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Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife | |
| last updated: 06/19/2013 |
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Send us your fishing report ANA RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout The reservoir has been stocked with rainbow trout within the last month. Fish can be caught using bait, lures, and flies from shore or boats. ANA RIVER: hatchery rainbow trout Rainbow trout have been stocked in the river within the last month. 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 Fishing regulations have changed on Annie Creek to 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 have dropped significantly. 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 Recent fishing reports indicate catch rates are fair to good. Average size of trout ranged from 12 to 18-inches. The reservoir water level continues to drop, it was 40 percent full and inflows averaged 59 cfs (June 16). The water level is even with the end of the boat ramp making launching and retrieving boats difficult. Early prognostications of the reservoir reaching minimum water level is for early to mid-August. 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 continue to drop. The latest measurement on June 18 was 97 cfs, which is a good flow level for fishing. Over the last week, water temperatures at Page Springs gauge ranged from 47˚F to 67˚F. The upper Blitzen opened to harvest on May 25; the Little Blitzen is open year around for catch-and-release.
BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: bass, crappie, yellow perch, catfish, and trout. The reservoir water level continues to drop; it was 45 percent full on June 16. The boat ramp is open and usable. Catch rates for crappie improved with the warmer weather. Anglers report crappie are running 5 to 7-inches but on the skinny side. Early prognostications for this reservoir reaching minimum water level is for early to mid-August. BURNS POND: trout, bass Fishing has been slow for trout 8 to 10-inches, but fair for trout over 16-inches. Twenty tagged fish are in the pond. If you capture a tagged fish return the tag to the Hines office (237 Hwy 20 S) for a prize. CAMPBELL LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout Anglers have reported accessing the lake, but road conditions are unknown. The Paisley Ranger District (541-943-3114) may have more information regarding access. The lake has not been stocked this year, but will be prior to the Fourth of July holiday. CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout The river upstream of Hwy 31 remains open and the use of bait is PROHIBITED! The river is clear and the lower river is flowing at 51 cfs. Water temperatures are in the mid 60s and anglers should consider fishing early or late for two reasons: 1) the fishing is likely to be better during these times as fish are near the surface, 2) water temperatures are slightly lower reducing stress to the fish. CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout The reservoir is at half-full and remains very turbid. Fishing has been good for large trout.
COTTONWOOD MEADOWS: rainbow trout, brook trout The lake is accessible and fishing is exceptional for legal (8 to 11-inches) rainbow trout. Anglers also have the opportunity to catch brook trout up to 14-inches and rainbow trout up to 20-inches. COW LAKES: largemouth bass, white crappie, brown bullheads, rainbow trout Neither lake filled this year. It is likely that both lakes have been or will be drawn down to very low levels soon. No recent fishing reports. DEADHORSE LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout Anglers have reported accessing the lake, but road conditions are unknown. The Paisley Ranger District (541-943-3114) may have more information regarding access. The lake has not been stocked this year, but will be prior to the Fourth of July holiday. DELINTMENT LAKE: trout Good fishing for holdover trout in the 10 to 12-inch size range. The lake was stocked in mid-May, and there are lots of trout in the 8 to 10-inch size range available to anglers. DEMING CREEK: redband trout and bull trout Deming Creek is a very small stream with small redband trout. Fishing for bull trout is always closed. DEVILS LAKE (FISHHOLE CREEK): largemouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead Fishing is good for bass and bullhead. DOG LAKE: largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, brown bullhead Local anglers have reported slow fishing for bass and panfish. The reservoir is closed to the retention of trout to protect native redband trout. DUNCAN RESERVOIR: rainbow trout The reservoir was stocked in the last month with trout from 8 or 12-inches. 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 Fourmile Lake is accessible. The boat ramp is open and clear of woody material. Anglers are catching lake trout around 20 inches and a few rainbow trout. The lake will be stocked next week with trophy and legal rainbow trout. 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. 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 good 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. Fishing for crappie has been good especially around the bridge crossing. 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.
KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: redband trout and yellow perch Fishing has been fair for all methods. Anglers are successful trolling lures, using dead minnows near the bottom and casting flies and lures. Redband trout are beginning to concentrate in cold water areas of Pelican Bay and mouths of the Williamson and Wood Rivers. ODFW encourages catch and release as this fishery is managed for trophy trout. It is unlawful to continue to fish for the same type of fish after taking and retaining a catch or possession limit. Algae is dense in most of the lake especially during light wind conditions. KLAMATH RIVER: native rainbow-redband trout The section from Keno Dam to Topsy Reservoir is closed to angling and reopens on October 1. Below the JC Boyle powerhouse the fish get slightly larger than the aforementioned reach 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 hydro system below the powerhouse has operated with high flows (peaking) throughout most daylight hours. Lower flows might be encountered in the morning until 10 a.m. Fishing is slow. Salmonflies and golden stoneflies should are hatching. KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass Fishing has been good for trout and 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 Lake of the Woods was stocked last week with legal and trophy rainbow trout. Fishing should be very good for hatchery rainbow trout. Fishing is good for yellow perch using small lures, flies or bait. Fishing for largemouth bass is good around large wood in the lake and around the multiple docks along the lakeshore. Lake of the Woods will be stocked next the week of June 10-14. Recent nighttime electrofishing showed good numbers of largemouth and smallmouth bass. All smallmouth bass were less than 10-inches. Angling for brown bullhead near submergent vegetation should be good. Call Lake of the Woods Resort for recent reports Toll Free at 866-201-4194 or visit their website. LOFTON RESERVOIR: rainbow trout Fish have been stocked at the reservoir in the last month and fishing has been good for fish from 8 to 14-inches. The campground is usually full from Friday-Sunday. Try fishing/camping Monday-Thursday if you prefer fewer people. 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 water level is dropping. It is probably less than half full. The boat ramp is still useable. The reservoir was stocked with legal-sized and fingerling-sized trout on May 28 and June 4. The catch rates should start to improve; a few large carryover trout remain.
MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork Malheur River): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout Water releases from Warm Springs Reservoir averaged 424 cfs on June 16. Fishing the Riverside area is expected to be slow, water is turbid. 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 Roads in the area are free of snow. Fishing for redband trout should be improving. MALHEUR RIVER, MIDDLE FORK: redband trout, brook trout, and bull trout Most roads into this area are open and dry. Fishing for trout is fair to good. Flows have dropped and are below average for time of year. MANN LAKE: trout 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 is available. No recent fishing reports. Miller Lake will be stocked the week of June 24. MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout No recent fishing reports, but trout fishing is expected to be best during the spring months. Bass fishing should improve with the warmer weather. MUD LAKE: trout The reservoir may be one of the best lakes to fish for rainbow trout in the Warner Basin (Plush-Adel) this year. Sampling in June of 2012 found fish up to 12-inches and they likely have increased in size since then. Target the margins of the reservoir were light penetration is better if using flies or lures. PowerBait is another good option at this reservoir. 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. OVERTON RESERVOIR: rainbow trout This small reservoir has trout up to 13-INCHES and provides a beautiful view of the Goose Lake valley. The reservoir does have duck weed that can make it difficult to fish at times from the shore. The best option for anglers is to use a small boat (row) or pontoon/float tube to access the open-water areas. The trout are very willing to take flies, lures, or bait. 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 dropped slightly, they averaged 150 cfs (June 16). 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 continued warming conditions, anglers should see an improvement of surface fishing. 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 be far below average for this period of time. They averaged 109 cfs on June 16. This the second lowest flow recorded for June 16 since 1950. Fishing for smallmouth and channel catfish is fiar to good. PAIUTE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, Lahontan cutthroat trout Fishing will be best during the spring when water temperatures are below 65 °F. PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch The reservoir is at 57 percent of capacity. Fishing is fair to good for 8 to 12-inch rainbow trout. Fishing is slow for yellow perch. Fishing is fair for 10 to 14-inch rainbow trout. The high-water boat launch is functional. POISON CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout Fishing continues to be good for carry over trout in the reservoir. POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout The reservoir is below half full and dropping. Catch rates remain fair. This reservoir was stocked with legal-sized trout on May 28. Anglers report rainbows from 10 to 18-inches. POWDER RIVER: trout, spring chinook The reach immediately below Mason Dam has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. PRIDAY RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout 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 Please consider keeping a limit of trout if you fish this reservoir.
SPENCER CREEK: redband trout, brook trout. Fishing will be very good for small redband trout, most less than 8-inches. SPRAGUE RIVER: wild redband trout, brown trout, yellow perch, brown bullhead, largemouth bass 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. Fishing should be fair for redband trout. NORTH FORK SPRAGUE RIVER AND ALL TRIBUTARIES: wild redband trout, brown trout, brook trout Fishing should be good at most areas as flow is very low for this time of year. 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. Fishing is very good for brook trout. Best fishing is just above Nicholoson Road. Fishing 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 Fishing was very slow at the USFS day use area despite ideal flow conditions. 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 Fishing will be slow as the creek is very clear and cold with few adult fish. 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 Fishing is fair 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 Most anglers are fishing from boats and focusing their efforts near the dam and Thompson Valley campground (also near dam). The water is warming into the mid-60s and algae is suspended in the water. Fishing can be good despite the algae and anglers have been catching fish from 8 to 18-inches. Some anglers have reported parasites on the gills and internal organs. The fish are still safe to eat, but anglers can remove (cut) flesh with parasites if they prefer. The reservoir is at 93 percent of capacity and receding. Boat anglers have reported good success for rainbow 10 to 14-inches; however, bank anglers report slow fishing. The reservoir was drained last summer so there are no holdover fish. It was stocked with sub-legal rainbows in November.
UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie The reservoir is at 74 percent of capacity and receding. Boat anglers report good fishing for 12-15 inch rainbows. Bank fishing is slower. Anglers are reminded that a new regulation is in place allowing harvest of bass only under 15 inches in length. VEE LAKE: rainbow trout Trout were stocked in the reservoir last week (June 12) and fishing should be excellent throughout the summer. WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: smallmouth bass, white crappie, catfish, perch, and hatchery rainbow trout The water level in the reservoir continues to drop. The reservoir was 32 percent full and inflows averaged 15 cfs (Jun 16). The boat ramp is out of the water making launching and retrieving boat more difficult. No recent fishing reports. WARNER POND: trout Weeds dominate the pond with the exception of the west margin. UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER: wild redband trout, brook trout The Upper Williamson River (from Kirk Bridge to Headwaters) and all tributaries opened on April 27. The black drakes mayflies are hatching and the spinners are falling on the water. Try casting flies to rising fish. There is no daily limit on brook trout. Lower Williamson River: wild redband trout, brown trout The Williamson River opened May 25 from the mouth to Kirk Bridge. Fishing is good. Flows are very low for this time of year. Redband trout are moving into the Williamson River from Upper Klamath Lake in good numbers. WITHERS LAKE: brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout This lake can be accessed from Paisley or from the Government Pass road. Brown trout range from 6 to 14-inches with a few larger fish. Brook trout are 5 to 7-inches and a few rainbow trout are larger than 10-inches. The lake is a short walk (100 yards) from the parking area and can be a great place for pontoons or float tubes. 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. The Wood River is low. Fishing should be good for brown trout especially matching the many insect hatches including salmonflies. 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. Access from shore is available at the Wood River BLM wetland and the USFS Day Use Area. YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout Spring fishing for holdover trout has been good. The lake has been stocked with legal sized trout for the season.
OPEN: COUGAR, COYOTE Mandatory Reporting Wolves and coyotes can look alike HARNEY COUNTY Hunting maps for Harney 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 - 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 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. KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA Gorr Island Unit Gorr Island is located four miles south of the Miller Island Unit in the Klamath River, accessible only by boat. 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. 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. 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 June 11, 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 and molting will occur soon. 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 migration has stopped and most waterfowl found now will be breeding pairs on territories and initiating nesting sites. Sandhill cranes can be found in agricultural fields throughout the Harney Basin. Shorebird migration is slowing. Birding will be more difficult as birds begin to initiate nesting. Lesser yellow legs, killdeer, avocets, black-necked stilts, white-faced ibis, curlews, willets, pelicans, egrets and a variety of grebes species are a few of what can be seen. Forester’s terns, black terns, franklins, ring-billed and California gulls can also be found. Spring passerine migrants continue to increase in diversity and number as the season progresses. Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is the summer home to some unique passerines and is an excellent place for birding.
Raptors continue to be found throughout the area. You should be able to view osprey around lakes and reservoirs, golden eagles, a few bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, northern harriers, prairie falcons and ferruginous hawks. Bighorn sheep viewing will be very difficult at this time as sheep are having their lambs and will stay near steep rugged terrain. Viewers are urged not to disturb sheep during this sensitive time period. Mule deer will be widely scattered and secretive this time of year as they prepare for fawning. The first of the antelope fawns have been seen, and wildlife viewers can expect to see plenty more in the weeks to come. KLAMATH COUNTY Klamath Falls Area Flooded pastures around the basin offer great viewing for white-faced ibis as they forage on earthworms and other insects. These birds are colony nesters and utilize wetland vegetation to nest. American white pelicans, killdeer, western grebes, Clark’s grebes and several swallow species continue in their nesting season 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.
Canada goose broods are now abundant in the Basin. Though goslings are not yet flighted, they have the markings of adults and are only distinguishable by size and the dull grey colors of their first adult colored feathers. Look to ponds and wetland areas in the Basin for large groups of geese representing several broods. 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. 6/11/13. Klamath Wildlife Area 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 Great Basin Canada geese are evident with goslings in tow. Mallard, gadwall and teal can be seen with ducklings as well. White pelicans can be seen foraging for fish in many of the ponds and waterways. Sandhill cranes have returned to the basin. They can be seen foraging in the open fields and are occasionally accompanied by their young (colts). 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. 5/14/13. LAKE COUNTY For all species, spring migration is over. Resident nesting duck species are fairly abundant. All of the shorebird species that nest in Lake County have arrived. For shorebird viewing, Lake Abert and the Warner Valley lakes are the best locations. All the resident nesting raptor species are present in appropriate habitats. The highest diversity of raptor species is associated with the major valleys in the county. Bighorn lambs were born in late April or early May and are big enough to start travelling with adults. Most Antelope fawns were born in late May, fawn mule deer and calf elk will be born by early June. Young of any species should be left alone. Do not try to catch baby birds or mammals because you think they are abandoned. Young are rarely abandoned by their parent, if you leave the area the mother will return to care for her young. 6/3/13. 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 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. Breeding season is underway for all 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. Vegetation adjacent to campgrounds attracts a wide variety of ground nesting birds and some shorebirds (Am. avocets, killdeer and willet) nest in open areas, especially along roads. Waterfowl Nearly all duck pairs have dispersed to breeding territories across the entire wildlife area. Mallard, gadwall and cinnamon teal pairs are very numerous. Breeding season is underway and bachelor groups of mallards are becoming very obvious as hens are incubating clutches or rearing broods. Canada goose nesting is nearly over. Most pairs are actively rearing broods now on large ponds away from human activity. Molting will begin soon and birds will become very secretive as they become flightless. Viewers are urged to minimize disturbance and move away quickly if birds are flushed off nests or if broods are encountered. A few non-breeding trumpeters, part of restoration efforts can be found scattered across the wildlife area. Last week, 12 different individuals were observed. 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 Shorebird nesting is underway. All nine nesting species are dispersed widely across the wildlife area. The recent restoration work in the Between The Dikes area is very attractive to nesting American avocet, black-necked stilts and several other species.
Long-billed curlews are nesting now and have become somewhat secretive as chicks are hatching. Snowy plovers have been observed regularly in the E. Link Unit and along Deepwater Canal. American coot numbers remain good and breeding pairs and single birds are found in open water areas across the entire wildlife area. Nesting is underway for this very abundant species. Sora and Virginia rails are heard very frequently and occasionally heard across the entire wildlife area, a brood was observed last week. Sandhill crane pairs are well dispersed in their traditional nesting territories. At least two broods of newly hatched colts (chicks) were observed over the past week. About 20 pairs can be found scattered across the wildlife area. Non-breeders and a few late migrants continue to stage especially in the Foster Place and along the north shore of Summer Lake. Grebe (eared, pied-billed, Western and Clark’s) numbers are fairly stable now, and nesting is underway for many species. Pied-billed grebes are very vocal now especially in the early morning hours. American bittern, black-crowned night-heron and great egrets are fairly numerous now. The “pumper-lump” calling of bitterns is very common place morning and evenings. A substantial number of white-faced ibis are present and a nesting colony is present for the first time in several years. Great blue herons are present in low numbers and are widely scattered across the entire wildlife area. Snowy egrets continue to be observed occasionally. Black-crowned night-herons and great egrets are nesting within the large ibis colony. American white pelican and double-crested cormorant numbers are fairly good at present. Nesting activity has started; a few nests were recently located. Several hundred ring-billed, a few California gulls and Caspian terns are occupying the nesting island in the East Link Unit, at least 20 tern nests have been observed. Nesting is underway for all species. Several hundred ring-billed and a few California gulls are actively nesting at this time. Bonaparte’s and Franklin’s gulls were observed over the past week. Franklin’s gull are nesting again this year. Forster’s terns are scattered widely across the entire area and nesting underway. Black terns have been observed consistently over the past week.
Raptors and Others Resident raptors, especially red-tailed hawks are scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Hwy. 31. Swainson’s hawks are sometimes observed. Northern harriers are commonly observed over marsh and hay meadows but in low numbers indicating females are incubating clutches or pairs are rearing chicks at this time. Ospreys have returned and are occupying the nest platforms at Ana Reservoir and Turner Place. A new breeding pair is constructing a nest between these two established locations. Birds can be observed foraging over Ana Reservoir and the upper Ana River. Chicks were observed this past week. Bald and golden eagles are occasionally observed on the wildlife area. A pair of bald eagles is nesting nearby on Winter Ridge and adults can be found foraging over the wildlife area’s wetlands on a near daily basis. Prairie falcons are fairly common residents of the area and are frequently seen during this time of the year. Great horned owls and the occasional common-barn and short-eared owl can be found scattered across the entire wildlife area, especially in the trees at campgrounds. Great horned owls are fledging chicks at this time. Upland game birds California quail and ring-necked pheasants are widely scattered across the north end of the wildlife area. Breeding season is well underway for both these species. A pheasant brood was observed recently. Passerines Spring migration is over, the last migrant (common nighthawk) was observed last week. Barn, cliff and tree nesting is well underway. Bank and northern rough-winged swallows continue to be observed. Colonies of these cavity nesting species can be found in the Upper Ana River canyon. Eurasian collared doves remain very numerous at Headquarters Complex; more than 25 are present. Mourning doves can be found scattered throughout the area, a large number can be found in the Church, Dutchy and Swanie Field areas. Occasionally, black-headed and evening grosbeaks, house finches and cedar waxwings can be observed. Brewer’s, red-winged and yellow-headed blackbirds can be found scattered across wetland areas and homestead sites. They are becoming very vocal, as are western meadowlarks. Brown-headed cowbirds remain very numerous and widely spread across the wildlife area. Yellow warblers remain very vocal at Headquarters and western wood-pewees were heard as well. Hummingbirds (black-chinned, calliope and rufous) and northern orioles are utilizing feeders at Headquarters. 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: Calendar year 2013 parking permits are 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 beginning to recede at this time due to irrigation season withdrawals and increased evaporation. Bullgate Refuge is being drawdown and will be held dry in preparation for wetland restoration later this summer. Upland habitat remains in excellent condition with considerable residual vegetation and extensive new growth that is providing high quality food and cover for many wildlife species. Planted tree and shrub plots are providing excellent sheltered sites for many wildlife species. Nearly all trees and shrubs are leafed-out and most species are in blossom or have set fruit at this time. 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