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Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife | |
| last updated: 05/08/2013 |
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Weekend fishing opportunities:
Send us your fishing report ANA RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout Reservoir is a great winter fishing location because water temperatures remain at 60 °F keeping trout and hybrid bass actively feeding. ANA RIVER: hatchery rainbow trout Rainbow trout are active throughout the year in the river and anglers have been catching fish with bait, flies or lures. ANNIE CREEK: brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout Annie Creek opened on April 27. Fishing regulations have changed on Annie Creek protect rainbow trout in the stream. The daily limit is two brown trout per day. All redband trout and bull trout must be released unharmed. There is no limit on brook trout. Fishing is always slow on Annie Creek due to the low abundance of fish. Currently flows are high and very cold. Access to fishing is available at the USFS snow park just before you enter Crater Lake National Park. BALM CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, crappie The reservoir will be stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout the week of May 6. The water level is very low for this time of year. BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, hatchery rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout The reservoir water level is already started down, it was 59 percent full and inflows averaged 169 cfs (May 5). The boat ramp is open and usable. Most of the snow in the mountains has melted and spring flows should begin to drop soon. Early prognostications of the reservoir reaching minimum water level is for mid-August. Recent fishing reports indicate catch rates were fair to good. Average size of trout ranged from 12 to 18 inches. USBR crews will be sampling fish populations in the reservoir. If you catch a tagged trout report it to either the Ontario office at 541-889-6975 or the Hines office at 541-573-6582. BLITZEN RIVER: trout Flows in the Blitzen River at Page Springs Gauge have been gradually increasing this week, with the most recent instantaneous recording of 213 cfs (May 7). Over the last week, water temperatures at Page Springs gauge ranged from 45˚F to 55˚F. Catch rates have been good on large trout. The upper Blitzen is closed to harvest until late May; the Little Blitzen remains open year around for catch-and-release. BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: bass, crappie, yellow perch, catfish, and trout. The reservoir water level has started down; it was 65 percent full on May 5. The boat ramp is usable. No recent fishing reports. With warming weather predicted for the next week to 10 days catch rate should improve. BURNS POND: trout, bass Fishing has been good for trout 8 to 10-inches. CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout The river below Hwy 31 in Paisley closed to fishing Oct. 31. The river upstream of Hwy 31 remains open and the use of bait is PROHIBITED! The river is ice free in Paisley, but is turbid. CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout The reservoir is increasing from half-full. No recent fishing report.
COTTONWOOD MEADOWS: rainbow trout, brook trout Current ice conditions and thickness are unknown. The road to the lake is nearly open and may open for vehicle access in the next few weeks depending on weather conditions. COW LAKES: largemouth bass, white crappie, brown bullheads, rainbow trout Neither lake filled this year. It is likely that both lakes will be drawn down to minimums early in this summer. No recent fishing reports. DELINTMENT LAKE: trout Roads to Delintment Lake are open. No recent fishing reports. Contact the Hines office (541) 573-6582 if you capture a brook trout while fishing in Delintment Lake. DEMING CREEK: redband trout Deming Creek is closed to angling until May 25 to protect spawning redband trout. This includes the irrigation ditch that runs into Campbell Reservoir. Angling for bull trout is always closed. DEVILS LAKE (FISHHOLE CREEK): largemouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead Conditions at the lake are unknown at this time. DOG LAKE: largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, brown bullhead The reservoir is ice-free but the water temperature remains cool limiting bass activity. Perch fishing may be an option because they are active at cooler water temperatures and usually spawn when water temperatures reach 50-55 °F. The reservoir is closed to the retention of trout to protect native redband trout. DUNCAN RESERVOIR: rainbow trout The reservoir is ice-free, but water temperatures are still in the low 40s. Fish will become more active as the water warms over the next month. The reservoir is 70-80 percent full and small boats can be launched at the boat ramp. FISH LAKE (Steens Mountain): rainbow trout, brook trout FOURMILE LAKE: rainbow trout, lake trout, kokanee, brook trout Access blocked by snow. A snowmobile can be used to reach the lake but ice conditions are unknown.
GERBER RESERVOIR: crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead and largemouth bass Fishing has been slow with a few small yellow perch begin caught. Gerber Reservoir currently holds the State record for white crappie at 4 pounds 12 ounces. HAINES POND: rainbow The pond has been stocked with both legal-sized and larger one-pound rainbow trout. Fishing should be good. HEART LAKE: rainbow trout, kokanee No recent reports. Ice is pulling away from the edges and will soon be completely gone. Anglers can access the reservoir using either the Fish Hole Creek road or the Quartz Mountain road (3715). The reservoir is day-use only and has a boat ramp, picnic tables, and a pit toilet. HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout Anglers can access the reservoir using either the Fish Hole Creek road or the Quartz Mountain road (3715). Local anglers are reporting some success using various methods. The reservoir has a few primitive camp sites, boat ramp, and pit toilet. HWY 203 POND: trout, bass, bluegill The pond has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. J.C. BOYLE RESERVOIR (Topsy Reservoir): Largemouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed, crappie, goldfish Fishing for warmwater fish is improving especially for brown bullhead. Fishing for brown bullhead is best at the day use areas immediately upstream and downstream of the bridge crossing JC Boyle Reservoir. JUNIPER LAKE: cutthroat trout Fishing in the lake is good for cutthroat trout. A large portion of the lake is privately owned, although bank access is permitted. Please be respectful of private property. Spring fishing for cutthroat trout in the lake is anticipated to be good. KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: redband trout and yellow perch Both lakes have cleared and fishing has improved. Anglers are successful trolling lures, using dead minnows near the bottom and casting flies and lures. Redband trout are scattered throughout the lake. ODFW encourages catch and release as this fishery is managed for trophy trout. If you chose to harvest a trout you must cease fishing for the day. KLAMATH RIVER: native rainbow-redband trout Many of the redband trout have completed spawning and have entered the river. The river is turbid. Fishing with flies or lures has been fair. The current flow level of 698 cfs provides very good fishing opportunities. Make sure you check the flows before you go as they change almost daily and will likely increase later this week as rain subsides. Typically flows are decreased in this section of river when flows are being met at Iron Gate Dam from increased precipitation below Keno Dam. The river remains turbid. The slight increase in water temperature should improve fishing. Anglers should wear wading belt, studded wading boots and carry a wading staff. The Klamath River below Keno Dam is turbid and the substrate is composed of large, angular boulders with bedrock drop-offs. Large trout over 20 inches are abundant. The Klamath River between JC Boyle Dam to JC Boyle Powerhouse offers excellent spinner fishing as well as good dry fly fishing with small flies. Most fish in this section are small and average 10 inches. This section remains near a constant 360 cfs of flow. Fishing near the springs is better due to the warmer water temperatures this time of year. Below the JC Boyle powerhouse the fish get slightly larger and average 12 inches but rarely exceed sixteen inches. River flows in this section are typically quite high during the day. Fishing trips should be planned when flows are lower. Check current flow levels here. If flows are 900 cfs or lower the river is fishable. Look for blue winged olive mayfly hatches around noon. Look for back eddies and rising fish. Dead drifting rubber legged stonefly patterns can be good. A four wheel drive vehicle is currently needed to access this area. Most fish are in the 6-8 inch range but numerous 12 inch fish can be caught with 16 inches the maximum. Currently, operation at the hydrosytem below the powerhouse has operated with high flows (peaking) throughout most daylight hours. Fishing is poor. KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass Opened to fishing April 27. Fishing should be good for trout, and slow for bass. The lake was stocked with 15,000 legal-sized trout before opening weekend.
LAKE OF THE WOODS: hatchery rainbow trout, kokanee, hatchery brown trout, yellow perch, brown bullhead, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, tui chub The lake is ice free. Fishing is typically good for brown trout and holdover rainbow trout after ice out. Call Lake of the Woods Resort for recent reports Toll Free at 866-201-4194 or visit their website. Fishing is fair for rainbow trout. Lake of the Woods was stocked last week with legal and trophy rainbow trout. The next stocking of rainbow trout will be the week of May 6-10. LOFTON RESERVOIR: rainbow trout Ice is pulling away from the edges and will soon be completely gone. Anglers can access the reservoir using either the Fish Hole Creek road or the Quartz Mountain road (3715). The reservoir is has a 26-unit campground, boat ramp, picnic tables, and a pit toilet. LOST RIVER: largemouth bass, brown bullhead, yellow perch Fishing is fair for brown bullhead at Crystal Springs Day use area. Largemouth bass and yellow perch are also available and fishing has improved. Boats can be launched at Crystal Springs and at the ODOT Mitigation Wetland off Highway 140 just east of Olene. Fishing for largemouth bass should be good in the vicinity of Big Springs in Bonanza. MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout The reservoir is barely half full. The boat ramp is in the water and useable. The catch rates remain slow but the trout are big. This reservoir did not receive any fingerling rainbow trout last spring, so numbers of trout in the reservoir are lower than normal. MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork Malheur River): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout MALHEUR RIVER (from the South Fork Malheur River near Riverside, downstream to Gold Creek): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout. MALHEUR RIVER, NORTH FORK: redband trout, whitefish, and bull trout Most roads into this area are free of snow. Fishing for redband trout is slow primarily due to high water. MALHEUR RIVER, MIDDLE FORK: redband trout, brook trout, and bull trout Most roads into this area are free of snow. Fishing for trout is slow primarily due to high and cold water. MANN LAKE: trout The lake is free of ice. Catch rates are good for cutthroat trout in the lake. Most fish are 14 to 16-inches long, with several over 20-inches being caught.
MILLER LAKE: brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout Access blocked by snow. A snowmobile can be used to reach the lake but ice conditions are unknown. MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout Ice is off, and the lake is receiving good runoff from Silver Creek. No recent fishing reports, but trout fishing is expected to be best during the spring months. MUD LAKE: trout The reservoir was still iced-over as of March 15. MURRAY RESERVOIR: trout The reservoir has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. NORTH POWDER POND: rainbow trout The Pond has been stocked with both legal-sized and larger one-pound rainbow trout. Fishing should be good. OWYHEE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, catfish ODFW tagged about 300 crappies with reward tags. If you should catch a tagged crappie, record the tag number and approximate location fish was caught and report information to the phone number on the tag. OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): brown trout and hatchery rainbow trout Water releases below Owyhee Dam are averaging 142 cfs (May 5). Fishing for trout is fair to good. A few rainbow trout have been caught from the work camp downstream to the tunnel. The average size of brown trout ranges from 16 to 20 inches. With the warming conditions predicted for the upcoming week, anglers should see an improvement of surface angling. ODFW conducted spawning surveys in the Owyhee River below Owyhee Dam on Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 8-9. A total of 1,488 brown trout redds were counted for a density of 197.3 redds per mile. Only in 2009 and 2010 were more redds counted. OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish Owyhee River flows continue to drop, averaging 193 cfs on May 5. Fishing for smallmouth and channel catfish is slow.
PAIUTE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, Lahontan cutthroat trout The reservoir is ice-free and low. Fishing will be best during the spring when water temperatures are below 65 °F. PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch The reservoir is ice-free. Yellow perch have spawned and returned to deeper water. Legal-sized rainbow trout will be stocked the week of April 29. Opened for fishing on April 27. Fishing is fair for 10 to 14-inch rainbow trout. The high-water boat launch is functional. POISON CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout Ice is off (April 2). Spring fishing should be good in the reservoir. POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout The reservoir is barely half full and dropping. Catch rates remain slow. This reservoir did not receive any fingerling rainbow trout last spring, so numbers of trout in the reservoir is lower than normal. POWDER RIVER: trout, spring chinook Opened April 27, and fishing is fair for native rainbows below Mason Dam. PRIDAY RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout The reservoir is ice-free and some anglers have been fishing. The trout range in size from 13 to 15-inches, but are skinny because of competition from brown bullhead. Anglers should consider keeping a limit of trout. Anglers can catch rainbow trout using bait, lures and flies. SKY LAKES AND MOUNTAIN LAKE WILDERNESS: brook trout and rainbow trout All wilderness lakes are blocked by snow. SHERLOCK GULCH RESERVOIR: rainbow trout No recent report. SPAULDING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout No recent fishing reports, but it is likely ice-free. Please consider keeping a limit of trout if you fish this reservoir. SPENCER CREEK: redband trout, brook trout. Spencer Creek opens May 25 to protect spawning redband trout.
SPRAGUE RIVER: wild redband trout, brown trout, yellow perch, brown bullhead, largemouth bass Sprague River opened to angling on April 27 from Saddle Mountain Pitt Road bridge upstream including all tributaries except Deming Creek. River flows are very low for this time of year. Due to the low abundance of redband trout in most of the Sprague River fishing will be fair. The low flows will allow for a more successful outing. The best locations to fish for trout are around Beatty. Remember the Sprague River is closed from the mouth to Saddle Mountain Pitt Road until May 25 to protect spawning suckers and redband trout recovering from spawning. NORTH FORK SPRAGUE RIVER AND ALL TRIBUTARIES: wild redband trout, brown trout, brook trout The North Fork Sprague and all tributaries opened on April 27. Fishing should be good at most areas as flow is very low for this time of year. Access was blocked by a snowdrift prior to Sandhill Crossing campground. The hot weather this week and increased vehicle use should allow access to the Upper North Fork and tributaries. The North Fork Sprague River at the 3411 road crossing is a high gradient river with mostly white water at this time. If you can receive permission to fish on private property below the 3411 road then fishing will be very good. Fishing regulations have changed to allow the harvest of two brown trout and two redband trout as part of your daily bag limit. There is no daily limit on brook trout. SEVENMILE CREEK: brook trout, brown trout, redband trout Sevenmile Creek and all tributaries opened to fishing on 27 April. Fishing was very good for brook trout on opening weekend. Angling regulations have changed on Sevenmile Creek to allow for the harvest of two brown trout per day. All redband trout must be released unharmed. There is no limit on brook trout. Public access occurs above Nicholson Road. Below Nicholson Road is private property. SOUTH FORK SPRAGUE RIVER AND ALL TRIBUTARIES: redband trout, brook trout, brown trout The South Fork Sprague and all tributaries opened on April 27. Fishing was very slow at the USFS day use area despite ideal flow conditions. Access is also open to a larger portion of the watershed due to a reduced snow pack. Fishing regulations have changed to allow the harvest of two brown trout and two redband trout as part of your daily bag limit. There is no daily limit on brook trout. Angling for bull trout is closed. Any bull trout captured should be reported to ODFW at (541-883-5732). SPRING CREEK: redband trout, brown trout, brook trout Spring Creek opens to angling on May 25 to protect spawning redband trout. SUN CREEK: brook trout, brown trout, bull trout ODFW does not recommend angling on Sun Creek as most of the fish were removed last year. The creek will be treated again in 2013. SYCAN RIVER: wild redband trout, brook trout, brown trout The Sycan River and all tributaries opened on April 27. Fishing should be good at most areas as flow is very low for this time of year. Access is also open to a larger portion of the watershed due to a reduced snow pack. Fishing regulations have changed to allow the harvest of two brown trout and two redband trout as part of your daily bag limit. There is no daily limit on brook trout. THOMPSON RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass Spring can be fantastic for large rainbow trout at this reservoir. The reservoir is ice-free and fishing will be best during the spring when water temperatures remain below 65 °F. The reservoir is full. It was drained last summer so there are no holdover fish. It was stocked with sub-legal rainbows in November, and these fish are currently 10 to 13 inches long. Fishing is currently slow, but should pick up mid-May. UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie No recent reports. WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: smallmouth bass, white crappie, catfish, perch, and hatchery rainbow trout The water level in the reservoir is dropping. Spring runoff season is coming to an early end due to low snow pack. The reservoir was 48 percent full and inflows averaged 71 cfs (May 5). No recent fishing reports. WARNER POND: trout The reservoir is ice-free. Anglers should consider fishing here early in the spring before it weeds begin to make angling difficult. UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER: wild redband trout, brook trout The Upper Williamson River (from Kirk Bridge to Headwaters) and all tributaries opened on April 27. Fishing was slow at public areas over the weekend. Access is also open to a larger portion of the watershed due to a reduced snow pack. There is no daily limit on brook trout. Lower Williamson River: wild redband trout, brown trout The Williamson River opens May 25 from the mouth to Kirk Bridge to protect redband trout and suckers that are actively spawning.
WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill Fishing for warmwater game fish has been good. Look for bass in the Antelope Creek arm or in the shallow bay just north of the dam. The reservoir is lower than normal for this time of year, but the boat launch is functional. Fishing is fair for 10 to 12-inch rainbows. Wood River and all tributaries opened to fishing on April 27. Fishing should be good as flows are low for this time of year. Fishing regulations have changed on Wood River to allow for the harvest of two brown trout per day. All redband trout must be released unharmed. There is no limit on brook trout. The Wood River is fished most effectively from boat as there is little public property. Boats launched at Loosley, Fort Klamath or headwaters need to be low profile to get under bridges. Typical drift boats will not make it. Drift boats can be launched at Weed Road or Petric Park.Casting spoons or plugs upstream into pools is effective at catching brown trout. YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout Access to the lake is open, and early spring fishing for holdover trout has been good. The lake will not be stocked with trout until May. OPEN: COUGAR, COYOTE, SPRING TURKEY Spring turkey 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 found here. Read about common controlled hunt misconceptions.
HARNEY COUNTY Hunting maps for Harney County Turkey - Spring turkey season continues thru May 31. Turkeys can be found in the northern portion of the county on or near national forestland. Cougar - Hunting is open. Populations are healthy and distributed throughout the district in any area with a big game prey base. Successful hunters must check-in cougars no more than 10 days after harvest; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging. Coyote - Populations are fairly high throughout Harney County. They will be widely scattered on breeding territories this time of year. Barking can be very effective for locating coyotes during the breeding season. Be aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator calls, and separate licensing and open season limitations exist for these species. Ground Squirrels - These are becoming more active on warmer days. Be sure to obtain permission when entering private lands. KLAMATH COUNTY Turkey – Best prospects are in the southern half of the Keno Unit. Turkey hunting is restricted by bird distribution to the Keno Unit. Hunting access is good in the southern portions of the Keno Unit as a result of low snow pack levels over winter. This area is predominantly either open to hunt private timberland or BLM land. Areas to check for turkey activity are south of Hwy 66 and west of the Klamath River Canyon to Copco Road. Turkeys can also be found north of Hwy 66 around Johnson Prairie. In addition to natural reproduction which is expected to be at or slightly below normal this year, supplemental releases of turkeys which were removed from populated areas in southwest Oregon due to agricultural damage and nuisance animal complaints were released in the Keno Unit. Hunters are asked to please contact the local ODFW district office in Klamath Falls at 541-883-5732 if a banded turkey is harvested. This information will be used only to track the harvest of released versus naturally reproducing birds. Ground Squirrels – Ground squirrels and marmots are emerging now with the nice weather. Best prospects are on private lands although good opportunities exist on some public lands as well. Because of the damage these rodents cause to agricultural lands, many landowners allow access for those willing to ask. Cougar - Hunting is open. Populations are healthy and distributed throughout the district in any area with a big game prey base. Big game are now leaving concentrated winter ranges as snow recedes and summer habitats become available and cougars will follow this seasonal movement of their prey base. Don’t forget successful hunters must check-in cougars no more than 10 days after harvest; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open so that field staff can quickly process the animal and get you on your way.
Coyote - Are at a relatively low level in their natural population cycles, however good calling opportunities still exist. Focus on low lying areas where grasses and forbs are beginning to green up and ground squirrels are emerging. Coyotes may also be congregated around cattle feed lots or where cattle are calving. Stand hunting or active calling may both be effective in these areas. Hunters are reminded to ask permission before entering private lands. SPRING BLACK BEAR seasons are now open. Hunters should expect fair to good hunting conditions. Bears are most abundant in the Cascade Mountains zone, and hunters should look to openings created by fire or logging activity during early morning or evening hours to locate bears feeding on new grass green-up and grubs in rotten logs, stumps, and rock piles. Bears can also be found in the eastern portions of the hunt area in forested areas. Hunters are reminded to review the hunting regulations for information on hunt area boundaries and season dates. Don’t forget successful hunters must check-in harvested bears no more than 10 days after harvest. Please bring bear head in thawed and with mouth propped open so that field staff can quickly process the animal and get you on your way. KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA Gorr Island Unit Shoalwater Bay Unit and Sesti Tgawaals Unit Shoalwater Bay and Sesti Tgawaals are both located on the west side of Upper Klamath Lake approximately 10 miles to the north and west of Klamath Falls. Miller Island Unit The Miller Island Unit is located 6 miles south and west of Klamath Falls. A Wildlife Area Parking Permit is now required to park on the Wildlife Area. Cost is $7 daily or $22 annually. Free with purchase of hunting license. Buy online or at an ODFW office that sells licenses or at a license sales agent. Public use is restricted to the public roads and parking lots from February 1 to April 30 to minimize disturbance to migrating wildlife. Klamath Basin waterfowl numbers are available on the US Fish and Wildlife website at http://www.fws.gov/klamathbasinrefuges/cenfindex.html Running and training of dogs is allowed only in the Dog Training Area by the boat ramp on Klamath River from February 1 until August 1, 2013. Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit. Discharge of firearms is prohibited except by permit. If you have any questions, please contact Klamath Wildlife Area at (541) 883-5734 or lanny.a.fujishin@state.or.us. LAKE COUNTY Bear – The spring season opened on 15 April. With the mild spring conditions access is good with the exception of the highest elevations and some of the shaded north slopes. In the south end of the county most of the roads above 6000 feet are extremely soft and muddy. To avoid substantial road damage please don’t drive on soft roads.
Cougar - Hunting is open. Populations are healthy due to good habitat and prey base. Deer are starting to leave winter ranges and disperse toward summer habitat. All winter range road closures have ended. If hunters can find a fresh cougar kill calling within a ½ mile of that kill can be very effective. Squirrels –Belding Ground Squirrels are active, with the best hunting opportunities on sunny calm days. Hunters are reminded that all hunting opportunities are on private land and permission is required before hunting. SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA This section was updated on April 29, 2013 Parking permits are now required on all vehicles. Hunters get the permit free with the purchase of their annual hunting license. Discharging firearms is prohibited, except by special permit. Breeding season is underway for early nesting species and viewers are reminded that running or training of dogs is prohibited. Please keep dogs on leash or under very close control during this critical time of the year. Please contact Summer Lake Wildlife Area at (541) 943-3152 or email martin.j.stlouis@state.or.us for additional information. Cougar - Hunting is open. Populations are healthy and distributed throughout the district in any area with a big game prey base. Successful hunters must check-in cougars no more than 10 days after harvest; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging. Coyote – The coyotes have become very call shy. This time of year, howling and pup distress calls can be effective. Cattle calving areas tend to draw coyotes but be sure to ask permission to hunt on private land.Harney County Waterfowl spring migration is nearly over and most white geese and white-fronted geese have headed migrated north. Pintail, shoveler, wigeon, mallard, gadwall, green-winged teal, cinnamon teal and a variety of diver species can still be viewed in good numbers. Sandhill cranes can be found in agricultural fields throughout the Harney Basin. Breeding shorebirds have arrived in good numbers. Lesser yellow legs, killdeer, avocets, black-necked stilts, white-faced ibis, curlews, willets, pelicans, great egrets and western grebes are some species that have arrived. A large number of franklins, ring-billed and California gulls can also be found. The best viewing opportunities are near Burns/Hines, where flood irrigation of wet meadows is occurring. Viewing at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge will continue to improve as migration continues to develop and many species of migrant passerines will be moving through the region.
Raptors continue to be found throughout the area. You should be able to view golden eagles, bald eagles and a variety of hawks perching on telephone poles and fence posts throughout the district. Resident raptors such as northern harriers and red-tailed hawks are very easily observed in open agricultural areas along with rough-legged hawks and an occasional ferruginous. Bighorn sheep have moved up into the steeper country they will be widely scattered and secretive this time of year as they prepare for lambing. Sheep can be viewed with a good pair of binoculars or spotting scope along rocky outcroppings south of Frenchglen and along the east side of the Steens. 5/7/13. KLAMATH COUNTY Klamath Falls Area
Recent arrivals to the basin include American white pelicans, killdeer, western grebes, Clark’s grebes and several swallow species as they begin mating and nesting seasons in the basin. The courtship rituals of both western and Clark’s grebes are both distinct and visually stunning and should not be missed by those with an appreciation of such things. Upper Klamath Lake is currently home to thousands of grebes, and viewing opportunities exist along the shore as well as from boat. The first Canada goose broods of the year have been spotted! Look to wetland areas for pairs of adult geese with small yellow fuzz balls in tow. Greater sandhill cranes have returning from southern wintering areas and can be found foraging in agricultural lands in the basin. Yellow-bellied marmots have emerged from their winter dens as the days become longer and warmer. Look to rock piles and rocky bluffs to find these large, ground dwelling creatures. For those with a keen eye for migrating songbirds, the Klamath Basin is within the migratory paths of thousands of neotropical migrants and other passerines at this time of year as they journey to nesting areas from here to the arctic north. Binoculars will help greatly in spotting these tiny migrants as they pass through. Many passerine migrants are also identifiable by song for those who listen. Excellent viewing opportunities exist as close as downtown Klamath Falls at Veteran’s Park. Be sure to check for bald eagles using the perch snag along Lake Ewuana. Another close viewing opportunity is the Link River Trail where viewers will see many species of passerines as well as a few mammals including deer, gray fox and mink. 5/06/13. Klamath Wildlife Area Public use is restricted to the public roads and parking lots from Feb. 1 to April 30 to minimize disturbance to migrating wildlife. Effective Jan.1, 2013, a Wildlife Area Parking Permit is required to park on the Wildlife Area. Cost is $7 daily or $22 annually. Free with purchase of hunting license. Buy online or at an ODFW office that sells licenses or at a license sales agent. Learn more. Waterfowl Snow geese, Ross’s geese and white-front geese are in abundant numbers grazing in pastures. They will be heading northward for their breeding areas soon. Great Basin Canada geese are beginning to pair and develop territories. The Klamath River near the boat ramp has melted and large numbers of diving ducks can be seen. Sandhill cranes have returned to the basin. They can be seen foraging in the open fields. Klamath Basin waterfowl numbers are available on the US Fish and Wildlife website at http://www.fws.gov/klamathbasinrefuges/cenfindex.html Running and training of dogs is allowed only in the Dog Training Area by the boat ramp on Klamath River until August 1, 2013. Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit. Discharge of firearms is prohibited except by permit. If you have any questions, please contact Klamath Wildlife Area at (541) 883-5734 or lanny.a.fujishin@state.or.us. 3/9/13. LAKE COUNTY Spring migration continues. All of the arctic nesting geese and lesser Sandhill Cranes have moved north. Resident nesting duck species are fairly abundant but the northern migrants have left the county. All of the shore bird species that nest in Lake County have arrived and many of the arctic nesters are moving through. Lake Abert and the Warner Valley lakes are the best viewing areas. Bald eagle numbers have declined as the waterfowl migration moved north. Bighorn sheep have moved to the steep cliffs for lambing. On Fish Creek and Abert rims they can still be seen on open slopes feeding early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Binoculars or a spotting scope will improve your viewing experience. 5/7/13.
SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA Summer Lake Wildlife Area requires a $7 daily parking permit or a $22 annual parking permit. Parking permits can be purchased at any ODFW license agent or through the ODFW website. Locally, parking permits can be purchased at the Summer Lake Store, 1.3 miles north of Headquarters. Vehicle access to the Wildlife Viewing Loop is now open. The Wildlife Viewing Loop will remain open until early fall. Major dike roads (Bullgate, Gold and Windbreak dikes and the Work Road) are closed to motor vehicles, other forms of non-motorized access are allowed. All secondary roads and dikes continue to remain closed and cross-country travel is prohibited. Non-motorized travel is permitted. Waterfowl migration in nearly over and breeding season is underway. Ducks are Canada widely scattered across the entire wildlife area. Arctic nesting geese have largely departed the area. Breeding season is underway for early nesting species and viewers are reminded that running or training of dogs is prohibited. Please keep dogs on leash or under very close control during this critical time of the year.
Waterfowl Many duck pairs have dispersed to breeding territories across the entire wildlife area. Mallard, gadwall and cinnamon teal pairs were very numerous. A few lingering migrants are still present, Am. green-winged, bufflehead, Northern shoveler and ruddy duck remain in fairly high numbers. Sixteen species of ducks were present during the weekly count. Canada goose nesting is underway, pairs and attending ganders are scattered across the entire wildlife area. Many Canada geese are on nests, and broods are being observed with greater frequency. Viewers are urged to minimize disturbance and move away quickly if birds are flushed off nests or if broods are encountered. Tundra swans have moved out of the area en-route to more northerly staging and nesting areas. A few non-breeding trumpeters can be found scattered across the wildlife area. All of the restoration birds will be neck-banded with green collars and white alphanumeric symbols. Viewers are encouraged to “read” the collars and report them to wildlife area personnel. Collars will have the Greek letter Theta (Ѳ) and two side-ways laying numerals that are read from the body toward the head.
Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds Shorebirds continue to increase in number and diversity. American avocet, black-necked stilts, long-billed curlews, long-billed dowitchers, Wilson’s phalarope, dunlin, western willet and several other species continued to increase in numbers over the week. Spring arrival of black-bellied plover, snowy plover and marbled godwit and were noted over this past week. American coot numbers remain good and are found in open water areas across the entire wildlife area―more than 1,500 were found on the weekly count. Sandhill crane numbers continue to increase as nesting pairs return to traditional territories; about 20 indicated pairs were observed during the weekly count. Non-breeders and migrants continue to stage especially in the Foster Place and along the north shore of Summer Lake. Cranes are very vocal now, proclaiming territories to adjacent pairs especially during early morning and evening hours. Many single birds were noted during the survey indicating that nesting is well underway. Grebe (eared, pied-billed, Western and Clark’s) numbers continued to increase over the past week and can be found scattered throughout the area. A few American bittern, the occasional black-crowned night-heron and a few great blue herons are present in low numbers and are widely scattered across the entire wildlife area. These species should increase in number in the next several weeks. American white pelican and double-crested cormorant numbers continued to increase over the last week. Several hundred ring-billed, a few California gulls and Caspian terns are occupying the nesting island in the East Link Unit. Forster’s terns were observed across the entire area. Raptors and Others Resident and migrant raptors, especially red-tailed hawks are scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Hwy. 31. Rough-legged hawks were not detected during the weekly count; nearly all have departed the area en route to arctic breeding areas. Northern harriers are commonly observed over marsh and hay meadows but in low numbers indicating females are incubating clutches at this time. Ospreys have returned and are occupying the nest platforms at Ana Reservoir and Turner Place.
Bald and golden eagle numbers remain low due to the declining numbers of waterfowl. Nearby nesting pairs are occasionally observed on the wildlife area. Prairie falcons are fairly common residents of the area and are frequently seen during this time of the year. Migrant accipiters continue to be observed, primarily at Headquarters. Upland game birds California quail and ring-necked pheasants are widely scattered across the north end of the wildlife area. The feeder at Headquarters allows for excellent viewing of California quail. Passerines
Spring migrants continue to arrive, almost daily. Cliff and tree swallows continue to increase in number, and are active in searching out nesting sites. Eurasian collared doves remain very numerous at Headquarters Complex; more than 25 are present. Mourning doves can be found scattered throughout the area. American and lesser goldfinches and several species of sparrows are fairly numerous at Headquarters/old homesteads and other tree and shrub sites. A large influx of white-crowned sparrows occurred over the past week. Golden-crowned sparrows, Cassin’s and house finches were also observed. Occasionally, evening grosbeaks and cedar waxwings can be observed. Last week brown creeper and ruby-crowned kinglets were detected. Brewer’s, red-winged and yellow-headed blackbirds can be found scattered across wetland areas and homestead site. They are becoming very vocal, especially during sunny days. Brown-headed cowbirds have arrived and are increasing in number. Migrant yellow-rumped warblers arrived last week and are increasing in number and distribution across the entire area. Orange-crowned warblers were observed last week, and other species are expected to arrive soon. European starlings are active in searching out nesting cavities. Facilities and Access As of Jan. 1, 2012, Summer Lake Wildlife Area requires a $7 daily parking permit or a $22 annual parking permit. Parking permits can be purchased at any Point of Sale Agent or through the ODFW website. Please remember: New 2013 parking permits are now required! Locally, parking permits can be purchased at the Summer Lake Store, 1.3 miles north of Headquarters. The Wildlife Viewing Loop is open and provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. It will remain open until early fall. The major dike roads (Bullgate, Windbreak and Work Road) are now closed to motor vehicle traffic. Non-motorized travel is allowed. All secondary roads and dikes continue to remain closed and cross-country travel is prohibited. Non-motorized travel is permitted. Camping is permitted at four sites on the Wildlife Area. Campgrounds are primitive but each has vault toilets, trash barrels and a few picnic tables. Habitat Nearly all wetland units are well flooded at this time. Bullgate Refuge is being drawdown and will be held dry in preparation for wetland restoration later this summer. Receding water levels and areas exposed by controlled burning will provide increased foraging opportunities to a wide variety of wildlife. Emergent wetland vegetation is mostly lodged over allowing for good viewing conditions. New growth cattail is vigorously growing in many canals and ditches. Upland habitat remains in excellent condition with considerable residual vegetation that is providing high quality food and cover for many wildlife species. Green-up of early growing forbs and grasses is very extensive at this time. Planted tree and shrub plots are providing excellent sheltered sites for many wildlife species and most plants are leafed-out and some species are in blossom. Please contact Summer Lake Wildlife Area at (541) 943-3152 or e-mail martin.j.stlouis@state.or.us for additional information. |
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
3406 Cherry Avenue N.E. :: Salem, OR 97303 :: Main Phone (503) 947-6000 or (800) 720-ODFW :: www.dfw.state.or.us
Questions? Contact odfw.web@state.or.us