Recreation Report

November & December are big months for crab

A tasty alternative for the holidays?

The next two months are some of the best of the year for crabbing. Recreational ocean crabbing is closed through Nov. 30, but there are plenty of opportunities to crab from shore (including docks and piers). Crabbing can make for a fun and easy family outing. Learn more about how to crab, and where to do it.

3 last chance fisheries

Coastal cutthroat, halibut and ocean salmon

All three of these popular fisheries will close at the end of the day on Saturday, Oct. 31. So, just a few days left to enjoy!

Some popular trout locations close Oct. 31

Be sure to check the regs for where you plan to fish

Trout fishing in several popular locations also are scheduled to close after Saturday. This includes most westside streams, some well-known rivers like the Williamson, Wood and Sprague, and even a few lakes like Laurance.

Salmon and steelhead waiting for rain

Anglers should watch water levels

Salmon anglers should keep an eye on the forecast and be ready to hit the water after the next good rain. Coho and Chinook are kegging up in the estuaries and will start moving upriver with the next big rain event. In eastern Oregon, steelhead also are waiting for water levels to increase before moving upriver.

Take a hunter education class

Take the workbook or online version of the course, then sign up for a field day. Here’s everything you’ll need to know.