USFS Boundary to South Fork Falls is closed to all angling, including tributaries.
Striped bass have been caught recently in the COQUILLE RIVER tidewater around 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 slow throughout the lake. As water temperatures increase, fish will concentrate near Silent Creek. Anglers have been successful trolling needlefish, rapalas, warblers, and flies. A Free Fishing Weekend will be held Saturday at Diamond lake, with a fishing pond set up for children, and prizes for the largest fish caught.
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. Fishing for panfish has been good, but anglers are reminded that crappie less than 8-inches must be released unharmed.
EXPO POND: The pond at the Jackson County Fairgrounds complex will be stocked this week with rainbow trout in preparation for a Free Fishing Weekend event for families. The event will held on Saturday, June 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Loaner rods and bait will be available. Parental supervision is required. Bass and panfish are available in addition to the trout.
FISH LAKE: Fish Lake is stocked with rainbow trout including 500 large trophy trout. A Free Fishing Weekend event is planned for Saturday, June 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Loaner rods are available and a small prize raffle will be offered. Anglers have had success recently trolling flatfish and flies on light gear.
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.
HYATT LAKE: Trout fishing should be good at Hyatt Lake on large trout, primarily in the 14 to 16-inch size range. A Free Fishing Weekend event will be held at Hyatt over the weekend. Loaner rods and bait will be available on June 11 from 8:30am to 2:00pm, while breakfast and free camping is offered on both June 11 and June 12.
LAKE SELMAC: The lake will be stocked this week with legal-sized rainbow trout, and fishing for largemouth bass should be good. A Free Fishing Weekend event is planned for Saturday, June 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. through local sponsors. The event is planned at the Park Ranger facility on the lake.
LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: Lost Creek will be stocked this week with rainbow trout in preparation for Free Fishing Weekend. The fish will complement 1,000 trophy-sized trout previously stocked in the reservoir. An event will be held at the marina from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Loaner rods are available and bait will be provided. Land-locked juvenile spring chinook salmon also are available in Lost Creek, along with bass and panfish. Fishing has been good.
MEDCO POND: Medco Pond will be stocked this week with rainbow trout in preparation for a Free Fishing Weekend event planned for Saturday, June 11, from 7:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. Loaner rods will be available and prizes will be awarded to kids in a fishing contest. Sponsors of the event have worked with the landowner to have the pond closed to fishing on June 9 and 10. Bass and panfish are available in addition to trout.
PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: 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 and catch has been slow the past week. 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 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 this week with legal-sized rainbow trout. 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, LOWER: Spring chinook fishing has slowed with most fish caught first thing in the morning. Rains this weekend may improve fishing. We would expect fall chinook to start showing in the bay in the next week or two. Access is excellent for both bank and boat anglers. There are improved boat ramps at the Port of Gold Beach, Lobster Creek USFS Campground, and Quosatana USFS Campground. Bank anglers can access most of the gravel bars downstream of Lobster Creek USFS Campground. Anglers generally use anchovies, spinners, or spin-glows.
ROGUE RIVER, MIDDLE: The river flow measured at Grants Pass is 2,270 cubic feet per second on Tuesday morning. Fishing is fair for spring chinook as fish continue to migrate through the area. Between Hog Creek and Gold Ray Dam, the Rogue is open for chinook salmon from January 1 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 is open for trout fishing with a limit of 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 1,800 cubic feet per second, while the flow at the Raygold gauge near Central Point is 2,380 cfs on Tuesday morning. The winter steelhead count has ended for the year with a preliminary total of 11,908 for the run year. A total of 53 summer steelhead and 8,279 spring chinook salmon have passed Gold Ray dam as of May 31. Occasional good catches of spring chinook have been reported in the upper river. 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. Trout fishing should be good as the salmon fly hatch continues.
SOUTH COAST LAKES AND PONDS: Free fishing weekend is June 11 and 12. ODFW is planning activities at Libby Pond and Elk River Hatchery. Libby Pond is located on the North Bank of the Rogue River, about eight miles up the river. Bank access is good. Elk River Hatchery is located about eight miles up Elk River Road. Other lakes that should provide good fishing include Garrison and Floras Lakes. However, bank access is limited on both. Garrison Lake has three boat ramps and is located in Port Orford. Floras Lake has one boat ramp and is located just south of Langlois. In addition to rainbow trout, anglers can find cutthroat in good numbers in Floras Lake.
SOUTH COAST STREAMS: Streams have been providing good action on cutthroat. Anglers can find larger fish in the Chetco, Sixes, and Pistol Rivers.
SPAULDING POND: Spaulding Pond is stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout.
UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: Fishing for spring chinook has stopped as anglers have switched to smallmouth bass and shad. Shad fishing is very good and smallmouth bass fishing is improving with increasing water temperatures. Pink fin perch fishing in the estuary is improving as these fish move in to spawn in the Umpqua estuary. June 11 and 12 is Free Fishing Weekend, which includes free crabbing or clamming. A shellfish license is not required to this weekend.
UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: Spring chinook fishing from the Narrows to Rock Creek is fair. Summer steelhead fishing continues to improve as more steelhead cross the dam. This area has excellent bank access and is located near Idleyld Park. As of May 18, 3,499 spring chinook, 80 summer steelhead, and eight cutthroat trout have been counted at Winchester Dam.
WHETSTONE POND (DENMAN WILDLIFE AREA): The pond continues to produce some 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 razor clams found on beaches, spits, jetties, and estuaries along the Oregon Coast remains closed due high levels of domoic acid. Harvest of mussels and other shellfish species is open at this time. ALWAYS CHECK FOR HEALTH ADVISORIES by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Shellfish line at 800-448-2474 for updates, as TOXIN LEVELS ARE CHANGING RAPIDLY AT THIS TIME.
WILLAMETTE ZONE
FISHING
ALTON BAKER CANAL: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
BENSON LAKE: Novice anglers may bring their own pole or use equipment provided from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 11, to try their luck catching some of the thousands of rainbow trout stocked each month into the lake between March and October. The lake will receive about 4,000 additional fish for Free Fishing Weekend. The park is located one mile west of Multnomah Falls on Interstate 84 at milepost 30 (eastbound access only). For more information, call 800-551-6949.
BIG CLIFF RESERVOIR: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
BLUE RIVER: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week. Blue River Reservoir is located off of Highway 126 east of the town of Blue River. The reservoir is stocked with legal trout but also has native cutthroat. Angling is better in early summer when the reservoir is lowered to provide flows in the Willamette River for downstream migration of juvenile salmon and steelhead. The reservoir has good boat and bank access for angling.
BONNEVILLE HATCHERY: A fishing event hosted by ODFW for children 12 and under will be held Saturday, June 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bonneville Fish Hatchery in the Columbia River Gorge. Participants must register by 1 p.m. Children receive a passport to be stamped at each of several "stations" leading up to the fishing area. Station activities include responsible angling and river care, casting practice, and fish identification. Fishing poles, bait and a bag of ice to take fish home are provided. Use of personal equipment is not allowed. Bonneville Hatchery may be reached from Exit 40 off Interstate 84. For more information call 503-657-2000 Ext. 228.
BREITENBUSH RIVER: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
CARMEN RESERVOIR: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
CLACKAMAS RIVER: The Clackamas River water conditions continue to be good. Flows on Monday were at 1,766 cfs (11.83') with water temperatures in the mid-50s. The angling effort has been light, even on the weekends. However, creel checking has shown that both spring chinook and summer steelhead are being caught by the few anglers who have gone out to try. The fish seem to be spread throughout the river, from McIver Park down to High Rocks. Spring chinook returns to the Clackamas Hatchery have picked up significantly this past week with about 700 fish counted through Monday.
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.
DETROIT LAKE: A fishing clinic hosted by ODFW will occur 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 11, at the lake. About 7,000 fish will be stocked for Free Fishing Weekend and the clinic. The lake is located along Highway 22 east of Salem. For more information, call 503-854-3522
E.E. WILSON 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
FALL CREEK: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
FARADAY LAKE: Will receive about 3,000 fish for Free Fishing Weekend. The lake is located two miles southeast of Estacada by way of Hwy 224 on the Clackamas River.
FOSTER RESERVOIR continues to produce fair catches of rainbow. An ODFW fishing clinic will occur 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, June 11, at the lake. About 3,000 fish will be stocked for Free Fishing Weekend. The lake is located about three miles east of Sweet Home, along Highway 20.
HAGG LAKE: Will receive about 6,000 additional fish for Free Fishing Weekend. To reach the lake, take Highway 47 south from Forest Grove and head west on the turn-off south of Dilley.
HARRIET LAKE: Will receive about 7,000 fish for Free Fishing Weekend. The lake is located on the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River. It can be accessed via U.S. Forest Service Roads from the Ripple Brook Ranger Station.
HARTMAN POND: Will receive about 1,250 fish for the June 11-12 weekend. The pond is located in the Columbia River Gorge from the Benson Lake State Park exit.
HILLS CREEK: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
HUDDLESTON POND: Recently stocked with legal-sized trout.
JUNCTION CITY POND: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
LEABURG LAKE: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
LEABURG HATCHERY: An ODFW learn to fish event will occur 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 11, at the hatchery for kids 13 and younger. Participants will receive a "passport" to be stamped at each of several learning stations, including a fishing station where up to three trout may be caught. Use of personal fishing equipment will not be allowed. The hatchery is located east of Eugene along the McKenzie River and can be accessed from Highway 126. Parking is available in the town of Leaburg and shuttle busses take families to the hatchery. For more information, call 541-896-3294.
MCKENZIE RIVER, UPPER AND LOWER: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: Will receive 8,500 trout for Free Fishing Weekend. It is located seven miles south of Estacada off of Highway 224.
QUARTZVILLE CREEK, located above Green Peter Reservoir, and the Breitenbush and North Santiam rivers above Detroit was stocked with trout last week.
ROARING RIVER PARK POND: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
ROSLYN LAKE will receive about 2,000 fish for June 11-12. The lake is located northeast of Sandy and can be accessed from Dodge Park Road.
SALMON CREEK: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
SANDY RIVER: Sandy River water levels have increased with some heavy rain showers in the Cascade foothills, but the water conditions are still good. Monday's flows were running at 1,618 cfs (9.28') with the water temperatures in the low 50s. Angling effort has remained steady, with both boat and bank anglers out on the river. The catch for spring chinook and summer steelhead has been fair. Spring chinook are present in the river and the knowledgeable, persistent anglers are having the best success. The Sandy River Hatchery at Cedar Creek has had over 450 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 RIVER, North and South forks: The North Fork is scheduled to be stocked with legal-sized trout this weekend.
SHERIDAN POND will receive about 1,150 trout for Free Fishing Weekend. Sheridan Pond is located just south of Sheridan. Take exit 33 off of Highway 18 and head south. The pond is located in Sheridan Wetlands Park on the left side of the road.
SILVERTON RESERVOIR: A fishing clinic will be held 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, June 11, at the reservoir for children 12 years and younger. About 2,600 additional fish will be stocked for the weekend event. Silverton Reservoir is located south of the town of Silverton on Highway 214. For more information, call 503-873-0405.
SMALL FRY LAKE: Instructors and loaner equipment will be available 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 11, at Small Fry Pond in Promontory Park, located along North Fork Reservoir, seven miles east of Estacada on Highway 224. An additional 500 fish will be stocked for Free Fishing Weekend. For more information, call 503-630-8764.
TIMOTHY LAKE: Will receive 5,000 trout for the June 11-12 weekend. Timothy Lake is located about 80 miles east of Portland. From Highway 26, turn onto Skyline Road, also known as U.S. Forest Service Road 42.
TRAIL BRIDGE RESERVOIR: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
TRILLIUM LAKE: Stocked with legal-sized trout recently.
WALTER WIRTH LAKE: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week.
WEST SALISH POND: Will receive 1,500 trout for Free Fishing Weekend. West Salish Pond is located in Salish Ponds Wetlands Park on the north side of N.E. Glisan Street in Fairview.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: The Willamette River angling conditions haven't changed much in the past week. The cooler weather has brought the water temperature down somewhat. Monday's flows were at 13,200 cfs, and the water temperature was 55° F with a visibility of 4.4 feet. There were a few spring chinook caught last week, both down in the St. Johns area and up near Oregon City. However, the effort has dropped off considerably now that it is June. Anglers appear to be shifting over to shad fishing. Spring chinook survey data from the weekend showed a catch of 3 fish/17 boats in the Multnomah Channel/Lower Harbor area, and 3 fish/10 boats near Oregon City. Fish counts at Willamette Falls were 5,328 summer steelhead and 27,390 spring chinook through June 1. The final winter steelhead count was 5,963. Winter steelhead counting ended on May 15.
Sturgeon catch remained 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 - Dec. 31. Anglers are limited to the use of only one single-point barbless hook while angling for sturgeon.
The Willamette River shad fishery is picking up with some good catches reported in the survey sampling data. Oregon City was the best spot for shad with a catch of 1,095 shad/43 boats. There were shad checked in all sections of the river, but the Oregon City area was the hot spot. Expect this fishery to be steady well into June.
A learn-to-fish event will occur 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 11, at Champoeg State Heritage Area along the Willamette River in Marion County. The park can be reached from exit 278 off of Interstate 5. For more information, call 503-678-1251.
WILLAMETTE, MIDDLE FORK: Will be stocked with legal-sized trout this week. The Middle Fork Willamette River upstream of Hills Creek Reservoir can be found by going east of Oakridge and taking Forest Road 21 around the reservoir. Several varieties of salmonids may be caught. At the headwaters, brook trout are found. When fishing in this area know the difference between harvestable brook trout and protected bull trout, since both are found there. Cutthroat trout also are found. Legal rainbow trout are stocked in areas beginning just above the reservoir at turnouts and campgrounds. Spring chinook salmon also are released above the reservoir specifically to allow for natural spawning and rearing, and harvest of these fish is not allowed. Be sure to check the regulations for the area.
WILLAMETTE HATCHERY: An ODFW fishing clinic will be held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, June 11, at the hatchery. The hatchery is located off Highway 58 on Salmon Creek Road, just east of the City of Oakridge. For more information, call 541-782-2933.
WILLAMETTE VALLEY PONDS: Mid valley ponds still have a few trout available and are producing some bass, bluegill and crappie for anglers fishing for those species.
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: The dry chaparral habitat on the southeast side of Mt Pisgah attracts species that are unusual in this area, including blue-gray gnatcatcher and California towhee. The chaparral is approximately 1 mile from the southeast entrance.
The western meadowlark was voted Oregon's state bird by school children in 1927. Meadowlarks are found in grassland-type habitats where they sing from perches such as fence posts, shrubs, trees, or powerlines. Remnant grassland prairie habitats, pastures and even young Christmas tree plantations along the edge of the Willamette Valley are good places to find these birds. Listen for their liquid, melodious song. Western meadowlarks can be seen in fair numbers just north of the east end of Diamond Hill Rd. (Diamond Hill Road crosses I-5 at the Harrisburg exit). There are untilled pasture lands that still support the native Willamette Valley sunflower and our state bird that has such a beautiful and distinctive call. Although meadowlark populations are abundant in Eastern Oregon, they are declining in the valley because of loss of native prairie to farming and development. As their habitat shrinks, nest predators like fox, skunk, raccoon and non-native opossum and house cats have an increasing impact on these grassland birds.
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: Opportunities for 14-18 inch trout are excellent. Reservoir was also stocked with legal sized rainbow trout last week.
BIG LAVA LAKE: Fishing has been good. Rainbow trout are in excellent condition and are ranging up to 18 inches in length.
CLEAR LAKE: Clear Lake, located about 30 miles west of Maupin, has been recently stocked with legal sized rainbow trout and should offer good trout fishing prospects.
COLUMBIA RIVER: From Bonneville Reservoir to John Day Dam: Spring Chinook and steelhead fishing re-opened. Refer to the 2005 angling regulation synopsis for bag limits and other regulations that may apply.
Retention for sturgeon in the Bonneville Reservoir will close at 11:59 pm, Friday, June 10. Catch and release sturgeon angling may continue in Bonneville Reservoir for the remainder of 2005.
Retention for sturgeon between The Dalles Dam and John Day Dam remains open.
Shad fishing is good below The Dalles Dam.
CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: Good reports continue with anglers having very good success on the north end of the lake catching rainbow trout in the 12 - 14 inch range. Reports of brook trout being caught that weigh up to 3 pounds. Largemouth bass are showing up in the creel though the cold water is still putting a damper on their activity.
CRESCENT LAKE: The anglers are reporting great kokanee fishing and good lake trout action. Kokanee are running 13 to 15 inches with some up to 16 inches.
CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: Opportunities for 8-16 inch rainbow trout and whitefish are excellent.
DESCHUTES RIVER: Trout fishing has been good on the lower Deschutes River. A few daytime stoneflies are still hatching with good evening hatches of caddis flies. Spring Chinook fishing on the lower Deschutes River is closed. Fall Chinook fishing on the Deschutes River will open August 1.
EAST LAKE: Excellent reports of good brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon action.
ELK LAKE: Good opportunity for brook trout and kokanee. The lake has seen little angler pressure to date.
FALL RIVER: Anglers interviewed were having fair success on rainbow trout up to 19 inches.
FROG LAKE: Located about 30 miles west of Maupin, recently was stocked with legal and trophy sized rainbow trout and should offer good trout fishing prospects.
HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: Good numbers of 16-18 inch brown trout are available. Rainbow trout are also available.
HOOD RIVER: Steelhead fishing on the Hood River has been reported as slow. Spring Chinook season is still open on the Hood River. Good numbers of spring Chinook continue to be captured at the Powerdale Dam fish trap. Most anglers are targeting steelhead even though fair numbers of spring Chinook appear to be in the Hood.
HOSMER LAKE: Great opportunity for Atlantic salmon. Fly angling only.
KINGSLEY RESERVOIR: Located about 10 miles Southwest of Hood River, was recently stocked with legal and trophy sized rainbow trout and should offer good trout fishing prospects.
LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: Kokanee angling was fair over the weekend. Few people are targeting bull trout, but opportunities are good. Smallmouth bass angling has been excellent. 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.
LAURANCE LAKE: Located near Parkdale, was recently stocked with legal sized rainbow trout and should offer good trout fishing prospects.
LITTLE CULTUS: Good opportunity for brook trout and rainbow trout.
LITTLE LAVA LAKE: Good opportunity for rainbow trout and brook trout.
LOST LAKE: Located about 20 miles southwest of Hood River, was recently stocked with legal and trophy sized rainbow trout and should offer good trout fishing prospects.
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" size range.
OCHOCO RESERVOIR: Angling for 12-20 inch rainbow trout is excellent.
ODELL LAKE: Angling was reportedly good over the past week. There also were reports of a fair number of very nice lake trout being caught in addition to the kokanee.
OLALLIE LAKE: Olallie Lake, located near the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, was recently stocked with legal and trophy sized rainbow trout and should offer good trout fishing prospects.
PAULINA LAKE: Good reports of rainbow trout and kokanee catches. A few bigger browns have also been caught. Kokanee are running 9 to 13 inches in length.
PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: Pine Hollow Reservoir, located near Wamic, was recently stocked with legal and trophy size rainbow trout and should offer good trout fishing prospects.
PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-16 inch rainbow trout are good. Black crappie angling should be excellent over the weekend, with fish 6-9 inches available.
ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: Located near Wamic, was recently stocked with legal and trophy size rainbow trout and should offer good trout fishing prospects.
SOUTH TWIN LAKE: South Twin Lake anglers continue to see a good success on rainbow trout.
SMOCK PRARIE RESERVOIR: Located near Wamic, has been recently stocked with legal and trophy sized rainbow trout and should offer good trout fishing prospects.
SOUTH TWIN LAKE: Reports are that anglers continue to see a good success on rainbow trout.
SUTTLE LAKE: Suttle Lake has good opportunity for kokanee and brown trout.
WALTON LAKE - Angling for 8-14 inch rainbow trout was excellent over the weekend.
WICKIUP RESERVOIR: According to reports Wickiup is still turning out some good kokanee catches. Some favorable reports have begun to trickle in regarding to the brown trout catch as well. 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 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).
HUNTING
OCHOCO DISTRICT
Hunters and wildlife viewers are reminded motorized access regulations are in effect on the Ochoco National Forest and BLM lands. These measures are intended in part to protect wildlife and other resource values. BLM and Ochoco National Forest office in Prineville should be contacted for more information.
COYOTE: Coyotes will be keying into areas being used by deer and pronghorn for fawning. Scout both BLM and Ochoco National Forest areas used by deer and pronghorn.
GROUND SQUIRRELS: Ground squirrels have emerged and are increasingly active on private agricultural lands where permission from landowners will be needed for access.
SOUTHEAST ZONE
FISHING
ANA RESERVOIR: Angler success has been low for hybird bass and fair for trout. Both bait and large streamer flies have been catching trout from shore and out of boats.
ANA RIVER: High accumulations of precipitation have increased river discharge. The river is extremely off color and angling success will be slow at best.
BEULAH RESERVOIR: The reservoir is 97 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 is dropping so angling should improve. Flow was approximately 328 cfs June 6. Remember, special regulations are in effect. Catch and release for trout from Nov. 1 through May 27. Anglers may keep two trout per day from May 28 through Oct. 31.
BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir is full. Boat ramp is usable. Angling for warmwater fish is improving.
BURNS POND: The pond will be stocked this week for a free fishing day event. Angling should be good.
BURNT RIVER - SOUTH FORK: Stocked in May with legal rainbow trout.
CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: Angling is 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 has been stocked several times with rainbow trout. In the past, angling has been fair to 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: Stocked with rainbow trout in April and May.
HIGGINS RESERVOIR: The landowner has installed a gate about three-quarters of a 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 was stocked several times with legal rainbow trout in April, May and early June. Was stocked recently with trophy (1-2 lbs) and additional legal-size trout 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 good on flies and lures. Klamath River from Keno Dam downstream to Topsy Reservoir closes to angling June 15th.
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 by still-fishing with bait. Fly anglers are picking up some fish using leech and midge imitations.
LAKE OF THE WOODS: Angling for trout and perch has improved as the water temperature has increased.
LOST RIVER: Angling has been improving for warm water game fish.
MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork Malheur River): Water release from Warm Springs Reservoir was 357 cfs on June 6. 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 537 cfs. Angling is poor.
MALHEUR RIVER, NORTH FORK: The upper North Fork is now accessible. Most of the streams are high so 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 so 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: 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 is fair for rainbow trout using bait or spinners.
MURRAY RESERVOIR: Was stocked the week of April 25 with 2,000 trout.
OWYHEE RESERVOIR: The reservoir is 91 percent full. All ramps are usable. Angling for bass and for small crappie is good.
OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): Irrigation flows below Owyhee Dam were turned on in mid April. Flows below the dam were 205 cfs on June 6. Angling for rainbows and browns is good.
OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): Flows at Rome continue to slowly drop. They are currently 1,850 cfs, as of June 6. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish is poor.
PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: Was stocked with 8,470 legal-sized rainbow trout over the last two weeks (May 30 and June 6). 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 54 percent full.
PILCHER CREEK RESERVOIR: Trout fishing remains good. The reservoir is 90 percent full.
PINE CREEK: Opened April 23 for trout fishing upstream of Oxbow bridge in Baker County. Will be stocked with legal rainbows week of June 13.
POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir is five or six feet from full. It was stocked with 1,200 fingerling trout, and fishery managers expect some carryover into next year.
POWDER RIVER: Open upstream from Huntington-Richland Road Bridge. Use of bait allowed. Will be stocked below Phillips Reservoir with legal-sized rainbow trout week of June 13.
SNAKE RIVER: Flows near Nyssa have dropped but the water remains very turbid. On June 6, flow was 9,068 cfs. Flows near Weiser have also dropped, but again, the river remains very turbid. Flows were near 16,078 cfs on June 6. Angling is fair for catfish and slow for smallmouth bass.
SPRAGUE RIVER: Angling has been fair on flies and lures.
SYCAN RIVER: Angling has been fair on flies and lures.
THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: Fishing is very good. Anglers are finding plenty of 16-18-inch rainbow trout. The reservoir is full. Some fish are being caught below the dam as well.
UNITY RESERVOIR: Trout fishing is good, and anglers are reporting 16-18-inch trout. The State Park is open for camping. The reservoir is 95 percent full.
WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: The reservoir is 57 percent full. The water level has reached the ramp. Fishing is poor.
WILLIAMSON RIVER (Upper): Angling for wild redband trout has been good using flies and lures.
WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: Angling has been good for 8-12-inch bass.
WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: Fishing is fair. Reservoir is 90 percent full.
WOOD RIVER: Angling is fair for brown and wild redband trout on both lures and flies.
YELLOWJACKET LAKE: The lake has been stocked with rainbow trout and good numbers of trout survived the winter. Angling is fair for 8-to-12-inch rainbow trout using flies, bait, small spoons, or spinners.
WILDLIFE VIEWING
SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA:
Viewing opportunities remain good as the breeding season is now into full swing. Birds remain widely scattered throughout the area at this time.
Waterfowl breeding season is well underway for all species. Canada geese are well into brood rearing and the molt is beginning to occur. When flightless during the molt, geese are very shy and elusive and broods are sometimes difficult to observe. Ducks are nesting heavily and most numerous species is gadwall. Most early nesting species, such as mallard and cinnamon teal, have broods, although there is considerable re-nesting taking place from earlier unsuccessful attempts. Drakes of many species are forming bachelor groups and will be undergoing the molt soon. 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 in breeding and foraging locales. A few migrants continue to be observed, but most have passed through the area en route to more northerly breeding areas. The Bypass and E. Link Units are good locations for viewing shorebirds. Nesting is underway for all 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 at large and keep them in close control at all times.
Other waterbirds are increasing and breeding season activities for some are underway. Gulls, terns and white pelicans are commonly found. The more secretive rails are hard to observe, but their calls are very common throughout the marsh. Sandhill crane pairs are on territories and nesting is winding down. They are very secretive at this time of the year, but unison calling in early morning remains common. Several colts (young cranes) have been observed over the past two weeks. Wading birds, such as egrets and night-herons, can be found in good numbers in the Bullgate Refuge area where draw-downs there are making forage fish more accessible. Calling American bitterns can be heard throughout the marsh, especially during the morning and evening.
Raptors are scattered throughout the area, as well as on private lands along Highway 31. Most are actively foraging to provide food for chicks that remain in nests. Northern harriers are especially numerous over marsh and meadow areas. Bald eagles are frequently observed on the area. Osprey have nested again in the platform at Ana Reservoir and should be active in brood rearing efforts.
Passerine species are very common around the Headquarters Complex, Summer Lake Rest Area, homestead sites and shelterbreak plantings at the north end of the area where they are attracted to the tree and shrub cover found at those locations. Several species of swallows are very numerous at the Headquarters Complex.
California quail have started to hatch and several broods were observed last week.
Viewers are urged to check and report spring arrivals and unusual or rare sightings on the observation sheet found at the Summer Lake Wildlife Area Headquarters.
Weather conditions have been variable over past week. Warm and dry summer-time conditions were abruptly replaced by storm systems over the weekend. Cool temperatures and rainfall may be impacting nesting and brood rearing for some species. Invertebrates that provide considerable food to nearly all species are less active and abundant during these weather conditions.
Habitat is in excellent condition at present with nearly all area wetlands being well flooded, with considerable new plant growth noted. Upland sites are greening up rapidly and trees and shrubs are well leafed-out. Controlled burning removed dense tall emergent vegetation in Bullgate Refuge and lower River Ranch allowing for increased waterbird 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 closed to motor vehicle travel and will remain that way through August 15, 2005 to reduce disturbance to breeding waterbirds. Non-motorized travel on these dikes is permitted. The wildlife viewing loop will remain open into early fall providing excellent opportunities over a wide variety of habitats. Other minor dike roads and trails remain closed to motor vehicles as is cross-country travel by motor vehicles. 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 Summer Lake Wildlife Area by phone at (541) 943-3152, fax (541) 943-3204, or email at odfwslwa@gooselake.com
NORTHEAST ZONE
FISHING
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 48 percent full and is being drawn down.
CUTSFORTH POND: The pond was stocked last week for the last time this year.
HONEYMOON AND TEEPEE PONDS: Ponds will be stocked this week with legal and trophy size rainbow trout. Holdover fish from last summer's stocking are also available. Fishing success should be good.
IMNAHA, WALLOWA, AND LOWER GRANDE RONDE RIVERS AND TRIBUTARIES: Rivers are high and turbid and trout fishing is fair to poor.
IMNAHA RIVER (LOWER): The River is high and turbid and trout fishing is fair to poor.
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, but the campground is not open. Fishing for trout 8-to-12-inches is expected to be good.
KINNEY LAKE: Kinney Lake was recently stocked with legal and trophy size rainbow trout. Trout fishing should be good.
LADD POND: Stocked several times in May with legal-sized rainbow trout.
LONG CREEK POND: Was recently stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout.
LOWER GRANDE RONDE RIVER: The river is high and turbid, and trout fishing is fair to poor.
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, TEEPEE, MCGRAW, AND SALT CREEK SUMMIT PONDS: Ponds will be stocked this week with legal and trophy size rainbow trout. Hold-over fish from last summer's stocking are also available. Fishing success should be good.
MCGRAW POND: Pond will be stocked this week with legal and trophy size rainbow trout. Holdover fish from last summer's stocking are also available. Fishing success should be good.
MCKAY RESERVOIR: Fishing for crappie, trout, yellow perch and bass is very good. The reservoir is 66 percent full and is being drawn down. Anglers are reminded that off-road vehicle travel is prohibited on the wildlife refuge.
MCNARY, HAT ROCK, WESTON AND TATONE PONDS: These ponds have all been stocked with legal-sized trout.
MORGAN LAKE: Trophy and legal-sized trout will be stocked for Free Fishing Weekend on June 11 as part of a Youth Enhancement Program. Free Fishing Weekend activities are planned starting at 9 a.m.
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 in May.
PENLAND LAKE: The lake is full and fishing for 8-12-inch trout is good.
ROULET POND: Stocked several times in May with legal rainbow trout.
ROWE CREEK RESERVOIR: Was recently stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout.
SALT CREEK SUMMIT POND: Pond will be stocked this week with legal and trophy size rainbow trout. Holdover fish from last summer's stocking are also available. Fishing success should be good.
SEVENTH STREET POND: Was recently stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. Free Fishing Weekend event will be held June 11.
UMATILLA NATIONAL FOREST PONDS. All ponds along USFS Road 54 and the Summit Road (USFS RS 31) have been stocked. A large number of trout were stocked in the Horsecamp Pond last week. The Road 54 Ponds will be stocked again this week. For information on the location of these ponds contact the ODFW Pendleton District Office at (541) 276-2344.
UPPER GRANDE RONDE RIVER: The river is high and turbid and trout fishing is fair to poor.
VICTOR POND: Pond will be stocked this week with legal and trophy size rainbow trout. Holdover fish from last summer's stocking are also available. Fishing success should be good.
WALLOWA LAKE: Trout fishing is good. The lake has been stocked with legal and trophy size rainbow trout. Kokanee fishing is fair for anglers jigging or trolling between 20 and 40-feet deep.
WALLOWA RIVER: The river is high and turbid and trout fishing is fair to poor.
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.
HUNTING
BAKER DISTRICT
General Conditions: Above normal precipitation this spring is producing excellent range conditions which are benefiting wildlife. Winter precipitation and resulting snow pack have been below average, however, and could mean a return to drought conditions later this summer.
Cougar: Season closed June 1 through July 31.
Coyotes: Coyote numbers remain relatively high and calling and trapping should be good. Be sure to ask permission to hunt on private properties.
Ground Squirrels: Abundant ground squi |
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