Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announce recreation options

Clammers check for closures

Several parts of the Oregon coast have been closed to mussel and clam harvest (including bay clams) due to an outbreak of biotoxins. Be sure to call the ODA shellfish safety hotline at 1-800-448-2474 or visit the ODA shellfish closures website before harvesting for the most current information about shellfish safety closures.

Proposed fall coastal salmon seasons

The 2024 coastal fall salmon seasons for wild Chinook and coho will be similar to last year under ODFW staff proposals. The Commission will consider these proposals at their June 14 meeting in Chiloquin. Find more information here.

Sign up for hunter education

The fall hunting season will be here sooner than you think. If you’ve got a young, would-be hunter that hopes to hunt for the first time this fall, help them sign up for hunter education now. Because the closer we get to opening days, the harder it will be to find an open class or field day. Here are the ways to take hunter education.

Let young wildlife stay wild

This week’s wildlife viewing report includes several reports of wildlife babies ranging from deer and elk, to ducks and geese, to raptors and songbirds. So, it’s even more important to remember these youngsters are rarely abandoned or orphaned. Instead, if you see young wildlife on their own, chances are good mom is nearby -- just waiting for you to leave so she can return to her baby. Here’s what to do if you find young animals alone in the wild.

Best bets for weekend fishing

his may be the best time of the year to fish in Oregon. Get out and enjoy it!

Tillamook Bay, Nestucca Bay, Nestucca River, Little Nestucca River, Trask River and Big Creek (Lower Columbia) are probably the best opportunities for hatchery spring Chinook on the North Coast.

Trout fishing at Hyatt and Howard Prairied has been excellent, with anglers consistently catching large (as in 15-18 inches) fish.

On the upper Rogue, hatchery is practically overwhelmed with spring Chinook and is now recycling adults back into the fishery.

Anglers have been catching cutthroat trout in the Chetco, Elk and Sixes rivers. Anglers looking for a bit more adventure, might try exploring the upper reaches of these rivers.

Summer steelhead fishing continues to be good in the Lower McKenzie, Middle Fork Willamette, and the North and South Fork Santiam.

Anglers are still catching shad in the Coquille, Umpqua and Columbia.

With kokanee biting at Lake Billy Chinook, Odell and Paulina, now might be a good time to consider these tips for catching more kokanee.

Bass fishing has started to pick up in all three Hells Canyon reservoirs.

There’s an incredible black drake mayfly hatch underway on several rivers in the Klamath area.

These examples are for demonstration purposes only. Check the zone reports for details and more options.