The bright winter sun in Oregon offers a unique chance for enthusiasts to engage in fishing activities. If life hands you lemons, why not turn that into an opportunity? In this case, the abundant winter sunlight beckons anglers to take advantage of the season—it's Oregon after all!
While steelhead fishermen may be feeling frustrated by the low water levels and clear conditions, the upcoming weeks bring promising news for a larger group of outdoor fishing enthusiasts. Starting Monday, stocking trucks loaded with catchable trout will begin their rounds throughout the Willamette Valley and beyond, as outlined in the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's trout stocking schedule. This schedule is a vital resource for anyone looking to plan their fishing trips, providing specific dates and locations for when and where fish will be released.
Much of the initial fishing action will concentrate on the central valley, but there’s also good news about Henry Hagg Lake near Forest Grove. This lake is now open year-round and should feature some holdover trout, in addition to wintering bass and panfish. On February 9, expect a fresh stocking of one-pound trout, followed shortly by the introduction of legal-sized fish ranging from eight to twelve inches. It's important to note that the stocking schedule indicates only the week fish will be added, not the exact day, so anglers will need to plan accordingly.
For those interested in visualizing their fishing options, the state provides a handy map detailing all the stocking locations, which can be accessed online.
Now, let’s dive into some more specific updates:
Ice Fishing Opportunities:
With milder temperatures across eastern Oregon, ice fishing remains a viable option, though anglers should check conditions before heading out. For instance, Diamond Lake is currently iced over, but resort managers advise caution. They’ve even shared a video offering some basic safety guidelines regarding ice thickness:
- Less than four inches: Stay off the ice
- Four to five inches: Safe for walking, ice fishing, or skating (for one person)
- Five to seven inches: Suitable for snowmobiles or ATVs
- Eight to twelve inches: Safe for small cars or light trucks
Currently, Diamond Lake has about four inches of ice, and although nighttime temperatures are dropping below freezing, warmer days provide some thawing.
Chickahominy Reservoir near Burns, another favorite spot, has also seen some partial icing but remains a great choice for trout fishing.
Upcoming Events:
Get ready for the highly anticipated Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show! The annual advertising campaign has kicked off, and the event will take place in Portland from February 11 to 15 at the Expo Center. Before that, the Washington show in Puyallup will run from Wednesday through Sunday, followed by the Central Oregon Show in Redmond from March 5 to 8. The O’Loughlin family has sold the shows to Marketplace Events, which organizes 100 trade shows across the U.S. and Canada, ensuring that these events will continue under new management.
Make sure to check online for more details, as we’ll have further updates next week.
Hunter Education Update:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will be present at the show, featuring fun raffles that allow participants to engage in research activities related to Rocky Mountain goats and ocean groundfish. Additionally, they will conduct mandatory field days for youngsters interested in obtaining their hunter education certificates during both the Portland and Central Oregon Shows. However, space is limited, so it’s wise to register early if you have a child or grandchild eager to learn how to hunt. Enrolling them now could save you the stress of searching for a course closer to hunting season.
Health Alerts:
In a concerning development, Washington has reported what could be the first case of chronic wasting disease in a mule deer from Ferry County, located northwest of Spokane and bordering Canada. Although diagnosed in a private laboratory, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has yet to confirm these findings. If verified, this case would place Oregon in a relatively isolated position, being bordered only by Nevada, which remains free of the disease, while other neighboring states report cases.
Hatchery News:
Rumors about potential closures of the Alsea hatchery have been debunked. Despite widespread speculation, the hatchery will remain operational. Shaun Clements, the deputy director of the Fish and Wildlife Department, clarified that the hatchery’s mention in budget discussions was merely part of standard procedures for legislative reviews. Following the approval of a fee increase by the legislature, there was no need to follow through on any proposed cutbacks. The hatchery does not rely on general funds or lottery revenues, so there’s no cause for concern here.
So cast your lines and enjoy the opportunities this winter has to offer—happy fishing!
