Follow the #25DaysOfFishmas

ODFW uses this hashtag each December to highlight unique species of Oregon fish. This year’s we’re focusing on minnows of Oregon, including the first fish to ever be delisted from the Endangered Species List, the Oregon chub. Starting Dec. 1, look for it on www.Twitter.com/myodfw and www.instagram.com/myodfw.

Ideas for winter wildlife watching

Most resident birds and mammals don’t hibernate for the winter, and neither should you. Winter can be an excellent time to watch for some of Oregon’s native species. Here are a few ideas:

• Over 25,000 gray whales pass by Oregon shores during their winter migration. You can see many from shore. Check out the prime times and viewing locations.
• Migrating waterfowl and other birds are gathering in large flocks in coastal estuaries and lakes up and down the Oregon coast.
• Heavy snow in the hills is pushing elk herds to lower elevations where they’re easier to see. Several wildlife areas, including Jewell Meadows and Dean Creek, offer excellent viewing opportunities.
• The 123rd Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count is coming up Dec. 14 – Jan. 5. What a great reason to bird watch in the winter. Find out how to participate.

Report your hunt

If you purchased a tag for a 2022 hunt, you must report by Jan. 31 – even if you didn’t hunt or were unsuccessful. Information from hunters who did not hunt or did not harvest an animal is as important as from those who did take an animal. Find ways to report.

Best bets for fishing

Hardy anglers know there’s no such thing as bad weather just bad gear. So gear up for some winter fishing.

• Early season winter steelhead are showing up in coastal rivers from the Necanicum to the Chetco. Look for each winter storm to bring in more.
• Anglers are still catching coho in Siltcoos, Tahkenitch and Tenmile Lakes, and in the Sandy and middle/upper Rogue rivers. 
• Steelhead are being caught on the Grande Ronde River and throughout Hells Canyon especially downstream of the Salmon River.
• Several central/eastern Oregon rivers are fine destinations for winter trout fishing, including the Crooked, Fall, Metolius, Blitzen and Deschutes – both the lower river and between Lake Billy Chinook and Benham Falls.
• Ice fishing has been good at Kinney Pond, and several other locations are beginning to ice over. Always be cautious when stepping out on new ice. Here are some tips.