10-27-2007, 12:10 AM
ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
No recent reports.
BIG LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout
No report.
CLEAR LAKE: rainbow trout
Low reservoir level will limit access and success but Clear Lake was stocked both legal and trophy sized rainbow trout.
CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Anglers are reporting some nice rainbow catches up to 24 inches in length.
CRESCENT LAKE: brown trout, kokanee
The angling on Crescent is reportedly slow. This is a good time of year to target brown trout and lake trout on Crescent.
CROOKED RIVER MAINSTEM: rainbow trout
Reports of some good to fair angling for rainbow trout.
Redband Trout
-Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife -<br />
CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout
Redband trout and mountain whitefish fishing has improved with the onset of fall. Fishing for both redband trout and mountain whitefish are best from late morning to sunset. Fly fishing has been successful as anglers have been targeting the abundance of hatches, including the October Caddis. Although population estimates indicate the redband population is low compared to previous years, whitefish are still very abundant. ODFW and OSU have initiated a radio telemetry study on redband trout and whitefish, and anglers are reminded that radio-tagged fish cannot be legally harvested. To determine if a fish is radio-tagged, anglers should check for an eight-inch wire antenna protruding from the rear of both redband and mountain whitefish.
CULTUS LAKE:
No recent reports.
DAVIS LAKE: largemouth bass, redband trout
No recent reports.
DESCHUTES RIVER:
Deschutes River<br />
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
Mouth to Sherars Falls - Steelhead anglers are reporting decent catches, as effort on the river has declined significantly. Many large B-run fish are showing up the creel, especially in the area downstream from Macks Canyon . Fall Chinook along with steelhead are being caught in the Sherars Falls area, however, many Chinook are beginning to turn dark.
Sherars Falls to Warm Springs - Trout anglers should find good success throughout this reach. Fly anglers should find October other caddis flies, present in good numbers. Steelhead angling is improving, as good numbers of fish are dispersed upstream to Warm Springs.
Spring Chinook:
No recent report.
DESCHUTES RIVER: Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls:
No anglers were interviewed as basis for a report.
Benham Falls to Wickiup Reservoir:
No recent reports.
Wickiup to Crane Prairie Reservoir:
No recent report.
Crane Prairie to Little Lava Lake:
Closed to angling.
EAST LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout
No report.
ELK LAKE: brook trout, kokanee
No recent report.
FALL RIVER:
Anglers are reporting fair to good success.
FROG LAKE: rainbow trout
No new report.
HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout
Fishing is reported to be a little on the slow side.
Steelhead Trout<br />
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
HOOD RIVER
ummer steelhead, fin clipped coho
Steelhead fishing has been improving on the Hood River , as cooler temperatures have improved water quality. Anglers are reminded that chinook angling is closed and coho must be fin-clipped for retention.
HOSMER LAKE:
Angling has been slow.
LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: Bull trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, smallmouth bass
Angling is slow for bull trout. A few anglers are having success for rainbow trout and brown trout on the Deschutes River arm.
LAKE SIMTUSTUS: rainbow trout
Opportunities for 8-10 inch rainbow trout are excellent. A limited number of carryover trout from 14-18 inches are also available. Tribal angling permit as well as State license is required.
Rainbow Trout<br />
- Photo by Kathy Munsel -<br />
LAURANCE LAKE: rainbow trout, smallmouth bass
Anglers can fish for both hatchery trout, and naturally produced wild trout. Anglers are reminded that only artificial flies and lures are allowed, and only fin-clipped trout can be kept. Anglers are encouraged to keep all smallmouth bass caught. Laurance Lake closes to angling on Oct. 31.
LITTLE LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout
No report
LOST LAKE: rainbow trout
Lost Lake has been stocked with legal and trophy sized hatchery rainbow trout. Some naturally produced brown trout are also available for anglers. Anglers should focus on the shallower shoal areas for best success.
METOLIUS RIVER:
Reports of anglers having fair success for brown trout and mountain whitefish.
NORTH TWIN: rainbow trout
No report
OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
No recent reports. Anglers targeting rainbow trout should consider fishing the upper eastern end of reservoir.
ODELL LAKE: kokanee
Fishing is quiet on the Odell.
PAULINA LAKE: kokanee, brown trout
No recent reports. This is typically a good time of year for anglers to target brown trout.
PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Pine Hollow Reservoir was stocked several times with legal and trophy size hatchery rainbow. No recent reports, but fall and early winter fishing can be productive at Pine Hollow.
PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Opportunity is good for 12 to 16 rainbow trout. No reports on recent angler success.
ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Low reservoir level will limit both access and success.
SOUTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout
Fishing on South Twin is slow.
SUTTLE LAKE:
No recent reports.
WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout
No recent reports.
Back to the top
HUNTING
Visit the region's Fall Hunting Forecast
Open: Rocky Mt. bull elk (open Oct. 24-28), pheasant, chukar, duck, forest grouse, California quail, mt quail (open in Wheeler, Hood Rvr and Wasco counties) cougar, bear, crow
Cougar<br />
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
Prineville Wildlife District
Hunting opportunities are expected to be as good or better than last year for first period bull hunters. While numbers of mature bulls are slightly below desired levels in the Maury and Ochoco units, both had exceptionally good calf ratios which should provide above average numbers spikes. The weather can be a big factor, with relatively mild weather predicted which could make hunting more difficult. Hunters are reminded the South Boundary and Rager Green Dot Travel Management Areas ( TMA ) with restrictions on motorized vehicles are in effect in the Ochoco unit. Maps are available at portal signs as you enter the TMA 's, or from local ODFW and forest service offices.
Cougar are scattered at all elevations across both public and private lands. With deer numbers are greatest at higher elevations on the Ochoco National Forest ; hunters can expect cougar to be present as well. Areas to consider include Lookout and Pisgah Mountains and Sunflower Creek (Ochoco unit) and Green Mountain and Mill Creek (Grizzly unit).
Valley quail numbers appear strong, with the best opportunities on agricultural private lands throughout Crook and Jefferson Counties . Springs, stream areas, and other rangelands with cover and water on the Crooked River National Grasslands and BLM lands would also be good area to check.
Chukar are more limited in distribution, with areas along the Crooked, Deschutes , and John Day Rivers offering the best opportunities. Much of this involves private lands where permission from the landowner is needed.
The best opportunities for blue and ruffed grouse will be on the higher elevations on the Ochoco National Forest . The better areas will be on the heavier forested north slopes across the Paulina and Lookout Mountain Ranger Districts.
Duck and goose hunters will find most birds present are residents, with migrating birds yet to arrive in any numbers. This area is challenging as most of the better hunting is on private lands. There are limited opportunities on public land around Prineville Res., and along the Crooked River . Hunters are reminded the goose season closes in Crook and Jefferson counties on Oct. 22, reopening on Oct. 30.
Black Bear<br />
Oregon Fish and Wildlife<br />
The Dalles Wildlife District
The Hood unit and the forested portion of White River Wildlife Area can provide excellent opportunity for bear hunters, especially in clear cuts and huckleberry fields. Hunters should focus on still hunting in clearings, spending a good deal of time glassing.
Hunters wishing to pursue cougar should focus their efforts in areas where big game populations are found. The boundary between the White River Wildlife area and the Mount Hood National forest can provide good opportunity.
Grouse wing barrels are scattered around the White River and Hood units to collect wings of blue and ruffed grouse and mt. quail. We ask each successful hunter to contribute a wing and tail off of each harvested bird.
Waterfowl season is now open within the district. The majority of waterfowl hunting opportunities are present on private lands, with a few exceptions along the Columbia and Deschutes rivers.
Upland game birds are found throughout the district. Bird production was fair in the area this year, with populations being at or near the ten year average. Hunters wishing to target pheasant and quail should focus on areas in and around streams or near agricultural areas. Public access can be found on the Lower Deschutes and White River Wildlife areas, as well as BLM property in the Deschutes and John Day canyons. Hunters should be aware that bird hunting is prohibited within ¼ mile of the John Day River from the Columbia upstream to Thirtymile Creek except for upland hunting which is allowed from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31.
VIEWING
Sense-sational Saturday, HOWL-O-WEEN, October 27th, 2007 , 9 a.m.-5 p.m. , High Desert Museum , Bend
Come in costume and see live owl shows and bat programs.
Nighttime fun: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. , High Desert Museum , Bend
Bring a flashlight and go trick-or-treating through the Museum and outside in good weather. Make cool crafts. Do the Creepy Crawly " Cave " and see live spiders, snakes, and scorpions! Rimrock Cafe open. Evening admission: members, $3; non-members, $5. For information, http://www.highdesertmuseum.org/upcoming...s_Program/
Mount Hood : Last chance to view raptor migration
Take a drive to see the fall raptor migration. The project runs through October 31.Visit Bonney Butte to take advantage of environmental education programs and a great hawk watching site. The most commonly seen species are the sharp-shinned hawk, red-tailed hawk, Cooper's hawk, turkey vulture and golden eagle.
For directions and more information. http://www.hawkwatch.org/home/index.php?...emid=35<br />
Throughout the Region
Rattle Snake<br />
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
Although hard to see, with the cold nights in October, rattlesnakes, garter snakes and other reptiles are migrating back to their winter dens. These species communally hibernate in traditional den sites. They reappear in mid spring with the onset of warmer weather.
Kokanee salmon are spawning at several locations in Central Oregon . Good places to view are at the spillway at Paulina Lake in Newberry National Volcanic Monument , at Trapper Creek campground near Odell Lake and at Sheep's Bridge campground on the Deschutes arm of Wickiup reservoir. Bald eagles can be seen at the Sheep's Bridge site taking spawning Kokanee.
Shorebirds are still migrating and species such as yellowlegs, dowitchers and phalaropes can be observed on mudflat habitat at Summer Lake Wildlife Management Area, Wickiup Reservoir and Prineville reservoir.
Deer season is a good time to see and hear Townsend's Solitaire especially in the juniper-ponderosa pine zone. The solitaires sing and call this time of year and it becomes a familiar bird song for hunters and other outdoor recreationists. Solitaires winter in the lower elevation juniper zone and summer in the higher conifer forests. To learn more about Townsend's Solitaire, http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBir...e_dtl.html
Blind at Cabin Lake<br />
-USDA Forest Service-<br />
Bend Area
This is a good time of year to visit the wildlife viewing blind at Cabin Lake , 8 miles north of Fort Rock State Park . The water guzzler at this site attracts many species of forest birds including white-headed woodpecker, pinyon jays, crossbills, Cassins finch, all three species of nuthatches. The viewing blind is a good place to photograph these species up close.
Directions and more information
Madras Area
Mountainview Drive along the west side of Lake Billy Chinook offers spectacular vista views of the Cascades, Lake Billy Chinook and a variety of wildlife including waterfowl, birds of prey, quail, deer, coyotes and small mammals.
Haystack Reservoir, Crooked River National Grasslands, is 10 miles south of Madras can provide a good opportunity to see waterfowl such as common loon, horned grebe, red-necked grebe and eared grebe that stop here during migration.
Directions and list of wildlife to see
Prineville Area
Bald Eagle<br />
- Photo by Greg Gillson-
Recent winter-like weather appears to be triggering increasing movements of winter migrating birds to and through Central Oregon.
Local reservoirs offer viewing of waterfowl and shorebirds as they feed, rest and prepare for fall migrations. Flocks of Canadian geese and ducks have been using the mudflats at the eastern end of Ochoco and Prineville Reservoir. Ochoco Reservoir is visible from Hwy. 26, eight miles east of Prineville. Migrating and wintering birds of prey are on the increase, with sightings of Redtail Rough-legged, and Swainsons Hawks; Northern Harriers; bald and golden Eagle; and Kestrels increasing.
The Crooked River between Bowman Dam and Prineville offers spectacular cliff scenery interspersed with close views of the Crooked River . Bald and golden eagles frequent this stretch of river and use the cliffs and pine trees for perching and roosting. Otter, beaver, raccoons and a variety of waterfowl and wading birds are also present in the river.
The Dalles, Mid-Columbia Region and Northern Wasco County
Cascade Lakes provide a unique opportunity in early fall to combine great views, and varying wildlife viewing opportunities. Vine maple is a dominant component of the understory throughout the Northern Cascades, and the maple is in full color with the recent cooler weather. Passerines and waterbirds are common sites, especially in and around waterbodies. Black-tail deer are also more active as the weather cools and can provide excellent viewing for those with an eye sharp enough to pick them out in the heavy cover they prefer.
Cascades Lakes Scenic Byway
Migrating Waterbirds
If you are in search of waterbirds, the shores of the Columbia can offer some great opportunities. Mayer State Park offers shoreline access to the river, as well as a great place to grab a picnic or some late summer fishing.
Another good opportunity to see migrating waterbirds, as well as raptors, deer and passerines is Pine Hollow Reservoir, which is located near the town of Wamic and ODFW's White River Wildlife Area.
No recent reports.
BIG LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout
No report.
CLEAR LAKE: rainbow trout
Low reservoir level will limit access and success but Clear Lake was stocked both legal and trophy sized rainbow trout.
CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Anglers are reporting some nice rainbow catches up to 24 inches in length.
CRESCENT LAKE: brown trout, kokanee
The angling on Crescent is reportedly slow. This is a good time of year to target brown trout and lake trout on Crescent.
CROOKED RIVER MAINSTEM: rainbow trout
Reports of some good to fair angling for rainbow trout.
Redband Trout
-Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife -<br />
CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout
Redband trout and mountain whitefish fishing has improved with the onset of fall. Fishing for both redband trout and mountain whitefish are best from late morning to sunset. Fly fishing has been successful as anglers have been targeting the abundance of hatches, including the October Caddis. Although population estimates indicate the redband population is low compared to previous years, whitefish are still very abundant. ODFW and OSU have initiated a radio telemetry study on redband trout and whitefish, and anglers are reminded that radio-tagged fish cannot be legally harvested. To determine if a fish is radio-tagged, anglers should check for an eight-inch wire antenna protruding from the rear of both redband and mountain whitefish.
CULTUS LAKE:
No recent reports.
DAVIS LAKE: largemouth bass, redband trout
No recent reports.
DESCHUTES RIVER:
Deschutes River<br />
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
Mouth to Sherars Falls - Steelhead anglers are reporting decent catches, as effort on the river has declined significantly. Many large B-run fish are showing up the creel, especially in the area downstream from Macks Canyon . Fall Chinook along with steelhead are being caught in the Sherars Falls area, however, many Chinook are beginning to turn dark.
Sherars Falls to Warm Springs - Trout anglers should find good success throughout this reach. Fly anglers should find October other caddis flies, present in good numbers. Steelhead angling is improving, as good numbers of fish are dispersed upstream to Warm Springs.
Spring Chinook:
No recent report.
DESCHUTES RIVER: Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls:
No anglers were interviewed as basis for a report.
Benham Falls to Wickiup Reservoir:
No recent reports.
Wickiup to Crane Prairie Reservoir:
No recent report.
Crane Prairie to Little Lava Lake:
Closed to angling.
EAST LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout
No report.
ELK LAKE: brook trout, kokanee
No recent report.
FALL RIVER:
Anglers are reporting fair to good success.
FROG LAKE: rainbow trout
No new report.
HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout
Fishing is reported to be a little on the slow side.
Steelhead Trout<br />
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
HOOD RIVER
ummer steelhead, fin clipped cohoSteelhead fishing has been improving on the Hood River , as cooler temperatures have improved water quality. Anglers are reminded that chinook angling is closed and coho must be fin-clipped for retention.
HOSMER LAKE:
Angling has been slow.
LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: Bull trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, smallmouth bass
Angling is slow for bull trout. A few anglers are having success for rainbow trout and brown trout on the Deschutes River arm.
LAKE SIMTUSTUS: rainbow trout
Opportunities for 8-10 inch rainbow trout are excellent. A limited number of carryover trout from 14-18 inches are also available. Tribal angling permit as well as State license is required.
Rainbow Trout<br />
- Photo by Kathy Munsel -<br />
LAURANCE LAKE: rainbow trout, smallmouth bass
Anglers can fish for both hatchery trout, and naturally produced wild trout. Anglers are reminded that only artificial flies and lures are allowed, and only fin-clipped trout can be kept. Anglers are encouraged to keep all smallmouth bass caught. Laurance Lake closes to angling on Oct. 31.
LITTLE LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout
No report
LOST LAKE: rainbow trout
Lost Lake has been stocked with legal and trophy sized hatchery rainbow trout. Some naturally produced brown trout are also available for anglers. Anglers should focus on the shallower shoal areas for best success.
METOLIUS RIVER:
Reports of anglers having fair success for brown trout and mountain whitefish.
NORTH TWIN: rainbow trout
No report
OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
No recent reports. Anglers targeting rainbow trout should consider fishing the upper eastern end of reservoir.
ODELL LAKE: kokanee
Fishing is quiet on the Odell.
PAULINA LAKE: kokanee, brown trout
No recent reports. This is typically a good time of year for anglers to target brown trout.
PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Pine Hollow Reservoir was stocked several times with legal and trophy size hatchery rainbow. No recent reports, but fall and early winter fishing can be productive at Pine Hollow.
PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Opportunity is good for 12 to 16 rainbow trout. No reports on recent angler success.
ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Low reservoir level will limit both access and success.
SOUTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout
Fishing on South Twin is slow.
SUTTLE LAKE:
No recent reports.
WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout
No recent reports.
Back to the top
HUNTING
Visit the region's Fall Hunting Forecast
Open: Rocky Mt. bull elk (open Oct. 24-28), pheasant, chukar, duck, forest grouse, California quail, mt quail (open in Wheeler, Hood Rvr and Wasco counties) cougar, bear, crow
Cougar<br />
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
Prineville Wildlife District
Hunting opportunities are expected to be as good or better than last year for first period bull hunters. While numbers of mature bulls are slightly below desired levels in the Maury and Ochoco units, both had exceptionally good calf ratios which should provide above average numbers spikes. The weather can be a big factor, with relatively mild weather predicted which could make hunting more difficult. Hunters are reminded the South Boundary and Rager Green Dot Travel Management Areas ( TMA ) with restrictions on motorized vehicles are in effect in the Ochoco unit. Maps are available at portal signs as you enter the TMA 's, or from local ODFW and forest service offices.
Cougar are scattered at all elevations across both public and private lands. With deer numbers are greatest at higher elevations on the Ochoco National Forest ; hunters can expect cougar to be present as well. Areas to consider include Lookout and Pisgah Mountains and Sunflower Creek (Ochoco unit) and Green Mountain and Mill Creek (Grizzly unit).
Valley quail numbers appear strong, with the best opportunities on agricultural private lands throughout Crook and Jefferson Counties . Springs, stream areas, and other rangelands with cover and water on the Crooked River National Grasslands and BLM lands would also be good area to check.
Chukar are more limited in distribution, with areas along the Crooked, Deschutes , and John Day Rivers offering the best opportunities. Much of this involves private lands where permission from the landowner is needed.
The best opportunities for blue and ruffed grouse will be on the higher elevations on the Ochoco National Forest . The better areas will be on the heavier forested north slopes across the Paulina and Lookout Mountain Ranger Districts.
Duck and goose hunters will find most birds present are residents, with migrating birds yet to arrive in any numbers. This area is challenging as most of the better hunting is on private lands. There are limited opportunities on public land around Prineville Res., and along the Crooked River . Hunters are reminded the goose season closes in Crook and Jefferson counties on Oct. 22, reopening on Oct. 30.
Black Bear<br />
Oregon Fish and Wildlife<br />
The Dalles Wildlife District
The Hood unit and the forested portion of White River Wildlife Area can provide excellent opportunity for bear hunters, especially in clear cuts and huckleberry fields. Hunters should focus on still hunting in clearings, spending a good deal of time glassing.
Hunters wishing to pursue cougar should focus their efforts in areas where big game populations are found. The boundary between the White River Wildlife area and the Mount Hood National forest can provide good opportunity.
Grouse wing barrels are scattered around the White River and Hood units to collect wings of blue and ruffed grouse and mt. quail. We ask each successful hunter to contribute a wing and tail off of each harvested bird.
Waterfowl season is now open within the district. The majority of waterfowl hunting opportunities are present on private lands, with a few exceptions along the Columbia and Deschutes rivers.
Upland game birds are found throughout the district. Bird production was fair in the area this year, with populations being at or near the ten year average. Hunters wishing to target pheasant and quail should focus on areas in and around streams or near agricultural areas. Public access can be found on the Lower Deschutes and White River Wildlife areas, as well as BLM property in the Deschutes and John Day canyons. Hunters should be aware that bird hunting is prohibited within ¼ mile of the John Day River from the Columbia upstream to Thirtymile Creek except for upland hunting which is allowed from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31.
VIEWING
Sense-sational Saturday, HOWL-O-WEEN, October 27th, 2007 , 9 a.m.-5 p.m. , High Desert Museum , Bend
Come in costume and see live owl shows and bat programs.
Nighttime fun: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. , High Desert Museum , Bend
Bring a flashlight and go trick-or-treating through the Museum and outside in good weather. Make cool crafts. Do the Creepy Crawly " Cave " and see live spiders, snakes, and scorpions! Rimrock Cafe open. Evening admission: members, $3; non-members, $5. For information, http://www.highdesertmuseum.org/upcoming...s_Program/
Mount Hood : Last chance to view raptor migration
Take a drive to see the fall raptor migration. The project runs through October 31.Visit Bonney Butte to take advantage of environmental education programs and a great hawk watching site. The most commonly seen species are the sharp-shinned hawk, red-tailed hawk, Cooper's hawk, turkey vulture and golden eagle.
For directions and more information. http://www.hawkwatch.org/home/index.php?...emid=35<br />
Throughout the Region
Rattle Snake<br />
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
Although hard to see, with the cold nights in October, rattlesnakes, garter snakes and other reptiles are migrating back to their winter dens. These species communally hibernate in traditional den sites. They reappear in mid spring with the onset of warmer weather.
Kokanee salmon are spawning at several locations in Central Oregon . Good places to view are at the spillway at Paulina Lake in Newberry National Volcanic Monument , at Trapper Creek campground near Odell Lake and at Sheep's Bridge campground on the Deschutes arm of Wickiup reservoir. Bald eagles can be seen at the Sheep's Bridge site taking spawning Kokanee.
Shorebirds are still migrating and species such as yellowlegs, dowitchers and phalaropes can be observed on mudflat habitat at Summer Lake Wildlife Management Area, Wickiup Reservoir and Prineville reservoir.
Deer season is a good time to see and hear Townsend's Solitaire especially in the juniper-ponderosa pine zone. The solitaires sing and call this time of year and it becomes a familiar bird song for hunters and other outdoor recreationists. Solitaires winter in the lower elevation juniper zone and summer in the higher conifer forests. To learn more about Townsend's Solitaire, http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBir...e_dtl.html
Blind at Cabin Lake<br />
-USDA Forest Service-<br />
Bend Area
This is a good time of year to visit the wildlife viewing blind at Cabin Lake , 8 miles north of Fort Rock State Park . The water guzzler at this site attracts many species of forest birds including white-headed woodpecker, pinyon jays, crossbills, Cassins finch, all three species of nuthatches. The viewing blind is a good place to photograph these species up close.
Directions and more information
Madras Area
Mountainview Drive along the west side of Lake Billy Chinook offers spectacular vista views of the Cascades, Lake Billy Chinook and a variety of wildlife including waterfowl, birds of prey, quail, deer, coyotes and small mammals.
Haystack Reservoir, Crooked River National Grasslands, is 10 miles south of Madras can provide a good opportunity to see waterfowl such as common loon, horned grebe, red-necked grebe and eared grebe that stop here during migration.
Directions and list of wildlife to see
Prineville Area
Bald Eagle<br />
- Photo by Greg Gillson-
Recent winter-like weather appears to be triggering increasing movements of winter migrating birds to and through Central Oregon.
Local reservoirs offer viewing of waterfowl and shorebirds as they feed, rest and prepare for fall migrations. Flocks of Canadian geese and ducks have been using the mudflats at the eastern end of Ochoco and Prineville Reservoir. Ochoco Reservoir is visible from Hwy. 26, eight miles east of Prineville. Migrating and wintering birds of prey are on the increase, with sightings of Redtail Rough-legged, and Swainsons Hawks; Northern Harriers; bald and golden Eagle; and Kestrels increasing.
The Crooked River between Bowman Dam and Prineville offers spectacular cliff scenery interspersed with close views of the Crooked River . Bald and golden eagles frequent this stretch of river and use the cliffs and pine trees for perching and roosting. Otter, beaver, raccoons and a variety of waterfowl and wading birds are also present in the river.
The Dalles, Mid-Columbia Region and Northern Wasco County
Cascade Lakes provide a unique opportunity in early fall to combine great views, and varying wildlife viewing opportunities. Vine maple is a dominant component of the understory throughout the Northern Cascades, and the maple is in full color with the recent cooler weather. Passerines and waterbirds are common sites, especially in and around waterbodies. Black-tail deer are also more active as the weather cools and can provide excellent viewing for those with an eye sharp enough to pick them out in the heavy cover they prefer.
Cascades Lakes Scenic Byway
Migrating Waterbirds
If you are in search of waterbirds, the shores of the Columbia can offer some great opportunities. Mayer State Park offers shoreline access to the river, as well as a great place to grab a picnic or some late summer fishing.
Another good opportunity to see migrating waterbirds, as well as raptors, deer and passerines is Pine Hollow Reservoir, which is located near the town of Wamic and ODFW's White River Wildlife Area.