Big game hunters

Good luck on Sunday!

The 2021 big game draw results will be available on Sunday – be sure to check your results online. If you didn’t draw a tag, you can still have a full hunting season this fall. Find out how in 7 things to consider if you didn’t draw a tag.

Best bets for weekend fishing

This time of the year there’s a potpourri of fishing opportunities. Check the Rec Report entries for specific locations near you.

• Summer steelhead are being caught in the Siletz, Nestucca, Wilson and Rogue rivers.
• Chinook anglers should look to the Columbia River tributaries in the NW Zone, Tillamook Bay, and the Nestucca, Trask, North Umpqua and Columbia rivers.
• Bass fishing has been very good in small ponds and large reservoirs throughout the state. And don’t overlook some excellent bass fisheries in rivers like the Willamette, South Fork Coquille, John Day, Columbia and South Umpqua.
• Hatchery trout are still being stocked, but the focus has shifted to mid- and higher elevation locations where water conditions are generally better throughout the summer.
• Sea-run cutthroat trout have been reported throughout the south coast rivers like the Chetco, Elk, Pistol and Sixes.
• Brown trout fishing has been good in Paulina and Miller lakes.
• Ocean salmon fishing for marked coho is a great way to spend a beautiful day at sea.

ODFW braces for drought

What anglers can expect

March, April and May of 2021 were among the driest spring months since the 1890s, and ODFW is bracing for a serious drought as summer arrives. Currently, 72 percent of the state is in severe or extreme drought status.

As the summer progresses, anglers should continue to expect changes to fish stocking, and possible emergency regulations. See more details here. The weekly Recreation Report will be your best source of information on conditions and any emergency regulations.

Watch wildlife from a distance

Leave them where you find them

Young wild animals are rarely orphaned – mom’s probably just off foraging for food. So if you see a deer fawn, elk calf or other young animal alone, leave it where it is. Chances are an adult animal is nearby. Read more reasons why trying to “save” an animal may do more harm than good.