The Oregon Fish & Wildlife Report
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ODFW Recreation Report
May 23, 2019
Big Game Hunting workshop
This first class in ODFW’s new Learn to Hunt Big Game series will cover reasons for hunting, and the what, where and when of hunting for big game in Oregon. Evening classes are scheduled in Tualatin (May 22 and 23) and Albany (May 29).
Learn more and register here.
More rivers and streams open to trout on May 22
Many rivers and streams, especially in the NW, SW and SE zones, opened to trout fishing on Wednesday, May 22. These rivers are closed to trout fishing from fall to spring in order to protect migrating salmon and steelhead smolts, and spawning redband trout.
Last weekend for spring turkey and bear hunting
These seasons close May 31, so this is your last weekend to tag a turkey or bear. Good thing most of you will have three days!
Best bets for fishing this holiday weekend
With a three-day weekend coming up for many, plan on at least one day (or two!) on the water. Here are just a few fish to consider:
- Chinook fishing continues throughout the Rogue River.
- Shad are being caught in the Umpqua, Coos and Coquille basins.
- Kokanee fishing has been good in Detroit and Green Peter Reservoirs, as well as Lake Billy Chinook and Wickiup Reservoir.
- Largemouth bass from Davis Lake has been stocked in Pine Nursery Pond, Prineville Reservoir and Prineville Youth Pond.
- Summer steelhead is being caught on the Siletz, Nestucca, Wilson, Clackamas, Sandy and Santiam rivers.
- Smallmouth bass anglers should consider the rocky shores of the Columbia River, as well as the dozens of other places where bass are on the bite.
- Surfperch fishing should be good when the swells and wind cooperate.
- TROUT, thousands of ‘em, are being stocked in dozens of ponds, lakes, streams, and reservoirs just in time for the holiday weekend.
Find more details about all the weekend opportunities in the zone reports.
Family fishing day at State Capitol Mall on Saturday, May 25
Come catch a fish at the State Capitol Mall (900 Court Street NE) on Saturday, May 25 from 9 a.m.-noon. All ages are welcome at the event, and kids age 17 and under fish for free. The Oregon Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and ODFW are teaming up with many other outdoor organizations to host this family event. A “pond” set up at the mall will be stocked with rainbow trout. Staff from various organizations including ODFW volunteer fishing instructors will be on hand with rods, reels, bait and all the gear you need to try fishing. Other volunteers will teach casting, fish anatomy and knot tying. Finally, if you catch a fish, Outdoor Chef Kurt will cook it for you! More information here.
Free Fishing Weekend event June 1 at Olalla Reservoir; Features activities for entire family
Anglers and their families are invited to come out to Olalla Reservoir near Toledo for a fun-filled day of fishing on Saturday, June 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The event is sponsored by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Georgia Pacific, in cooperation with the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers.
The event will include a stocked fish enclosure for youth fishing, an adult reservoir-wide fishing derby, and other family activities. All events are free. There will be prizes for both adults and kids, and all youth participants will receive a goody bag courtesy of Georgia Pacific.
ODFW will provide rods, reels, tackle, and bait for the day. People who prefer to use their own equipment are welcome to bring it along. Volunteer fishing instructors will be available to help participants set up their gear, cast, catch and even clean fish.
The event is open to the public, and pre-registration is not required. Anglers will not need a fishing license to fish during Free Fishing Weekend (June 1-2), but all other regulations apply including bag limit and size restrictions.
Olalla Reservoir is a 120-acre reservoir on Olalla Creek about nine miles northeast of Newport. From Newport, take Hwy. 20 east for approximately six miles, then heads north on Olalla Road for about three miles. Parking at Olalla Reservoir is reserved for people launching boats. All other participants will need to park at the Toledo High School and ride the shuttle to Olalla Reservoir. The shuttle will be running between Toledo High School and the reservoir every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Toledo High School is located at 1800 NE Sturdevant Road. There will be signs posted to guide people to the high school from east or westbound Highway 20.
Olalla Reservoir is one of more than 350 water bodies in Oregon that ODFW regularly stocks with trout. Persons interested in fishing can explore many other opportunities by perusing ODFW’s stocking schedules, maps, guides and other resources at ODFW’s website, located at www.myODFW.com under the “Fishing” tab.