Practice catch-and-release techniques this summer

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Recreation Report for August 8, 2019

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Highlights From The Week's Recreation Report

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Fishing

Best bets for weekend fishing
Oregon has good fishing from the mountains to the sea, and this time of year that’s where some of the best fishing is:

  • Water in higher elevation mountain lakes, both drive-to and hike-in, stays cooler in the summer. This keeps trout on the bite, and provides some relief for anglers looking to beat the heat.

  • Rockfish, albacore tuna and ocean salmon fishing have all been fair to good and, according to the forecast, ocean water conditions should be cooperating. Landlubbers can target surfperch off the beaches and jetties.

  • And for the areas in between mountains and sea, bass and other warmwater fishing remains the bright spot.

Weekend fishing opportunities:

  • Trout fishing in Fourmile Lake has been good.

  • Trout fishing also has been good in Long Creek and the North Fork Sprague River.

  • Fly-anglers have reported catching dozens of redband trout between 6- and 13-inches in Deep Creek recently.

  • Anglers have been picking up some 2- to 3-pound largemouth bass in the Thompson Valley Reservoir.

  • Ana Reservoir was stocked with another 7,000 rainbow trout. Fish should be literally jumping in the boat this weekend!

  • This is a good time of year to throw hopper patterns for redband trout on the Chewaucan River.

  • 2019 trout stocking schedule and stocking map

  • Full report

Practice good catch-and-release techniques in late summer conditions
When water conditions are low, clear and warm, like they are now, be sure to practice good catch-and-release techniques when releasing fish.

  • Fish early in the day when water and air temperatures are at their coolest.

  • Land fish quickly. Playing a fish too long reduces its chances to recover.

  • Keep the fish in the water while landing and releasing it.

  • If you can’t remove the hook easily, cut the leader near the hook, which will eventually dissolve.

  • Revive the fish in moving water before releasing it.

 

Game

Hunters have until Aug. 19 to apply for sage-grouse
There are 645 permits available for the 2019 season, which runs Sept. 7-15.
Learn more about sage-grouse hunting in Oregon.

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

Desktop scouting and 6 other tips big game hunters use
Kick off your 2019 hunting season now with preseason scouting. Learning the terrain of the area you’ll be hunting this summer will increase your chances of success this fall.

 

Wildlife

Fall black bear:  Season opened August 1.  Hunters have until Sept. 27 to purchase a fall bear tag. Best bear prospects are in the Cascades or in the Interstate Unit. 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.

Ground squirrel hunting is good on nicer days. Best prospects are in pasture and hay fields. Be sure to ask permission before entering private land.

Test your identification skills with ODFW’s new Coyote and Gray Wolf ID Quiz

Information provided by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

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The Recreation Report is brought to you by the Klamath County Fair.

The Fair Board, Management and Staff hope you had a wonderful, safe, and fun time at the 2019 Klamath County Fair. Be sure to mark your calendars now for next years fair on the first weekend of August.