Recreating during drought

Drought persists in eastern Oregon. If you live there, or you plan to visit this summer on vacation, here’s what the drought might mean for hunters, anglers and wildlife viewers.

Register for youth pheasant hunts

These early season hunts in September are great for first-time hunters and can be a good warm-up for more experienced hunters getting ready for the upcoming season. Open to youth 17 and younger. Learn more about these hunts, and how to register.

Popular Buoy 10 fishery opens Aug. 1

Buoy 10, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific, gives you the chance to catch Chinook and coho salmon fresh from the ocean. Here are 10 tips for Buoy 10 fishing.

Proposed changes for 2023 fishing regulations

At its Aug. 15 meeting, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider the 2023 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations. Here's a list of the proposed changes from 2022, and ways for you to comment.

Best bets for weekend fishing

It’ll be hard to go wrong fishing this weekend. Skim the Zone reports and you’ll see plenty of opportunities for:

• Trout – including rainbow, redband, brown and cutthroat.
• Steelhead – the run is picking up in most places.
• Chinook – there are open seasons from the Pacific Ocean to Northeast Oregon.
• Bass – are biting in both rivers and reservoirs throughout the state.
• Crappie and bluegill – are on the bite and great fisheries for kids.
• Bottomfish, halibut and surfperch – all great reasons to head to the coast. 

Sign up for the latest information on boater access 

Marine Board’s Opportunities and Access Report incorporates information from federal and  state agencies, local facility operators and fellow boaters to provide up-to-date information so boaters can decide where to recreate and what to expect this season. Subscribe to receive email updates.