ODFW Recreation Report
by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
11-18-2021
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It's not too early
If all that’s left of your 2021 hunt are the memories, there’s still one last thing to do. You need to report your hunt and why wait until the last minute? You can report online or with an ODFW license agent. ODFW offices remain closed to walk-in traffic.
Free Fishing Days
#optoutside for Black Friday
The Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving are Free Fishing Days in Oregon. That means you can fish, crab or clam for free – no license, tag or endorsement required. Some restrictions apply, as in all current closures, bag limits and other regulations still apply. If you’re looking for a place to take the family, we’ve got 101 suggestions. And if you live near Portland, Bend, Medford, Roseburg, Lane County or on the south coast, there are lots of nearby options.
Best bets for fishing this weekend:
- The Kilchis and Wilson rivers should be in good shape for the weekend and are the best options for late season Chinook.
- November is a good time to check out the coho fishery in Siltcoos and Tahkenitch lakes.
- And while you’re at the coast, consider some crabbing. November is often some of the best crabbing of the year.
- Fish Lake and Lost Creek Reservoir serve up some great trout fishing in the fall.
- Summer steelhead fishing continues to be good (still!) on the Middle Rogue.
- Junction City Pond, Walling Pond and Waverly Lake were all stocked with HUGE brood trout last week.
- Coho fishing continues on the Sandy.
- Both the Crooked and Blitzen rivers should be fishing well for native trout.
- Trout fishing in Cottonwood Meadow Lake has been excellent and should continue to be good until snow limits access.
- Trout fishing also should be good on the Wallowa River.
- Steelhead are available throughout the Snake River and fish are being caught directly below Hells Canyon Dam.
Winter whale watching
Gray whales will soon be making their migration south from Alaska to Mexico. The peak time to see these interesting animals along the Oregon coast is during the winter holidays. Many state parks make good spots for whale watching. More information about gray whales is available at orwhalewatch.org/
Game bird harvest statistics at ODFW wildlife areas
As upland bird and waterfowl hunting continue, hunters can use the harvest statistics from ODFW wildlife areas to help plan their next hunting trip.
More Reports
Fall is a good time for catching large catfish
Wohlford Lake
11-13-2021
The park remains closed to visitors and fisherman alike during the weekdays. We are still open on weekends. We will...... Read More
OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Reports
for Friday, November 12th, 2021• November is all about elk in Oregon
Applegate Reservoir: Appplegate Reservoir Fishing Report
Applegate River: The river is open to trout fishing through the end of the year
Ben Irving Reservoir: No recent reports from Ben Irving
Emigrant Reservoir: Nothing has changed much at Emigrant except surface temperatures
Expo Pond: Expo Pong Fishing Report
Fish Lake : The current lake level is 25 percent full and the lake is filling up
Howard Prairie Reservoir: Emergency regulations are no longer in effect at Howard Prairie
Hyatt Lake: Emergency regulations have been lifted at Hyatt Lake
Lake Selmac: Bass fishing should remain fair to good out here through the fall and winter months
Lemolo Lake: The reservoir has been drawn down for the season and is quite low
Lost Creek Lake: Trout fishing should be good
Plat I Reservoir: Temps are cooling, but the bass should still be biting
Rogue River - Middle: Bait can again be used in the entire Rogue from the mouth upstream to Fishers Ferry
Rogue River- Upper: Anglers are catching summer steelhead regularly
Rogue River- Upper (Above Lost Creek): Winter weather is starting to take hold in the upper river
Smith River: The Smith is open for Chinook fishing up the head of tide at Spencer Cr.
Willow Lake: The reservoir is starting to fill and is 42 percent full
Alsea River: Fall Chinook fishing has slowed down on the Alsea
Necanicum River: No reports of early winter steelhead yet
Nestucca River: Fishing conditions will be very poor with forecasted rains this week
Salmon River: Fall Chinook fishing has slowed down on the Salmon River
Siltcoos Lake: Fishing has picked up with the recent rain
Trask River: There are Chinook throughout the fishery at this point
Wilson River: The Wilson is known for later fall Chinook
Clackamas River: Coho fishing has been slow on the Clackamas
Detroit Reservoir: Detroit Reservoir Fishing Report
Junction City Pond: The pond was recently stocked
Sandy River: Coho fishing has been good as of late, and fishing pressure has been light
Santiam River ( North Fork) : Many public access points along the river are still closed
Santiam River (South Fork): The run this year is disappointing
Walling Pond: Recently Stocked
Walla Walla River: Walla Walla River Update
Umatilla River: Very poor Steelhead predicated returns