Spring Forward Into the Outdoors

April is full of outdoor opportunity. Hunting and fishing opens up like the buds on the trees. Spring bear and turkey seasons begin this month. Trout stocking hits full stride and Chinook fishing continues in the ocean and some rivers. Both big game and birds will be on the move for their spring migration. Take advantage of it all, buy your license today!

Sip a Smoothie, Support Species

ODFW has partnered with Jamba to celebrate Oregon's incredible fish and wildlife and shine a spotlight on some of our vulnerable species that need conservation efforts now. If you love Oregon’s fish and wildlife and think they are worth protecting, show your support with the new limited-edition tumbler. It features marine species like the Southern resident orca and sunflower sea star. Available at participating Jamba stores while supplies last.

The Early Bird Gets the Bass

You don’t need to wait for summer to catch bass. As the water warms this month, these fish have a couple of things on their minds—feeding and spawning. Both of those motivations make them likely to grab your lure this month. Check out recent improvements at Adair Pond near Corvallis, a spot tailored for bass and anglers.

Making Fishing Accessible

Going fishing just got easier for people with disabilities. ODFW’s R&E program has improved many fishing locations in recent years to make them more accessible—including situating disabled access where fish like to hang out. We’ve also updated our disabled angler access map that details available fish, parking, restrooms, trails and other amenities by location.

Peak Trout Stocking Season

Excellent trout fishing abounds this month. ODFW puts millions of hatchery trout in lakes and ponds all over the state so lucky anglers can take a few home for dinner. Search for “trout stocking” on MyODFW.com for the schedule. However, keep an eye on the Weekly Recreation Report in case low, warm water forces changes later this spring.

Family Fishing Events

Do you know a family who wants to learn more about angling? Tell them about our many family fishing events throughout the state this spring, or better yet, take them to one! Workshops and events offer skill-building and fun for all ages. ODFW and partners bring all the gear new anglers need to try it out.

Regulation Reminders Reminder: Check for in-season regulation changes before fishing as regulations can change, especially for salmon and steelhead.  Manulife: Access changes for properties in SW, NE Oregon start June 1, affecting 270,000 acres in northeast Oregon and 12,400 acres in southwest Oregon. More info  Ocean endorsement: Reminder the new Ocean Endorsement is required when fishing for all marine species except ocean salmon and shellfish. More info

Yelloweye rockfish can live up to 147 years and roughly half reach maturity by about 20 years.

Spring Turkey Forecast

ODFW biologists offer their observations on the upcoming spring turkey season throughout the state. Populations may be up in some hunting areas and down in others. Use this information to maximize your chances of bagging a gobbler, or two, or three.

ODFW on Randy Newberg Podcast

Randy Newberg sat down with ODFW’s Wildlife Division Deputy Administrator Brian Wolfer at the PNW Sportsman’s Show in Portland in February to talk predators, habitat, Oregon’s hunting laws, the new mule deer hunts and answer a number of other questions from hunters. Take a listen!

Wildlife Areas Reopen

Winter ends and that means winter range closures on some ODFW wildlife areas are lifted. With the very mild winter this year, these reopened areas (Philip W. Schneider, Elkhorn, Wenaha, Minam and White River wildlife areas) could be more accessible than usual for early spring. Don’t forget your parking permit when visiting!

Keeping an American Icon Healthy

Not many sights are as rare or awesome as an Oregon bighorn sheep. Keeping the majestic creatures on the mountain meadows and crags is no small task. ODFW biologists, helicopter capture crews and volunteers collaborate to take biological samples and check other indicators of health to ensure the sheep are protected from pneumonia and other potentially fatal conditions.

Catch of the Month Photo Showcase 

Tyler Alexander caught his personal record 3.5 lb Largemouth bass at Crane Prairie Reservoir. Nice fish, Tyler!

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 and may be used in promotional materials.

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.

ODFW Messenger: Monthly Edition | April 2026

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.