Snake River- Below Hells Canyon Reservoir

The Snake River below Hells Canyon Reservoir offers an extraordinary and challenging angling experience within North America's deepest canyon. This powerful, free-flowing stretch is renowned for its world-class fishing for large B-run steelhead, fall Chinook salmon, and immense white sturgeon.

Fishing conditions are influenced by dam releases; autumn and winter are prime for steelhead, while fall Chinook are targeted in fall. The remote, wild environment demands preparedness. Anglers primarily use jet boats to navigate and access prime holes. Back-trolling plugs or bait is highly effective for steelhead and salmon. Spey casting for steelhead is also popular. For white sturgeon, heavy tackle with bottom baits is essential for the strictly catch-and-release fishery, where fish often exceed 8-10 feet.

Access is limited, largely requiring jet boats from launches like Hells Canyon Creek. Conservation is paramount for its wild steelhead and sturgeon. Anglers must strictly adhere to all Oregon/Idaho regulations, including catch-and-release for sturgeon and often for steelhead, ensuring the long-term health of this invaluable wilderness fishery.