ODFW Recreation Report
by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
12-14-2023
Website
Follow the #25DaysOfFishmas: Shellfish Edition
ODFW uses this hashtag each December to highlight unique species of Oregon fish. This year we're hitting the beach with a special Shellfish Edition. Starting Dec. 1, look for it on www.Twitter.com/myodfw (X) and www.instagram.com/myodfw.
Gift the outdoors this year
If you have a hunter, angler or outdoor enthusiast on your holiday list, what better gift than access to the outdoors in 2024. The list includes parking passes for ODFW wildlife areas, waterway access permits for longer pontoons, kayaks and paddle boards, fishing/hunting/shellfish licenses, and conservation stamps. Here's a whole list of ideas.
Best bets for winter fishing
- It's still early for most winter steelhead but thanks to the recent rains, fish have been moving into some rivers on the North Coast and the Umpqua.
- Fishing for stocked trout can be excellent this time of year as fish are trying to bulk up for the winter. Consider low and mid-elevation lakes and reservoirs that were stocked regularly in spring and summer – there are still plenty of those fish around.
- Trout anglers should also consider native redband trout in rivers and streams on the eastside. There are several eastside rivers that are open year-round – check the zone reports for the latest updates.
- Look for crabbing in the bays to pick up with the drier weather. This time of year, crab should be large and full of meat.
Report your hunt
If you purchased a tag for a 2023 hunt, you must report by Jan. 31 – even if you didn't hunt or were unsuccessful. Information from hunters who did not hunt or did not harvest an animal is as important as from those who did take an animal. Find ways to report.
Wildlife area bird harvest statistics
Want to know how bird hunting has been or what blinds have been hot on ODFW wildlife areas? Check out the harvest statistics reports when planning your next hunt.
More Reports
12-8-2023
Hyatt is currently 41 percent full and should provide good trout fishing opportunities. Some good-size trout were caught near the...... Read More
OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Reports
for Thursday, December 7th, 2023Detroit Reservoir: The water elevation has risen about 30 feet since last week