2026 Winter Steelhead validation starting 2025

2026 Rogue South Coast Winter Steelhead Validation is required to target steelhead starting December 1.

Update: Dangerous algae bloom in Barnes Unit

ODFW is urging waterfowl hunters to use extreme caution with their dogs after laboratory results revealed high levels of microcystin in a water sample collected from

Mussel harvest closed Cape Blanco to CA border

Mussel harvesting is closed from Cape Blanco to the California border. 

Spencer creek closes to fishing Sept. 30 to protect salmon

Sept. 30 will be the last day to fish on Spencer Creek this year, as this tributary of the Klamath River will be closed as of Oct. 1 to protect spawning fall Chinook salmon.

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

December 18, 2025

Best bets for weekend fishing

  • Steelhead and trout can be caught downstream of Hells Canyon Dam.
  • Trout fishing will be best throughout the winter in the Hells Canyon Reservoirs

Announcements

Fishing for Chinook salmon below Hells Canyon Dam closed on November 1.

Updates by section

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

As the water temperatures start to cool, fishing for catfish will likely slow. However, perch will still be available. Trout fishing will also improve as the weather cools.

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 10/21/25.

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 and Hells Canyon Reservoirs throughout the winter months. Trolling can be an effective way to target large trout in these reservoirs.

Almost 300 surplus hatchery steelhead were released into Hells Canyon Reservoir. In Hells Canyon Reservoir, those steelhead are considered trout after they are released. Three hatchery trout over 20 inches may be harvested daily and they do not need to be recorded on a combined angling tag. See page 70 of the 2025 fishing regulations for more information. Last updated 12/16/25.

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

Bass will likely be difficult to catch throughout the winter, but trout will be available to anglers. Steelhead fishing has improved lately with fish being caught throughout Hells Canyon. The last day for Chinook salmon fishing was October 31, and fishing for salmon will remain closed until next spring.

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 12/16/25.

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.