Snake Zone
Table of Contents
Recreation Report
March 13, 2024
If there’s not a photo, it didn’t happen
Submit your fishing photo to ODFW and we might use it here or elsewhere on MyODFW.com.
Best best for weekend fishing
- Trout fishing in the three Hells Canyon reservoirs can be good throughout the cooler months.
- Steelhead have been caught on the Snake River throughout the Oregon section of Hells Canyon, and some have been released into Hells Canyon Reservoir.
Announcements
Fish consumption advisories
The Oregon Health Authority has issued consumption guidelines for various waterbodies in Oregon including the Snake and Columbia Rivers due to high levels of mercury and/or PCBs. Fish with these chemicals look, act, smell and taste like any other fish, so caution is important.
- Statewide advisories
- Bonneville Dam fish advisory
- Safe fish choices for pregnancy and young children
Ice fishing safety
Ice conditions on many waterbodies have deteriorated quickly. Some waterbodies that were safe for ice fishing a few weeks ago now pose a serious risk. We don't recommend ice fishing right now. If you do go, please exercise extreme caution when venturing on to the ice.
E-tagging tips for anglers
It's important for anglers to tag their salmon and steelhead immediately, which means you'll need to know how to navigate the MyODFW app outside of cell phone range. Here are some tips for e-tagging in the field.
Got a good fish story?
If you have been out fishing and have a recent fishing report you would like to share, we would love to hear it! Please send your fishing updates to: odfw.info@odfw.oregon.gov.
Updates by section
BROWNLEE RESERVOIR: crappie, bass, perch, catfish, bluegill, trout
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.
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.
We have not received any recent fishing reports for Brownlee Reservoir. However, anglers may be able to find some trout throughout the cooler months especially in the Powder River arm. Last updated 2/21/24.
OXBOW AND HELLS CANYON RESERVOIRS: trout, crappie, bass, catfish, sturgeon
Throughout the cooler months, anglers can still catch bass in both reservoirs. Trout fishing will improve with cooler water temperatures, and anglers can catch nice trout by trolling lures.
Some excess steelhead from Oxbow Hatchery were released into Hells Canyon Reservoir last fall. In Hells Canyon Reservoir, steelhead released are considered trout by Oregon rules, and three hatchery trout over 20 inches may be harvested daily. Last updated 2/21/24.
SNAKE RIVER below HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, bass, sturgeon, steelhead
Steelhead are available throughout the Oregon section of Hells Canyon. Anglers have reported good fishing from the bank casting jigs under bobbers. Hells Canyon is very remote, and most fishing is best accessible by boat. Bank access is best near Hells Canyon Dam, and anglers willing to hike can get a lot of water to themselves.
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 winter months, bull trout may be encountered in the Snake River downstream of Hells Canyon Dam. All bull trout captured must be released. Last updated 1/10/24.
SNAKE RIVER (above Brownlee Reservoir): channel catfish, flathead catfish, smallmouth bass
No recent fishing reports. Last updated 11/8/23.
Regulation Updates
Regulation updates as of October 9, 2023.
The following regulations reflect changes or additions to the permanent regulations listed in the 2023 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations. All other permanent regulations remain in effect. Please see e-regulations.
For more information contact your local ODFW office:
- Enterprise (541) 426-3279