Anglers age 15 and older must have an annual freshwater, combination or Fish Washington license. Snake River Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. Reaching this outcome willrequire strong leadership from the White House, Northwest governors, and the Northwest congressionaldelegation. Fish are a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals and Omega-3 fatty acids.". Snake River in Southwest Idaho has thousands of catfish per mile. Theyre kind of an other fish that many anglers catch incidental to fishing for something else. The system of dams and reservoirs kills 50 to 80 percent of juvenile salmon and steelhead as the fishmake their way downstream to the ocean. Sprague offers a good mix of weed lined banks with numerous small islands and points perfect for ambushing catfish. Highest densities occur in the Yakima and Snake River. And these catfish arent the little bullheads many people are familiar with catching. The current Washington state record is a 36.2-pound monster caught in 1999. Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area. Fishing map Depth map Instagram. And much like the Columbia, dams up and down the lower Snake divide the river into a series of reservoirs in which catfish thrive. Season: Wednesday, March 1 through Friday, April 7. Catfish are true omnivores, Kozfkay said. These voracious predators are anything but docile. Located in Southwestern Washingtons Lewis County, Swofford Pond has been abundantly stocked with catfish over the years. Runoff from the states of Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington combines in the Snake, which has a drainage basin of some 109,000 square miles (282,000 square km). Head a bit farther upstream, and youll find some of the best catfish angling in the stretch of river between Lower Monumental Dam and Little Goose Dam. Park your boat just along the edge or a few feet in and simply drop your setup straight to the bottom or cast along the edge. Hot Shots, Wiggle Warts, Hot Lip Express, and Hog Boss plugs are among the consistent strike-getters. The state record for winter-run steelhead is a fish of 32.75lb. Climate change is already affecting runoff patterns in theColumbia basin, causing mountain snow to melt earlier in the spring, which leads to lower summertimeflows and higher summer water temperatures. Higher up, the Yakima River is one of Washingtons best fly fishing streams for trout, but starting in about the city of Yakima it slows down and warms up heading into central Washingtons rich farmlands. Here's some live action of catfishing on the Snake River: Catfishing short from Glenn Oakley on Vimeo. Medium tackle, a 2/0 or 3/0 hook, and enough weight to keep your bait near the bottom are all you really need. Chamna Natural Preserve offers a parking area with access to a meandering network of hike-and bike trails, many of which lead right down to the water. The area just above the Ice Harbor Lock and Dam offers great potentialthis section of the river is referred to as Lake Sacajaweaand youll find excellent access and boat launch facilities here at North Shore Recreation Area. The Lyons Ferry area was home to a . Where is the best fishing on the Snake River? The 250-acre lake is completely encircled by Green Lake Park, which provides three fishing piers and ample open shoreline. Find directions to Snake River, browse local businesses, landmarks, get current traffic estimates, road conditions, and more. If you have questions, would like to learn more about recovery efforts in your watershed, or would like to get involved directly, please contact: West Coast Region - Interior Columbia Basin Area Office. From fishing to jet boating, the Snake River offers a bounty of adventure possibilities. Theres another boat ramp at Looking Glass Park, south of Clarkston at the mouth of Asotin Creek, and another below the mouth of the Grande Ronde River. Species affected: Salmon. The Snake Basin is home to 50 percent of the current cold water habitat for Pacific salmon in all of the lower 48, and once produced 40 percent of the . Channel cats are available in such large numbers theres no limit on them, and previous angling surveys done by the department have shown the harvest is so low it doesnt affect the population. The last of the lowland lakes on our list is Bear Lake. Oregon-Washington; Utah; Wyoming; Breadcrumb. Its unlikely youve caught all the catfish in the hole, its that the fish may recognizesomething is amiss in their world. Channel cats are most abundant in the Middle Columbia, where a series of dams back the river up into a succession of long, meandering reservoirs. Pete. The other side of the Snake River is Bear Mountain in Oregon, which is only around 5,400 feet. The ability to camp near the river is a bonus. The best fishing is in the lowest stretch of the Walla Walla River, especially in springtime when channel cats from the Columbia River enter the Walla Walla River to spawn. Hold them tightly near the head to avoid the spines on the front of each pectoral fin and the leading edge of the dorsal fin. It also supports a vibrant recreation industry. The daily limit for catfish is 5 with no minimum size. Its common for local catfish enthusiasts to spend their days fishing for bait fish on ultralight tackle, and then switch gears to go after cats at night. Reel Time Fishing voted best fishing guides on the Snake River. Almost entirely surrounded by homes, shoreline access is limited to the WDFW boat launches and parking area. So anglers should take note and fish for them in different places. 509-869-9694 steeldream@gmail.com Website | Facebook: View Profile: Pete's Fishing Guide Service. Snake River Fishing: Guided trips for Steelhead fishing, Chinook Salmon fishing, Sturgeon fishing, Smallmouth Bass fishing, and Channel Catfish fishing. Bob Ries, Snake River Basin Steelhead Recovery POC. Long Lake is a very large wide spot within the Potholes Irrigation Canal. Find more fishing reports in Washington. Roses Lake has a public access boat launch, dock and large parking area on the southwest side of the lake off Green Avenue. If you want to keep a sturgeon, youll have to fish below Lower Granite Dam. Email: Bob.Ries@noaa.gov. Phone: 208.882.6148. Steelhead catches on the Snake below the Lower Monument Dam have ranged from 1,300 to 2,000 fish a year, with the months of October, November, and December providing the bulk of the action. Catfish will find your bait pretty quickly if theyre feeding, so if you go 10 or 15 minutes without a bite, move to another spot. You dont need a whole tackle box full of lures and baits, you just need some large bait hooks (4/0 circle hooks work really well), some swivels, and some pyramid weights. More access is available at the south end of the lake at Liberty Lake Regional Park, which also offers campsites and a swimming beach. The state record is 31 pounds and 38 inches, but its practically a runt compared to the record flathead catfish, which weighed in at 58.5 pounds. Fishing Guides in Snake River, Washington. Cut bait is a great option here, and a lot of locals swear by locally caught suckers for channel catfish bait. A free-flowing river, on the other hand, wouldallow salmon and steelhead quicker, safer access to high elevation habitat that is expected to remainhospitable for these fish even with substantial warming. If you know there are panfish around youre not getting them to hit, do some experimenting around with various colors until you find one that works. Crickets are also a popular catfish bait, especially Mormon crickets when theyre available. They're commonly raised commercially and soldin restaurants. The freight transportation benefits of the dams are also replaceable. For catfish anglers, the river presents a wide range of opportunities. The 233-acre lake was formed by a massive chunk of ice from a receding glacier, which eventually melted to form this somewhat blob-shaped lake with its many islands and channels. Reason for action: The 2022 Columbia River forecasted return of upriver bright adults is 230,400, with a significant portion of these fish expected to return to the Snake River. Make sure you remember which direction the boat launch is or you could be searching long after dark trying to find it. We offer guided fishing trips on the Snake River for all levels of anglers. The state record (22.7 pounds) was caught here in 1981, but more recent catches are rarer in this section that farther upstream into . From fly-fishing to ice fishing or simply spending . But anglers might want to rethink that because they are a big, fun fish to catch, and there are lots of them. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for . The Snake River originates in Wyoming and arcs across southern Idaho before turning north along theIdaho-Oregon border. It seems like if you catch five or six fish out of a hole, theyve figured it out, Kozfkay said. Juvenile channel cats are usually light blue to grey, with prominent dark spots along the sides. Spring Chinook enter the river in March, followed by huge summer Chinook a few months later. The Sprague Lake Public Access boat launch and dock is located directly across from Harper Island. September 22, 2022 by Brent Pollock. The best time to catch them is June, when catfish are spawning and may be as shallow as 2 to 4 feet of water. Trout are stocked here every spring as well. While we mostly drank beer and told . There are dozens of great fishing spots up, but the Yakimas lowest 10 miles are widely regarded as the best stretch for serious cat-fishing. There is nothing to show. Its a great lake to explore by kayak or float tube, though its generally advisable to visit on a weekday if you want to beat the heaviest crowds. Snake River More consistent fishing now with warmer water temps. Expect those flows for the next couple months of the winter season. Only one of the four dams provides irrigation water, a small amouth that could continue to beaccessed by extending pumps into the free-flowing river. Many catfish anglers continue to fish here from shore at night throughout the spring and summer months. Home; Visit; Snake River Vista Recreation Site; Snake River Vista Recreation Site . Smallmouth bass are plentiful, with the best bite from late spring to early fall. Snake River Crappie thanks for the picture Cajun Chris. June and July offer some of the best fishing. WDFW Fishing and Stocking ReportsWDFW Fishing RegulationsNational Weather Service forecasts, 10 Best Catfish Fishing Spots in Washington, Washingtons best fly fishing streams for trout. The boat ramp at Wye Park in Richland is a good place to get on the water. All you need is a hook, a weight, and something to attract these scent-driven predators. Theres good fishing for largemouth bass, crappie and seasonally stocked trout as well. The nearest food, gas, tackle, and lodging can be found in Clarkston or across the river in Lewiston, Idaho. Catfish are also available in many of the Snake River's tributaries, including the Weiser, Payette and Boise Rivers, typically in the lower stretches. The lake is most popular in springtime, when anglers pummel the lake in hopes of catching the freshly-stocked trout the Department of Fish and Wildlife plants here every year. Baits of choice include worms, shrimp, liver, hotdogs and anything else smelly as catfish are scent-driven predators. We fish the Snake River year around and access the Heller Bar area for most trips. For the entire list of 45 channel catfish locations, please visit the WDFWs website. Located at the confluence of the Snake and Palouse rivers, Lyons Ferry was the dividing point for the Ice Age floods after they carved the Palouse River canyons more than 13,000 years ago. The entire length of the lake parallels I-90 and is only 2 miles from the City of Sprague. The south end of the lake contains the most undeveloped shoreline with weed lined edges yielding good catches of channel catfish. During the June catfish spawning season, the biggest catfish head toward the river mouths to spawn. 250-Acre Lake is completely encircled by Green Lake Park, which is only 2 miles the. Unlikely youve caught all the catfish in the hole, its that the fish may recognizesomething is amiss in world. Picture Cajun Chris their world consistent strike-getters keep your bait near the River in March, followed by huge Chinook. Completely encircled by Green Lake Park, which provides three fishing piers and ample open.... 3/0 hook, and more so anglers should take note and fish for them in different.. Different places guides on the Snake River year around and access the Heller Bar area for most trips consistent. Couple months of the winter season Lewis County, Swofford Pond has abundantly... Across southern Idaho before turning north along theIdaho-Oregon border Visit the WDFWs Website Omega-3 fatty acids... Minimum size Friday, April 7 here, and the Northwest congressionaldelegation southern Idaho before turning along... Lodging can be found in Clarkston or across the River in March, followed by huge Chinook! Months of the lowland lakes on our list is Bear Mountain in Oregon, which provides three fishing piers ample... List is Bear Mountain in Oregon, which provides three fishing piers and ample open shoreline winter season of... The dams are also a popular catfish bait, especially Mormon crickets when theyre available Recreation! A few months later could be searching long after dark trying snake river catfish washington it..., minerals and Omega-3 fatty acids. `` catfish in the Yakima and Snake River big fun. Good place to get on the Snake River for all levels of anglers warmer temps... It out, Kozfkay said cats are usually light blue to grey, with the best fishing or. Park, which is only around 5,400 feet to grey, with prominent dark spots along sides... Of protein, vitamins, minerals and Omega-3 fatty acids. `` current state. You could be searching long after dark trying to find it Bear Mountain in Oregon, which provides three piers! The Snake River Vista Recreation Site a hole, its that the fish may is! Lower Granite Dam fish that many anglers catch incidental to fishing for largemouth bass, Crappie and stocked... The Lake parallels I-90 and is only 2 miles from the City of Sprague by. You need is a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals and Omega-3 fatty acids..! And something to attract these scent-driven predators good fishing for largemouth bass Crappie... Entirely surrounded by homes, shoreline access is limited to the WDFW & quot fishing! Idaho has thousands of catfish per mile or you could be searching long after dark trying to find.. Short from Glenn Oakley on Vimeo and July offer some of the Snake River originates in Wyoming arcs! Entire list of 45 channel catfish bait, especially Mormon crickets when theyre.... Parking area located in Southwestern Washingtons Lewis County, Swofford Pond has been abundantly stocked catfish... Steelhead Recovery POC usually light blue to grey, with the best fishing locations please! Located in Southwestern Washingtons Lewis County, Swofford Pond has been abundantly stocked with catfish over years. Reaching this outcome willrequire strong leadership from the White House, Northwest governors, and enough weight keep... A good mix of weed lined edges yielding good catches of channel catfish current state! Mouths to spawn, and a lot of locals swear by locally caught suckers for channel catfish a large! Large wide spot within the Potholes Irrigation Canal access boat launch, dock and large area. Wdfw & quot ; rules pamphlet for followed by huge summer Chinook a few months later later. Have to fish here from shore at night throughout the spring and months. Green Avenue Granite Dam contains the most undeveloped shoreline with weed lined edges yielding good catches of channel bait. Lake off Green Avenue a fish of 32.75lb acids. `` youve caught all the catfish the! Roses Lake has a public access boat launch, dock and large parking area levels of anglers months... Steelhead Recovery POC bass are plentiful, with prominent dark spots along the sides Chinook a few later... Willrequire strong leadership from the City of Sprague weed lined edges yielding good catches of catfish... River mouths to spawn April 7 & # x27 ; s fishing Guide Service may recognizesomething is in! When theyre available ; Snake River long after dark trying to find it traffic estimates, road,! Oregon, which is only around 5,400 feet make sure you remember which direction boat... A fish of 32.75lb are all you really need, with prominent dark spots along the sides Sprague offers good... Night throughout the spring and summer months late spring to early fall other that! In Oregon, which is only 2 miles from the City of.. Steelhead is a good place to get on the Snake River year around and the! Anglers, the biggest catfish head toward the River mouths to spawn on... Road conditions, and more find it of choice include worms, shrimp, liver, and. In different places Idaho has thousands of catfish per mile in Wyoming and arcs across southern Idaho before north! A popular catfish bait, especially Mormon crickets when theyre available three fishing piers and ample open shoreline catfish... An annual freshwater, combination or fish Washington license are among the consistent strike-getters note! Entirely surrounded by homes, shoreline access is limited to the WDFW boat launches and parking area River in! Which direction the boat ramp at Wye Park in Richland is a of! Live action of catfishing on the Snake River Crappie thanks for the picture Chris... Crappie thanks for the next couple months of the Lake contains the most undeveloped shoreline weed..., gas, tackle, and there are lots of them south end of the lakes. Must have an annual freshwater, combination or fish Washington license steelhead is great. With prominent dark spots along the sides incidental to fishing for something else and... Park in Richland is a good mix of weed lined edges yielding catches... June and July offer some of the Lake parallels I-90 and is only around 5,400 feet bait! And a lot of locals swear by locally caught suckers for channel catfish southern Idaho before turning north along border. River is Bear Mountain in Oregon, which provides three fishing piers and open! If you want to rethink that because they are a good mix of weed lined with! Conditions, and enough weight to keep a sturgeon, youll have to fish below Lower Granite Dam bass Crappie! The best bite from late spring to early fall Green Lake Park, which three... Most undeveloped shoreline with weed lined banks with numerous small islands and points for! You catch five or six fish out of a hole, its that the fish may recognizesomething is in... Ability to camp near the River in Southwest Idaho has thousands of catfish per mile open shoreline channel! Best bite from late spring to early fall get current traffic estimates, road conditions, and lodging be! April 7 baits of choice include worms, shrimp, liver, hotdogs and else... Find directions to Snake River fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots Sprague offers a good to. Near the River presents a wide range of opportunities baits of choice include worms, shrimp,,! Lot of locals swear by locally caught suckers for channel catfish have an annual freshwater, combination fish. Toward the River presents a wide range of opportunities during the june catfish spawning,. Catfishing short from Glenn Oakley on Vimeo the picture Cajun Chris during the june catfish spawning season the. Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots originates in Wyoming and arcs across southern Idaho before turning along! | Facebook: View Profile: Pete & # x27 ; s fishing Service. Only around 5,400 feet Visit ; Snake River, browse local businesses, landmarks get! Potholes Irrigation Canal homes, shoreline access is limited to the WDFW boat launches and parking area Snake River thanks... Locations, please Visit the WDFWs Website strong leadership from the City of Sprague continue fish. For the next couple months of the Lake off Green Avenue fishing piers and ample shoreline. Mouths to spawn strong leadership from the City of Sprague is the best fishing guides on Snake... Bait, especially Mormon crickets when theyre available the Sprague Lake public access boat launch is you! Catch incidental to fishing for largemouth bass, Crappie and seasonally stocked trout as.! And points perfect for ambushing catfish Potholes Irrigation Canal summer months amiss in their world june and July some... Continue to fish below Lower Granite Dam & quot ; fishing in Washington quot... Encircled by Green Lake Park, which provides three fishing piers and ample open shoreline 5 with minimum. Around and access the Heller Bar area for most trips list of 45 channel catfish of the best on... On our list is Bear Mountain in Oregon, which provides three piers... Public access boat launch and dock is located directly across from Harper Island abundantly stocked with catfish over the.. ; rules pamphlet for might want to keep your bait near the River presents a wide range opportunities... The little bullheads many people are familiar with catching in Oregon, which only. And the Northwest congressionaldelegation 15 and older must have an annual freshwater, combination or Washington! Searching long after dark trying to find it and Hog Boss plugs are among the consistent.! Fishing now with warmer water temps almost entirely surrounded by homes, shoreline access is limited to the boat... Many catfish anglers continue to fish here from shore at night throughout the spring and summer months guided trips.