ODFW offices remain closed to public access

All  ODFW offices remain closed to visitors. ODFW staff will be available by phone and email.

ODFW hatcheries reopen to public on limited basis

Hatcheries have partially reopened during normal visiting hours (8-5 in most cases). Most indoor areas, visitor centers and restrooms remain closed so please plan accordingly. 

Silver Creek Falls

Recreation Report

September 16, 2021

Find the latest fishing regulation updates

They’re always at the top of the Recreation Report in the zone where they’re happening.

The best season for crabbing is right now

Fall is typically the best time of year to crab. Beginning in September, crabs will have filled out with more meat, and you’ll find more crabs in bays and estuaries thanks to drier weather. Pick up some pointers about how to crab.

Be ready for your hunt

A lot of planning goes into a successful hunt. Make sure you’ve checked all the boxes with the hunter’s checklist.

Sturgeon retention on the Columbia

Four additional sturgeon retention days were added in the mainstem Columbia from the Wauna Powerlines upstream to Bonneville Dam, including the Cowlitz River. Anglers can now retain white sturgeon in this area on Saturday, Sept. 18, Sunday Sept. 19, Wednesday Sept. 22, Saturday Sept. 25, and Wednesday Sept. 29. Find more details.

Go high lakes fishing before the snow flies

Fall can be an excellent time to fish the high mountain lakes. Fish are trying to bulk up for the winter, the weather can be beautiful and the mosquitoes are dying down. The fishing can be good until snow starts to limit access. Learn more about fishing the high lakes.

Clock is ticking for small stream anglers

Trout fishing on many small streams along the coast closes at the end of October. That’s just six more weeks to enjoy fishing for resident and sea-run cutthroat trout before the season ends.

2020-21 game bird hunting forecast

A look at the upcoming hunting season for upland and migratory game birds.

Limited wild coho seasons open Sept. 15

Wild coho retention seasons will open Sept. 15 in the Tillamook, Nestucca, Siletz and Coos basins. See the regulation update sections at the top of the NW and SW zones.