Posted: 10 Feb 2010 09:39 AM PST

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The Toyota Tundra was last redesigned in 2007, when Toyota asserted itself by supersizing this full-size pickup—making the Tundra every bit as massive as the largest versions of the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado. It gets a very minor refresh for 2010, with a new grille design for some trims and a new taillight design for the entire lineup. Safety features are improved, new options are added, and others are grouped into a couple of large value packages.

"Imposing" is probably the best way to sum up the Tundra's appearance. From the front, the prominent, upright grille is flanked by nicely detailed headlamps, while alongside the Tundra gets bulging side sills that make it seem even taller, while it keeps a smooth appearance with flared wheel wells. And at the back, the taillights keep the same basic shape as before but gain a more detailed look. Inside, the 2010 Tundra has an interior that's a little too plasticky for some work-related tastes, with large swaths of matte-metallic plastic curving through the gauges and down the very wide center console at an angle.

The base engine on the 2010 Toyota Tundra is a 236-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6; it provides plenty of might to move this big truck, but most buyers who plan to take advantage of its towing and hauling capability will want one of the V-8s. This year, a new 4.6-liter V-8 replaces last year's 4.7-liter; compared to the previous engine, it's both stronger and more fuel-efficient, with ratings of up to 15 mpg city, 20 highway and rear-wheel drive. At the top of the line is the 381-horsepower, 5.7-liter iForce V-8. This engine makes it an extreme gas guzzler—with fuel economy as low as 13 mpg city, 17 highway—but it has mammoth torque available just off idle and plenty of passing power on the highway, even when towing. Both V-8s now get a responsive, smooth six-speed automatic, while the V-6 comes with a five-speed auto. When properly equipped, the Tundra can tow up to 10,800 pounds.

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Oregon Recreation Report - Corvallis Gazette-Times

Posted: 10 Feb 2010 07:23 AM PST

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Visit ODFW at the Pacific Northwest Sportsmen's Show Feb. 10-14, Portland Expo Center

Stop by ODFW's booth to chat with fish and wildlife biologists and managers. Learn about ODFW Outdoors and its events for the year. Test your shooting skills at our laser shot tent.

Spring bear controlled hunt deadline is Feb. 10

Don't forget to apply for your controlled spring bear hunt by Feb. 10. Apply online. There are also still first-come, first-serve SW spring bear hunt tags available (less than 1,000 are left).

Backyard bird count this weekend

Bird watchers coast to coast are invited to take part in the 13th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, Friday, February 12, through Monday, February 15, 2010. Participants in the free event will join tens of thousands of volunteers counting birds in their own backyards, local parks or wildlife refuges. Check out the web site for more information. www.birdcount.org.

Apply for 2010 controlled hunt by March 15 to win one of 30 Sports Pacs

Hunters that apply for and are issued a fall big game controlled hunt application by March 15, 2010 will be entered into drawing(s) to win one of 30 2011 Resident Sports Pac (a $164.75 value) or a 2011 Non Resident Hunting License (a $140.50 value). More information

Columbia River report is back

To get the latest updates on fishing the Columbia River, check out Columbia River Zone report.

WILLAMETTE ZONE

FISHING

EVENTS

FEB. 10 - 14 - NW Sportsmen's Show, Expo Center, Portland, 2060 N. Marine Drive, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. W-F, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sun.

FEB. 18 - Joint State Meeting of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to set 2010 sturgeon season and 2010 spring chinook salmon season. The meeting is open to the public and will take place beginning at 10 a.m. at the Clackamas County Historical Society, located at 211 Tumwater Drive, Oregon City, OR 97045.

Weekend fishing opportunities:

• Winter steelhead fishing is good in the Clackamas and Sandy rivers and Eagle Creek. Steelhead are spread throughout both systems and some good catches have been reported.

• Sturgeon fishing is good on the lower Willamette River.

• Stocking of Willamette Valley ponds begins in earnest this month with both legal and larger size rainbow trout available.

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

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL: trout

The Alton Baker Canoe Canal will be stocked with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout at several locations along its length this week. This waterbody 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 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 2 rods in the Alton Baker Canoe Canal, provided the appropriate licenses have been purchased.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: steelhead

Steelhead fishing success and effort has slowed considerably on the Clackamas the past week with the lack of rain and falling water flows. Fish are still moving through the Willamette, though, so action should improve on the Clackamas with the next big rain event. Good steelhead angling on Columbia River beaches and off and on success at Meldrum Bar indicate there are still good numbers of fish to come through April/early May.

Tuesday hydro readings showed a gage height of 12.35', the water temperature steady at 42°, and flows running at 2,410 cfs.

Bank anglers can find access to the river in the Gladstone/Cross Park area, at Carver near the mouth of Clear Creek, along Clackamas River Rd, at Barton Park, at Bonnie Lure Park, at McIver Park.

EAGLE CREEK: winter steelhead

Winter steelhead catch reports have been strong, and fish are spread throughout the system. The creek is very fishable, with good, average winter flows and excellent color. Fish have been caught from below Hwy. 224 all the way up to the hatchery. Much of the creek runs through private property so pay close attention to where you fish.

E.E. WILSON POND: trout

Open Feb. 1 to Sept. 30. Stocked two weeks ago with over 2,300 brook trout and last week with 500 legal size rainbow trout. This 8-acre pond is located within the E.E. Wilson Wildlife Management Area off highway 99W. It is stocked throughout the spring with legal-sized and larger trout.

JUNCTION CITY POND: trout, bluegill

Stocked last week with 800 legal size rainbow trout. There should still be some holdover trophy size fish ranging in size from 8 to 18 pounds as well. 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.

NORTH AND SOUTH SANTIAM: steelhead, chinook, coho

The new regulation restricting angling to artificial flies and lures in the Little North Fork Santiam is in effect year round.

The temporary rules allowing for a bag limit of three salmon or steelhead ended Dec. 31. Effective Jan. 1, daily bag limits return to two adult salmon or steelhead per day, plus one additional fin-clipped steelhead. River levels on the North Santiam have come down to the point where both bank and boat anglers have a chance to get into some steelhead. River levels best for fishing are below 3,000 cfs at the Mehama gauge. Check for current conditions at http://waterdata.usgs.gov . Water clarity is generally very good. The coho are done, but there are still a few summer steelhead around, especially below rapids or other fast water areas where they tend to rest and congregate before pushing further upstream. Fishing for winter steelhead should also pick up soon with more fish passing above Willamette Falls destined for the North and South Santiam daily. Winter steelhead counts at Willamette Falls are over the 2,000 mark already. Anglers report success using plugs and jigs in the stretches of river below Green's Bridge. Areas below Stayton will have the most fish this early in the season. Smelly bait, pink lures as well as egg clusters are good options as well.

SANDY RIVER: winter steelhead

Winter steelhead on the Sandy has been slow, with lower flows and temperatures. Look for conditions to improve with the next big rain event.

Tuesday hydro readings showed flows at 1,210 cfs, a gage height of 9.18, and a water temperature of 39°.

WARNING: Anglers are reminded that seasonal rain storms can cause sudden increases in water flows on the Sandy. Anglers should use extreme caution before considering fording the river, and should wear PFDs when entering the water.

SHERIDAN POND: trout

Stocked recently with 500 legal-sized rainbow trout. The pond is located on the edge of Sheridan in Yamhill County. From Hwy. 18, take exit 33 to Balston Rd turn right and then a left to the pond.

ST. LOUIS PONDS: trout

This 54-acre complex of 7 ponds is owned and managed by ODFW, and in addition to stocked trout contains several species of warmwater fish. The gate to the ponds is now closed for the season so anglers who want to try their luck at this site will have to walk in. The site is located west of the town of Gervais. Take St. Louis Road west to Tesch Lane, turn left and follow the road to the ponds. The gate to the pond is now locked, so anglers should be prepared to make a short hike to the ponds.

WALLING POND: trout

This 5-acre pond was stocked a few weeks ago with 30 rainbow trout ranging in size from 8 to 18 pounds and 450 legal size rainbow trout. An additional 450 legal and larger fish were stocked last week so anglers should have plenty of opportunity to get into some fish. The pond is located within the Salem city limits west of I-5. Take Turner Road off Mission St.

WALTER WIRTH LAKE: trout

Stocked a few weeks ago with 60 rainbow trout brood fish ranging in size from 8 to 18 pounds and 1,850 legal size rainbow trout. An additional 1,850 legal and larger size fish were stocked last week. The lake is located east of Salem within Cascade Gateway Park, west of I-5 at Hwy. 22. Take Airport Rd. or Turner Rd. to reach the lake.

WEST SALISH POND: trout

Stocked recently with 60 rainbow trout brood trout ranging in size from 8 to 18 pounds. Located off NE Glisan between 201st and 207th in Fairview, east of Portland, the pond is located just a short distance from Reynolds Middle School. From I-84, take Exit 16 and travel south on Fairview Parkway.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: sturgeon, winter steelhead

Steelhead passage is above the 10-year average. Through Feb. 7, 2,263 steelhead had crossed the falls, with daily crossings the past week ranging from 18 to 53 fish. This compares favorably to the past five year average of 927 1,084 for the same time frame, and for the 10-year average of 1,778 for run years 2000 through 2009. Since the freeze in late December, river temperatures have risen substantially and are now higher than average. River temperatures elevated to 48° earlier in the week, which appears to be motivating fish to move upstream.

Hydro readings at Willamette Falls on Feb. 8 showed flows at 19,200 cfs, the water temperature at 46°, and the visibility low at 2.6 ft.

Bank angling for steelhead has been good at Meldrum Bar has been good from the point of the bar all the way up to the Blacktop near the mouth of the Clackamas River. If you are unsure of how to approach this fishery, drop down and observe the anglers who have been fishing this water for years. Be courteous, ask questions about gear and join the fun.

Boat anglers will often fish out from the old bulkhead, but should try to stay clear of the bank angler's casting space.

Sturgeon fishermen were out in force and continued to post good success rates on Willamette during the past week as flows continued to drop and temperatures increased. Surveys of sturgeon fishing effort over the last three-day fishing period showed a total of 190 boats landing 1,129 sub-legals, 44 legals and 9 oversize sturgeon. A total of 96 bank anglers at Oregon City caught 24 sub-legals, 14 legals and 3 oversize sturgeon. Surveys for the same period showed a total of 24 boats pursuing salmon, although none reported landing a chinook. A total of 30 bank anglers surveyed at Oregon City caught two steelhead.

WILLAMETTE ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: FURBEARERS, COUGAR

Use the Oregon Hunting Access Map to see where to hunt.

EVENTS

EVENT FULL Feb. 20 - Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Pheasant Hunt, Luckiamute Valley Pheasant Preserve (near Dallas). More information

EVENT FULL Feb. 21 - Mentor Youth Pheasant Hunt, Luckiamute Valley Pheasant Preserve (near Dallas). More information

Feb. 20 and 21 - Youth Rabbit Hunt, E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area, sponsored by the Marys Peak Hound Club. See page 23 of the Oregon Game Bird Regulations for more information. Registration opens Feb. 1 by calling EE Wilson WA at tel. 541-745-5334. Youth must have a hunter ed certificate, hunting license if 14-17, a shotgun with non-toxic shot, blaze orange vest and hat.

REMINDER

BE PREPARED

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

Late season DEER hunts have ended and deer hunting will be shutting down for the year in all areas except the Willamette Unit controlled deer hunt which ends on February 28, 2010. Hunters participating in the Willamette Unit controlled deer hunt should find plenty of deer available. Private lands limit access for this hunt and participants need to obtain permission before hunting on private lands. Hunters without private land connections can explore hunting opportunities on Willamette Greenway parcels. Information about these areas can be found in the Willamette River Recreation Guide published by the Oregon State Marine Board and Oregon State Parks or by contacting the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department at 503-986-0707.

Controlled elk rifle seasons opened Jan. 1 in the Scappoose, northeast portions of the Trask and northern portion of the Santiam Unit. Check the 2009 Oregon Big Game Regulations for the specific dates and boundaries of your hunt. Elk herds forced down to low elevation agricultural fields to find forage are remaining in these areas even though weather conditions have improved. Elk remain wary of humans and move in and out of the fields during the night or very early or late in the day. Hunters who have access to private agriculture lands will need to be in the field well before daylight to catch moving elk. On private timberlands hunters may want to glass clear cuts early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Elk will often bed down during the day in larger timber or timber reproduction stands. Some private timberlands may be open for hunting during this season. Please check with the landowner before hunting on private lands.

There are some late season controlled elk hunts in the foothills of the Willamette Valley in the Stott Mtn., Alsea, Siuslaw, Indigo, McKenzie and southern Santiam units. These hunts have low tag numbers with hunters for these hunts drawing tags during the controlled hunt drawing. In these areas elk are generally concentrated on private lands. Please remember you must have permission prior to hunting private lands. As the days begin to lengthen and the grass greens up, look, for elk feeding in pasture land or regenerating clear cuts in forest lands.

COUGAR season is remains open but hunter success rates in both the Cascades and Coast range remains low. Remember a 2010 tag is needed to hunt. Hunters are reporting that snow conditions for tracking cougar are good and will only improve over the winter. Several animals have been harvested by hunters taking a stand near a recent cougar kill. Hunters continue to use predator calls that imitate the sounds of a deer or elk to draw cougars within shooting range. It is always best to hunt with a partner when using predator calls. Sit back to back so you can observe any approaching cougar. Hunters headed for the northern end of the Willamette Valley to hunt cougar should concentrate their efforts in the Cascade Mountains.

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 2010 Big Game Hunting Regulations before your hunting trip to ensure that you are familiar with all of the requirements.

FURBEARER trappers and hunters should be getting out in the field. Bobcat, gray fox, red fox, marten, muskrat, mink, raccoon, river otter and beaver trapping and/or hunting is currently open. Trappers are reminded that waters within the exterior boundaries of the Mt. Hood National Forest are closed to beaver trapping (see page 2 of the Oregon Furbearer Trapping and Hunting Regulations). Furbearer hunters can use a variety of sounds from their mouth or electronic calls to lure bobcat, fox, coyote or raccoon out into the open. Remember to keep the volume low when you start to avoid scaring any animals near your stand, then increase the volume. Paired coyotes will become more territorial as their February breeding season approaches and hunters should typically see more than one coyote respond to their calling. Hunters should start experimenting with coyote vocalization sounds such as challenge and interrogation howls to have the best chance of success.

GOOSE

The Northwest Oregon Goose Permit Zone is currently open for the third period. This permit only hunt is closely regulated and hunters should carefully read the 2009-2010 Oregon Game Bird Regulations for more information on opening and closing dates, bag limits and possession limits. Additionally, hunters are responsible for keeping updated on goose hunting closures and should call 1-800-708-1782 before each trip to obtain updated closure information. The Northwest Oregon Permit Goose season protects dusky Canada goose populations while allowing harvest of more numerous subspecies. The department is asking hunters to refrain from purposely shooting any dusky Canada goose due to the long-term population decline and this year's population survey in Alaska that was the lowest on record.

SAUVIE ISLAND WILDLIFE AREA

Waterfowl hunting on Sauvie Island Wildlife Area concluded on January 31. Overall hunter success for 2009-10 was 1.7 birds per hunter. The 41-year average success rate for SIWA is 1.8 birds per hunter. Over 9,050 hunter trips were recorded this season and hunters harvested 15,030 birds. Waterfowl hunting was very good up until the week long early December freeze and then hunting success plummeted.

FERN RIDGE WILDLIFE AREA

Access regulations for five units of Fern Ridge Wildlife Area change concurrent with the end of duck season on January 31. From February 1 through April 30, the East Coyote, West Coyote, Fisher Butte and Royal Amazon units are closed to access Sunday through Friday to provide wildlife sanctuary. The units are open on Saturdays only for birdwatching and non-firearm recreation. Hunting and discharge of firearms is prohibited during this period.

The Kirk Park unit remains open 7-days/week for visitors and the unit is also closed to hunting and discharge of firearms during this time period.

Visitors are reminded DOGS MUST BE KEPT ON LEASH outside of authorized game bird hunting seasons. The reason for the dogs-on-leash regulation is to provide wildlife protection for wintering birds as well as ground nesting birds.

Other units of Fern Ridge Wildlife Area and the entire lake surface area remain open daily year round for all varieties of outdoor recreation and enjoyment.

Parking areas are located along Highway 126, Nielson Road, Cantrell Road, Territorial Highway, and Clear Lake Road. Visitors are cautioned that there have been recent vehicle break-ins at area parking lots. Please secure your valuables before leaving your vehicle unattended. Contact the wildlife area headquarters at 541-935-2591 if you have any questions. [1-28-10]

EE WILSON WILDLIFE AREA

Rabbit hunting continues to be good, especially if you have a dog that can flush the rabbits out of the brush (i.e. beagle). For hunters with a 600 series Willamette deer tag, deer are still being seen around the area. EE Wilson will host a youth rabbit hunt on Feb 20 & 21. Youths must have a hunter ed certificate, hunting license if they are ages 14-17, a shotgun with non-toxic shot, and a blaze orange vest and hat. Call 541-745-5334 to register.

WILLAMETTE ZONE VIEWING

EVENT

MAY 8, 5th Annual Wings and Wine Festival, Fern Ridge Wildlife Area.

The festival is sponsored by the City of Veneta, several local wineries and a variety of other local organizations. It highlights birding in and around the Fern Ridge area with several activities occurring on the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area and Fern Ridge Lake, and an open house at the Wildlife Area headquarters. Contact information includes: Fern Ridge Wildlife Area, 541-935-2591; Veneta Chamber of Commerce, 541-935-8443; www.wingsandwinefestival.com

EE Wilson Wildlife Area

The wildlife area will begin taking reservations for the wildlife/waterfowl photography blind on March 15. Call the office at 541-745-5334 to reserve the blind. From Albany, take Highway 20 toward Corvallis and after 5 miles turn right on Independence Highway. Go 3 miles and turn left on Camp Adair Road, then proceed 2 miles to the wildlife area. Find directions to EE Wilson Wildlife Area. 2/9/10

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area

Fern Ridge Reservoir has extensive wildlife habitat that can be accessed from many access points including Royal Avenue which extends from west Eugene to the reservoir and ends at a gated access point. This is an excellent place to observe wildlife. Also accessible from this access point are natural prairie habitats (to the north and south) that are very rare in the Willamette Valley. In addition to the abundance of waterfowl, many raptors can be seen in this area. Look for short eared owls and peregrine falcons. Also visible from this area are wading birds, such as egrets and herons and various shorebirds.

Wintering concentrations of waterfowl and migrant shorebirds can be observed on the lake and surrounding mudflats and wetlands. Several thousand Canada geese use Fern Ridge Lake for an evening roost site and the sunset and sunrise departures and arrivals of the large flocks of geese provides an outstanding viewing opportunity. Observant visitors may also catch a glimpse of blacktail deer and furbearers including beaver and otter, mink, red fox and coyotes.

Royal Avenue and the trail to the Fisher Butte viewing platform remain open all day every day year round. There is a second elevated viewing platform in the Fisher Butte unit located 1/4 mile north of the Fisher Butte unit parking lot on Hwy 126.

The majority of Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is open daily for public use providing great wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors are reminded there are seasonal access restrictions in place in the East Coyote, West Coyote, Fisher Butte and Royal Amazon units to provide wildlife sanctuary after the end of duck season. These four units are completely closed to all visitors Sunday through Friday each week however are open Saturdays for birdwatching and non-firearm recreation. The exception to the closures are designated trails to viewing platforms that remain open daily year-round. The Royal Avenue roadway also remains open daily year-round. Please carefully read posted signs and comply with access restrictions to avoid receiving a costly citation for entering posted closed areas. Call the wildlife area headquarters at 541-935-2591 for additional information. 2/2/10

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

34 bald eagles were viewed during the mid-winter bald eagle survey on Sauvie Island. Large numbers of sandhill cranes are using the bottomlands at the end of Oak Island Road. Most of the wildlife area waters are frozen and waterfowl viewing has been rather slow. The viewing should return to normal once open water starts reappearing. Raptor numbers have increased over the past few weeks, especially eagle numbers. The best locations to see these birds are Coon Point, Rentenaar Road and the Eastside Viewing Platform.

The Sauvie Island Wildlife Area Eastside units and Westside, Oak Island and North are now closed and will remain so through April 30. The trail to Warrior Rock Lighthouse will remain open for hiking and Rentenaar Road, Eastside Viewing Platform and Coon Point will remain open for viewing. All areas require a Sauvie Island Wildlife Area Parking Permit.

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area is located on Sauvie Island, only 10 miles north of Portland off Highway 30. A parking permit is required for the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area and can be purchased at ODFW License vendors, at the Sauvie Island ODFW office, Monday through Friday during office hours or online. For more information, call (503) 621-3488. Directions to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area. 2/9/10.

NORTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

EVENTS

FEB. 10 - 14 - NW Sportsmen's Show, Expo Center, Portland, 2060 N. Marine Drive, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. W-F, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sun.

NORTH COAST LAKES

Trout stocking will resume in March.

Surplus hatchery steelhead have been released in Cape Meares Lake, Town Lake, Coffenbury Lake, Lost Lake, Lorens Pond, and Vernonia Pond. These fish will bite sand shrimp fished under a bobber, medium-sized spinners or spoons, or a variety of flies at times. Be persistent and eventually you should be rewarded with a few hook-ups.

MID COAST LAKES

Trout stocking begins this month in many water bodies along the Mid Coast. Many lakes will also be receiving the first batch trophy sized trout. Check the online stocking report for specific weeks and lakes to be stocked.

ALSEA RIVER: winter steelhead

Winter steelhead angling is slow to fair. River conditions are low and clear with some rain expected late in the week. Fish are being caught throughout the river and good numbers of native fish are starting to return. During lower clear water conditions, anglers should try and fish smaller and more subtle baits.

BIG CREEK: steelhead

Winter steelhead fishing has been slowing down. Most of the run of hatchery fish is over, but there may still be a few fish around. The stream is very low and clear. Use light gear and approach holes quietly to avoid spooking fish.

GNAT CREEK: steelhead

Winter steelhead fishing is slow. The stream is low and clear. There is good access near the hatchery. Few bright hatchery fish are still available.

KILCHIS RIVER: steelhead

Winter steelhead angling is slow to fair. The river is very clear and flows are low. Use light gear to trigger strikes. The freshest fish will likely be holding lower in the river. A few hatchery fish are being caught, but the catch is mainly wild fish this time of year.

KLASKANINE RIVER AND NORTH FORK KLASKANINE: steelhead

Winter steelhead fishing has dropped off as the river flows have receded. The water is clear, and few fresh hatchery fish are available. Good access is available near the hatchery on the North Fork. Use small, subtle lures or bait while flows are clear.

NECANICUM RIVER: steelhead

Winter steelhead angling has been fair, depending on water conditions. Many fish are dark or spawned out, but a few bright hatchery fish should still be available into early February. Fish have been caught on a variety of methods, but bobber and jigs should be very effective in clearer water conditions. Boaters should use caution as there are several obstacles on the lower river that may be harder to negotiate as flows drop.

NEHALEM RIVER AND NORTH FORK NEHALEM RIVER: steelhead

Winter steelhead angling is slowing down in the North Fork Nehalem as the run of hatchery fish is winding down. Fish are available throughout the river, with best chances for hatchery fish from Waterhouse Falls downstream. Many fish are spawned out, but a few right hatchery fish are still being caught. The river is very low and clear, so best prospects for fresh fish will be in the lower river. Winter steelhead angling in the mainstem Nehalem should be improving. Flows have dropped enough to allow some fishing opportunity. Best fishing is usually later in the season.

NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: steelhead

Steelhead angling should be fair to good. Fish are spreading out in the river system, but as flows drop more fish will hold up lower in the system waiting for rain. Look for a mixture of hatchery and wild fish. Drifting lures or bait near the bottom has been productive. With flows dropping, bobber and jigs will be more effective. Spinners are generally a good bet in the upper river also.

SALMON RIVER: winter steelhead

Native winter steelhead typically return through March. Fair to good numbers of wild winter steelhead should be in the river now. River conditions should be favorable for the week.

SILETZ RIVER: winter steelhead

Winter steelhead angling is slow to fair. Hatchery fish are expected to continue returning through the month and good numbers of native steelhead are showing up. Fish are being caught throughout the river by boat and bank anglers. During lower clear river conditions, fishing small and subtle can produce fish even during high pressure days.

SIUSLAW RIVER: winter steelhead

Steelhead angling is fair to good. Good catches are coming from areas around Whittaker Creek and downstream. More native steelhead are starting to return this time of year. River conditions should be good for this week.

TILLAMOOK BAY: sturgeon

Angling for sturgeon has been slow. Concentrate on the channel edges on the outgoing tides or the first part of the incoming, with sand shrimp the preferred bait. Move around often to find fish if you are not getting bites.

TRASK RIVER: steelhead

Steelhead angling is fair. Fish are spread out through the river, including the forks. A few hatchery fish are being caught, but expect more wild fish in the catch as the season goes on.

WILSON RIVER: steelhead

Steelhead angling is fair. The river is clear, and flows have been low to moderate. Fish are spread throughout the river system, but the freshest fish are likely holding up in the lower river until we get more rain. Use light gear and small lures or bait for best results.

YAQUINA RIVER: winter steelhead

Steelhead angling is slow in Big Elk Creek. Fair to good catch and release native steelhead fishing should continue through the month.

NORTH COAST HUNTING

OPEN: COUGAR

Use the Oregon Hunting Access Map to see where to hunt.

May 28-30, Becoming an Outdoor-Woman (BOW) 3-day Outdoor Skills Workshop, Drift Creek Camp near Lincoln City. More information

COUGAR are most effectively taken by using predator calls. Look for fresh tracks in new-fallen snow to zero in on recent activity. Successful hunters, remember you must check in cougar (hide and skull) at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest and bring them in unfrozen. It's also a good idea to prop their mouths open with a stick after harvest for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging. See regulations for details.

NORTHWEST PERMIT GOOSE season is open in Clatsop and Tillamook Counties. Geese continue to be plentiful around Tillamook and Nehalem Bays and the Little Nestucca Valley, which is open to hunting east of Hwy 101. Unlike with ducks, the number of migratory geese on the north coast tends to increase as the winter progresses, so hunting prospects should improve over time. Notice: If you're hunting the lower Columbia River estuary from a boat, Aldrich Point boat ramp access is closed due to hill slide activity over the county road. Contact Clatsop County Road Department for further information.

NORTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

Pelicans

Brown pelicans seem to have decided to stay along the mid and northern coast of Oregon for the winter, as they have done in the last two winters. However, with El Nino conditions developing this winter, they are not faring as well for food as in previous ones. The food situation is even worse in California, where they would normally winter. As a result, some pelicans are starving to death, and the USFWS has issued a press release advising people not to feed the pelicans, even if the birds appear to be "begging". People don't understand food requirements of the birds and may feed them inappropriate foods that could kill them. Human-fed birds that survive risk losing their normal fear of humans and becoming adapted to begging humans for food in the future. 2/2/10

Waterfowl

Migratory waterfowl are present all along the north coast although recent rains have scattered many of them to flooded fields and stringer valleys. "Sea ducks", including several species of scoters, long-tailed ducks and harlequins may still be seen along the coast, including Netarts Bay, where they can be viewed along the eastern edge of the bay from the paved road. Lower estuary areas and jetties are also good areas to spot these less common species. 2/20/10.

Jewel Meadows Wildlife Area, Coast Range

Elk viewing has been excellent at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area. Elk have been visible throughout the day on the Fishhawk Tract. Best viewing times are from 9 a.m. to about noon each day. Visitors should start near the main viewing area and along Hwy. 202 to observe larger herds of females and young. The older bulls are usually found near the west viewing area. The Beneke Tract is also a good bet if the elk are not out along Hwy. 202. Elk are currently being fed a supplemental diet of alfalfa hay on the wildlife area. Staff tries to feed close to the viewing areas on weekends to enhance viewing opportunities. Reservations for the winter elk feeding tours have been completely filled for the three-month season. 12/8/09

Newport Area

The trail behind the Mark O. Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport is a good place to observe shorebirds and waterfowl in the Yaquina estuary.

Tillamook Area

In addition to the variety of divers mentioned previously, an occasional winter visitor has been spotted recently along the ocean shore. Snowy owls from the arctic will appear on the beaches some winters; usually perched in driftwood and on the lookout for rodents along the dune edge. The snowy is much larger than even our large local owls and much more conspicuous, being mostly white and out in the open during daylight hours. Snowy owls that end up on the Oregon coast are almost always young-of-the-year or juveniles, rather than adult birds which remain further north. 2/20/10

Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge west of Oceanside is always home to some type of viewable wildlife as well as being a prime spot for winter storm watching. Long gone are the thousands of nesting murres, puffins and auklets. During the winter months, bald eagles and peregrine falcons are common on the rocks, as are a smattering of pelicans, cormorants and gulls. Pelagic seabirds blown near shore by storms are occasionally present, as well. 1/20/10

Astoria Area

The Twilight Eagle Sanctuary located east of Astoria off of Hwy 30 overlooks Wolf Bay, which is part of the lower Columbia River estuary. It has a viewing platform that is ADA accessible with interpretive panels explaining the natural and historical significance of the area. In addition to the normal array of ducks, geese and eagles found there in the winter, it is host to tundra swans. The swans tend to occupy the farther reaches of the bay, so bringing a spotting scope is usually necessary to view these large white birds. 2/2/10

SOUTHWEST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend opportunities:

• Steelhead fishing continues to be good on several rivers and streams in this Zone including the North Umpqua, Coos, Coquille, Elk/Sixes, and Tenmile/Eel.

• Cooper Creek Reservoir is being stocked with trout this week and Lake Selmac will be stocked next week.

If your favorite fishing spot is no longer listed

It's probably because that river, lake or reservoir is closed for the season, inaccessible due to snow and bad roads, or offers limited fishing opportunities during the winter months. These waterbodies will re-appear in the Recreation Report when they re-open next spring, or when access and/or opportunity improve.

AGATE LAKE: trout, largemouth bass, black crappie

Bank fishing for trout and warmwater fish is available in the reservoir drawdown zone. The water level is low, but small boats may be launched from the ramp.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Trout and bass fishing has been slow. Some boat anglers have been having luck trolling spinners. Bank anglers are catching fish on night crawlers with a small red egg on the hook.

Water level at Applegate Reservoir is 1903 feet as of Feb. 8. The French Gulch boat ramp is open. The lake is starting to fill and boat ramp conditions at French Gulch are improving. Daily reservoir level in feet above sea level can be obtained by calling 1-800-472-2434.

APPLEGATE RIVER: steelhead, rainbow trout

The river is low. A few fish have been caught on small lures or fly-fishing with egg patters. Gold lures have been working on cloudy days, blue and silver ones on sunny days. Wild fish must be released unharmed.

Flows out of the reservoir were 146 cfs on Feb. 8.

Applegate River flows at Wilderville

ARIZONA POND: rainbow trout

Slow. Water levels are low. Located approximately half way between Gold Beach and Port Orford, Arizona Pond is an excellent place to take kids trout fishing. The best time to fish is in the morning or evening when the fish are actively feeding. Flies, spinners, or a worm under a bobber all work really well. Angling is limited to youth 17 and under.

BEN IRVING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass

Ben Irving Reservoir, west of Winston, was stocked in 2009 with 5,000 trout, of which 1,000 were stocked at 1.5-2 lbs. It will start being stocked in 2010 in early March.

CHETCO RIVER: steelhead

Steelhead action has slowed this week as flows have dropped. There are still plenty of fish around in the whole river, with the lower river from Ice Box downstream to Social Security bar producing the best. Angling pressure has been high. Anglers fishing early morning or late afternoon tend to be catching fishing consistently.

Chetco River flows near Brookings

COOPER CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Cooper Creek was stocked in 2009 with about 11,050 trout to date, of which 2,000 were 1.5-2 lbs each. Cooper Creek was stocked with 200 legal and 100 trophy-sized fish the first week of February.

COOS COUNTY LAKES: rainbow trout

Fishing for trout continues to be productive in the area lakes like Empire Lakes, Bradley Lake, Powers Pond, Saunders Lake, Tenmile Lakes, and Butterfield Lake. In Tenmile Lakes, rainbow trout over 20 inches are considered steelhead until after April 30. Trout are biting PowerBait, worms, spinners and small flies. Trout stocking will begin this spring for the Coos County lakes. The 2010 trout stocking schedule is now posted on the ODFW website.

COOS RIVER BASIN: winter steelhead, Dungeness crab, clams

Fishing for steelhead in the Coos and Millicoma rivers has been fair even with low and clear water. New bright steelhead are moving into these rivers each time it rains. The best fishing has been near the steelhead acclimation sites. Access to the South Coos River above Dellwood is by permit from Weyerhaeuser Company, and is subject to their rules. Anglers can call the Weyerhaeuser hotline number at 1-888-741-5403 for recorded information on access and permit purchases.

There will be some opportunity in the afternoons for clam digging this week even with the lack of negative tides. 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 recent shellfish closures recent shellfish closures at http://oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/shellfish_status.shtml.

Recreational crab harvest inside the bay remains decent for those with boats and slow for those crabbing from the docks. Red rock crabs are the main harvest on the docks but there is the occasional legal Dungeness crabs being harvested as well. The best baits to use are fish, chicken, or turkey legs.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: winter steelhead

Fishing for steelhead has been good on the both the North Fork and South Fork Coquille rivers. There is good bank access along the North Fork Coquille at LaVerne Park and at the boating access sites on the South Fork Coquille.

DIAMOND LAKE: rainbow trout

Diamond Lake is closed for angling from Nov. 1, 2009 until April 24, 2010. The area is still open for other winter sports. Contact Diamond Lake Resort or the Forest Service for additional information.

ELK/SIXES RIVER: steelhead

Steelhead fishing has been pretty good on both rivers, but as flows continue to drop it will be harder to get fish to bite. The best river height for Elk River is 5.0 feet and dropping. Anglers can check river height and color of Elk River by calling Elk River Hatchery (541)332-0405.

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

Trout and bass fishing have been slow. A few bank anglers fishing near the dam have been catching trout on PowerBait. Trolling with wedding rings spliced with worms can also produce fish.

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 Web site.

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

Expo Pond was stocked this fall with 250 large and 100 trophy-sized rainbow trout. This should provide some excellent fishing opportunities this winter. Trout anglers should try fishing with worms, PowerBait, and spinners.

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout

Ice fishing for trout has been fair near the Forest Service boat ramp. Anglers should be prepared for winter conditions and varying levels of ice coverage.

FLORAS LAKE: rainbow trout, cutthroat trout

Slow.

GALESVILLE RESERVIOR: rainbow trout, bass

Galesville Reservoir is open to angling year-round. The reservoir was recently stocked with about 5,000 adipose-clipped hatchery coho that should be catchable size this summer. 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. About 8,000 trout were stocked in 2009, and stocking for 2010 will begin in early March. 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. Galesville now has a campground. Call 541-837-3302 for information on camping and boat launching conditions.

GARRISON LAKE: rainbow trout, cutthroat trout

The best way to fish is by boat, but there is some bank access at the State Park. Fly fishing or slow trolling wedding ring spinners are regular producers for trout. Anglers should keep an eye on the weather as the lake can be very windy.

HEMLOCK LAKE & LAKE OF THE WOODS: trout

The road to these lakes is not plowed during the winter so check local road conditions.

HERBERT'S POND: rainbow trout, warmwater fish

Herbert's Pond is a small pond just east of Canyonville on Tiller Highway. The pond has a good warm water fishery for kids including bluegill, crappie, and bass. The pond has very good bank access. Angling is slow.

HOWARD PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Howard Prairie Reservoir is closed to fishing. It will open again on April 24.

HYATT LAKE: trout, bass

Hyatt Lake is closed to fishing. It will open again on April 24.

ILLINOIS RIVER: trout, steelhead

The Illinois River is open for steelhead and adipose fin-clipped trout Jan 1-Mar 31 and May 23-Dec 31. Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures only. Non-adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout, steelhead and cutthroat trout must be released unharmed and should not be removed from the water.

Beginning Jan. 1 in the mainstem Illinois River from the confluence with Briggs Creek upstream to Pomeroy Dam, non-adipose fin-clipped (wild) steelhead at least 24 inches in length may be kept, one per day, five per year, as part of the daily or annual steelhead/salmon catch limit.

Yarn balls have been catching fish above Briggs Creek.

Illinois River flows at Kerby

LAKE MARIE: rainbow trout

Lake Marie is at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park near Winchester. About 4,000 trout were stocked during 2009. Lake Marie received about 400 lunker trout (1lb+) just before Labor Day weekend. The lake will be stocked again in March.

LAKE SELMAC: trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie

Selmac will be stocked with legal sized rainbow trout during the week of February 15. Anglers have been catching fish using nightcrawlers and Pautzke egg. Casting with spinners has been effective on sunny afternoons. Try little cleos or #4 Panther Martins.

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

Lemolo is closed to angling from Nov. 1, 2009 until April 24, 2010. The area is still open for other winter recreation. Contact the resort or Forest Service for additional information.

LOON LAKE: rainbow trout, bass

Loon Lake was stocked with 8,000 trout in 2009. The lake was also stocked with some fingerlings so anglers should remember to release trout less than 8 inches long. Loon Lake will start 2010 stockings in early March. Currently both the BLM campground and resort boat ramps are closed.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Fishing has been fair for bank anglers along the dam and boat anglers have been successful upstream of Peyton Bridge. Anglers should try trolling slowly at different depths with wedding rings with worms; flashers and rooster tails have also been catching fish. Some limits of rainbows are being caught. Bank anglers should do well using PowerBait, worms and salmon eggs.

PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: bottomfish, surfperch, Dunganess crab

When the ocean has been "calm" fishing for rockfish, greenling and lingcod has been good. Fishing from shore for rockfish and greenling has been decent. Concentrate your fishing near rocky outcroppings and drop-offs.

Surfperch fishing has been decent if you can find a beach with smaller waves. Good baits to use for surfperch are sand shrimp or sand worms. Best fishing is typically on the incoming tides.

PLAT I RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, warmwater game fish

Bass fishing at Plat I is catch-and-release only from Nov. 1, 2009 through Feb. 28, 2010. Plat I was stocked with 4,500 trout in 2009. Stocking in 2010 will begin in March.

REINHART POND: rainbow trout, warm water fish

Reinhart Park Pond was stocked this fall with 100 large and 50 trophy trout. Fishing should be good.

ROGUE RIVER

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

Rogue River, lower: winter steelhead

Steelhead are still on the move, but lower flows and clearing water conditions having slowed the bite. Boat anglers are producing the best, with plugs the bait of choice. Public bank access is really good on the Lower Rogue from Quosatana Creek campground to the old Mill Site just above tidewater. Boat anglers can launch their boats at the Port of Gold Beach, Lobster or Quosatana Creek campgrounds.

Rogue River flows

Rogue River, middle: steelhead

Yarn balls and silver and pink plugs have been picking up fish from Pierce riffle through Grant Pass. The flow at Grants Pass on Feb. 8 was 1618 cfs.

Rogue River, upper: steelhead

Steelhead fishing has been fair on the upper river. Side-drifting roe has been successful. Worms and watermelon corkies have also been catching fish. As of Feb. 4, a total of 2807 winter steelhead have been counted over Gold Ray Dam.

On Feb. 8, the flow out of Lost Creek Reservoir was 910 cfs and the flows at Gold Ray were 1560 cfs.

Anglers are reminded that even during high water and turbid conditions along most of the Rogue, conditions are usually good between Big Butte Creek and Cole Rivers Hatchery where reservoir outflows predominate.

Rogue River, above Lost Creek Reservoir: trout

The Rogue River above Lost Creek Reservoir is closed to fishing. It will open again on April 24.

SODA SPRINGS RESERVOIR: brown and rainbow trout

Open year round for trout fishing. The North Umpqua mainstem and the tributaries upstream of Soda Springs Reservoir close to trout fishing from Nov. 1, 2009 until April 24, 2010.

SMITH RIVER: striped bass, trout, fall chinook, steelhead

Open for adipose fin-clipped steelhead and chinook from mouth to Spencer Creek and North Fork from mouth upstream to Johnson Creek. This area is also open to striped bass year-round, two fish per 24 hours, 24-inch minimum size. Fishing is also open for fin-clipped steelhead on the Mainstem Smith from Spencer Creek upstream to Sisters Creek and the North Fork from Johnson Creek to bridge 10 through April 30.

SOUTH COAST STREAMS: trout

Trout season in the Umpqua tributaries, Smith River, South Umpqua, North Umpqua tributaries below Soda Springs Reservoir and Cow Creek basins closed Sept. 16. The mainstem Umpqua and mainstem North Umpqua to ½ mile downstream from Soda Springs Dam are open year-round for catch and release trout.

TENMILE CREEK/EEL CREEK: steelhead

Fishing for steelhead in Tenmile and Eel creeks has been good. There have been quit a few fish moving through the creeks this past week. Fishing near the acclimation sites (mouth of Saunders Creek and mouth of Eel Creek) have produced the most action. Many steelhead have also been caught in Eel Creek. The peak of the steelhead run into Tenmile and Eel creeks is typically later than the peaks in the neighboring rivers.

TOKETEE LAKE: brown trout

Fishing is open in Toketee year-round. The lake has both good bank and boat access throughout. Fishing is slow.

UMPQUA ESTUARY: sturgeon, bass, chinook

Both sturgeon and striped bass fishing have been slow in the lower Umpqua. Crabbing has also slowed down recently. Sturgeon fishing tends to improve in February and March. Check with the Coast Guard for new deadlines in the lower Umpqua when the bar is closed (541-271-4847).

UMPQUA HIGH LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

Clearwater Forebay #2 was stocked with over 4,000 trout in 2009. Other high lakes including Maidu, Bull Pup, Connie, Skookum (N. Umpqua), Calamut, Fuller, Wolf, Cliff, Buckeye, Linda, and Big Twin Lakes were stocked with fingerling brook trout in 2008. Brook trout stocked in 2008 are about 6-10 inches now in most lakes. In 2009, all lakes were again stocked with brook trout except Linda and Calamut which were stocked with rainbow trout fingerlings. These high lakes will remain open until snow closes the roads.

UMPQUA RIVER MAINSTEM: steelhead, coho

Umpqua Basin Note:

The number of hatchery winter steelhead will start improving this winter. The number of 2-salt winter steelhead will still be relatively low due to rearing loses at the hatchery. However, the number of 1-salt hatchery steelhead will be about normal since over 90,000 South Umpqua hatchery steelhead were released in 2009. Angling opportunity and catch rates throughout the basin will also be good due to the strong wild steelhead population; however, only hatchery steelhead can be harvested. During the Umpqua Fishery Enhancement Derby a 32.5 inch long hatchery fish was caught.

Mainstem: steelhead

Remember the main stem Umpqua is closed to wild steelhead harvest, but remains open year-round for adipose fin-clipped steelhead. The recent warm rain helped move the steelhead throughout the basin. Angling has been good recently in the lower mainstem for catching and releasing wild steelhead. Please report anybody harvesting wild steelhead.

Umpqua River flows near Elkton

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead

Remember that only adipose fin-clipped steelhead can be harvested on the North Umpqua. Fishing has been good on the North. During the Umpqua Fishery Enhancement Derby last weekend, 83 steelhead were caught and released on the North. The North is open to catch-and-release trout fishing from the mouth upstream to Soda Springs Dam.

North Umpqua River water levels at Winchester Dam

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: steelhead

The South Umpqua opened for winter steelhead on Dec. 1. Fishing is good and steelhead are being caught from Canyonville down to River Forks. Hatchery fish are already being caught in the Canyonville area by boat and bank anglers. The number of hatchery steelhead should start improving this winter. Last year 91,000 hatchery smolts were released and this year over 100,000 smolts should be released. From 1999 - 2006, the South Umpqua hatchery program released an average of 83,000 smolts. Most Umpqua steelhead come back as 2-salt fish, so while fishing for one-salt hatchery fish will be average, fishing for hatchery fish will improve even more in 2011 and 2012. Only adipose fin-clipped steelhead can be harvested.

South Umpqua River water levels near Riddle

WILLOW LAKE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bullhead

Anglers should try using floating bait or worms. Casting lures or flies can also be effective. Fishing has been slow.

WINCHESTER BAY: sturgeon, coho, rockfish

Fishing for sturgeon is slow. Crabbing has slowed down lately. Fishing for rockfish at the South Jetty has also been productive. Check with the Coast Guard for new deadlines in the lower Umpqua when the bar is closed (541-271-4847).

WINCHUCK RIVER: steelhead

Public access is limited in the lower river, but there is plenty of opportunity on Forest Service property in the upper river. Anglers will want to check the regulations prior to fishing as there are deadlines and angling restrictions.

OREGON COAST

Always check for health advisories by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Shellfish line at 1-800-448-2474 for updates.

Razor clams and current status of particular areas

Crabbing has been good. Crabbing from public docks or boat if available is a great opportunity for families to catch a delicious dinner. Kids often enjoy sorting out the smaller crab that can be abundant. Public crabbing docks can be found in Winchester Bay, Bandon, Charleston, and Empire.

Clamming. The Oregon Department of Agriculture has opened coastal bays along the Oregon Coast to recreational clam harvest. Mussel harvesting, from the mouth of the Columbia River closed south of Bastendorf Beach near Charleston to the California border because of elevated levels of paralytic shellfish toxins. The closure of mussel harvesting north of Bastendorf Beach north to the Columbia River is now open.

Before any shellfish harvest trip, make sure to check the Oregon Department of Agriculture website for any recent shellfish closures recent shellfish closures at: http://oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/shellfish_status.shtml.

ALWAYS CHECK FOR HEALTH ADVISORIES by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Shellfish line at 1-800-448-2474 for updates.

• Razor clams and current status of particular areas

• Bay clams

• ALWAYS CHECK FOR HEALTH ADVISORIES by calling the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Shellfish line at 1-800-448-2474 for updates.

SOUTHWEST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: COUGAR, FURBEARER

SOUTH COAST ZONE GOOSE will re-open Feb. 20-March 10. See the Game Bird Regulations for details.

Use the Oregon Hunting Access Map to see where to hunt.

EVENTS

Jackson County Sportsmen's Show, Jackson County Expo, February 26 -28. Stop by ODFW's booth.

May 22, Youth Oregon Hunter Day, Denman Wildlife Area (Central Point). Children of all ages can try archery, shotgun skills training, fishing, laser shot, and hot air balloon rides. Equipment provided. Free. For more information call Vince Oredson phone: (541) 826-8774. More information

DOUGLAS COUNTY

BIG GAME:

Elk - A few controlled hunts are open. Elk populations are similar to last year.

Cougar -Cougar season is currently open. Hunting cougar is most successful adjacent to private land with high deer populations.

TRAPPING & HUNTING:

Furbearers - A reminder to trappers and hunters that specific licenses and tags are required to hunt many furbearer species, and hunters should refer to the Oregon Furbearer Trapping and Hunting Regulations for details.

Bobcat & Gray Fox - Currently open. Healthy populations throughout Western Oregon.

River Otter, Beaver & Raccoon - Currently open. Healthy populations throughout Western Oregon. The last day of the season for these species is March 15, 2010.

Mink & Muskrat - Currently open. Healthy populations throughout Western Oregon. The last day of the season for mink and muskrat is March 31, 2010.

COOS COUNTY

Other hunting opportunities are available for furbearers and other animals with fur value like coyotes. There are specific license and tag requirements for hunting some of these animals. Contact your local ODFW office for details.

COYOTE populations are good in Coos County and they will respond to calls. However, calling coyotes on the coast range is challenging due to brush.

Bobcat populations are also healthy in Coos County. They are one of the furbearers that require specific tags and licenses to hunt. Bobcats respond well to calls but are generally slower to show themselves than coyotes.

JACKSON, JOSEPHINE, CURRY COUNTIES

The Jackson Cooperative Travel Management Area is in effect. This agreement between government agencies and private partners provides hunters with access to a variety of lower elevation areas to hunt. Now that hunting seasons are over the roads continue to remain closed within designated areas unless posted to provide very little disturbance to wildlife especially deer and Elk. Maps can be obtained online through ODFW's website; click on the Oregon Hunting Access Map

A few select ELK controlled hunts are open. These hunts are to focus on elk in low elevation mostly on private lands dealing with damage.

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

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.

GOOSE season in the South Coast Zone will run February 20-March 10. Hunters will have an opportunity to hunt Aleutian geese. This hunt is only allowed on private lands by permission. No public waterways are open. Refer to the hunting regulation for more details. Contact ODFW's Gold Beach office 541-247-7605 for a map and contacts to hunt on private lands that make up the New River Access Area, an Access and Habitat property.

WESTERN GRAY SQUIRREL season is only open in a select area of the Rogue unit; refer to the regulations for more detail. Much of this area has high numbers of squirrels. This is a great animal to hunt for first time hunters.

TRAPPING & HUNTING:

Furbearers - A reminder to trappers and hunters that specific licenses and tags are required to hunt many furbearer species, and hunters should refer to the 2008-10 Oregon Furbearer Trapping and Hunting Regulations for details.

Bobcat -Harvest season is open until February 28.

River Otter, Beaver, Mink/Muskrat, Gray Fox & Raccoon -Western Oregon populations are healthy with gray fox and raccoons slightly higher than normal. Pursuit season is currently open for fox and raccoon until March 15.

SOUTHWEST ZONE VIEWING

EVENTS

Douglas County Sportsmens' Show

Don't forget to visit the ODFW Booth at the Douglas County Sportsmens' Show at the Douglas County fairgrounds (I-5 exit 123) from February 19 - 21.

TAX TIME

When completing your taxes for calendar year 2009, don't forget to make your donation for the nongame tax check-off on your Oregon return.

Coos County

Sea ducks can be seen in local bay or along local beaches in abundance. Most are surf scoters but black scoters are also common. These birds feed on invertebrates and vegetation in the shallows of bays and in the surf zone along beaches. Good places to see these peculiar birds are the boat ramp at Empire, beaches near Charleston in Coos Bay and in the surf zone along any on the ocean beaches. Viewers should be very careful walking near the water on local beaches this time of year since high surf events are common.

Large numbers of other waterfowl species are very apparent in the Coquille Valley now since the valley is mostly flooded. A mix of species are available for viewing including northern pintail, American widgeon, mallards and others.

Brown Pelicans linger too long

Brown pelicans are in the local area in large numbers. This is not something commonly seen. Under normal circumstances, they would have been far to the south at this time of year. While they are spectacular to watch flying low over the surf, some of these birds are in very poor physical condition due to the fact that feeding opportunities are hard for them to come by in Oregon now.

If viewers encounter sick of dying birds, refrain from approaching them and do not feed them. Doing so is not only a violation of Federal law, it does not benefit the birds. Instead, report ill birds to local wildlife rehabilitators or ODFW offices.

Unfortunately a high level of mortality is expected in these birds, which is Mother Nature's way, at times.

Douglas County

VIEWING:

Fish Passage

Winter Steelhead are migrating upstream and passing through Winchester dam fish ladder on the N. Umpqua River. The fish ladder is free and open to the public with the best viewing in the late afternoon hours when the water is not muddy. To view the migrating fish go to exit 129 on I-5, proceed southeast on 99 to the fish ladder on the north side of the river.

Songbirds

Winter songbirds including Western Bluebirds can be seen at Stewart Park and Stewart Park trail in Roseburg. Viewing is best in the late morning to early afternoon.

Peregrine Falcons

Peregrine Falcons are now commonly seen on the Umpqua Valley floor especially near Melrose, Lookinglass, Umpqua and other open areas close to the Umpqua River.

Amphibians

The pacific (chorus) tree frog is starting to vocalize around ponds, puddles and other watered areas getting ready for spring breeding season. They can be heard vocalizing on warmer days and afternoons.

Owls

Great horned owls and other smaller owls are calling in the evenings or early mornings in areas of wooded habitat.

Jackson County

Bald Eagles

Areas along the Rogue River are favorite places to find Bald Eagles. Bureau of Land Management recently conducted eagle counts along the Rogue River and surveyed around 20 different eagles Two young Bald Eagles were spotted off of Hwy 234 around the 10-mile marker.

CENTRAL ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities:

• For fly fishers, warm spring-like days have been triggering caddis and blue-wing olive hatches on the Deschutes.

• Fishing also has been good on the Crooked River.

If your favorite fishing spot is no longer listed

ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR:

Closed to angling through May 21, 2010. The reservoir will be restocked with catchable rainbow trout in May of 2010.

CRESCENT LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and kokanee

December can provide good opportunity for lake trout and brown trout at Crescent though access may be limited by snow.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout and mountain whitefish

Fishing has been good. Releases from Bowman Dam have increased to 145 cfs; flows will be less stable with winter rains. Please use extreme caution when wading during the cold winter months.

All anglers should visit informational kiosks located in the BLM campgrounds in the Wild and Scenic portion of the river where a flier has been posted to assist anglers in collecting valuable information. A sample of redband trout and mountain whitefish are tagged with a numbered floy tag protruding from the back. Anglers who catch a trout or whitefish with a floy tag are encouraged to release the fish after recording the tag number, fish length and location caught. Anglers can send the information to ODFW at (541) 447-5111 ext. 24 or michael.r.harrington@state.or.us.

DESCHUTES RIVER: steelhead, rainbow trout

Mouth to the Northern Boundary of the Warm Springs Reservation: steelhead, trout,

The Deschutes River upstream of the northern border of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation closed to sport anglers Dec. 31, 2009.

The Deschutes River will remain open to angling for steelhead and trout from the mouth upstream to the northern border of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. Water temperatures are warming with all of the mild winter days on the lower Deschutes. Anglers can advantage of these early spring like days by targeting trout with dry flies. Look for blue-winged olive and caddis hatches during mid-day.

Anglers who catch a tagged hatchery steelhead with an orange anchor tag, are encouraged to report catch information to ODFW at 541-296-4628 or via the internet at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/The_Dalles/fish_tag_returns.asp. Anglers catching a tagged wild fish should release it immediately without recording any information.

Anglers can check the trap the seasons catch at Sherars Falls as an indicator of fish movement in the Deschutes at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/fish_counts/sherars_falls/index.asp. The trap was removed on Nov. 1 for the season.

Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls: rainbow trout, brown trout

No recent reports. The flows are now well-suited for fishing. This reach of the Deschutes provides winter angling opportunity for brown trout and redband trout. Please note this reach of river is restricted to the use of flies and lures only.

FALL RIVER: rainbow trout

Fall River above the falls remains open to fly angling only. No recent angler reports.

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout

The reservoir was stocked in December.

On Oct. 2, the Oregon Department of Human Services lifted the blue green advisory on Haystack Reservoir. To find out more about the advisory and recommended precautions, please go to the DHS Web site.

HOOD RIVER: summer steelhead

Flows are good on the Hood River with good numbers of winter steelhead being caught by anglers.

Find out how many fish are being captured at the Powerdale Dam trap.

KINGSLEY RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Along with earlier stocking of legal-sized trout, Kingsley has received many excess summer steelhead that have returned to the Hood River. Access may be difficult due to snow and the lake is likely frozen.

LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: bull trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, smallmouth bass

No recent reports. The Metolius arm is closed, the remainder of the reservoir remains open.

METOLIUS RIVER: redband trout, bull trout

No recent reports. The mainstem Metolius upstream from Allingham Bridge is currently closed to angling.

NORTH TWIN: rainbow trout

No recent fishing reports as angler activity is minimal. Please note North Twin Lake remains open year round though accessibility may be limited during the winter months.

OCHOCO CREEK UPSTREAM TO OCHOCO DAM: rainbow trout

Local anglers should consider lunchtime outings, as hatches are strong in the noon hour. Anglers should be aware that beginning in 2010 new fishing regulations go into effect that permanently restricts fishing to artificial flies and lures only; two trout per day and eight-inch minimum length. The Prineville Youth pond now provides an opportunity for children to learn beginning angling practices and harvest fish.

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

No recent reports.

PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Pine Hollow has been recently stocked and offers a great opportunity to catch multiple size classes of trout this winter.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, black crappie, bass

No recent reports. Anglers should consult the 2010 Sport Fishing Regulations (page 63) for maximum length requirements and bag limits for both largemouth and smallmouth bass.

PRINEVILLE YOUTH FISHING POND: Rainbow trout and largemouth bass

Ice is unsafe for fishing! The Prineville Youth Fishing Pond is open to children 14 and younger with a bag limit of five fish.

SUTTLE LAKE: brown trout, kokanee

No recent angler reports.

TAYLOR LAKE: rainbow trout

Taylor Lake has been recently stocked with rainbow trout and should offer a great opportunity to catch trout this winter.

WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout

Closed to angling through May 21, 2010. The reservoir will be restocked with catchable rainbow trout in May of 2010.

CENTRAL ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: COUGAR AND COYOTE.

Bird hunting seasons are now closed.

EVENTS

Central Oregon Sportsman Show, March 11-14, Deschutes County Fairgrounds, Redmond. Stop by ODFW's booth to learn about the Mule Deer Initiative and talk to ODFW staff about hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing. Your kids will enjoy our fish tank.

Use the Oregon Hunting Access Map to see where to hunt.

PRINEVILLE/OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT

GENERAL: Snow is present at higher elevations. Recent warmer temperatures and rain have created slippery and muddy conditions, and travel off surfaced roads is not recommended. Be prepared for winter conditions, including cold temperatures, ice, and snow. Hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts should have cold weather gear, and have their vehicle properly winterized. Winter restrictions on motorized vehicles are in effect on portions of the Ochoco National Forest and Prineville BLM managed lands. Those federal agencies should be contacted for maps and further information (BLM: (541)416-6700, Ochoco Nat. For. (541) 416-6500).

COYOTES will be closely associated with deer and antelope on winter ranges. Both the Maury and Ochoco have sizeable areas of public lands that should provide good hunting opportunities. Areas to consider include BLM lands around the S. Fork. Crooked River, Camp Creek, and Hampton Butte (Maury unit); and mixed USFS/BLM lands along the S. Fork John Day River and Paulina Valley (Ochoco unit).

COUGAR are present at all elevations in the Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly units. Like coyotes, cougar will be attracted to wintering deer and antelope at lower elevations. Areas to consider include the Maury Mountains and S. Fork Crooked River in the Maury; N. Fork Crooked River and S. Fork John Day River in the Ochoco; and upper Mill, Trout, and Mckay Creeks in the Grizzly unit. Remember cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days after harvest. Please consult the synopsis for all required parts and be sure to call first to make an appointment.

THE DALLES WILDLIFE DISTRICT

COUGAR season is open. Hunters wishing to pursue cougar will find best success near areas of deer and elk concentrations, or in the Deschutes and John Day river canyons. Successful hunters, remember you must check in cougar (hide and skull) and bear skull at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest and bring them in unfrozen. It's also a good idea to prop their mouths open with a stick after harvest for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging. See regulations for details.

Those wishing to pursue COYOTE will find the best success near agricultural lands. Be sure to ask permission to hunt private lands. Limited opportunities may also be found at White River Wildlife area, and on lower elevation forest service lands.

Recent warm temperatures have brought out a few GROUND SQUIRRELS in the area. The best hunting is found on private agricultural grounds, and hunters must seek permission before hunting on private ground.

WHITE RIVER WILDLIFE AREA

COUGAR season is open from Jan. 1 to Dec.31 or until zone mortality quotas have been met. Cougar hunting is generally best in areas where deer and elk are wintering. Please be mindful when hunting near feeding areas to reduce disturbance to wintering wildlife. Look for fresh tracks or kills to increase success.

COYOTE hunters should be looking in open areas along the eastern perimeter of the wildlife area. Open fields can provide good calling opportunities on the area.

The gates to through traffic closed on December 1 and will remain closed until April 1, 2010. Some roads may stay closed until May 1 depending on weather and road conditions.

The wildlife area is a vehicle regulated use area. Open roads have a green dot on them. Hunters bringing their ATVs are reminded that all vehicles are to stay on roads; cross country travel is prohibited.

CENTRAL ZONE VIEWING

Sherman County and Deschutes Canyon

Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area

Many different species frequent the Deschutes Canyon at this time of year with opportunities to view a wide variety of waterbirds, passerines, deer and bighorn sheep. A comprehensive bird list for the wildlife area can be found at the kiosk in Deschutes River State Park. Many passerines appear to be starting their northern trek early, providing some great early spring birding opportunities in the canyon.

Bighorn sheep are a common site in the canyon. One of the most popular spots to view Bighorn sheep is down the Mack's Canyon road between the mouth of Jones Canyon and Mack's Canyon. Good binoculars and a spotting scope will improve the odds of viewing sheep.

Directions and more information about the Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area are on ODFW's Web site. 2/9/10.

Wasco County

The Dalles Area

Conditions in the area are wet and muddy, so be cautious shen venturing out on area roads. Recent warm temperatures have also created a good flush of green up in the area, showing that spring is right around the corner.

Wintering Bald eagles are here in good numbers. A pair of eagles can regularly be seen near the Gorge Discovery Center. There are great numbers of birds utilizing the area around Mayer State Park and the mouth of the Klickitat River.

Wintering deer and elk are a common site throughout the area. Open oak ridges throughout the northern half of the White River unit can be great places to find deer and elk out feeding on cold winter mornings. Be aware that most of these areas are on private property, and respect landowners by staying on the public roads. 2/9/10

ODFW White River Wildlife Area

Deer and Elk are now in the feeding areas throughout the wildlife area. Visitors to the area can find good viewing opportunities near feed sites. Please be aware that winter is a critical period for wintering wildlife, and disturbance to these animals can be reduced by viewing from a distance with a spotting scope and good binoculars.

Visitors can find a variety of bird species on the area. Some of the most notable are Lewis' Woodpeckers, which inhabit the open oak areas throughout the wildlife area and Pileated Woodpeckers, which can generally be found near the forest boundary. The area also hosts a variety of passerines, as well as turkey, quail and a few waterfowl.

For more information and directions to the wildlife area, visit ODFW's Web site. 1/26/10.

Jefferson and Crook Counties

Winter conditions are present and recreational users and their pets should dress accordingly. Big game are on winter ranges and this is an ideal time to see mule deer, antelope and elk, and the coyotes hoping to make a meal of them. At the same time, wintering waterfowl are using the open water along the Crooked River, and adjacent agricultural fields. The waterfowl have, in turn, attracted the attention of golden and bald eagles, prairie falcons, northern harriers, red-tailed hawks, rough-legged hawks and Swainson's hawks. 2/9/10.

Prineville

To have an opportunity to see an assortment of wintering big game, waterfowl, and wintering raptors, and enjoy a scenic drive head east from Prineville along the Crooked River to the Paulina Ranger Station. To take this trip drivers will turn south off of Highway 26 at the east end of Prineville onto the Paulina Highway (Hwy 380). Proceed east on the Paulina Highway through the small communities of Post and Paulina. The better viewing for raptors hunting waterfowl and small mammals will be between MP 20 and 50. Approximately 4 miles east of Paulina proceed north to Paulina Ranger Station using Puett Road. Pay particular attention during this section for wintering deer, elk, and pronghorn using the western flanks of Powell Mountain visible from Puett Road. This is approximately 180 miles round trip from Prineville, and drivers should be prepared for winter driving, and a trip which will take 6 - 8 hours. In addition to warm clothing, bring binoculars, spotting scope, a camera, snacks, and your favorite warm beverages. Food and fuel is available at stores in Post and Paulina. 2/2/10.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities:

• Ice fishing on Unity and Wolf Creek reservoirs has been very good. But ice conditions are changing so please use caution.

• Because their water temperatures stay fairly constant throughout the year, both Ana River and Ana Reservoir can offer good winter fishing opportunities.

If your favorite fishing spot is no longer listed

It's probably because that river, lake or reservoir is closed for the season, inaccessible due to snow and bad roads, or offers limited fishing opportunities during the winter months. These water bodies will re-appear in the Recreation Report when they re-open next spring, or when access and/or opportunity improve.

ANA RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout, hybrid bass

Ana Reservoir is open year-round for rainbow trout and hybrid bass angling. Water temperatures in the reservoir stay fairly consistent throughout the year. The reservoir provides good opportunities for winter angling.

ANA RIVER: hatchery rainbow trout

Water temperatures remain stable due to the large amount of springs in Ana Reservoir and in the river. Winter conditions include snow, ice, and occasionally mud. Angling can be excellent on the days where the wind doesn't blow and we have mild daytime temperatures.

BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, hatchery rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout

The reservoir is 21 percent full and average inflow was 59 cfs on Jan. 31. The pool remains covered with ice. Angling in the reservoir and below the dam is poor.

BLITZEN RIVER: trout

Flows remain stable, the discharge measurements at the Page Springs gauge are being affected by ice. No recent angling report but angling should be slow for trout. The entire basin is in a catch-and-release mode until next spring.

BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: bass, white crappie, yellow perch, catfish, and trout.

The reservoir is 34 percent full on Jan 31. The pool is 70 percent covered with ice. Angling is poor.

BURNS POND: trout, bass

The pond is ice covered. Ice thickness was reported at 6 inches Jan. 25, 2010.

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout, largemouth bass

Snow depth makes access to Chewaucan River upstream of Paisley extremely difficult.

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout

The reservoir is very low, the water is turbid. Water level is to the bottom of the boat ramp. The reservoir is covered with a thin layer of ice; it is not safe for ice fishing. There are several yards of open water from the shoreline to ice around the entire reservoir. Some trout may have survived the summer, but we cannot recommend traveling long distances to fish this reservoir.

DELINTMENT LAKE: trout

The reservoir is covered with ice. Ice thickness is unknown. The road into the lake is icy, with packed snow and ice for several miles into the reservoir.

DEVILS LAKE: yellow perch, largemouth bass, brown bullhead

The lake is frozen.

DOG LAKE: largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, brown bullhead

The lake is frozen. The thickness of the ice is unknown.

DUNCAN RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The reservoir is clear of ice. Angling for hatchery rainbow trout has been slow.

FISH LAKE (Steens Mountain): brook trout, rainbow trout

The lake is covered with ice. Ice thickness is unknown. Angling is slow to poor.

FOURMILE LAKE: rainbow trout, lake trout, kokanee, brook trout

Access to the lake is blocked by snow at highway 140.

GERBER RESERVOIR: crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead and largemouth bass

The reservoir is frozen. Ice fishing can be good for yellow perch. Ice thickness has decreased.

JUNIPER LAKE: cutthroat trout

The lake is dry.

KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: redband trout and yellow perch

Angling is very slow due very cold water.

KLAMATH RIVER: native rainbow-redband trout

Angling below Keno Dam is slow. Winter conditions exist with anglers encountering snow, ice and occasionally mud. The Klamath River from J.C. Boyle Dam bridge crossing downstream to the J. C Boyle Powerhouse provides good angling this time of year for small redband-rainbow trout (6-11 inches). Angling in the river below the powerhouse is challenging due to un- plowed roads, deep snow, and steep terrain.

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass

This reservoir is closed for the season. It will reopen in late April 2010.

LAKE OF THE WOODS: hatchery rainbow trout, kokanee, hatchery brown trout, yellow perch, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, crappie, and smallmouth bass

The lake is frozen although ice thickness is unknown. Lake of the Woods offers good ice fishing for yellow perch. Extreme caution should be taken to assure ice is thick enough for safe angling.

LINK RIVER: redband trout

Redband trout are available. Boats can be launched at Veterans Park.

LUCKY RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The reservoir is frozen. Thickness of the ice is unknown.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The water extends out from the neck past the peninsula. The reservoir is covered with ice. Angling is slow for rainbow trout between 14 and 16 inches. The current fishing regulations for this reservoir are unchanged. Current bag limit is five trout no more than one over 20 inches.

MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork Malheur River): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout

Warm Springs Reservoir is at minimum water level. Flows below Warm Springs Dam have been shut off for the winter. Angling for trout is poor.

MALHEUR RIVER (from the South Fork Malheur River near Riverside, downstream to Gold Creek): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout.

Flows below Beulah and Warm Springs reservoirs have been shut off for the winter. Flows in the Juntura area are about 10 cfs. Angling for trout is poor.

MALHEUR RIVER, NORTH FORK: redband trout, whitefish, and bull trout

Access to the North Fork Area is limited. It is most likely blocked by snow. No recent angling report. Remember to release bull trout.

MALHEUR RIVER, MIDDLE FORK: redband trout, brook trout, and bull trout

Access to the North Fork Area is limited. It is most likely blocked by snow. No recent angling report. Remember to release bull trout.

MANN LAKE: trout

No recent angling report. The lake is very low, and illegally introduced goldfish have disrupted the trout fishery.

MILLER LAKE: brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout

Access to the lake is blocked by snow. Access is available by snowmobile or dog team. Be aware of possibility of sled dog racers using the access road in the month of January and February. The lake is frozen.

MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout

The reservoir is covered with ice. Ice thickness is unknown. No recent angling report.

MURRAY RESERVOIR: trout

Ice fishing for trout is fair. Fish are averaging 12 inches.

NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: rainbow trout

Access is limited by snow. The reservoirs are covered with ice. Angling is poor.

OWYHEE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, catfish

The reservoir was 26 percent full on Jan. 31. The only boat ramps open for use are at the powerhouse and the resort. All other ramps are out of the water. Ice is beginning to form at the upper end of the reservoir. Boater should use caution. Angling for warmwater fish is slow.

OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): brown trout and hatchery rainbow trout

Flows below the dam have been shutoff for the winter. Most of the river is open. Fishing for rainbow and brown trout is slow. Anglers need to be careful around spawning areas as there are eggs in the gravel.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish

Discharge at the Rome gauge averaged 238 cfs on Jan. 31. Fishing for smallmouth and channel catfish is poor. All of the dirt roads are muddy and very soft, so access off paved roads is limited.

PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch

Ice fishing for perch is fair. The road to the boat ramp near the dam is drivable but hasn't been plowed.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout

The reservoir is closed to fishing until spring.

PIUTE RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout and hatchery Lahontan cutthroat trout

The reservoir is frozen. Ice thickness is unknown. Reservoir is extremely low.

POWDER RIVER: trout, spring chinook

Catch-and-release for trout is allowed using flies and lures only from Mason dam to the Hughes Lane Bridge in Baker City. The remaining portions of the Powder River are closed.

SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: hatchery rainbow trout

Access is limited by snow. The reservoirs are covered with ice. Angling is poor.

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout

The ice has thawed around the edges but fishing from the bank has been fair-good for heavy 15-18 inch trout. The dirt road that follows the reservoir has been upgraded to provide good access to the Powder River below the dam. Public access only goes approximately 1,000 ft below the dam. Please respect private property and remain within 1,000 ft of the dam.

THOMPSON VALLEY RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout, largemouth bass

The reservoir is frozen.

UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie

Ice fishing for trout is very good. Fish are 12-14 inches. The edges are thawing but folks are still fishing. Use caution.

WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: smallmouth bass, white crappie, catfish, perch, and hatchery rainbow trout

The water level in the reservoir remains near minimum. It was 9 percent and average inflow was 76 cfs on Jan. 31. Angling in the reservoir is poor.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, trout

Ice fishing is good for rainbow trout. Ice is thawing around the edges. Use caution.

YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout

The reservoir is covered with ice. Ice thickness was measured at 14 inches on Jan. 25, 2010. Angling has been good for trout in the 12 to 14 inch size range. Road conditions into the lake are generally icy, packed snow and ice for several miles into the lake. A hole was cut in the ice, several feet wide at the center of the lake. It is very hazardous, and anglers should steer clear of it to avoid falling into the lake.

SOUTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: COUGAR and COYOTE

EVENT

May 22, Family day at the range, Snake River Sportsmen's Club, Ontario. $15.00/person includes the use of all necessary equipment, instruction/materials and lunch. More information

Use the Oregon Hunting Access Map to see where to hunt.

HARNEY COUNTY

COUGAR hunting is open. Populations are healthy and distributed throughout the district in any area with a big game prey base.

COYOTE populations appear to have rebounded this summer, and good numbers can be found throughout Harney County. The highest concentrations are associated near mule deer wintering areas and private agricultural or calving areas. Hunters are reminded to ask permission before entering private lands. Be aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator calls, and separate licensing and open season limitations exist for these species.

KLAMATH COUNTY

COUGAR season is open. Cougar hunting opportunities will improve with colder winter weather as cougars follow big game migrations to winter ranges.

Good COYOTE hunting opportunities exist throughout the county.

Late GOOSE season will be open in Klamath County Feb. 20-March 10 on private lands only with permission of the landowner. See the regulations for more details.

KLAMATH WILDLIFE AREA

All hunting seasons are closed at this time.

Gorr Island Unit

Gorr Island is located four miles south of the Miller Island Unit in the Klamath River, accessible only by boat.

Shoalwater Bay Unit and Sesti Tgawaals Unit

Shoalwater Bay and Sesti Tgawaals are both located on the west side of Upper Klamath Lake approximately 10 miles to the north and west of Klamath Falls.

Miller Island Unit

The Miller Island Unit is located 6 miles south and west of Klamath Falls.

Public use is allowed on the Miller Island Unit from February 1 until May 1 on public roads and parking lots only to reduce disturbance of migrating waterfowl.

Running and training of dogs is allowed only in the Dog Training Area from February 1 until July 31 except by permit for official hunt tests or trials.

Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit. Discharge of firearms is prohibited except by permit. If you have any questions, please contact Klamath Wildlife Area at (541) 883-5734 or lanny.a.fujishin@state.or.us .

LAKE COUNTY

COUGAR hunting is open. Populations are healthy due to good habitat and prey base.

COYOTE numbers appear to be very low throughout the county. The best numbers are near the crested wheatgrass seedlings in the southern portion of the Wagontire unit. Populations in forest habitats also are more abundant and calling around natural forest openings can be productive.

SUMMER LAKE WILDLIFE AREA

This section was last updated February 8, 2010.

Game bird hunting seasons have ended and it is unlawful to discharge firearms on Summer Lake Wildlife Area, except by permit.

Limited opportunities for coyote hunting are available by special permit. Please contact the Wildlife Area for additional details.

Please contact Summer Lake Wildlife Area at (541) 943-3152 or email martin.j.stlouis@state.or.us for additional information.

MALHEUR COUNTY

COUGAR season is open. With varying snow conditions thought the county hunters may be able to track down cougars. The best time to track cougars is 12 to 24 hours after a fresh snow. Deer and elk winger ranges have the highest concentrations of cougars from November through the end of March.

COYOTE hunting has been slow due to relatively low population levels associated with a low period in cyclic rabbit and rodent populations. Hunters are reminded to ask permission before entering private lands. Be aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator calls, and separate licensing and open season limitations exist for these species.

SOUTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

EVENT

2010 Winter Wings Festival, Klamath Falls, February 12-14, Klamath Falls

The Klamath Basin Audubon Society presents the 31st Annual Winter Wings Festival. Experience the beauty of the Klamath Basin in winter, where hundreds of eagles and other raptors and literally thousands of ducks, geese, and swans take up residence. Visit www.winterwingsfest.org for more information.

Malheur County

Good viewing opportunities for a diverse variety of waterfowl and raptors occur along the Malheur River between Harper and Juntura and the Owyhee River from Snively Hot Springs to Owyhee Dam. Aquatic furbearers including muskrats, beaver and river otter are frequently observed on the shelf ice adjacent to these rivers this time of year. 12/22/09.

Harney County

Wintering raptors have returned to the area. You should be able to view golden eagles, bald eagles and a variety of hawks perching on telephone poles and fence posts throughout the district. Bald eagles will increase in numbers as spring migrants begin to move north.

Many of the bighorn sheep will be using lower elevation slopes and can often be seen from the highways. Bighorn sheep may be seen from highway 205 along Catlow Valley or along the East Steens Road. 1/26/10.

Klamath Falls Area

The first flocks of white-front, snow, and Ross's geese are being seen returning to the basin. These geese, as well as Canada geese, can be seen moving between feeding and roosting sites in the lower basin near Stateline and Township Roads, as well as other areas south of Klamath Falls.

Bald eagles have been observed daily using the big snag located along Lake Ewauna by Veteran's Park. Viewing opportunities have picked up for raptors including bald eagles, rough-legged hawks, northern harriers, and red-tailed hawks around the basin.

The Link River offers great viewing for common merganser, bufflehead, common goldeneye, lesser scaup and great blue heron. The Link River trail provides great viewing opportunities.

Good numbers of tundra swans have returned to stage in the Klamath Basin prior to migrating north. Best viewing opportunities are south of Klamath Falls in flooded fields near Township and Stateline Roads.

As colder weather arrives, it's a good time to stock your bird feeders. It's also a good idea to clean your bird feeder periodically through the winter to reduce spread of diseases. 2/2/10.

Klamath Wildlife Area

Waterfowl

White-front and Ross's geese have begun returning to the Miller Island Unit of the wildlife area in small numbers. Great Basin Canada geese have begun their annual pairing in preparation for the nesting season. Flocks of northern pintail have begun arriving from their wintering grounds in California. Expect numbers of migrating and staging waterfowl to increase as we move closer to March.

Raptors

Occasional visits from bald eagles have begun. Higher numbers of bald eagles will occur as more migrating waterfowl begin utilizing the wildlife area. Sharp-shinned and Cooper's hawks are occasionally seen foraging around the office complex.

Upland Game Birds

California quail are in coveys and normally found in heavy cover near many of the old homesteads on Miller Island, as well as around the office complex. A few ring-necked pheasants may be visible foraging in cereal grain fields.

Public use is restricted to the public roads and parking lots on the Miller Island Unit from February 1 until May 1 to reduce disturbance to migrating waterfowl.

Running and training of dogs is allowed only in the Dog Training Area from February 1 until July 31, except by permit for official hunt tests or trials. 2/9/09.

Lake County and Lakeview Area

Snow geese which are the first birds of spring migration started moving through the Goose Lake Valley on January 30. Bald eagles which nest in Alaska or Canada and winter in California will follow the waterfowl migration.

January through March is a good time to see numerous Bald eagles throughout major agricultural valleys in the county.

By this time of year all migrant shore birds and passerines have moved south. Avid birders can still find a few peeps along Lake Abert. Winter passerines are best seen in riparian areas throughout the county. Winter raptors are most abundant in the valleys near hay meadows and wintering cattle.

With the recent precipitation herbaceous vegetation has greened up along the lower elevations of Abert Rim. Bighorn sheep can be viewed along the mid to lower elevations of the Rim along U.S. Highway 395. 2/2/10.

Summer Lake Wildlife Area

This section was updated on February 8, 2010. Vehicle access to the Wildlife Viewing Loop is now open.

A majority of the Area's wetlands have opened up during the recent mild temperatures. Northward migrating waterfowl are beginning to appear.

Waterfowl

Northward migration has begun and waterfowl populations are starting to increase.

The last weekly count conducted on Feb. 3rd found about 2,800 ducks, 2,200 geese and over 500 swans.

A large number of lesser snow geese (1,200) were observed and greater white-fronted geese doubled in number, both species returning from California wintering grounds.

Duck numbers were down from the previous, probably due to the open and ice free conditions and the end of hunting season that has resulted in the birds spreading out across the Wildlife Area.

Tundra swan numbers showed a slight increase over the past week, about 500 were observed during the weekly count. Migrant and wintering trumpeter swans can still be found.

Resident Canada geese are dispersed widely across the Wildlife Area and adjacent private lands and breeding pairs are beginning to search for nesting territories.

Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds

Very few individuals of just 2-3 species can be found. Early migrants such as killdeer are expected any day. Other waterbird species remain at low wintering numbers, but spring arrivals should be making their appearance soon.

Raptors and Others

Resident raptors remain scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Hwy 31. Wintering raptors are found in good numbers throughout the Summer Lake Basin and are very apparent along Highway 31. Rough-legged hawks (arctic migrants) are commonly seen during winter. Meadows offer excellent foraging opportunities for many raptors. Northern harriers are especially numerous over marsh and hay meadows. Bald eagles are becoming more numerous across the Wildlife Area now. As waterfowl numbers increase, viewers can expect to see additional bald eagles in association with their favored food source at this time of the year.

Prairie falcons, Cooper's and sharp-shinned hawks and golden eagles are sometimes seen during this time of the year.

Upland game birds

California quail have formed large coveys now. Pheasant groups and individuals continue to be observed around agricultural and Northend areas, however most are in heavy cover at this time.

Eurasian collared doves remain fairly numerous (20-25 individuals) at Headquarters Complex and mourning doves are scarce.

Passerine (perching) species, especially sparrows and finches remain fairly common around the Headquarters complex, Summer Lake Rest Area, homestead sites and shelter break plantings at the north end of the Area where they are attracted to tree and shrub cover. Other migrant and wintering passerines can now be found in very low numbers.

Over the past week, red-winged blackbirds returned in small numbers to marsh areas where they had been absent for the last couple of months.

Facilities and Access

The Wildlife Viewing Loop is now open and will remain that way until early fall. Other major dike roads (Bullgate, Windbreak and the Work Road are open to motor vehicle traffic as well. Lateral and other minor roads remain closed to motor vehicles are open to non-motorized travel only.

Viewers are urged to use great caution when driving the Wildlife Viewing Loop and other dike roads. High water levels in some areas cause very soft and muddy conditions on road edges. Potholes and slumps from collapsing rodent burrows will result in difficult driving conditions.

Camping is permitted at four sites on the Wildlife Area. Users are urged to exercise care with campfires. Campgrounds are primitive but each has vault toilets, trash barrels and a few picnic tables.

Habitat

Most of the Wildlife Area's wetland habitats are well flooded now, and due to recent mild conditions a majority of the area is open and ice-free. Cool evening temperatures result in thin ice formation in the early morning hours that melt off by early afternoon.

Wetland enhancement/construction activities have started for this year. Between the Dikes area is being dewatered at this time and a majority of the Gold Dike Impoundment and the area south of Gold Dike will remain dry through most of the year. Receding water levels in these areas will provide tremendous foraging opportunities for northward migrating water birds.

Meadows and hayfields found on adjacent private lands and in selected locations on the Wildlife Area are beginning to show small ponds flooded precipitation and run-off from recent storm events.

Upland habitat remains in very good condition due to an excellent residual growth of many species of forbs and grasses. Recently farmed food plots are providing foraging sites to many species looking for seeds in these cultivated areas. Tree and shrub developments at the Middle Well and Turner Place produced abundant fruit and considerable bird use is occurring at this time. No snow is on the ground at this time and considerable green-up of grasses and some forbs is beginning to occur.

Please contact Summer Lake Wildlife Area at (541) 943-3152 or e-mail martin.j.stlouis@state.or.us for additional information.

NORTHEAST ZONE

FISHING

Weekend fishing opportunities

• Steelhead fishing continues to be good on the rivers of Northeast Oregon.

If your favorite fishing spot is no longer listed

GRANDE RONDE, WALLOWA, IMNAHA RIVERS AND TRIBUTARIES: steelhead

Steelhead fishing is good and anglers are finding steelhead throughout most of the usual spring fishing areas in the Grande Ronde and Imnaha basins. Catch rates (hours per steelhead landed) in last week's creel surveys were 3.8 for the lower Grande Ronde River, 4.4 for the Wallowa River Canyon, 3.3 for the Rondowa area, and 3.3 for the Imnaha River. Steelhead angling conditions will depend on weather and flow conditions and anglers should check river flows using the link below.

Steelhead anglers have a new area to fish in the Imnaha River basin beginning Jan. 1, 2010. Big Sheep Creek from the Imnaha River upstream to the mouth of Little Sheep Creek is now open to steelhead angling. The reach is approximately three miles and includes approximately two miles of public access on land recently acquired by The Nature Conservancy. Anglers should use location code 144 (Imnaha River) when recording catch from Big Sheep Creek on their harvest cards. The bag limit on the lower Grande Ronde, Wallowa, and Imnaha Rivers and Big Sheep Creek is five adipose fin-clipped steelhead per day.

Check river flows

HOLLIDAY PARK POND AND BULL PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: trout

Ice fishing is fair in both ponds. Watch for thin ice.

JOHN DAY RIVER: steelhead

Recent warmer weather has also improved steelhead fishing conditions on the John Day. Fish have made it up to Dayville on the Mainstem and Monument on the North Fork but are holding in slow deep pools and fishing is only fair. Ice will return to the river if night time temperatures fall below 20 degrees. Too much rain or snowmelt will also make the river unfishable. Only three fin-clipped steelhead may be harvested per day. All unclipped fish must be immediately released.

Stream flow levels at Service Creek

MAGONE LAKE: trout

Ice has covered the lake and access is by snowmobile only. Anglers should be cautious of thin ice. Ice fishing success for brook and rainbow trout should be fair with rainbows and brook trout to 14 inches.

OLIVE LAKE: trout, kokanee

The Lake is now snowed in until next May.

ROWE CREEK RESERVOIR, TROUT FARM POND, LONG CREEK POND, CAVENDER POND: trout

Ice fishing for rainbow trout is fair. These reservoirs and ponds are open all year but only stocked each spring.

TROUT FARM POND: rainbow and brook trout

The Lake is now snowed in until next spring.

UMATILLA RIVER: steelhead

Steelhead angling was fair this past week with anglers averaging 12 hours per fish caught in the Pendleton area. Fish numbers at Threemile Dam have increased this week with warmer water temperatures, flows are still low, and angling should be good. Steelhead returns to date, to Threemile Dam are 1,543 and for the month of January were 506. Updated Threemile Dam fish counts can be accessed at accessed at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/fish_counts/

WALLOWA LAKE: rainbow trout, kokanee

Wallowa Lake is providing fair fishing for stocked rainbow trout.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

The reservoir was stocked with 2,000 larger than legal-sized trout, which should provide good angling through out the winter months.

NORTHEAST ZONE HUNTING

OPEN: COUGAR and COYOTE

Bird seasons closed Jan. 31.

Use the Oregon Hunting Access Map to see where to hunt.

Wolves in northeast Oregon

Wolves are protected by state law and it is unlawful to shoot them. Coyote hunters in northeastern Oregon 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 needs hunters' assistance to establish wolves' presence in Oregon; please report any wolf sightings or wolf sign to La Grande office (541) 963-2138 or online.

BAKER COUNTY

COUGAR hunters should experience higher success now that snow has fallen. Try tracking cougars after fresh snow. Cougars can be found throughout Baker County but hunters should target areas with high concentrations of wintering deer and elk. Try the Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee or the Powder River Canyon south of Thief Valley Reservoir.

COYOTE numbers are good throughout the district. Remember to ask for permission before hunting on private properties. Try calling in early morning and late afternoon.

GRANT COUNTY

COUGAR season is open. Tracking cougar after snow can be effective.

COYOTE numbers are good in most of the district. They may respond to distress call as the weather cools.

MORROW, GILLIAM and WHEELER COUNTIES

COUGAR hunting is open. For best success, look for tracks after a fresh snow. Both walking out the tracks and calling can be effective this time of year.

COYOTE hunting: Watch wind direction to help prevent giving away your location. Calling with game distress calls can be very successful.

UMATILLA DISTRICT

COUGAR are well distributed in forested areas of the Walla Walla, Mt. Emily, and Ukiah units. Hunters will have best success by finding a fresh naturally made kill and sitting on it, or by using predator calls. Some success has come from following tracks until the cougar is located. Tracking conditions have improved.

COYOTE are numerous throughout the District and hunters should have good success calling. Remember to ask permission before hunting on private lands.

UNION COUNTY

COYOTE numbers are strong throughout the county. Using predator calls as a lure and moving call sights after 20 minutes is an effective method for harvesting coyotes. Recent snow will make coyotes easier to spot at long distances. Be sure to ask permission before hunting on private land.

COUGARS are common in Union County. Fresh snow will make tracking easier. Following fresh tracks is and effective method of seeing cougars and finding kill-sites. Look for recent kill-sites and set up a stand down wind of the kill. A cougar kill site is often covered with sticks, leaves and other debris. Cougars are most active in the mornings and evenings. Using a remote call box (possibly in conjunction with a remote motion devise) can also be effective as it draws the cougar's attention away from your location. Be VERY patient when calling cougars. They usually come in very slow using every bit of cover when approaching a call or remote motion devise. Be well hidden when calling and keep your motion to a minimum. 2010 tag needed to hunt as of Jan. 1.

LADD MARSH WILDLIFE AREA

Hunting is now closed.

The Glass Hill Unit of the wildlife area, that portion west of Foothill Road, will be closed to all public entry from January 1 through April 1 to minimize disturbance to wintering wildlife.

WALLOWA DISTRICT

Good numbers of coyotes can be found throughout Wallowa County. Calling coyotes with rabbit distress type calls has been effective for hunters. It is important to choose areas with abundant coyote sign and little human activity.

Cougar numbers are strong through out Wallowa County. Most lions are taken incidental to other hunting; however, calling with fawn bleat, or locating a cougar kill and waiting for a cat to return are often successful techniques.

TRAVEL MANAGEMENT RESTRICTIONS: Noregaard, Whiskey Creek, and Shamrock travel management areas are in effect in the Sled Springs unit.

NORTHEAST ZONE VIEWING

Baker County

Rocky Mountain elk can be seen at the Elkhorn Wildlife Area. For a close up horse-drawn wagon viewing opportunity try T&T Wildlife Tours at the Anthony Creek Feed site. http://www.tnthorsemanship.com/tours.htm

Mule Deer can be seen on their winter ranges throughout Baker County. Remember wildlife are particularly sensitive to harassment during the winter so view at a distance. Bald Eagles viewing opportunities are plentiful along the Brownlee Reservoir; you will need a keen eye and good optics to take full advantage of them. 1/26/10.

Gilliam, Morrow and Wheeler Counties

Our winter species are now all here: Bald Eagles can be seen along the John Day and Columbia rivers. Rough Legged hawks are common sights along the power poles and fence lines of the District. Short eared owls are less common then they have been in the past. Great Grey owls have been seen the in Ditch Creek area of the forest. Our resident raptors are around, Kestrels, Harriers, Red-tailed hawks, Great-horned and Barn owls. The occasional Prairie falcons can be seen along the power lines. The weather has not been cold enough to bring our rare visitors down into the area.

Our winter song birds are here as well, most can easily be seen near the bird feeders around the district. If you have not cleaned your feeder, now is the time to do it. Birds concentrate around the feeder increasing the chance for disease spread.

Mule deer have moved onto their winter ranges for district. Elk are making occasional forays into the lower county but snow is not deep enough to drive large numbers onto the winter range. 12/22/09

Union County

Pronghorn Antelope can be viewed on Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, often along Pierce Road and Hot Lake Lane. Deer and elk can be seen around the edges of the valley.

Turkeys are congregating in the lowlands within the county. Look for large numbers of birds in the Catherine Creek Valley east of Union and the Palmer Valley north of Elgin. The Palmer valley north of Elgin is a good area to view both Whitetail and Mule deer.

Watch for river otters, beaver, mergansers and wood ducks along the Grande Ronde River; driving west on Highway 244 from La Grande provides good access to river viewing. There are still many elk at the Anthony Creek feed site on the Elkhorn Wildlife Area. 1/5/10.

ODFW's Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, La Grande

The auto route on the Tule Lake Public Access Area is closed for the season. The Public Access Area and auto route will reopen March 1, 2010. There are numerous quality viewing opportunities from county roads that pass through the area. Binoculars or a spotting scope will help as many animals are best viewed from a distance. The Glass Hill Unit, west of Foothill Road, will be closed to all entry from January 1 through April 1 to minimize disturbance to wintering wildlife.

Waterfowl have returned to the wildlife area with the recent thaw. Mallard, northern pintail, American wigeon, redhead and common goldeneye have been observed along with good numbers of Canada goose and greater white-fronted goose.

Raptors abound on the area with recent sightings of prairie falcon, merlin and numerous American kestrels in addition to bald eagle, Cooper's hawk, red-tailed hawk, rough-legged hawk and northern harrier. Owls are becoming more active as the nesting season approaches. Great horned and barn owls can be heard and sometimes seen at dusk and early evening. Red-tailed hawks may also begin nesting soon as a pair was seen nest building on January 22.

Rocky Mountain elk, from both Glass Hill and Craig Mountain, have been moving down slope into the wildlife area regularly, although not daily. These movements can best be observed during the first light of morning and the fading light of evening.

Dogs are not permitted within the Wildlife Area, on or off leash except during authorized hunting seasons. For more information on access rules for the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, please consult the Oregon Game Bird Regulations or call the wildlife area (541) 963-4954. 2/9/10.

Umatilla County

Winter has come to Umatilla County and winter residents can be seen in the various habitats around the county. Wintering rough-legged hawks will be in grassland areas near the hills and throughout the agricultural areas of north Umatilla County. Juncos can be seen along the riparian and brushy areas. Pigmy owls have made a good showing in riparian areas in timbered and timber stringer habitats.

Flocks of ducks and geese can be seen along the Columbia River and large reservoirs in the County. Elk will still be common along the upper open areas of the west slope of the Blue Mountains. Deer will be seen in herds from the valley floor to the upper Blue Mountains. The riverine and agricultural areas near the base of the mountains will be dominated by white-tailed deer. The desert and mountain areas will be inhabited primarily by mule deer. Elk can be viewed throughout the day while deer will be most visible in the first and last two hours of the day.

Gulls and raptors can be seen along the Columbia River. Visit local wildlife areas to see shore and marsh birds in addition to perching birds and raptors. Wood ducks, mallards and mergansers can be seen traveling in flocks up and down the river systems that have cottonwood trees along the banks. 12/1/09.

Wallowa County

Bald eagles

Bald eagles are common in the Wallowa Valley during winter months, and can be observed along river corridors, Wallowa Lake, and often in agricultural areas where cattle are being fed.

Great Blue Heron

Herons are common and can be observed through out the Wallowa Valley feeding along creeks and rivers.

Waterfowl

Resident and migratory Canada geese, mallards, pintails, and American widgeons can be observed on Wallowa Lake and through out the Wallowa Valley feeding in agricultural fields. On open waterbodies Ring-necked ducks, Scaup, Goldeneye, and Bufflehead are common species to observe.

Raptors

Prairie falcon, Red-tailed hawk, Rough-legged hawk, Northern harrier, and Ferruginous hawks, as well as a variety of owls can be observed through out Wallowa Valley and Zumwalt prairie. Most raptors can be easily observed from county roads. A good pair of binoculars will improve viewing opportunities.

Mule and White-tailed Deer

Mule and white-tailed deer are common in agricultural areas adjacent to Highway 82. Animals can be observed during early morning and late evening hours.

Bighorn Sheep

Bighorn sheep can often be observed along the canyon walls of the Grande Ronde River when driving both up and down stream from the town of Troy.

Rocky Mountain Elk

Elk are easily observed during winter months on the Wenaha Wildlife Area near Troy. A good place to look is along the Eden Bench road during early morning or late afternoon hours. 2/2/10

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

FISHING

BROWNLEE RESERVOIR: crappie, bass, perch, catfish, bluegill, trout

Some perch and crappie are being caught around Hewitt. Perch have been biting on worms. The water level is dropping and is 18 feet below full. Call Idaho Power Company's recording at 1-800-422-3143 to get information on access at recreational sites or visit their Web site under the "Rivers and Recreation" heading.

Reservoir level information

HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass, catfish

Approximately 1,100 steelhead have been put in the reservoir. These surplus steelhead are considered trout in the reservoir. No tag is needed but only one can be kept per day if over 20 inches.

SNAKE RIVER below HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, smallmouth bass

Fishing for adipose fin-clipped steelhead has slowed but is still fair. The bag limit for steelhead increased to five adipose fin-clipped steelhead per day, with no more than three, 32 inches in total length or greater. For Idaho's Fish and Game steelhead report go to: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/fish/steelhead/weekly_harv.cfm

Get updated information on flow levels

SNAKE RIVER (Above Brownlee Reservoir): channel catfish, flathead catfish, smallmouth bass

Flows at the Nyssa gauge averaged 10,034 and the flows at the Weiser gauge averaged 11,599 on Feb. 7. Flows at both gauges are slightly above flows observed last year at this time. Angling for smallmouth bass and catfish is slow.

COLUMBIA ZONE

FISHING

Weekend Fishing Opportunities

• Sturgeon angling is excellent for boat anglers in the Bonneville Pool.

• Counting fish released, steelhead fishing is excellent in The Dalles and John Day pools for boat anglers. Bank anglers are also catching fish.

• A few winter steelhead are being caught on the lower Columbia River sandbars.

Columbia River Fish Counts:

Regulations:

SALMON, STEELHEAD AND SHAD:

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Buoy 10 Line upstream to Tongue Point/Rocky Point Line: Under permanent regulations this section of the Columbia River is open January 1-March 31, 2010 to the retention of adipose fin-clipped spring chinook, adipose fin-clipped steelhead, and adipose fin-clipped coho with a daily bag limit of two adult salmon or steelhead (chinook greater than 24 inches and coho greater than 16 inches or steelhead greater than 20 inches) and five jacks. Modifications to the 2010 spring chinook fishery will be considered at the Feb. 18 Compact hearing in Oregon City.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Tongue Point/Rocky Point Line to I-5 Bridge: Under permanent regulations this section of the Columbia River is open January 1-March 31, 2010 to the retention of adipose fin-clipped spring chinook, adipose fin-clipped steelhead, and adipose fin-clipped coho with a daily bag limit of two adult salmon or steelhead (chinook greater than 24 inches and coho greater than 20 inches or steelhead greater than 20 inches) and five jacks. Modifications to the 2010 spring chinook fishery will be considered at the Feb. 18 Compact hearing in Oregon City.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, I-5 Bridge to Bonneville Dam: Under permanent regulations this section of the Columbia River is open January 1-March 31 2010 to the retention of adipose fin-clipped steelhead with a daily bag limit of two fish. The retention of spring chinook is prohibited. Modifications to the 2010 spring chinook fishery will be considered at the Feb. 18 Compact hearing in Oregon City.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Bonneville Dam to the Oregon/Washington Border: Under permanent regulations this section of the Columbia River is open January 1-March 31, 2010 to the retention of adipose fin-clipped steelhead with a daily bag limit of two fish. The retention of spring chinook is prohibited. Modifications to the 2010 spring chinook fishery will be considered at the Feb. 18 Compact hearing.

Steelhead anglers did very well in both The Dalles and John Day pools last week. Many anglers are plying the water on the lower Columbia in anticipation of the arrival of the 2010 spring chinook run, but success was very limited last week.

Gorge Bank & Boat:

No report.

Troutdale Boats:

No report.

Portland to Longview Bank & Boat:

Weekly checking showed one adipose fin-clipped winter steelhead kept for 59 bank anglers and no catch for 27 boats (56 anglers).

Estuary Boat (Above Tongue Point):

No report.

Bonneville Pool:

No report.

The Dalles Pool:

Weekly checking showed 11 adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept plus 28 unclipped steelhead released for seven boats (18 anglers); and seven unclipped steelhead released for 12 bank anglers.

John Day Pool (Columbia River above John Day Dam and John Day Arm):

Weekly checking showed three adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept plus six unclipped steelhead released for four boats (seven anglers); and one adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept plus one unclipped steelhead released for nine bank anglers.

STURGEON:

Effective January 1-April 30, 2010 the lower Columbia River from Buoy 10 to the Wauna power lines is open to the retention of white sturgeon seven days per week with a daily limit of one fish between 38 and 54 inches (fork length) and an annual limit of five sturgeon. The Columbia River between Wauna power lines and Bonneville Dam is open to the retention of white sturgeon three days per week (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) during January 1-July 31 with a daily limit of one sturgeon between 38 and 54 inches (fork length) and an annual limit of five sturgeon. The Columbia River from Bonneville Dam upstream to The Dalles Dam is open to the retention of sturgeon seven days per week with a daily limit of one sturgeon between 38-54 inches (fork length) and an annual limit of five sturgeon until the catch guideline of 1,400 fish is reached. The Columbia River between The Dalles Dam and McNary Dam (The Dalles Pool and John Day Pool) is open for the retention of sturgeon seven days per week with a daily limit of one sturgeon between 41 and 54 inches (fork length) and an annual limit of five fish until the respective guidelines of 300 and 165 fish are reached.

As of February 1, 2010, the cumulative surgeon catch was 390 fish in the Bonneville Pool, 87 fish in The Dalles Pool, and 41 fish in the John Day Pool. Catch rates really jumped in the Bonneville Pool during the first week of February. Sturgeon angling on the lower Columbia is very slow. During January 2010, sturgeon anglers on the lower Columbia made 1,700 trips and kept 25 white sturgeon.

Gorge Bank:

No report. Effort has been very light.

Gorge Boats:

No report. Effort has been very light.

Troutdale Boats:

No report.

Portland to Longview Bank:

No report.

Portland to Longview Boats:

Weekly checking showed 10 sublegal and one oversize sturgeon released for 57 boats (131 anglers).

Bonneville Pool Boat and Bank:

Weekly checking showed one legal white sturgeon kept and 21 sublegal sturgeon released for 33 bank anglers; and 30 legal white sturgeon kept, plus 18 legal, 170 sublegal, and two oversize sturgeon released for 20 boats (57 anglers).

The Dalles Pool Boat and Bank:

Weekly checking showed one sublegal sturgeon released for 16 bank anglers; and three legal white sturgeon kept, plus 58 sublegal sturgeon released for 14 boats (31 anglers).

John Day Boat and Bank:

Weekly checking showed one sublegal sturgeon released for 38 bank anglers; and nine legal white sturgeon kept, plus two legal, two oversize and 33 sublegal sturgeon released for 44 boats (98 anglers).

WALLEYE:

Bonneville Pool Boats:

No report.

The Dalles Pool Boats:

Weekly checking showed four walleye kept for five boats (11 anglers).

John Day Pool Boats:

Weekly checking showed nine walleye kept and two walleye released for 14 boats (27 anglers).

MARINE ZONE

MARINE FISHING

Bottom fishing is good when ocean conditions permit. Calmer oceans usually mean better fishing success. Lingcod are in shallower waters to spawn. Divers may find success spearing along rocky jetties for ling cod and black rockfish.

The marine fish daily bag limit remains seven fish in 2010. An error in the 2010 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations that says the limit is six. The marine fish bag includes rockfish and other species such as greenling and cabezon. The higher bag limit went into effect May 1, 2009 based on a favorable stock assessment for black rockfish, the dominant species in the nearshore groundfish fishery. There are separate daily limits for lingcod (two) and flatfish other than Pacific halibut (25).

Fishing for cabezon reopened Jan. 1.

Remember: yelloweye rockfish and canary rockfish may not be retained. The Stonewall Bank Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area approximately 15 miles west of Newport is closed to the harvest of rockfish, lingcod, flatfish and others.

SHELLFISH

The entire Oregon coast is now open to recreational and commercial clam harvesting. The area from Clatsop Beach north of the Necanicum River to the Columbia River had been closed to razor clamming since Dec. 18, 2009 but opened last week when PSP levels dropped below the alert level.

Mussel harvesting is open on the entire Oregon coast, from the mouth of the Columbia River to the California border. The consumption of whole, recreationally-harvested scallops is not recommended. However, coastal scallops are not affected by toxins when only the adductor muscle is eaten.

For more information go to the ODA shellfish safety page or call the shellfish hotline, 1-800-448-2474. Waters can be closed on short notice because of contaminated waters due to coastal flooding and because of elevated levels of naturally occurring toxins. Crabs are not affected by this closure.

Check out the recreational clam pages on the ODFW Web site: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/ then click on the shellfish icon. The pages contain everything you need to know for identifying and harvesting Oregon's clams.

CRABS

Ocean crabbing opened Dec. 1. Crabbing in the ocean this time of year can be very productive, but also dangerous because of wind, sea and bar conditions.

Crabbing success is often best during the slack tide at high tide or low tide when crabs are looking for food.

Recreational Bay Crab Survey data are updated every month on the ODFW Web site Crabbing Reports page (last update Jan. 7). The crabbing report provides prospective crabbers information on the success of crabbers in sampled bays.

Crabbing is open year round in estuaries, on beaches, and off jetties, but the ocean is closed to recreational crabbing from Oct. 16 through Nov. 30.

Some sport crabbers have difficulty correctly measuring the minimum size for Dungeness crab, which is 5 3⁄4 inches measured in a straight line across the back immediately in front of, but not including, the points. An illustration showing the correct measurement is on page 96 of the 2010 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations book.

MARINE ZONE VIEWING

A winter visit to any of the jetties along the Oregon coast will provide the wildlife watcher with opportunities to see a variety of sea-going ducks and water birds. Chief among these are the large and elegant loons. Pacific, red-throated, and common loon all spend the winter months along the Oregon coast. Western, red-necked, and horned grebes favor slightly calmer areas along the coast such as waters between jetties and estuaries. You should also be able to see thousands of stout sea ducks rafting in ocean breakers or the areas just behind these breakers. These hardy birds are scoters and dine on mussels and other shellfish. Three species winter along the coast: surf scoters, white-winged scoters and black scoter. The surf scoter is the most common followed by black and then white-winged.

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Oshkosh To Deliver M-ATV Armor Kits - OfficialWire

Posted: 10 Feb 2010 04:03 AM PST

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The U.S. Army has awarded Oshkosh Corp. a contract to deliver additional penetrator protection technologies for integration with armored all-terrain vehicles.

Wisconsin-based Oshkosh received the follow-on award from the Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Life Cycle Management Command as part of the ongoing mine resistant ambush protected-all terrain vehicle program.

Under the $84 million deal, Oshkosh will deliver more than 625 of its add-on armor kits designed to provide troops operating M-ATVs in Afghanistan with additional protection from explosively formed penetrators and other threats.

According to a news release the Oshkosh kits will "include explosively formed penetrator armor, base door armor and a door-assist mechanism."

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