Recreation Report

Fall bear season opens Aug. 1

Fall bear opens this Saturday. Remember, there is a different bear check-in procedure in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Best fishing bets for beating the heat

• Head for the hills. Cooler air and water temperatures at higher elevation lakes and reservoirs are easier on both fish and anglers. You can drive to many popular locations. But if you’re hankering for an adventure, consider hiking into one of backcountry lakes that are stocked every two years.
• Go to the beach. It’s cooler at the beach and there are several ways to spend a day fishing. Surfperch fishing from the beaches and jetties; salmon, tuna and bottomfish charters; crabbing and clamming (check the regulations above to make sure you’re legal).
• Spend a day in the shade. Water in the upper reaches and smaller tributaries of many rivers are shaded by trees – keeping the water a bit cooler. Also target fish in deeper pools.

This week on the ODFW’s Beaver State podcast

This week Oregon State University wildlife researcher Vanessa Petro talks about common misconceptions about beavers and what we do know about beaver behavior and conservation in Oregon. Find all episodes here.

Paddlers: Do you have your Waterway Access Permit?

The Waterway Access Permit replaces the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit required on all canoes, rafts and kayaks 10 feet or longer. While the new permit was introduced on Jan. 1, enforcement will begin Aug. 1. Learn more about the Waterway Access Permit.

Buoy 10 opener delayed until Aug. 14

The start of the season is delayed due to concerns over the run size. But when anglers do hit the water in mid-August, they’ll be in the midst of what is traditionally the peak of the Chinook run.

Sign up for a hunter education class

Upcoming hunter education field days and traditional classes have resumed and are now being posted. Check out the list of upcoming classes.