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
Where to hunt big game
Public access to lands suitable to hunt can be a challenge. That's why we have the Oregon Hunting
Access Map to help...
A new free "Beaches Pass" is required to park at the beaches on weekends and holidays until Labor Day (Sept. 1, 2025), in addition to the longtime required Wildlife Area Parking Permit ($10 daily/$30 annually).
Where to fish
The southwest area follows Interstate 5 from Drain south to the Oregon-California border and includes the communities of Grants Pass...
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...
Where to fish
The granite peaks of Oregon’s Blue and Wallowa Mountains form the backdrop for many of this zone’s glacier-carved lakes and...
How to hunt big game
Check for access and understand point reinstatement/refund policy
As early season hunters know, dry conditions and the associated wildfire danger can have a large impact on your hunting...
How to fish
In some Oregon state waters catch-and-release fishing is required in order to protect valuable fish resources. One way anglers can...
Buying a license or permit
All anglers fishing for salmon, steelhead or sturgeon (catch-and-release and retention) on all rivers and tributaries in the Columbia River...
Always have your camera with you, explore your backyard and 10 more pro tips.
How to fish
9 tips for catching kokanee
Kokanee are fun to catch, delicious to eat, and found in lakes and reservoirs throughout the state.
How to hunt big game
Rabbit hunting is the third most popular type of hunting activity in the U.S., behind wild turkey and deer hunting...
How to hunt big game
Cougar season and hunting information, including information about cougar conflict target areas.
Resuming in 2022, successful cougar hunters must appear...
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...
How to hunt big game
An emergency hunt is an unanticipated hunt held on short notice to address acute agricultural damage. Many damage situations are...
How to hunt big game
This step-by-step guide will show you how to purchase leftover tags from the controlled hunt drawing. Leftover tags are available online beginning...
Special instructions and hunt maps
Where to clam and crab
Just a few miles south of Newport, the town of Waldport is on the shores of Alsea Bay. It is...
How to clam and crab
The Oregon Health Authority has issued an advisory for recreationally harvested softshell and gaper clams along the Oregon coast due...
How to fish
Rockfish must be released when retention is prohibited or when an angler has reached the daily bag limit, but continues...
How to hunt big game
Portable blinds are your best bet
The number of big game hunters using blinds has increased over the last 20 years. Be sure to follow regulations...
Where to clam and crab
Nehalem Bay offers both beach and boat access to softshell and purple varnish clam beds.
Give a years worth of outdoor adventure
What to get for family and friends who love the outdoors—the birder, hiker, aspiring angler, avid hunter or neighbor who...
Where to fish
We've asked our fish biologists throughout the state to pick their favorite family fishing locations. These spots are great for...