Summer’s Last Cast is Coming

August is your last chance to focus solely on fishing before those pesky fall hunting seasons distract you. So, whether you go to the coast, the mountains or your local warmwater pond, get out there and start casting while the leaves are still green. There are also great tides for clamming or tidepooling in the middle of the month. 

More Wild Salmon This Fall

Coastal fall salmon season offers 6 months of fishing in 18 river basins and more opportunity to catch and keep wild salmon this year. Whether you target the massive Chinook or dime-bright coho, you can’t go wrong on the coast. Salmon fishing is open somewhere from July through December, so grab your gear and stock up on wood chips for your smoker. You can catch coastal salmon from the bank or a boat with lures or bait. Get an overview of the season and tips at the link below.

Summer Fun For Any Age

Fishing for bass and panfish is fun regardless of your age. During a long summer break, kids especially need something new to do. Warmwater fishing is easy, inexpensive and usually closer to home than other types of angling.  And unlike trout, these fish love the hot weather. If you or your kids are new to it, this guide tells you all you need to know.

Marine Fishing, No Boat Needed

No boat, no problem. You can have a lot of fun and bring home a saltwater fish dinner from the ocean beach or the bank of your favorite bay. Read up on how to rig and what to use for bait and lures. Common shore catches include perch, kelp greenling and lingcod. All of these are often eager to bite and are always great eating with their white flaky meat. 

Get Ready for Hunting Season

Register for a one-day training in Bend to refine your rifle skills before hunting season or try out lead-free ammunition event in Keno. ODFW offers workshops teaching hunting and fishing skills around the state, check the schedule at the link below.

Youth Hunters Get Early Start

People 17 and under can participate in youth pheasant hunts before the season opens for everyone else. These free events offer a safe, fun introduction to one of fall’s greatest activities. ODFW releases birds and adults mentor the young hunters and handle trained dogs to boost success. Start your young person off right on a lifetime hobby.  

Bassmaster recently named Siltcoos and Tenmile lakes among the Top 25 lakes for bass fishing in the Western U.S. Learn more. 

Get Your Deer or Elk Sampled for CWD

Chronic Wasting Disease has been found in neighboring states and may be in Oregon already. It’s always fatal to deer and elk and can have population level impacts if left to spread. Oregon game managers need hunters’ help to detect the disease early. If you are successful this year, be sure to get your deer or elk sampled. It takes just a few minutes and there are many ways to get it done. Plus, you’ll be entered to win a Howa 1500 rifle from Oregon Hunters Association.  

Know Before You Go

Oregon is experiencing a record-breaking wildfire season. That means it’s more important than ever to follow restrictions and check for fire closures before you hunt this season. ODFW closely monitors closures and will reach out to hunters if there are significant impacts to their hunt area. Learn about policies for reinstating points at the link below. We need a valid email in our licensing system to reach you. 

Scavenger Hunt for Science!

Explore the tidepools and submit your photos for science (and prizes)! Participate in the Oregon Marine Reserve Partnership's BioBlitz across Oregon's five marine reserves, marine protected areas, and nearby intertidal areas throughout August. No scientific experience is required, just curiosity and a willingness to explore! 

Catch of the Month Photo Showcase 

Kirby Taylor with his tuna caught off of Charleston. Tuna fishing has been hot with albacore and the occasional bluefin caught. Hurry as the best tuna fishing is usually during July and August. 

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 | August 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.