2023 family fishing events

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.