ODFW Articles
Need to figure out controlled hunts, find a place to clam, learn how to fish or get directions to a wildlife area? We've got information on all that and more, straight from ODFW biologists and other accomplished hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers.
Header image by Dave Budeau
Where to fish
Oregon's Klamath and Lake counties offer outstanding warmwater fishing in the region's lakes and reservoirs, and even in the lower...
Where to fish
Most warmwater anglers traveling to the northeast area are probably heading to Brownlee Reservoir, a huge 15,000 acre waterbody located...
Where to fish
Trout are Oregon's most popular game fish but there are several species and not all are open to fishing. Learn...
How to fish
Not all of Oregon’s high elevation lakes support fish populations. To help create fisheries in some of these off-road areas...
How to fish
And for more than just bait
To most anglers, herring and anchovies are best known as bait. But they also can be fun to catch and...
Where to fish
A dozen great rivers pour out of the Coast Range Mountains into tidal bays that welcome runs of salmon and...
How to fish
Attend an ODFW family fishing event or DIY
We make it easy to take your family fishing – with free fishing events, recommended family-friendly fishing locations, and how-tos on...
How to fish
There are several ways to begin your fishing journey – you can join a friend or family member on their...
Help teach a new generation of safe, ethical hunters
For kids younger than 18, hunter education is required. For the volunteers who teach hunter education, the mandate it more...
Buying a license or permit
A Waterway Access Permit is required for non-motorized boats 10 feet and longer. The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Permit is...
Let us share your photos with other anglers, hunters and wildlife appreciators. When you submit your photos to ODFW, they...
How to fish
Drought stresses fish and wildlife out
Where to fish
Known for its high desert climate, sage-covered canyons, glacial peaks and mountain lakes, this zone is defined by the reach...
Always have your camera with you, explore your backyard and 10 more pro tips.
How to hunt big game
Popularly hunted species include gray squirrels, cottontail rabbits, ground squirrels and coyotes.
Small game species provide a variety of hunting experiences throughout the state and are an excellent way to introduce new...
How to hunt game birds
The small Wilson’s snipe presents a big challenge for bird hunters
Snipe fly fast and erratically. They aren’t hard to kill, just hard to hit. Here are a few tips to...
Buying a license or permit
Step-by-step directions for applying for a controlled hunt online and how to change your hunt choices. The deadline to apply...
How to fish
Successful steelhead fishing is more about developing a good strategy for finding fish than about fussing over gear, techniques and...
How to fish
Summer is a great time to be on the Pacific chasing ocean salmon. Whether you captain your own ship
or...
Opportunity for kids
Mentored Youth Hunter Program allows youth 9 through 15 years of age to hunt without first passing an approved hunter education...
How to fish
Where-to and how-to fish in Oregon
Fishing isn’t hard, but it can be confusing to know how to begin. Here’s the information you’ll need to get...
How to hunt big game
An emergency hunt is an unanticipated hunt held on short notice to address acute agricultural damage. Many damage situations are...
How to hunt big game
Spring bear is the first big game hunting season of the year – just one reason it’s popular with a...
How to hunt game birds
Oregon offers some of the best upland game bird hunting in the West. The state’s diverse habitats support nine species...