Welcome to the ODFW Recreation Report

July 27, 2010

Coastal fall chinook and coho salmon
The season begins on most rivers Aug. 1. While returns to the south coast are close to average, weak returns on the north coast called for more restrictive seasons. See a river-by-river synopsis of the 2010 regulations here.

Take care releasing fish
To help reduce the stress on fish when fishing during prolonged periods of warm weather fish during the cooler times of the day, land fish quickly, use barbless hooks to release fish easily, and keep fish in the water as much as possible.

Take a second rod when fishing most lakes and reservoirs
The new two-rod license ($17) allows licensed anglers to use two rods when fishing most lakes, pond and reservoirs, including Snake River impoundments above Hell’s Canyon Dam (but it does exclude the Columbia River and its impoundments). You can purchase the new license on-line.

Check fire restrictions before you head out
Use ODFW’s website for links to private and public lands information.

Elk -Oregon Fish and Wildlife-

Archers: Start scouting now
Now is the time for archers to begin there annual pre-scouting trips to the woods. Aug. 30 is not far away, hunters should be spending this next month locating the elk and deer herds. Many of the animals found now will be in that general locations come opening season. High elevations are the place to look—besides, it’s a great time to be in the woods to avoid the heat. Use optics from a distance to view feeding areas in the early mornings and late evenings. Disturbing the animals may cause them to change their feeding locations.

Bear season opens Aug. 1
Statewide hunting season gets underway next week. Successful bear hunters, don’t forget to check-in your bear within 10 days of harvest; see the regulations for details.

Road Closure on Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Area (Grant County)