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Article

How to fish for steelhead

Steelhead have been called the ultimate game fish. These elusive and challenging fish can test an angler’s patience and persistence, but the reward is hooking into a fish that is famous worldwide for its line-peeling runs and spectacular, acrobatic fight.

Article

Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation

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

Several Rogue River fishing boats pulled up on shore

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

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

Educational Moment

Proper archery shooting stance

Shooting accurately starts with the proper form, and that begins with a good stance. From your feet up through your hips and torso, a solid foundation in your lower body will improve your shooting. Start with an open stance The “open” stance is a good one for beginners. It’s easy to master and to practice consistently. An open stance positions yours hips and shoulders in-line with the direction you ’re shooting. This perpendicular setup to the target is simple to do. First, place one foot on each side of the shooting line. Most ranges will have these lines. If not…

May 19, 2020

image of how to place feet when bow shooting

Press Release

Updated ODFW statement on coyote incident in Portland

Updated statement Friday, Nov. 7, 2025 SALEM, Ore. – A coyote was captured and humanely killed on Oct. 31 and confirmed to be the individual animal that bit a 9-year-old child in the Alameda neighborhood on Oct. 23. ODFW worked with partners at the city, state, and federal levels to…

November 7, 2025

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Columbia Zone

Columbia Fishing September 17, 2026 Current and upcoming fishing opportunities: The Columbia River from West Puget Island upstream to Highway 396 Bridge closed Sept. 16 for salmonid angling. See the regulation update page for details. Announcements For the latest regulations, including in-season changes see the fishing regulation update page. Forecasts for 2026 Columbia River Spring Chinook, Summer Chinook, Fall Chinook, Coho, and Sockeye are available here. The Oregon Health Authority has issued consumption guidelines for parts of the Columbia River due to high levels of mercury and/or PCBs. Fish with these chemicals look, act, smell and taste like any other…

September 05, 2017

Article

Easy angling in the Northwest Zone

A dozen great rivers pour out of the Coast Range Mountains into tidal bays that welcome runs of salmon and the sea-going rainbow trout called “steelhead.” Bays are the year-round home to marine perch, rockfish, crabs and clams, while other species come and go with the seasons and the tides. In the Northwest Zone a handful of ponds dot the forested slopes, and there are dozens of dune lakes— many stocked with plump rainbow trout, and some that grow their own largemouth bass, perch, crappie and brown bullhead.

Press Release

New pilot program for limited entry parking at Sauvie Island Beaches Free pass required summer weekends and holidays starting July 4

SAUVIE ISLAND WILDIFE AREA, Ore.— To manage ongoing traffic and parking problems at Sauvie Island Wildlife Area's beaches, ODFW is introducing a new limited-entry parking pilot program. Starting July 4, vehicles will need a free Sauvie Island Beaches Pass in addition to the Wildlife Area Parking Permit ($10 daily) to…

June 27, 2025

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.

Landing page

Áreas de fauna silvestre de Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW Wildlife Areas)

August 16, 2018

Landing page

Criaderos de peces en el estado de Oregon (ODFW Hatcheries)

August 16, 2018

Landing page

Si ves un puma

August 16, 2018

Educational Moment

Bow shooting safety

Before shooting a bow, you’ll want to make sure it's safe to fire. Bow/arrow safety check list Check that the string and cable are in good condition and aren ’t rubbing or fraying at any point. Use bowstring wax regularly to keep your string in good condition and safe to shoot. Check that the cams, limbs and riser are all in good shape. Look for cracks, dents, breaks, delaminations, peeling fiberglass, and any mechanical parts that may be defective. If any part of the bow is suspect, don’t shoot it. Fix it or take it to an archery shop to…

May 19, 2020

image of a bow cam, to be inspected before shooting

Press Release

Commission adopts Minam Wildlife Area management plan

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted a management plan for the Minam Wildlife Area, approved a land acquisition for Denman Wildlife Area and heard an update on Oregon's Native Seed Strategy. The plan was the result of extensive engagement with the tribes, community partners, and the…

March 20, 2026

Article

Steelhead management in Columbia & Snake river basins

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

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Southwest Zone

SW Fishing September 17, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing: Cooler weather has improved trout fishing conditions at most lakes and reservoirs. Some of the more popular spots to fish for red-tailed surfperch are along beaches like Horsefall Beach and Whiskey Run. Anglers have the best success fishing with sand shrimp weighted gear on the bottom although power grubs can also work. Try warmwater fishing for bass at Ben Irving, Howard Prairie and Hyatt Reservoirs. Fish Lake may show promise with freshly stocked trophy trout. Hemlock and Lake of the Woods are accessible, and people are catching good numbers of…

September 05, 2017

Article

How to report poaching

An experienced hunter witnessed a mule deer being poached. He was so rattled he forgot who to call and how to report the crime. Here are tips for what to do when you see poaching, then read on for this hunter’s story that bagged him a reward.

November 24, 2020

Article

Offshore long-leader gear fishery

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.

Article

Ocean Endorsement

In 2025, the Oregon Legislature established the Ocean Endorsement through House Bill 2342 to generate dedicated funding for marine fish research and assessments. Funds will support critical surveys for popular marine species like black rockfish and build on survey techniques pioneered by ODFW's Marine Fisheries Research Team.

March 12, 2026