Recreation Report

Highlights from this week’s Recreation Report:

Big Game Hunting workshop

This first class in ODFW's new Learn to Hunt Big Game series will cover reasons for hunting, and the what, where and when of hunting for big game in Oregon. Evening classes are scheduled in Tualatin (May 22 and 23) and Albany (May 29).

Learn more and register here.

More rivers and streams open to trout on May 22

Many rivers and streams, especially in the NW, SW and SE zones, opened to trout fishing on Wednesday, May 22. These rivers are closed to trout fishing from fall to spring in order to protect migrating salmon and steelhead smolts, and spawning redband trout.

Last weekend for spring turkey and bear hunting

These seasons close May 31, so this is your last weekend to tag a turkey or bear. Good thing most of you will have three days!

Best bets for fishing this holiday weekend

With a three-day weekend coming up for many, plan on at least one day (or two!) on the water. Here are just a few fish to consider:

• Chinook fishing continues throughout the Rogue River.
• Shad are being caught in the Umpqua, Coos and Coquille basins.
• Kokanee fishing has been good in Detroit and Green Peter Reservoirs, as well as Lake Billy Chinook and Wickiup Reservoir.
• Largemouth bass from Davis Lake have been stocked in Pine Nursery Pond, Prineville Reservoir and Prineville Youth Pond.
• Summer steelhead are being caught on the Siletz, Nestucca, Wilson, Clackamas, Sandy and Santiam rivers.
• Smallmouth bass anglers should consider the rocky shores of the Columbia River, as well as the dozens of other places where bass are on the bite.
• Surfperch fishing should be good when the swells and wind cooperate.
• TROUT, thousands of ‘em, are being stocked in dozens of ponds, lakes, streams and reservoirs just in time for the holiday weekend.

Find more details about all the weekend opportunities in the zone reports.

Family fishing day at State Capitol Mall on Saturday, May 25

Come catch a fish at the State Capitol Mall (900 Court Street NE) on Saturday, May 25 from 9 a.m.-noon. All ages are welcome at the event, and kids age 17 and under fish for free. The Oregon Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and ODFW are teaming up with many other outdoor organizations to host this family event. A “pond” set up at the mall will be stocked with rainbow trout. Staff from various organizations including ODFW volunteer fishing instructors will be on hand with rods, reels, bait and all the gear you need to try fishing. Other volunteers will teach casting, fish anatomy and knot tying. Finally, if you catch a fish, Outdoor Chef Kurt will cook it for you! More information here.

Header photo by Kathy Munsel