Idaho Fish Report

Follow the #25DaysOfFishmas: Shellfish Edition‌

ODFW uses this hashtag each December to highlight unique species of Oregon fish. This year we're hitting the beach with a special Shellfish Edition. Starting Dec. 1, look for it on www.Twitter.com/myodfw (X) and www.instagram.com/myodfw.‌

Gift the outdoors this year‌

If you have a hunter, angler or outdoor enthusiast on your holiday list, what better gift than access to the outdoors in 2024. The list includes parking passes for ODFW wildlife areas, waterway access permits for longer pontoons, kayaks and paddle boards, fishing/hunting/shellfish licenses, and conservation stamps. Here's a whole list of ideas.‌

Best bets for winter fishing‌

• It's still early for most winter steelhead but thanks to the recent rains, fish have been moving into some rivers on the North Coast and the Umpqua.
• Fishing for stocked trout can be excellent this time of year as fish are trying to bulk up for the winter. Consider low and mid-elevation lakes and reservoirs that were stocked regularly in spring and summer – there are still plenty of those fish around.
• Trout anglers should also consider native redband trout in rivers and streams on the eastside. There are several eastside rivers that are open year-round – check the zone reports for the latest updates.
• Look for crabbing in the bays to pick up with the drier weather. This time of year, crab should be large and full of meat.

Report your hunt‌

If you purchased a tag for a 2023 hunt, you must report by Jan. 31 – even if you didn't hunt or were unsuccessful. Information from hunters who did not hunt or did not harvest an animal is as important as from those who did take an animal. Find ways to report.‌

Wildlife area bird harvest statistics‌

Want to know how bird hunting has been or what blinds have been hot on ODFW wildlife areas? Check out the harvest statistics reports when planning your next hunt.‌