North Central Oregon Recreation Report - The Dalles Chronicle

Dec. 27, 2012

North Central Oregon Recreation Report from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

FISHING

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Weekend fishing opportunities:

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• Summer steelhead fishing is still available on the lower Deschutes. Fish are now well dispersed from the mouth upstream to the Warm Springs area.
• Winter fishing can be good on several local reservoirs, as long as road conditions allow access ? check out Antelope Flat Reservoir, Haystack Reservoir and Ochoco Reservoir.
• There are many great year-round fisheries for the fly angler, including the Metolius, Fall and Crooked and Deschutes rivers. Snow and cold temperatures can mean quiet, peaceful fishing. And hypothermia, so be prepared for winter conditions.

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Buy hunting/fishing licenses now

Hunters and anglers are reminded to purchase 2013 hunting and fishing licenses before venturing into the field in the new year. They can be purchased on the ODFW website, at ODFW license agents and at ODFW offices that sell ODFW documents. Fees are not increasing in 2013. For more information, visit ODFW?s licenses and regulations page.

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Send us your fishing report

We?d love to hear about your recent fishing experience. Send us your own fishing report through ODFW Fishing Reports ? the information will be forwarded to the local biologist who may use it to update various ODFW resources such as the Weekly Recreation Report.

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ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: trout

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Fishing has been fair. The changing weather may make travel difficult so be prepared for muddy or snowy road conditions. Anglers should be very careful when venturing onto the ice and follow safety procedures.

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BEND PINE NURSERY POND: trout

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The most recent stocking was in late September with a number of one pound rainbow released.

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BIG LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout

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Big Lava Lake is closed to fishing until spring.

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BIKINI POND: rainbow trout

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The pond has received its fall stocking, and should provide anglers with good fall fishing opportunity.

CLEAR LAKE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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Water level in reservoir is at low levels due to irrigation demand. Recent snow will limit access.

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CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brook trout, kokanee, largemouth bass

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Crane Prairie is closed to fishing until spring.

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CRESCENT LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and kokanee

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Opportunities for rainbow and brown trout are good.

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CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout and mountain whitefish

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Fishing for trout has been good. Water levels have been consistent and fish are feeding on small mayfly and midge nymphs. It appears the whitefish spawn is tapering off. The use of bait is prohibited until May 2013.

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Flows below Bowman Dam.

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A sample of redband trout and mountain whitefish are tagged with a numbered floy tag protruding from the back. Anglers who catch a trout or whitefish with a floy tag are encouraged to release the fish with the tag intact after recording the tag color and number, fish length and location caught. Anglers can send the information to ODFW at (541) 447-5111 ext. 24 or timothy.k.porter@state.or.us.

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CULTUS LAKE: rainbow trout, lake trout

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No recent reports.

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DAVIS LAKE: redband trout, largemouth bass

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Inaccessible due to snow.

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DESCHUTES RIVER: steelhead, redband trout

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Mouth to the Pelton Regulating Dam: steelhead, redband trout, whitefish

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Summer steelhead fishing on the lower Deschutes is fair, as water clarity has improved significantly. Fish are now well dispersed throughout the river, with good numbers of fish found by anglers from the mouth upstream to the Warm Springs Area. Trout fishing remains good for trout downstream from the Warm Springs Reservation Boundary. Best trout fishing typically occurs around midday, as the best light reaches the canyon floor. Fly anglers will find best success with nymphs along with egg patterns for trout and whitefish. Anglers are reminded trout angling is closed upstream from the Warm Springs Reservation Boundary.?

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Anglers should note that fall chinook salmon retention closed on the Deschutes Nov. 1. ?

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Anglers, who catch a tagged hatchery steelhead with an orange anchor tag, are encouraged to report catch information to ODFW at 541-296-4628 or via the internet at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/The_Dalles/fish_tag_returns.asp.?Anglers catching a tagged wild fish should release it immediately without recording any information.

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Anglers can check the trap the seasons catch at Sherars Falls as an indicator of fish movement in the Deschutes at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/fish_counts/sherars_falls/index.asp. The Sherars Falls trap went offline for the season Nov. 2.

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Lake Billy Chinook to Bend: rainbow trout, brown trout

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Flows have increased with the end of irrigation season. This will make the river more difficult to wade but often triggers trout to feed more heavily and seek out new territories. Rainbow trout average 10 to 16-inches, while brown trout up to 26-inches are available. Anglers will find better access downstream of Lower Bridge. Remains open year round; however, gear is restricted to artificial flies and lures only.

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EAST LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout, Atlantic salmon, kokanee

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East Lake is closed to fishing until spring.

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FALL RIVER: rainbow trout

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Fishing is good. The river below the falls closed on Sept. 30. The river above the falls is open all year. Fishing is restricted to fly fishing only with barbless hooks.

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FROG LAKE: rainbow trout

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No recent reports. Snow will limit access.?

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HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee

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No recent reports.

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HOOD RIVER: summer steelhead, winter steelhead

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The bulk of the summer steelhead run has passed the fishery in the Hood River, although a few late fish may be present. Anglers may encounter a few stray fin-clipped coho in the lower river, but success will be limited. Anglers have reported encountering a few early winter steelhead, but the bulk of run is still far off. Catch-and-release trout fishing closed on the Hood River on Oct. 31. Anglers are reminded that the Hood River is currently closed for the retention of chinook salmon.??

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HOSMER LAKE: Atlantic salmon, brook trout, rainbow trout

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Inaccessible due to snow.

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LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: bull trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, smallmouth bass

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Fishing for bull trout has been good. Anglers are reminded there are small numbers of spring chinook and summer steelhead in Lake Billy Chinook as part of the reintroduction effort. Please release these fish unharmed. The Metolius Arm closed to fishing Oct. 31.

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LITTLE LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout

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No recent reports.

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LOST LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout

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No recent reports. Anglers should check with the USFS Hood River Ranger Station for 541-352-6002 concerning access.

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METOLIUS RIVER: redband trout, bull trout

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Trout fishing has been good. Insect hatches should offer lots of opportunities for good dry fly fishing. Angling for post spawning bull trout should be excellent. Large streamer flies fished in the deeper pools and slots are the best bet.

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The mainstem above the Allingham Bridge closed to fishing Oct. 31.

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NORTH TWIN: rainbow trout

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Excellent fall fishing opportunities are available.

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OCHOCO CREEK UPSTREAM TO OCHOCO DAM: rainbow trout

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No recent reports.

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Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures only; two trout per day and 8-inch minimum length with only 1 fish over 20 inches.

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OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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Recent sampling shows there are plenty of trout available ranging from 8 to 16-inches long. The low water may make launching a boat difficult.

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ODELL LAKE: kokanee, lake trout, rainbow trout

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Odell Lake is closed to fishing until spring.

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PAULINA LAKE: brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee

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Paulina Lake is closed to fishing until spring.

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PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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Pine Hollow was recently stocked with trophy sized rainbow, and should provide good success. Winter fishing in Pine Hollow can be productive. Anglers find good success trolling, and fishing from the bank.

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PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout and largemouth bass

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Anglers have reported catching larger trout than in recent years. Anglers should consult the 2012 Sport Fishing Regulations for maximum length requirements and bag limits for both largemouth and smallmouth bass.

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PRINEVILLE YOUTH FISHING POND: rainbow trout and largemouth bass

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Trout are still available to be caught as long as the pond is not covered in ice. Due to safety concerns, no one is allowed to be on the ice if it?s present.

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ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

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Very low water levels will limit success.

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SHEVLIN YOUTH FISHING POND: rainbow trout

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Shevlin Pond is fishing well and typically fishes well throughout winter if not iced over.

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SOUTH TWIN LAKE: Rainbow trout

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South Twin Lake is closed to fishing until spring.

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SUTTLE LAKE: brown trout, kokanee

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Recent fish sampling showed excellent trophy brown trout opportunity. Kokanee fishing is poor.

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TAYLOR LAKE: rainbow trout and largemouth bass

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Taylor Lake has been recently stocked, and has provided consistent catches of rainbow.??

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WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout

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Fishing has been fair.? Anglers should be very careful when venturing onto the ice and follow safety procedures.

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WICKIUP RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee, largemouth bass.

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Closed to fishing until next spring.

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CENTRAL ZONE HUNTING

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OPEN: UPLAND BIRD, WATERFOWL (see regs), COUGAR

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REPORT HUNTS EVEN IF YOU WEREN?T SUCCESSFUL!

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You need to complete a hunter harvest survey for each deer, elk, pronghorn, cougar, bear and turkey tag purchased?even if you weren?t successful or didn?t go hunting. Report online at www.reportmyhunt.com (or at ODFW?s website under Hunting) or call 1-866-947-6339. Hunters that fail to report 2012 deer and elk tags by the deadline (Jan. 31, 2013 for most hunts) will be fined $25 when they purchase a 2014 hunting license.

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This penalty was put in place because after several years of ?mandatory? reporting with no penalty, just 41 percent of tags were reported on time last year. The information provided is critical for setting tag numbers and seasons?information that?s become more and more difficult to get through traditional phone surveys because hunters have moved, screened their calls, or don?t provide phone numbers.

Wolves and coyotes can look alike
Most wolves in the state today are in northeast Oregon but a few have dispersed further west and south. Wolves are protected by state and/or federal law and it is unlawful to shoot them. Coyote hunters need to take extra care to identify their target as wolves can look like coyotes, especially wolf pups in the mid-summer and fall. ODFW appreciates hunters? assistance to establish wolves? presence in Oregon; please report any wolf sightings or wolf sign to ODFW using the online reporting system.

Hunter orange required for youth

Don?t forget: hunters age 17 and under must wear a fluorescent orange upper garment OR hat when hunting upland game birds (except turkey) and game mammals (deer, elk, bear, cougar, pronghorn, goat, sheep, Western gray squirrel) with a firearm.

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PRINEVILLE/OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT

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Cougar ? Present throughout the Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly units but are more likely near deer and elk herds. The Maury and Ochoco units are recommended because of their greater amounts of accessible public land. Remember cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest. Please consult the synopsis for all required parts and be sure to call first to make an appointment.

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Waterfowl, Valley Quail and Chukar - Seasons are open. Hunters are encouraged to check likely habitat areas on the Crooked River National Grasslands and the breaks of the John Day River system for opportunities. Waterfowl hunters will find opportunities limited as most birds in this area are closely associated with private lands where access may be difficult.

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THE DALLES WILDLIFE DISTRICT

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Cougar ? Hunters wishing to pursue cougar will find best success near areas of deer and elk concentrations and near recent cougar kills and calling. With periodic snow events, following fresh tracks can improve chances of locating a cougar. Successful hunters, remember you must check in cougar (hide and skull) and bear skull at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest and bring them in unfrozen. It?s also a good idea to prop their mouths open with a stick after harvest for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging. See regulations for details.

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Upland Bird ? Upland bird season is in full swing, and hunters can find some public access within the Deschutes and John rivers for chukar. Most of the pheasant and quail hunting in the district is on private lands, and permission is necessary. ODFW does facilitate some access through the Upland Cooperative Access Program. More information on this program can be attained on the department website, or by contacting the district at 541-296-4628.

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Waterfowl ? Waterfowl are just starting to show up in the area. Access points are limited along the Columbia River; hunters must ensure that they are outside of any city limits or state parks boundaries. Good opportunities for Canada Geese exist throughout Sherman and southern Wasco counties on private lands.

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WHITE RIVER WILDLIFE AREA

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Vehicle Access: Most gates through the Wildlife Area closed Dec. 1 and will remain closed until April 1, 2013. As of January 1, 2013 new rules take effect that prohibits all recreational ATV use on the Wildlife Area, also camping will be only allowed in designated camping areas.

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As of January 1, 2013 you will need a parking permit to use/park on the White River Wildlife Area along with other ODFW wildlife areas. visit ODFW?s Web site.^?? ?

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Cougar ? Open all year or until zone mortality quotas have been met. Look for areas that have recent deer and elk activity. Focus your efforts along migration routes, and along rim rocks and canyons. Look for fresh tracks or kills to increase success. Deer are down on the Wildlife Area for the winter so it is a good area to look for cougars.

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Coyote ? Hunters should be looking in open areas along the eastern perimeter of the wildlife area. Open fields can provide good calling opportunities on the area.

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Upland bird ? Chukar and Hungarian partridge can be found scattered throughout the area. Look on open ridges and rock out croppings. Valley quail can be found throughout the area along the creeks and ponds and there is a small population of Mountain quail on the area also but can be difficult to find.???

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Waterfowl ? Waterfowl can be found using the area on ponds and occasionally in some of the freshly planted fields. Most of the waterfowl are on private lands.

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CENTRAL ZONE VIEWING

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Jefferson and Crook Counties

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Prineville Area

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Winter conditions are present and recreational users and their pets should dress and come equipped for snow, ice, and potentially dangerous driving conditions.

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The Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Management Area (WMA) offers winter wildlife viewing opportunities. With recent frigid winter temperatures many ducks, geese, and other waterfowl have moved to more temperate areas. The WMA and the north side access road are now closed to motorized access. Walk in or bike access is allowed and provides vantage points to view migrating birds and resident wildlife.

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Waterfowl hunters and trappers may also be using the area and all users are encouraged to wear bright hunter orange clothing. Most trappers avoid using the more traveled areas along the north shore, but could be using remote upland areas and the south shoreline which is difficult to access without a boat or canoe. Dog owners should use care when using remote uplands or the south shore. A map of the area is available at the ODFW?s Prineville Office and the Oregon State Park office located at the Prineville Reservoir State Park, or for more information, visit ODFW?s Web site. 12/18/12.

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Deschutes County

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Winter is an excellent time to view raptors around Deschutes County. Red-tailed hawks are one of the most numerous birds of prey and commonly seen on fence and power poles scanning meadows, sagebrush shrub steppe, and other open areas.

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Travel conditions and accessibility to high mountain lakes is tentative and drivers should check conditions before heading out, but visitors to lakes such as Wickiup and Crane Prairie are likely to see common loons, Canada geese, American widgeon, green-winged teal, bufflehead, ring-necked ducks, northern shovelers, lesser scaup, common and Barrow?s goldeneye, multiple gull species, and various grebes including horned, eared, western, and Clark?s. In addition to the water birds, you can expect to see bald eagles, hermit thrushes, Williamson?s, hairy and black-backed woodpeckers, gray jay, northern flicker, mountain chickadee, red-breasted nuthatch, red crossbill, and many other species.

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Other birding destinations to consider include Tumalo Reservoir (west of Highway 20 between Sister and Bend), Pelton Dam wildlife overlook and Lake Simstustus (Deschutes River northwest of Madras), and Hatfield Lakes (just north of the Bend airport).

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Black-tailed jackrabbits can be seen in many areas where sagebrush abounds, and squirrels can still be observed conducting their winter activities on national forest and BLM lands, but expect to see less activity at higher elevations. Reptiles are now sequestered in underground winter quarters that protect them from freezing conditions. And although amphibians can be active at colder temperatures, they will be much harder to find until next spring. We?ll know spring is back when the chirrups of tree frogs can heard once again. 12/10/12

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Wasco and Sherman counties

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The Lower Deschutes River can provide ample wildlife viewing opportunities. California Bighorn Sheep are frequently observed in the canyon and can provide fantastic viewing this time of year. The best spot to view sheep is from the BLM access road just downstream and across the river from Sherar?s Falls (along Hwy 216). Other wildlife that may be seen along the river include the red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, Osprey, Golden and Bald eagles. Waterfowl are commonly observed on the river, and visitors can usually see many different songbirds and upland game birds that also call the canyon home. 12/21/12.

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Source: http://gorgenews.com/news/?p=19412

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