ODFW Recreation Report


by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
8-19-2021
Website

Wildfire closures and restrictions updates

Access for fishing and big game scouting is getting tricky

When wildfire risks are high, it pays to check on access and fire restrictions before you go. Book mark this page – it includes links to closure and restriction updates on both public and private land.

Buy your big game tags before the hunt begins

If you’re hunting deer or elk during the general archery season, the last day to by your tag is Aug. 27. If you bought a Sports Pac, don’t forget to redeem your voucher for the actual tag you’ll need to hunt.

Best bets for weekend fishing

Both fish and the people who chase them will enjoy the cooler temperatures that have arrived. Here are some good bets for your weekend fishing:

  • Nehalem Bay has been the hotspot on the north coast for “summer” Chinook, an early returning stock of fall Chinook.
  • On the lower Rogue, huge numbers of steelhead half-pounders are being captured by the seining crew at Huntley Park. 
  • On the middle Rogue, current water temperatures are creating prime conditions for summer steelhead.
  • Albacore tuna have been in range of larger boats, and fishing has been good.
  • Clammers will appreciate the series of early morning negative tides that starts this weekend.
  • Cutthroat trout fishing, both resident and sea-run, should be good on coastal rivers and streams.
  • The best salmon fishing right now might be ocean coho and Chinook.
  • Anglers targeting largemouth bass should consider these lakes: Selmac, Siltcoos, Tahkenitch, Bradley, Butterfield, Tenmile, Henry Hagg and Lake of the Woods. Try throwing topwater lures early in the morning.
  • While trout stocking is over for the season, there are still fish around in lakes and reservoirs that were regularly stocked over the spring and summer. Look for these holdover trout in deeper water, near under water springs or where creeks flow in – all places where the water is usually cooler. If you’re taking your boat, check the status of boat launches before you go.

Check out the Beaver State podcast

The Beaver State Podcast looks at hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing in Oregon through conversations with Oregonians, ODFW staff and luminaries throughout the conservation world. You can subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play Music or Spotify, or find a link on MyODFW.com.

Register for a Youth Pheasant Hunt

These pheasant hunts for kids 12-17 are coming up in September and October, and most still have room for more hunters. Learn more about these hunts and find a location near you.




More Reports

OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Reports
for Thursday, August 12th, 2021

: Additional day added to Columbia River Subarea Recreational Pacific halibut fishery
: ODFW Recreation Report
Deschutes River: The emergency Hoot Owl Closure, which prohibited fishing after 2pm from the Deschutes River mouth to Sherars Falls, was lifted Aug. 10
Clackamas River: Summer steelhead are currently being caught in the Clackamas
Detroit Reservoir: The reservoir has been stocked several times in recent weeks
Eagle Creek: “Hoot owl” restrictions remain in effect, which means no fishing after 2 p.m.
Fern Ridge Reservoir: Fern Ridge Reservoir Fishing Report
Olallie Lake: Currently Open
Sandy River: “Hoot owl” restrictions remain in effect, which means no fishing after 2 p.m.
Santiam River ( North Fork) Above Detroit Lake: Currently it is flowing around 400 cfs where it enters Detroit Lake
Timothy Lake: Trout fishing has been good
Trillium Lake: Trillium Lake Report
Clackamas River: Flow and visibility on the Clackamas will be affected by each passing front and change in snow levels
Kilchis River: Cutthroat trout are available throughout the Kilchis River
Nehalem River: “Summer” Chinook fishing picked up on Nehalem Bay this week
Applegate Reservoir: Two boat ramps - French Gulch and Copper -- are open
Fish Lake : Irrigation withdrawals have stopped for the most part
Illinois River: Emergency regulations change
Lake Selmac: If you’ve got little kids, bluegill fishing from the bank can be a productive and fun
Lost Creek Lake: Trout fishing should still be good, but August can be a great month for bass as well
Medco Pond: Trout are available
Rogue River - Middle: Starting July 1 until lifted, all fishing is closed from Lobster Creek upstream to Hog Creek
Rogue River- Upper: The Hatchery Hole re-opened on Aug. 1, and is open to fishing for steelhead and trout, but remains closed to Chinook
Rogue River- Upper (Above Lost Creek): This is always an excellent destination to escape the Rogue Valley heat
Willow Lake: Trout, bass, crappie and perch are most prevalent here
: ODFW seeks public input on Oregon's Dungeness crab management plan; meeting dates available Aug. 24-26

Hoot owl restrictions lifted on Deschutes River; expanded in Willamette Zone
Deschutes River

8-11-2021
SALEM, Ore.—Hoot owl restrictions that closed salmon, trout and steelhead fishing at 2 p.m. are now lifted on the Deschutes...... Read More