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Article

Start hunting big game

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

Favorite warmwater fishing rigs

Ask 10 anglers how to fish and you’re likely to get 10 different answers. However, there are a few types of fishing rigs that almost everyone can agree on – they’re both simple and effective. Here are 16 of some of our favorite rigs for warmwater species.

July 31, 2020

Photo of a colorful bluegill with a popper lure in its mouth

Article

Start fishing

Fishing isn’t hard, but it can be confusing to know how to begin. Here’s the information you’ll need to get from thinking about it to doing it.

Article

Avian flu

Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have caused the death of many wild and domestic birds in Oregon since 2022. Here's what hunters and others need to know about the disease.

Press Release

More slots have opened for September youth pheasant hunts: Events located in Coquille, Central Point, Monmouth, Irrigon, John Day, Klamath Falls, La Grande, Madras, Portland, Tygh Valley

SALEM, Ore.— If you are considering registering for a youth pheasant hunt, it is not too late. More slots have opened for many youth pheasant hunts being held statewide this month after duplicate registrations were removed from the system. "We've heard some parents have been unable to sign up their…

September 11, 2025

Article

Recreating during drought

As much of Oregon continues to experience years of on-going drought, hunters, anglers and wildlife viewers can expect the continued warm, dry conditions to impact their activities. This page includes tips to help you continue to enjoy the outdoors during drought conditions.

Chickahominy reservoir barely a puddle during 2022 drought

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

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

Recreation Report

Wildlife Viewing Report - Southwest Zone

SW WILDLIFE VIEWING January 15, 2026 Coos and Curry counties Coquille Valley Wildlife Area (CVWA) Coquille Valley Wildlife Area (CVWA) in Coos County is open to public access. Permits for access are required and are available, free of charge, at the kiosk located in the parking lot along North Bank Road. You must access CVWA through this point. Please fill out the upper half ("A" half) of the permit and deposit it in the slot located on the post of the kiosk. Sign and carry the lower half ("B" half) with you while you enjoy CVWA. At the end of…

September 05, 2017

Article

Minam River Wildlife Area visitor guide

Public Comment Period is now closed as of 10/17/25. ODFW is in the process of finalizing the Minam River Wildlife Area draft management plan and is currently asking for public comment. Draft documents can be found here. Once finalized, the adaptive MRWA Management Plan will be reviewed within five years and at least every 10 years thereafter to make any necessary changes. Recording of Sept. 17, 2025 public webinar for Minam River Wildlife Area draft management plan review.

Wildflowers in bloom on Minam area uplands

Article

Hunting opportunities for youth

Mentored Youth Hunter Program allows youth 9 through 15 years of age to hunt without first passing an approved hunter safety education program. It gives unlicensed youngsters an unlimited opportunity to receive mentored, one-on-one field experience and training on the ethics, safety, responsibility and enjoyment of hunting while closely supervised by a licensed adult who is 21 years of age or older and who has a valid license and tag(s) for the dates, area and species being hunted. Register for the Mentored Youth Hunter Program free of charge online (or after clicking the online link – go to Purchase from…

August 28, 2025

Article

Easy angling in the Southeast Zone

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

Current volunteer opportunities

Here are the current volunteer opportunities at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Find the one that's right for you! Learn more about volunteering with ODFW

August 27, 2025

volunteers walking in stream looking for reds

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

Controlled hunt navigation

Eastern Oregon mule deer are managed by Deer Hunt Areas. Check here for more details All other big game are managed by wildlife management units, including west side hunts. Refer to specific map units below. How to apply for a controlled hunt Step-by-step directions to apply 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

November 25, 2025