10-13-2007, 04:10 PM
NORTH COAST LAKES:
Trout stocking is complete for the year. Angling in most lakes is likely slow to fair. Anglers should use caution when heading to Lost Lake (Clatsop County) as active logging and travel restrictions are in effect. Call the Tillamook office at 503-842-2741 or Astoria Oregon Department of Forestry at 503-325-5451 for more information.
MID COAST LAKES:
Fishing
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes (located just south of Florence along Hwy 101) are open to wild coho salmon retention starting October 1 and ending December 31st. The daily bag limit is one adult coho salmon and one jack coho salmon. Anglers are limited to retaining five adult coho, in combination, from Siltcoos and Tahkenitch lakes during the season. Coho fishing typically does not pick up until after the first big rains around late October. Trolling or casting lures and fishing bait from a bobber are effective methods. The coho fishing boundaries are as follows.
The waters of Siltcoos Lake open for coho angling are defined as that area upstream from the Highway 101 Bridge and downstream of the railroad trestle on the Maple Creek arm and the Fivemile Road crossing on the Fiddle Creek arm.
The waters of Tahkenitch Lake open for coho angling are defined as that area upstream from the Highway 101 Bridge and downstream of the first road crossing on the Leitel Creek arm and the ODFW Marker at the bridge on the 059 Road just west of Douglas County Road 49.
Warm water fishing is starting to slow down as lake temperatures cool: Devils Lake near Lincoln City and Mercer Lake, Munsel Lake, Woahink Lake, Siltcoos Lake and Tahkenitch Lake near Florence have good populations of warm water fish species such as large mouth bass, blue gill, yellow perch, crappie, and brown bullhead. Typically good fishing occurs from late spring through early fall for these species.
Fisherman<br />
Oregon Fish and Wildlife<br />
ALSEA RIVER: cutthroat trout, chinook
Recent rains and cool weather should help to bring in and activate the fall Chinook run. Angling has been patchy with fair to good with fishing at times from the lower bay through tide water. The main run typically returns during October. Trolling in tide water is the most effective during the early portion of the run until fish push up into the main stem river. Sea run cutthroat (Bluebacks) fishing is good. They can be found throughout much of the main stem river but typically the higher concentrations are in upper tidewater and the lower river area until distributed with the fall rains. Bank fishing and trolling in tide water with small lures (spinners, spoon or plugs) is very effective.
Current river levels
BIG CREEK: coho
A few hatchery coho should be available.
NECANICUM RIVER: chinook, cutthroat trout
Angling for chinook is fair in the estuary, and lower river. A few chinook have moved upstream with recent rains. Catch and release angling is fair for sea-run cutthroat.
NEHALEM RIVER AND NORTH FORK NEHALEM RIVER: chinook, cutthroat trout, coho
Angling for chinook and hatchery coho in Nehalem Bay is slow to fair. Fish are available throughout tidewater areas and the lower Nehalem River. Trolling herring or spinners in the lower bay is the most productive, while upper tidewater areas are best fished with bobber and eggs and/or shrimp. Hatchery coho have begun to enter the North Fork Nehalem River in low numbers. Catch and release cutthroat trout fishing should be fair to good. Small lures or flies should produce good results.
Steelhead Trout<br />
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: steelhead, trout
Fall chinook are being caught in Nestucca Bay. Angling is fair to good. Some chinook have moved upstream with recent rains. Angling for summer steelhead improved with recent rises in river flow. Good numbers of fish should be available in lower Three Rivers and in the mainstem Nestucca. Catch and release fishing for cutthroat trout should be fair to good.
River levels
SALMON RIVER: chinook, coho, cutthroat trout
Recent rains should spark the fall chinook fishery. Angling has been hit and miss with most fish being caught in tide water up to the Salmon River Hatchery. The main run typically returns through October. Fishing in tide water is the most effective during the early portion of the run until fish push up into the main stem river. Hatchery coho salmon returns typically start to show in tidewater around late September and peak by late October. Anglers can expect good fishing for resident and sea run (Bluebacks) cutthroat trout. Bank fishing and trolling in tide water with small lures (spinners, spoons, plugs) is very effective. Bluebacks can be found throughout much of the main stem river but typically the higher concentrations are in upper tidewater and the lower river area.
SILETZ RIVER: chinook, steelhead, cutthroat trout
Cutthroat Trout<br />
-U.S. Dept. of Fish & Wildlife -<br />
With the recent change in weather and big tide series the fall chinook fishery should start to pick up. Angling has been sporadic with fish being caught in tide water and the lower section of the river. Fall chinook are being caught in tide water and the lower section of the river with a fair harvest rate. The run seems to be a little late but typically the bulk of the run returns through October. The best opportunities during the early portion of the run are in tidewater or in deep pools in the lower mainstem. Steelhead fishing is slow. The best harvest opportunity is in the upper river from Moonshine Park to the fishing deadline and in the lower river just above tide water as a few later returns continue to pulse through. Resident cutthroat trout and sea run cutthroat (Bluebacks) fishing is good throughout most of the river. Anglers should concentrate in areas with structure, shade and cool water sources. Small lures (spinners, spoon or plugs) and bait (shrimp, eggs, worms) are very effective.
Current river levels and forecasts
SIUSLAW RIVER: cutthroat trout, chinook
The fall chinook fishery has been sporadic with fair to good fishing at times. Recent rains and big tide series should help bring in and activate the run. The fall chinook fishery is fair to good with the best opportunity trolling in tidewater. Typically the bulk of the run returns though October. Fishing in tidewater or the lower river from the bank is the most effective until fall rain events pull fish up into the main stem river. Resident cutthroat trout and sea run cutthroat (Bluebacks) fishing is fair to good throughout much of the basin. Blueback fishing is typically best in tidewater and the lower main stem river. Trolling or bank fishing with small lures (spinners, spoons or plugs) works well.
Current river levels and forecasts
Chinook and Coho<br />
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
TILLAMOOK BAY: chinook, coho
Fall chinook are being caught throughout the bay and tidewater areas, and the nearshore ocean when weather permits. Fishing has been fair to good. A few hatchery coho are available throughout the bay and tidewater areas. Trolling with herring is most popular in the lower bay and ocean, while trolling with spinners or large plugs is more popular in the upper bay. Bobber fishing with eggs or shrimp will produce fish in river tidewater areas.
WILSON AND TRASK RIVERS: steelhead, chinook, cutthroat trout
Angling for summer steelhead improved with recent rains. Fish are more active with increased river flows. A few fall chinook have entered the lower rivers, but angling is slow. Low numbers of hatchery coho have entered the lower Trask River, and angling is slow to fair. Bobber and bait or casting spinners will produce some fish. Boaters should try backbouncing bait or backtrolling plugs also. Catch and release fishing for sea-run cutthroat trout should be fair to good.
River levels
YAQUINA RIVER: chinook, cutthroat trout
The fall chinook fishery is underway but with hit and miss results. With falls rains starting<br />
and big tide cycles occurring, the fishery should get a kick start any time now. The main run typically returns through October with the fall rains. Sea run cutthroat trout (Bluebacks) and resident cutthroat trout fishing is fair to good throughout upper tidewater and the mainstem. Bank fishing or trolling in tidewater with small spinners, spoons or plugs on light tackle works well for cutthroat trout.
Back to the top
HUNTING
Dec. 1-2 - Build Your Own Longbow in Tillamook
Hosted by ODFW's Passport to the Outdoors Program, this workshop will allow you to create your own wooden longbow. Master Bowyer, John Strunk, will share his knowledge and expertise with you as he takes you through the process from wood stave to finished bow. No prior experience is necessary to create your own one-of-a kind work of art. Adult men and women are invited to attend this workshop.
Visit web site below to register (pdf) or email Nancy.E.Smogor@state.or.us.
Visit the region's Fall Hunting Forecast
OPEN: Duck and goose (opens Oct. 13), pheasant (opens Oct. 13), blue grouse, ruffed grouse and mountain quail, bear, cougar, general Western deer centerfire, western gray squirrel, crow
Mountain Quail<br />
- Photo by Greg Gillson-
Blue grouse, ruffed grouse, mountain quail
Look for these birds while they search for their meal of seeds, berries and insects along graveled roads in the forest. Hunters targeting the blue grouse should look in upper elevations, especially forested areas on ridge tops. Ruffed grouse are more common along stream bottoms and mid-slope areas. Mountain quail should be found in older, brushy clear cuts, especially on south facing slopes. ODFW staff observed higher than average number of grouse and moderate numbers of mountain quail in the Coast range.
Waterfowl
Duck season on the north coast begins Oct. 13 with most of the available ducks being mallards and other local birds although a few migrants are starting to arrive from the north. The weather usually plays a large role in the success of hunters on a given day, with the best conditions being on the onset of storms when birds are leaving the large water bodies and seeking shelter in vegetated areas along the edges of estuaries and lakes. When hunting estuaries or other tidally influenced areas, be mindful of tide swings, especially when hunting from a boat.
General Rifle (deer)
BLACK-TAILED DEER tend to be quite active during the daylight hours in late summer but will restrict their activities more and become more wary as the fall progresses. Best bets are to scout along older, brushed-in clearcut edges near bigger timber. While deer numbers overall are moderate, buck escapement from last year's seasons was high, but leaning towards older bucks. Entry-level bucks (which tend to make up more of the usual harvest) may be in shorter supply.
The latest fire closure restrictions on industrial forest lands and access opportunities
Bear and cougar
Black Bear<br />
Oregon Fish and Wildlife<br />
Black Bear are actively feeding, especially on the very abundant wild berry crops from this summer. A strategy for hunting them in the early morning and late evening hours is watching clear-cuts and natural openings. At other times during the day, use of a predator call is the best approach. Generally, long and persistent calling is the most effective way to call them in.
All indicators point to the north coast as having relatively low cougar densities, when compared to most of the rest of the state. However, they can still be located, especially if hunters are dedicated to using calls as their primary strategy. Like with black bear, cougar are probably most effectively hunted by long and persistent calling with a predator call.
Western gray squirrels
Western gray squirrels are most likely to be found in mixed deciduous-conifer forests amid oak and maple trees and in filbert orchards. Unlike in southern Oregon, these native squirrels occur at naturally low densities in north coast forests.
Back to the top
VIEWING
Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge Open House, Oct. 13, 9 a.m. to noon
Celebrate the National Wildlife Refuge System with this free interpretive and interactive event open to the public. Aleutian cackling and Dusky Canada geese can be seen feeding on the short grass pastures at Nestucca Bay Refuge and surrounding farmlands. While you're there, take one of two 2-hour hikes around the refuge to watch wildlife. Nestucca Bay Refuge is located south of Pacific City just off Highway 101. More information
Migrant Waterfowl Take to the Highway in the Sky
Ducks and geese are beginning to move south and can often be seen and heard overhead in the evenings. Coastal estuaries are stop-over points for many of these birds as they gather resources and rest up for their long trip to wintering grounds. Several species that are not resident to the north coast may make an appearance and can be viewed during this time, including white-fronted and snow geese.
A medium-sized goose that breeds on the arctic tundra, the Snow Goose travels south in large, high-flying, noisy flocks. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology - photos, facts and a migration map
Astoria Area
Elk Grazing<br />
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
Ft. Stevens State Park
If you're in the area in early morning or late evening, be on the lookout for elk that inhabit the Park. They are often seen feeding in open marsh grass areas near Trestle Bay, adjacent to the Clatsop Spit Road. Visit the viewing bunker that overlooks Trestle Bay and offers viewing of gulls, terns, pelicans and some waterfowl. Migrating ducks from the north have recently been noted in the area, and those birds will only increase as fall progresses. Binoculars or a spotting scope are helpful to enhance viewing.
Ft. Stevens Park
Seaside Area
Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area
Elk Grazing<br />
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
Elk viewing has been exciting at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area. Elk are in full rut with the bulls bugling and battling for dominance. The breeding season should start to wind down over the next couple of weeks. Best viewing times are early morning and late evening hours, depending on the weather. As fall temperatures start to drop and the rainy season starts, the elk should be visible in the meadows for longer periods during the day.
Visitors to the wildlife area are reminded that areas posted as "Wildlife Refuge" are closed to entry all year and posted portions of the Beneke Tract are closed during elk hunting seasons including general archery season.
Consult the 2007 Big Game Regulations for more information on hunting seasons
Jewell Meadows is located in central Clatsop County along Hwy 202. Directions and information
Steller Sea Lion and Pup<br />
U.S. Fish and Wildlife<br />
Tillamook Area
Three Arch Rocks Refuge Celebrates Centennial
Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge turns 100 years old on Oct. 14. It provides habitat for Oregon's largest breeding colonies of Tufted Puffins and Common Murre.
The refuge is also the northernmost pupping site of the federally threatened Steller Sea Lion. Other seabird species breeding on this refuge include Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, Leach's Storm-Petrel, Brandt's Cormorant, Double-crested Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Rhinoceros Auklet, Cassin's Auklet, Pigeon Guillemot Western Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull and Black Oystercatcher.
More information
Cape Meares Lake
Cape Meares Lake, located west of Tillamook on Bayocean Spit, is a spot to find early season migrating water birds such as grebes, coots, and pelicans. Occasionally, bald eagles can be seen roosting in the tall spruce trees just south of the lake. As autumn moves on, the number and diversity of ducks increases dramatically.
Trout stocking is complete for the year. Angling in most lakes is likely slow to fair. Anglers should use caution when heading to Lost Lake (Clatsop County) as active logging and travel restrictions are in effect. Call the Tillamook office at 503-842-2741 or Astoria Oregon Department of Forestry at 503-325-5451 for more information.
MID COAST LAKES:
Fishing
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes (located just south of Florence along Hwy 101) are open to wild coho salmon retention starting October 1 and ending December 31st. The daily bag limit is one adult coho salmon and one jack coho salmon. Anglers are limited to retaining five adult coho, in combination, from Siltcoos and Tahkenitch lakes during the season. Coho fishing typically does not pick up until after the first big rains around late October. Trolling or casting lures and fishing bait from a bobber are effective methods. The coho fishing boundaries are as follows.
The waters of Siltcoos Lake open for coho angling are defined as that area upstream from the Highway 101 Bridge and downstream of the railroad trestle on the Maple Creek arm and the Fivemile Road crossing on the Fiddle Creek arm.
The waters of Tahkenitch Lake open for coho angling are defined as that area upstream from the Highway 101 Bridge and downstream of the first road crossing on the Leitel Creek arm and the ODFW Marker at the bridge on the 059 Road just west of Douglas County Road 49.
Warm water fishing is starting to slow down as lake temperatures cool: Devils Lake near Lincoln City and Mercer Lake, Munsel Lake, Woahink Lake, Siltcoos Lake and Tahkenitch Lake near Florence have good populations of warm water fish species such as large mouth bass, blue gill, yellow perch, crappie, and brown bullhead. Typically good fishing occurs from late spring through early fall for these species.
Fisherman<br />
Oregon Fish and Wildlife<br />
ALSEA RIVER: cutthroat trout, chinook
Recent rains and cool weather should help to bring in and activate the fall Chinook run. Angling has been patchy with fair to good with fishing at times from the lower bay through tide water. The main run typically returns during October. Trolling in tide water is the most effective during the early portion of the run until fish push up into the main stem river. Sea run cutthroat (Bluebacks) fishing is good. They can be found throughout much of the main stem river but typically the higher concentrations are in upper tidewater and the lower river area until distributed with the fall rains. Bank fishing and trolling in tide water with small lures (spinners, spoon or plugs) is very effective.
Current river levels
BIG CREEK: coho
A few hatchery coho should be available.
NECANICUM RIVER: chinook, cutthroat trout
Angling for chinook is fair in the estuary, and lower river. A few chinook have moved upstream with recent rains. Catch and release angling is fair for sea-run cutthroat.
NEHALEM RIVER AND NORTH FORK NEHALEM RIVER: chinook, cutthroat trout, coho
Angling for chinook and hatchery coho in Nehalem Bay is slow to fair. Fish are available throughout tidewater areas and the lower Nehalem River. Trolling herring or spinners in the lower bay is the most productive, while upper tidewater areas are best fished with bobber and eggs and/or shrimp. Hatchery coho have begun to enter the North Fork Nehalem River in low numbers. Catch and release cutthroat trout fishing should be fair to good. Small lures or flies should produce good results.
Steelhead Trout<br />
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: steelhead, trout
Fall chinook are being caught in Nestucca Bay. Angling is fair to good. Some chinook have moved upstream with recent rains. Angling for summer steelhead improved with recent rises in river flow. Good numbers of fish should be available in lower Three Rivers and in the mainstem Nestucca. Catch and release fishing for cutthroat trout should be fair to good.
River levels
SALMON RIVER: chinook, coho, cutthroat trout
Recent rains should spark the fall chinook fishery. Angling has been hit and miss with most fish being caught in tide water up to the Salmon River Hatchery. The main run typically returns through October. Fishing in tide water is the most effective during the early portion of the run until fish push up into the main stem river. Hatchery coho salmon returns typically start to show in tidewater around late September and peak by late October. Anglers can expect good fishing for resident and sea run (Bluebacks) cutthroat trout. Bank fishing and trolling in tide water with small lures (spinners, spoons, plugs) is very effective. Bluebacks can be found throughout much of the main stem river but typically the higher concentrations are in upper tidewater and the lower river area.
SILETZ RIVER: chinook, steelhead, cutthroat trout
Cutthroat Trout<br />
-U.S. Dept. of Fish & Wildlife -<br />
With the recent change in weather and big tide series the fall chinook fishery should start to pick up. Angling has been sporadic with fish being caught in tide water and the lower section of the river. Fall chinook are being caught in tide water and the lower section of the river with a fair harvest rate. The run seems to be a little late but typically the bulk of the run returns through October. The best opportunities during the early portion of the run are in tidewater or in deep pools in the lower mainstem. Steelhead fishing is slow. The best harvest opportunity is in the upper river from Moonshine Park to the fishing deadline and in the lower river just above tide water as a few later returns continue to pulse through. Resident cutthroat trout and sea run cutthroat (Bluebacks) fishing is good throughout most of the river. Anglers should concentrate in areas with structure, shade and cool water sources. Small lures (spinners, spoon or plugs) and bait (shrimp, eggs, worms) are very effective.
Current river levels and forecasts
SIUSLAW RIVER: cutthroat trout, chinook
The fall chinook fishery has been sporadic with fair to good fishing at times. Recent rains and big tide series should help bring in and activate the run. The fall chinook fishery is fair to good with the best opportunity trolling in tidewater. Typically the bulk of the run returns though October. Fishing in tidewater or the lower river from the bank is the most effective until fall rain events pull fish up into the main stem river. Resident cutthroat trout and sea run cutthroat (Bluebacks) fishing is fair to good throughout much of the basin. Blueback fishing is typically best in tidewater and the lower main stem river. Trolling or bank fishing with small lures (spinners, spoons or plugs) works well.
Current river levels and forecasts
Chinook and Coho<br />
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
TILLAMOOK BAY: chinook, coho
Fall chinook are being caught throughout the bay and tidewater areas, and the nearshore ocean when weather permits. Fishing has been fair to good. A few hatchery coho are available throughout the bay and tidewater areas. Trolling with herring is most popular in the lower bay and ocean, while trolling with spinners or large plugs is more popular in the upper bay. Bobber fishing with eggs or shrimp will produce fish in river tidewater areas.
WILSON AND TRASK RIVERS: steelhead, chinook, cutthroat trout
Angling for summer steelhead improved with recent rains. Fish are more active with increased river flows. A few fall chinook have entered the lower rivers, but angling is slow. Low numbers of hatchery coho have entered the lower Trask River, and angling is slow to fair. Bobber and bait or casting spinners will produce some fish. Boaters should try backbouncing bait or backtrolling plugs also. Catch and release fishing for sea-run cutthroat trout should be fair to good.
River levels
YAQUINA RIVER: chinook, cutthroat trout
The fall chinook fishery is underway but with hit and miss results. With falls rains starting<br />
and big tide cycles occurring, the fishery should get a kick start any time now. The main run typically returns through October with the fall rains. Sea run cutthroat trout (Bluebacks) and resident cutthroat trout fishing is fair to good throughout upper tidewater and the mainstem. Bank fishing or trolling in tidewater with small spinners, spoons or plugs on light tackle works well for cutthroat trout.
Back to the top
HUNTING
Dec. 1-2 - Build Your Own Longbow in Tillamook
Hosted by ODFW's Passport to the Outdoors Program, this workshop will allow you to create your own wooden longbow. Master Bowyer, John Strunk, will share his knowledge and expertise with you as he takes you through the process from wood stave to finished bow. No prior experience is necessary to create your own one-of-a kind work of art. Adult men and women are invited to attend this workshop.
Visit web site below to register (pdf) or email Nancy.E.Smogor@state.or.us.
Visit the region's Fall Hunting Forecast
OPEN: Duck and goose (opens Oct. 13), pheasant (opens Oct. 13), blue grouse, ruffed grouse and mountain quail, bear, cougar, general Western deer centerfire, western gray squirrel, crow
Mountain Quail<br />
- Photo by Greg Gillson-
Blue grouse, ruffed grouse, mountain quail
Look for these birds while they search for their meal of seeds, berries and insects along graveled roads in the forest. Hunters targeting the blue grouse should look in upper elevations, especially forested areas on ridge tops. Ruffed grouse are more common along stream bottoms and mid-slope areas. Mountain quail should be found in older, brushy clear cuts, especially on south facing slopes. ODFW staff observed higher than average number of grouse and moderate numbers of mountain quail in the Coast range.
Waterfowl
Duck season on the north coast begins Oct. 13 with most of the available ducks being mallards and other local birds although a few migrants are starting to arrive from the north. The weather usually plays a large role in the success of hunters on a given day, with the best conditions being on the onset of storms when birds are leaving the large water bodies and seeking shelter in vegetated areas along the edges of estuaries and lakes. When hunting estuaries or other tidally influenced areas, be mindful of tide swings, especially when hunting from a boat.
General Rifle (deer)
BLACK-TAILED DEER tend to be quite active during the daylight hours in late summer but will restrict their activities more and become more wary as the fall progresses. Best bets are to scout along older, brushed-in clearcut edges near bigger timber. While deer numbers overall are moderate, buck escapement from last year's seasons was high, but leaning towards older bucks. Entry-level bucks (which tend to make up more of the usual harvest) may be in shorter supply.
The latest fire closure restrictions on industrial forest lands and access opportunities
Bear and cougar
Black Bear<br />
Oregon Fish and Wildlife<br />
Black Bear are actively feeding, especially on the very abundant wild berry crops from this summer. A strategy for hunting them in the early morning and late evening hours is watching clear-cuts and natural openings. At other times during the day, use of a predator call is the best approach. Generally, long and persistent calling is the most effective way to call them in.
All indicators point to the north coast as having relatively low cougar densities, when compared to most of the rest of the state. However, they can still be located, especially if hunters are dedicated to using calls as their primary strategy. Like with black bear, cougar are probably most effectively hunted by long and persistent calling with a predator call.
Western gray squirrels
Western gray squirrels are most likely to be found in mixed deciduous-conifer forests amid oak and maple trees and in filbert orchards. Unlike in southern Oregon, these native squirrels occur at naturally low densities in north coast forests.
Back to the top
VIEWING
Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge Open House, Oct. 13, 9 a.m. to noon
Celebrate the National Wildlife Refuge System with this free interpretive and interactive event open to the public. Aleutian cackling and Dusky Canada geese can be seen feeding on the short grass pastures at Nestucca Bay Refuge and surrounding farmlands. While you're there, take one of two 2-hour hikes around the refuge to watch wildlife. Nestucca Bay Refuge is located south of Pacific City just off Highway 101. More information
Migrant Waterfowl Take to the Highway in the Sky
Ducks and geese are beginning to move south and can often be seen and heard overhead in the evenings. Coastal estuaries are stop-over points for many of these birds as they gather resources and rest up for their long trip to wintering grounds. Several species that are not resident to the north coast may make an appearance and can be viewed during this time, including white-fronted and snow geese.
A medium-sized goose that breeds on the arctic tundra, the Snow Goose travels south in large, high-flying, noisy flocks. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology - photos, facts and a migration map
Astoria Area
Elk Grazing<br />
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
Ft. Stevens State Park
If you're in the area in early morning or late evening, be on the lookout for elk that inhabit the Park. They are often seen feeding in open marsh grass areas near Trestle Bay, adjacent to the Clatsop Spit Road. Visit the viewing bunker that overlooks Trestle Bay and offers viewing of gulls, terns, pelicans and some waterfowl. Migrating ducks from the north have recently been noted in the area, and those birds will only increase as fall progresses. Binoculars or a spotting scope are helpful to enhance viewing.
Ft. Stevens Park
Seaside Area
Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area
Elk Grazing<br />
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
Elk viewing has been exciting at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area. Elk are in full rut with the bulls bugling and battling for dominance. The breeding season should start to wind down over the next couple of weeks. Best viewing times are early morning and late evening hours, depending on the weather. As fall temperatures start to drop and the rainy season starts, the elk should be visible in the meadows for longer periods during the day.
Visitors to the wildlife area are reminded that areas posted as "Wildlife Refuge" are closed to entry all year and posted portions of the Beneke Tract are closed during elk hunting seasons including general archery season.
Consult the 2007 Big Game Regulations for more information on hunting seasons
Jewell Meadows is located in central Clatsop County along Hwy 202. Directions and information
Steller Sea Lion and Pup<br />
U.S. Fish and Wildlife<br />
Tillamook Area
Three Arch Rocks Refuge Celebrates Centennial
Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge turns 100 years old on Oct. 14. It provides habitat for Oregon's largest breeding colonies of Tufted Puffins and Common Murre.
The refuge is also the northernmost pupping site of the federally threatened Steller Sea Lion. Other seabird species breeding on this refuge include Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, Leach's Storm-Petrel, Brandt's Cormorant, Double-crested Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Rhinoceros Auklet, Cassin's Auklet, Pigeon Guillemot Western Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull and Black Oystercatcher.
More information
Cape Meares Lake
Cape Meares Lake, located west of Tillamook on Bayocean Spit, is a spot to find early season migrating water birds such as grebes, coots, and pelicans. Occasionally, bald eagles can be seen roosting in the tall spruce trees just south of the lake. As autumn moves on, the number and diversity of ducks increases dramatically.