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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

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 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.

Landing page

Volunteer with ODFW

Teach, restore, study, host, build, communicate When you sign up to be an ODFW volunteer, you are helping to protect Oregon's fish and wildlife, manage ODFW properties and spark a passion in others to hunt, fish and appreciate the outdoors building and enhancing fish, wildlife and their habitats for current and future generations. Donating even one day a year is all it takes to be helpful. We can be as flexible as possible to find the right opportunity to fit your schedule. Join thousands of volunteers by sharing your time and talents with ODFW.

May 05, 2026

Article

Gifts for hunters

Looking for the perfect gift for the hunter on your holiday list? We’ve asked some ODFW staff, all avid hunters, to share their gift-giving (and gift-getting) ideas.

Hunter glassing for elk on a snowy ridgetop

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

Article

Minam River Wildlife Area visitor guide

The Minam River Wildlife Area harbors a wide variety of fish, wildlife and their habitats. Anglers can enjoy trout and mountain whitefish fishing, hunters can target deer and elk, and hikers can follow the Minam River Trail to the Eagle Cap Wilderness.

Wildflowers in bloom on Minam area uplands

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Central Zone

Central Fishing June 18, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing: Still spring Chinook throughout the Hood River. The last day of the season is June 30. Stonefly season is winding down but good reports of nymph fishing on the lower Deschutes Anglers report excellent early season fishing at Lava and Little Lava Lakes for large holdover trout Shevlin Park and Metolius youth and disabled fishing ponds were recently stocked to provide excellent angling opportunities. Anglers report smaller than average (12-16-in) but abundant rainbow trout and 15-in kokanee and good fishing at Crane Prairie Reservoir. Anglers report good trout fishing and…

September 05, 2017

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…

April 27, 2026

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

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. Find additional resources here 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

May 27, 2026