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 22, 2026

ACCESS A REPORT

ODFW Weekly Recreation Report

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

January 22, 2026

You're running out of 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 as bird hunting season continues through February.

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.

Ice fishing is open in some places. Learn Ice fishing tips and safety from the experts in Minnesota.

 

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.

Northwest:

  • Winter steelhead fishing has slowed on the North Coast due to low flows and cold-water temperatures, but there are fish present in all basins. The North Fork Nehalem, Necanicum River, and Lower Columbia tributaries (Gnat Cr, Big Cr, and Klaskanine R), Nestucca River and Wilson River will provide the best opportunity to catch hatchery steelhead, while other basins (including the Little Nestucca, Trask, Kilchis, Nehalem, and Salmonberry Rivers all have catch and release opportunities for wild steelhead.
  • Coffenbury Lake, Vernonia Pond, Lost Lake, and Sunset Lake have all been stocked with surplus hatchery winter steelhead. Catching a steelhead in still water can be a fun and unique experience and offer a chance for steelhead when the conditions on the rivers aren't good.
  • Winter Steelhead is off to a strong start on midcoastal systems after recent rain. The Alsea, Siuslaw and Siletz have had a decent number of fish being caught.

Southwest:

  • Lost Creek Reservoir has had great reports by folks trolling for rainbow trout.
  • Ice fishing has started at Diamond Lake.

Willamette:

  • The Willamette River and other water bodies are increasing in activity.
  • Several waterbodies will be stocked with trout this week.

Central:

  • The Crooked and Metolius Rivers continue to provide excellent winter angling opportunities. Excellent dry fly and nymphing opportunities on Fall River.
  • Anglers report good bank fishing opportunities for trout at Haystack Reservoir, now with surplus brood fish being stocked.
  • Anglers report excellent kokanee and bull trout fishing at Lake Billy Chinook.

Northeast:

  • Trout and whitefish fishing should be good throughout winter on the Wallowa River.
  • Catch Steelhead throughout the Grande Ronde, Wallowa, Umatilla and Imnaha Rivers.
  • Kokanee fishing has been good on Wallowa Lake
  • Perch fishing has been good at Phillips Reservoir with some large fish caught.

Southeast:

  • There are some nice holdover trout in the Malheur River below Warmsprings.
  • Trout fishing has been great at Chickahominy Reservoir
  • Crappie are abundant in Wolf Creek Reservoir with some nicer fish around 8 inches available. Crappie fishing in Owhyee Reservoir has been good.
  • Channel catfish are a popular option. Find them in the Snake River and Owyhee Reservoir throughout the summer and early fall.

Marine

  • Crabbing is slow in Newport, good in Florence. Crab quality is good with lots 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 choose an online course plus attend a live fire field day. Find a course in your area and get ahead of the game for the 2026 season!

Save the date workshops and eventsare happening in your area. Prepare for the season, learn new skills or refresh for a more successful harvest. ODFW classes and workshops offered year-round. Plan your calendar now.