Fishing tips for beating the heat

• Get up early. Fish early in the morning when water temperatures are cooler and fish are more active. You might also beat the swimmers, kayakers, paddle boarders, sailors, water skiers and others that might get in your way.
• Go higher. Lakes at higher elevations should be cooler than those on the valley floors. This is a great time of year to fish some of the hike-in lakes.
• Fish the headwaters. Water temperatures usually cool the higher you go in a river system. Elevations are higher, and streams are small – and more easily shaded by overhanging vegetation.
• Fish deeper. In lakes and ponds, fish will head to deeper, cooler waters. In rivers and streams, look for deeper pools to fish.
• Go to the beach. It’s cooler there and there are great opportunities for bay clamming and surfperch fishing.
• Check before you go. There already are several active forest fires in the state. Check for fires and related road closures on Oregon’s interagency status map.

ODFW braces for drought

What anglers can expect

March, April and May of 2021 were among the driest spring months since the 1890s, and ODFW is bracing for a serious drought as summer arrives. Currently, 72 percent of the state is in severe or extreme drought status.

As the summer progresses, anglers should continue to expect changes to fish stocking, and possible emergency regulations. See more details here. The weekly Recreation Report will be your best source of information on conditions and any emergency regulations.

Big game hunters

If you didn’t draw a tag, you can still have a full hunting season this fall. Find out how in 7 things to consider if you didn’t draw a tag.

Watch wildlife from a distance

Leave them where you find them

Young wild animals are rarely orphaned – mom’s probably just off foraging for food. So if you see a deer fawn, elk calf or other young animal alone, leave it where it is. Chances are an adult animal is nearby. Read more reasons why trying to “save” an animal may do more harm than good.