Snake River Steelhead Fishing
Tips for your next Snake River fishing trip
Information on Fishing the Snake River
The Snake River above Lewiston, Idaho/Clarkston, Washington is well known as one of the better steelhead fishing rivers in the northwest. The month of October is the start of some exceptional fishing around the mouths of the Grande Ronde and Salmon Rivers and lower Hells Canyon area.
It is at this time fish start stacking up in the vicinity of these two rivers. These Steelhead are in a holding pattern until the tributaries cool sufficiently for them to start migrating into their home regions. The steelhead that migrate deep into Hells Canyon are also traveling through this area around this time. Due to the large numbers of fish using or traveling through this area the fishing can be quite exceptional from just outside of Asotin, Washington to well into Hells Canyon.
Experienced anglers can still have some really phenomenal days during this period. It has been so good in the past that several guides have made a name for them selves by primarily fishing just the areas around those two major tribs.
Over the years there have been many articles written about this area promoting the tremendous fishery that the Snake River is known for. Due to this ‘fame’ the Snake has become a destination spot for avid Steelhead anglers. The problem with much of this publicity is that is just rehashing of old information. Today’s fishing is not the same as it was even five years ago. Between changes in migration patterns, reduction of hatchery fish and the continuous increase in fishing pressure, the mind-boggling catches of the past are not an everyday occurrence in this lower portion of the river.
Steelhead Fishing around Heller Bar can also get rather frantic around this same time due to heavy usage by both private anglers and guides.
The gravel bar across for Heller Bar is locally known as the 'meat hole.' This short, fast run can hold very large numbers of fish bound for the Grande Ronde. This is a no-brainer hole that can produce limits of fish in short order when conditions are right. However, if you plan on fishing this spot be prepared to contend with aggressive boatmen and crowded conditions if fishing success is high.
I’m not saying the Snake River isn’t a great place to fish, but if you prefer a slower paced and enjoyable day you might consider making some changes in when and where you spend your time. These are tactics many local anglers use to distance themselves from congested conditions.
1. Fish the lower portion of the river
away from the Heller Bar area until the intense fishing pressure subsides. Usually by the middle of November the pressure in the upriver launch areas has dropped dramatically. It is also about this time the non-local guides head back to the coastal regions for the remainder of the season. This quickly reduces the crowding in this section of river.
There is good fish holding water from Lewiston/Clarkston all the way up into Hells Canyon. To catch fish you do not have to fish in congested runs..
Consider fishing in late November through January if you want a great experience. Fishing remains productive and there is much less river activity. There are a number of local licensed guides who will accommodate your needs and work around the early season crazies.
The Snake can be fished by drift fishing or by back trolling plugs and both methods are very effective. Probably as many guides back troll plugs as drift fish with about the same results. Limits are not as easily obtained now as they were in the past but success rates remain good and the experience is hard to beat.
There are a number of good established guides that run this part of the Snake River. For prime dates book your trip early as successful, reputable guides tend to book up very quickly for this great fishing season.
When fishing in an area you are not familiar with it is wise to use a guide that lives and fishes the river on a regular basis. To get the best bang for your buck always consider a full time guide over those who fish only limited dates.
For more information on how to find good guides in your area visit Fishtracks and read the articles on fishing guides and how to determine which guide is your best bet for an enjoyable and sucessful day...
Snake River Steelhead Fishing is an activity outdoor enthusiasts throughout the northwest take part in every year. You too can experience this great fishery with one of the numerous guides that specialize in fishing the lower Hells Canyon area.
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2. Learn the River
