Deer hunters

ODFW Articles

Need to figure out controlled hunts, find a place to clam, learn how to fish or get directions to a wildlife area? We've got information on all that and more, straight from ODFW biologists and other accomplished hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers. 

Header image by Dave Budeau

two kayak anglers on the ocean beach
Where to fish

Hiking or camping plans getting in the way of fishing this weekend? Going to be busy kayaking or going to...

Angler fishing for salmon on Clackamas River
How to fish

Minimal gear, aggressive fish and plenty of bank fishing opportunity – just three reasons to try coho fishing.

Surf perch fishing
How to fish

Surf fishing is one of Oregon’s most underutilized fisheries. There are hundreds of places to fish along Oregon’s sandy beaches...

photo of two anglers, dressed for winter, each holding a nice trout
How to fish

Dedicated fly-anglers don’t stop fishing in the winter, instead they adjust their tactics to the colder conditions.

Yeloweye Rockfish
How to fish

Rockfish must be released when retention is prohibited or when an angler has reached the daily bag limit, but continues...

image of an angler holding a 32-inch rainbow trout
How to fish

You can purchase an Oregon fishing license online or at an ODFW license vendor. Here are step-by-step directions for purchasing...

Trout with floy tag
How to fish

Begun in 2014, the Tag Team Program helps ODFW fish biologists better understand the effectiveness of stocking efforts.
It’s also a...

Two people standing on a boat each hold a large silver coho salmon
How to fish
Water conditions, gear and flexibility all matter

Some anglers think coho are more aggressive and easier to catch while they’re still in the open waters of the...

Canary Rockfish
How to fish

Long-leader gear is used to target midwater species like yellowtail rockfish, canary rockfish and widow rockfish, while avoiding bottom-dwelling species like...

a man standing on the bank of a river holds up a bass he caught
How to fish
Where-to and how-to fish in Oregon

Fishing isn’t hard, but it can be confusing to know how to begin. Here’s the information you’ll need to get...

image of Catalpa Lake
How to fish

Fishing Oregon’s high elevation lakes is not just for dedicated anglers. It also appeals to hikers and backpackers who head...

using hemostats to remove hook from fish's mouth
How to fish
Warm water temps take a toll on fish

During summer drought and high temperatures, fish start feeling the heat. Give them a break by following these warm weather...

Family fishing at Alton Baker Canoe Canal
How to fish
Attend an ODFW family fishing event or DIY

We make it easy to take your family fishing – with free fishing events, recommended family-friendly fishing locations, and how-tos on...

Chickahominy reservoir barely a puddle during 2022 drought
How to fish
Impacts on fishing, hunting and viewing

As much of Oregon continues to experience years of on-going drought, hunters, anglers and wildlife viewers can expect the continued...

A mom helps her daughter hold a fishing pole at Canby Pond.
Where to fish

On Free Fishing Weekends, you don't need a license to fish, crab or clam anywhere in Oregon. That's no license...

a display of fly-fishing flies
How to fish

If you’re just getting started fishing, or you want to try a new kind of fishing, you’ll need a rod...

Angler fighting a fish from the boat
How to fish

The Buoy 10 fishery, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific, offers anglers a chance to catch Chinook and coho...

Steelhead
How to fish

Steelhead have been called the ultimate game fish. These elusive and challenging fish can test an angler’s patience and persistence...

image of a cutthroat trout
Where to fish

Trout are Oregon's most popular game fish but there are several species and not all are open to fishing. Learn...

Fall Chinook
How to fish

Two commonly caught species of salmon are coho and Chinook. Fishing regulations require anglers to correctly identify salmon species as restrictions...

Two anglers ice fishing on Diamond Lake
How to fish

Ice fishing is becoming increasingly popular in Oregon as anglers look for new ways to enjoy fishing year-round. Here are some...

Tiger Rockfish
How to fish

With just a couple of tools and a few minutes, The Fish Grip™, originally designed as a safer way for...

Angler holding a large albacore tuna
How to fish
Can lead to fast fishing for hot fish

Albacore tuna fishing can offer nonstop action landing fast-moving, hard-fighting fish. Charter trips make tuna fishing accessible to all anglers...

Learning to fish
How to fish

There are several ways to begin your fishing journey – you can join a friend or family member on their...