Coos basin salmon limit increase

The salmon bag limit in the Coos Basin increases today, Aug. 19 from two to three fish in aggregate, one of which must be a hatchery salmon.

Ocean Sport Salmon closure

Ocean sport salmon closes 12:01 a.m. Tues., Aug. 19 from Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon. Possession of salmon on board a vessel is prohibited in the Columbia River Subarea from Aug. 19.

Marine fisheries bag limits decreases

The General Marine Species bag limit returns to a four-fish bag limit beginning Monday, Aug. 18.

Razor clam closure on Clatsop Beaches July 15-Sept. 30

Clatsop Beaches are closed to razor clamming July 15-Sept. 30, an annual closure to let young clams settle on the beaches to provide future harvest opportunities.

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Silver Creek Falls

Recreation Report

August 21, 2025

ACCESS A REPORT

August 21, 2025

Best bets for weekend fishing:

  • Wild coho seasons adopted for coastal rivers, see the in-season updates page details on seasons. The 2025 forecasted ocean abundance of Oregon coast natural coho is 289,000 fish, up from about 233,000 last year and the largest forecast since 2012. Seasons are similar to last year, with additional fishing days in some rivers and an across-the-board season bag limit of 3 fish in rivers that are open due to the strong forecast.Wild fall Chinook regulations are also posted.

    • The salmon bag limit in the Coos Basin increased on Aug. 19 from two to three fish in aggregate, one of which must be a hatchery salmon.More info

    • Fall seasons on the ODFW Columbia River including the popular Fall Buoy 10 fishery are underway. Did you know, you don't need a boat to access this premiere salmon fishery, there are miles of shoreline at Fort Stevens State Park where you can cast spinners(see YouTube video)

  • Summer steelhead retention has been extended until Aug. 31 from the Buoy 10 line upstream to Bonneville Dam. Check regulation updates for details.

    • On the North Coast, Tillamook Bay, the Nestucca estuary (Pacific City), Trask River, Nestucca River, and the lower Columbia tributaries (Big Cr., Gnat Cr., and Klaskanine R.) will provide the best opportunities for fall salmon. Nehalem fallChinook run is revving up with a few getting caught down by the mouth of the bay.

    • Trout are a favorite for many anglers across the state. Check the trout stocking schedule and maps for locations near you, and invite some friends!

    • Fish on! Summer steelhead runs are on in the Nestucca and Wilson Rivers. Steelhead are found throughout manyOregonfisheries and some are getting caught.

    • · Mid Coast beaches offer some great opportunity for surfperch and other near shore species and clamming as well. Check out this link for more information on clamming during the minus tides.

    • There will be trout available most of the summer, but fishing will get more challenging as the water warms up. Fishing early morning and late evening, targeting higher elevation lakes that stay cooler increasing the odds of success.

    • The North Jetty of Tillamook Bay (accessible through Barview County Park) provides some good angling opportunities for rockfish and kelp greenling this time of year.

    • Cascade hike-in lakes offer beauty, serenity and the potential for untrammeled fishing opportunities.

    • Howard and Hyatt Lakes offer good fishing for largemouth bass right now.

    • Fishing for Brook Trout in the Upper Sycan, Upper NF Sprague, Upper SF Sprague, Long Creek, Sevenmile and Upper Williamson will be exceptional.
    • Fourmile Lake is your best bet for stocked rainbow trout in the Klamath Basin.

    • Reminder: the annual razor clam conservation closure runs through Sept. 30 on Clatsop Beaches. The closure restores the clam grounds and allows repopulation. Check tide tables here: https://tides.net/oregon/ and check for any closures. Razor clam digging is still open along the central and south Oregon coast.

    • Crabbing remains open along the Oregon coast.

    • It'sa great time of year to fish for warmwater species. See our guide.

    • These examples are for demonstration purposes only. Refer to the zone reports for more details and possibilities.

 

Know before you go:

Hot weekend ahead: Get a Sauvie Island Beaches Pass before you go! Required on weekends and holidays through Labor Day

Due to overcrowding at Sauvie Island beach parking lots, weekend and holiday beach parking now requires both the Wildlife Area Parking Permit ($10 daily / $30 annual) and the new free Sauvie Island Beaches Pass during the summer months. Plan ahead for your beach visit, as there are a limited number of free parking permits available each weekend day.

Both Beaches Passes and Wildlife Area Parking Permits can be obtained online or by visiting a license sales agent. Customers are limited to one Beaches Pass per date. Vehicles will also need to show their Beaches Pass and Parking Permit at the Eastside Check Station (Rentenaar and Reeder Rd) during some hours on weekends and will not be able to proceed to the beach parking lots without them--so plan ahead!

 

E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area shotgun range closed for renovations through October

The shotgun range at E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area near Corvallis is closed for renovations. Improvements on the range will include expanding the shooting bays and implementing ADA compliant access to the site. ODFW expects work to be completed by October 31. Updates will be posted on the E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area Visitors Guide webpage. The archery park and other facilities on the wildlife area will remain open.

 

Hunting update:

The Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest is temporarily closing the Huckleberry Mountain area in the High Cascades Ranger District Aug. 22-31 for Tribal ceremonial purposes. Rogue Unit general archery hunters should be aware of the closure over the archery opening weekend, Aug. 30-31.

Hunter Education:

Look no further: hunter safety courses and field days

Choose between a conventional in-person course or complete one of the online education courses plus an in-person field day. Sign up for a location, date and time that works best with your schedule.Hunter safety education events are offered year-round and taught by certified volunteer instructors statewide. Hunting seasons are coming up fast - plan ahead to secure your seat now!

Youth Upland Game Bird Hunts - Registration is open for Youth Pheasant Hunts happening in a number of locations in September. These events give young hunters an opportunity to hunt in a controlled setting with a focus on safety and success. Some hunts require advanced registration via ODFW's licensing system. Youth Chukar Hunt! More opportunities for youth.

 

Adult Hunter Recruitment Program workshops and events.

These hands-on ODFW workshops will teach you the skills to improve your hunting performance and build your confidence in the field. ODFW offers a variety of classes and workshops statewide, throughout the year. Workshops are designed for adults – ages 18 and older. Register for an event.

 

Shotgun skills class for adults: Register for event on Sat. Aug 23, starting at 8:00 AM at Bend Trap Club, 29753 U.S. 20, Bend, OR. Hunting license not required to attend. Improve your skills for upcoming Game Bird hunts this fall and winter.

Resources:

Wildfire season

Know before you go: Hunters need to check for fire-related closures before they head out, some helpful information on this page, https://myodfw.com/articles/wildfires-impact-hunting-fishing-wildlife

Toxic algae blooms

Reports of algae blooms that are toxic to people and pets have started. Check the Oregon Health Authority website for updated information. https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYENVIRONMENTS/RECREATION/HARMFULALGAEBLOOMS/Pages/AboutAlgaeSeason.aspx

 

Let baby wildlife stay wild

Young animals are rarely orphaned, so leave them where you find them. Chances are that mom is nearby watching and waiting for you to go away before she rejoins her young. Learn more.

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