Recreation Report
Snake Zone
Recreation Report
Nov. 29, 2023
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
- Fishing the three Hells Canyon Reservoirs should be good for a variety of species including bass, crappie, perch, catfish, and trout.
- 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
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.
Chinook fishing closed Oct. 31.
Fishing for Chinook salmon closed on the Snake River downstream of Hells Canyon Dam on Oct. 31. All Chinook salmon caught after Oct. 31 must be released.
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.
Crappie fishing has been very good on Brownlee Reservoir. Anglers can target crappie in about 10 ft of water early in the morning but will have the best success later in the day in deep water 50-60 ft down. Many of the crappie have been nice at 10 – 16 inches. In addition to crappie anglers have also been successful catching bass, catfish and perch. Last updated 11/1/23.
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 have been released into Hells Canyon Reservoir and are available for anglers. 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 11/27/23.
SNAKE RIVER below HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, bass, sturgeon, steelhead
Steelhead are available throughout the Oregon section of Hells Canyon and will continue to be available throughout the winter. Fishing for Chinook salmon closed on Oct. 31 so any Chinook salmon caught while angling for other species must be released.
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 11/1/23.
SNAKE RIVER (above Brownlee Reservoir): channel catfish, flathead catfish, smallmouth bass
No recent fishing reports. Last updated 11/8/23.