Idaho Fish Report

Join ODFW for Steelhead Week Jan.28-Feb. 1
ODFW biologists and local anglers will offer tips and tricks for winter steelhead fishing from the banks of the Chetco, Sixes, Coquille, Siuslaw and Tillamook (locations subject to change). To catch the action, follow MyODFW on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

2019 trout stocking schedule
Get a jump on planning your 2019 trout fishing adventures. The 2019 weekly trout stocking schedule is now posted on MyODFW.com.

Hunters have until April 15 to report their 2018 hunts
The deadline to report all 2018 big game and turkey tags has been extended until April 15, 2019 (from Jan. 31) to give hunters more time to report under ODFW’s new licensing system.

Best bets for weekend fishing

• Winter steelhead fishing is in peak season on the north coast. Rivers should be in good shape for the coming weekend.
• Winter steelhead season in the Umpqua is in full swing and the river should be in good shape.
• Trout fishing at Eel Lake has been pretty good, with fish up to 15-inches being caught. 
• Fly-fishers can target redband trout on the Blitzen River throughout the year. Large streamers and other nypmhs work well anytime. There also are periodic hatches, so keep a selection of dry flies handy.
• This time of year, anglers look for something new should consider hybrid bass in Ana Reservoir.
• Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is a good option on the lower Willamette and can be productive this time of year.
• Anglers are enjoying ice fishing on several waterbodies in the SE Zone including Pilcher and Wolf Creek reservoirs, Cottonwood Meadows and Dog Lake, Lake of the Woods, Warner Pond, Burns Gravel Pond, and Chickahominy and Malheur reservoirs.

Spring bear tags
The application deadline for controlled spring bear hunts is Sunday, Feb. 10. Apply online (you’ll make your choices during check out), at a license agent or at an ODFW office that sells licenses.

Buy your 2019 license
ODFW’s new licensing system lets you decide how to carry your 2019 license, tags and other documents. You can choose paper documents that you buy on line and print at home, or purchase at a license vendor. Or, you can choose electronic and carry your documents on your smartphone.

Check out the How to buy a license or tag page, and the frequently asked questions if you have additional questions.