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Weekend fishing opportunities:

• Steelhead - Oregon Fish and Wildlife-

  Anglers have been catching good numbers of spring chinook in the middle and upper Rogue.

• Spring chinook numbers continue to build on the North Umpqua River.
  
  
• Spring brown trout fishing on Lemolo Reservoir has been good.
  
  
• Look for warmwater fishing to keep getting better as the warm weather continues.

• ODFW will host an adult fly fishing workshop at LaVerne Park on the Coquille River on Saturday, June 2. For details and to register.

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.

Are now available on the ODFW website.

AGATE LAKE: trout, largemouth bass, black crappie

Fishing for bass, crappie, bluegill and other warmwater species has been good. The bass have moved into the shallows preparing to spawn, and the crappie and bluegill can be found around the flooded willows and other structure. Agate Lake has been stocked with legal and larger-sized rainbows, so trout fishing should be good as well. The reservoir level is now at 100 percent of capacity.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, spring chinook, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Applegate Reservoir was recently stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. These fish, along with larger trout remaining from last fall’s stocking, are contributing to good trout fishing. The water is still rather cool, so fishing for smallmouth bass has been slow; however, it should improve over the next few weeks as the water warms. The Hart-tish boat ramp and facilities are now open. The Copper ramp is also open, and the French Gulch launch can still be used but parking there is limited.

APPLEGATE RIVER: rainbow and cutthroat trout, winter steelhead

Applegate River flows at Wilderville

ARIZONA POND: rainbow trout

Quite a few trout are still cruising around the pond, but as water temperatures climb they have become a little tougher to catch. Anglers may need to fish start fishing earlier in the morning or late evening when the sun is off the water. Bobber and worm, spinners and flies all work well. The pond is managed by Oregon State Parks and is open only to youth 17 and under.  

BEN IRVING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, yellow perch, crappie

The reservoir has been stocked with 4,000 trout this spring. Bass and bluegill fishing should pick up soon as water temperatures warm and fish start to spawn.

BURMA POND:  rainbow trout, bass, bluegill

Burma Pond will be stocked this week with legal-sized rainbow trout. Still fishing with bait is one of the more effective ways to fish this shallow, weedy pond.

CHETCO RIVER:

Closed until trout opener on May 26.

COOPER CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, crappie

Rainbow Trout -Photo by Kathy Munsel-

The reservoir has beenstocked with 7,500 trout so far this year. Fishing will improve for trout and warmwater species once normal spring temperatures arrive.  Remember only trout 8 inches or larger can be retained.

COOS COUNTY LAKES: rainbow trout, largemouth bass

Trout have been stocked this past month in Bradley Lake, Powers Pond, Saunders Lake, Eel Lake, Butterfield Lake, Empire Lakes, Tenmile Lakes, Bluebill Lake, and Johnson Mill Pond.  Stocking of Sru Lake will be delayed because of limited access to the lake. Sru Lake should be stocked later in May.  Fishing with PowerBait near the bottom or trolling a spinner are good ways to catch trout.

Water temperatures in many of the area lakes have reached the mid-60s.  Largemouth bass have started to spawn in many of the area lakes and will be found in shallow water usually next to some type of cover like weedlines or sunken logs.  Bluegills and crappies are becoming active in a few small lakes like Powers Pond.  They can be caught on a small 1/16 oz jig with a twister tail or a worm on a small hook.

COOS RIVER BASIN: Dungeness crab, bay clams, bottom fish

Trout season does not open until May 26.   

Fishing for greenling and rockfish has been decent around the jetties. Sand shrimp work very well for catching greenling and any lure imitating a baitfish will work for catching rockfish.

Crabbing in Coos Bay has been very good for those crabbing from a boat. Crabbing from the dock as has been slower. Crabbing has been good from the jetties up to the Empire area. 

Clamming is excellent during low tides near Charleston, off Cape Arago Highway, and Clam Island.  There are good places to dig clams even on positive low tides in Coos Bay. The next negative tides will be during the week of May 21. For more information on shellfish in Coos Bay click on the following link: Shellfish Assessment of Coastal Oregon. Before any shellfish harvest trip, make sure to check the Oregon Department of Agriculture website for any updates.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: Dungeness crab

Trout season does not open until May 26.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: Dungeness crab

Trout season does not open until May 26.

Crabbing is good in the lower Coquille River. Best crabbing is from a boat but a few legal crab are also being harvested from Weber’s Pier in Bandon.

DIAMOND LAKE: rainbow trout

The ice is off Diamond Lake now. The North boat ramp is accessible, but the other boat ramps have not yet been plowed. This year’s limit has remained at 8 fish per angler (8 inch minimum and only 1 fish over 20 inches). Anglers using worms or flashy jigs were fairly successful. Trout from 10 to 18 inches were caught. For additional information, contact Diamond Lake Resort at 1-800-733-7593.

DUTCH HERMAN POND:  rainbow trout, bass, bluegill

Dutch Herman Pond will be stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout again this week. Still fishing with bait is one of the more effective ways to fish this shallow, weedy pond.

ELK  RIVER:

Closed until trout opener on May 26.

EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie

Fishing at the Emigrant Reservoir -Oregon Fish and Wildlife-

Emigrant Reservoir was stocked last week with legal-sized rainbow trout. Trolling slowly with lures or bait-lure combinations has been effective. Bank access is readily available and anglers have been doing well still-fishing with bait and casting lures.  Fishing for bass, bluegill, crappie and other warmwater gamefish has been good.  Largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie can be found around the flooded willows, while the smallmouth bass prefer the rocky shorelines. The water level at Emigrant is at 99 percent of capacity.

Anglers should be aware that a health advisory has been issued recommending limits on consumption of all fish from Emigrant except rainbow trout. Information on the Emigrant Reservoir advisory, along with general information on mercury and fish can be found on the DHS Website.

EXPO POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill

Expo Pond is located at the Jackson County Fairgrounds immediately adjacent to the access road at Gate 5. The pond was stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout last week, and larger trout stocked last fall are still available. In addition, the north pond near Upton Road also has rainbow trout remaining from the stocking last fall. Fishing for bass, crappie, and other warmwater gamefish has been very good.

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout, spring chinook

Fish Lake is free of ice, and the parking lot and boat ramp are clear of snow.  The lake will be stocked this week with legal and larger-sized rainbow trout. Brook trout and chinook salmon are also available. Cold water has limited fishing success, but catch rates should improve as the water warms over the next few weeks. Boat anglers can catch fish by trolling lures or attractor/bait combinations. There is ample bank access from which anglers can catch fish either by still-fishing with bait or casting lures. The Forest Service Campground is now open. Camp sites and cabins are available at the Fish Lake Resort (541-949-5800). 

ODFW stocked juvenile tiger trout (a brook trout—brown trout hybrid) into Fish Lake last fall. It is hoped that these predatory trout will feed on the abundant minnows in the lake and grow to provide for a trophy-quality fishery in a few years. Anglers are asked to carefully release any tiger trout they catch.

FLORAS LAKE:  rainbow trout, cutthroat trout

The lake was recently stock with legal-sized trout and should provide for some good trout fishing over the next few weeks. The lake is best fished from a boat, as there is limited bank angling. The lake can be very windy, so anglers should check the weather prior to heading out.
 
Boat anglers are reminded to clean all aquatic vegetation off their boats and trailers before heading home to help control the spread non-native plants and animals.

GALESVILLE RESERVIOR: rainbow trout, bass

Galesville Reservoir is open to angling year-round. In addition to trout, the reservoir has also been stocked with coho smolts the last couple years. Many people mistakenly think these fish are kokanee. All of the coho smolts are adipose fin-clipped. In Galesville Reservoir, all landlocked salmon are considered trout. Thus, there is a five per day trout limit, with only one trout over 20 inches in length allowed for harvest.

The reservoir has been stocked with 6,500 trout so far this year. Anglers are reminded all bass between 12 and 15 inches must be released, and only one bass over 15 inches may be taken per day. Bass fishing will pick up soon with warming water temperatures. Call 541-837-3302 for information on camping and boat launching conditions.

Fly Fishing -Royalty Free Image-

GARRISON LAKE: rainbow trout

Trout fishing has slowed with warmer water and increased aquatic vegetation growth.  Slow trolling in some of the deeper parts of the lake during the day can be a good producer. Boat anglers will want to keep an eye on the weather and fish the lake when there is no wind. Access for bank anglers is best at the 12th street boat ramp or along the foredune accessed through Tseriadun State Park. Garrison Lake is located in the middle of Port Orford.

Boat anglers are reminded to clean all aquatic vegetation off their boats and trailers before heading home to help control the spread non-native plants and animals.

HEMLOCK LAKE & LAKE IN THE WOODS: trout

Be aware during winter travel that the road to Hemlock is not plowed. The road is open to Lake in the Woods, which was recently stocked.

HERBERT’S POND: trout, bass

Herbert’s pond was recently stocked. The pond is not at full pool, but has enough water to hold some trout.

HOWARD PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Cold water has limited catch rates, but the rainbow trout landed have been of good size and quality. Fishing should improve as the water warms over the next few weeks. Anglers had the most success fishing bait from the shore or from boats, or by trolling lures. The campgrounds and most other facilities are open. The Howard Prairie Resort has a restaurant, camping facilities, and boat rentals. 

HYATT LAKE: trout, largemouth bass

The lake is free of ice and the main boat ramp at the BLM Campground is open. Catch rates have been limited by cool water temperatures, but should improve as the water warms over the next several weeks.  The fish being caught are in excellent condition, and have averaged about 15 inches, with some fish exceeding 20 inches. Still fishing with bait and trolling with lures or lure and bait combinations have been effective. The boat ramp at the Hyatt Lake Resort is no longer available, but the bait shop is open and the parking area is available for bank anglers.
ILLINOIS RIVER: trout, steelhead

Illinois River flows at Kerby  

LAKE MARIE: rainbow trout

Fishing has improved recently, and anglers using worms or PowerBait have had some success. The lake has been stocked with 4,000 trout so far this spring.

LAKE SELMAC: trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie

Lake Selmac was recently stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout. In addition, many of the legal and larger-sized rainbow trout stocked last fall are still available. Fishing for bass, bluegill, crappie, and other warmwater species has been very good. The lakes trophy-sized bass have moved into the shallows and are preparing to spawn. The bluegill and crappie can be found around the willows, docks, and other types of structure.

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout.

The reservoir has been stocked with trout and is open for angling. The lake is open for harvest of 5 trout per day (minimum size 8 inches and only 1 over 20 inches). The reservoir is ice free and accessible for boats. Spring brown trout fishing has been good and some nice sized browns have been caught. For additional information contact the resort at 541-957-8354.

LOON LAKE: rainbow trout, bass, bluegill

Loon Lake has been stocked with 6,500 trout so far this year. Fishing for bass and bluegill is also popular when the lake warms up. The resort boat ramp is now open; however, the BLM boat ramp won’t open until late May.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, spring chinook, bass

Lost Creek Reservoir was recently stocked with 25,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This has resulted in very good fishing for both bank and boat anglers. In addition to the legal-sized trout, anglers are catching a few trout up to 16-inches long and the occasional chinook salmon. Anglers fishing bait have done well over the last few weeks, especially near the Takelma ramp. Trollers have had success trolling lures or flasher and bait combinations. Late morning through mid-afternoon seems to produce the best at this time. Trout are rising during hatches. The lake surface water temperature was 62oF as of Monday morning. Fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass is improving with the warmer water temperature. 

MEDCO POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill

Serf Perch - Oregon Fish and Wildlife-

PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: bottomfish, surfperch

Fishing for surfperch continues to be very good on the beaches near Bandon. Anglers have also picked up a few redtail surfperch on the beaches near Coos Bay. Sand shrimp has been the best bait to use but sand worms can also work. 

Fishing for bottom fish is now closed outside of 30 fathoms. Anglers can now retain cabezon. The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish, of which no more than 1 may be a cabezon from April 1 through September 30. There are separate daily limits for lingcod (two) and flatfish other than Pacific halibut (25).

From Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain the Near shore halibut season begins May 1.  The next All depth halibut weekend is May 17- 19.

Recreational chinook salmon season is open in the ocean from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain. A few chinook have been caught in the ocean south of Coos Bay.

PLAT I RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, warm water fish

Plat I has been stocked with 3,500 fish this spring. In addition to trout fishing, the lake also has good bass fishing. Bass can be harvested from March 1 to Oct. 31 and are catch-and-release only from Nov. 1-Feb. 29. The reservoir is now at full pool level.

POWERS POND: rainbow trout, warm water fish

Fishing for stocked rainbow trout has been good.  PowerBait, spinners, or flies are producing trout. 
Anglers are starting to pick up bluegills and crappies in Powers Pond.  These fish can be caught on a small 1/16oz jig tipped with a worm or small plastic twister tail.  They can also be caught on small woolly buggers or other types of flies.

REINHART POND: rainbow trout, warm water fish

Reinhart Pond was stocked last week with legal-sized rainbow trout. The pond also has good populations of bluegill and largemouth bass. Fishing has been good, especially for the rainbow trout. Anglers have been doing well still fishing with bait and casting lures.

ROGUE RIVER

To find out more about conservation, management and outreach efforts on the Rogue River, check out the Rogue River page on the ODFW Web site.

River users can find stream flows and temperatures for several Rogue River reporting stations at this website: Rogue River levels.

Rogue River, lower: spring chinook

The river is clearing and warming up which has slowed spring chinook fishing. There are still quite a few spring chinook around, but they have lock jaw.  Anglers will want to be on the river early morning or late evening for the best fishing.

Summer steelhead will start entering the river in the next couple of weeks. These fish generally run bigger than the late run summers. The best way to target these early fish is to run plugs or cast a fly or spinner.

Rogue River, middle: steelhead, trout, spring chinook

Fishing for spring chinook is picking up in the middle Rogue, especially in the Galice area.  Bank anglers are catching fish with side-planers and by plunking. Boat anglers have been catching fish by back-bouncing bait or back-trolling plugs. The river flow at Grants Pass on May 14 was 3,920 cfs, and the water temperature was 57oF.

Rogue River, upper: steelhead, trout

Winter steelhead -Photo by Derek Wilson-

Anglers are now catching good numbers of spring chinook in the river from Gold Hill up to Cole Rivers Hatchery. Bank anglers are doing well drifting bait and drift-bobbers through the popular holes. Boat anglers are catching fish by back-bouncing bait and back-trolling plugs. As of May 14, the release from Lost Creek Reservoir was 2,782 cfs, with a temperature of 51oF. As of May 9, a total of 38 spring chinook salmon, 3 summer steelhead, and 3,658 winter steelhead have returned to Cole Rivers Hatchery.
Anglers are reminded that the Rogue River is now closed to trout fishing and will remain so until May 26.

Rogue River, above Lost Creek Reservoir: trout

This section of the Rogue River and its tributaries opened to angling on April 28, but high flows and cold water temperatures will likely make fishing difficult through most of the month of May. The socking of legal-sized rainbow trout will start the week of May 21.

SIXES RIVER:

Closed until the trout opener May 26.

SMITH RIVER, Umpqua: steelhead, sturgeon, striped bass

Striped bass have been caught recently. Trout fishing is currently closed but will open May 26.

SODA SPRINGS RESERVOIR: brown and rainbow trout

Soda Springs Reservoir is open year-round for trout angling, but fishing is fair. Currently, due to construction at Soda Springs ladder, no boat ramp is accessible, but fishing is open from Medicine Creek bridge down to the buoy line markers mid-reservoir.

SPAULDING POND:  rainbow trout

The road to Spaulding pond is now open and the pond has been stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout.

TENMILE BASIN: trout, largemouth bass,

The Tenmile Lakes have been stocked twice this spring with legal rainbows. Anglers can also catch larger, holdover rainbows and cutthroat trout. Trolling slow with a wedding ring tipped with a worm can produce a few trout in Tenmile Lakes. Twenty five hatchery rainbow trout were tagged and released into Tenmile Lakes this week for a tagged fish contest sponsored by Ringo’s Lakeside Marina. The trout were tagged with 2-inch long, green, numbered tags that when caught by anglers can be redeemed for a prize at the marina.      

The water temperature in Tenmile Lakes is in the lower 60s. Some bass have moved into shallow water to stage for spawning and can be caught using plastics, spinnerbaits, or crankbaits.   

TOKETEE LAKE: brown trout, rainbow trout

Brook Trout -U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service-

UMPQUA HIGH LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

Clearwater Forebay #2 has been stocked with 2,000 trout this spring. Most other high lakes are snowed in until summer, but if some remain accessible they are open year round for brook trout or rainbow trout fishing. For brook trout anglers should try Cliff, Buckeye, Skookum (North Umpqua), Maidu, Twin and Wolf lakes. Linda and Calamut have been stocked with a native rainbow for the last couple of years. Bullpup and Fuller still have brook trout, but were also recently stocked with some fingerling native rainbows. Redtop Lake was stocked in early May.

UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: steelhead, sturgeon, chinook, bass, striped bass, shad

The mainstem Umpqua is closed to wild steelhead harvest, but remains open year-round for adipose fin-clipped steelhead. Boat anglers will have the most success using either plugs or side drifting techniques. Watch the graphs for the water flows and try to fish while the river is dropping. Bank anglers can find success by either dead drifting bait or plunking. Plunking can be especially productive during higher flows as the fish tend to stay out of the main current and travel upstream closer to the banks.

Practice good angling ethics to release wild fish unharmed with a minimum of handling.  Please report anybody harvesting wild steelhead to OSP. NOTE: It is illegal to keep a steelhead whose adipose fin has been freshly clipped. 

Spring chinook are available from Scottsburg to River Forks. The water is dropping, but fishing should improve on through the month, although the chinook will be moving upstream. Anglers have also had success recently with striped bass fishing in the lower Umpqua, but sturgeon fishing has been slow. Shad have started to arrive and fishing for them should improve with the warmer weather and lower water flow.

Umpqua River flows near Elkton

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead, spring chinook

The final count for winter steelhead across Winchester Dam was over 13,700 fish. This is the second highest count in the last 10 years. The count in 2003–04 was 14,500 winter steelhead. As spring progresses, the summer steelhead numbers will increase through May and June. There should be a fair number of returning of hatchery summer steelhead this year.

Spring chinook have arrived above the dam and anglers have started to catch them from the Narrows through Swiftwater. Numbers should increase on through the spring. Remember that it is illegal to snag salmon.

Note that from Oct. 1 through June 30, 2011, single weighted barbless flies may be used in the flywater area. The North Umpqua main stem and the tributaries upstream of Soda Springs Reservoir are currently closed for season, and will open April 28.

North Umpqua River water levels at Winchester Dam

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: winter steelhead

Closed to all fishing until May 26.

South Umpqua River water levels near Riddle

WILLOW LAKE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, black crappie, brown bullhead

Willow Lake was stocked recently with legal-sized rainbow trout. Trout fishing has been good. Fishing for warmwater gamefish is improving with warmer weather. The Jackson County Parks campground is now open.

WINCHESTER BAY: sturgeon, chinook, rock fish

The South Jetty has been fair for bottom fishing. Crabbing has slowed with the increase of fresh water in the bay. Sturgeon fishing has been fair and is improving as the flows drop. Stripers should be present in lower river in brackish water. Surf perch fishing has been good, but pressure has been light. Check with the Coast Guard for new deadlines in the lower Umpqua when the bar is closed (541-271-4847).

WINCHUCK RIVER:

Closed until the trout opener May 26.

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  HUNTING

Coyote -Oregon Fish and Wildlife-

OPEN: COUGAR, SPRING BEAR 

• Spring turkey hunting forecast
  
  
• Spring bear hunting forecast

Wolves and coyotes can look alike
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 theOregon Hunting Mapto see where to hunt.

COOS COUNTY

Black Bear Oregon Fish and Wildlife

SPRING TURKEY season is open thru May 31. See the hunting forecast for what to expect. Hunters often consider the first few days of turkey season to be the best because breeding is in high gear. However, when hens begin to spend more time on the nests because they are incubating eggs, lonely toms become susceptible to being called. Turkeys are well distributed throughout Coos County where agricultural land exists. Good turkey hunting can still be found if hunters are willing to get permission to access private land.

SPRING BEAR: Bears are becoming active. Some hunters have reported seeing several bears in an evening of looking for them. Presently, the best place to look for bears is in clear cuts and on slides with south exposures where they are feeding on grass and the tips of brush. Bears seem to like the same kind of weather we do, so hunting on warm calm evenings and mornings should be most productive.

COUGAR season is open year round in Oregon until quotas for specific zones are filled. Refer to page 41 of the 2011 Oregon Big Game Regulations for more information. Most successful cougar hunters scout for deer and elk and locate areas where these animals congregate. Cougars can be found near these concentrations. Hunting with predator calls in areas where deer and elk are plentiful is often the most successful way to hunt cougars.

COYOTE populations are good in Coos County and they will often respond to calls. Calling coyotes in the coast range is challenging due to brush. Many landowners with sheep are complaining about losses of sheep to coyote predation. Hunters interested in hunting coyotes may find success in asking for permission to hunt private land where landowners are losing sheep.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

Courgar - Royalty Free Image-

Cougar: Opened on January 1st.  Hunters can expect an average year. Cougars are abundant throughout with indicators pointing to stable or increasing numbers. Hunting cougar is a challenge because these animals are very secretive, but harvest success is greatest adjacent to private land with high deer populations using a predator call.

Bear: Spring bear season is currently open but closes on May 31st. Bear numbers are good with the highest numbers at lower elevations in the coast range with lower numbers elsewhere in the coast range and Cascades. Hunters can focus on open meadows early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Successful bear hunters are required to check in the skull within 10 days of the kill.

Turkey: Turkey season is currently open but ends on May 31st. Hunters can expect the spring gobbler hunt this year to be excellent. Over the last 10 years all indicators point to a healthy turkey population in Douglas County. While the hens are off nesting the first part of the season most toms are found on private land sometimes adjacent to public lands. In general, most turkeys are found on or adjacent to low-mid elevation private lands associated with oak savannah habitat. Hunters are reminded to obtain permission before hunting on private lands.

Coyote: Numbers are strong throughout Douglas County. Using predator calls to lure them in can be an effective method for harvesting coyotes. Try calling in early morning and late afternoon. Be sure to ask permission before hunting on private land.

JACKSON, JOSEPHINE, CURRY COUNTIES

Wild Turkey - National Wild Turkey Federation-

TURKEY season will continue thru May 31.  Wet springs for the last few years have reduced our chick survival. We still have a large number of flocks throughout our area and we still expect an average success. Birds can be located in a wide variety of elevations in our area with most in mid to low elevation. Oak savanna habitat provides the best opportunities. They are feeding on green grasses and insects. Private lands hold numerous turkeys, be sure to ask for permission before hunting.

DENMAN WILDLIFE AREA: New this year, a parking permit is needed to park at Denman. Hunters get the permit free with their purchase of an annual hunting license. Display on car dash. More information

COUGAR general season is open state wide year-round or until zone quotas are met. Refer to regulations for more information.

WESTERN GRAY SQUIRREL is open only in the year-around portion of the Rogue Unit, check Big Game Regulations for area descriptions. Squirrels can be found in oak or mixed conifer stands. Acorn production is spotty this year so hunters should look for trees producing acorns. This is a great animal to hunt for first time hunters.

COYOTES are abundant in our area. This is one of the best times of year for coyotes their coats are heavy and thick. Hunters will have great response to calling. Focus on areas of known prey base and use calls based on that. Remember to ask for permission to hunt on private lands.

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  VIEWING

COOS COUNTY

Black Brant Trio - Photo by Dave Budeau-

Black Brant have begun to appear in Coos Bay and other areas along the Coos County coast. These birds nest above the Arctic Circle and are on their way north.  Those interested in viewing brant will be able to find them along Cape Arago Hwy. near Pigeon Point or on the Coos Bay North Spit near Shell Island. 

Large numbers of more common sea birds like gulls of various species, common murres and pelicans can be seen in the wind-protected areas behind coastal islands.  Viewers should be very careful not to get too close to the ocean because surf can be big and dangerous at this time of year. Good places to look are areas around Cape Arago and near Bandon. At times thousands of birds can be seen bunched together in these areas.

Whales are beginning to pass through Oregon waters on their way north to feeding ground in the north Pacific. On days when the wind is not blowing too hard, it is possible to see several whales in a day if viewers find good vantage points along the coast. Simpson Reef on Cape Arago near Coos Bay is an example of a good vantage point. At times when swells are small and the wind is not too fierce, whales will get quite close to shore. This is especially true of grey whales.

For those interested in viewing bears now is a good time to do that.  In spring, bears feed heavily on grass and brush. To find these food resources bears move into clear cuts and on slides. Viewers can see them there. Often a person needs binoculars and/or a spotting scope to see them well.  Good areas to see these bears may be found in the Elliott State Forest.  Look for clear cuts on south exposures with grass growing in them and watch these places. 5/15/12.

Bluegill -U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service-

CURRY, JACKSON, JOSEPHINE COUNTIES

Denman Wildlife Area

Many people are visiting the area for fishing opportunities where bass, blue gills and bullhead catfish are caught.  School and scout groups are scheduling appointments with Wildlife Area staff to provided presentations and tours of the area.

Unusual sighting of a White Stork

An unusual bird has been spotted in our area that is very far from home. We have received calls from people who have seen a white bird with black wing tips, and often report it as a whooping crane. One person took photos, and it has been identified as a White Stork, a bird normally found in Europe and Africa. It may have escaped from an exotic bird farm. If anyone has seen it, please call ODFW, we would like to track its movements.

Canada Geese

Canada Geese will be found on many of our ponds with young goslings in tow. Come and watch their interactions with each other and other bird on the ponds.

Osprey

Ospreys are active on Wheatstone pond, catch fishing; soon they will be feeding their offspring.

Upper and Lower Table Rocks

Two great hikes take you through habitats that range from oak savanna and chaparral to woodland. On the summit, a diversity of wildflowers and wildlife can be found along the trails. Spring can provide some of the best viewing times. More information.

As of Jan. 1, 2012, Denman Wildlife Area requires a $7 daily parking permit or a $22 annual parking permit. A free Parking Permit will be included with an annual Oregon hunting license; combination fishing and hunting license; and Sports Pac. More information

DOUGLAS COUNTY

Bullock’s Oriole

The Bullock’s (Northern) oriole has now arrived, and is commonly seen and heard around the Umpqua Valley.   Look for their colorful orange and black bodies that are 8” long.  The Bullock’s oriole is our only oriole in Western Oregon found nesting in woodlands, orchards, riparian areas and farmland in tall shade trees like cottonwood.  Their diet is insects (spiders), snails and nectar.  Remember if you have an oriole feeder that you can make your own oriole food, similar to hummingbirds, 4 parts water to 1 part sugar ratio but always make sure the sugar goes completely into solution before hanging up for use.

Purple Martin

Purple Martin - Photo by JJ Cadiz, Wikipedia-

Purple Martins have arrived so look for them around Plat I Reservoir, Cooper Creek Reservoir and Ten Mile Lake.  Purple Martin is our largest swallow in North America and is uncommon & mainly found in Western Oregon communally nesting usually near a large water body.

Fish Passage

Winter Steelhead and Spring Chinook migrating upstream passing through Winchester dam fish ladder on the N. Umpqua River which is free and open to the public.  To view the migrating Steelhead go to exit 129 on I-5, proceed southeast on 99 to the fish ladder on the north side of the river.

Vaux Swift

The spring migration of Vaux swifts is in full swing, and will continue into early May.  To see the swifts take I-5 to exit 124 (Harvard Ave.), proceed west ½ mile and turn right onto Stewart Park Drive, turn left 300 ft. at the first cross street and the chimney is 500 feet to the west. 

Swallows

The swallows have arrived so look for them around local reservoirs and water bodies. 

Turtles and other reptiles

Western Pond Turtles can be seen on warm sunny days and afternoons at all local reservoirs plus Stewart Park Pond in Roseburg.  Springtime is a good time to run across snakes and lizards since they are coming out of hibernation as the temperature warms up.  Most all snakes are in Western Oregon are non-venomous with the only venomous snake being the Western Rattlesnake. Some common snakes in our area are: Sharptail, Ringneck, Common King, Gopher and Garter (4 species).  The most common lizards in our area are: Alligator Lizard (2 species), Western Fence and Western Skink.

Stewart Park Wildlife Trail

The Stewart Park ponds and nature trail system next to Fred Meyer in Roseburg is a great place to enjoy numerous wildlife species.  Ducks, geese, turtles, herons, pigeons, nutria, swallows, sparrows and swifts are some of the common wildlife seen in the area.  The nature trail has many interpretative signs to read along the way besides great viewing opportunities in this unique wildlife mitigation area.