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Press Release

Burns Pond fish die-off caused by natural “turnover” event; ODFW plans to re-stock trout this fall

HINES, Ore. – ODFW biologists confirmed that a natural mixing event, or "turnover," likely caused the death of stocked rainbow trout recently observed at Burns Gravel Pond on Hwy 78. The pond is located two miles east of Burns, Ore., on Hwy 78 on property owned by ODFW. The pond's…

September 30, 2025

Article

Oregon’s State Wildlife Action Plan approved

Oregon's State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), officially approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on March 20, ensures continued federal funding eligibility and provides a science‑based roadmap to maintain healthy fish and wildlife populations, prevent further declines of at‑risk species, and reverse existing declines where possible. Along with the 2026 plan's approval, ODFW updated the user‑friendly SWAP website (formerly the Oregon Conservation Strategy and Oregon Nearshore Strategy) designed to help Oregonians easily navigate information about species, habitats and key conservation issues. Visit the 2026 SWAP website at: https://swap.oregon.gov

April 10, 2026

2026 State Wildlife Action Plan Graphic in Oregon outline

Article

Using big game hunting blinds on federal land

The number of big game hunters using blinds has increased over the last 20 years. Be sure to follow regulations if you plan to use them on federal land.

Pronghorn antelope gathered at a desert watering hole.

Press Release

Thief Valley Reservoir bag limits lifted ahead of reservoir drawdown

LA GRANDE, Ore. – Effective Aug. 1 through Sep. 30, minimum and maximum size limits as well as the daily and possession bag limits for rainbow trout and bass are suspended for Thief Valley Reservoir (Southeast Zone) located in Union County. Harvest will be allowed by hand, dip net, or…

August 1, 2025

Thief Valley Reservoir near North Powder, Oregon is used for irrigation and recreation. In this 2024 photo, the reservoir is completely drained revealing a muddy, brown lake bottom with a meandering stream running through it. Sage brush and cheat grass in the foreground and background. Photo by ODFW, 2024.

Article

Living with coyotes

Coyotes are a native species that is well-adapted to Oregon's urban and natural landscapes. It is not unusual to see them in the daytime, even in developed areas. Understanding coyote behavior and how to avoid problems is key to coexistence.

A coyote standing in a green grassy field looks toward the camera.

Landing page

Living with Turtles

March 27, 2026

Article

Start crabbing

If you love Dungeness crab, you’ll love that you can harvest them yourself.

crabber holding up two nice Dungeness crab

Article

Leave young wildlife in the wild

Young animals are rarely orphaned, so leave them where you find them. Chances are good mom is nearby, just waiting for you to leave before she returns to her baby. Leaving young wildlife where they are is the right thing to do, picking it up and taking it home is illegal. Living with wildlife

April 7, 2026

Article

Using MyODFW.com

Due to customer demand for a more modern, easier-to-navigate website, ODFW is introducing MyODFW.com. This new mobile-friendly website was designed with the hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing customer in mind.

September 19, 2017

Article

Shellfish and biotoxins

Razor clams and other bivalves are filter feeders that eat single celled plants called phytoplankton. Some species of phytoplankton manufacture biological toxins that, if ingested by bivalves, will be stored in their flesh. Though the biotoxins do not make the shellfish sick, they will make humans sick if a person consumes an affected animal.

September 2, 2025

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Southeast Zone

SE Fishing May 7, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing Access to Fourmile Lake is closed due to bad road conditions. Best fishing for wild, native trout in the Klamath Basin will be the Klamath River. The Wood River below Weed Road is fishing well for Brown Trout. Crappie fishing is big hit or big miss in Gerber Reservoir with the warmer weather. Lake of the Woods was stocked this week with trophy Rainbow Trout Miller Lake was stocked with Trophy Rainbow Trout this week Nice holdover trout in the Malheur River below Warmsprings right now. Crappie fishing in Owhyee…

September 05, 2017

Article

Avian flu

Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have caused the death of many wild and domestic birds in Oregon since 2022. Here's what hunters and others need to know about the disease.

Article

Living with cougars

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.

March 27, 2026

Landing page

Tami Wagner Wildlife Area Visitors' Guide

This 141-acre property along both sides of the Yachats River was first purchased in the early 1980s to provide forage for elk and help alleviate elk damage to surrounding agricultural land. It also provides public access to the Siuslaw National Forest along the Yachats River Highway, where there are few public access points.

February 07, 2018

Article

How to razor clam

Digging razor clams is a challenging and fun recreational pastime with delicious rewards. Continue reading to learn some fundamental skills needed to harvest razor clams.

Article

Fishing Oregon's hike-in lakes

Fishing Oregon’s high elevation lakes is not just for dedicated anglers. It also appeals to hikers and backpackers who head to the backcountry with a sense of adventure and a yearning for quietude.

Article

See salmon spawn

It's an iconic part of life in the Pacific Northwest—salmon returning to their natal rivers after years at sea to spawn and then die. ODFW fish biologists recommend the following locations to catch a glimpse of salmon spawning.

September 30, 2024

Species and Subspecies

Birds

If this is a new activity for you, our friends at the Audubon Society have tips on how to start birding and how to connect with other birders. This is a great resource that also includes tips on choosing binoculars, reviews and recommendations on the best birding apps and field guides, and an easy seven-point guide on how to identify birds. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has an extensive website that includes the world's largest archive of wildlife sounds and videos, bird cams, eBird citizen science opportunities, scientific publications, bird guides, bird nesting box plans and more. ODFW's Living with…

Zones or Areas

Northwest Zone

The northwest zone provides many opportunities for crabbing and clamming. This zone encompasses Clatsop beaches, Nehalem Bay, Tillamook Bay, Netarts Bay, Nestucca Bay, Siletz Bay, Yaquina Bay, Alsea Bay and Siuslaw River‌.

Article

How to buy a license or tag

Directions for purchasing a license or tag online or from a license vendor, for redeeming your Sports Pac voucher, and purchasing a tag after the sale deadline. Buy Online

November 14, 2025