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.

Silver Creek Falls

Recreation Report

January 15, 2026

ACCESS A REPORT

ODFW Weekly Recreation Report

Includes updates to fishing, hunting, crabbing, clamming, and wildlife viewing.

January 15, 2026

You're running out time to report your hunt!

 

If you bought a tag to hunt in 2025, you must report your hunt by Jan. 31, 2025 – even if you didn't hunt or harvest an animal.

Here's information on who needs to report and how to do it.

 

Check ODOT Trip Check online for statewide road conditions, closures and updates before you go.

Check the Game Bird Hunting forecast for 2025-26 

Complete your Spring Bear controlled hunt application by Feb 10.

NEW turkey hunting opportunity: now through February 28, 2026, hunters may obtain a beardless turkey permit to allow the harvest of three hen wild turkeys or turkeys without a visible beard. See page 26 of the Game Bird regulations. This is a private land only hunt with separate regulations from the standard fall turkey hunt.

Reminder that a Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation is required for all winter steelhead anglers fishing in the Rogue Basin or on the South Coast from Dec. 1-April 30. A wild steelhead harvest tag is required to keep wild winter steelhead in this area.

There is no two-rod endorsement on the Willamette River in 2026 due to low forecasts for hatchery spring Chinook. More information here.

Find the weekly trout stocking schedule here.

Best bets for weekend fishing:

  • As a general reminder for Anglers: Maximize distance from bank anglers and other boats. Safely row or motor around anglers and other boats and avoid motoring nearshore and in shallow areas!
  • Check the zone in which you intend to fish before you head out. Access can change quickly with winter flooding, snow and ice conditions.
  • Pull out the snowmobile suit – it's the perfect cold-weather costume for ice fishing. A few frozen lakes are already seeing ice anglers. If you venture out, be sure to follow these ice fishing safety tips from the Minnesota DNR – where they know a bit about ice.
  • Fishing is fair to good on the North Coast. The North Fork Nehalem, Necanicum River, and Lower Columbia tributaries (Gnat Cr, Big Cr, and Klaskanine R) all report hatchery steelhead being caught. The Nestucca and Wilson Rivers also have hatchery steelhead returning and those fisheries are off to a good start when conditions are right. Coffenbury Lake and Vernonia Pond have both been stocked with surplus hatchery winter steelhead to provide additional angler opportunity. Catching a steelhead in still water can be a fun and unique experience and offer a chance for steelhead when the rivers are blown out.
  • Wild coho retention is open on both Siltcoos and Takenitch lakes. The bite has been fair so far. Fish can access both lakes via the fish ladders and have been coming in over the past few weeks!
  • Lost Creek Reservoir has had great reports by folks trolling for rainbow trout.
  • Steelhead fishing is good on the Umatilla River.
  • Steelhead fishing has been good on the Grande Ronde, Imnaha and Umatilla Rivers
  • The Upper Williamson River above Kirk Road Bridge is now open year round. Access is currently available.
  • There are some nice holdover trout in the Malheur River below Warmsprings right now.
  • Trout fishing has been great at Chickahominy Reservoir.
  • Crab quality is good as shells have hardened and are full of meat.

These examples are for demonstration purposes only. Refer to the zone reports for more details and possibilities.

Hunter Education:

Hunter safety conventional courses and field days are offered in-person or online plus a live fire field day. Find a course in your area and get a jump on it for the 2026 season!

Save the date workshops and events are happening in your area. Prepare for the season - learn new skills for a more successful harvest. ODFW workshops run statewide, throughout the year, designed for adults 18 and older. Take advantage of future learning opportunities.

NEW! Online course and test now available for Furbearer Trapping and Hunting.