01-05-2008, 02:41 AM
[size 1]CROOKED RIVER MAINSTEM: rainbow trout
No new reports.
CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout
Mixed reports from anglers indicating some success for redband. 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.
DESCHUTES RIVER:
Remember the entire Deschutes River is closed to the retention of Fall Chinook at this time.
Sherars Falls to Warm Springs - Trout anglers will be successful by using nymphs. Water temperatures are cold and fewer bug hatches are occurring. Steelhead are in this section in good numbers and water temperatures and clarity are still good for steelhead fishing. Anglers are also reminded that the Deschutes River upstream from the northern boundary of the Warms Springs Reservation closed to angling December 31, 2007 and will reopen April 26, 2008.
Mouth to Sherars Falls - Steelhead anglers are reporting decent catches, as effort on the river has declined significantly. Anglers are encouraged to fish in water that is a little slower this time of the year as water temperatures are colder and fish prefer these softer areas in the river.
DESCHUTES RIVER: Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls:
No anglers were interviewed as basis for a report. Please note that recent increased flow makes this stretch a little more of a challenge for anglers.
FALL RIVER:
No recent reports. Remember angling is closed downstream the falls.
HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout
No recent reports.
HOOD RIVER: summer steelhead, winter steelhead, fin clipped coho
Steelhead fishing has been improving on the Hood River, with a few fresh run winter steelhead beginning to be caught. Cold temperatures have improved water quality, but cool temperatures are keeping fish from moving into the river. Anglers are reminded that chinook angling is closed and coho must be fin-clipped for retention. Trout fishing is closed.
Small-mouth Bass<br />
-U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service-<br />
LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: Bull trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, smallmouth bass
No angler activity to use as a basis for a report. There is opportunity for bull trout, brown trout and kokanee on the Deschutes River and Crooked River arms. Please note that the Metolius arm of the reservoir is closed to angling for the season beginning Nov. 1. Anglers should be advised that the recommended boat launching facility is the upper Deschutes arm ramp of the reservoir.
METOLIUS RIVER:
No recent reports.
OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
No recent reports. Anglers targeting rainbow trout should consider fishing the upper eastern end of reservoir.
PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
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.
HUNTING
Visit the region's Fall Hunting Forecast
Open: Waterfowl, California quail (closed in Morrow Co.), chukar (closed in Morrow Co.), mountain quail (open Hood River and Wasco counties only) cougar (new tag needed Jan. 1), crow
Ochoco Wildlife District
General:<br />
Winter weather has become more intense, with snow accumulations increasing and many roads impassable at higher elevations. Recreational users should expect icy driving conditions, be equipped for winter conditions, and check with local authorities regarding road conditions. Remember the motorized access restrictions associated with the South Boundary Green Dot Travel Management Area (TMA) in the Ochoco unit remain in effect year-round. Maps are available at portal signs as you enter the TMA, or from local ODFW and forest service offices. Additional areas on the Ochoco National Forest and Prineville BLM have seasonal winter motorized access restrictions effect to prevent soil damage and protect wintering antelope, deer, and elk. Maps of these areas are available from forest service and BLM offices in Prineville.
Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Management Area: The area is open to non-motorized access only to protect wintering deer and elk and prevent soil damage. Walk-in hunters, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts are welcome.
Cougar: Deer have moved to lower elevation winter ranges and cougar can be expected to have followed. Winter ranges include private lands and hunters need permission prior to hunting.
Coyote<br />
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
Coyote: Look for concentrations of wintering deer and pronghorn, and coyotes are likely nearby. Wintering deer and pronghorn are concentrating at lower elevations, including BLM lands in both the Ochoco and Maury units. Coyote hunters should keep a watchful eye out for cougars which also respond to predator calls.
Valley quail: Numbers are declining, but there are still good opportunities on mixed range and agricultural 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 places to check.
Chukar: Populations are limited, with areas along the Crooked, Deschutes, and John Day Rivers offering the best opportunities. Much of this area is private land where permission from the landowner is needed.
Waterfowl: Access is a challenge 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.
The Dalles Wildlife District: Hunters wishing to pursue cougar should focus their efforts in areas where big game populations are found
Waterfowl season is 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. 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.
VIEWING
Winter Raptor Viewing with the Central Oregon Audubon Society, Saturday, Jan. 26<br />
The Central Oregon Audubon Society will host a field trip to the Fort Rock/Christmas Valley area to view wintering raptors. We'll meet at the South Albertson in Bend, just off of Highway 97, and carpool to the area. Trip departs 8 a.m. and returns about 4 p.m. Event is free and open to birders of any level. Contact Damian Fagan at dfagan@bendnet.com to RSVP or for more information.
Bucks in the Snow<br />
Oregon Fish and Wildlife<br />
Winter Wildlife Viewing
Winter weather has arrived-snow accumulations are increasing at higher elevations. All recreational users should expect icy driving conditions and be equipped for winter conditions. Most small ponds and water holes are frozen and snow blankets the ground with many forest roads impassable at higher elevations. Deer are on winter ranges, winter raptors are at their usual feeding areas and waterbirds are confined to open water areas.
Mule deer are on their winter range and a good place to observe them is the Fort Rock Valley south to Silver Lake and east to Christmas Valley. Herds of five to twenty deer or more are commonly seen. This area is also excellent for winter raptors. Agricultural lands and shrub land on the edge of the forest are good places to look for rough-legged hawks, red-tailed hawks, golden and bald eagles and prairie falcons. The wintering population of Red-tailed Hawks has more individual with dark phase plumage than is seen in the summer. A good field guide is helpful in sorting out the color phases of the raptors.
Winter range road closures are in effect on National Forests and BLM lands of Central Oregon. Main roads are open but side roads and less traveled roads may be closed to vehicle travel. Watch for signs and report violations to the nearest Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife or Oregon State Police office.
Prineville Area
This is a good time to view wintering mule deer, pronghorn and elk, and coyotes that are hoping to make a meal of them. Some of the better areas are accessible from the Paulina Highway east of Prineville on private lands along the Crooked River between the eastern end of Prineville Reservoir, to the town of Paulina, and north and east around Puett Rd. to the Paulina Ranger Station. Drivers need to turn south off of Hwy. 26 at the east side of Prineville, onto the Paulina highway, with the best viewing between milepost 20 and milepost 60. Approximately 4 miles east of Paulina proceed north to Paulina Ranger Station via Puett Road. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope for antelope and elk using the western slopes of Powell Mountain.
Animals are generally most visible in early morning or late afternoon, and drivers need to be careful of animals crossing the highway. This is approximately 180 miles round trip from Prineville and drivers should be prepared for winter driving conditions. In addition to big game, viewers will have opportunities to see coyotes, waterfowl, and a wide variety of birds of prey including bald and golden eagles, prairie falcon, red tail and rough leg hawks.
Red-tailed Hawk<br />
- Photo by Robert Mutch -<br />
The Dalles, Mid-Columbia Region and Northern Wasco County
Winter conditions have settled on the area-wintering waterbirds and raptors can be seen throughout the district. For those who want to see wintering raptors, focus should be on agricultural areas, where red-tail and rough legged hawks are common, as well as kestrels, northern harriers, and prairie falcons. As viewers move nearer to major canyons, the occasional eagle may be seen.
For those in pursuit of waterbirds, focus your search near open water as smaller ponds and lakes have begun to freeze over with winter temperatures. Many areas along the Columbia can provide excellent viewing opportunities.
White River Wildlife Area is hosting migrating deer and elk. Visitors wishing to view wintering deer are best served in the Smock Prairie area, where deer will congregate in open meadows to feed, while those wishing to view elk are more likely to be successful in the Friend area.
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No new reports.
CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout
Mixed reports from anglers indicating some success for redband. 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.
DESCHUTES RIVER:
Remember the entire Deschutes River is closed to the retention of Fall Chinook at this time.
Sherars Falls to Warm Springs - Trout anglers will be successful by using nymphs. Water temperatures are cold and fewer bug hatches are occurring. Steelhead are in this section in good numbers and water temperatures and clarity are still good for steelhead fishing. Anglers are also reminded that the Deschutes River upstream from the northern boundary of the Warms Springs Reservation closed to angling December 31, 2007 and will reopen April 26, 2008.
Mouth to Sherars Falls - Steelhead anglers are reporting decent catches, as effort on the river has declined significantly. Anglers are encouraged to fish in water that is a little slower this time of the year as water temperatures are colder and fish prefer these softer areas in the river.
DESCHUTES RIVER: Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls:
No anglers were interviewed as basis for a report. Please note that recent increased flow makes this stretch a little more of a challenge for anglers.
FALL RIVER:
No recent reports. Remember angling is closed downstream the falls.
HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout
No recent reports.
HOOD RIVER: summer steelhead, winter steelhead, fin clipped coho
Steelhead fishing has been improving on the Hood River, with a few fresh run winter steelhead beginning to be caught. Cold temperatures have improved water quality, but cool temperatures are keeping fish from moving into the river. Anglers are reminded that chinook angling is closed and coho must be fin-clipped for retention. Trout fishing is closed.
Small-mouth Bass<br />
-U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service-<br />
LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: Bull trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, smallmouth bass
No angler activity to use as a basis for a report. There is opportunity for bull trout, brown trout and kokanee on the Deschutes River and Crooked River arms. Please note that the Metolius arm of the reservoir is closed to angling for the season beginning Nov. 1. Anglers should be advised that the recommended boat launching facility is the upper Deschutes arm ramp of the reservoir.
METOLIUS RIVER:
No recent reports.
OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
No recent reports. Anglers targeting rainbow trout should consider fishing the upper eastern end of reservoir.
PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
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.
HUNTING
Visit the region's Fall Hunting Forecast
Open: Waterfowl, California quail (closed in Morrow Co.), chukar (closed in Morrow Co.), mountain quail (open Hood River and Wasco counties only) cougar (new tag needed Jan. 1), crow
Ochoco Wildlife District
General:<br />
Winter weather has become more intense, with snow accumulations increasing and many roads impassable at higher elevations. Recreational users should expect icy driving conditions, be equipped for winter conditions, and check with local authorities regarding road conditions. Remember the motorized access restrictions associated with the South Boundary Green Dot Travel Management Area (TMA) in the Ochoco unit remain in effect year-round. Maps are available at portal signs as you enter the TMA, or from local ODFW and forest service offices. Additional areas on the Ochoco National Forest and Prineville BLM have seasonal winter motorized access restrictions effect to prevent soil damage and protect wintering antelope, deer, and elk. Maps of these areas are available from forest service and BLM offices in Prineville.
Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Management Area: The area is open to non-motorized access only to protect wintering deer and elk and prevent soil damage. Walk-in hunters, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts are welcome.
Cougar: Deer have moved to lower elevation winter ranges and cougar can be expected to have followed. Winter ranges include private lands and hunters need permission prior to hunting.
Coyote<br />
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
Coyote: Look for concentrations of wintering deer and pronghorn, and coyotes are likely nearby. Wintering deer and pronghorn are concentrating at lower elevations, including BLM lands in both the Ochoco and Maury units. Coyote hunters should keep a watchful eye out for cougars which also respond to predator calls.
Valley quail: Numbers are declining, but there are still good opportunities on mixed range and agricultural 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 places to check.
Chukar: Populations are limited, with areas along the Crooked, Deschutes, and John Day Rivers offering the best opportunities. Much of this area is private land where permission from the landowner is needed.
Waterfowl: Access is a challenge 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.
The Dalles Wildlife District: Hunters wishing to pursue cougar should focus their efforts in areas where big game populations are found
Waterfowl season is 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. 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.
VIEWING
Winter Raptor Viewing with the Central Oregon Audubon Society, Saturday, Jan. 26<br />
The Central Oregon Audubon Society will host a field trip to the Fort Rock/Christmas Valley area to view wintering raptors. We'll meet at the South Albertson in Bend, just off of Highway 97, and carpool to the area. Trip departs 8 a.m. and returns about 4 p.m. Event is free and open to birders of any level. Contact Damian Fagan at dfagan@bendnet.com to RSVP or for more information.
Bucks in the Snow<br />
Oregon Fish and Wildlife<br />
Winter Wildlife Viewing
Winter weather has arrived-snow accumulations are increasing at higher elevations. All recreational users should expect icy driving conditions and be equipped for winter conditions. Most small ponds and water holes are frozen and snow blankets the ground with many forest roads impassable at higher elevations. Deer are on winter ranges, winter raptors are at their usual feeding areas and waterbirds are confined to open water areas.
Mule deer are on their winter range and a good place to observe them is the Fort Rock Valley south to Silver Lake and east to Christmas Valley. Herds of five to twenty deer or more are commonly seen. This area is also excellent for winter raptors. Agricultural lands and shrub land on the edge of the forest are good places to look for rough-legged hawks, red-tailed hawks, golden and bald eagles and prairie falcons. The wintering population of Red-tailed Hawks has more individual with dark phase plumage than is seen in the summer. A good field guide is helpful in sorting out the color phases of the raptors.
Winter range road closures are in effect on National Forests and BLM lands of Central Oregon. Main roads are open but side roads and less traveled roads may be closed to vehicle travel. Watch for signs and report violations to the nearest Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife or Oregon State Police office.
Prineville Area
This is a good time to view wintering mule deer, pronghorn and elk, and coyotes that are hoping to make a meal of them. Some of the better areas are accessible from the Paulina Highway east of Prineville on private lands along the Crooked River between the eastern end of Prineville Reservoir, to the town of Paulina, and north and east around Puett Rd. to the Paulina Ranger Station. Drivers need to turn south off of Hwy. 26 at the east side of Prineville, onto the Paulina highway, with the best viewing between milepost 20 and milepost 60. Approximately 4 miles east of Paulina proceed north to Paulina Ranger Station via Puett Road. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope for antelope and elk using the western slopes of Powell Mountain.
Animals are generally most visible in early morning or late afternoon, and drivers need to be careful of animals crossing the highway. This is approximately 180 miles round trip from Prineville and drivers should be prepared for winter driving conditions. In addition to big game, viewers will have opportunities to see coyotes, waterfowl, and a wide variety of birds of prey including bald and golden eagles, prairie falcon, red tail and rough leg hawks.
Red-tailed Hawk<br />
- Photo by Robert Mutch -<br />
The Dalles, Mid-Columbia Region and Northern Wasco County
Winter conditions have settled on the area-wintering waterbirds and raptors can be seen throughout the district. For those who want to see wintering raptors, focus should be on agricultural areas, where red-tail and rough legged hawks are common, as well as kestrels, northern harriers, and prairie falcons. As viewers move nearer to major canyons, the occasional eagle may be seen.
For those in pursuit of waterbirds, focus your search near open water as smaller ponds and lakes have begun to freeze over with winter temperatures. Many areas along the Columbia can provide excellent viewing opportunities.
White River Wildlife Area is hosting migrating deer and elk. Visitors wishing to view wintering deer are best served in the Smock Prairie area, where deer will congregate in open meadows to feed, while those wishing to view elk are more likely to be successful in the Friend area.
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