Oregon DFW Weekly Outdoor Report

February 7, 2012

Winter steelhead caught on the Siletz -Photo by Derek Wilson-

Winter steelhead fishing is hot
Water levels are dropping into shape and anglers are reporting some great fishing. Not sure where to go? Check out the Winter Steelhead Guide.
Pacific Northwest Sportsman Show, Feb. 8-12 Portland Expo Center
Stop by ODFW’s exhibit next to the kids’ fishing pond to get a copy of the regulations, chat with one of our fish or wildlife biologists, get a license or pick up one of our how-tos. ODFW is also at the Roseburg show, Feb. 17-19, Douglas County Fairgrounds.
Good trout fishing continues
Yes, it’s winter steelhead season, but that doesn’t mean you have to abandon the trout gear. Fly fishing on the Metolius, lake fishing on Emigrant Reservoir, ice fishing on Yellowjacket Lake. Getting’ the idea? Check out the zone updates for trout opportunities in your area.
Spring bear applications due Feb. 10, 2012
Apply online. As of Feb. 6, 3,404 of SW Oregon’s 4,000 first-come first serve spring bear tags have been sold. Last year they sold out before the Feb. 20 draw.
Watch and listen for owls
Great horned owls and other smaller owls are calling in the evenings and early mornings in areas of wooded habitat in southwest Oregon. Short-eared owls and a snowy owl have been seen in Morrow County. Great horned owls can be seen at Ladd Marsh and Summer Lake Wildlife Areas. Learn more about Oregon’s owls.
Apply early for a 2012 controlled hunt
You could win a 2013 Sports Pac. More information.
Youth spring turkey season is April 7-9, 2012
The season dates are wrong in the 2011-12 Oregon Game Bird Regulations. Hunters 17 and under can hunt Saturday, Sunday and Monday this year.