Recreation Report for May 23, 2019 - Big Game Hunting Workshops Scheduled
/Highlights From The Week's Recreation Report
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Big Game Hunting workshop
This first class in ODFW's new Learn to Hunt Big Game series will cover reasons for hunting, and the what, where and when of hunting for big game in Oregon. Evening classes are scheduled in Tualatin (May 22 and 23) and Albany (May 29). Learn more and register here.
More rivers and streams open to trout on May 22
Many rivers and streams, especially in the NW, SW and SE zones, opened to trout fishing on Wednesday, May 22. These rivers are closed to trout fishing from fall to spring in order to protect migrating salmon and steelhead smolts, and spawning redband trout.
Last weekend for spring turkey and bear hunting
These seasons close May 31, so this is your last weekend to tag a turkey or bear. Good thing most of you will have three days!
Best bets for fishing this holiday weekend
With a three-day weekend coming up for many, plan on at least one day (or two!) on the water. Here are just a few fish to consider:
Chinook fishing continues throughout the Rogue River.
Shad are being caught in the Umpqua, Coos and Coquille basins.
Kokanee fishing has been good in Detroit and Green Peter Reservoirs, as well as Lake Billy Chinook and Wickiup Reservoir.
Largemouth bass from Davis Lake have been stocked in Pine Nursery Pond, Prineville Reservoir and Prineville Youth Pond.
Summer steelhead are being caught on the Siletz, Nestucca, Wilson, Clackamas, Sandy and Santiam rivers.
Smallmouth bass anglers should consider the rocky shores of the Columbia River, as well as the dozens of other places where bass are on the bite.
Surfperch fishing should be good when the swells and wind cooperate.
TROUT, thousands of ‘em, are being stocked in dozens of ponds, lakes, streams and reservoirs just in time for the holiday weekend.
Klamath Basin Fishing Report
Flows on the Wood River, Sprague River and Upper Williamson River are dropping to very good, fishable levels and insect hatches are excellent this year.
Best bet for fishing in the Klamath Basin is Lake of the Woods for stocked rainbow trout, Klamath River below JC Boyle Dam for native redband trout, Wood River for brown trout and Gerber Reservoir for crappie.
Look for the phenomenal hatch of salmonflies to occur this week and next on the Klamath River from the Powerhouse to the CA border. Golden stoneflies will also be hatching in good numbers.
Flows are perfect for fishing on the Sprague River, and the black drakes are hatching.
Crappie anglers should consider Campbell Reservoir for some early season fish.
Cottonwood Meadows is accessible, and fly-fishing can be excellent this time of year.
Several waterbodies are scheduled to be stocked the week of May 20, Duncan Reservoir, Powder River, Lake of the Woods, Burnt River, Taylor Green Pond, Thompson Valley Reservoir, Heart Lake, Holbrook Reservoir, Tipton Pond, Lofton Reservoir, Yellowjacket Lake, Chickahominy Reservoir.
Family fishing day at State Capitol Mall on Saturday, May 25
Come catch a fish at the State Capitol Mall (900 Court Street NE) on Saturday, May 25 from 9 a.m.-noon. All ages are welcome at the event, and kids age 17 and under fish for free. The Oregon Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and ODFW are teaming up with many other outdoor organizations to host this family event. A “pond” set up at the mall will be stocked with rainbow trout. Staff from various organizations including ODFW volunteer fishing instructors will be on hand with rods, reels, bait and all the gear you need to try fishing. Other volunteers will teach casting, fish anatomy and knot tying. Finally, if you catch a fish, Outdoor Chef Kurt will cook it for you! More information here.
Information provided by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The Recreation Report is brought to you by the Klamath County Fair.
Midland, Jon Wolfe, and Lonestar all perform at the 2019 Klamath County Fair. TICKETS ON SALE NOW.