Recreation Report

Includes updates to fishing, crabbing and clamming

May 22 trout opener‌

Most westside streams will open to trout fishing next week. These streams are closed every winter to help young steelhead and salmon smolts make their way to sea. If you've never fished these small streams, they can be a hoot. Learn more about why you should give them a try.‌

Let young wildlife stay wild‌

This is the time of year outdoor enthusiasts start finding seemingly abandoned or orphaned wildlife babies. But young animals are rarely orphaned, so leave them where you find them. Chances are good mom is nearby, just waiting for you to leave before she returns to her baby. Here's what to do if you find young animals alone in the wild.‌

Fishing for cash‌

The Pikeminnow Sport Reward Fishery Program pays anglers for each northern pikeminnow they catch in the Columbia River. Each pikeminnow caught helps a few more juvenile salmon and steelhead make their way to sea. Read more about the program. ‌

Best bets for weekend fishing‌

With warmer, drier weather in the forecast, it's going to be a great weekend to go fishing.‌

• It bears repeating: Trout stocking is going whole hog, with thousands for fish headed for waterbodies near you.
• Spring Chinook fishing remains good option in the Tillamook and Nestucca bays, and on the Rogue, Sandy, Clackamas, North and South Fork Santiam and lower Willamette rivers.
• Extra days also have been added to the Chinook fishery in the lower Columbia. Find more details here.
• As warm weather continues, we're getting more reports of good bass and crappie fishing in several locations.
• Anglers are beginning to target shad on the Coquille, Umpqua and (beginning today) the Columbia.
• Early season summer steelhead fishing is really picking up in North and South Fork Santiams, with inklings of fish in the Nestucca, Wilson, Sandy and Clackamas.
• The salmon fly hatch is starting on the lower Deschutes River. Warm weather should ramp up the hatch over the weekend.
• Ocean salmon and halibut seasons are underway and anglers from several ports have been landing fish.

These examples are for demonstration purposes only. Check the zone reports for details and more options.‌

Take the family fishing‌

A day on the water can be great way to make some memories with your family, and catch some dinner to boot! We've gathered all our how-to and where-to information in one convenient location to help you get started.