Best bets for fishing

• Mid-February is when winter steelhead fishing really starts picking up on the Clackamas and Sandy rivers. So if you haven’t been out yet, this would be a good weekend to start.
• Fly-fishers will want to catch the mid-afternoon hatches on the Fall, Crooked and Metolius rivers.
• This time of year, nymph fishing on the lower Deschutes River can be productive.
• Early season trout stocking is underway in several waterbodies in the NW, SW and Willamette zones.

2018 trout stocking schedule
It’s easy to find a trout stocking location near you using our new interactive stocking schedule. Filter by zone or date, or search for a specific waterbody. Schedules are now available for NW, SW and Willamette zones. Eastside schedules coming soon!

Take a hunter education class or field day
Get a jump on the upcoming hunting season and take your hunter education course now. There are several ways to take a class, all require a field day for hunters under 18. Register for classes and field days online. Hunter education is required for all Oregon hunters 18 and under, and is required for adult hunters in many popular, nearby states.

Take the family fishing
Each year, ODFW hosts dozens of family fishing events throughout the state to introduce kids and families to the fun of fishing. These events are free, and we’ll even provide the gear and instruction you’ll need for the day. Check out the Workshops and Events page for an event near you,

Start planning your 2018 hunt
Though the controlled hunt deadline is still months away, it’s not too early to start planning your 2018 deer and elk hunts. You’ll find the harvest, population and point summary statistics you need to develop your tag application strategy on the Big Game Hunting page.

HUNT TO HOME: What to do after the hunt
Two-part class March 3 and 17.

Jackson County’s OSU Extension Master Food Preservers and the Oregon Hunters Association are offering a two-day, hands-on class about safely handling your game after the hunt at the Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center in Central Point.

On March 3 you’ll learn to eviscerate, skin and cool an animal, and on March 17 how to home butcher, wrap for the freezer, pressure can and make your own jerky. Cost is $20 for one class or $35 for both. More information and contacts.