Search myodfw.com

Showing 481 - 500 of 804 results

Article

Fall coastal salmon management

Fall salmon fishing seasons in rivers along Oregon’s coast from Necanicum River to the Winchuck River depend on the outlook for wild Chinook and coho. Management of wild fall Chinook fisheries are guided by the Coastal Multi-Species Conservation and Management Plan (CMP) and the Rogue Fall Chinook Conservation Plan (RFCCP). ‌‌‌ Subscribe to this page for information on fall coastal salmon seasons. Sign up for email updates

August 15, 2025

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

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

Take care out there: A guide to respectful recreation

Each year over 9 million Oregonians and visitors head to hills – and the desert, and the beach – to enjoy the outdoor beauty Oregon offers. But with that many people actively appreciating the hills (and the desert and the beach) it’s becoming even more important that we learn to enjoy our fragile ecosystems today while also protecting them for tomorrow’s visitors.

February 14, 2020

image of three bird watchers looking in a tree through binoculars

Article

How to fish for trout

More people in Oregon fish for trout than for any other kind of fish. Anglers can experience a lifetime of varied and rewarding adventures fishing for trout in Oregon’s shaded coastal streams, alpine lakes, urban ponds and high desert rivers.

November 17, 2025

Educational Moment

Shotgun shooting tips

Turkey hunters using a shotgun face a very small target – the head and neck of a turkey. Combine that with today’s specialized turkey loads shooting very tight patterns, and making a clean kill shot might depend on a steady shooting rest. Turkeys are nervous-looking birds that seem to never stop moving. Because of their monocular vision and eyes set on the side of their skull, turkeys are often moving and bobbing their heads to try to decipher what they’re seeing. Consider a shooting rest If you’ve got your gun in a ready position, and are waiting for a turkey…

May 19, 2020

image of a turkey hunter with his gun resting on his knee

Educational Moment

How to skin a turkey

When preparing your turkey for the pot, you can either skin it or pluck it. Because wild turkeys have such thin skin, many hunters prefer skinning their turkeys as it ’s must faster than plucking the bird. Pick up where you left off gutting the bird Simply continue making the cut in the skin from the body cavity, all the way up the breast bone to the base of the neck. The skin is thin enough that you often can peel it free from the breast meat. Slide your thumbs under the skin and working it up and away from…

May 19, 2020

Landing page

Round Butte Hatchery Visitors' Guide

Round Butte Hatchery was constructed in 1972 to mitigate for the fishery losses caused by Pelton/Round Butte (PRB) Hydroelectric Complex. Round Butte and its satellite, Pelton Ladder, are used for adult collection, egg incubation and rearing of spring Chinook, summer steelhead, and sockeye salmon.

November 15, 2017

Recreation Report

Wildlife Viewing - Marine Zone

MARINE WILDLIFE VIEWING December 15, 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: http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/Pages/beach_safety.aspx Whales, orcas and porpoises Whales migrate…

September 05, 2017

Educational Moment

Lifecycle of a wild turkey

For hunters, spring marks the beginning of the “turkey year” so let’s trace turkey activity through the year beginning in the spring. Spring nesting season The peak of the breeding season has already passed by the time the spring turkey hunting season opens April 15. Toms will breed with multiple hens throughout the spring and early summer. As the eggs develop, the hen will build a ground nest in a place with good cover and close to good brood habitat, which is normally an opening in the forest cover. Once she starts laying eggs, a hen will lay one egg…

May 19, 2020

image of a hen turkey surrounded by young turkey poults

Species and Subspecies

Pheasants, Grouse, Quail and Turkey

Pheasants, grouse, quail and turkey are all upland game birds that are chicken-like and ground-dwelling. Wild turkeys are the largest upland game bird in Oregon.

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Central Zone

Central Fishing January 15, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing Expect high flows and increased turbidity on the lower Deschutes this week, which will impact fishing conditions The Crooked and Metolius Rivers continue to provide excellent winter angling opportunities. Anglers report excellent dry fly and nymphing opportunities on Fall River. Anglers report good bank fishing opportunities for trout at Haystack Reservoir, now with surplus brood fish being stocked. Anglers report excellent kokanee and bull trout fishing at Lake Billy Chinook. Trout stocking Excess brood stock trout were released in Taylor Lake and Pine Hollow, and Haystack Reservoir this week. Weekly…

September 05, 2017

Zones or Areas

Southwest Zone

The southwest zone includes Umpqua River, Coos Bay, Coquille River, Port Orford, Rogue River and Chetco River‌ - all of which offer shellfishing.

Article

Tuna fishing in Oregon

Albacore tuna fishing can offer nonstop action landing fast-moving, hard-fighting fish. Charter trips make tuna fishing accessible to all anglers. In addition, many well-equipped private boat anglers have been making the long trips offshore. If you don't see tuna fishing for yourself, we've even included a brief video on how to buy fresh Oregon tuna from a commercial fisherman at the dock.

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.

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Southeast Zone

SE Fishing January 15, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing Best fishing for wild, native trout in the Klamath Basin will be the Klamath River. The Upper Williamson River above Kirk Road Bridge is now open year round. Access is currently available. There are some nice holdover trout in the Malheur River below Warmsprings right now. Trout fishing has been great at Chickahominy Reservoir Crappie are abundant in Wolf Creek Reservoir with some nicer fish around 8 inches available. Crappie fishing in Owyhee Reservoir has been good. Channel catfish are a popular option. Find them in the Snake River and…

September 05, 2017

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

Press Release

Commission meets Aug. 15 in Salem

SALEM, Ore.—Oregon's Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet Friday, Aug. 15 in Salem at ODFW Headquarters, 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE. The meeting will be livestreamed from the Commission page. See the agenda here. (Note that Commission materials have moved to myodfw.com while ODFW's older website odfw.com is transitioned to…

August 8, 2025

Commission meeting 250815 livestream.jpg

Article

Help Oregon's bats with a bat-friendly home

More than 50 percent of native bats in North America are at risk. In Oregon, eight of 15 species are state sensitive. With a few small steps, you can help in a big way.

October 22, 2024