ODFW Recreation Report

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The calendar for family fishing events is filling up. These events are aimed at the whole family and can be a great way to learn how to fish together. Find an event near you.

Possible record bull trout caught in Lake Billy Chinook?

On April 8, 2023, Ryan Mejaski caught a potential record bull trout in the Deschutes arm of Lake Billy Chinook. The fish was 33.5 inches long with a 26-inch girth and maxed out the fishing scale at 25 pounds. Mejaski wondered if he might have caught a state record, or even world record, fish – right after he released it. Learn more of the story.

Archery and bowhunting workshop May 6-7

This two-day workshop in La Pine. Day one includes fast-paced and hands-on training in archery fundamentals, equipment and theory. Day two is a “next step” introduction to bow hunting. To learn more and to register.

2023 spring turkey hunting forecast

Spring turkey season continues through May 31. So, if you didn’t bag a bird opening weekend, you’ve still got time. Check out the turkey hunting forecast for forwild turkey hunting prospects across the state, as well as tips and tactics for bagging a bird.

 Best bets for weekend fishing

  • April is a great month for Chinook fishing on the lower Rogue.
  • Anglers are catching a few striped bass in the upper sections of tidewater on the Coquille River.
  • Largemouth bass fishing has started to pick up in Tenmile Lakes. With fish transitioning to the shallows, this is a good time of year to catch the biggest bass in the lake.
  • Fishing conditions on the mainstem and North Umpqua are looking good this week, and a few Chinook are being caught.
  • Dozens of waterbodies in the Willamette Zone are being stocked with trout this week, and several more were stocked last week. There’s a lot of fish out there – go catch some.
  • Trout fishing has been good on the Deschutes around Maupin, and trout fishing re-opens on the entire lower Deschutes on Saturday, April 22.
  • Fall River received the first trout stocking of the year and anglers report good fishing.
  • The wood River opens April 22, and fishing should be excellent.

Need more options? Check out the zone reports.

Apply for a premium big game hunt. A chance to draw an additional deer, elk or pronghorn tag with a months-long season. Need more reasons to apply? Here are a few

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Oregon Parks Forever Host Virtual 5K

Inspired by American painter and PBS television personality Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Oregon Parks Forever is sponsoring a virtual 5K race to help plant trees in Oregon’s parks & forests.  Registration is now open for the 2025 Run

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January Is National Radon Action Month

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is urging home radon testing during January, when winter heating season is at its peak and tightly closed windows and doors increase people’s exposure to the odorless, tasteless, invisible gas. January is National