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  FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities:

• Canby Pond - Photo by Rick Swart-

  A few spring chinook have been landed on the lower Willamette, and angler effort is picking up in anticipation of stronger returns.
  
  
• Steelhead fishing is picking up on the North and Santiam rivers.
  
  
• Trout stocking is getting in full swing at various locations around the Willamette Valley. Sites scheduled for stocking this week include Canby Pond, Sheridan Pond, St. Louis Ponds, Alton Baker Cano Canal, Cottage Grove Pond, Dexter Reservoir, EE Wilson Pond, Junction City Pond, Timber Linn Lake and Waverly Lake.
  
  
• A free family fishing event will occur at Cottage Grove Pond east of Cottage Grove off Row River Road on Sat. April 13 from 9:30-1:30pm. All equipment and instruction provided. No pre-registration required. Fishing licenses are required for anglers over 13 years of age. Contact the Springfield ODFW office at 541-726-3515 for additional information.

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.

STOCKING SCHEDULE

The schedules are posted at our website. Note the scheduled stocking dates for each pond are set for the Monday of that respective week and may not coincide with the actual stocking date that could occur on any given week day.

North Willamette stocking schedule
South Willamette stocking schedule

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

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL: trout

Alton Baker Canoe Canal will receive 1,400 legal-sized and 400 larger rainbow trout this week. This is in addition to an unscheduled stocking of over 500 fish last week that averaged over 1.6 pounds each. The Canoe Canal is located in downtown Eugene behind Autzen Stadium. A 4-acre pond at the midpoint of the canal is a good spot but it can be fished all along its 2-mile length from Day Island Road in Eugene to Aspen Street in Springfield. Summer steelhead are occasionally caught in this system and anglers are reminded they will need a combined angling tag to legally harvest a steelhead. It is legal to fish with two rods in the Alton Baker Canoe Canal, provided the Two-Rod Validation has been purchased.

BENSON LAKE: rainbow trout, white crappie, largemouth bass, brown bullhead

Stocked the week of March 11 with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 40-acre lake located in Benson State Park in the Columbia River Gorge. From Portland, head east on I-84, park is located on the south side of the freeway approx. 1/2 mile west of Multnomah Falls.

BETHANY POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, bullhead

Stocked thje week of March 11 with 1,750 legal sized rainbow trout. This is a 10-acre pond located at Bethany west of Portland. The pond is maintained by Tualatin Hills Park and Rec. Amenities include picnic tables, restrooms, and a paved, ADA accessible trail.

BLUE LAKE: rainbot trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead, black crappie, bluegill

Stocked the week of March 11 with 1,500 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 64-acre lake located in Blue Lake Park 3 miles west of Troutdale. This family-friendly park as picnic areas, restrooms, walking trail, and ramp for small boats. Park is maintained by Multnomah County.

BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

Blue River Reservoir is located east of Eugene near the town of Blue River, north of Highway 126 and is open to year-round fishing. The Reservoir will be stocked this week with 3,500 legal sized rainbow trout.

CANBY POND: rainbow trout

Will be stocked this week with 350 legal-sized and 25 one-pound trout. Canby Pond is a 1-acre pond located on the south end of Canby in Canby City Park. The park is south of Hwy 99E and adjacent to the Molalla River. Angling restricted to youth age 17 and under or holders of one of the Disabled Anglers permits.

CARMEN RESERVOIR: trout

Carmen Reservoir is accessed via FS Road 750 off Hwy 126, about 2 miles south of Clear Lake, and is open all year. Motor boats are prohibited on Carmen Reservoir.

Clackamas River Steelhead - Photo by Travis Waslters-

CLACKAMAS RIVER: winter steelhead

Anglers are still picking up a few winter steelhead while also finding some summers mixed in now, with the fish spread throughout from McIver Park down to the river mouth. Although the water came up considerably after the weekend rain it should be in good shape by late this week. It’s a bit early but anglers can also anticipate some spring chinook nosing into the lower river.

Monday hydrological data for the Clackamas has flows up to 7.830 cfs, with a gauge height in Estacada of 15.12 ft. and the water temperature down near 43°.

Barbless hooks are now required from the mouth to the 99E Bridge when fishing for salmon, steelhead and trout.

COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: trout

The Coast Fork of the Willamette River is open to catch-and-release fishing only, using artificial flies and lures. It will open to harvest angling April 27.

COMMONWEALTH LAKE: trout, bass, bluegill, crappie

This is a three-acre stocked lake within the Commonwealth Lake Park in Beaverton, Oregon. Commonwealth Park is maintained by Tualatin Hills Park and Rec. Amenities include ADA accessible trail, picnic tables, playground, restrooms.

COTTAGE GROVE POND: trout, warmwater species

Cottage Grove Pond will be the location of a free Family Fishing Event this Saturday, April 13 from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. ODFW staff and volunteers will be available with equipment to loan and expertise to share to help your family enjoy a weekend fishing outing. The pond will be stocked with 2,000 fish for this event. All anglers 14 and older must have a 2013 fishing license. Contact the Springfield ODFW at 541-726-3515 with questions. To access the pond, travel east from Cottage Grove on Row River Road. Cottage Grove Pond is located behind the truck scales and may be accessed via an asphalt pathway. Only the pond with the dock is stocked with hatchery trout.

COTTAGE GROVE RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

Cottage Grove Reservoir was recently stocked with 3,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. Warmwater fish and holdover trout are available to anglers. The reservoir is south of Cottage Grove.

NOTICE: The Oregon Health Authority has issued a health advisory updating information about eating fish caught in Cottage Grove Reservoir. Under the advisory issued June 5, 2012 people can safely consume up to nine meals per month of hatchery-grown rainbow trout month that are 12 inches in length or less. People can distinguish hatchery-grown rainbow trout by the absence of the adipose fin, which is clipped before hatchery fish are released into streams and reservoirs. Despite the new exception for rainbow trout, mercury contamination for resident warm-water fish, including bass, bluegill, crappie and bullhead continues to be a concern. Women of childbearing age, particularly pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under six years of age and persons having liver or kidney ailments should avoid eating any fish from this reservoir other than rainbow trout. Healthy women beyond childbearing age, other healthy adults and healthy children six years of age and older should eat no more than one 8-ounce meal of fish other than rainbow trout per month.

CRESWELL POND (GARDEN LAKE): trout, warmwater

Garden Lake (Creswell Pond) was last stocked for the season the week of April 1. Garden Lake (Creswell Pond) is located in Garden Lake Park on the east side of I-5 in Creswell.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout, kokanee

Located 50 miles east of Salem, this large lake (approx. 3,000 acres at full pool) receives over 100,000 trout throughout the year. The reservoir was stocked last week with its first batch of 10,000 legal sized rainbow trout. The water level is currently 32 feet below full pool (as of April 8). The Mongold-Low boat ramp is the only ramp in the water; exercise caution when launching. Check with local outfitters in the town of Detroit to find out more.

DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout

Dexter Reservoir will be stocked with 2,900 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. Dexter Reservoir is adjacent to Highway 58 near Lowell and is open all year.

DORENA RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater

Dorena Reservoir was recently stocked with 6,000 rainbow trout. Dorena Reservoir is east of Cottage Grove on Row River Road and is open all year.

DORMAN POND: trout

Stocked the week of March 11 with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is an 8-acre pond west of Forest Grove at the junction of Hwy. 8 and Hwy. 6.

EAGLE CREEK: winter steelhead

Steelhead -Photo by Charlotte Ganskopp-

The Eagle Creek winter steelhead fishery is about over for this spring but anglers can anticipate the return of spring chinook in the next month or so from 240,000 smolts released annually at the Eagle Fern Park acclimation facility.

Long stretches of Eagle Creek run through private property, particularly up near the hatchery and from an area below the lower ladder on down past Bonnie Lure to the mouth. Anglers are advised to pay close attention to where you fish and we encourage you to ask permission prior to accessing or crossing private lands on your way to your favorite fishing hole. See Page 15 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulation pamphlet for more information on “Your Rights to Use the Surface, Bed, and Banks of Oregon’s Rivers and Lakes.”

EAST FREEWAY LAKE: trout, bass, bluegill, crappie

This pond features some good size bass and crappie. A boat ramp is available. Freeway Lakes was stocked last week with 800 legal and 100 larger size rainbow trout. To get there take the State Police exit in Albany and follow the frontage road south (3 Lakes Road) for several miles.

EE WILSON POND: trout, bluegill

EE Wilson Pond reopened for fishing Friday, Feb. 1 and has been stocked several times already. It will be stocked again this week with 850 legal, 100 larger and 25 trophy-size rainbow trout. Anglers can expect crowded conditions for a while so please exercise courtesy while enjoying this fabulous fishing opportunity. Also be reminded that permits are required when parking anywhere at EE Wilson Wildlife Area.

ESTACADA Lake: trout, steelhead, chinook, coho

Last stocked in mid-September with 1,750 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a supplemental stocking to the Aug. 27 release of 3,200 legal-sized rainbow trout. Estacada is a 150-acre reservoir on the Clackamas River behind River Mill Dam. There is a fishing dock and ADA-accessible fishing platform that provide the only non-boating access. There is a boat ramp in Milo McIver State Park at the lower end of the reservoir, picnic areas, and restrooms. There is a fee for entering the park.
 
FERN RIDGE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead

This 9,000 acre lake just 12 miles west of Eugene is the Willamette Basin’s largest water body. It has four boat ramps and there is good bank angling along the dam and at the shoreline parks. The reservoir is slowly filling and is currently 8 feet below full as of April 8, which leaves Orchard Point Park with the only usable boat ramp at this time. For local information regarding the lake, contact the Lane County Parks Department at 541-682-2000.

This lake is mostly shallow with a band of deep water from the original channel of the Long Tom River. The reservoir produces crappie over 12 inches and bass angling has been very good in recent years. Best time of year for crappie is in spring after the water temperature reaches the mid-50s, but fish can still be found in deeper water year round. July and August are peak months for largemouth bass. Fish the shoreline along the southern part of the reservoir, especially the sloughs and inlets where there is underwater structure.

Foster Reservoir -Photo by Rick Swart, ODFW

FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish

This scenic 1,200-acre reservoir on the South Santiam River is located just 30 minutes from Interstate 5. There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and two seasonal boat ramps. It will be stocked again this week with 3,000 rainbow trout. Please remember that only kokanee and adipose fin-clipped trout may be taken and there are no limits on size or number of bass. Currently the reservoir is 7 feet below full pool (as of April 8). From I-5 take US 20 east from Albany to the town of Sweet Home. The reservoir is 3 miles past the town on the left.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: kokanee, trout, bass

This large reservoir east of Sweet Home is a premier kokanee fishery with a bag limit of 25 fish per day. It also supports stocked rainbow trout and some large smallmouth bass. Reservoir levels are approximately 27 feet below full pool (as of April 8) and the Thistle Creek boat ramp remains open. It is scheduled to be stocked this week with 9,000 legal rainbow trout.
 
HENRY HAGG LAKE: rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, yellow bullhead, native cutthroat trout

Stocked the week of April 1 with 200 one-pound trout. The lake was stocked with 18,000 legal-sized rainbow trout the first week of March. An additional 400 brood trout weighing 5-15 pounds apiece were released while the lake was closed in December and January and will be a nice prize for anglers fortunate enough to catch one. Remember, the limit on trout 20 inches or more is one per day. Hennry Hagg is a 1,110-acre lake seven miles southwest of Forest Grove. Maintained and operated by Washington County, the park features numerous picnic areas, two boat launching facilities, more than 15 miles of hiking trails, and observation decks for wildlife and bird watching.

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater

Hills Creek Reservoir will benefit from an unscheduled release of 2,700 legal sized rainbow trout this week. This reservoir is open to fishing all year. All non-adipose fin-clipped trout and salmon must be released unharmed.

HILLS CREEK above HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

Hills Creek is closed to angling until April 27, 2013.

HUDDLESTON POND: trout, bass, bluegill

Stocked the week of April 1 with 1,200 legal-sized rainbow trout and 200 one-pound rainbow trout. This is a 5-acre pond located within Huddleston Pond Park in the city of Willamina, Ore. A former mill pond, it contains woody debris that provides habitat for bass and bluegill. It reaches a maximum depth of about 10 feet, with shallow "kid-friendly" edges. It is ADA accessible in places, with a restroom and picnic areas nearby. There is paved parking lot and small ramp for people who want to launch small, non-motorized boats.

JUNCTION CITY POND: trout, crappie

This prime fishing pond was stocked several times in January and February ranging from legal-size up to ‘pounders’. It will be stocked this week with 850 legal, 100 larger, and 25 trophy-size rainbow trout. Casting spinners and plunking with PowerBait can be effective strategies for these fish. Junction City pond is located about 2 miles south of Junction City on 99W on the west side of the highway. There is excellent access around the entire 8-acre pond. As a reminder, zone regulations apply: five trout daily may be kept and only one over 20 inches. The steelhead stocked a couple of months ago are considered ‘trout’ and the ‘only-one-over-20-inches’ regulation applies.

LEABURG LAKE: trout

Rainbow Trout - Photo by Greg Huchko-

Leaburg Lake is closed to angling until April 27, 2013.

MCKENZIE RIVER below Leaburg Lake: trout, salmon, steelhead

Only adipose fin-clipped trout may be taken down to Hayden Bridge. No trout harvest is allowed below Hayden Bridge. Note that a new regulation went into effect in 2013 allowing only the use of artificial flies or lures between Hayden Bridge and Hendricks Bridge unless targeting salmon or steelhead with hooks 5/8-inch gap or larger during the period May 1 – June 15.

MCKENZIE RIVER above Leaburg Lake: trout, steelhead

The McKenzie River above Leaburg Lake is closed to angling until April 27, 2013.

MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER above Hills Creek Reservoir: trout

The Middle Fork Willamette River above Hills Creek Reservoir is closed to angling until April 27, 2013.

MT HOOD POND: trout

Stocked the week of March 11 with 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This release is in addition to the early January of rainbow trout brood stock ranging from 7 to 15 pounds. Anglers are reminded the bag limit on trout 20 inches and longer is one per day. Mt. Hood Pond, located on the Mt. Hood Community College campus in Gresham, is now open to all licensed and juvenile angler since the restriction limiting access to anglers 17 and under as well as those in possession of ODFW’s Disabled Angler Permit applies April 1 through Aug. 31.

NORTH AND SOUTH SANTIAM: steelhead, trout

Recent rains have brought flow levels up and are currently at 4,780 cfs at Mehama on the North Santiam and 7,420 cfs at Waterloo on the South Santiam with water temperatures generally in the mid 40s. Anglers report some success catching steelhead between Packsaddle and Mehama on the North Santiam and below Foster on the South Santiam. The new crop of summer steelhead have begun to show up at Willamette Falls with 1,261 fish entering the ladder as of April 4. A few fresh summer steelhead (82 fish as of April 4) have already shown up at Foster as well. Winter steelhead migrating above Willamette Falls remain below average with 4,004 fish counted as of April 4. When the ‘bite’ is on, bobbers and jigs are the preferred angling method with spoons and egg clusters also being effective. A few hundred winter steelhead have passed above Stayton on the North Santiam and 123 fish have entered the Foster dam fish trap on the South Santiam so far.
River levels best for fishing are below 3,000 cfs at the Mehama gauge. Check current conditions.

River levels best for fishing are below 3,000 cfs at the Mehama gauge. Check current conditions.

CAUTION:  We received a report of a downed tree obstructing the Lower Bennett dam boat slide on the North Santiam at Stayton. Boaters are advised to use the south channel and the boat slide on Upper Bennett dam to get passed that section of the river. The section between Shelburn and Green’s Bridge remains hazardous for boaters because of downed trees and multiple side channels. Better bets are the floats below Green’s Bridge and above Stayton when conditions improve.

PROGRESS LAKE: trout, brown bullhead

Stocked the week of March 11 and 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 4-acre pond next to the Progress Ridge Town Center in Beaverton, Oregon. The pond is an old rock pit and has a maximum depth of 54 feet. There is a sidewalk, fishing platform and viewing platform on one side of the lake. The lake is owned by Tualatin Hills Parks and Rec. Boating and swimming are prohibited on this lake.

ROARING RIVER POND: trout

This is a small one acre pond in Roaring River County Park near ODFW’s Roaring River fish hatchery. To get there, drive highway 226 east out of Albany and turn right onto Fish Hatchery Road and continue for about 7 miles. Park is on the right. It was stocked last this week with 160 legal and 20 larger-sized rainbow trout.

SALMON CREEK: trout

Salmon Creek, near Oakridge, is open to catch-and-release fishing using artificial flies and lures.

SALT CREEK: trout

Salt Creek is a tributary to the Middle Fork Willamette River east of Oakridge, and is open to catch-and-release fishing using artificial flies and lures.

SANDY RIVER: winter steelhead

Sandy River Steelhead -Photo by Jessica Sall-

Sandy River winter steelhead fishing has been slow lately but a few summer steelhead are beginning to show up regularly in the catch. Flows are way up after the weekend storm but conditions should improve by the weekend.

ODFW checks show a few fish caught, winters and summers, from Lewis and Clark on up to Revenue Bridge, with Cedar Creek providing the best success.

Monday hydrological data for the Sandy River has flows up considerably at 6,530 cfs, a gauge reading of 11.91 ft and the water temperature near 40°.

SANTIAM RIVER NORTH FORK above Detroit Lake: trout

This beautiful section of the river closed for trout fishing as of Oct. 31, 2012 and will re-open April 27, 2013. Also, please be aware that this section of river above Detroit Lake is closed to salmon fishing. Weather permitting, you may find this highway route to be an excellent family outing for simply enjoying nature.

SCOUT LAKE: trout

Hwy. 30 toward Clatskanie; take the Swedetown Rd. exit; follow Swedetown Rd. about a quarter of a mile to Olson Rd. Turn right onto Olson Rd. Follow Scout Lake signs posted along Olson Road about three miles to locked gate. From there hike in about a mile to the lake or sign out a key to the gate from the City of Clatskanie at 95 S. Nehalem and drive in. For more information, contact the City of Clatskanie at 503-728-2622.

SHERIDAN POND: trout

Will be stocked this week with 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. Sheridan Pond is a 2 1/2-acre pond located on the edge of town. It provides excellent access for families and kids. Good parking. From Hwy. 18, take exit 33 to Balston Rd., turn right and left to the pond.

SMITH RESERVOIR: trout

Smith Reservoir is north of Trail Bridge Reservoir and is accessed by turning off Hwy 126 at Trail Bridge Reservoir and following FS Road 730 north to Smith Dam. The reservoir is not visible from the highway and is open to year-around fishing.

SOUTH FORK YAMHILL RIVER: rainbow trout, cutthroat trout

Closed to angling on Oct. 1.

ST. LOUIS PONDS: trout, bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, channel catfish

Will be stocked this week with 750 legal-sized and 200 one-pound trout. The ponds are located west of I-5 about 15 miles north of Salem and 2 miles West of Gervais. From Gervais, take St Louis Rd west to Tesch Lane, turn left onto Tesch Lane and follow road into the St. Louis Ponds public fishing area.

Rainbow Trout on a stringer - Photo by Bob Swingle, ODFW-

SUNNYSIDE PARK POND: trout, bass, bluegill

This 4-acre pond is located 2 miles above the upper end of Foster Reservoir. Since the beginning of the year, this family-friendly pond has been stocked with 1,650 trout ranging from larger-size to 2.5 pound brooders. It was stocked again last week with 500 legal and 25 larger size rainbow trout. Sunnyside Pond also offers bluegill and largemouth bass year round. The park has a campground and picnic area and is a great place to take kids fishing. There is boat ramp access to the Middle Fork arm of Foster Reservoir. To get there from I5, take US 20 through the town of Sweet Home and continue around Foster Reservoir to Quartzville Creek road. Take a left and follow this road for two miles to the park.
                             
TIMBER-LINN LAKE: trout

This beautiful, family-friendly fishing pond is located within the 90-acre Timber-Linn Memorial Park in Albany. Within the last couple of months, the lake has been stocked with 1,500 ‘larger’ trout and nearly 200 heavyweight brooders. It will be stocked again this week with 250 legal and 25 larger-size rainbow trout. Please keep in mind that only one fish over 20 inches may be taken per day. Timber-Linn Lake can be reached by turning east off I-5 onto the Santiam Highway (Hwy. 20), then immediately turning north onto Price Road and proceeding to the park entrance.

TRAIL BRIDGE RESERVOIR: trout

Trail Bridge Reservoir is open to year-round angling. Only adipose fin-clipped trout may be harvested from Trail Bridge Reservoir. Flies and lures only may be used. Trail Bridge Reservoir is adjacent to Hwy 126 and is approximately 60 miles east of Springfield. Only adipose fin-clipped trout may be harvested from Trail Bridge Reservoir. Flies and lures only may be used. Trail Bridge Reservoir is adjacent to Hwy 126 and is approximately 60 miles east of Springfield.

TROJAN POND: trout, warmwater species

Stocked the week of April 1 with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 15-acre lake just east of Rainier on the north side of Hwy 30 at the Trojan nuclear facility.

WALLING POND: trout, crappie, bass

In recent weeks, Walling Pond has received over 2,200 trout ranging in size from legals to multi-pound brooders. It was stocked last week with 400 legal and 50 larger size rainbow trout. As a reminder, brooders are considered trout so zone regulations apply: five trout daily may be kept and only one may be over 20 inches The pond is located within the Salem city limits west of I-5. Take Turner Road off Mission Street.

WALTER WIRTH LAKE: trout, crappie, bass

Since the first of the year, this pond has received several stockings totaling over 8,000 fish providing anglers an opportunity to catch trout of all sizes, from legal 8-inch trout to whoppers over 10 pounds. It was stocked again last week with 2,200 legal and 150 larger size rainbow trout. As a reminder, brooders are considered trout so zone regulations apply: five trout daily may be kept and only one over 20 inches. This wheelchair accessible lake is located just east of Salem within Cascade Gateway Park, west of I-5 at Hwy. 22. Take Airport Rd. or Turner Rd. to reach the lake.

WAVERLY POND: trout, bluegill, catfish

Since the beginning of the year, Waverly Pond has received 2,500 trout ranging in size from ‘larger’ to trophies. It will be stocked again this week with 750 legal size rainbow trout. Please be aware, only one fish over 20 inches may be kept. Here is an excellent in-town fishing opportunity. From I-5 take exit 234 west towards Albany. The pond, located a quarter mile down the Pacific Boulevard and on the right, will be found in a beautiful park-like setting.

WEST SALISH POND: panfish, trout

WILLAMETTE RIVER: winter steelhead, spring chinook

Willamette Falls -Photo by Kathy Munsel-

Winter steelhead passage over Willamette Falls continues on a slow yet steady pace but continues to track at about 50 percent of the previous ten year average. Through April 4 a total of 4,004 winter steelhead passed upstream while the summer steelhead number has reached 1,261. Spring chinook passage has begun to increase as the water has warmed and that number has reached 314 through April 4.

Angling effort for springers has increased as expected throughout the river from Bayport to Oregon City but catch so far has been only slow to fair with the best overall catch rates showing up in the lower Multnomah Channel and from the Portland Harbor up to Sellwood.

Hydro readings at Willamette Falls on April 8 show flows increased significantly at 34,700 cfs, visibility dropped to 3.6 ft., and the water temperature has moved down to 50°.

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  HUNTING

OPEN: COUGAR, SPRING BEAR

Cougar - Royalty Free Image-

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

Hunters: Return black-tailed deer teeth!
ODFW asks that successful Western Oregon deer hunters return black-tailed deer teeth. See this flyer for directions

Hunter orange required for youth
Don’t forget: hunters age 17 and under must wear a fluorescent orange upper garment OR hat when hunting upland game birds (except turkey) and game mammals (deer, elk, bear, cougar, pronghorn, goat, sheep, and western gray squirrel) with a firearm.

Use the Oregon Hunting Map to see where to hunt.

Industrial forestland owners will usually have information regarding access to their property posted on their gates and usually have a “hotline” devoted to providing up-to-date access for hunters. In addition, many private timberlands use the following link to provide information regarding the access policy for their private lands. Hunters need to have permission to hunt or make sure hunting is allowed before accessing private lands.

BE PREPARED

Hunters are reminded to prepare for cold temperatures: dress appropriately and keep survival equipment such as food, water, sleeping bags with you and in your vehicle during the winter months. Let someone know where you will be and when you expect to return just in case your vehicle becomes stuck.

Spring BEARseason opened on April 1 for those hunters with a tag. Tags were allocated through the controlled spring hunt drawing for all hunts except SW Oregon, which is a limited first-come, first-served hunt. Tags for the SW Oregon hunt are sold out for 2013. Hunters are reminded to check the 2013 Big Game Regulations for their exact hunt boundaries, season dates and requirements for checking in their bear. Bear activity and hunter success is usually low during the early portions of the season. Bear activity will increase as the weather warms and spring progresses. Skunk cabbage and green grasses are preferred forage items this time of year. Early in the season hunters will want to target coastal areas or low elevation riparian areas and will want to choose warm, spring-like days to hunt. Hunters with limited time to spend afield will want to concentrate their effort during the last 3 weeks of the season.

Hunters are reminded that the skull of any bear taken must be presented to an ODFW office or designated collection site within 10 days of the kill to be inspected, tagged and have a pre-molar tooth removed for aging. Only the skull is required for the check-in and it should be unfrozen when presented. ODFW staff recommends that the hide be removed before check-in and hunters call ahead to make arrangements to have the bear checked. Please review the 2013 Big Game Hunting Regulations before your hunting trip to ensure that you are familiar with all of the requirements.

Cougar - Season is open. Opportunities to track cougars in the snow will diminish with the onset of spring but hunters may still find this technique affective for the next few weeks in the higher elevations of the Cascade Mountains. Cougars are challenging to hunt due to their secretive nature, penchant for traveling great distances, and characteristic low population density, but can bring large rewards for successful hunters. Some hunters have had luck calling cougars to them with predator calls that mimic a deer fawn or elk calf. The key to successful calling is to get within hearing range of a cougar, which will require that hunters be familiar with the local landscape characteristics, be aware of deer and elk patterns in the area, and understand cougar habits. Hunting with a partner is recommended for those hunters attempting to call cougars, since these animals can be difficult to see and hear as they approach. Calling for at least an hour from each calling location is important. Using a tree stand or sitting back-to-back is a good technique to cover all potential entry points.

Successful cougar hunters will need to check-in any cougar taken at an ODFW office within 10 days of the kill. Hunters are reminded that biologists located in field offices may be out in the field handling other issues so call ahead to make arrangements to have your cougar checked-in. The hide and skull must be unfrozen and the skull and proof of sex must be attached to the hide. Hunters are required to submit the reproductive tract of any female cougar taken. Please review the 2012 Big Game Hunting Regulations before your hunting trip to ensure that you are familiar with all of the requirements.

NEW: Hunters get a free Sauvie Island parking permit with their purchase of an annual hunting license. Display on car dash. The parking permit is also required at EE Wilson Wildlife Area near Corvallis and a number of other areas. More information.

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  VIEWING

VALLEYWIDE

WETLANDS BIRD WALK, Saturday, April 13, Smith and Bybee Wetlands, 9 – 11 a.m. Join Metro naturalist James Davis for a walking tour of this wetlands area in north Portland. During spring about 30 bird species migrate through the wetlands or join year-round residents for nesting. Registration and payment of $6 per adult or $11 per household required in advance. For more information, call 503-220-2781.

WETLANDS TURTLE WALK, Saturday, April 13, Smith and Bybee Wetlands, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Smith and Bybee Wetlands is home to one of the state’s largest Western painted turtle populations. See these beautiful reptiles with the help of Metro naturalist James Davis. Registration and payment of $6 per adult or $11 per household required in advance. For more information, call 503-220-2781.

MT. TALBERT NATURE WALK, Wednesday, April 17, 8 – 11 a.m.
Join Ron Escano and the Audubon Society of Portland on a walking tour of Mt. Talbert Nature Park to look for early spring migrants. Directions: From I 205 exit 14- Sunnyside/Sunnybrook off ramp, turn east on SE Sunnybrook Blvd. Turn south on SE 97th Avenue. Continue south on SE 97th which turns into SE Mather Road. Entrance to Mt Talbert Nature Park is on the north side of the road, about 1/4 mile after SE 97th changes to Mather Road. Dress for the weather and beginners welcome.

VALLEYWIDE

Wild Turkey - National Wild Turkey Federation-

Wild turkeys are actively strutting and courting during this time of year. These birds were introduced into Oregon from other parts of the US where they are native. These birds are widely established in the foothills around the edge of the Willamette Valley. Look for them where there is a mix of wooded areas and pastures. Mixed hardwoods, especially oaks, are preferred over conifers. Tall pines or fir trees are often used for night roosts. Fortunately, turkeys are most active and easiest to see on warm sunny days! Landowners beware! While turkeys are fun to watch and have around, if you feed them you may create a serious problem for yourself and your neighbors. Turkeys will often become a serious nuisance when they concentrate in an area because they are being fed. Turkeys that are not fed will range widely and rarely cause such problems.
 
Three species of garter snake occur in the Willamette Valley. They are the most commonly seen snakes. Much variability in coloration exists in garter snakes but the best identifying characteristic is a stripe down the middle of the snake's back. No other snake species in western Oregon has a stripe down the middle. A good place to see these harmless snakes is on gravel roads and trails through wetland areas. Wildlife areas in the Willamette Valley such as Fern Ridge, Finley, EE Wilson, Baskett Slough and Ankeny are all good areas to see these beautiful animals. Best viewing conditions are on warm sunny days.
 
Ospreys are now returning to northwest Oregon from their wintering grounds in Central America. Ospreys mate for life and are building nests, which can be observed on the tops of communication towers, power poles, and broken off trees. 

Turkey Vulture - Photo by Dave Budeau-

Turkey vultures are also on the move this time of year. Turkey vultures are migrating northward to their breeding grounds. Watch for these large birds on drier days riding the thermals and imagine what our world would look like (and smell like) if there were no turkey vultures to clean up all the dead critters!

Many of the migratory songbirds will begin returning to the area in the next few weeks. Good places to see these birds include Skinners Butte Park, Spencer Butte, Fern Ridge Wildlife Area, Howard Buford Park, Elijah Bristow Park, Brown and Minto Island Park, and Ankeny, Finley and Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuges.

During April, listen closely for the musical call of sand hill cranes as they pass through the valley on their way north. Large flocks can be seen flying very high. They occasionally land in fields east and north of Salem for a few days of rest. 

Continue to look for signs of spring―blooms on trees and the arrival of sparrows, tree swallows, robins and hummingbirds. 4/9/13.

Corvallis Area

EE Wilson Wildlife Area

Hooded Merganser - Photo by Greg Gillson-

Wildlife viewing is good with waterfowl, shorebirds and neotropical migrants beginning to arrive. Deciduous trees do not have leaves allowing better viewing. Note: dogs are required to be on a leash inside the wildlife area boundary.

Starting April 1, people can use the photography blind on the Wildlife Area. Staff will feed daily so there will be good photo opportunities for waterfowl including mallards, wood duck, hooded merganser, ring-necked duck, western Canada goose. Broods are common. Snipe and other shorebirds are periodically seen. Call the office to make a reservation, (541) 745-5334.
 
Find directions to EE Wilson Wildlife Area.

Sauvie Island

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

Sandhill Crane at Sauvie Island Wildlife Area - Photo by Kathy Munsel-

NEW: Migratory sandhill cranes are still on the island and are doing their mating dance. The great blue heron rookery is visible from the S-turn by Marshall beach with nearly 200 birds. Herons generally nest (roost) in colonies in large trees. The hummingbirds have arrived along with the migratory song birds.

Bald eagles and red-tailed hawks are very active on their nests in anticipation of their new arrivals. There are approximately 10 active eagle nests on the Wildlife Area. The osprey continue to increase, look for their nests on the platforms on top of power poles.

Viewing areas currently open to the public are Coon Point, the Eastside Viewing Platform and Rentenaar Road. The hiking trail at the end of Reeder Rd which leads to Warrior Rock Lighthouse remains open year around. The majority of the wildlife area is scheduled to open on April 16, 2013 and the eastside units within the levy system will open on May 1, 2013.

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