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It’s Spring and the
Outdoors are Calling
Are you ready to call in spring? Get ready to call in a tom turkey as spring turkey season open statewide April 15-May 31. It’s also the busiest time of the year for trout stocking—and we stock some big ones like this lunker pictured! Also on tap in April: kokanee are biting and spring Chinook are heading upriver. Take advantage of springtime in Oregon and get out hunting and fishing this month.
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 Cuckoo for Kokanee
Their diehard fans will tell you it’s a blast to catch land-locked salmon, aka kokanee, and now is a great time to fish for them. Their delicate flesh also makes kokanee delicious to eat. Reports are that fishing has been excellent on Lake Billy Chinook and other locations this year. Read our tips for catching them.
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 Time to Target Bass
It’s a great time of year to fish for bass as their pre-spawning period usually begins in April when water temperatures are near 60 degrees. Bass tend to school up in shallow waters and feed heavily just before and during spawning. There are plenty of spots to fish for bass close to home too, read our tips to take advantage.
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 Accessible Fishing
Many of the more popular fishing locations across the state are wheelchair-friendly. Recent upgrades at popular spots like Junction City, EE Wilson, Marr and Metolius Ponds have further improved the experience for anglers with disabilities. Use our map to find an accessible fishing location near you.
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 A bag limit that includes three pintails is possible for the 2025-26 season, thanks to a new federal harvest strategy allowing more harvest opportunity for duck hunters. Learn more by listening to the Ducks Unlimited podcast.
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 Archery & Turkey Workshops
It might be an ancient weapon, but archery is still a popular sport in modern times. Sign up for an all-ages 3D Archery Shoot at Denman Wildlife Area in May and keep an eye on our Workshops & Events page for archery classes happening in the future. Southwest Oregon is one of the top spots to hunt turkey statewide. Grab a spot at one of several turkey hunting workshops happening in the region before the season opener April 15.
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 Spring Turkey Season April 15-May 31
Calling in a spring tom can be as exciting as calling in a bull elk, so don’t miss turkey hunting this year. Last year’s harvest was the 4th highest on record. Local field biologists across the state weigh in on what to expect this season in our annual spring turkey hunting forecast.
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Regulation Reminders
Controlled Hunt and Premium Hunt applications are due May 15, .
Rogue-South Coast Steelhead: Fishery ends April 30. Paper harvest tag holders are remined to report their tag as soon as possible.
Wallowa Lake anglers: ODFW tracks fish populations in Wallowa Lake, advises anglers to steer clear of research gear.
Grant County Wildlife Area: Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Area to remain closed until May 1.
Find links to the current fishing and hunting regulations, as well as in-season regulation updates. More info
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 Protect Big Game During Shed Season
Winter range might be reopening to access this month, but it doesn’t mean winter is over for big game. Deer and elk are still relying on fat reserves to survive, waiting for a green up of forage that could be weeks away. With big game vulnerable to disturbance from vehicles, dogs and people this time of year, it’s important to shed hunt responsibly.
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 Ladd Marsh Bird Festival May 16-18
Head to the beautiful Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area in May for its annual family-friendly birding festival, held during peak bird migration season. ODFW staff help host six birding stations and parts of the wildlife area normally closed to the public are open. Pre-registration opens April 7 and is highly recommended; starting April 14 sign up for a number of different field trips in the area.
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 A Highway Crossing for Frogs
Why did the frog cross the road? To breed and complete its life cycle. But crossing busy roads is dangerous for the Northern red-legged frog. A new wildlife underpass, a first of its kind for Oregon, is helping this Species of Greatest Conservation Need and other native amphibians cross busy Hwy 30.
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Catch of the Month Photo Showcase
Never too old to fish at 96 years young! Richard Allely
with a smallmouth bass caught on the Umpqua River.
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.
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If you know of or suspect crimes against fish, wildlife, or habitat, please contact OSP Dispatch at: 800-442-0776 for the Northern Command Center or 800-442-2068 for the Southern Command Center; or call *OSP (*677) from a mobile device. Or email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov. |
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ODFW Messenger: Monthly Edition | April 2025 |
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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. |
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