Stocking in Full Spring

Just in time for your spring break—more than 200,000 trout have been stocked in waterbodies across Oregon by ODFW hatchery staff in March. Trout fishing is fun for all ages and skill levels. It makes for an inexpensive activity with kids—Oregon’s Youth Licenses are just $10 and lets kids fish, clam, crab, and hunt all year long. See the trout stocking schedule to find out when your nearby lake is getting stocked and get your license today!

Two Rods on the Willamette

Spring Chinook seasons are underway. Anglers can use their two-rod validation in the Willamette River this year for hatchery spring Chinook and all other fish except sturgeon. Two rods are allowed starting March 1 downstream of Willamette Falls and May 1 upstream of Willamette Falls.

Trout Fishing Basics

The list of necessary trout fishing gear and equipment can be very simple. A rod and reel, and a small selection of lures, bait hooks, bobbers and artificial bait is enough to go fishing just about anywhere you might find trout. Find out more about how to take advantage of Oregon’s many trout fishing opportunities.

Plunking for Springers

Learn some tips on how to plunk for salmon—and perhaps be one of the lucky anglers to catch a spring Chinook salmon as they make their journey up the Columbia and other rivers. No boat, no problem—you can plunk from the bank, too. NW Steelheaders and ODFW give tips on gear and technique in this video.

Randy Newberg Talks Oregon with ODFW Director

Randy Newberg, hunter and public lands advocate, sat down with ODFW Director Debbie Colbert in front of a live audience at the Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show last month. Listen in to their wide-ranging conversation. You can find his Hunt Talk Podcast at the link below or on Apple or Spotify podcasts.

Hunter Ed: Screen Time Well Spent

Put kids’ screen time to good use over spring break. Kids can complete hunter education online and sign up for a field day (keep checking back if you don't see one scheduled near you). ODFW has a new event management system in place for its classes and workshops. Parents should create an account for themselves and then one for their child under the parent’s account. 

Learn to Turkey Hunt

Gobbler season is just a few weeks away. Join ODFW and partners at workshops for both kids and adults this month and in early April. We’ll show you the gear and techniques you need to take advantage of this statewide, six-week season (April 15-May 31). These workshops can fill quickly so sign up now!

Whale of a Good Time

An Oregon spring break tradition: Volunteers from Oregon Whale Watch station themselves at 15 locations from March 22-30 to help visitors catch a glimpse of  whales as they migrate north this time of year. This year, an ODFW biologist will be available March 22-23 at the Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center to answer questions on Southern Resident Orcas.

Day Trip to Watch Wildlife

From the tiniest hummingbird to a 1,000-pound Roosevelt elk, wildlife areas offer a unique blend of viewing opportunities this time of year. Make a visit to one near you over spring break as most are open for visitors. Check our visitor guide before you head out. Don’t forget your parking permit ($10 daily, included with all Youth and Adult Hunting Licenses).

Catch of the Month Photo Showcase 

Six-year-old Remi dragged this giant Haystack Reservoir brood trout to the net by himself says dad Matt. Way to go Remi!

Want a chance to showcase your awesome catch to other anglers? Excited about your latest fishing trip? Snap a great photo while wildlife viewing? Proud picture of your recent harvest? Share your best photos and videos with us. Chosen photographs and videos will be displayed in the Catch of the Month spotlight in an upcoming issue of the ODFW Monthly Messenger, ODFW Photo Gallery and may be used in promotional materials.

ODFW Messenger: Special Edition | Spring Break 2025

The ODFW Messenger is a monthly email which highlights some of the best seasonal opportunity available, and we’ll cover content for fishing, hunting, clamming, crabbing, wildlife viewing, and everything in between. Consider the Messenger your short list for the best adventures in the current season. Lastly, we want to thank you for your continued readership and hope you’ll share it with your friends.