Fall bear season reminders

With the opening of the fall bear season last Saturday, just a couple of reminders of some changes for 2020:

• There's a new check-in procedure for harvested bears during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The deadline to purchase a fall bear tag is Oct. 2.
• There are now consistent statewide dates for bear seasons.
• The additional fall bear tag for SW Oregon has expanded statewide.

Clamming, and most crabbing, remains closed to nonresidents

Clamming and mussel harvest along the entire Oregon coast remains closed to nonresidents. Crabbing is open to nonresidents only from Cape Falcon (between Seaside and Tillamook) south to the OR/CA border.

Halibut fishing opens in Columbia River subarea

The all-depth halibut fisheries opens on Thursday, Aug. 6 and the nearshore season opens on Monday, Aug. 10.

Best bets for summer fishing

While temperatures have cooled in some parts of the state, we're still in the "dog days…" when both fish and anglers will be seeking cooler temperatures. Here are some strategies for fishing success this weekend.

• Head for the hills. Cooler air and water temperatures at higher elevation lakes and reservoirs are easier on both fish and anglers. You can drive to many popular locations. But if you're hankering for an adventure, consider hiking into one of backcountry lakes that are stocked every two years.
• Go to the beach. It's cooler at the beach and there are several ways to spend a day fishing. Surfperch fishing from the beaches and jetties; salmon, tuna and bottomfish charters; crabbing and clamming (check the regulations above to make sure you're legal).
• Spend a day in the shade. Water in the upper reaches and smaller tributaries of many rivers are shaded by trees – keeping the water a bit cooler. Also target fish in deeper pools.

This week on the ODFW's Beaver State podcast

Part II of our conversation about beavers with OSU wildlife researcher Vanessa Petro. In this episode, Vanessa Petro continues to break through some of the many misconceptions about these fascinating creatures. Find all episodes here.

Sign up for a hunter education class

Upcoming hunter education field days and traditional classes have resumed and are now being posted. Check out the list of upcoming classes.