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

5 things to do before hunting opens on Saturday, Oct. 4

This weekend is the biggest hunting weekend of the year with the opening of general (ALW) season deer. Here are five things you should do before you head out:

1. Buy your tag or redeem your Sports Pac voucher before 11:59 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3.
2. Update the MyODFW.com app on your phone. Visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to download version 4.0.
3. Check out the Hunter's plan for big game success to make sure you're good to go.
4. Make plans to get your harvested animal tested for CWD. Here are your options.
5. Finally, buy your bear and cougar tag.

Find the 2025 Big Game Hunting Forecast here: https://myodfw.com/articles/2025-big-game-hunting-forecast

Find the 2025 Game Bird Hunting Forecast here: https://myodfw.com/articles/2025-26-game-bird-hunting-forecast

Best bets for weekend fishing:

• Coastal fall salmon seasons continue, with wild coho seasons continuing through mid-October or November. Remember to check in season regulations for wild Chinook and wild coho.

• Fall salmon seasons include the first hatchery Chinook season in the Coquille River since 2021 is underway, open along with coho until Oct. 15.

  • Summer steelhead runs are still on in the Nestucca and Wilson Rivers.

• • Anglers report excellent trout fishing in Crooked River.

  • Howard and Hyatt Lakes offer good fishing for largemouth bass right now.
  • Fishing for Brook Trout in the Upper Sycan, Upper NF Sprague, Upper SF Sprague, Long Creek, Sevenmile and Upper Williamson will be exceptional.
  • Lake of the Woods was stocked two weeks ago with 12-14 inch rainbow trout.
  • Campbell and Deadhorse Lake were stocked and should be great fishing.
  • October is the final month for anglers to enjoy Crane Prairie, the Metolius Arm of Lake Billy Chinook, the Metolius River above Allingham Bridge, Odell, and Wickiup before seasonal closures go into effect.
  • The Metolius and Shevlin youth and disabled angling ponds were recently stocked with rainbow trout, this will be the final stocking of the year.
  • Flyfishing the NF Sprague River with large stonefly patterns should be excellent
  • Kokanee are spawning at Wallowa Lake state park and make for some great wildlife viewing this time of year.

  • Clatsop beaches opened to razor clamming on Oct. 1.

  • Crabbing remains open along the Oregon coast.

  • Reminder that E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area's shotgun range is closed for renovations thru October.

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

    Cascade hike-in lakes offer beauty, serenity and the potential for untrammeled fishing opportunities.

Know before you go:

E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area shotgun range closed for renovations through October

The shotgun range at E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area near Corvallis is closed for renovations. Improvements on the range will include expanding the shooting bays and implementing ADA compliant access to the site. ODFW expects work to be completed by October 31. Updates will be posted on the E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area Visitors Guide webpage. The archery park and other facilities in the wildlife area will remain open.

Hunting updates:

• Archery seasons closed on Sept. 28.
• Prepare for your rifle hunt – visit your local range for Sight-in Days and test some non-lead ammunition at specified locations – Check the calendar.
• CWD testing: Hunters are critical to the effort to detect Chronic Wasting Disease, a serious wildlife disease that has never been detected in Oregon but is found in most surrounding states. Successful hunters, please get your deer or elk tested for CWD, and be in the draw for a prize from OHA! See how here CWD information and check stations .
• Forest grouse seasons kicked off statewide Sept. 1, as well as quail seasons in Western Oregon and some fall turkey seasons. Hunters, please turn in mtn quail and forest grouse wings, find a map of collection barrels by following this link: Turning in grouse and mountain quail wings and tails.

• Fall turkey season started on Sept. 1 in some areas. Find more information on Fall turkey seasons, techniques and limits in the Oregon Game Bird regulations. *(Use of AI is unreliable and may contain inaccurate data concerning rules and regulations).

Hunter Education:

Look no further: hunter safety courses and field days

Choose between a conventional in-person course or complete one of the online education courses plus an in-person field day. Sign up for a location, date and time that works best with your schedule. Hunter safety education events are offered year-round and taught by certified volunteer instructors statewide. Hunting seasons are coming up fast - plan ahead to secure your seat now! (Events are updated weekly)

Hunter Recruitment Program workshops and events.

These hands-on ODFW workshops will teach you the skills to improve your hunting performance and build your confidence in the field. ODFW offers a variety of classes and workshops statewide, throughout the year. Workshops are designed for adults – ages 18 and older.

Duck, duck, Goose! Look for waterfowl workshops in your area: Register for an event.

Resources:

Wildfire season: Check for closures on private forest lands through the Oregon Forest Industry Council.

Check BLM closures, rules and requirements

View the report