NEWPORT, Ore. – Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife staff are hosting in person meetings Oct. 6, 7, and 8 to discuss the 2026 recreational bottomfish and Pacific halibut seasons with anglers. The Oct. 8 meeting in Newport also offers a virtual option. Meeting information: Oct. 6, Brookings: 5:30…
The Columbia River is renowned for its salmon and steelhead runs. In a year of good returns, over 1 million Chinook, coho and sockeye salmon, and summer steelhead travel up the river to spawn in its tributaries. Less known are the river’s excellent smallmouth bass and walleye fisheries. While most anglers fish this large river from a boat, there is plenty of good bank access at various parks, boat launches and beaches.
Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area is located in the Oregon Coast Range Mountains, in the northwestern part of the state. The wildlife area was established in 1969, with an initial purchase of 183 acres. It now encompasses 1,114 acres. The wildlife area’s purpose is to protect and enhance habitat to benefit native wildlife species, to reduce wildlife damage to adjacent properties, and to provide the public with an opportunity to observe wildlife in a natural setting.
SALEM, Ore. – Oregon's deer and elk give birth from May through July each year. It's natural for mother animals to leave their young alone for extended periods of time while they go off to feed. If you come across a fawn or calf by itself, don't assume it's orphaned. The mother is likely nearby and…
NW Fishing Dec. 4, 2025 Best bets for weekend fishing Winter steelhead are starting to show up in the North Fork Nehalem, Necanicum River, and Lower Columbia tributaries. These streams get early returning hatchery steelhead and will provide the best opportunity for catching winter steelhead in early December. Hatchery coho are still coming in on the Trask River and North Fork Nehalem River. Many fish are getting past prime, but there are still some in good condition available and will be throughout the month of December. (There is no retention of wild coho allowed.) There are still hold over trout
Oregon’s beaches, bays and ocean waters have more kinds of fishing than anywhere in the state. From chasing surfperch in the… well, surf, to hooking cabezon from a rocky jetty, to going deep after rockfish and halibut, to the line-screaming runs of an albacore tuna, this zone offers a species and fishing technique for every angler. Subscribe for updates Starting Jan. 1, 2026, an Ocean Endorsement is needed for most recreational anglers fishing in the ocean. Check the Ocean Endorsement page for more information. Ocean Endorsement
Wild turkeys can be eaten either fresh or aged. It all comes down to personal preference, and there are adherents on both sides. Why and how to age a turkey Aging is a process by which changes in muscle enzymes tenderize the meat, and concentrate the flavor. Many hunters prefer to age their meat – both big game and game birds. Others adhere to the motto “fresh birds are the best birds.” Aging is particularly helpful in tenderizing the meat of older toms. If you choose to age your bird, here are some tips: Wild turkey can be aged right
Our Mission The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Hunter Recruitment Program is dedicated to strengthening and growing Oregon's hunting and shooting sports community. We provide hands-on skills training, promote a culture of safety, ethics, and conservation, and foster a positive public perception of hunting and shooting sports. Our goal is to build confidence, knowledge, and skills for both new and seasoned hunters, supporting a lasting connection to Oregon's rich outdoor traditions. Workshops are offered statewide throughout the year. View and register for an upcoming event: Classes and W or kshops.
The following list of landmarks and regulatory boundaries have been used in ocean salmon fisheries seasons in recent years and may affect Oregon anglers directly. Some of the listed landmarks are not currently in use. Generally, regulations note a specific landmark, and the management/regulatory line is an East-West line of latitude from that landmark.
Turkey hunters should be aware of all state hunting regulations, but pay special attention to these things – all of which are listed in the table of contents of the Oregon Game Bird Hunting Regulations: Licensing and tags Shooting hours Legal hunting methods Turkey hunting opportunities The Game Bird Regulations are available both online and in print, both are organized in the same way. Licensing and tags In Oregon, all hunters older than 12 years need a hunting license. Kids 12-17 years old can buy a special, value-priced youth license that also includes fishing and shellfishing. In addition to a
