ODFW Recreation Report: January 4

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Stock Photo - Photo by Sho Hatakeyama

Stock Photo - Photo by Sho Hatakeyama

Winter trout fishing

Don’t let your trout fishing season end just because the cold weather has arrived. Here are just some of the weekend opportunities from this week’s Rec Report:

  • Garrison Lake in the Southwest Zone will be getting some excess hatchery steelhead throughout January and February.
  • In the Southeast Zone, the Ana River continues to produce trout in the 12-to 16-inch range.
  • Fall River in the Central Zone was stocked this week with broodstock trout.
  • And more…. Check out the weekly updates for more opportunities.

Last month for ducks

Duck seasons will close later this month. In the meantime, cold but dry weather has created a mix of hunting conditions. Check out the Game Bird Hunting Report for updates from our wildlife areas.

DIY whale watching

Tools needed: binoculars, rain gear, patience

Although the official Whale Watching Spoken Here events ended Dec. 31, whales will still be migrating along the coast for a few more weeks. Some prominent viewpoints to see them include Cape Kiwanda (near Pacific City), Cape Lookout (near Netarts), Cape Meares (near Oceanside), Neah-Kah-Nie Mtn. (near Manzanita), Cape Falcon (near Arch Cape), Silver Point (near Cannon Beach) and Tillamook Head (near Seaside).

Winter steelhead water watch

This time of year, water conditions for winter steelhead fishing can vacillate between too low and clear, and too high and muddy. Successful anglers will 1) adjust their gear and tackle for current conditions, and/or 2) be ready to hit the water when water conditions improve – usually once water levels start to drop after a good rain.  Check out the zone reports for your best bets.