Watch wildlife from a distance – June 10, 2021

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.

Best bets for weekend fishing

Weekend fishing opportunities include trout, salmon, steelhead, bass and warmwater species, and a variety of ocean fish. Check out the zone reports for details, including occasional updates.

https://myodfw.com/recreation-report/fishing-report/snake-zone

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.

New map shows wildfire impacts on recreation

Natural resource agencies in Oregon have teamed up to create an interagency status map that shows open, closed and reduced service areas on a single map, regardless of reason for closure. The map now also includes an updated boat ramp status map.

Register for shotgun skills, pheasant hunting workshops

ODFW is offering several of its popular shotgun skills and pheasant hunting workshops beginning in June. A shotgun skills class is a prerequisite to a pheasant hunting workshop. These classes fill quickly, so sign up soon. See more details and register.

Hells Canyon Adventures offers jet boat rides, rafting, and fishing adventures at the south entrance of Hells Canyon, on the Snake River. It is an amazing time to experience canyon thrills, wildlife and awe-inspiring views of the rugged canyon walls and towering mountains above. This week’s schedule is below. All tours operate on Pacific Time.

MONDAY, June 6, 2016• Morning Wild Sheep Adventure with Lunch – 10:00-Noon *
• Afternoon Wild Sheep Adventure – 2:00-4:00 PM *

TUESDAY, June 7, 2016
• Morning Wild Sheep Adventure with Lunch – 10:00-Noon
• Afternoon Wild Sheep Adventure – 2:00-4:00 PM *

WEDNESDAY, June 8, 2016
• Morning Wild Sheep Adventure with Lunch – 10:00-Noon *
• Afternoon Wild Sheep Adventure – 2:00-4:00 PM *

THURSDAY, June 9, 2016
• Granite Creek Adventure with Lunch – 10:00-Noon
• Kirkwood Adventure – 10:00-3:30/4:00 PM

FRIDAY, June 10, 2016
ALL TRIPS FULL

SATURDAY, June 11, 2016
• One Day White Water Rafting – 9:00-4:00 PM
• Kirkwood Adventure – 10:00-3:30/4:00 PM

SUNDAY, June 12, 2016
• Kirkwood Adventure – 10:00-3:30/4:00 PM
• Morning Granite Creek Adventure – 10:00-Noon
• Afternoon Granite Creek Adventure – 2:00-4:00 PM

Call 800-422-3568 or 541-785-3352 for reservations.

* Minimum passenger requirements not yet met *

Fishing, hunting and viewing wildlife are popular activities throughout Eastern Oregon and the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway provides access to some of the best in the Northwest, any time of year. Opportunities change with the seasons so be sure to check out license requirements and regulations before setting out for some fun and exercise.

The Oregon department of Fish and Wildlife announces the first Winter Steelhead have arrived in many rivers and streams, and anglers can expect the fishing to really pick up once we get some warmer weather and a little rain. If you’re not sure where to go, check out the 2014 Winter Steelhead Guide at www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/Steelhead_guide.

Beginning January 1, 2014, anglers fishing for salmon, steelhead, or sturgeon in the Columbia River or its tributaries (all rivers and streams within Byway country) will be required to have a Columbia River Basin endorsement. See a map of the basin and get more information at by clicking here.