08-16-2007, 06:10 PM
Call the Burns Interagency Fire Zone at 541 573-4519 or the Malheur National Forest at 541 575-3000 for an update on any fire closures.
Contact Klamath Watershed Office (541) 883-5732, the Hines Office (541) 573-6582, or the La Grande Office (541) 963-2138 for more information on fishing opportunities.
Stocking schedule for the Klamath-Malheur watersheds
ANA RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, hybrid bass
Angling for rainbow trout has been fair. Most angling occurs from the bank using bait. Angling for hybrid bass has been slow. The reservoir is full.
ANA RIVER: rainbow trout
Angling for rainbow trout has been slow. Look for rising trout in shaded areas of the river or wait until overcast days to fish over rising fish. Fingerling rainbow trout below the dam will take most bait and flies which make it difficult to catch larger fish. These fish can be very spooky so stealth is required. Bait angling is allowed and productive.
ANTHONY LAKES: rainbow trout, brook trout
Restocked with legal rainbows week of July 16. Should be good for rainbows and brook trout.
BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, whitefish, bull trout
The reservoir was 14 percent full on Aug.12, and inflow was 29 cfs. Fishing is slow. At current releases, this reservoir should near empty in two or three weeks or early in September. Continue to check with the Vale BLM for current road closures.
BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Angling is slow as the reservoir is low and water temperatures are warm.
BLITZEN RIVER: trout
Fair angling for redband trout. Flow fluctuated between approximately 33 and 36 cfs from Aug. 7 - 13. Flow was 33 cfs Aug. 13.
BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: bass, white crappie, yellow perch, catfish, and trout
The reservoir was 18 percent full on Aug. 12. At current releases, this reservoir should near empty in late August or early September. Boat ramp is getting close to being unusable. Angling for warmwater fish is fair.
BURNS POND: trout, bass
Slow angling for 8 to 12 inch rainbow trout using spoons, spinners, or powerbait. No angling report for bass.
CAMPBELL/DEADHORSE: rainbow trout and brook trout
Angling has been fair. The last stocking of legal and trophy rainbow trout occurred the week of July 12.
CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout
Fair angling for 13-15 inch rainbow trout. Anglers have had the best success trolling or casting flies.
Chewaucan River: redband trout
Look for fishing to be best in the early mornings. Angling is fair below Marsters Campground downstream to near Paisley. Water temperatures are high therefore fish that are released should be landed quickly and resuscitated.
COTTONWOOD MEADOWS LAKE:Rainbow trout and brook trout
Access is open, fishing has been fair. Aquatic vegetation growth in the lake makes angling difficult with bait and from the shore
COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: redband trout
Angling is slow with warm water temperatures. The best method for fishing Cottonwood Reservoir is angling from the dam or trolling minnow imitations (spoons and deceiver flies) from a boat. Cottonwood Reservoir is not stocked and the fish you catch are native redband trout produced in Cottonwood Creek.
DELINTMENT LAKE: trout
This portion of the Emigrant Creek Ranger District is closed to public access because of fire.
Deep Creek: redband trout
Angling is slow for redband trout. Flows are low.
DOG LAKE: largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, brown bullhead, redband trout
Fishing for bass has been slow, but numerous large bass have been caught recently out of Dog to make it worth the effort. Fishing for crappie has been good.
DUNCAN RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Angling for rainbow trout has been slow. The reservoir has lots of vegetation on the south end which makes for difficult angling. The fingerling rainbow trout make up most of the catch and make catching larger fish difficult. Water temperatures are warm so the best fishing will occur in the early mornings.
EAGLE CREEK and TRIBUTARIES: trout
Has been good for trout and was stocked twice in July.
FISH LAKE (Steens Mountain): brook trout, rainbow trout
Angling should be fair to good for 8 to 14 inch brook trout and rainbow trout. Fly anglers usually have the best success using small nymphs. Spinners and bait should also work well.
FOURMILE LAKE: kokanee, lake Trout, rainbow trout, brook trout
The lake is full and launching boats is a tight fit due the large number of logs along the shoreline. Angling is fair for rainbow trout and good for lake trout. Most lake trout are running 14 -19 inches with a few in the 8-9 lb range. Angling is slow for Kokanee and they are averaging around 12 inches. Angling is slow for brook trout. Trolling spoons, spinners or other lures can be effective. Downriggers are often needed to catch kokanee and lake trout as they are often in deep water. Jigging in deep water can also be effective on kokanee and lake trout. The northwest side of the lake is a good place to begin angling. Angling with bait from shore is usually slow.
GERBER RESERVOIR: crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead and largemouth bass
Angling for crappie has slowed down but is still fair to good. Most crappie are in the 8-10 inch range but larger crappie are available. The best method is to fish a crappie jig under a bobber. Yellow perch angling has been slow. Lake levels are high therefore boats can be launched. Angling for brown bullhead and largemouth bass is fair. For more information on warmwater fishing in Gerber Reservoir and other Warmwater fisheries visit your local ODFW offices for warmwater fishing pamphlets.
GRANDE RONDE LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout
Fishing should be good.
HIGGINS RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Should provide fair angling for 10-18-inch rainbow trout. Higgins Reservoir is located on private land, and the landowner allows public access for angling but has limited it to walking access only. There is a gate approximately ¾ mile from the reservoir.
HIGHWAY 203 POND: rainbow trout, bluegill
Highway 203 Pond was stocked with legal and trophy rainbows. Fishing for trout may not be as good as waters warm. Bluegill are plentiful but small. Some bass are available as well, but are small.
HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
The abundance of trout has been reduced by the illegal introduction of tui chub, larger trout are still available.
JUNIPER LAKE:
No recent report.
Upper Klamath and Agency Lake: redband trout and yellow perch
Angling for wild redband trout has been fair. Redband trout have moved into the many cold water spring areas around the lake and the mouths of the Williamson and Wood River. Flyfishing is more productive in the Lake this month because redband trout have become more concentrated. Catch rates are typically one fish per ten hours of fishing.
KLAMATH RIVER: rainbow-redband trout
Angling below JC Boyle Powerhouse is fair due to flow fluctuations. River flows below the Powerhouse will be 1500-2000 cfs during most of the daylight hours which creates difficult angling conditions; however some trout can be captured in the shallow, slow moving water near shore using spinners. Redband- rainbow trout are concentrated so covering lots of water will increase your odds of catching fish. The best time to angle is early morning 6-9 am and late evening 8-9 pm. The river section from JC Boyle Dam to JC Boyle Powerhouse is good for rainbow-redband trout 6-12 inches. River flows in this section are a constant 380 cfs. Small spinners and flies are the most effective method for catching rainbow- redband trout in this section. Call 1-800-547-1501 for river flow information
KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass
Slow to fair angling for 12 to 18 inch rainbow trout. Fair angling for largemouth bass. There is good bank access near the boat ramp and on the southwest shoreline. There is also an accessible fishing platform near the boat ramp. No reports on what gear has been most effective.
LAKE OF THE WOODS: rainbow trout, kokanee, brown trout, yellow perch, brown bullhead,largemouth bass, crappie, and smallmouth bass
Angling for largemouth bass, crappie, smallmouth bass, kokanee and brown trout is fair. Angling for yellow perch is good but most yellow perch are small (< 6"). Angling for brown bullhead can be excellent with a worm near the bottom of the lake. Contact Lake of the Woods Lodge at (1-866-201-4194) for recent angling update. Angling should be fair for rainbow trout. The best method to catch rainbow trout is to troll using spinners or fishing bait from a boat. Most rainbow trout are in the middle of the lake. The lake will not be stocked again until late August due to high water temperatures. Many large trout up to 6 lbs have been taken out of Lake of the Woods this year.
LINK RIVER:redband trout
Angling is slow as many redband trout have moved through Link River. Most anglers use minnow imitations. Access is available along the entire west side and boats can be launched at Veterans Park and motored upstream to the powerhouse. Catch rates are typically low and a good day is landing a few redband trout.
LITTLE HEART LAKE: rainbow trout
Access is open and fishing is slow due to the illegal introduction of minnows into the lake.
LOFTON RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Expect angling to be slow due to the illegal introduction of tui chub. Larger fish are still available in the lake.
LONG CREEK RESERVOIR:trout
Fishing is good for small trout.
LOST RIVER: largemouth bass, yellow perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, crappie, bullhead catfish
Angling has been slow for warm water game fish.
Lower Williamson River: Large redband trout and brown trout
Angling is good. Flyfishing from a drift boat is the most popular method to catch large redband trout. Anglers can also troll spoons and lures below the Modoc Point bridge. A few brown trout are available but difficult to catch. The large yellow mayflies (Hexagenia) are hatching in the late evenings providing good angling. Also, look for Trico mayfly hatches in early morning.
LUCKY RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
The road into Lucky has been improved. Angling has been slow due to warm water temperatures.
MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork Malheur River): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout
Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir was approximately 551 cfs on Aug. 12. No angling report.
MALHEUR RIVER (from the South Fork Malheur River near Riverside, downstream to Gold Creek): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout
Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir was approximately 551 cfs, and discharge from Beulah Reservoir was approximately 267 cfs on Aug.12. Angling is slow to fair.
MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
Trout angling is fair. With the summer heat, fishing is best during the early morning and late evening hours. Good numbers of trout from 10 to 16 inches are being caught.
MALHEUR RIVER, NORTH FORK: redband trout, whitefish, and bull trout
No recent report.
MALHEUR RIVER, MIDDLE FORK: redband trout, brook trout, and bull trout
No recent report.
MALONE RESERVOIR (Lost River):yellow, brown and black bullhead
Angling for yellow, brown and black bullhead is excellent. Angling for sunfish and largemouth bass is slow.
MANN LAKE: trout
Angling should be slow for cutthroat trout.
MILLER LAKE: large brown trout, rainbow trout and small kokanee
Angling is fair for brown trout. Angling with downriggers is the most effective method. Brown trout are feeding on kokanee and stocked rainbow trout.
MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout
No recent angling report. Angling should be fair for bass and slow to fair for rainbow trout. Shoreline access is good near the dam, but difficult along much of the reservoir. Boat anglers have had the best success.
Mountain and SKY High Lakes (Klamath County): brook trout and rainbow trout
Most of these lakes require long distances to hike over rugged terrain. This is one of the best months to fish the high lakes as brook trout begin to move into shallows to prepare to spawn. Angling is typically slow during the middle of the day but success increases dramatically in the morning or evening. In many of the lakes a floating device is necessary to catch fish. Another popular method is to use a spinning rod with a fly and bubble which you can cast long distances. Bring your mosquito spray. Call the Klamath office (541) 883-5732 for more information of which high lakes are stocked.
NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS:rainbow trout
No angling report from the ponds. Squaw Creek and Littlefield reservoirs were stocked with rainbow trout fingerling the last week of May. Anglers should check with Vale BLM for current road closures.
OWYHEE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, catfish
The reservoir was 36 percent full Aug. 12. The boat ramp at the state park and Leslie Gulch are out of the water. The rest of the boat ramps are in the water. Angling is fair. Check with Vale BLM for current road closures.
OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): brown trout and hatchery rainbow trout
Flows below the dam averaged about 235 cfs on Aug.12. Angling for rainbow trout and brown trout is good. The river was stocked with rainbow trout fingerling from the gingerbread house downstream to the concrete bridge the last week of May. The river upstream of the power lines was stocked with large fingerlings on July 17.
OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish
Discharge at the Rome gauge averaged approximately 79 cfs on August 12. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish is fair to good.
PAIUTE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout and cutthroat trout
Angling for rainbow trout is slow with bait. A boat is not needed to catch fish successfully on Paiute Reservoir. A few Lahontan cutthroat trout are available. The reservoir is at half full, and will progressively get lower.
PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch
Fishing has been good for trout and very good for perch. Trout are running about 12-14 inches. Perch are 9-12 inches and fat. Use worms or cut bait for perch and fish early for best results. Fish are close to the bottom this time of year. Water level is at 32 percent.
PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout
Campground is open. Fishing is poor. Water level is at 35 percent.
PINE CREEK: trout
Was stocked in late June with legal rainbow trout. Best fishing is around Cornucopia.
POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
The water level at Pole Creek Reservoir is about 9.0 feet deep, down from about 9.7 feet on July 31. We are still unsure if the reservoir will over winter some water and trout. Angling is slow.
POWDER RIVER: trout, spring Chinook
Spring chinook (jacks) have been stocked below Mason Dam, and will be open for fishing through Sept. 30. The open area is from Hughes Lane Bridge near Baker City to Mason Dam. Daily bag limit is 5 jacks. A salmon tag is needed. These are surplus fish that have returned to the Imnaha River Weir. Please "ask first" if entering private lands to fish.
SEVENMILE CREEK: brook trout and brown trout
No recent report.
SHERLOCK GULCH RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Fishing has been fair for legal sized trout. The reservoir is half full and turbid.
SID LUC RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Access to the reservoir is difficult and fishing has been fair.
SNAKE RIVER:catfish and smallmouth bass
Angling for catfish and smallmouth bass is fair.
SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: hatchery rainbow trout.
Fires are contained. Anglers should continue to use caution when angling in this area.
SPAULDING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Angling is slow as the reservoir is extremely low and water temperatures warm.
SPRAGUE RIVER:redband trout, large brown trout, brook trout
Angling is slow for redband trout in the mainstem Sprague. Angling is fair for brown bullhead and largemouth bass. A few large brown trout and redband trout are available. Angling is good for redband trout, brook trout and brown trout in the North and South Forks of the Sprague. Large brown trout can be found in the North Fork Sprague above and below the 3411 road crossing. Bull trout can be encountered in the North and South Fork of the Sprague so know your fish species.
SUNSTONE RESERVOIR:rainbow trout
Sunstone is almost dry, fish are still available.
SYCAN RIVER:redband and brook trout
Angling is very good for brook trout above Pikes Crossing and good for redband trout below Pikes Crossing. Angling is slow for redband trout from 8-12" below Teddy Powers Meadow. Large brown trout are available in the Sycan below Teddy Powers Meadow but are difficult to locate.
THOMPSON RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, rainbow trout
Angling for largemouth bass is good. The best location to fish for bass is near the shore on both sides near the dam. Most trophy bass are feeding on tui chub or stocked rainbow trout. Angling for rainbow trout is best near the dam and along the rocky northeast bank. Angling for stocked rainbow trout is slow.
TOPSY RESERVOIR:largemouth bass, crappie, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed sunfish
Angling for warmwater fish is slow. Look for largemouth bass in the shallow backwater areas near J.C. Boyle Dam or near the Klamath River. Angling from a boat is more productive for largemouth bass and crappie than angling from shore. Angling with bait from shore can be productive for catching brown bullhead. Sunfish can be caught from shore using small bait under bobbers or small flies.
THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout
Due to drought conditions, the daily trout bag limit has been raised to 15 with no possession limit. Reservoir level has dropped to 4 percent.
UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie
Reservoir is dropping and is at 37 percent. Crappie fishing has been very good, even from shore. Bass and trout angling is fair.
UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER: redband and brook trout
Look for the large yellow mayfly hatch (Hexagenia) at 9 pm. The Hex hatch has been sparse this year and angling has been difficult. Redband trout are available from six to over twenty inches with the average fish twelve inches. Brook trout are more abundant as you progress upstream and ODFW encourages unlimited harvest of brook trout.
WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: smallmouth bass, white crappie, catfish, perch, hatchery rainbow trout
The reservoir was 10 percent full and the inflow at the Drewsey gauge averaged 1 cfs on Aug. 12. Water Levels at this reservoir are managed with Beulah Reservoir. At current releases, this reservoir could reach minimum levels in two or three weeks or in early September. Angling is fair for yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and rainbow trout. There have been a few reports of anglers catching crappie and bass.
WARNER LAKES (Hart, Crump, Flagstaff, etc.):crappie, brown bullhead, largemouth bass
Angling for crappie has been hit or miss with most of the best angling occurring in Hart and Crump Lakes. The northern lakes (Flagstaff, Bluejoint) are not producing well but small crappie are available
WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR:largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch and Lahontan cutthroat
Angling for largemouth bass has been fair. Increased effort by anglers has made largemouth bass more difficult to catch. Crappie angling has been slow. Look for crappie and bass around the many wood and habitat structures in the reservoir. Lahontan cutthroat are available but rare in the catch. The most effective way to fish Willow Valley is from boat but largemouth bass can be captured at the boat ramp and all along the dam. Recent sampling has shown largemouth bass and bluegill to be abundant in the reservoir. Most bluegill are small. Black crappie are common and in the 8-10" range. The yellow perch population has decreased substantially and not worth angling for.
WOOD RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES: redband and brown trout
Angling is slow for redband trout and fair for brown trout. Most angling is done from a drift boat as public access is limited. Grasshoppers are out in abundance so a grasshopper pattern with a nymph dropper cast to the undercut banks has produced. Redband are beginning to move into the river in good numbers as the spawning urge increases.
WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR:
Water is low. Fishing is poor.
YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout
Yellowjacket lake is now open to public access. However, access is limited to the USFS 31 and 37 roads.
HUNTING
Pheasant Hunting Clinic, Sept. 15, Klamath Wildlife Area in Klamath Falls. ODFW's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program will host this workshop which includes sessions on shotgun safety, upland bird hunting techniques and hunting with dogs. A field experience will be offered as part of the workshop with volunteer guides, dogs and support provided by the Klamath Chapter of the Oregon Hunters Association and Pheasants Unlimited. For additional information about these workshops, contact Nancy Smogor by e-mail.
FIRE CLOSURES: The Egley wildfire complex fire is affecting access to the Silvies Hunt Unit, located near Burns. Several roads are closed for public safety reasons. The federal, state and county officials evaluate closures weekly and will open more of the area as conditions continue to improve.
The latest on Egley Complex Fire Area Closures
OPEN: Bear and cougar hunting. Bear numbers are lower here than in other portions of the state due to limited habitat but populations are stable to increasing. Look in forested areas within the zone. Cougar populations are healthy in the zone.
PRONGHORN: Good fawn recruitment and many mature bucks adds up to good hunting opportunities for those lucky enough to have a tag for this area. ODFW increased tags for this year.
Summer Lake Wildlife Area, a popular destination for waterfowl hunters, is taking public comments on a draft plan to govern management of the area for the next ten years.
E-mail comments by the deadline of Sept. 14 to ODFW.Comments@state.or.us.
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VIEWING
Burns Area
Many northern breeding species of shorebirds are beginning fall migration and can now be found staging on the mud flats around Malheur and Harney Lakes. Long-billed dowitchers, greater and lesser yellowlegs and many other species will continue to become more common over the next few weeks.
Canada geese are becoming more apparent as goslings have fledged and joined into larger groups. Canada geese can be found in the mornings and evenings throughout the Harney Basin traveling from roosting areas to feed in local agricultural lands.
Harney Basin and Harney County
American White Pelicans
- Photo by Robert Mutch -<br />
August and September are good months to view. See American white pelicans, greater sandhill cranes, white-faced ibis, long-billed curlews, golden eagles, Swainson's hawks and ferruginous hawks.
American white pelicans are often seen from Highway 205 near Malheur and Mud Lakes, while white-faced ibis and long-billed curlews can be seen in the Harney Basin, near Burns, feeding in shallow wetlands and irrigated areas. Greater sandhill cranes can be observed feeding in meadows on the Malheur Refuge and in the Harney Basin.
Golden eagles use cliff and rim rock areas throughout Harney County, however good populations are located along Catlow Rim on the east side of Catlow Valley. The best opportunity to view Swainson's and ferruginous hawks is in agricultural areas and adjacent rangelands near Crane and Princeton.
Klamath Falls Area
Early fall migratory birds are just starting to show up around area lakes, rivers and wetlands. Check around Upper Klamath Lake just north of Klamath Falls from Highway 97 or Highway 140 to view thousands of lesser scaup using the edge of the lake. These areas are also good to view black-crowned night heron, western grebe, Clark's grebe, white pelican and many other wildlife species.
Klamath Wildlife Area
See Great Basin Canada Geese with broods, Sandhill cranes with colts, ducks and ducklings. There are also a lot of shorebirds: avocet, black neck stilt and dowitchers. Western pond turtles-one of our two native turtle species-can be seen basking in or near ponds.
Sandhill cranes: www.herpetologynorthwest.org/nwherps/turtles/western-pond-turtle.html
The Wildlife Area is located four miles south of Klamath Falls. Please note, dogs are allowed in dog training area only (near boat ramp) until August first. Discharge of firearms is prohibited outside of hunting seasons. Discharge of handguns and rifles prohibited without permit.
Directions and information: www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/klamath_wa.htm
Sandhill Crane<br />
- Photo by Greg Gillson-
Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Drive the Silver Lake Road for good viewing and photo opportunities for a variety of marsh birds. The natural marsh provides important nesting, feeding and resting habitat for waterfowl, while the surrounding meadowlands are attractive nesting and feeding areas for sandhill crane, yellow rail, and various shorebirds and raptors.
Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Summer Lake Wildlife Area
August begins a transition at the Wildlife Area-summer nesting is giving way to beginning staged migrations. There are still many good viewing opportunities.
Late summer viewing activity
Rufous Hummingbird<br />
- Photo by Greg Gillson-
Eurasian collared doves are easily observed and remain very vocal at the Headquarters complex. Breeding season is nearly over and fledged and flighted young of many species can be found. Duck broods, especially the later nesting gadwall are very common now. Fall migration is underway and intensifying. Unsuccessful or failed breeders are returning from northerly breeding locales and molting waterfowl are staging in Area wetlands.
Shorebirds are staging for migration and southern migrants are appearing.
Hummingbirds can be seen at ODFW headquarters feeders"•black-chinned, calliopes and rufous were observed last week.
A few wildlife are still being born and reared, visitors are urged to keep pets in close control. Nests are sometimes situated along roads and trails and can be encountered easily. If nests or young are found, please move away from the vicinity immediately to avoid undue disturbance.
Waterfowl
Ducks are becoming very numerous now, and are widely scattered across the Area. Drakes have lost their brilliant nuptial plumage and are molting. They are very dull and drab in this eclipse plumage. Early migrating species such as cinnamon teal are beginning to flock-up for departure to Southern California and Central America. Brood rearing continues and the late nesting gadwall broods are abundant and easily observed. Look closely along the protective cover of emergent vegetation during early morning and evening hours for the best chances to observe broods.
Resident Canada goose family groups are dispersing widely across the wildlife area and can be found in most wetlands or recently hayed meadows in the surrounding area.
Sandhill Crane colts (crane chicks) are nearly full grown and birds are beginning to flock up and stage for migration.
Shorebirds
Shorebirds have completed their breeding season activities. Early nesting species such as long-billed curlew and western willet have largely departed to staging or wintering areas further to the south. Other species are forming post-breeding season assemblages to forage in wildlife area wetlands as they prepare for fall migration. Southern migrants, greater and lesser yellowlegs, long-billed dowitchers, peeps (least and western sandpipers) and phalaropes (red-necked and Wilson's) as well as other migrating shorebird species can be found now. Now is a good time to encounter rare or unusual species passing through the Wildlife Area.
Waders and other waterbirds are increasing in number and species. American white pelicans, great egrets, gulls (primarily ring-billed) and terns are very numerous now taking advantages of forage fish found in canals and ponds. Black terns were observed foraging across open ponds recently. Post breeding season dispersal is occurring and many young waterbirds can be found foraging in semi-permanent and seasonal wetlands. Flocks of foraging white-faced ibis and white pelicans were numerous in shallowly flooded wetlands, canals and ponds over the past week. Nearly 200 white pelicans were present on the Area over the past week.
Raptor Watch
Bald Eagle<br />
- Photo by Greg Gillson-
Resident raptors remain scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Highway 31. Meadows have been hayed recently and now offer excellent foraging opportunities for many raptors. Migrant raptors are staging in good numbers throughout the Summer Lake Basin and are very apparent along Highway 31. Northern harriers are especially numerous over marsh and hay meadows. Bald eagles are commonly seen along the Ana River near the River Ranch. Prairie falcons and golden eagles are sometimes seen during this time of the year, and peregrine falcons make occasional appearances. osprey are common at Ana Reservoir and are frequently observed along Ana River near the River Ranch.
Ring-necked pheasant and California quail brood observations have been numerous and small coveys of quail are beginning to form. Watch carefully along road shoulders in upland areas to spot broods closely attend by hens, and in the case of quail, both parents.
Passerine species remain fairly common around the Headquarters complex, Summer Lake Rest Area, homestead sites and shelter break plantings at the north end of the Area where they are attracted to tree and shrub cover. Swallow nesting activity is nearly over with the exception of barn swallows, a late nesting species. Most swallows are congregating into flocks as they stage for migration and several species have departed.
Invertebrate activity remains high due to the warm temperatures and provides considerable food to insectivorous birds across the Area. Biting insects remain very numerous.
Facilities and Access
The Wildlife Viewing Loop is open and will remain so until early fall. Major dike roads (Bullgate, Windbreak and Work Road) will be open to motor vehicle travel beginning on August 15 and will remain open until September 19th (three days prior to and including the Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend). The Wildlife Viewing Loop will be closed during this time period (Sept. 19-23) as well.<br />
Those dikes and roads will reopen following the end of the Youth Hunt and remain open until October 3rd when they will close for the General Waterfowl Hunting Season (ending on January 27, 2008).
Viewers are urged to use care when driving roads since several species of birds may be nesting or have broods along edges. Secondary and minor dikes will remain closed to motor vehicle traffic and cross country travel by motor vehicles and ATVs is prohibited.
Special care and attention is also necessary since several habitat improvement and maintenance projects are underway. Heavy equipment and dump trucks may be encountered while driving Area roads. Please be especially aware along the east side of the Wildlife Area in the Schoolhouse Lake and Deep Water Canal areas.
Non-motorized access and viewing opportunities are available across the entire Area at this time. Camping is permitted at four sites on the wildlife area.
Habitat
Wetland habitats remain in good condition; all emergent marsh plants are showing considerable growth. Seeds and submerged vegetation is very abundant at this time. Invertebrate populations are very abundant due to warm water temperatures and are providing food to many species.
Meadows and hayfields found on adjacent private lands and in selected locations on the Wildlife Area have been or are in the process of being hayed. These areas will provide tremendous hunting sites for raptors and when reflooded feeding sites for many species of waterbirds.
Habitat enhancement and restoration activities are underway in Bullgate Refuge, Link Marsh and East Link Units. These areas were controlled burned in spring and dried out to mimic drought conditions that historically restored productivity to semi-permanent wetlands. Bullgate Refuge Unit will be reflooded in early fall, while Link Marsh will remain dry until fall 2008. These areas are now being mowed and will be disked to reduce dense monotypic stands of tall emergent vegetation. Viewers will find these traditionally flooded areas dry and with very little bird activity. However, water birds have shifted their use to other portions of the wildlife areas that remain flooded. The nearby Bypass Unit is full and receiving good waterbird use at this time.
Westside areas, especially along Dutchy and Rest Lakes, Windbreak Dike and Work Road Ponds remain well watered and are receiving considerable waterbird use at this time. Natural food sources of seeds, tubers and plant parts remain very abundant and available in nearly all wetland areas. Upland sites are in excellent condition due to lush growth of grasses and forbs. All species have produced seeds that are being utilized by many species of wildlife. Trees and shrubs have produced an abundance of fruits and seeds now.
Of special interest to wildlife viewers and Area users is that public comments are being taken regarding Summer Lake Wildlife Area's draft long range management plan. Email comments by the deadline of Sept. 14 to ODFW.Comments@state.or.us. The plan: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/commis.../index.asp Scroll down to Exhibit F then click on Summer Lake.pdf.
For additional information on viewing opportunities or the draft long range management plan, please contact the Summer Lake Wildlife Area at (541) 943-3152 or martin.j.stlouis@state.or.us
Contact Klamath Watershed Office (541) 883-5732, the Hines Office (541) 573-6582, or the La Grande Office (541) 963-2138 for more information on fishing opportunities.
Stocking schedule for the Klamath-Malheur watersheds
ANA RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, hybrid bass
Angling for rainbow trout has been fair. Most angling occurs from the bank using bait. Angling for hybrid bass has been slow. The reservoir is full.
ANA RIVER: rainbow trout
Angling for rainbow trout has been slow. Look for rising trout in shaded areas of the river or wait until overcast days to fish over rising fish. Fingerling rainbow trout below the dam will take most bait and flies which make it difficult to catch larger fish. These fish can be very spooky so stealth is required. Bait angling is allowed and productive.
ANTHONY LAKES: rainbow trout, brook trout
Restocked with legal rainbows week of July 16. Should be good for rainbows and brook trout.
BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, whitefish, bull trout
The reservoir was 14 percent full on Aug.12, and inflow was 29 cfs. Fishing is slow. At current releases, this reservoir should near empty in two or three weeks or early in September. Continue to check with the Vale BLM for current road closures.
BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Angling is slow as the reservoir is low and water temperatures are warm.
BLITZEN RIVER: trout
Fair angling for redband trout. Flow fluctuated between approximately 33 and 36 cfs from Aug. 7 - 13. Flow was 33 cfs Aug. 13.
BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: bass, white crappie, yellow perch, catfish, and trout
The reservoir was 18 percent full on Aug. 12. At current releases, this reservoir should near empty in late August or early September. Boat ramp is getting close to being unusable. Angling for warmwater fish is fair.
BURNS POND: trout, bass
Slow angling for 8 to 12 inch rainbow trout using spoons, spinners, or powerbait. No angling report for bass.
CAMPBELL/DEADHORSE: rainbow trout and brook trout
Angling has been fair. The last stocking of legal and trophy rainbow trout occurred the week of July 12.
CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout
Fair angling for 13-15 inch rainbow trout. Anglers have had the best success trolling or casting flies.
Chewaucan River: redband trout
Look for fishing to be best in the early mornings. Angling is fair below Marsters Campground downstream to near Paisley. Water temperatures are high therefore fish that are released should be landed quickly and resuscitated.
COTTONWOOD MEADOWS LAKE:Rainbow trout and brook trout
Access is open, fishing has been fair. Aquatic vegetation growth in the lake makes angling difficult with bait and from the shore
COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: redband trout
Angling is slow with warm water temperatures. The best method for fishing Cottonwood Reservoir is angling from the dam or trolling minnow imitations (spoons and deceiver flies) from a boat. Cottonwood Reservoir is not stocked and the fish you catch are native redband trout produced in Cottonwood Creek.
DELINTMENT LAKE: trout
This portion of the Emigrant Creek Ranger District is closed to public access because of fire.
Deep Creek: redband trout
Angling is slow for redband trout. Flows are low.
DOG LAKE: largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, brown bullhead, redband trout
Fishing for bass has been slow, but numerous large bass have been caught recently out of Dog to make it worth the effort. Fishing for crappie has been good.
DUNCAN RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Angling for rainbow trout has been slow. The reservoir has lots of vegetation on the south end which makes for difficult angling. The fingerling rainbow trout make up most of the catch and make catching larger fish difficult. Water temperatures are warm so the best fishing will occur in the early mornings.
EAGLE CREEK and TRIBUTARIES: trout
Has been good for trout and was stocked twice in July.
FISH LAKE (Steens Mountain): brook trout, rainbow trout
Angling should be fair to good for 8 to 14 inch brook trout and rainbow trout. Fly anglers usually have the best success using small nymphs. Spinners and bait should also work well.
FOURMILE LAKE: kokanee, lake Trout, rainbow trout, brook trout
The lake is full and launching boats is a tight fit due the large number of logs along the shoreline. Angling is fair for rainbow trout and good for lake trout. Most lake trout are running 14 -19 inches with a few in the 8-9 lb range. Angling is slow for Kokanee and they are averaging around 12 inches. Angling is slow for brook trout. Trolling spoons, spinners or other lures can be effective. Downriggers are often needed to catch kokanee and lake trout as they are often in deep water. Jigging in deep water can also be effective on kokanee and lake trout. The northwest side of the lake is a good place to begin angling. Angling with bait from shore is usually slow.
GERBER RESERVOIR: crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead and largemouth bass
Angling for crappie has slowed down but is still fair to good. Most crappie are in the 8-10 inch range but larger crappie are available. The best method is to fish a crappie jig under a bobber. Yellow perch angling has been slow. Lake levels are high therefore boats can be launched. Angling for brown bullhead and largemouth bass is fair. For more information on warmwater fishing in Gerber Reservoir and other Warmwater fisheries visit your local ODFW offices for warmwater fishing pamphlets.
GRANDE RONDE LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout
Fishing should be good.
HIGGINS RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Should provide fair angling for 10-18-inch rainbow trout. Higgins Reservoir is located on private land, and the landowner allows public access for angling but has limited it to walking access only. There is a gate approximately ¾ mile from the reservoir.
HIGHWAY 203 POND: rainbow trout, bluegill
Highway 203 Pond was stocked with legal and trophy rainbows. Fishing for trout may not be as good as waters warm. Bluegill are plentiful but small. Some bass are available as well, but are small.
HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
The abundance of trout has been reduced by the illegal introduction of tui chub, larger trout are still available.
JUNIPER LAKE:
No recent report.
Upper Klamath and Agency Lake: redband trout and yellow perch
Angling for wild redband trout has been fair. Redband trout have moved into the many cold water spring areas around the lake and the mouths of the Williamson and Wood River. Flyfishing is more productive in the Lake this month because redband trout have become more concentrated. Catch rates are typically one fish per ten hours of fishing.
KLAMATH RIVER: rainbow-redband trout
Angling below JC Boyle Powerhouse is fair due to flow fluctuations. River flows below the Powerhouse will be 1500-2000 cfs during most of the daylight hours which creates difficult angling conditions; however some trout can be captured in the shallow, slow moving water near shore using spinners. Redband- rainbow trout are concentrated so covering lots of water will increase your odds of catching fish. The best time to angle is early morning 6-9 am and late evening 8-9 pm. The river section from JC Boyle Dam to JC Boyle Powerhouse is good for rainbow-redband trout 6-12 inches. River flows in this section are a constant 380 cfs. Small spinners and flies are the most effective method for catching rainbow- redband trout in this section. Call 1-800-547-1501 for river flow information
KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass
Slow to fair angling for 12 to 18 inch rainbow trout. Fair angling for largemouth bass. There is good bank access near the boat ramp and on the southwest shoreline. There is also an accessible fishing platform near the boat ramp. No reports on what gear has been most effective.
LAKE OF THE WOODS: rainbow trout, kokanee, brown trout, yellow perch, brown bullhead,largemouth bass, crappie, and smallmouth bass
Angling for largemouth bass, crappie, smallmouth bass, kokanee and brown trout is fair. Angling for yellow perch is good but most yellow perch are small (< 6"). Angling for brown bullhead can be excellent with a worm near the bottom of the lake. Contact Lake of the Woods Lodge at (1-866-201-4194) for recent angling update. Angling should be fair for rainbow trout. The best method to catch rainbow trout is to troll using spinners or fishing bait from a boat. Most rainbow trout are in the middle of the lake. The lake will not be stocked again until late August due to high water temperatures. Many large trout up to 6 lbs have been taken out of Lake of the Woods this year.
LINK RIVER:redband trout
Angling is slow as many redband trout have moved through Link River. Most anglers use minnow imitations. Access is available along the entire west side and boats can be launched at Veterans Park and motored upstream to the powerhouse. Catch rates are typically low and a good day is landing a few redband trout.
LITTLE HEART LAKE: rainbow trout
Access is open and fishing is slow due to the illegal introduction of minnows into the lake.
LOFTON RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Expect angling to be slow due to the illegal introduction of tui chub. Larger fish are still available in the lake.
LONG CREEK RESERVOIR:trout
Fishing is good for small trout.
LOST RIVER: largemouth bass, yellow perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, crappie, bullhead catfish
Angling has been slow for warm water game fish.
Lower Williamson River: Large redband trout and brown trout
Angling is good. Flyfishing from a drift boat is the most popular method to catch large redband trout. Anglers can also troll spoons and lures below the Modoc Point bridge. A few brown trout are available but difficult to catch. The large yellow mayflies (Hexagenia) are hatching in the late evenings providing good angling. Also, look for Trico mayfly hatches in early morning.
LUCKY RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
The road into Lucky has been improved. Angling has been slow due to warm water temperatures.
MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork Malheur River): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout
Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir was approximately 551 cfs on Aug. 12. No angling report.
MALHEUR RIVER (from the South Fork Malheur River near Riverside, downstream to Gold Creek): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout
Discharge from Warm Springs Reservoir was approximately 551 cfs, and discharge from Beulah Reservoir was approximately 267 cfs on Aug.12. Angling is slow to fair.
MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
Trout angling is fair. With the summer heat, fishing is best during the early morning and late evening hours. Good numbers of trout from 10 to 16 inches are being caught.
MALHEUR RIVER, NORTH FORK: redband trout, whitefish, and bull trout
No recent report.
MALHEUR RIVER, MIDDLE FORK: redband trout, brook trout, and bull trout
No recent report.
MALONE RESERVOIR (Lost River):yellow, brown and black bullhead
Angling for yellow, brown and black bullhead is excellent. Angling for sunfish and largemouth bass is slow.
MANN LAKE: trout
Angling should be slow for cutthroat trout.
MILLER LAKE: large brown trout, rainbow trout and small kokanee
Angling is fair for brown trout. Angling with downriggers is the most effective method. Brown trout are feeding on kokanee and stocked rainbow trout.
MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout
No recent angling report. Angling should be fair for bass and slow to fair for rainbow trout. Shoreline access is good near the dam, but difficult along much of the reservoir. Boat anglers have had the best success.
Mountain and SKY High Lakes (Klamath County): brook trout and rainbow trout
Most of these lakes require long distances to hike over rugged terrain. This is one of the best months to fish the high lakes as brook trout begin to move into shallows to prepare to spawn. Angling is typically slow during the middle of the day but success increases dramatically in the morning or evening. In many of the lakes a floating device is necessary to catch fish. Another popular method is to use a spinning rod with a fly and bubble which you can cast long distances. Bring your mosquito spray. Call the Klamath office (541) 883-5732 for more information of which high lakes are stocked.
NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS:rainbow trout
No angling report from the ponds. Squaw Creek and Littlefield reservoirs were stocked with rainbow trout fingerling the last week of May. Anglers should check with Vale BLM for current road closures.
OWYHEE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, catfish
The reservoir was 36 percent full Aug. 12. The boat ramp at the state park and Leslie Gulch are out of the water. The rest of the boat ramps are in the water. Angling is fair. Check with Vale BLM for current road closures.
OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): brown trout and hatchery rainbow trout
Flows below the dam averaged about 235 cfs on Aug.12. Angling for rainbow trout and brown trout is good. The river was stocked with rainbow trout fingerling from the gingerbread house downstream to the concrete bridge the last week of May. The river upstream of the power lines was stocked with large fingerlings on July 17.
OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish
Discharge at the Rome gauge averaged approximately 79 cfs on August 12. Angling for smallmouth and channel catfish is fair to good.
PAIUTE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout and cutthroat trout
Angling for rainbow trout is slow with bait. A boat is not needed to catch fish successfully on Paiute Reservoir. A few Lahontan cutthroat trout are available. The reservoir is at half full, and will progressively get lower.
PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch
Fishing has been good for trout and very good for perch. Trout are running about 12-14 inches. Perch are 9-12 inches and fat. Use worms or cut bait for perch and fish early for best results. Fish are close to the bottom this time of year. Water level is at 32 percent.
PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout
Campground is open. Fishing is poor. Water level is at 35 percent.
PINE CREEK: trout
Was stocked in late June with legal rainbow trout. Best fishing is around Cornucopia.
POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
The water level at Pole Creek Reservoir is about 9.0 feet deep, down from about 9.7 feet on July 31. We are still unsure if the reservoir will over winter some water and trout. Angling is slow.
POWDER RIVER: trout, spring Chinook
Spring chinook (jacks) have been stocked below Mason Dam, and will be open for fishing through Sept. 30. The open area is from Hughes Lane Bridge near Baker City to Mason Dam. Daily bag limit is 5 jacks. A salmon tag is needed. These are surplus fish that have returned to the Imnaha River Weir. Please "ask first" if entering private lands to fish.
SEVENMILE CREEK: brook trout and brown trout
No recent report.
SHERLOCK GULCH RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Fishing has been fair for legal sized trout. The reservoir is half full and turbid.
SID LUC RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Access to the reservoir is difficult and fishing has been fair.
SNAKE RIVER:catfish and smallmouth bass
Angling for catfish and smallmouth bass is fair.
SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: hatchery rainbow trout.
Fires are contained. Anglers should continue to use caution when angling in this area.
SPAULDING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Angling is slow as the reservoir is extremely low and water temperatures warm.
SPRAGUE RIVER:redband trout, large brown trout, brook trout
Angling is slow for redband trout in the mainstem Sprague. Angling is fair for brown bullhead and largemouth bass. A few large brown trout and redband trout are available. Angling is good for redband trout, brook trout and brown trout in the North and South Forks of the Sprague. Large brown trout can be found in the North Fork Sprague above and below the 3411 road crossing. Bull trout can be encountered in the North and South Fork of the Sprague so know your fish species.
SUNSTONE RESERVOIR:rainbow trout
Sunstone is almost dry, fish are still available.
SYCAN RIVER:redband and brook trout
Angling is very good for brook trout above Pikes Crossing and good for redband trout below Pikes Crossing. Angling is slow for redband trout from 8-12" below Teddy Powers Meadow. Large brown trout are available in the Sycan below Teddy Powers Meadow but are difficult to locate.
THOMPSON RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, rainbow trout
Angling for largemouth bass is good. The best location to fish for bass is near the shore on both sides near the dam. Most trophy bass are feeding on tui chub or stocked rainbow trout. Angling for rainbow trout is best near the dam and along the rocky northeast bank. Angling for stocked rainbow trout is slow.
TOPSY RESERVOIR:largemouth bass, crappie, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed sunfish
Angling for warmwater fish is slow. Look for largemouth bass in the shallow backwater areas near J.C. Boyle Dam or near the Klamath River. Angling from a boat is more productive for largemouth bass and crappie than angling from shore. Angling with bait from shore can be productive for catching brown bullhead. Sunfish can be caught from shore using small bait under bobbers or small flies.
THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout
Due to drought conditions, the daily trout bag limit has been raised to 15 with no possession limit. Reservoir level has dropped to 4 percent.
UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie
Reservoir is dropping and is at 37 percent. Crappie fishing has been very good, even from shore. Bass and trout angling is fair.
UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER: redband and brook trout
Look for the large yellow mayfly hatch (Hexagenia) at 9 pm. The Hex hatch has been sparse this year and angling has been difficult. Redband trout are available from six to over twenty inches with the average fish twelve inches. Brook trout are more abundant as you progress upstream and ODFW encourages unlimited harvest of brook trout.
WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: smallmouth bass, white crappie, catfish, perch, hatchery rainbow trout
The reservoir was 10 percent full and the inflow at the Drewsey gauge averaged 1 cfs on Aug. 12. Water Levels at this reservoir are managed with Beulah Reservoir. At current releases, this reservoir could reach minimum levels in two or three weeks or in early September. Angling is fair for yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and rainbow trout. There have been a few reports of anglers catching crappie and bass.
WARNER LAKES (Hart, Crump, Flagstaff, etc.):crappie, brown bullhead, largemouth bass
Angling for crappie has been hit or miss with most of the best angling occurring in Hart and Crump Lakes. The northern lakes (Flagstaff, Bluejoint) are not producing well but small crappie are available
WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR:largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch and Lahontan cutthroat
Angling for largemouth bass has been fair. Increased effort by anglers has made largemouth bass more difficult to catch. Crappie angling has been slow. Look for crappie and bass around the many wood and habitat structures in the reservoir. Lahontan cutthroat are available but rare in the catch. The most effective way to fish Willow Valley is from boat but largemouth bass can be captured at the boat ramp and all along the dam. Recent sampling has shown largemouth bass and bluegill to be abundant in the reservoir. Most bluegill are small. Black crappie are common and in the 8-10" range. The yellow perch population has decreased substantially and not worth angling for.
WOOD RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES: redband and brown trout
Angling is slow for redband trout and fair for brown trout. Most angling is done from a drift boat as public access is limited. Grasshoppers are out in abundance so a grasshopper pattern with a nymph dropper cast to the undercut banks has produced. Redband are beginning to move into the river in good numbers as the spawning urge increases.
WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR:
Water is low. Fishing is poor.
YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout
Yellowjacket lake is now open to public access. However, access is limited to the USFS 31 and 37 roads.
HUNTING
Pheasant Hunting Clinic, Sept. 15, Klamath Wildlife Area in Klamath Falls. ODFW's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program will host this workshop which includes sessions on shotgun safety, upland bird hunting techniques and hunting with dogs. A field experience will be offered as part of the workshop with volunteer guides, dogs and support provided by the Klamath Chapter of the Oregon Hunters Association and Pheasants Unlimited. For additional information about these workshops, contact Nancy Smogor by e-mail.
FIRE CLOSURES: The Egley wildfire complex fire is affecting access to the Silvies Hunt Unit, located near Burns. Several roads are closed for public safety reasons. The federal, state and county officials evaluate closures weekly and will open more of the area as conditions continue to improve.
The latest on Egley Complex Fire Area Closures
OPEN: Bear and cougar hunting. Bear numbers are lower here than in other portions of the state due to limited habitat but populations are stable to increasing. Look in forested areas within the zone. Cougar populations are healthy in the zone.
PRONGHORN: Good fawn recruitment and many mature bucks adds up to good hunting opportunities for those lucky enough to have a tag for this area. ODFW increased tags for this year.
Summer Lake Wildlife Area, a popular destination for waterfowl hunters, is taking public comments on a draft plan to govern management of the area for the next ten years.
E-mail comments by the deadline of Sept. 14 to ODFW.Comments@state.or.us.
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VIEWING
Burns Area
Many northern breeding species of shorebirds are beginning fall migration and can now be found staging on the mud flats around Malheur and Harney Lakes. Long-billed dowitchers, greater and lesser yellowlegs and many other species will continue to become more common over the next few weeks.
Canada geese are becoming more apparent as goslings have fledged and joined into larger groups. Canada geese can be found in the mornings and evenings throughout the Harney Basin traveling from roosting areas to feed in local agricultural lands.
Harney Basin and Harney County
American White Pelicans
- Photo by Robert Mutch -<br />
August and September are good months to view. See American white pelicans, greater sandhill cranes, white-faced ibis, long-billed curlews, golden eagles, Swainson's hawks and ferruginous hawks.
American white pelicans are often seen from Highway 205 near Malheur and Mud Lakes, while white-faced ibis and long-billed curlews can be seen in the Harney Basin, near Burns, feeding in shallow wetlands and irrigated areas. Greater sandhill cranes can be observed feeding in meadows on the Malheur Refuge and in the Harney Basin.
Golden eagles use cliff and rim rock areas throughout Harney County, however good populations are located along Catlow Rim on the east side of Catlow Valley. The best opportunity to view Swainson's and ferruginous hawks is in agricultural areas and adjacent rangelands near Crane and Princeton.
Klamath Falls Area
Early fall migratory birds are just starting to show up around area lakes, rivers and wetlands. Check around Upper Klamath Lake just north of Klamath Falls from Highway 97 or Highway 140 to view thousands of lesser scaup using the edge of the lake. These areas are also good to view black-crowned night heron, western grebe, Clark's grebe, white pelican and many other wildlife species.
Klamath Wildlife Area
See Great Basin Canada Geese with broods, Sandhill cranes with colts, ducks and ducklings. There are also a lot of shorebirds: avocet, black neck stilt and dowitchers. Western pond turtles-one of our two native turtle species-can be seen basking in or near ponds.
Sandhill cranes: www.herpetologynorthwest.org/nwherps/turtles/western-pond-turtle.html
The Wildlife Area is located four miles south of Klamath Falls. Please note, dogs are allowed in dog training area only (near boat ramp) until August first. Discharge of firearms is prohibited outside of hunting seasons. Discharge of handguns and rifles prohibited without permit.
Directions and information: www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlifearea/klamath_wa.htm
Sandhill Crane<br />
- Photo by Greg Gillson-
Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Drive the Silver Lake Road for good viewing and photo opportunities for a variety of marsh birds. The natural marsh provides important nesting, feeding and resting habitat for waterfowl, while the surrounding meadowlands are attractive nesting and feeding areas for sandhill crane, yellow rail, and various shorebirds and raptors.
Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Summer Lake Wildlife Area
August begins a transition at the Wildlife Area-summer nesting is giving way to beginning staged migrations. There are still many good viewing opportunities.
Late summer viewing activity
Rufous Hummingbird<br />
- Photo by Greg Gillson-
Eurasian collared doves are easily observed and remain very vocal at the Headquarters complex. Breeding season is nearly over and fledged and flighted young of many species can be found. Duck broods, especially the later nesting gadwall are very common now. Fall migration is underway and intensifying. Unsuccessful or failed breeders are returning from northerly breeding locales and molting waterfowl are staging in Area wetlands.
Shorebirds are staging for migration and southern migrants are appearing.
Hummingbirds can be seen at ODFW headquarters feeders"•black-chinned, calliopes and rufous were observed last week.
A few wildlife are still being born and reared, visitors are urged to keep pets in close control. Nests are sometimes situated along roads and trails and can be encountered easily. If nests or young are found, please move away from the vicinity immediately to avoid undue disturbance.
Waterfowl
Ducks are becoming very numerous now, and are widely scattered across the Area. Drakes have lost their brilliant nuptial plumage and are molting. They are very dull and drab in this eclipse plumage. Early migrating species such as cinnamon teal are beginning to flock-up for departure to Southern California and Central America. Brood rearing continues and the late nesting gadwall broods are abundant and easily observed. Look closely along the protective cover of emergent vegetation during early morning and evening hours for the best chances to observe broods.
Resident Canada goose family groups are dispersing widely across the wildlife area and can be found in most wetlands or recently hayed meadows in the surrounding area.
Sandhill Crane colts (crane chicks) are nearly full grown and birds are beginning to flock up and stage for migration.
Shorebirds
Shorebirds have completed their breeding season activities. Early nesting species such as long-billed curlew and western willet have largely departed to staging or wintering areas further to the south. Other species are forming post-breeding season assemblages to forage in wildlife area wetlands as they prepare for fall migration. Southern migrants, greater and lesser yellowlegs, long-billed dowitchers, peeps (least and western sandpipers) and phalaropes (red-necked and Wilson's) as well as other migrating shorebird species can be found now. Now is a good time to encounter rare or unusual species passing through the Wildlife Area.
Waders and other waterbirds are increasing in number and species. American white pelicans, great egrets, gulls (primarily ring-billed) and terns are very numerous now taking advantages of forage fish found in canals and ponds. Black terns were observed foraging across open ponds recently. Post breeding season dispersal is occurring and many young waterbirds can be found foraging in semi-permanent and seasonal wetlands. Flocks of foraging white-faced ibis and white pelicans were numerous in shallowly flooded wetlands, canals and ponds over the past week. Nearly 200 white pelicans were present on the Area over the past week.
Raptor Watch
Bald Eagle<br />
- Photo by Greg Gillson-
Resident raptors remain scattered throughout the Wildlife Area as well as on private lands along Highway 31. Meadows have been hayed recently and now offer excellent foraging opportunities for many raptors. Migrant raptors are staging in good numbers throughout the Summer Lake Basin and are very apparent along Highway 31. Northern harriers are especially numerous over marsh and hay meadows. Bald eagles are commonly seen along the Ana River near the River Ranch. Prairie falcons and golden eagles are sometimes seen during this time of the year, and peregrine falcons make occasional appearances. osprey are common at Ana Reservoir and are frequently observed along Ana River near the River Ranch.
Ring-necked pheasant and California quail brood observations have been numerous and small coveys of quail are beginning to form. Watch carefully along road shoulders in upland areas to spot broods closely attend by hens, and in the case of quail, both parents.
Passerine species remain fairly common around the Headquarters complex, Summer Lake Rest Area, homestead sites and shelter break plantings at the north end of the Area where they are attracted to tree and shrub cover. Swallow nesting activity is nearly over with the exception of barn swallows, a late nesting species. Most swallows are congregating into flocks as they stage for migration and several species have departed.
Invertebrate activity remains high due to the warm temperatures and provides considerable food to insectivorous birds across the Area. Biting insects remain very numerous.
Facilities and Access
The Wildlife Viewing Loop is open and will remain so until early fall. Major dike roads (Bullgate, Windbreak and Work Road) will be open to motor vehicle travel beginning on August 15 and will remain open until September 19th (three days prior to and including the Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend). The Wildlife Viewing Loop will be closed during this time period (Sept. 19-23) as well.<br />
Those dikes and roads will reopen following the end of the Youth Hunt and remain open until October 3rd when they will close for the General Waterfowl Hunting Season (ending on January 27, 2008).
Viewers are urged to use care when driving roads since several species of birds may be nesting or have broods along edges. Secondary and minor dikes will remain closed to motor vehicle traffic and cross country travel by motor vehicles and ATVs is prohibited.
Special care and attention is also necessary since several habitat improvement and maintenance projects are underway. Heavy equipment and dump trucks may be encountered while driving Area roads. Please be especially aware along the east side of the Wildlife Area in the Schoolhouse Lake and Deep Water Canal areas.
Non-motorized access and viewing opportunities are available across the entire Area at this time. Camping is permitted at four sites on the wildlife area.
Habitat
Wetland habitats remain in good condition; all emergent marsh plants are showing considerable growth. Seeds and submerged vegetation is very abundant at this time. Invertebrate populations are very abundant due to warm water temperatures and are providing food to many species.
Meadows and hayfields found on adjacent private lands and in selected locations on the Wildlife Area have been or are in the process of being hayed. These areas will provide tremendous hunting sites for raptors and when reflooded feeding sites for many species of waterbirds.
Habitat enhancement and restoration activities are underway in Bullgate Refuge, Link Marsh and East Link Units. These areas were controlled burned in spring and dried out to mimic drought conditions that historically restored productivity to semi-permanent wetlands. Bullgate Refuge Unit will be reflooded in early fall, while Link Marsh will remain dry until fall 2008. These areas are now being mowed and will be disked to reduce dense monotypic stands of tall emergent vegetation. Viewers will find these traditionally flooded areas dry and with very little bird activity. However, water birds have shifted their use to other portions of the wildlife areas that remain flooded. The nearby Bypass Unit is full and receiving good waterbird use at this time.
Westside areas, especially along Dutchy and Rest Lakes, Windbreak Dike and Work Road Ponds remain well watered and are receiving considerable waterbird use at this time. Natural food sources of seeds, tubers and plant parts remain very abundant and available in nearly all wetland areas. Upland sites are in excellent condition due to lush growth of grasses and forbs. All species have produced seeds that are being utilized by many species of wildlife. Trees and shrubs have produced an abundance of fruits and seeds now.
Of special interest to wildlife viewers and Area users is that public comments are being taken regarding Summer Lake Wildlife Area's draft long range management plan. Email comments by the deadline of Sept. 14 to ODFW.Comments@state.or.us. The plan: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/commis.../index.asp Scroll down to Exhibit F then click on Summer Lake.pdf.
For additional information on viewing opportunities or the draft long range management plan, please contact the Summer Lake Wildlife Area at (541) 943-3152 or martin.j.stlouis@state.or.us