ODFW will require catch-and-release fishing for native redband trout from June 15 through Oct. 31 on Upper Klamath Lake and several spring-fed creeks that feed into it. The temporary rule also limits anglers to flies and artificial lures only for all species in the affected waters.

A political action committee seeking to repeal Oregon’s non-motorized watercraft permit requirement is making a final push for signatures. Let Us Paddle says it needs support from Oregonians across the state to qualify a proposed November ballot measure aimed at ending the permit requirement for kayaks, canoes, rafts and stand-up paddleboards.

Free fishing, waived paddling permits, free Oregon State Parks parking and free day-use access on national forests all line up this weekend, giving families across Southern Oregon and Northern California an easy excuse to get outside.

Klamath Hatchery has reopened to the public after a long rebuild following the 2020 Two Four Two Fire in Klamath County. The new Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife facility includes fish-viewing areas, restrooms, picnic spots and a modern hatchery building designed to be safer and more resilient.

Oregon’s expanded Waterway Access Permit requirement is now in effect for all nonmotorized boats, including kayaks, paddleboards, rafts, canoes and inflatable versions regardless of length. State officials say the fees help fund waterway access and aquatic invasive species prevention, while opponents argue the law places an unfair burden on low-risk paddlers.

The Bureau of Land Management will open Gerber and Topsy campgrounds for the 2026 recreation season on Wednesday, May 13. The two Klamath-area public lands destinations offer camping, fishing, hiking, boating, wildlife viewing, and day-use access ahead of Memorial Day weekend.

Oregon State Parks is seeking public input on proposed changes to reservations, fee ranges, and Special Access Pass rules as the agency works to address a projected $8 million operational shortfall. A virtual public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 15, with comments accepted through Jan. 15, 2026.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued several updates ahead of the holiday weekend, including two statewide free fishing days, expanded public access on the restored Klamath River, and a coastwide delay to the commercial Dungeness crab season. Recreational crabbing and clamming remain open in many areas, while winter weather may affect river site access.

Oregon State Parks has completed several major improvement projects funded by 2021 GO Bonds, including upgrades at Beverly Beach, Nehalem Bay, and Fort Stevens. However, rising costs and a projected budget shortfall have forced the agency to delay multiple projects and redirect remaining funds to essential maintenance.

The search for 51-year-old hunter Devon Dobek entered its seventh day Thursday, as crews from across Oregon continue to comb rugged terrain in the Mount Hood National Forest.

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office continues leading an intensive multi-agency search for missing hunter Devon Dobek in the Mount Hood National Forest, where poor weather and hazardous terrain have slowed progress but not determination.