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| last updated: 05/15/2013 |
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Weekend fishing opportunities:
EVENT Send us your fishing report STOCKING SCHEDULE The 2013 schedules will be posted at our website as soon as they are available.
Check out the new trout stocking map ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL: trout The Alton Baker Canoe Canal will be stocked this week with a total of 1,000 legal-sized and 400 larger rainbow trout released at multiple locations along the length of the Canal. 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 April 29 with 4,000 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 the week of April 29 with 2,000 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: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead, black crappie, bluegill Stocked the week of April 29 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 above BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout Blue River above Blue River Reservoir was recently stocked at multiple locations with a total of 1,000 legal-sized and 250 larger-sized rainbow trout. Take FS Road 15 from Hwy 126 about 5 miles east of the town of Blue River to access Blue River above the reservoir. BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species Blue River Reservoir was recently stocked with 3,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. 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. BREITENBUSH RIVER: trout This scenic river flows for approximately 30 miles into Detroit Reservoir. It will be stocked starting in early June. Because the water runs cold throughout the year there are usually good numbers of fish throughout the summer. Forest Road 46 runs along most of its length so access is very good despite some steep and brushy sections. The river has some native rainbow and cutthroat trout and a few brook trout might also be found. Daily limit is five trout over 8 inches, no limit on brook trout and the use of bait is allowed. The river is closed to salmon fishing. CANBY POND: rainbow trout This pond will not be stocked until further notice due to large amounts of aquatic vegetation in the pond. Check this site for updates. 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 was recently stocked with 2,500 legal-sized and 500 larger-sized rainbow 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: winter steelhead, summer steelhead, spring chinook Fishing has been fair for summer steelhead on the Clackamas while the winter steelhead fishery is about over for this spring. The summers can be found throughout the river from McIver Park down to Gladstone, giving both boat and bank anglers plenty of water to choose from. The spring chinook catch has shown some improvement in the past week, with fish hooked in many sections of the river from Rivermill Dam down to Carver. The bank anglers at McIver near the dam have picked up an occasional fish, mainly in the early mornings or just before dark; it’s a little early in the season for numbers of fish to be up that far but warmer water temperatures could improve the chinook fishery quickly. Anglers should make note that an angling deadline is clearly marked up near the dam and fishway; it is illegal to fish or even cast above this deadline. Monday hydrological data for the Clackamas has flows falling to 2,580 cfs, with a gauge height in Estacada of 12.51 ft. and the water temperature now up at 53°. Snow melt is expected to keep the river at these levels through the week. Barbless hooks are now required from the mouth to the 99E Bridge when fishing for salmon, steelhead and trout. CLEAR LAKE: trout Clear Lake will be stocked this week with 2,500 legal-sized and 1,250 larger sized rainbow trout. The lake is accessed from Highway 126 approximately 70 miles east of Springfield. Cabins and row boats are available for rent from Clear Lake Resort. COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: trout The Coast Fork of the Willamette River was stocked the week of April 22 with 1,500 legal-sized rainbow trout at several locations near Cottage Grove.
COMMONWEALTH LAKE: trout, bass, bluegill, crappie Stocked with 200 one-pound trout the week of May 13. 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 Reservoir was last stocked for the season in mid-April with 4,500 rainbow trout. In addition, 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 will be stocked again this week with 10,000 legal sized rainbow trout. The water level is currently 5 feet below full pool (as of May 13). Check with local outfitters in the town of Detroit to find out more. DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout Dexter Reservoir was stocked in late April/early May with 3,200 legal-sized rainbow trout. Dexter Reservoir is adjacent to Highway 58 near Lowell and is open all year. DORENA RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater Dorena Reservoir was last stocked for the season in late April with 6,300 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 April 29 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
Anglers can anticipate the return of adult spring chinook any day now from 240,000 smolts released annually at the Eagle Fern Park acclimation facility. The return of these fish will be very dependent on stream flows, and whether the fish can get up into the creek; if not anglers can expect them to be holding in areas around the mouth of Eagle Creek in the Clackamas River. 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 700 legal and 50 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 1,000 legal 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 This reservoir will open for trout fishing on May 25 and will be stocked prior to the opener with with 1,500 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. Fall Creek above Fall Creek Reservoir was recently stocked at multiple locations with a total of 1,500 legal-sized and 250 larger sized rainbow trout. Fall Creek and Fall Creek Reservoir are north of Lowell and east of Unity. FALL CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater Fall Creek Reservoir was stocked the week of April 22 with 3,000 legal-sized and 400 larger sized rainbow trout. Fall Creek and Fall Creek Reservoir are north of Lowell and east of Unity. FARADAY LAKE: trout Faraday Lake has reopened for fishing following its closure last year to give crews working for Portland General Electric time to re-shape the lake bed, creating a deeper channel that will improve flow and help reduce downstream water temperatures in the Clackamas River. This lake will be stocked with 1,500 legal-sized rainbow trout the week of May 13. The lake is a popular spot for bank-fishing. Boats are not permitted. 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 6 feet below full as of May 6. 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: 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 4,000 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. Only Sunnyside boat ramp is available at this time. 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 close to full and both Thistle Creek and Whitcomb Island boat ramps are open. It was stocked last week with 6,000 legal rainbow trout. HALDEMAN POND: trout Stocked the week of April 29 with 3,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 2-acre pond located within the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area. From the Sauvie Island bridge, take Sauvie Island Rd. to NW Reeder Rd, then Oak Island Rd. HARRIET LAKE: trout Stocked the week of April 15 with 4,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 23-acre reservoir on the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River within the Mount Hood National Forest. HARTMAN POND: trout, bass, crappie, perch Stocked the week of April 29 with 1,750 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a small fishing pond in the Columbia River Gorge just off I-84 at Benson State Park. Henry Hagg Lake has been chosen as a venue for Cabela’s “Fish for Milions” promotion, which began Saturday, May 4 and continues through July 7. Rainbow trout have been tagged with spaghetti tags that could be worth up to $2 million to the angler lucky enough to catch one. For more information and to register. This lake was also stocked the week of May 6 with 3,500 legal-sized trout. Henry 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 is open to fishing all year. All non-adipose fin-clipped trout and salmon must be released unharmed. As water temperatures increase, crappie catches will continue to improve. HILLS CREEK above HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout Hills Creek was recently stocked with a total of 500 rainbow trout released at several locations. HUDDLESTON POND: trout, bass, bluegill Stocked the week of April 29 with 800 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 has been regularly stocked with trout since January ranging from legal-size up to ‘pounders.’ It will be stocked again this week with 900 legal and 300 larger 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
Leaburg Lake will be stocked weekly through late July, and then every other week in August. The lake will be stocked with 1,200 legal-sized rainbow trout this week. MCKENZIE RIVER below Leaburg Lake: trout, salmon, steelhead The McKenzie River below Leaburg Lake was recently boat-stocked with 4,250 legal-sized and 1,750 larger rainbow trout from the town of Leaburg to Hendricks Bridge. The river will be boat stocked every 3 weeks through mid-late August. 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 will be truck-stocked at the landings from Finn Rock to Ben and Kay Doris with a total of 1,000 legal-sized and 250 larger sized hatchery rainbow trout. The river will be boat stocked every 3 weeks (with one exception when it is 2 weeks) through mid-September. Rainbow trout will be truck-stocked at the boat landings between boat stockings. MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER above Hills Creek Reservoir: trout The Middle Fork Willamette River above Hills Creek Reservoir opened to angling April 27. Only adipose fin-clipped trout may be retained. The first stocking of this stretch of river is scheduled to occur the week of May 20. MOLALLA RIVER: steelhead, spring chinook The Molalla is looking good for anglers wanting to give it a try, with decent flow and nice color. Late season winter steelhead could be available given the numbers passing Willamette Falls and the same holds true for spring chinook that are returnig from direct releases of smolts completed in 2010 and 2011. It’s also not unheard of for an occasional summer steelhead to nose into the lower river looking for cooler water than the Willamette. The Molalla River is open for adipose fin-clipped chinook and adipose fin-clipped steelhead the entire year, with the use of bait allowed May 15-July 15 but the use of single barbless hooks is encouraged. Refer to the 2013 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for more information. MT HOOD POND: trout Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host a Family Fishing event at this site on Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is part of the ODFW Outdoors program and is designed to introduce young people and their families to the sport of trout fishing. The department will loan out rods, reels, and tackle to individuals who are learning to fish or do not have their own gear. Participants are welcome to bring their own equipment if they prefer. The department will also provide bait. 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 FORK RESERVOIR: trout This reservoir will open for trout fishing on May 25 and will be stocked prior to the opener with with 10,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 350-acre reservoir of the Clackamas River behind North Fork Dam approximately 5.2 miles east of Estacada, Ore. The lake has a boat ramp, moorage, picnic area, and accessible fishing platforms. NORTH AND SOUTH SANTIAM: steelhead, trout Flow levels have stabilized and are currently at 3,310 cfs at Mehama on the North Santiam and 1,640 cfs at Waterloo on the South Santiam with water temperatures generally in the lower 50s. Anglers report some success catching steelhead up to Mill City on the North Santiam and below Foster on the South Santiam. The new crop of summer steelhead and spring chinook have begun to show up in earnest at Willamette Falls with 3,403 and 11,974 fish respectively entering the ladder as of May 7. A few fresh summer steelhead have passed above Stayton over Bennett dam (51 fish as of April 30) and 563 have already shown up at Foster as well.. When the ‘bite’ is on, bobbers and jigs are the preferred angling method with spoons and egg clusters also being effective. River levels best for fishing are below 3,000 cfs at the Mehama gauge. You may check for current conditions at http://waterdata.usgs.gov. 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 April 29 with 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 week with 160 legal and 20 larger-sized rainbow trout. SALMON CREEK: trout Salt Creek is a tributary to the Middle Fork Willamette River east of Oakridge, and SALMONBERRY LAKE: trout Stocked the week of April 29 with 1,500 legal-sized rainbow trout. This lake is located approximately 9 miles northwest of St. Helens on Pittsburg Rd. SALT CREEK: trout Salt Creek is a tributary to the Middle Fork Willamette River east of Oakridge, and SANDY RIVER: winter steelhead
Anglers have found increased success for spring chinook in the past week as ODFW checks show springers landed from Oxbow down to Lewis and Clark with some boats completing multiple fish trips. Those chasing summer steelhead had fair success with fish hooked near Revenue, Cedar Creek and Dodge Park. The water conditions are holding up well offering good flows and temperature; this should continue through the weekend. Monday hydrological data for the Sandy River has flows down to 2,050 cfs, a gauge reading of 9.61 ft and the water temperature hitting the 50° mark. SANTIAM RIVER NORTH FORK above Detroit Lake: trout This beautiful section of the river re-opened April 27. 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. It will be stocked later in May once snow melt has moderated flows. 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 Stocked this week with 600 legal-sized rainbow trout and 300 larger 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. SILVER CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, catfish Stocked this week with 3,500 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 65-acre reservoir on Silver Creek 2.5 miles south of Silverton on Hwy. 214. SMALL FRY LAKE: trout This is a two-acre youth-only fishing pond located next to Promotory Park and North Fork Reservoir near Esticada. It will be stocked with 300 legal-sized rainbow trout the week of May 13. There is a fish cleaning station and restroom located within walking distance of the pond. SMITH RESERVOIR: trout Smith Reservoir was stocked with 5,000 rainbow trout the week of April 22. 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 Last stocked with trout in early April. 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.
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 over 2,000 trout ranging from larger-size to 2.5 pound brooders. It will be stocked again this week with 333 legal 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. 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 over 2,000 ‘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. This waterbody 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 will be stocked this week with 3,085 legal-sized rainbow trout. TROJAN PONDS: trout, warmwater species The pond was stocked the week of April 15 with 5,000 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 3,000 trout ranging in size from legals to multi-pound brooders. It was stocked last week with 300 legal 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 1,700 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 160 legal and 20 larger-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 The Salish Ponds Wetlands Park has been closed by the City of Fairview as an extensive renovation project is underway. This project is running well behind schedule so ODFW will likely not be stocking West Salish Pond again until fall of 2013. WILLAMETTE RIVER: winter steelhead, spring chinook
Willamette Falls passage improved somewhat early last week after the water temperature rose above 60°, as daily count numbers approached a thousand fish per day for spring chinook. Through May 6 the passage of adult springers was up to 10,853 while the jack count stood at 394. The counts for summer steelhead were at 3,308 while winter steelhead showed 4,654 through May 6. Angling effort for springers dropped off last week as the fishery winds down slowly; there are still fish to be found for anglers who give it the effort and patience. ODFW checks showed some fair catch rates on springers in the upper Multnomah Channel and St Johns area as well as a few fish landed in the lower channel. So far shad haven’t been recorded but there should be a few in the river; by mid-May they will typically begin to move into the area. Hydro readings at Willamette Falls on May 13 show flows nearly unchanged from day to day at 15,000 cfs, visibility a very clear 7.3 ft., with the water temperature moving up to 64°. OPEN: COUGAR, SPRING BEAR, SPRING TURKEY
Mandatory Reporting Hunter orange required for youth 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 TURKEY season is open through May 31. Turkeys are abundant in the foothills of the southern Willamette Valley. Turkeys prefer habitat with a mix of open meadow or grass land and oak forest. Unfortunately for hunters, this habitat is almost exclusively privately owned in the foothills of the Willamette Valley. Hunters will struggle to find turkeys on public property but good hunting opportunities exist for hunters that have access to private property. Hunters wishing to wishing to hunt in the Willamette Valley are encouraged to seek out landowners and ask for permission to hunt. Spring BEAR season 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. As expected, biologists report few bears checked in so far this 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 have diminished as warmer weather melts and hardens what snow remains 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. EVENT VALLEYWIDE Look for flickers nesting
The Northern flicker, a member of the woodpecker family, is a fairly common bird to see in the Willamette Valley. It has salmon-colored wing undersides and a white patch on its rump. Flickers can also be identified by their loud call and drumming action. They are of great benefit to homeowners because of the large number of insect pests they consume. See photos and learn more, on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology All About Birds Web site. Flickers typically excavate a new cavity each year in large decaying trees or snags. Females usually produce 5 to 10 eggs, and young nest in the cavity from late April through early August. These birds are protected by both state and federal law. If a flicker is causing annoyance by drumming on sides of homes, here are some suggested deterrents: Attach Mylar balloons that spin and move in the wind, shiny CDs or streamers of Mylar tape every 2-3 feet along roof eaves near affected area. Leave snags and dead branches in your yard to provide natural habitat and prevent use of human structures by birds. 5/14/13 Eugene Area Delta Ponds
Delta Ponds offers a great opportunity for wildlife viewing near the heart of Eugene. This time of year viewers can observe native western pond turtles as they soak up the sun basking on logs. The best time to observe turtles is mid-mornings on sunny days. The turtles will retreat back into the water if the temperature is too hot. Please try to observe the turtles from a distance to avoid disturbing them. Unfortunately, viewers will likely see red-eared sliders in addition to the western pond turtles. The sliders are a non-native invasive species that compete with our native turtles for habitat and food. Numerous bird species utilize the area and provide viewing opportunities including a variety of warblers, western tanagers, Bullock’s orioles, green herons, great blue herons, osprey, and others. Waterfowl are hatching and viewers can observe broods of ducks and geese. These can be a joy to watch but please resist the temptation to feed since unnatural food sources can cause serious health problems for the young birds. Corvallis Area
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. Salem Area Silver Falls State Park There is a lot to see at this park located only 25 miles east of Salem. Robins, hairy woodpeckers, hummingbirds, Oregon juncos, common raven, winter wren (a tiny bird with a big call), red-breasted nuthatch and ruffed and blue grouse can be seen and heard on a stroll along the trails. Stop and look closely now and then — you may see a well-camouflaged brown creeper working its way up the side of a tree, foraging for insects in the bark as it goes. Stay until late afternoon or early evening. Silver Falls is a mecca for owl lovers—listen for many of Oregon’s owls—barred, pygmy, great gray, great horned, saw whet and, maybe even, spotted. It’s wildlife breeding season so keep dogs on a leash—it’s required. For information, visit the state parks Web site. Sauvie Island Sauvie Island Wildlife Area
The Wildlife Area is open — stop by your local ODFW license agent or ODFW office and get a parking permit. At $7 a day or $22 for the season, your ODFW wildlife area parking permit opens the door to a year’s worth of wonderful wildlife viewing. Bald eagles and red-tailed hawks are very active caring for their new arrivals. Anna's and Rufous hummingbirds are back in great numbers and the finches are arriving. The great blue heron rookery is visible from the Walton beach parking lot. Herons generally nest (roost) in colonies in large trees. The ospreys are building their nests; cinnamon teal, wood ducks and gold finches are arriving. Find directions to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area on the ODFW Web site. Springfield Area Fern Ridge Wildlife Area Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is open daily for public use providing great wildlife viewing opportunities. (One section of levee in the western portion of the Fisher Butte unit is posted closed to provide wildlife sanctuary during nesting season.) Look for waterfowl, shore birds, wading birds, songbirds, raptors, reptiles and amphibians. The Pacific tree frog chorus is raucous on warm spring nights. Photo blinds: Eight hunting blinds located in the East and West Coyote units (located south of Hwy 126) are available for anyone to use for wildlife viewing throughout the summer and provide great photo opportunities. There is an elevated viewing platform in the Fisher Butte unit just south of Royal Avenue that is open year-round. Visitors are reminded that dogs must be kept on leash at all times. Parking areas are located along Highway 126, Nielson Road and Cantrell Road. Contact the Wildlife Area headquarters, (541) 935-2591, if you have any questions. |
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