2026 Winter Steelhead validation required thru April 30

2026 Rogue South Coast Winter Steelhead Validation is required to target steelhead Dec. 1-April 30.

Recreation Report

Snake Zone

Recreation Report Regulation Updates

Table of Contents

Recreation Report

Snake River channel catfish
"A great afternoon of catfishing!" Snake River channel catfish -Photo by Mike Miles-

SNAKE FISHING

April 23, 2026

Best bets for weekend fishing

  • Bass and trout can be caught downstream of Hells Canyon Dam.
  • As the weather warms, fishing for bass, perch, and crappie will get good in Hells Canyon Reservoirs

Announcements:

Updates by section

BROWNLEE RESERVOIR: Crappie, bass, perch, catfish, carp

Recently, crappie fishing has started to pick up with some nice sized fish being caught. There were some good catches of perch, but that has since started to slow. Although early in the year, some catfish are being caught. Bass fishing will likely get better as warmer weather sets in. As the reservoir warms, springtime will be the best opportunity to catch large bass.

Brownlee Reservoir levels can fluctuate greatly affecting which boat ramps are usable. Follow the links below to get up-to-date information on access along Brownlee Reservoir. Last updated 4/6/26.

Call the Idaho Power Company's recording at 1-800-422-3143 to get information on access at recreational sites or see the following link for Reservoir level information.

OXBOW AND HELLS CANYON RESERVOIRS: Trout, perch, crappie, bass, catfish, sturgeon

Bass fishing will improve as the weather warms. Bass are numerous but smaller in Hells Canyon reservoir. Larger bass can be encountered in Oxbow Reservoir. Anglers need to be aware that harvest regulations differ between the two reservoirs, though.

Some anglers have been targeting catfish with little success. Catfish fishing will improve as water temperatures increase. Last updated 4/6/26.

SNAKE RIVER below HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: Trout, bass, sturgeon, steelhead

Bass fishing will start to get better as the weather warms but may still turn off during periods of colder weather. A few steelhead are still being caught. Sturgeon fishing can be good in the Snake River downstream of Hells Canyon Dam. All sturgeon must be released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water. Last updated 4/6/26.

Hells Canyon River flows can be found at this link.

SNAKE RIVER (above Brownlee Reservoir): Channel catfish, flathead catfish, smallmouth bass

There is a camera at Farewell Bend State Park to check the water level at the dock at this link.