Hunter reports due

Reminder: Hunters who purchased tags for black bear, deer, elk or turkey are reminded that reports on their hunting activities are due by Jan. 31 for each 2013 license, permit or tag purchased.

The reports are simple to complete online.

Upland birds

Upland game bird hunting continues through Jan. 12 for pheasants and through Jan. 20 for quail and partridge. Snow cover throughout the region could make for good hunting.

Ice fishing

Yes, we have had a few days of safe ice fishing so far this winter. However, anglers are cautioned to be alert and aware of changing ice conditions. Fish and Wildlife does not measure ice on fishing lakes and cannot guarantee ice fishing safety.

Here are a few Fish and Wildlife tips to help keep an outing safe when fishing these or other ice-covered lakes: Don't fish alone. Let others know exactly where you and your fishing partners are going and when you plan to return.

Keep fishing holes small and few. When drilling fishing holes with an ice auger, keep the diameter under eight inches. Bigger holes are not necessary to land fish and can create a safety hazard for others.

Watch your step. Avoid ice fishing near feeder streams or known springs; brush, logs, plants or docks; multiple ice cracks or ice that is popping or otherwise audible; and dark-colored ice that may be weak.

Spread out. Too many people congregated in one area may be more than the ice can safely support. Disperse weight and fishing holes.

Be prepared for weather conditions and emergencies. Dress in layers and wear thermal underwear, fleece or wool, and wind and waterproof outerwear, especially for feet, hands and head. Take extra clothes, food, water, sand for on-ice traction, and a sled for easy on-ice transport of all equipment. Carry equipment such as ice picks or awls, rope, and personal flotation devices. Also pack a first-aid kit and matches for starting a fire.

Rufus Woods trout

Rufus Woods Reservoir, on the Columbia River above Chief Joseph Dam, has big triploid rainbow trout that can be caught throughout the winter months. Several areas upstream of the dam are accessible to shore anglers. Boat anglers can launch at the Army Corps of Engineers boat ramp and explore any one of numerous back bays and shorelines upstream that hold triploids.

Steelhead

Steelhead fishing also remains open on several sections of the upper Columbia River and tributaries until further notice, including waters from Wells Dam upstream to 400 feet below Chief Joseph Dam; the Methow River from the mouth upstream to the confluence with the Chewuch River in Winthrop; the Okanogan River from the mouth upstream to the Highway 97 Bridge in Oroville; and the Similkameen River from the mouth upstream to 400 feet below Enloe Dam.

Steelheaders must possess a Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement with their fishing license to participate in these fisheries. Selective gear rules and night closures are in effect, although bait is allowed on the mainstem Columbia River section. Daily bag limit is two hatchery (adipose-fin-clipped) steelhead and there is mandatory retention of hatchery steelhead.

In all these fisheries, any steelhead with an intact adipose fin must be released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release. Steelhead with a floy (anchor) tag attached and/or one or more round 1/4 inch diameter holes punched in the caudal (tail) fin must also be released.

Razor clam dig will continue through Jan. 5

Clam diggers can ring in the new year with an eight-day razor clam dig on ocean beaches that starts Dec. 29 and stretches through Jan. 5.

Fish and Wildlife approved the dig after marine toxin tests showed the clams are safe to eat. As in previous openings, all digs are scheduled on evening tides. No digging will be allowed on any beach before noon.

Upcoming digs are scheduled on the following dates, beaches and low tides: Dec. 29, Sunday, 4:05 p.m.; -0.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks, Copalis. Dec. 30, Monday, 4:55 p.m.; -0.9 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks, Copalis. Dec. 31, Tuesday, 5:42 p.m.; -1.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks, Copalis. Jan. 1, Wednesday, 6:29 p.m.; -1.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks. Jan. 2, Thursday, 7:15 p.m.; -1.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks. Jan. 3, Friday, 8:00 p.m.; -1.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks. Jan. 4, Saturday, 8:45 p.m.; -0.9 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks, Copalis. Jan. 5, Sunday, 9:31 p.m.; -0.2 feet; Twin Harbors

Under state law, diggers can take 15 razor clams per day and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2013-14 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach.