Following is the latest outdoor recreation report from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Winter is a great time to see wildlife. Bare trees and snowy landscapes make it easy to see birds and mammals.

Resolve to get outdoors in 2008Rainbow trout stocking has all ready begun in the Northwest part of the state in several lakes and ponds. Winter fishing is fun. Take a kid fishing and share the thrill of hooking a first fish.

FISHINGFishing is not just for summer. There are still plenty of opportunities, just be well prepared for winter weather and driving.

GRANDE RONDE, WALLOWA AND IMNAHA RIVERS: steelhead – Sub-zero temperatures have resulted in poor steelhead angling conditions in the lower Imnaha, Grande Ronde, and Wallowa Rivers. Expect good steelhead angling to resume when water conditions are favorable. Icing will make angling a challenge during colder weather.

JOHN DAY RIVER: bass and steelhead – Weather conditions will largely determine angling opportunity and success. Currently, the river is in excellent condition, with good water clarity and streamflow, although cold water will mean the fish are less aggressive. Steelhead are well distributed throughout the river up to Service Creek. Remember to keep those clipped hatchery fish and release the unmarked ones.

The John Day River above Kimberly and all tributaries are closed to trout angling until May 24. The John Day River below Kimberly is open to angling for steelhead and bass all year.

MAGONE LAKE: trout – Ice has covered the lake but snow blocks the access road for any vehicles other than snowmobiles. Ice fishing success for brook and rainbow trout should be fair with rainbows and brook trout to 14 inches.

MORGAN LAKE: Closed to fishing until next spring.

TROUT FARM POND: trout – This small, spring-fed pond is open year-long and seldom freezes entirely. Access can be limited until snowplows clear the road and parking is limited. Angling success should remain fair for brook trout and planted rainbow all winter.

UMATILLA RIVER: steelhead – Fishing has been fair to good for steelhead below Threemile Dam, and from river mile 44 to the lower reservation boundary. Steelhead returns numbers should improve as river flows and water temperatures increase.

WALLOWA LAKE: trout – Ice is beginning to form on the surface of the lake. However, it is not yet thick enough and is unsafe for ice fishing.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: Trout, crappie, bullhead catfish – Trout angling is fair.