Top 6 reasons to apply for a tag at the last minute‌

We've tried sharing reasons you should apply for a big game tag early. This year, we're taking a different approach with reasons to wait until the last minute.‌

• The thrill of being locked out of your account at 11:50 pm on May 15 because you forgot your password.
• The frantic group texting on the last day to make sure everyone applies on time and for the right hunt.
• That annual phone call with your great uncle who is in your party but doesn't text.
• The camaraderie of standing in a long line with other hunters at a license sale agent.
• Waking up in your own bed in your warm house in November because you didn't apply on time and aren't sleeping in a wall tent at elk camp.
• The chance to hunt in a new location because you accidentally applied for the wrong hunt and didn't give yourself time to correct it.

If you don't find these reasons convincing and want to apply now, here's how.‌

Don't forget Premium and Raffle hunts‌

Since you're applying early, you'll have time to also apply for Premium and Raffle hunts. Both offer extended seasons and are in addition to your controlled hunt or general season tags.‌

Take the family fishing‌

A day on the water can be great way to make some memories with your family, and catch some dinner to boot! We've gathered all our how-to and where-to information in one convenient location to help you get started.‌

Several popular fisheries opened April 22‌

Including Odell Lake, Crane Prairie Reservoir, Wickiup Reservoir, Laurance Lake and the Wood River. Check out the zone reports to see how early season fishing has been. Spoiler alert: It's been a mixed bag.‌

Best bets for weekend fishing‌

Anglers can be spoiled with choice this time of year with trout, kokanee, salmon, steelhead, and bass and other warmwater species all "angling" for attention.‌

• Trout stocking continues with thousands for fish headed for waterbodies near you.
• Fishing for bass, crappie and other warmwater species is picking up in locations throughout the state.
• With the arrival of the first summer steelhead and spring Chinook of the season the fishing is beginning to heat up on the North and South Fork Santiam.
• Anglers have been catching some striped bass in the Coquille and mainstem Umpqua.
• With kokanee biting at Lake Billy Chinook, Odell and Wickiup, now might be a good time to consider these tips for catching more kokanee.
• Big Rock Reservoir is the perfect place to take kids and catch a lot of 9 to 11-inch trout.
• Willow Valley Reservoir is a good bet for largemouth bass.
• Anglers are catching spring Chinook in the lower Willamette and throughout the Rogue River.

These examples are for demonstration purposes only. Check the zone reports for details and more options.‌