Snake Zone

SNAKE FISHING

August 6, 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
• Some large crappie are being caught in Brownlee Reservoir

Announcements:

Fishing in drought and wildfire season - actions you can take to protect wildlife and yourself.

For the most current fire closures and restrictions--KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.  

Fishing during blue-green algae (cyanobacterial) blooms

As temperatures heat up this summer, be on the watch for harmful algae blooms when recreating in Oregon lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Before you go fishing, check water quality conditions at the Oregon Health Authority website.

If your favorite fishing spot is no longer listed

It's probably because that river, lake or reservoir is closed for the season, inaccessible due to snow and bad roads, or offers limited fishing opportunities during the winter months. These waterbodies will re-appear in the Recreation Report when they re-open next spring, or when access and/or opportunity improves.

Sign up for the latest information on boater access

Marine Board's Opportunities and Access Report incorporates information from federal and state agencies, local facility operators and fellow boaters to provide up-to-date information so boaters can decide where to recreate and what to expect this season. Subscribe to receive email updates.

Updates by section

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

Fishing is good for warmwater species throughout the summer but can slow substantially midday as the summer warms and water temperatures increase. These reservoirs can form strong thermal layers with water devoid of Oxygen because of high nutrient loads. During the summer, harmful toxic algae blooms are common in these reservoirs, and swimming or letting pets in the water is not recommended.

When fishing in the summer, look for crappie suspending in open water or around structure. Try trolling small Rapalas on down riggers for crappie in the Powder River arm of Brownlee Reservoir. Some catfish and bass will be available in shallower water. For bass, expect a very light bite and be prepared to use some finesse to catch larger fish. However, once warm weather sets in, anglers may find the best success waiting until cool weather returns in the autumn after warm, oxygen depleted water conditions with toxic algae blooms have ended.

The Powder Arm of Brownlee is currently under a precaution for harmful blue green algae. Follow this link to see the Oregon Health Authorities website showing harmful algae bloom advisories.

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 7/15/26.

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.

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

Bass fishing can be phenomenal during the summer. Casting lures or soft plastic jigs toward rocks near shore is a very effective way of targeting bass in the Snake River. Most are smaller fish, but they are very numerous. Sturgeon fishing can be good in the Snake River downstream of Hells Canyon Dam. However, sturgeon fishing will be slower during the summer when water temperatures are warmer. All sturgeon must be released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water.

Angling for Chinook salmon closed on June 4 by emergency rule due to limited returns and harvest quotas being reached early. The Snake River downstream of Hells Canyon Dam will remain closed until August 18 when it will re-open for angling for fall Chinook salmon per permanent regulation. Last updated 7/22/26.

Hells Canyon River flows can be found at this link.

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

This section of the Snake River above Brownlee Reservoir predominantly has catfish and bass that are well adapted to increased water temperatures. Although flows may decrease as water is used for crop irrigation, anglers can still find success fishing pools and back eddies where fish will congregate. Fishing near Farewell Bend State Park can be a productive area during the summer to target catfish from the bank and from boats. Because this section of river is free flowing, it is less susceptible to becoming Oxygen deprived or having toxic algae blooms. No new reports. Last updated 6/10/26.

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