For the mainstem Columbia River salmon and steelhead fishery upstream of the Rocky Point/Tongue Point line to McNary Dam effective during February 15 through June 15, 2008 “It is unlawful when fishi

SALEM, Ore. - The Commercial Fisheries Permit Board will hold a special meeting by telephone conference call May 12, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.

The board will review the proposed order to gather information and issue a final order in the contested case hearing of Bruce Rufner’s Troll Salmon Permit #61000.

May 10 is International Migratory Bird Day and nature lovers are making plans to flock to local festivals over the weekend. Be sure to consider a visit to one of these events Ladd Marsh Birdathon, Northeast Zone; Fern Ridge Wings and Wine Festival, Willamette Zone; Klamath Falls Migratory Bird Day 2008, Southeast Zone; 2008 Rogue Valley Bird Day Celebration, Southwest Zone; Tillamook Forest Center Bird Festival, Northwest Zone.

Several popular lakes and reservoirs remain iced-in or inaccessible, but in the meantime fishing is picking up elsewhere. Some best bets:

Fishing for largemouth bass has been excellent on the Tenmile Lakes and winter steelhead is picking up on the Rogue (Southwest).

The Pacific halibut season opens on May 1. The nearshore season (inside 40 fathoms) for the central coast (from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain) is open seven days a week. The first all-depth opener is May 8-10.

Bring your kids to these fishing events; we’ll provide the fish, the gear and instruction for beginners. Events run from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; see zone reports for more information.

April 26, Trojan Pond west of Columbia City on Highway 30

Trout season opens for most of the state this Saturday. (Some waters remain closed until late May to protect outgoing steelhead and salmon smolts. Check local regulations.) Opening weekend traditionally marks the start of the summer fishing season for many anglers. While most lakes and some rivers have been stocked for the weekend, the stocking of some lakes has been delayed this year because of the lingering snowpack. Access may also be an issue at higher elevations. Check the latest Recreation Report to make sure your favorite waters have been stocked and are accessible before planning your trip.

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously to prohibit cervid ranchers from knowingly selling “shooter bulls” to facilities in states that allow the hunting of privately-held wildlife, as part of its formal rule-making on the state’s cervid ranching rules (OAR 635-049-0000).

The remaining controlled eastside spring bear seasons and statewide general turkey seasons opened April 15. But no need to be in a hurry to get out—take advantage of the long hunting seasons (through May 31) because access to traditional hunting areas may be difficult due to snow, particularly in the Wallowa District which has received record snowfall. Bears remained denned up later than usual this year, and the peak of turkey mating behavior—when toms are most actively searching for a mate or a fight, and are easiest to call in—could also be delayed. See the spring bear and spring turkey hunting forecasts for tips and local information about hunting conditions.

ODFW will host free youth fishing eventas part of the Youth Angling Enhancement Program on Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at McNary Channel Ponds near Hermiston. With easy access and a natural setting, the ponds

Fish counting through Willamette Falls fishway occurs at the main viewing window. Video cameras and time lapsed video recorders are used to record fish passage 24 hrs/day, 365 days/year. Our schedule for reviewing the tapes is Mon.

NEWPORT, Ore. -- The Oregon Ocean Policy Advisory Council recently received a report on feedback received during a public outreach effort on the Governor’s proposal to create a series of marine reserves off the Oregon Coast.

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Fishing, games, and activities are set for the annual Family Fun Day held Saturday, April 26 at Upper Empire Lake. This free event runs from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Child Advocacy Center of Coos Bay will set up a mini-carnival, and ODFW will stock Upper Empire Lake with nearly 3,000 legal-sized rainbow trout just prior to the event. Northwest Natural Gas is providing a free lunch for all.

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Coastal anglers can learn more about this year’s fall chinook fishery and provide input at two Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife meetings scheduled later this month in Gold Beach and North Bend.

Alsea, Ore – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Oregon State University announced today that they are seeking candidates for the Oregon Hatchery Research Center Advisory Committee. One member is needed to represent Tribal Fisheries, one member is needed to represent Resource Producers (wood products, ag) and two members are needed to represent Science-at-large. The length of each term is three years, and members may apply for reappointment. Candidates must submit a letter of interest by April 30, 2008. The letter should specify why the applicant is interested and provide three references. ODFW and OSU representatives will finalize their selections prior to May 15, 2008. The next Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for June 20, 2008.

SALEM, Ore. - Oregon's Fish Screening Task Force will meet April 11 at ODFW’s Salem headquarters, 3406 Cherry Ave NE, to discuss statewide projects. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and the agenda includes an overview of the statewide program, program status, and project updates. The meeting is open to the public as is a tour of the Lacomb Irrigation District fish screen from 2:15-5:15 p.m. To join the tour, meet at ODFW’s Salem headquarters at 2:15 p.m. Members of the public will need to provide their own transportation.

NEWPORT, Ore. -- The Oregon Ocean Policy Advisory Council recently received a report on feedback received during a public outreach effort on the Governor’s proposal to create a series of marine reserves off the Oregon Coast.

Spring chinook fishing opened April 1 in some Northwest zone rivers but expect fishing to be slow at first. The first spring chinook of the season passed Willamette Falls last week (March 27) and springers should be moving into the Willamette system in larger numbers with warmer weather. The best Columbia River spring chinook fishing last week was in the Portland to Longview area, where boat anglers averaged 0.54 spring chinook per boat. Bank angling for spring chinook has been slow throughout the lower Columbia.

Fish counting through Willamette Falls fishway occurs at the main viewing window. Video cameras and time lapsed video recorders are used to record fish passage 24 hrs/day, 365 days/year. Our schedule for reviewing the tapes is Mon.