Recreation Report

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

Apply for controlled hunt tags by May 15‌

Earlier is better! This year the wait for results won't be quite so long. Thanks to the efficiencies of the (relatively) new electronic licensing system, draw results will be available June 12.‌

Don't forget Premium and Raffle hunts‌

Premium and Raffle hunts both offer extended seasons and are in addition to your controlled hunt or general season tags. Definitely tags worth applying for.‌

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.
• Surplus hatchery steelhead have been planted in Town Lake, Coffenbury Lake, Vernonia Pond, Lost Lake and Lake Lytle on the North Coast.
• Spring Chinook fishing is a good option in the Tillamook and Nestucca bays, and on the Rogue, Sandy, Clackamas, North and South Fork Santiam and lower Willamette rivers.
• With warmer weather on the way, look for bass, crappie and other warmwater species to be on the bite.
• 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.
• Surfperch fishing can be good in late spring as early summer as fish move closer to shore to spawn.

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.‌