ODFW Recreation Report: Spring Bear Season, Steelhead Rules, and Trout Stocking Updates Across Oregon

Oregon — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife released its weekly Recreation Report on February 26, 2026, outlining updates for fishing, hunting, crabbing, clamming, and wildlife viewing across the state.

Spring Bear Season and Big Game Reminders

Draw results for the 2026 spring bear season are now available. Hunters are encouraged to review hunt areas and begin scouting ahead of the April 1 opener.

ODFW also reminded hunters to report late-season 2025 big game tags by April 15.

For waterfowl hunters, the final opportunity to hunt Canada geese, white-fronted geese, and white geese in the South Coast Zone runs from Feb. 21 through March 10.

Steelhead Validation Requirement

Winter steelhead anglers fishing in the Rogue Basin or on the South Coast between Dec. 1 and April 30 must carry a Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation. A wild steelhead harvest tag is also required to retain wild winter steelhead in those areas.

Best Bets for Fishing by Region

Northwest Oregon

Hatchery steelhead returns are improving on the Alsea River.

The North Fork Nehalem, Wilson, and Nestucca rivers have seen fresh fish following recent rains.

Several basins, including the Trask and Kilchis rivers, offer catch-and-release opportunities for wild steelhead.

Columbia River

An additional day of sturgeon retention has been added for The Dalles Pool on Tuesday, March 3.

Initial spring Chinook season days have been set.

Southwest Oregon

Winter steelhead activity may increase on the Applegate, Chetco, Rogue, and Umpqua South rivers following rainfall.

Willamette Valley

Multiple waterbodies have been stocked with trout through February, with additional stockings planned for March.

Central Oregon

Broodstock rainbow trout were stocked in Haystack Reservoir, Ochoco Reservoir, Pine Nursery Pond, North Twin Lake, and South Twin Lakes.

Kokanee and bull trout fishing remains strong at Lake Billy Chinook. The Metolius Arm reopens to angling March 1.

Good nymphing conditions have been reported on the Deschutes.

Northeast Oregon

McKay Reservoir opens March 1.

Steelhead are present in the Grande Ronde, Umatilla, Wallowa, and Imnaha rivers.

Shore anglers are catching trout near the Willow Creek Reservoir boat launch.

Southeast Oregon

Fly fishing near Page Springs has been productive.

Holdover trout fishing is strong at Moon Reservoir and on portions of the Malheur River.

Black crappie and catfishing are producing well at Owyhee Reservoir, particularly near Leslie Gulch.

Marine

Anglers are reporting success with rockfish and lingcod near Newport.

Education and Events

ODFW will host a booth at the Central Oregon Sportsmen’s Show March 5–8 in Redmond. Attendees can enter to win a marine reserves research trip or a Rocky Mountain goat survey experience.

Upcoming opportunities include:

Steelhead 101 angler education events

Hunter safety courses and field days

Spring turkey hunting workshops

Wildlife Viewing and Travel Advisory

Some wildlife areas are closed to the public or to vehicle access from Feb. 1 through April 15. Visitors should review wildlife area conditions before traveling.

ODFW also advises checking road conditions through ODOT’s TripCheck before heading out, as winter flooding, snow, and ice can quickly change access.

Anti-Poaching Reminder

ODFW encourages the public to report poaching activity, noting that illegal take harms Oregon’s wildlife resources. Information on reporting violations is available through the agency.

The full weekly recreation report is available through ODFW’s website.