Snake Zone

May 1, 2025‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

Best bets for weekend fishing

• Fishing for bass and other warmwater species will pick up throughout the Snake River and its reservoirs as spring weather warms.

Announcements

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Updates by section

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

Bass fishing should pick up in Brownlee Reservoir with warming water temperatures, and crappie will also be available. As the water temperature warms, fishing for warmwater species will continue to improve. Trout fishing can be good in the spring as trout move into the Powder River arm heading upstream toward Eagle Creek.

Lots of carp will move in the shallow water of the Powder River arm during the spring. They can provide an exciting angling opportunity for some large fish. Many anglers will target carp in shallow water using flies for an exciting flyfishing experience.

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 4/29/25.

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

Trout fishing can be good in Oxbow Reservoir earlier in the spring. As water temperatures increase, bass fishing will likely improve in both reservoirs. Although early, a few catfish can be caught too. Like Brownlee Reservoir, fishing for warmwater species will improve as the weather continues to warm. Last updated 4/10/25.

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

Bass fishing will improve throughout the spring with warmer weather. Anglers can do well fishing jigs, flies, or lures near shore and in slower moving areas. Trout can be caught using similar techniques. Steelhead fishing closed for the spring after April 30 and will reopen on September 1, 2024. Fishing for spring Chinook opened on April 22 but will probably be slow until more fish arrive later in the spring. See the 2024 fishing regulations for specific details on the spring Chinook season in Hells Canyon.

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.

Especially during the cooler months, bull trout may be encountered in the Snake River downstream of Hells Canyon Dam. All bull trout captured must be released. Last updated 4/29/25.

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

Flows on the Snake River are high with turbid (muddy) water making fishing difficult. Water temperatures are also cold and will affect fishing for warmwater fish. Last updated 3/26/25.