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Article

Easy angling in the Northwest Zone

A dozen great rivers pour out of the Coast Range Mountains into tidal bays that welcome runs of salmon and the sea-going rainbow trout called “steelhead.” Bays are the year-round home to marine perch, rockfish, crabs and clams, while other species come and go with the seasons and the tides. In the Northwest Zone a handful of ponds dot the forested slopes, and there are dozens of dune lakes— many stocked with plump rainbow trout, and some that grow their own largemouth bass, perch, crappie and brown bullhead.

Recreation Report

Crabbing & Clamming Report - Marine Zone

Crabbing and Clamming April 2, 2026 Always check for closures at the  ODA Shellfish Safety page before harvesting shellfish, which includes clams, crabs and mussels. Announcements Chinese mitten crab found in Willamette River A second confirmed Chinese mitten crab, a prohibited species in Oregon, was found and reported to ODFW on November 17, 2025 in the Willamette River near Sellwood Bridge. The first mitten crab was caught on April 22, 2025, in the Lower Columbia River. Mitten crabs caused significant infrastructure and ecological damage in and around San Francisco Bay when the population was at its height in the late 1990s…

September 21, 2017

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Recreation Report

April 2, 2026

Article

Hunting Sauvie Island’s East Side Unit

A beginner's guide to waterfowl hunting on Sauvie Island - Hunting in the Eastside Unit. Part 2 of a 5 part series.

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

Start crabbing

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

crabber holding up two nice Dungeness crab

Article

How to crab

Oregon crabbing is a year-round activity that can almost always yield a successful trip. Crabbing trips require minimal gear, often available for rent in coastal towns, and while boat crabbing increases your likelihood for success, dockside crabbing is easy and very accessible. Before crabbing, be aware of crab regulations. Knowledge of where, when, and how to crab will increase your chances for success. Learn where to crab

Article

Report your hunt

If you bought a tag you must report, even if you weren't successful or didn't hunt. Report your hunt online or at an ODFW license vendor. Hunters have until January 31 (or April 15 if purchased a late tag) each year to report their previous year's hunts.

December 8, 2025

Article

50 places to go fishing within 90 minutes of Bend

Not enough time to go fishing? Think again—if you live in the Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters or LaPine areas there are a number of great fishing spots just a short drive away. Make sure you read the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, and why not grab a friend or family member to go with you? The times and distances listed are from Drake Park in Bend.

Article

Watch wildlife with purpose

Join the community scientists who have shared their wildlife observations in Oregon throughout the iNaturalist app. Record your sightings of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles from around the state and contribute valuable data to wildlife conservation.

Article

How to buy an Oregon fishing license

You can purchase an Oregon fishing license online or at an ODFW licensed vendor. Here are step-by-step directions for purchasing online.

December 18, 2025

image of an angler holding a 32-inch rainbow trout

Press Release

White-nose syndrome detected in bats for first time in Oregon

SALEM, Ore.— White-nose syndrome (WNS) in bats has been detected for the first time in Oregon in Columbia and Benton counties. White-nose syndrome is caused by an infection with the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans that disrupts hibernation, causing early winter emergence, dehydration and starvation. This finding follows the 2025 detection of…

March 18, 2026

Article

Hunters and anglers with disabilities

The free disabled veteran combination license, and permit for disabled hunters and anglers make it easier for everyone to participate.

April 2, 2026

mminnie_brown_fishing_veronia_pond_rick_swart_odfw

Article

High lakes stocking schedule - Mid-Columbia District

Includes lakes in the Mt. Hood National Forest, the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness and the Olallie Lake Scenic Area.

July 12, 2023

Article

10 most common recreationally caught flatfish off Oregon

There are a variety of flatfish species that can be found off the Oregon coast.

December 6, 2024

Article

50 places to go fishing within 60 minutes of Portland

Let's go fishing! Not enough time? Think again. If you live in the greater Portland area, there are a number of places you can get to in less than an hour. Directions and times are approximate, mileage and generalized directions are from Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Article

10 tips for beginning birders

Binoculars? Check. Field guide? Check. Now what? Learn the basics for bird watching.

Article

Eastern Oregon Deer Hunt Areas for 2026

November 25, 2025

Recreation Report

Wildlife Viewing - Marine Zone

MARINE WILDLIFE VIEWING April 2, 2026   The Oregon coast is a great place to come and view a variety of wildlife. Enjoy the great diversity of life: from giant whales and barking sea lions to majestic bald eagles and diving pelicans, to showy Harlequin ducks and flocking shorebirds, to the tiny anemones and crabs inhabiting tidepools. There is always something new to discover. Visit our  wildlife viewing map for locations to visit and view wildlife along the Oregon coast. Maximize your viewing of coastal creatures by bringing binoculars for close-up views.   Beach Safety:  Check conditions here    Whales, orcas and porpoises   Whales migrate along the Oregon coast to their…

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.