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Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife | |
| last updated: 04/10/2013 |
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Weekend fishing opportunities:
If your favorite fishing spot is no longer listed It’s probably because that river, lake or reservoir is closed for the season, inaccessible due to snow and bad roads, or offers limited fishing opportunities during the winter months. These waterbodies will re-appear in the Recreation Report when they re-open next spring, or when access and/or opportunity improves. 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. 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. BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, hatchery rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout Irrigation water releases are shutoff until spring. The reservoir was 54 percent full and inflows averaged 206 cfs (March 31). Spring runoff season is ongoing. The reservoir is open. No recent fishing reports, but angling should be improving. USBR crews sampled 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, averaging 204 cfs (April 2). 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, white crappie, yellow perch, catfish, and trout. Irrigation water releases are shutoff until spring. The reservoir water level was 70 percent full on March 31. Spring runoff season is ongoing. Inflows should remain high. The reservoir is open. No recent fishing reports. BURNS POND: trout, bass Ice is off the pond (March 19). 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 and receiving good runoff from the Potato Hills. Ice is completely off, and catch rates have been slow. However, the majority of trout caught over 16 inches. COTTONWOOD MEADOWS: rainbow trout, brook trout Current ice conditions and thickness are unknown and access is limited to snowmobiles. COW LAKES: largemouth bass, white crappie, brown bullheads, rainbow trout No recent fishing reports. Both lakes should be open with the high inflows. DELINTMENT LAKE: trout The lake is covered in ice, but no report of thickness. Snow and ice make accessing Delintment Lake very challenging. No recent fishing reports. Contact the Hines office (541) 573-6582 if you capture a brook trout while fishing in Delintment Lake. DEVILS LAKE (FISHHOLE CREEK): largemouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead Conditions at the lake are unknown at his time.
DOG LAKE: largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, brown bullhead Ice conditions are unknown, but may be deteriorating and unsafe. Overnight low temperatures have been above freezing and the two streams entering the lake are bringing warmer water. The road to the lake is accessible with any vehicle. Use caution if you choose to venture onto the ice and go with two or more people. A general rule for safe ice is 6 inches of clear ice. Use a digging bar, cordless drill, or auger to check ice thickness as you travel from shore to your fishing location. Check often because ice thickness can vary in different areas of the lake or reservoir. 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 The reservoir is ice free. 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 is ice-free. No recent reports on fishing success. Planned to be stocked the week of April 15th. HEART LAKE: rainbow trout, kokanee No recent reports. Current ice conditions and thickness are unknown and access is limited to snowmobiles. The reservoir is day-use only and has a boat ramp, picnic tables, and a pit toilet. HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout Current ice conditions and thickness are unknown and access is limited to snowmobiles. The reservoir has a few primitive camp sites, boat ramp, and pit toilet. HWY 203 POND: trout, bass, bluegill The pond is ice-free. No recent reports of angler success. J.C. BOYLE RESERVOIR (Topsy Reservoir): Largemouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed, crappie, goldfish The reservoir is ice free. 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 slow for cutthroat trout. The lake is free of ice. 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 The recent winds and cold weather have slowed fishing. The weather will improve slightly this week but turbid water conditions will remain with windy weather. 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 The Klamath River below Keno Dam to Topsy Reservoir provides fair fishing in April as many trout are spawning. Fishing with flies or lures has been slow. The current flow level of 770 cfs provides 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 Closed to fishing until April 27. 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 frozen. Ice conditions are unknown at this time and could be very dangerous. Call Lake of the Woods Resort for recent reports Toll Free at 866-201-4194 or visit their website. LOFTON RESERVOIR: rainbow trout No recent reports. Ice conditions and thickness are unknown and access is limited to snowmobiles. 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 should improve as water temperatures increase with warmer weather. 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 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. The boat ramp is in the water and the ice is gone. 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 Access to this area is blocked by snow. Fishing for redband trout is slow. MALHEUR RIVER, MIDDLE FORK: redband trout, brook trout, and bull trout Road to Summit Prairie is plowed; access to Logan Valley is blocked by snow. Fishing for trout is slow. 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 No recent report. NORTH POWDER POND: rainbow trout, bluegill The pond is ice-free. Additional rainbows were stocked in the fall. Fishing for holdover trout has been fair. Planned for stocking the week of April 15th. OWYHEE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, catfish OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): brown trout and hatchery rainbow trout Water releases below Owyhee Dam remain turned off for the winter. Releases are expected to average about 30 cfs until mid-April. On warm days bug hatches have been observed. Anglers should continue to use caution when walking in the stream channel around spawning areas. Alevins will not emerge from gravel until April. Fishing for trout is fair to good. 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 have dropped back down. They averaged 525 cfs on March 31. Fishing for smallmouth and channel catfish is slow. PAIUTE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, Lahontan cutthroat trout Ice thickness is unknown. PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch The reservoir is ice-free. Yellow perch are currently spawning and in shallow water. Boaters are reminded that ODFW is currently trapping perch from the reservoir. Eight traps are positioned around the edges of the reservoirs. Boaters should not approach these within 200 feet as the boat could become entangled in anchor ropes. Closed until April 27.
POISON CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout Ice is off (April 2). Spring fishing is anticipated to be good in the reservoir. POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout The reservoir is open. No recent angler reports, but catch rates are expected to be slow. This reservoir did not receive any fingerling-sized rainbow trout last spring, so the number of trout is lower than usual. POWDER RIVER: trout, spring chinook Catch-and-release for trout is allowed using flies and lures only from Hughes Lane Bridge in Baker City, upstream to Mason Dam. The remaining portions of the Powder River are closed. 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. Ice may be present. 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.
SPRAGUE RIVER: wild redband trout, brown trout, yellow perch, brown bullhead, largemouth bass Closed to fishing Oct. 31. NORTH FORK SPRAGUE RIVER: wild redband trout, brown trout, brook trout, bull trout Closed to fishing Oct. 31. SEVENMILE CREEK: brook trout, brown trout, redband trout Closed to fishing Oct. 31. SPRING CREEK: Spring Creek is closed to angling to protect spawning fish. Large redband trout can be observed spawning in very good numbers. Areas to look for spawners are at Collier State Park at the mouth and at the upper end of the park above the logging museum. Polarized glasses are recommended to reduce glare and observe fish. SUN CREEK: brook trout, brown trout, bull trout Closed to fishing Oct. 31. SYCAN RIVER: wild redband trout, brook trout, brown trout Closed to fishing Oct. 31. THOMPSON RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass Anglers can get to entrance to the East Bay Campground (USFS) via East Bay/Forest Road 28. It is a 1.5 mile walk, snowshoe, or snowmobile into the reservoir. Ice thickness is unknown, but likely similar to Duncan Reservoir. The reservoir is full, and ice-free. The reservoir was drained last summer so there are no holdover fish. It was stocked with sub-legal rainbows in November, but these are not expected to be legal length until late March or early April. Gillnet samples collected the last week of March showed the average length of trout is eight inches. UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie No recent reports. WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: smallmouth bass, white crappie, catfish, perch, and hatchery rainbow trout The reservoir is open. Spring runoff season is ongoing. The reservoir was 49 percent full and inflows averaged 466 cfs (March 17). 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 Closed to fishing Oct. 31. Lower Williamson River: wild redband trout, brown trout Closed to fishing Oct. 31.
WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill Fishing for warmwater game fish has been slow but largemouth bass fishing should improve in the next few weeks. Look for bass in the Antelope Creek arm or in the shallow bay just north of the dam. The reservoir is ice-free. No recent reports. Closed to fishing Oct. 31. YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout The lake is ice-covered in an unknown amount of ice. Anglers should use caution on the ice and measure depth from the bank by auguring several holes. Ice fishing has been very productive for large trout. Snow and ice on the road make accessing the last 14 miles to the lake difficult. OPEN: COUGAR, COYOTE, SPRING TURKEY (opens April 15) Mandatory Reporting Thanks to all hunters who reported their 2012 tags on time. Hunters who did not report 2012 deer and elk tags on time will pay a $25 penalty fee when they purchase a 2014 hunting license. If your 2012 deer and elk hunts extend into 2013, you have until April 15, 2013 to report your hunt. More information on reporting http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/reporting/index.asp
Most wolves in the state today are in northeast Oregon but a few have dispersed further west and south. Wolves are protected by state and/or federal law and it is unlawful to shoot them. Coyote hunters need to take extra care to identify their target as wolves can look like coyotes, especially wolf pups in the mid-summer and fall. ODFW appreciates hunters’ assistance to establish wolves’ presence in Oregon; please report any wolf sightings or wolf sign to ODFW using the online reporting system. Use the Oregon Hunting Map to see where to hunt. HARNEY COUNTY Hunting maps for Harney County Turkey - Youth hunting will open on April 13-14. Spring turkey season will open April 15th. 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. The highest concentrations are associated near mule deer wintering areas and private agricultural or calving areas. Hunters are reminded to ask permission before entering private lands. 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 – Youth hunting opens on April 13 – 14 and the regular spring season opens on April 15th. 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. Bear – Southcentral controlled spring bear season opens on April 15th. Access is very good due to the low snowpack this winter. 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 approaching. The South Central Controlled Hunt will open April 15, and 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 Cougar - Hunting is open. Populations are healthy due to good habitat and prey base. Deer are starting to concentrate on winter ranges and cougars will move with this prey source. If hunters can find a fresh cougar kill of any species, calling within ½ mile of the kill can be very effective. Hunters are reminded that the Silver Lake-Cabin Lake road closure in the north end of Lake County is in effect through March 31. Motorized vehicle access in this area is restricted to protect wintering deer. 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 8, 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. MALHEUR COUNTY 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 Spring migration is well underway and large numbers of snow geese, Ross’s geese, white-fronted geese and sandhill cranes can be found in agricultural fields throughout the Harney Basin. Migratory waterfowl such as pintail and wigeon are common now as are many breeding species, such as gadwall, bufflehead, canvas backs, and cinnamon teal. They can be readily found in the flooded meadows around Burns/Hines. Shorebird migration is just beginning and should improve over the next few weeks as spring migration progresses. Lesser yellow legs, killdeer, avocets, pelicans and western grebes are some species that have started arriving. Wintering passerine species (dark eyed juncos and house finches) are still fairly active around the county. Spring passerine migrants should be increasing in diversity and number as the season progresses. Spotted towhees, red-winged blackbirds and white-crowned sparrows are a few that have already started to show up.
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. Sage grouse are just starting to attend leks. Binoculars or spotting scopes are needed to observe sage grouse as getting close to the leks will flush the birds. The recent warming trend and increased daylight hours has promoted some significant green up on the winter ranges. Mule deer can be found in foothill areas around the basin. Bighorn sheep have moved up into the steeper country to begin 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. 4/2/13. KLAMATH COUNTY Klamath Falls Area Spring migration is in full swing with new arrivals every day including American white pelicans, killdeer, western grebes, clark’s grebes, and several swallow species. Thousands of spring migrant geese including greater white-fronted geese, lesser snow geese and Ross’s geese can be observed from just south of Klamath Falls down to stateline road. These birds will stage in the Klamath Basin until late April as the birds return to Arctic nesting areas. Greater sandhill cranes are 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. 3/26/13. 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.
Bufflehead, ring-necked ducks, and ruddy ducks are becoming more common. Tundra swans may be seen loafing in many of the open water areas on the Miller Island Unit. 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. 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 and flocks of Lesser Sandhill Cranes, Snow Geese and White-fronted Geese are present in all the major valleys. Ducks of various species are abundant and shorebird numbers will steadily increase through April. Bald eagle numbers will increase with the waterfowl migration. Due to the amount of precipitation received to date, access will be very limited on all but the paved and all-weather gravel roads. Bighorn sheep are moving 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. 4/2/13 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. Northward migrating waterfowl continue to stage in fair numbers, although some species are beginning to depart. There are still several thousand lesser snow and white-fronted geese present, but their numbers will continue to decrease as they move out of the area enroute to more northerly staging and nesting areas. Northern shoveler numbers continued to increase over the past week and can be found throughout 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 Northward migrants continue to arrive and some species continue to increase in number, while others are beginning to decline. The last weekly waterbird count conducted on April 3, found about 10,000 ducks (15 species) and 2,000 geese (Canadas, white-fronted and snow). Numbers of some species (lesser snow geese and tundra swans) have declined since the count and will continue to do so as they move on towards other northerly staging areas. Waterfowl are widely scattered across the wildlife area’s wetlands at this time. Cinnamon teal numbers are slowly increasing and they are spreading out into breeding territories. Blue-winged teal should be encountered soon. Many mallards have formed pairs and are dispersing to breeding territories and early nesting efforts should be underway at this time. Greater white-fronted geese are still fairly numerous at this time with over 900 observed during the weekly count. Most of these are the larger, darker “Tule” subspecies that nests in the Upper Cook Inlet of Alaska. Canada goose nesting is underway, pairs and attending ganders are scattered across the entire wildlife area. Many Canada geese are on nests, and the first broods should be observed any day now. Viewers are urged to minimize disturbance and move away quickly if birds are flushed. Most of the Tundra swans have left. 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 are beginning to increase in number and diversity. American avocet, black-necked stilts and long-billed curlews arrived over the past week. Other species are increasing in number. American coot numbers remain good and are found in open water areas across the entire wildlife area―more than 1,300 were found on the weekly count.
Sandhill crane numbers continue to increase as nesting pairs return to traditional territories, over 20 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. Eared grebe numbers have increased the past week and other species (pied-billed and western) can be found. A few American bittern, the occasional black-crowned night-heron and a few great blue herons are still present in very low numbers and are widely scattered across the entire wildlife area. American white pelican and double-crested cormorant numbers continued to increase over the last week. 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. Northern harriers are commonly observed over marsh and hay meadows. Bald and golden eagle numbers dropped dramatically due to the declining numbers of waterfowl. Feeding and roosting flocks of waterfowl are closely attended by eagles, looking for debilitated or sick individuals.
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. Spring migrants will be moving through the area soon. Of interest was the observation of a barred owl at Headquarters last week. 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 are beginning to appear, tree swallows continue to increase in number, and cliff swallows have recently arrived. Other swallow species should be arriving soon. Eurasian collared doves remain very numerous at Headquarters Complex, over 25 are present. American and lesser goldfinches and several species of sparrows are fairly numerous at Headquarters/old homesteads and other tree and shrub sites. Occasionally, evening grosbeaks and cedar waxwings can be found and over the past weekend white-crowned sparrows were observed. 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 beginning to appear in some 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 extensive at this time. Planted tree and shrub plots are providing excellent sheltered sites for many wildlife species and some plants are beginning to leaf-out. 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