Columbia River sturgeon retention opens Feb 16 in Bonneville and The Dalles poo…

Sturgeon retention in Bonneville Pool and The Dalles Pool will open for one day on Monday, Feb. 16. These retention fisheries had not opened on the traditional date of Jan. 1 as in previous years.

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.

Mussel harvest open coastwide

Mussel harvesting open coastwide. 

Recreation Report

South Central Area

HuntingMap_v2
Recreation Report

Table of Contents

Recreation Report

Bow hunters
Bow hunting in Southern Oregon. Photo by Joseph Ritzinger

SOUTH CENTRAL BIG GAME HUNTING

February 19, 2026

Currently open

Cougar (check current harvest numbers), Coyote

Announcements, resources

2026 spring bear seed numbers: 6051029. Spring bear forecast is available now, take a look at your hunt areas to prepare before April 1.

Reminder to report your late season 2025 big game tags by April 15: Report your hunt

Submit your applications for 2026 controlled hunts by May 15.

Big game harvest statistics - You'll find links to population, harvest and point summary reports that can help you decide what hunts to apply for next season.

Please report elk with hoof disease - If you see elk showing signs of elk hoof disease, including lame or limping elk or elk with damaged, injured, missing or deformed hooves, please report it using this online form.

Coyote and wolf ID - Coyote hunters need to take extra care to identify their target as wolves can look like coyotes, especially wolf pups in the mid-summer and fall. Test your ID skills. Please report any wolf sightings or wolf sign to ODFW using the online reporting system.

District updates

KLAMATH COUNTY

Cougar: Cougar season is open year-round, and populations are healthy and distributed throughout the district in any area with a big game prey base. Most harvest occurs while hunters are pursuing deer and elk.

Predator calling or locating a fresh cougar kill can increase chances of success. Oregon does offer an additional cougar tag good all year throughout the state.

Coyote: Populations are currently low but distributed throughout the county. Fawn in distress calling may increase chance of harvest as fawns are typically born in June.

LAKE COUNTY

Cougar: Cougar populations are healthy throughout the district. Predator calls can be an effective cougar hunting method though bobcats and bears may respond to predator calls, and separate licensing and season limitations exist for these species. Hunters should be prepared for predators other than cougar to respond.

Coyote populations are generally low, but some hunting is available throughout the district. Be aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator calls, and separate licensing and season limitations exist for these species.