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Oregon's 33 hatcheries produce about 40 million fish annually and you can visit them. They offer the chance to see fish – from eggs to brooders – and an opportunity to learn how they are raised. Oregon's hatcheries are important for anglers and the public because they directly provide fish for angling, help rebuild native fish populations, and offer educational programs. They are also vital to supporting the cultural heritage of Tribes. Hatcheries offer great wildlife viewing, interpretive displays and some provide boating and angling access. Did you know that ODFW rears 10 species of fish including steelhead/rainbow trout, brook…
Piloted in 2014, the Tag Team program helps ODFW fish biologists better evaluate resident gamefish, bass, and stocked rainbow trout fisheries. It's also a chance for anglers to participate in fishery management and, perhaps, come away with up to $50.
The Short-eared owl is one of our most conspicuous owls owing to its use of open country and crepuscular habits. It is often seen hunting low over the ground across marshes, fields, and other open areas on its buoyant, long wings, flying slowly and irregularly like a giant moth. This owl also differs from most other owls as it seldom vocalizes and is more often seen than heard. It was named for its inconspicuous "ear" tufts arising from the center of the forehead, though field observers rarely see these tufts. Distinguishing characteristics include a pale buff facial disk and a…
Bandon Hatchery was constructed in 1925. Various renovations have taken place since original construction and more are planned for the future. The facility is used for adult collection, egg incubation and rearing of both natural and hatchery fall Chinook, winter steelhead, and trophy-sized rainbow trout.
SALEM, Ore. – The Fish and Wildlife Commission meets Friday, July 11 at 10 a.m., at The Dalles Civic Auditorium (323 East 4th St., The Dalles). See the agenda here. The meeting will also be livestreamed from the Commission page. At Friday's meeting, the Commission will be asked to consider…
The McKenzie River originates in the Cascade Range and empties into the Willamette River near Eugene, which then flows northward into the Columbia River. McKenzie Hatchery was first constructed in 1938 and rebuilt in 1975. Today, 30 rearing ponds, a visitor's center, spawning room, egg incubation facility, office, feed storage, shop area, fish ladder and picnic area are the main components of the facility layout. McKenzie Hatchery is temporarily closed to comply with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality permit conditions. Visitors should be aware that no fish are present in the facilities' production raceways and show ponds. Fish have been…
Wallowa began operation in 1920 as a resident trout hatchery. In 1985, the hatchery was renovated as part of the Lower Snake River Compensation Program (LSRCP) – a program to mitigate for spring Chinook and summer steelhead losses caused by the four federal dams constructed on the lower Snake River. Wallowa Hatchery is used for adult collection, spawning, acclimation and release of summer steelhead.
The kit fox is the smallest canid that occurs in Oregon. It has the typical canid conformation: the body is slim, the legs are long and thin, and the ears are large and erect. The tail is about 40 percent of the total length and is tipped with black, but has no dark mane on the dorsal surface. The feet and legs are whitish interiorly, light rusty-brown posteriorly. The dorsum is grizzled brownish-gray medially blending to grizzled gray then to light buff laterally and finally to white on the chest and venter. The head and posterior surface of the ears…
The Canada lynx is only slightly larger than the bobcat. Nevertheless, long legs and long fur produce the illusion that the lynx is considerably larger than it actually is. Documented accounts of wild lynx are rare and lynx are not expected to currently reside in Oregon. However, if lynx were to be observed, it is likely to occur at higher elevations such as in the Cascade Range, Blue Mountains or Wallowa Mountains. Habitats used by lynx often are defined in terms of habitats used by their primary prey species, thus good snowshoe hare habitat usually is considered to be good…
BAKER CITY, Ore. – ODFW along with Baker County Parks will host a Free Fishing Day event at Holcomb Park, Brownlee Reservoir, on Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is designed to help kids and their families learn fishing basics and enjoy a day outside…
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…
