Sturgeon retention closes on the John Day Pool after Jan 9

The last day to retain a white sturgeon in the John Day Pool (mainstem Columbia River from John Day Dam upstream to McNary Dam and adjacent tributaries) is Friday, Jan. 9.

2026 Winter Steelhead validation starting 2025

2026 Rogue South Coast Winter Steelhead Validation is required to target steelhead starting December 1.

Update: Dangerous algae bloom in Barnes Unit

ODFW is urging waterfowl hunters to use extreme caution with their dogs after laboratory results revealed high levels of microcystin in a water sample collected from

Mussel harvest open coastwide

Mussel harvesting open coastwide. 

Spencer creek closes to fishing Sept. 30 to protect salmon

Sept. 30 will be the last day to fish on Spencer Creek this year, as this tributary of the Klamath River will be closed as of Oct. 1 to protect spawning fall Chinook salmon.

Recreation Report

Columbia Area

HuntingMap_v2
Recreation Report

Table of Contents

Recreation Report

Mule deer hunt
"2024 Biggs premium buck tag" Mule deer, Sherman County -Photo by Michael Barrett-

COLUMBIA BIG GAME HUNTING

January 8, 2026

Currently open

Bear, Cougar (Check current harvest numbers), coyote, controlled 600 series deer and 200 series antlerless elk. (Check regulations for specific dates and units)

Announcements, resources

2025 Big Game Hunting Forecast

Big game harvest statistics - You'll find links to population, harvest and point summary reports that can help you decide what hunts to apply for next season.

Please report elk with hoof disease - If you see elk showing signs of elk hoof disease, including lame or limping elk or elk with damaged, injured, missing or deformed hooves, please report it using this online form.

Coyote and wolf ID - Coyote hunters need to take extra care to identify their target as wolves can look like coyotes, especially wolf pups in the mid-summer and fall. Test your ID skills. Please report any wolf sightings or wolf sign to ODFW using the online reporting system.

District updates

HOOD RIVER, WASCO, SHERMAN COUNTIES (Hood, White River, Maupin, West Biggs Units)

C There are Several ongoing logging operations on Hood River County land limiting public access for safety. While sporadic it may temporally affect access. There has been little snow acumulation but heavy rains leaving primitive roads hard to travel and water damage may affect travel.

Hood, White River, Maupin, West Biggs WMUs

Controlled 200 Series Elk: 241C White Rvr Private* and Hood Private* are Aug 1 – Dec 31. 244 Columbia Plateau* runs Oct 29 - Mar 31, 2026.

General Season Antlerless Elk Damage: General season antlerless elk damage hunt is open now through March 31 within the Biggs and Maupin Units. This hunt is designed to reduce elk damage on private lands. Hunters should not purchase this tag unless they have access to property to hunt. Very few elk exist on the limited public lands within this hunt area.

Cougar: Cougar season is open year-round. Driving logging roads in search of fresh tracks can be an effective strategy.

Coyotes: Try calling for them from open fields, meadows, and pastures. The best areas to find them will be near farm grounds on the eastern boundary of the district. Look for them in early morning or evening and pay close attention to wind direction.

White River Wildlife Area

WHITE RIVER CLOSED DECEMBER 1 WRWA Map