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Article

2025 Big Game hunting forecast

Over-winter survival was generally good for Oregon's deer and elk herds. Parts of the state even got a reprieve from years-long drought this spring but dry conditions came back in late summer and fall, and big game body condition heading into the fall season will vary by district. See the district reports for details on what to expect. Get your animal tested for CWD: While it's never been found in Oregon, CWD has been detected in most surrounding states and animals can carry the disease (and spread it) for years without showing symptoms. By getting your deer or elk tested…

September 2, 2025

Press Release

No two-rod on the Willamette River in 2026 due to low forecast for hatchery spring Chinook

CLACKAMAS, Ore. – The two-rod validation will not be available for the Willamette River in 2026 as the forecast for hatchery-origin adult fish does not meet the minimum return threshold. The 2026 Columbia River spring-summer forecast anticipates 43,700 adult Willamette-origin spring Chinook will return to the mouth of the Columbia…

December 16, 2025

Article

How to fish for steelhead

Steelhead have been called the ultimate game fish. These elusive and challenging fish can test an angler’s patience and persistence, but the reward is hooking into a fish that is famous worldwide for its line-peeling runs and spectacular, acrobatic fight.

Article

Where to bay clam in Oregon

In nearly every Oregon estuary, some species of bay clams can be found. However, abundances and variety of species is different for each bay depending on a number of factors. Size and shape of the bay are the most critical factors. Tidal exchange, salinity, species ranges, and substrates also weigh heavily.

Article

Where to crab in Oregon

Love the taste of crab and want to try harvesting your own? Already at the beach and looking for a family-friendly activity? Here are some areas‌ to find your favorite seafood and have a fun day on the coast.

Site Sections

Recreation Report

January 15, 2026

Article

65 places to go fishing in Lane County

Lane County offers so much to explore — from coastal lakes and rivers to mountain lakes and streams. The Willamette River runs through the Eugene-Springfield metro area and is fed by three major rivers: the McKenzie, Middle Fork Willamette and Coast Fork Willamette. Florence is surrounded by large dune lakes, the Siuslaw River and Pacific Ocean. With so many places to fish, it’s no wonder Lane County is an angler’s paradise. For current regulations, call your local ODFW office or check MyODFW.com.

Article

Gifts for hunters

Looking for the perfect gift for the hunter on your holiday list? We’ve asked some ODFW staff, all avid hunters, to share their gift-giving (and gift-getting) ideas.

Hunter glassing for elk on a snowy ridgetop

Article

Where to crab & clam in Siletz Bay

Siletz Bay, located at the south end of Lincoln City, is a very popular destination for beach-goers and clam diggers. Some of the highest density purple varnish clam beds are easily accessed here. Its proximity to the ocean also makes it a very productive seasonal crabbing area

Article

Chronic Wasting Disease in Oregon

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal disease infecting deer, elk, and moose across North America. While CWD has not yet been detected in Oregon, it has been found in three bordering states – Idaho, California, and Washington. We have a chance to manage CWD if both hunters and wildlife managers work together. Get your animals tested and educate yourself and others about CWD. Ways to Get Tested Check Results Sign up for Updates

November 20, 2025

Press Release

Lookingglass Creek open for spring Chinook fishing June 18 to June 29

LA GRANDE, Ore. – Lookingglass Creek, a tributary to the Grande Ronde River at Palmer Junction, will open for spring Chinook fishing Wednesday, June 18 through Sunday, June 29. The open area is from the mouth upstream to the confluence of Jarboe Creek. After early season projections made it appear…

June 17, 2025

Educational Moment

Essential gear

You don’t need a lot of gear to hunt turkey – that’s one reason for its growing popularity. However, the more you hunt – in different seasons and in different parts of the state – the more you’ll discover there are some things that can make you a more comfortable and successful hunter. Here are some essential pieces of gear beginning turkey hunters will want to consider: A face mask or camouflage face paint. Turkeys have keen eyesight so you’ll want to cover your entire face and neck with something camouflage that’s comfortable to wear. Bowhunters often prefer camo face…

May 19, 2020

image of turkey hunter with binoculars, camo gloves, and other gear

Press Release

Apply by Oct. 6 to represent sport fishing or commercial salmon industry on R&E Board

SALEM, Ore.—ODFW is seeking qualified applicants to fill one sport fishing position and one commercial salmon industry position on the Restoration and Enhancement (R&E) Program Board. Interested individuals must apply by Oct. 6, 2025, use this form on the R&E Board page. The ideal sport fishing candidate will be a…

September 22, 2025

Press Release

Commission sets 2026 groundfish seasons

SALEM, Ore.— The Commission set 2026 groundfish regulations during their meeting in Salem today. The daily catch limit for lingcod will increase from 2 to 3 fish next year, since lingcod populations are healthy and bycatch of yelloweye rockfish (a protected species) is still low. The daily limit for general…

December 12, 2025

Article

Hunting bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goat

Bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goat the rarest game mammals in Oregon today, with less than 100 bighorn sheep tags and 20 Rocky Mtn goat tags offered in 2015. The tags are “once-in-a-lifetime” so hunters who draw them can’t draw them again.

March 2, 2019

Article

Sturgeon fishing

The white sturgeon is one of Oregon's most iconic and distinctive fish species with a lineage dating back to the age of the dinosaurs. Due to population concerns, the sturgeon fishery is highly regulated in terms of retention opportunity and size limits. The structure of retention seasons is likely to change in 2026 with no New Year's Day opener in Bonneville and The Dalles pools, as quotas have been met in just a few days in recent years. Oregon and Washington will hold a joint state hearing Nov. 13, 2025 at 2 p.m. to discuss and lay out a new…

November 4, 2025

Article

Where to crab & clam in Alsea Bay

Just a few miles south of Newport, the town of Waldport is on the shores of Alsea Bay. It is one of Oregon’s estuaries that does not have jetties at the ocean entrance. Strong outgoing tides and ocean swell can make boating near the mouth of the bay more dangerous. Use caution and be prepared if you crab in this area.

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Marine Zone

MARINE FISHING January 15, 2026 Announcements Starting Jan. 1, 2026, an Ocean Endorsement is needed for most recreational anglers fishing in the ocean. Check the Ocean Endorsement page for more information. Saltwater News Bulletins Be among the first to know about in-season changes! You can subscribe to receive emails and text message alerts for marine topics that interest you. It's easy to unsubscribe at any time. Your contact information will remain confidential. Three different lists of interest to ocean enthusiasts are available: bottomfish, halibut and ocean salmon. Bottomfish A few reminders Visit the sport bottomfish seasons page to see what's…

September 05, 2017

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

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