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Irrigon Hatchery Visitors' Guide

Irrigon Hatchery began operation in 1984 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. This facility serves as an egg incubation and rearing facility for summer steelhead destined for the Grande Ronde and Imnaha river systems and egg incubation for 575,000 Umatilla coho eggs for transfer to Cascade Hatchery. Irrigon Hatchery also rears 1.4 million fall Chinook for the Grande Ronde and Snake Rivers and is used as a rearing site for legal-sized and trophy rainbow…

November 15, 2017
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Round Butte Hatchery Visitors' Guide

Round Butte Hatchery was constructed in 1972 to mitigate for the fishery losses caused by Pelton/Round Butte (PRB) Hydroelectric Complex. Round Butte and its satellite, Pelton Ladder, are used for adult collection, egg incubation and rearing of spring Chinook, summer steelhead, and sockeye salmon.

November 15, 2017
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Bonneville Hatchery Visitors' Guide

Bonneville Hatchery was constructed in 1909. In 1957, the facility was remodeled and expanded as part of the Columbia River Fisheries Development Program (Mitchell Act)—a program to enhance declining fish runs in the Columbia River Basin. The hatchery underwent another renovation in 1974 as part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) mitigation of fish losses from the construction of the John Day Dam. In 1998, construction was completed on the Captive Broodstock Facility for the Grande Ronde Basin spring Chinook supplementation program.

November 15, 2017
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
Educational Moment

Where to practice shooting a bow

Practice shooting your bow regularly and you’ll develop the form and muscle memory you need to shoot accurately and confidently. Places to shoot from the backyard to the backcountry You can practice your shooting anywhere it’s safe and outside of urban growth boundaries. It's also illegal to shoot in the direction of any person, building, structure or vehicle within the range of your bow. So be sure there's y a clear line of sight between you and the target, and a safe backstop. Possible locations include: A large backyard in a rural setting Archery specific indoor and outdoor target ranges…
May 19, 2020
image of arrows being properly pulled from a target
Educational Moment

Archery range rules

There are basic rules of safety and etiquette that apply at archery ranges. Be sure you’re following them. Etiquette on the range Etiquette is an important part of a fun, positive and safe experience on the archery range. Proper range etiquette starts with safety, for you and others around you. Keep arrows pointed down range. Give fellow shooters plenty of space, and never cross into their shooting lane with your body or equipment. Pay attention to what ’s going on around you, especially when leaving or entering the shooting line. Straddle the shooting line -- one foot on each side…
May 19, 2020
image of archery instructor explaining range rules
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
Educational Moment

Gripping and shooting a bow

To be an accurate shooter, it’s important to develop a consistent grip and draw. One of the most common mistakes bowhunters make is tensing up and gripping the bow too firmly. A firm grip will torque the bow, or send it out of alignment, resulting in a poor shot and perhaps a painful slap on your arm from the bow string. Develop a consistent grip The grip of the bow should rest on the pad of your thumb and should not cross the lifeline of your hand. With the bow in this position, your fingers will be off to the…
May 19, 2020
close up image a hand holding a bow
Educational Segment

Bow shooting tips

May 19, 2020
image of an archer practicing, showing good form
Article

7 things to consider if you didn’t draw a tag

Didn't draw a big game tag this year? Here are some other ways to have a great hunting season.
image of two deer hunters on a ridge scanning countryside
Article

How to buy an Oregon fishing license

You can purchase an Oregon fishing license online or at an ODFW licensed vendor. Here are step-by-step directions for purchasing online.
December 18, 2025
image of an angler holding a 32-inch rainbow trout
Article

How to make a group purchase in ELS

Creating a purchase group allows you to buy licenses, tags and other documents for family and friends, both online and with agents. After a customer has verified their account, they can be added to a purchase group using their ODFW ID# and the product catalog will reflect the correct products and pricing for each customer in the group. It is important to use customer group purchases as the attestation and acknowledgment is only being made by the customer that is present. Purchase now
November 18, 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.
Angler holding a large albacore tuna
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

How to recognize and report poaching on the water

Each year, thousands of fish are harvested illegally in Oregon. Anglers who wait all year for their favorite salmon or steelhead run shouldn’t face reduced opportunity because of poaching. To report poaching call *OSP or 1-800-452-7888
July 31, 2020
photo of oversize sturgeon with head and tail removed
Article

Using big game hunting blinds on federal land

The number of big game hunters using blinds has increased over the last 20 years. Be sure to follow regulations if you plan to use them on federal land.
Pronghorn antelope gathered at a desert watering hole.
Article

Bull trout identification guide

A guide to the field identification of bull trout, brook trout, and their hybrids.
angler holding a very large lake trout
Article

Western Oregon Fee Pheasant Hunts

The Western Oregon Fee Pheasant Hunts offer new hunters a chance to hone their skills in a hunt that’s close to home and offers a good chance of bagging some birds.
August 25, 2025
hunter taking aim at a flying pheasant
Article

Statewide Draw Lock Device Permit Program

This permit allows hunters with certain disabilities to use a draw locking device attached to the riser of a modern compound bow to help hold the bow at full draw.
June 9, 2026
Article

Tips on avoiding steelhead when fishing

Wild steelhead mortalities are generally low under normal fishing regulations. But with several years of low runs , many anglers are wondering what extra steps they can take to avoid hooking a steelhead while they’re fishing.
May 26, 2022
a close up of a steelhead in shallow water