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Article
The Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation is required for all winter steelhead anglers fishing in the Rogue Basin or on the south coast from Dec. 1 to April 30. In addition, a harvest tag is required to keep wild winter steelhead in this area. Visit e-regulations
October 25, 2023
Article
Some youth big game hunts rival adult tags in terms of the number of preference points needed to draw. Knowing how the system works can help you make the most of their hunting opportunities before they turn 18.
February 22, 2022
Article
Step-by-step directions for applying for a controlled hunt online and how to change your hunt choices. The deadline to apply for a big game controlled hunt is May 15. Apply for a controlled hunt Landowner preference guide
Site Sections
Game bird seasons in Oregon run from July 1 to June 30, which means you'll need to purchase new upland and waterfowl validations before you hunt again in the fall. If you have questions, please call ODFW licensing staff at 503-947-6101.
Article
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.
Article
Each year, thousands of fish are harvested illegally in Oregon. Anglers who wait all year for their favorite salmon or steelhead run shouldn’t face reduced opportunity because of poaching. To report poaching call *OSP or 1-800-452-7888
July 31, 2020
Species and Subspecies
Wild turkeys are not native to Oregon but were first successfully introduced in 1961. Since then more than 10,000 turkeys have been transplanted to locations all over Oregon and continue to thrive in most game units through the state. Turkey hunting is a popular activity in Oregon and has grown more than ten-fold since a statewide spring season opened in 1987. Oregon’s six-week spring turkey season is among the most liberal in the United States. Hunters have an opportunity to take up to three gobblers during the spring season and up to two birds during the fall, one of which
Article
The Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit is not a license or tag. Hunters must still obtain a hunting and/or fishing license and purchase appropriate tags.
Recreation Report
March 26, 2025 Best bets for weekend fishing The Running Y Pond will be stocked with legal rainbow trout this week Redband trout fishing from bank and boat is fair on Upper Klamath and Agency lakes. The ice has continued to melt on Chickahominy and Malheur reservoirs, and fishing for holdover trout could be good in the open water along the shores. The ice should be off Pole Creek Reservoir and fishing for holdover trout should be good. Thief Valley Reservoir was recently stocked and has fish available that were stocked last fall. Peach and North Powder Ponds near La
September 05, 2017
Article
Oregon has everything it takes to be on any big game hunter's bucket list: Over 34 million acres of public land open to hunters. Diverse habitats from coastal rain forests to eastern deserts, with a couple of mountain ranges in between. Trophy opportunities include deer and elk.
Article
Whether it’s spending more time outdoors or harvesting food for the freezer, there are lots reasons to become a hunter. Here’s how to get from thinking about it to doing it.
Article
Oregon’s population of about 6,000 cougars occupies a wide variety of habitat across the state, offering a year-round, readily-accessible hunting opportunity.
August 29, 2019
Article
Salmon, steelhead and smallmouth bass offer world-class fishing here year-round. Rainbow trout are stocked in the upper Rogue and in lakes nestled in settings as varied as fir forest and wind-swept dune. Big reservoirs provide fishing for trout and for thriving populations of largemouth bass, catfish, perch and crappie. Coastal bays serve as gateways to rich offshore reef fisheries, and miles of public beach welcome anglers to fish for surfperch against a backdrop of rugged capes.
Article
You can purchase an Oregon fishing license online or at an ODFW license vendor. Here are step-by-step directions for purchasing online.
Educational Moment
Pot calls, often called slate calls, are friction-style calls that are easy to use and produce a range of turkey sounds. Parts of a pot call A pot call consists of three parts: a pot, a calling surface and a striker. The pot holds the slate and acts as a sound chamber. There are holes drilled in the bottom for sound to escape. To keep from covering the holes, hold the pot with the tips of your fingers, keeping it away from the palm of your hand. Pot calls can be made to be all-weather, with the right striker. The
May 19, 2020
Article
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
Known for its high desert climate, sage-covered canyons, glacial peaks and mountain lakes, this zone is defined by the reach of Oregon’s finest trout stream. The Deschutes River is no bigger than a creek when it passes close by South Twin Lake on its way toward Wickiup and Crane Prairie reservoirs. But it soon gains power enough to grow athletic rainbow trout. The considerably tamer Crooked River offers good practice if you’re just learning how to keep your footing in a slippery freestone stream.
Article
Wide open spaces, wild windy places, and extreme temperatures characterize Oregon’s largest, most remote fishing zone. Scarcity makes water especially precious here, providing welcome oases in an often rugged, but spectacular landscape. Rainbow trout are native to its streams, including the Williamson, Malheur and Chewaucan rivers. And stocked rainbow and brown trout grow to trophy size in many of its lakes and reservoirs.
Article
As early season hunters know, dry conditions and the associated wildfire danger can have a large impact on your hunting opportunity. Check below for resources for finding fire closures and restrictions, and for ODFW's policy on tag refunds and restoration of preference points.
