Winter steelhead restrictions on Illinois, Rogue rivers

Beginning Dec. 1, temporary wild winter steelhead harvest restrictions will be in affect on Illinois, Rogue rivers.

Razor clamming closed Cascade Head to CA border

Razor clam harvesting is now closed from Cascade Head to the California border the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today.

Parts of Eagle Creek closed to fishing

The lowest reach of Eagle Creek on Clackamas River closed to angling Sept. 27 through Oct. 31

Silver Creek Falls

Recreation Report

Dec. 18, 2024

ACCESS A REPORT

Includes updates to fishing, crabbing and clamming, hunting

 

Last Recreation Report of 2024

Due to the upcoming holidays, we'll be taking a break from the Recreation Report the weeks of Dec. 23 and 30. The Rec Report will resume publication the week of Jan. 6, 2025.

Latest fishing regulation updates

With several salmon fisheries scheduled to close at the end of the year, it's a good idea to check the regulation updates page before making any New Year's fishing plans.

Late season duck hunting tips

Frigid temperatures, frozen water, wary birds – the last weeks of the duck hunting season can be tough. Here are some tips for closing the season strong.

10 tips for winter steelhead fishing

Anglers are already catching early returning steelhead, and there are plenty more where they came from. Here are 10 tips to help you catch more winter steelhead this season.

Report your big game hunt

If you're already on your phone scanning the news or doing some holiday shopping, why not open the MyODFW app while you're there and report your big game hunt? Or, report with a retail license agent while you're stocking up on winter fishing gear. Here's information on who needs to report and how you can do it.

Best bets for end-of-year fishing

The holiday season can be a great time to spend time with friends and family. Why not include a little time on the water?

  • Winter steelhead season is underway in the NW Zone (No. Fork Nehalem, Necanicum, lower Columbia tribs), SW Zone (Coos, Coquille, So. Umpqua, Smith and lower Rogue) and Willamette Zone (Clackamas and Sandy). Keep an eye on water levels, and try to hit the water as rivers start to drop after high flows.
  • For hardy anglers with good thermals, steelhead fishing can be good on the Grande Ronde, Imnaha and Umatilla.
  • If steelhead aren't biting, consider some trout fishing in places like Lost Creek Reservoir and Garrison Lake.
  • Forty excess steelhead will be stocked in Junction City Pond just before Christmas. An early delivery from Santa?
  • Fishing for trout and mountain whitefish on the Metolius, Fall, Crooked, Klamath, lower Deschutes and Wallowa rivers can be good throughout the winter as access allows.
  • When ocean conditions permit, fishing for lingcod and bottomfish can be very good around the holidays.
  • Bay crabbing fair in Newport and good in Waldport. has been fair.

This list is for demonstration purposes only. Check the zones reports for even more options.