Prineville Area Recent warmer temperatures have helped loosen winter’s grip on portions of the area. Lower elevation all-weather roads are mostly snow free, and the Post/Paulina Highway viewing route is again providing opportunities to see wintering big game, local waterfowl, and winter transient eagles, hawks, falcons and other birds of prey. The viewing route is an approximately 180 mile all day round trip southeast of Prineville through the small rural communities of Post and Paulina, ... [full story]

Open: Cougar Ochoco Wildlife District Snow at lower elevations is retreating and being replaced by wet soils and mud. Unless plowed, most roads at higher elevations on the Ochoco National Forest remain impassable due to snow. Recreational users should expect difficult driving conditions, and should check with local authorities regarding road conditions. Motorized access restrictions associated with the South Boundary Green Dot Travel Management Area (TMA) in the Ochoco unit remain in effect year-round. Maps ... [full story]

CROOKED RIVER MAINSTEM: rainbow troutNo new reports. CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband troutThe Crooked is currently flowing at 144 cfs. Warmer weather is resulting in some nice hatches. Reports from anglers indicate fair success for redband. ODFW and OSU have initiated a radio telemetry study on redband trout and whitefish, and anglers are reminded that radio-tagged fish cannot be legally harvested. To determine if a fish is radio-tagged, anglers should check for an eight-inch ... [full story]

Prineville Area Recent warmer temperatures have helped loosen winter’s grip on portions of the area. Lower elevation all-weather roads are mostly snow free, and the Post/Paulina Highway viewing route is again providing opportunities to see wintering big game, local waterfowl, and winter transient eagles, hawks, falcons and other birds of prey. The viewing route is an approximately 180 mile all day round trip southeast of Prineville through the small rural communities of Post and Paulina, ... [full story]

OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT Recent warmer and spring like weather has melted some of the snow accumulations at lower elevations. Unless plowed, most roads at higher elevations on the Ochoco National Forest remain impassable. Recreational users should expect difficult driving conditions, and should check with local authorities regarding road conditions. Motorized access restrictions associated with the South Boundary Green Dot Travel Management Area (TMA) in the Ochoco unit remain in effect year-round. Maps are available at ... [full story]

CROOKED RIVER MAINSTEM: rainbow trout No new reports. CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout Mixed reports from anglers indicating some success for redband. ODFW and OSU have initiated a radio telemetry study on redband trout and whitefish, and anglers are reminded that radio-tagged fish cannot be legally harvested. To determine if a fish is radio-tagged, anglers should check for an eight-inch wire antenna protruding from the rear of both redband and mountain whitefish. DESCHUTES ... [full story]

Ochoco Wildlife District General: Snow is present at higher elevations, and conditions can be icy and treacherous.   Hunters need to be equipped to handle unpredictable winter conditions.Hunters are reminded the motorized access restrictions associated with the South Boundary Green Dot Travel Management Area (TMA) in the Ochoco unit remain in effect year around. Maps are available at portal signs as you enter the TMA, or from local ODFW and forest service offices.  Additionally areas on the ... [full story]

Freezing weather has arrived in parts of Central Oregon and most small ponds and water holes are frozen and snow blankets the ground at higher elevation. Deer are in the rut, winter raptors are at their usual feeding areas and waterbirds are confined to open water areas. Mule deer are on their winter range and a good place to observe them is the Fort Rock Valley south to Silver Lake and east to Christmas Valley. ... [full story]

ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: rainbow troutNo recent reports. CLEAR LAKE: rainbow troutNo recent reports.  CRESCENT LAKE: brown trout, kokaneeBrown trout fishing has reportedly been very good. This is typically a good time of year to target both brown trout and lake trout on Crescent. Kokanee is slow. CROOKED RIVER MAINSTEM: rainbow troutReports of some good to fair angling for rainbow trout.CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband troutNo recent reports.  ODFW and OSU have initiated a radio ... [full story]

Ochoco Wildlife District Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Management Area:  Remember that on November 15 the gates on the North Side Access Road closed between Jasper Point and Old Field to protect wintering mule deer and elk, and to prevent soil damage.  The closure only restricts motorized access.  Non-motorized access from hunters, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts is welcome.  The closure is seasonal, has been occurring for many years with the road reopening for motorized travel in ... [full story]

As the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, White River Wildlife area begins to see migrating deer and elk. Visitors wishing to view wintering deer are best served in the Smock Prairie area, where deer will congregate in open meadows to feed, while those wishing to view elk are more likely to be successful in the Friend area. Wintering raptors are also increasing in numbers throughout the region. Visitors along the Columbia River ... [full story]

ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: rainbow troutNo recent reports. CLEAR LAKE: rainbow troutNo recent reports.  CRESCENT LAKE: brown trout, kokaneeBrown trout fishing has reportedly been very good. This is typically a good time of year to target both brown trout and lake trout on Crescent. Kokanee is slow. CROOKED RIVER MAINSTEM: rainbow troutReports of some good to fair angling for rainbow trout.CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband troutNo recent reports.  ODFW and OSU have initiated a radio ... [full story]

Open: Pheasant, chukar, duck, forest grouse, California quail, mt quail (open in Wheeler, Hood Rvr and Wasco counties) cougar, bear, crow  Ochoco Wildlife District Late November Antlerless elk hunts open Nov. 17 in the Ochoco unit, and portions of the Maury unit. Hunters should come prepared for cold winter weather conditions. The recent bull seasons have scattered herds, and hunters may have to spend considerable time scouting to find elk. Hunters are reminded the South ... [full story]