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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

Article

Commission agenda: January 16, 2026

Commission materials have moved to MyODFW.com: Commission materials have a new look. ODFW is working to transition its older odfw.com site to a new web platform. Some Commission pages that used to be on the older site have been moved over to MyODFW.com during this transition period. View the agenda Meeting : Friday, January 16, 2026 - 8:00 AM Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife Virtual Meeting Viewing Room: Classroom 4034 Fairview Industrial Dr SE Salem, OR 97302

January 16, 2026

Article

Shellfish toxins and harvest safety

Razor clams, bay clams, mussels and oysters are filter feeders. They feed on microscopic plants called phytoplankton that naturally occur in ocean and coastal waters. Some types of phytoplankton produce natural toxins. When shellfish feed on these organisms, the toxins are stored in their flesh, yet the shellfish is not affected. But people who eat contaminated shellfish can become seriously ill. Always call the ODA Shellfish Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-2474 before you harvest shellfish or check the Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures web page.

July 22, 2026

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.

Press Release

Comment on 2027 Big Game Regulations until Aug. 11

SALEM, Ore.—ODFW is accepting public comments on the proposed 2027 Big Game Regulations and other agenda items the Commission will consider at their September meeting in La Grande. Comment using the links embedded with each agenda item provided on the September meeting agenda page. The deadline to submit written comments…

July 23, 2026

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

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

Big game raffle and auction hunts

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.

November 25, 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

Press Release

Two-rod validation extended through Dec. 31 upstream of Willamette Falls

CLACKAMAS, Ore.— Anglers can double the odds of catching salmon in the Upper Willamette River this fall as coho again return to areas above Willamette Falls. Effective Aug. 1 through Dec. 31, anglers with the two-rod validation may use two rods in all areas of the Willamette River upstream of…

July 29, 2026

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

All about smelt

Eulachon smelt are a small but culturally and ecologically significant fish found in the Pacific Northwest. Listed for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 2010, the southern Distinct Population Segment of eulachon (which includes Columbia River eulachon) was classified as federally threatened due to a decline in abundance. Since then, improved ocean conditions have helped boost their numbers; however, poor ocean conditions are likely to occur again in the future. See the 2017 recovery plan from the National Marine Fisheries Service for more information. In 2023, ODFW and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife finalized the…

March 9, 2026

2I9A1480_Sandy_River_Smelt_Opener_2023_Swingle_ODFW.jpg

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

Press Release

Oregon's State Wildlife Action Plan approved New funding for SWAP species represents historic advancement for conservation

SALEM, Ore.—ODFW is excited to announce that Oregon's State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) has been officially approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This milestone marks the final step in adopting the 2026 SWAP, a science‑based roadmap to maintain healthy fish and wildlife populations, prevent further declines of at‑risk…

April 10, 2026

2026 State Wildlife Action Plan Graphic in Oregon outline

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

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

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.

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