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The granite peaks of Oregon’s Blue and Wallowa Mountains form the backdrop for many of this zone’s glacier-carved lakes and crystalline streams. Pack trains are a common sight on steep backcountry trails. Bull trout thrive in this zone’s cold, clear rivers, which also sustain rainbow trout and welcome returning runs of hatchery-reared steelhead. Warmwater fisheries are few, but the John Day River offers world-class fishing for smallmouth bass.
![luger_pond_swart_odfw.jpg Thumbnail](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2018-03/luger_pond_swart_odfw.jpg?itok=AY-66AMM)
Two commonly caught species of salmon are coho and Chinook. Fishing regulations require anglers to correctly identify salmon species as restrictions such as legal lengths and seasons often vary based on the species.
![20_fall_chinook_siuslaw_taubenkrau_odfw Thumbnail](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2018-03/20_fall_chinook_siuslaw_taubenkrau_odfw.jpg?itok=CjFd8HL2)
ODFW biologists share the latest updates for wild turkey hunting in their local district, as well as tips and tactics for bagging a bird. Report a banded turkey
In some Oregon state waters catch-and-release fishing is required in order to protect valuable fish resources. In many waters, however, release or harvest is a personal choice. One way anglers can help maintain and restore native fish populations is to learn how to catch and release wild fish properly. Before fishing, anglers should always consult the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for any harvest restrictions.
![close up photo of a rainbow trout ready to be released](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2019-12/rainbow%20release.jpg?itok=h_bi9wUv)
Oregon offers spring and fall bear hunting seasons. Fall bear is an entirely general season hunt, while spring season is now all controlled hunt. There are no longer first-come, first-served SW Oregon bear tags.
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See the latest and historic data about big game hunting statistics for different hunts.
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Longleader gear is used to target midwater species like yellowtail rockfish, canary rockfish and widow rockfish, while avoiding bottom-dwelling species like yelloweye rockfish.
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Trout are Oregon's most popular game fish but there are several species and not all are open to fishing. Learn how to identify them correctly, and find some tips for catching them too.
![image of a cutthroat trout](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2019-12/cutthroat%20trout.jpg?itok=Xb2r-aCt)
The Pikeminnow Sport Reward Fishery Program, funded by the Bonneville Power Administration and administered by the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, pays anglers for each northern pikeminnow that they catch in the Columbia River.
Oregon has miles and miles of small rivers and creeks where anglers can enjoy simple techniques, a sense of solitude and a taste of adventure.
![angling on a stream](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2024-05/angling_on_a_stream.jpg?itok=DEh5Ufou)
It's important to be able to distinguish between the most commonly encountered rockfish. Knowing what you've caught, and how many you can possess, will keep you on the right side of the regulations. Reminder: Yelloweye rockfish and quillback rockfish are prohibited at all times and in all waters.
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With some simple, inexpensive gear and a little knowledge, anglers of all ages can enjoy a day of marine fishing.
![angler in the ocean surf casting for surfperch](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2021-04/surfperch%20fishing.jpg?itok=-mLjWvnZ)
We make it easy to take your family fishing – with free fishing events, recommended family-friendly fishing locations, and how-tos on everything from buying your gear to cooking your catch.
![Alton Baker Family FIshing Thumbnail](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2017-09/Alton%20Baker%201.jpg?itok=9X3Z78M1)
Salvaging deer and elk struck by vehicles is legal in Oregon. However, you must fill out a permit (after the fact) and surrender the antlers and head to ODFW. Roadkill Salvage Permits: Now a free product in the Electronic Licensing System (ELS) Catalog (see how-to for getting permit). Salvagers can complete an application through guest checkout or through your ELS profile by accessing the ODFW product catalog. All other aspects of the program remain unchanged. Remember that you must submit your permit application within 24 hours of taking possession of the carcass. Antlers and head of all salvaged animals must
All funds raised by deer and elk auction and raffle tags go directly to the Access and Habitat Program. Funds raised by bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and Rocky Mountain goat auction and raffle tags go directly to the management of those species.
![Elk hunt](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2019-11/02-Bill-Cole-Dave2.jpg?itok=ZSb6cLdA)
It's easy to check your results, and purchase your tag, on the ODFW electronic licensing system. NOTE: Once the draw results begin loading into the system, they will load one series at a time. If you want to see all of your results at once, wait until the end of the day when all the series have been loaded. Controlled hunt draw results are announced by June 12 each year.
Resources to help prepare for a successful hunt in sagebrush country.
![Two adult pronghorn in a field](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2021-06/two%20pronghorn.jpg?itok=CQQVn6y8)
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal disease infecting deer and elk across North America. While CWD has not yet been detected in Oregon, we have a chance to manage CWD if both hunters and wildlife managers work together. Get your animals checked and educate yourself and others about CWD. Check your test results
![Three ODFW biologists examine an elk at a CWD test station](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2022-01/CheckSta2015-hero%20shot.jpg?itok=2l03iNYs)
Cougars currently occupy most of the available cougar habitat in the state and are expanding into lower quality habitats that include human habitation. At the same time, urban areas are expanding into cougar habitat due to population growth and development. Follow these tips to stay safe in cougar country.
![Image of an adult cougar snarling](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2022-11/snarling%20cougar.jpg?itok=wwZfSjw0)
The purpose of this project is to help us understand the impacts roads have on Oregon's wildlife, and to identify roadkill hot spots and vulnerabilities among different wildlife species. This information can help make roadways safer and reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions.