Update: Dangerous algae bloom in Barnes Unit

ODFW is urging waterfowl hunters to use extreme caution with their dogs after laboratory results revealed high levels of microcystin in a water sample collected from

Mussel harvest closed Cape Blanco to CA border

Mussel harvesting is closed from Cape Blanco to the California border. 

Spencer creek closes to fishing Sept. 30 to protect salmon

Sept. 30 will be the last day to fish on Spencer Creek this year, as this tributary of the Klamath River will be closed as of Oct. 1 to protect spawning fall Chinook salmon.

Silver Creek Falls

Recreation Report

December 4, 2025

ACCESS A REPORT

Includes updates to fishing, hunting, crabbing, clamming, and wildlife viewing.

2026 Sport Fishing and Big Game Hunting Regulations are available in stores and online.

2026 licenses are on sale now and make great gifts!

Be prepared for winter conditions including high elevation snow. Check ODOT Trip Check online for statewide road conditions, closures and updates before you go.

Western Oregon archery deer general season reopened in some areas Nov. 22-Dec. 14.

Black bears can be hunted through Dec. 31.

Make plans to get your deer or elk tested for CWD, there are several options including at a field office, taxidermist or meat processor.)

Check the Game Bird Hunting forecast 2025 as bird hunting seasons continue through late January 2026.

NEW turkey hunting opportunity: Now through February 28, 2026, hunters may obtain a beardless turkey permit to allow the harvest of three hen wild turkeys or turkeys without a visible beard. See page 26 of the Game Bird regulations. This is a private land only hunt with separate regulations from the standard fall turkey hunt.

Several fishing seasons, limits, and species changes came into effect on Dec. 1. Be sure to check for updates before you go out. (Include link)

Find the weekly trout stocking schedule here.

Best bets for weekend fishing:

  • Winter steelhead are starting to show up in the North Fork Nehalem, Necanicum River, and Lower Columbia tributaries.

  • With many SW zone rivers low and clear, this may be a good time to fish in lakes and reservoirs. Go in the afternoon when conditions are a little warmer and the fish become more active.

  • Lost Creek Reservoir has had great reports by folks trolling for rainbow trout.

  • Steelhead fishing is good on the Umatilla River.

  • Reports of good dry fly action in the mornings lately on the lower Deschutes between Maupin and Warm Springs. Nymphing has been consistent as well.

  • Anglers report excellent fall fly fishing for bass at Davis Lake.

  • Anglers report excellent dry fly and nymphing opportunities on Fall River.

  • Anglers report good bank fishing opportunities for trout at Haystack Reservoir

  • Anglers report excellent kokanee fishing at Lake Billy Chinook.

  • Steelhead fishing has been good on the Grande Ronde, Imnaha and Umatilla Rivers

  • Yellow perch fishing is still an option in Recreation Creek, Pelican Bay Area of Upper Klamath Lake, Sevenmile Canal Mouth, and Fourmile Canal.

  • Best fishing for wild, native trout in the Klamath Basin will be the Klamath River.

  • There are some nice holdover trout in the Malheur River below Warmsprings right now.

  • Crabbing in Newport is fair. Crabbing in Waldport has been good. Crab quality is good as shells have hardened and are full of meat.

 

These examples are for demonstration purposes only. Refer to the zone reports for more details and possibilities. 

Hunter Education:

Hunter safety courses and field days are offered in-person or online, with an in-person field day. Find a course in your area and get a jump on it for the 2026 season!

For adults:  Waterfowl workshops and events are happening in your area. Learn new tips & techniques and bring a friend! ODFW classes and workshops run statewide, throughout the year, designed for adults 18 and older. Take advantage of future learning opportunities.