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Begun in 2014, the Tag Team Program helps ODFW fish biologists better understand the effectiveness of stocking efforts. It’s also a chance for anglers to participate in fishery management and, perhaps, come away with up to $50.

Dedicated fly-anglers don’t stop fishing in the winter, instead they adjust their tactics to the colder conditions.

The goal of the Oregon Hatchery Research Center (OHRC) is to answer scientific questions related to fish recovery and hatchery programs. Information gained at the Research Center will help answer questions vital to the success of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds and implementation of the Native Fish Conservation Policy. The Oregon Hatchery Research Center is a cooperative research project between the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon State University Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.

The Bureau of Land Management maintains a series of pastures along Oregon Highway 38 that are a year-round residence for a herd of 60-100 Roosevelt elk. Elk are visible almost every day of the year!

The Minto Fish Facility is part of the Marion Forks/ Minto Fish Facility complex. Minto is located upstream of Packsaddle Park on the North Santiam River. The Minto facility has year round fish collection, acclimation for Chinook salmon and steelhead, a spawning facility, juvenile acclimation, short and long term holding of adult salmonids, water to water transfers for all fish, and out planting and fish recycling capabilities. Minto Dam creates an impassable barrier that encourages migrating fish into the facilities fish ladder. All fish moving upstream are counted, and disposition is determined depending on species and time of the year.

Upper and Lower Bennett Dams are located southeast of the town of Stayton on the North Santiam River. Upper Bennett Dam is on the south side of Stayton Island and Lower Bennett Dam is on the north side.

Each fathom line, conservation area, and marine reserve is defined by a connecting series of waypoints (latitude and longitude). The waypoints are used for regulatory enforcement, while maps are provided for visual reference.

Long-leader gear is used to target midwater species like yellowtail rockfish, canary rockfish and widow rockfish, while avoiding bottom-dwelling species like yelloweye rockfish.

Wide distribution, an aggressive nature and willingness to take bait, flies or lures, makes cutthroat trout a popular target in western Oregon rivers and streams. Here are some tips for catching them.

Oregon has miles and miles of small rivers and creeks where anglers can enjoy simple techniques, a sense of solitude and a taste of adventure.‌

Follow this page for background on steelhead management, to provide feedback and learn about decisions when they happen for the Columbia, Deschutes, John Day, Umatilla, Walla Walla and Grand Ronde rivers. Sign up for email/text updates Video UPDATE AUG. 11, 2025: An in-season run update for the minimum expected A-Index steelhead abundance at Bonneville Dam now forecasts 137,700 adult fish ( see Aug. 12 fact sheet), a large improvement over the original poor forecast of 55,600 A-Index fish but still below average. It is too early to provide an in-season assessment of the B-Index return.

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

We've asked our fish biologists throughout the state to pick their favorite family fishing locations. These spots are great for novice and experienced anglers alike.