Welcome to the ODFW Recreation Reports Northwest Zone

Fishing | Hunting | Viewing

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  FISHING

Fishing -Oregon Fish and Wildlife-

Beginning Jan. 1, 2013 the following tributaries of the Columbia are restricted to barbless hooks when fishing for salmon, steelhead and trout:

• Youngs River from Hwy 101 bridge upstream to markers at confluence with Klaskanine River.
• Lewis and Clark River from Hwy 101 bridge upstream to Alternate Hwy 101 bridge.
• Walluski River from confluence with Youngs River upstream to Hwy 202 bridge.
• Gnat Creek from railroad bridge upstream to Aldrich Point Road.
• Knappa/Blind Slough select areas.

Salmon and steelhead smolts are migrating downstream on their way to the ocean. Hatchery steelhead releases are also occurring in several streams. Anglers are encouraged to try to avoid catching these fish, and if caught please handle carefully.

Send us your fishing report
We’d love to hear about your recent fishing experience. Send us your own fishing report through ODFW Fishing Reports―the information will be forwarded to the local biologist who may use it to update various ODFW resources such as the Weekly Recreation Report.

Check out the new trout stocking map
Find the location and details about the many lakes ponds and streams that receive hatchery trout from ODFW’s fish hatcheries on the new Google-based fishing map.

NORTH COAST LAKES

Hebo, South, Town, and Cape Meares lakes are scheduled to be stocked the week of May 13. Coffenbury, Sunset, Lost lakes and Vernonia Pond were stocked the week of April 29.

An experimental release of trout was made in Seaview Lake (previously reported as Saltair Pond) in Rockaway earlier this spring. The pond is located in the middle of town near the police station. ODFW would be interested in fishing reports to see how the fish do in the pond. Call the Tillamook office at 503-842-2741 or submit your fishing report online.

Ongoing improvements at Lorens Pond are nearing completion. New ADA access and other amenities are or will be available soon.

MID COAST LAKES

Trout stocking of the mid coast water bodies is under way. The online stocking schedule is now posted so be sure to check which areas will be stocked before you head out fishing.

Fishing for warm water species is picking up as water temperatures are increasing and days are getting longer. Many species are moving into the shallows to start the spring spawning activities. Look for protected coves with good sun light and cover to target bass, perch, and bluegill this spring. The Florence area offers the most opportunity along the mid coast such as Siltcoos, Tahkenitch, Woahink, Sutton, and Mercer lakes.

ALSEA RIVER: steelhead

Winter Steelhead -Photo by Derek Wilson-

NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: steelhead

Fishing for steelhead is fair. More summer steelhead will be showing up over the coming weeks. The first spring chinook of the season was reported caught recently. Some reports of a few more spring chinook are coming in. Overall fishing is slow to fair. Gear restrictions are in effect in Three Rivers.

SILETZ RIVER: steelhead
                                                                 
Winter steelhead fishing is slow. Wild fish tend to make up the bulk of the catch this time of year. Some early summer steelhead are starting to show up with the peak of the run typically occurring around late June into July.

SIUSLAW RIVER:

The Siuslaw River Basin is closed to fishing above tidewater. The river fishery will re-open on May 25 for the coastal cutthroat trout season.

TILLAMOOK BAY: sturgeon, chinook

Spring chinook angling is improving, with more reports of fish lately. Fish numbers will be building in the coming weeks. When conditions permit, the ocean outside the bay has produced some fish. Trolling herring the lower bay in has been the best bet, but the upper bay should pick up with the low tide series this week. Sturgeon fishing has been slow for the most part. Target the channel edges on outgoing tides. Move frequently to find fish if you are not getting bites.

TRASK RIVER: steelhead, chinook

Steelhead angling is slow to fair. A high percentage of spawners are making up the bulk of the catch. Spring chinook angling is improving, with fish being hooked in the lower river holes in the last week. Anglers are reminded that gear restrictions took effect in portions of the river beginning May 1.

Anglers who catch a steelhead or salmon with numbered tag(s) are encouraged to report catch information via the internet at or by calling ODFW at 503-842-2741 and asking for Derek Wiley. All live tagged fish that are not legal to retain or are voluntarily not kept should be released quickly and unharmed with tags intact.

WILSON RIVER: steelhead

The river is very low and clear. An occasional summer steelhead should begin to show up, along with the possibility of a spring chinook.

YAQUINA RIVER:

The Yaquina River Basin is closed to fishing above tidewater. The river fishery will re-open on May 25 for the coastal cutthroat trout season.

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  HUNTING

Cougar - Royalty Free Image-

OPEN: COUGAR, SPRING BEAR

Spring turkey hunting forecast

Spring bear hunting forecast

Controlled hunt deadline is May 15: Apply online, at a license sales agent, at ODFW offices that sell licenses, or by mail or fax order using the application (pdf). Read about common controlled hunt misconceptions. 

Use the Oregon Hunting Map to see where to hunt.

Cougar - Are most effectively taken by using predator calls. However, cougar densities are relatively low on the north coast. Successful hunters, remember you must check in cougar (hide and skull) at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest and bring them in unfrozen. It’s also a good idea to prop their mouths open with a stick after harvest for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging. See regulations for details.

Spring bear – Season is open, see the Spring bear hunting forecast for what to expect.

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  VIEWING

COASTAL VIEWING

Yellow-rumped Warbler - Photo by David Bronson-

The Oregon Coast Birding Trail website has a wealth of information for birding the entire OR and N CA coastal areas, and includes upcoming birding festivals. Just click on the north coast tab to explore over 40 birding trails in that area! Other regions of the coast have corresponding links with their compliment of trails. Each trail is described along with a listing of birds you might see on it. It’s a great resource for birders!

In May, the forests of the north coast will be alive with birds. Look and listen for neo-tropical songbirds, especially in forest stands with hardwoods. Many species, such as warblers, generally nest high in the canopies of trees, with males advertising nesting territories. Many species nest higher in the canopies as well, and can be challenging to find. Binoculars are very handy for birding in the forest. 4/30/13

CLATSOP COUNTY

Ft. Stevens State Park

The wildlife viewing bunker accessed from Parking Lot “D” at Trestle Bay offers great observation opportunities for waterfowl, shorebirds and other water birds. Early spring is a time when shorebirds and waterfowl both are staging to migrate, and can be seen in large numbers at times on Trestle Bay. Binoculars or a spotting scope are highly recommended.

Lower Columbia River

The Twilight Eagle Sanctuary, located east of Astoria along Hwy 30, is much more than a wildlife area to view eagles. Now that spring is here and summer is on its way, look and listen for the sounds of songbirds in the marsh.  The characteristic call of the marsh wren is especially noticeable.  If you’re fortunate, you might see a brood of ducklings or goslings from a recent hatch. The Sanctuary is located just off of Highway 30, east of Astoria. Bring your binoculars and/or spotting scope for best viewing. 5/7/13.

Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area

Roosevelt Elk -Photo by Bob Swingle, ODFW-

Elk are still available for viewing at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area. Elk have been visible most days on the Fishhawk Tract which is located along Hwy 202. Best viewing times are early mornings. Visitors should start near the main viewing area and along Hwy 202 to observe larger herds of females and young. The older bulls are usually found near the west viewing area, and are growing their new antlers. The Beneke Tract is also a worth a look if the elk are not out along Hwy 202. Other wildlife to watch for include songbirds in alder trees, coyotes in the fields, and hawks perched high in trees or soaring along Fishhawk and Beneke Creeks. 5/7/13.

TILLAMOOK COUNTY

BLACK BRANT occur generally towards the western shoreline, where these shy birds rest and feed on eelgrass. Sea ducks, such as scoters, can be seen in most parts of the bay, especially lower down in the estuary. Diving ducks, such as buffleheads, are frequently seen along road along the eastern shoreline. Tall wading birds, such as great blue herons and great egrets are common in the bay, especially on the western edge of the estuary. Bring a spotting scope for best viewing.

Steller Sea Lions - Oregon Fish and Wildlife-

STELLAR SEA LIONS are hanging out in good numbers at Three Arch Rocks NWR, where they will stay through the breeding season in summer. The larger and lighter colored cousins to the more numerous California sea lions have struggled in numbers in their range for decades. However, they can be seen reliably here throughout the year except for October when most of them leave, only to return by November. Fortunately, they tend to loaf on Seal Rock, the lowest and closest rock to the shore, thus making for great viewing opportunities. Binoculars or spotting scopes are still recommended, through. 5/7/13.

The WHIMBRELS have returned to Tillamook County, as they do each May, on their way eventually to the Arctic where they nest. They are one of the larger shorebirds, with plain, brown plumage and a long, downturned bill. Whimbrels are often seen and heard flying over pastures in the Tillamook Valley, usually in small groups, but sometimes congregating in groups of up to 200. Another place to find them reliably during May is on the beach at Bayocean Spit. 4/30/13