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
How to fish
Fishing Oregon’s high elevation lakes is not just for dedicated anglers. It also appeals to hikers and backpackers who head...
Where to fish
A dozen great rivers pour out of the Coast Range Mountains into tidal bays that welcome runs of salmon and...
Buying a license or permit
How to qualify
The Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit is not a license or tag. Hunters must still obtain a hunting and/or...
How to clam and crab
How-to and where-to catch crabs on Oregon’s coast
If you love Dungeness crab, you’ll love that you can harvest them yourself.
Where to fish
Most warmwater anglers traveling to the northeast area are probably heading to Brownlee Reservoir, a huge 15,000 acre waterbody located...
Buying a license or permit
A Waterway Access Permit is required for non-motorized boats 10 feet and longer. The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Permit is...
Where to fish
Known for its high desert climate, sage-covered canyons, glacial peaks and mountain lakes, this zone is defined by the reach...
How to hunt big game
Resources to help prepare for a successful hunt in sagebrush country.
Buying a license or permit
Step-by-step directions for applying for a controlled hunt online and how to change your hunt choices. The deadline to apply...
Buying a license or permit
Or redeem your Sports Pac voucher
Find directions purchasing a tag online or from a license vendor, for redeeming your Sports Pac voucher, and purchasing a...
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...
Opportunity for kids
Mentored Youth Hunter Program allows youth 9 through 15 years of age to hunt without first passing an approved hunter education...
Where to fish
Many of the more popular fishing locations across the state are accessible to anglers with disabilities. ODFW tries to keep...
Where to fish
Hiking or camping plans getting in the way of fishing this weekend? Going to be busy kayaking or going to...
Young animals are rarely orphaned, so leave them where you find them. Chances are good mom is nearby, just waiting...
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 game birds
Oregon offers some of the best upland game bird hunting in the West. The state’s diverse habitats support nine species...
How to fish
The Buoy 10 fishery, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific, offers anglers a chance to catch Chinook and coho...
How to fish
A guide to the field identification of bull trout, brook trout, and their hybrids.
How to fish
Rockfish must be released when retention is prohibited or when an angler has reached the daily bag limit, but continues...
Where to clam and crab
Coos Bay is Oregon’s largest bay. The lower bay (areas from the ocean entrance to the airport) is “marine dominated”...
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...
How to hunt big game
Whether using e-tagging or paper tags
The ODFW electronic licensing system makes it easy to tag your salmon, steelhead and halibut, as well as your deer...