Rob DeHarpport’s outdoor report: Wildfire safety remains paramount as Jack and Bootleg blazes rage

By ROB DeHARPPORT/For The Herald — The number one recreation report tip this week is be fire-safe. The wildfire season has arrived early this year and with it a terrible toll already on our forests here in Oregon and throughout the west.

The Jack Fire on the North Umpqua River 20 miles east of Glide erupted this week and is now at 5,477 acres with ZERO containment.

The Bootleg Fire located 15 miles NW of Beatty in the Chiloquin Ranger District also began early this week and has burned 39,000 acres of timber and brush. Containment of this fire is also ZERO percent. There are also currently fires burning near Mitchell and Prairie City. In northern California, the Salt Fire near Lake Shasta has burned 12,650 acres, 45% contained. The Lava Fire at the western base of Mount Shasta has burned 25,159 acres and is 70% contained. The Tenant Fire north of Mount Shasta which has burned 10,580 acres is now 91% contained.

Additionally, there are other fires that are currently being battled in extreme heat throughout the west.

Once again the tip of the week is fire safety. If you must have a campfire please use the utmost care and completely extinguish it before leaving any fire unattended.

The Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests have issued a complete ban on ALL campfires effective on Monday, July 12. The ban INCLUDES fires in developed campgrounds. The Prineville BLM areas have implemented the same ban. I’m relatively certain that other National Forests will soon implement similar bans as extremely dry conditions continue with fire fighting resources already being stretched thin.

The snow in our higher elevations has rapidly decreased with our recent hot weather. This is welcome news for those wanting to explore the backcountry within and near our Highway 58 corridor. As always, be prepared for mosquitoes in these areas.

We will be nearing or exceeding triple-digit temperatures again this weekend. Find a cool place to relax and enjoy.

Despite lower than normal water levels, Crescent Lake is a popular choice for many. If boating, beware of rocks and shallow areas that could damage your motor or worse.

Waldo Lake and the surrounding area offer a much more peaceful place to explore, swim and hike. Stay hydrated and pack plenty of water.

Fishing has been good at several lakes, including Miller Lake south of Chemult, Paulina Lake, South Twin and Diamond Lake among others. Odell Lake can still be challenging for kokanee anglers. However, some success has been found for those trolling near Shelter Cove and the West Bay.

Success is best very early at sunrise and soon after for the angler who gets his trolling gear down onto the 35-50-foot depths. Some kokanee are approaching 14 inches. They seem to be scattered in the early hours and then schooling up later in the morning, possibly as a form of protection from marauding Mackinaw.

Silver salmon fishing has been good in some areas of the coast and improving in other areas.

If you get a chance, load up and get outdoors. Explore and enjoy. Stay cool and safe. Report any fires or smoke ASAP. Most importantly, have fun! Tight lines and tips up!

Rob DeHarpport, former mayor of Westfir, moved to the Crescent Lake community in 2015 shortly after retiring from a 31-year career in the trucking industry.