First of several Free Fishing Days will take place April 22-23
Anglers and would-be anglers can enjoy a weekend of free fishing on April 22-23. On these two days, Oregonians and visitors can fish, crab and clam for free anywhere in Oregon without a license, tag or endorsement. This is the first of eight Free Fishing days in Oregon this year. Additional free days are June 3-4, Nov. 25-26, and Dec. 31-Jan. 1.

Spring bear hunting season begins
Seasons open April 1 and April 15. With the above average snow pack this year, biologists expect hunting to be slow in the early part of the season.

Reel in trout with the family at an ODFW Family Fishing Event
ODFW’s Outdoor Skills Program will host 28 Family Fishing Events at locations across Oregon this year. These events offer personalized fishing opportunities at stocked ponds across Oregon, with ODFW staff and volunteers on-site to provide equipment and instruction tailored to beginning anglers, all free of charge. Check out the online schedule for an event near you.

Put coastal spring Chinook on your radar
Late March and early April is when spring Chinook begin to enter the Umpqua and Rogue rivers. Keep an eye out for updates in the SW Zone.

Learn to hunt and fish
Steelhead fishing, turkey hunting clinics coming up. See odfwcalendar.com for latest classes.

Tips for ethical shed hunting
Oregon had a real winter this year so it’s more important than ever to shed hunt ethically. Respect access closures and motor vehicle restrictions or even consider delaying shed hunting till spring. More information here.