Recreation Report for August 29 - Holiday fishing plans?
/Highlights From The Week's Recreation Report
Photo by Greysen Johnson on Unsplash
Fishing
Include fishing in your holiday weekend plans
Labor Day weekend is coming up – a great time to spend time outdoors with family and friends. Maybe do a little fishing?
Local Fishing: Several waterbodies are schedule to be stocked with trout this week, just in time for the holiday weekend: Lake of the Woods, Deadhorse Lake, Fourmile Lake, Campbell Lake and Miller Lake.
Yellow perch fishing should be good in Pelican Bay area of Upper Klamath Lake and in Crystal and Fourmile creeks. Trout fishing continues to be good in Long Creek and the North Fork Sprague River. This is a good time of year to throw hopper patterns for redband trout on the Chewaucan and Wood rivers.
Statewide: This is the time of year to target sea-run cutthroat trout in mid and north coast rivers and streams. Several waterbodies in the Rogue, Clackamas and Springfield districts are being stocked with rainbow trout this week, just in time for the holiday weekend. Smallmouth bass fishing should be good in the Umpqua, John Day and Columbia rivers.
The ocean all salmon (non-select) season opens Saturday, Aug. 31. Albacore tuna fishing has been OFF.THE.CHARTS. In fact, anglers have caught a record number of tuna off the Oregon coast this year.
Klamath County Big Game
General deer and elk bow: Seasons open Aug. 24 and run through Sept. 22. Weather conditions have been warm and dry. Hunters may increase opportunity near water sources or dried up stream beds. Look for fresh sign on roads and trails going between bedding and feeding areas. Areas with past wildfires -- such as the Oregon Gulch fire in the Keno Unit and the Berry Point fire in the Interstate Unit -- can provide a flush of vegetation attractive to deer and elk.
Fall black bear: Season opened Aug. 1. Hunters have until Sept. 27 to purchase a fall bear tag. Best bear prospects are in the Cascades or in the Interstate Unit. Look for food sources, scat, or a good water source to increase chance of success. Remember to check-in any harvested bears at an ODFW office. Be sure to call ahead to schedule an appointment.
Cougar hunting is open. Populations are healthy and distributed throughout the district in any area with a big game prey base. Don’t forget successful hunters must check-in cougars within 10 days after harvest; please bring cougar in thawed and with mouth propped open so that field staff can quickly process the animal and get you on your way. The reproductive tract is required for any female cougars taken.
Coyote hunting opportunities are available throughout the district. Be aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator calls, and separate licensing and open season limitations exist for these species. Please consult the annual Big Game hunting regulations for further information.
Game Bird
Several upland bird seasons open Sept. 1
Forest grouse, mourning dove and quail (in western Oregon) all open this Saturday, Sept 1. Remember to buy your Upland Game Bird Validation, which is valid from July 1 to June 30, and to check for fires restrictions before you go.
Youth pheasant hunts begin in September
Kids 17 and younger can experience a low-pressure, pre-season hunt with a good chance of harvesting a pheasant or two. Hunts are on various dates throughout the state. All kids must have completed hunter education, and be accompanied by an adult. Find and register for a hunt
Information provided by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The Recreation Report is brought to you by the Klamath County Event Center. Mark your calendar, The fall auction is coming October 26.