Oregon

In order to protect out-migrating salmon and steelhead smolts, many rivers and streams throughout the state open for fishing after the traditional start of trout season in April. The current sport fis

Warmer weather and spring green-up continues to improve hunting access but plan carefully if you are heading into high elevations as traditional routes may still be unusable. Bear hunting is picking up with warmer weather and more hunters are checking in a bear; remember check-in is now mandatory.

Central Point, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Crater Bass and the Grants Pass Parks Department will host a youth fishing event at Reinhart Pond in Grants Pass on Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

HINES, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Fish Passage Task Force will meet on Friday, May 16 in Hines at the Comfort Inn at 504 N. Highway 20.

The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. and the agenda includes a summary of Southeastern Oregon fish populations and passage, a description of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge fish passage projects, a presentation on ODFW fish passage funding programs and projects, review of a request to increase funding for a project in Southwest Oregon and other Task Force business.

Salem, Ore. -- Citing low numbers of spring chinook salmon passing over Willamette Falls and a lower than expected proportion of hatchery fish in angler surveys and ladder counts to date, fish managers at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife decided Thursday to close the Willamette River below the Falls to retention of chinook, effective 12:01 a.m. Monday, May 12.

LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Commission formally adopted cervid rules today based on policies decided upon at their April 18 in Salem, while declining to increase fencing standards for current licensed elk ranches.

For the mainstem Columbia River salmon and steelhead fishery upstream of the Rocky Point/Tongue Point line to McNary Dam effective during February 15 through June 15, 2008 “It is unlawful when fishi

SALEM, Ore. - The Commercial Fisheries Permit Board will hold a special meeting by telephone conference call May 12, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.

The board will review the proposed order to gather information and issue a final order in the contested case hearing of Bruce Rufner’s Troll Salmon Permit #61000.

May 10 is International Migratory Bird Day and nature lovers are making plans to flock to local festivals over the weekend. Be sure to consider a visit to one of these events Ladd Marsh Birdathon, Northeast Zone; Fern Ridge Wings and Wine Festival, Willamette Zone; Klamath Falls Migratory Bird Day 2008, Southeast Zone; 2008 Rogue Valley Bird Day Celebration, Southwest Zone; Tillamook Forest Center Bird Festival, Northwest Zone.

Salem, Ore.—The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife invites members of the fishing public to comment on proposed changes to the 2009 sport fishing regulations at 11 public meetings held throughout Oregon in May.