Idaho Fish Report

There were large wildfires burning on both sides of the Snake River in Hells Canyon. Large portions of the national forest on both sides of the river were closed and evacuation notices were in effect in some areas near the fire. However, areas are beginning to open again. Consult the fire information web pages for the Double Creek Fire and Jones Creek Fire for more information.

Bass can be caught on small jigs fished near the bottom, and they also can be caught on flies. Sturgeon fishing was good in the Snake River this summer with fish being caught throughout the river downstream of Hells Canyon Dam. Anglers are reminded that they must use barbless hooks to fish for sturgeon, and sturgeon may not be retained in the Snake River. All sturgeon must be released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water.

Fishing for fall Chinook salmon has started to improve and anglers are starting to catch fall Chinook in the Snake River especially downstream of the Salmon River confluence. See Snake River zone regulations for more information about fishing for fall Chinook salmon in the Snake River.

Steelhead fishing opened on the Snake River downstream of Hells Canyon Dam on Sept. 1. The daily limit is three hatchery adult steelhead, and steelhead anglers must use barbless hooks. See Snake Zone permanent regulations for more details.