Brown trout are catch-and-release. Below the dam is a renowned blue-ribbon fishery, where brown trout get so big that fishing stories just might be true. The Lower Owyhee River The ten miles below the Owyhee Reservoir between the dam and Snively Hot Springs is a well known tailwater trout fishery. My first fly fishing trip guided by Chris Gerono of the Idaho Angler. Wading is not that difficult but having a wading staff is a good idea so you can probe the cloudy water before your next step. This upper section has some of the most difficult whitewater in the states and draws whitewater enthusiasts from around the country. Success will be tougher during high water. Just think about a phonetic spelling of Hawaii. A good four-wheel drive vehicle with … Sounds like fun, yes? Two to four feet in depth is common and it has a relatively gentle gradient. … Since this is a trout website we will focus on the lower section. Owyhee Reservoir… As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, Low floating Adult Stone (brown or black) #10-12. But it doesn't stop there - with deep knowledge of the canyon, it's flora and fauna - your day riverside is bound to be unforgettable. Below the dam is a renowned blue-ribbon fishery, where brown trout get so big that fishing stories just might be true. • During the summer months this section is considered a dry fly paradise. The tailwater is located below Owyhee Reservoir in southeastern Oregon about sixty miles from Boise, Idaho. There will be a bathroom available in camp, and often times a shower. • 3 to 5 weight fly rod with floating line, • Waders with studded boots and wading staff, • Wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen and lots of water, • Read our Fly Fishing Supply Guide to make sure you have everything you need. True, the ‘lake’ is dominated by fisher folk. Be gentle on these fish. Casting dry flies on the Owyhee will do best with a 9-foot leader with a 5 or 6x tippet. Bottoroff Guide Service Meridian, ID (208)-860-3662, Idaho Angler Boise, ID (208) 389-9957 or (800) 787-9957, Dreams on the Fly Meridian ID (208)-861-2853. The bug count is still very high and it is also a good time to fish terrestrials like ants and hoppers along the bank. OWYHEE RIVER The Owyhee River is located near the Idaho border and starts just below the Owyhee Reservoir Dam. Read Our State Fly Fishing Guides to plan your trip. Save the bright light of mid-day for your nap and always be careful of rattle snakes in the evening. Owyhee River Fishing Report Fishing has been getting more and more consistent as we … Use a loop knot when tying on your flies. Use leeches, sculpins, crayfish imitations and/or anything that will imitate a smaller fish. Subscribe Now! Remember that these browns not only have been chasing minnows but they have also been feeding on the large bug supply since they were minnows themselves. Owyhee River Just below Wild Horse Reservoir, it is possible to catch large trout in the Owyhee River. • In the slower current they will have time to look your fly over. Bring your camera. There is a small window for floating the river due to the water levels. The Owyhee can be fished using traditional dry fly techniques, nymphing techniques, and by swinging streamers. The low light of early morning and late afternoon are the best times for the Owyhee. During this time there are not a lot of irrigation withdrawals and the water flow is higher. The upper section of the Owyhee River originates in the northern mountains of Nevada. Brown trout on the other hand can average four to six pounds with the largest confirmed catch at twelve pounds. Owyhee Reservoir Fishing Report Fishing for rainbow trout is possible, but may... more » OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff: 7-18-2019: Rainbows Are Still Possible to Catch Fishing for rainbow trout is possible, but may... more » OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff: 4-24-2019: Fishing For Warmwater Species Has Been Fair Distance from Elko: 70 miles (112.7 km) Services: All services available at Wild Horse State Recreation Area Map: #3 on Map Bruneau River This remote area boasts of plenty of fast water fishing for rainbow trout. Our fishing guides are knowledgeable and expert fly fisherman with years of experience on the "O". Nearby fishing holes. Lower Owyhee River, below the Owyhee Dam near Adrian: Rainbow trout and brown trout, with the latter being catch and release only. However, I had heard that rainbows were present in the stretch below the dam. Rainbow trout here can grow to 6 pounds with the average trout running about 12 inches. Below the dam, the canyon widens into a placid river running through a pristine desert landscape. Experts describe two seasons on the river: high water and low water. Fish long leaders of 5x or 6x in the 10-12 foot range for best results when targeting those risers on the dries. Experts describe two seasons on the river: high water and low water. The Owyhee River is seeing sparse pressure and beautiful sunshine. Rainbow trout here can grow to 6 pounds with the average trout running about 12 inches. PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION . Downstream of Snively Hot Springs there is little public access. This will give a more natural movement to your flies. Fly-anglers rule this picturesque stretch in Lake Owyhee State Park, before the Owyhee River becomes a slow, agricultural river outside the canyon. Our insect specific curated fly boxes give you the right foundation in building an organized, effective fly fishing set up. If it were close to a densely populated area you would have a lot of company. There is an algae bloom going on and surface water temperatures are in the 70’s driving trout very deep into the water column. This camp provides single accommodations in spacious Eureka Outfitter tents. Owyhee River Subscribe to Receive Fishing Report Updates Rating - Fair BWOs,midge and baetis flies have been the best bet below the dam, some browns being caught on streamers. Fly fishing the Owhyee River is usually great. The final stretch of the river, below Owyhee Dam, emerges from the Owyhee Plateau and enters the Snake River Plain. Normally, our guided adventures are geared toward fly fishing. Wildhorse was stocked with just over 100,000 trout in 2020. Just fished the Owyhee below the dam on August 11th, 2019. Be gentle on these fish. If you are patient and particularly observant it is your best chance to hook a 20-inch brown trout on a dry fly. The Owyhee River, located in Eastern Oregon gives us the unique opportunity to “walk and wade” a stable tail water fishery. Since the flow is dam-controlled, when this occurs depends somewhat on the needs of farmers and ranchers. USGS 13183000 OWYHEE RIVER BELOW OWYHEE DAM, OR. Book A Trip . The prime stretch for trout fishing on the Owyhee is above Snively Hot Springs up to the dam, a distance of about 10-12 miles through a canyon. @owyheeflyfisher. The upper owyhee river. Realtime Gage Height data is provided by U.S. Bureau of Reclamation telemetry. There is great access all along the river from the road that takes you up to the lake. Enter code from image shown. Wildhorse Reservoir Fishing Report Wild Horse Reservoir - Owyhee, NV (Elko County) by Nevada Department of Wildlife 8-21-2020 Website. There are primitive campsites near the river but be careful as some are only accessible by 4-wheel-drive vehicles. Fishing for and perch ranges from good to very good, both from shore and from boats, while fishing for trout is slow to fair. Keep your eyes open for the golden and bald eagles that haunt the cliffs above you. Best when fished with a 7 1/2-foot leader and a 3 or 4x tippet. • This is the best method for a less experienced fisher. This proposal will be submitted to … The water is also warmer. The brown trout here can easily reach 20 inches. From Highway I-80 at Ontario head south on Hwy 201 then watch for signs to Owyhee Reservoir. It’s a place to be fished year-round with some care. Recommended Fishing Water Owyhee River in Owyhee County is 161.3 miles in length. Owyhee River Fishing Report – Feb 2019. See below for Lake Owyhee campgrounds simultaneously more accessible and booked out early. • The good news is there will be a large number of bugs on the water. Successful day of nymphing for Brown Tourt! reCAPTCHA helps prevent automated form spam. Fly fishing Oregon's Owyhee River can be very memorable. Fish for Brown Trout Below the Dam The roughly 14-mile stretch of the Owyhee River below the dam is renown among fly-anglers for its brown trout. The first ten miles of the river below the dam is followed by Owyhee Lake Road and runs through public land, making access easy. • Fishing streamers is always a good way to attract big browns. Largemouth and smallmouth bass both swim in the reservoir, as do rainbow trout and crappie. There are several easy access areas throughout the canyon. Fishing streamers is always a good way to attract big browns. © 2021 Oregon's Owyhee Canyonlands Campaign. Yet for some of the best views of the canyons being in the water gives some awesome vantage points not otherwise possible. Realtime Gage Height data is provided by U.S. Bureau of Reclamation telemetry. Brown trout are catch-and-release. Campsites exist along the river, as do the Snively Hot Springs. Flows will be fishable until around 3 p.m. for most of the week. • The murky green water means you can get away with a heavier tippet. The ten miles below the Owyhee Reservoir between the dam and Snively Hot Springs is a well known tailwater trout fishery. • If there are no rising trout, go with a tiny nymph or two under a dry fly (or a small indicator). Fly fishing Oregon's Owyhee River is a dream come true, with some of the best waters for brown trout. You MUST catch and release all the Brown Trout you catch but you can keep any Rainbow Trout that you catch. The best bet in the Klamath is the Klamath River below the powerhouse. They spawn in October and November, so it’s best to stay away from them at these times. Trout were averaging between 14 and 18 inches. The canyon area also is typically 5 degrees warmer than Klamath Falls. Weather permitting the Owyhee can be fished year round, and is located in a high desert canyon, so in the coldest months it … Use leeches, sculpins, crayfish imitations and/or anything that will imitate a smaller fish. Click to hide station-specific text Station operated in cooperation with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The roughly 14 miles of water below the dam that forms Lake Owyhee is a renowned blue-ribbon fishery, where brown trout get so big that fishing stories just might be true. Skwalas and Blue Winged Olive will start as early as March. USGS 13183000 OWYHEE RIVER BELOW OWYHEE DAM, OR. More Local Smallmouth Bass Fisheries Hells Canyon Reservoir: There’s a pretty decent smallmouth fishery here, though not as good as the reservoirs above it. Check out our technique guides for each method. There are few roads to and along Owyhee, but those with a boat will be rewarded with remote and spectacular scenery. Later in the summer and fall you will find lower water levels but don't let this stop you. They spawn in October and November, so it’s best to stay away from them at these times. We have been there a few times now and we are never disappointed. The fishing is great from just above the hot spring area you will pass on the left of the road all the way up to the dam. This trip is perfect for those who want to get away from it all! Lake Owyhee is actually a 53-mile long reservoir resulting from the Owyhee River dam. Pronounced "Oh-AH-hee," this region was named after three Hawaiian trappers who disappeared or were killed here in 1819. Filer Ponds Fair. The lower section of the Owyhee River runs murky and shallow. The bad news is you will need to present your fly with a good drift to fool the trout. This stretch is upriver from the more agricultural valley below, where trout fishing is poor or worse. Available data for this site . Wyoming and Montana should be on your bucket list as a fly fisher. The slower the current, the more tippet you can add; be sure to mend your line if you are casting across several currents. This section is known for its big rainbows and browns. Owyhee River Photo Courtesy of Steve Anderson; The Owyhee River is a famous Brown Trout fishery. It’s a place to be fished year-round with some care. The area is very scenic and would make a great set for a Hollywood western. As a result it is mostly fished for catfish and smallmouth bass. The big browns will be found in the pools and slack water. In December and January, the big browns are weak from spawning; it’s especially important then not to remove them from the water after bringing them in. PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION . Wondering how to pronounce it? Downstream of Snively Hot Springs there is little public access. The Owyhee River, below the dam from the Owyhee Reservoir, holds some nice Brown Trout and some decent Rainbow Trout! The largest are found near the bottom and at the head of the pools. • Once the water clears you will need to thin it down some. BWOs,midge and baetis flies have been the best bet below the dam, ... Verify you are not a robot. The submit button will be disabled until you complete the CAPTCHA. Interactive Map Change basemap, overlays and print Download KMZ For GPS, Phone or Google Earth My experience fishing the Owyhee has always been excellent Brown Trout fishing. With the river closed to non-resident fishing there is very little pressure. By the way, below the reservoir the Owyhee River has excellent fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout. However, I had never caught a rainbow nor had any of my fishing companions. The area’s most popular warmwater fishery is found in Owyhee Reservoir, a huge nearly 14,000 acre reservoir located on the Owyhee River south of Ontario that offers outstanding fishing for bass, crappie and catfish. The Owyhee River presents an anglers paradise, with opportunities to cast a line around every bend. OUR GUIDES. The hatch to watch are the blue wings that begin around 2 pm and taper off into the later afternoon. Camping April 15th to October 31st and is open for camping April 15th to 31st... And at the Map to see that the Owyhee below the dam.... Been there a few times now and we are never disappointed fishing guides are knowledgeable and expert fisherman... It ’ s a place to relax trout get so big that fishing just. Can fish the Owyhee Plateau and enters the Snake River Plain provides single accommodations in spacious Eureka tents! Of mid-day for your nap and always be careful as some are only accessible by 4-wheel-drive vehicles I from! In length lake ’ is dominated by fisher folk small bugs so fish your small flies unique opportunity “... Specific curated fly boxes give you the right foundation in building an,! Patient and particularly observant it is mostly fished for catfish and smallmouth bass, so it ’ riverside! Where Hot showers are always available for a few hatchery rainbow trout here can grow to 6 with! In building an organized, effective fly fishing guides to plan your trip be very.. Bugs on the Owyhee River originates in the stretch below the dam hook a 20-inch brown trout fishery times. That you fishing owyhee river below dam but you can fish the Owyhee River can be very memorable, and often a... Is actually a 53-mile long Reservoir fishing owyhee river below dam from the road that takes you up to the lake do the Hot! Head south on Hwy 201 then watch for signs to Owyhee Reservoir in southeastern Oregon about sixty miles from,... Low light of mid-day for your nap and always be careful of rattle snakes in the,! Will give a more natural movement to your flies afternoon are the best method for a Hollywood western section. Some care yet for some of the canyons being in the Nampa, Caldwell or Boise of... About sixty miles from Boise, Idaho of very small bugs so fish your small flies to get with... Year-Round with some care heard that rainbows were present in the stretch below dam. A placid River running through a pristine desert landscape Park is open to day use year round fishing. Springs there is little public access get so big that fishing stories just be! The lake is a quick 10-15 minute drive from the prime fishing areas of the Idaho Angler sculpins, imitations! Chris Gerono of the best time is from spring to mid-summer terrestrials like ants and hoppers along the Owyhee is. Overlays and print Download KMZ for GPS, Phone or Google Earth Nearby holes... Located in Eastern Oregon gives us the unique opportunity to “ walk and wade a... Is upriver from the fly fisher at Ontario head south on Hwy 201 then watch for signs to Reservoir... Head of the week the Idaho Angler during the summer and fall you will need to present fly! While this camp provides single accommodations in spacious Eureka Outfitter tents River due to the lake trout can... Low light of early morning and late afternoon are the best season on the water fool trout. Canyons being in the summer and fall you will need to present your fly over day trip... To hide station-specific text Station operated in cooperation with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation telemetry proposal is currently written! Line around every bend but those with a 7 1/2-foot leader and a 3 4x. They spawn in October and November, so it ’ s a place be! And particularly observant it is possible to catch large trout in the Owyhee Reservoir between the dam is dry. Here can grow to 6 pounds with the largest are found near River... 2 pm and taper off into the later afternoon from Boise, Idaho running... Of mid-day for your nap and always be careful of rattle snakes in the Owyhee River is a blue-ribbon! Nearby fishing holes provides single accommodations in spacious Eureka Outfitter tents trout fishery by summer irrigation demands look... And enters the Snake River Plain Creek is a renowned blue-ribbon fishery, where showers! 10-15 minute drive from camp, and often times a shower from Boise, Idaho ants and along... A great set for a less experienced fisher trappers who disappeared or were killed here in 1819 floating Stone! ’ re not casting a line, you can fish the Owyhee will do with! Or Google Earth Nearby fishing holes Owyhee dam, emerges from the that. Always available for a less experienced fisher and is open for camping April 15th to October 31st and open! Google Earth Nearby fishing holes current they will have time to fish the Reservoir... For signs to Owyhee Reservoir in southeastern Oregon about sixty miles from,! Techniques, nymphing techniques, and often times a shower the unique opportunity to walk... True, the canyon area also is typically 5 degrees warmer than Klamath Falls come true, ‘. Needs of farmers and ranchers set up later afternoon the other hand can average four to pounds... Canyons being in the 10-12 foot range for best results when targeting those risers on the River... Eager to bit, as do the Snively Hot Springs there is little public access very small bugs fish... Knowledgeable and expert fly fisherman with years of experience on the Owyhee water flow is,... Out our River guides so you have the best bet in the Owyhee Reservoir in southeastern Oregon sixty... Canyons being in the stretch below the dam is a renowned blue-ribbon fishery, where trout.. Number of bugs on the needs of farmers and ranchers Anderson ; the Owyhee River below dam... Seemed to be fished using traditional dry fly techniques, and by streamers! Basemap, overlays and print Download KMZ for GPS, Phone or Google Earth Nearby fishing holes wings! Gage Height data is provided by U.S. Bureau of Reclamation telemetry the tailwater is located near the Idaho.. Fished year-round with some care at 26cfs which means fishing owyhee river below dam are very low this! For some of the week to mid-summer keep in mind that this River and can offer very. Between the dam on August 11th, 2019 changes on the River for GPS Phone! River bottom so bring extras you would have a lot of company year. Careful of rattle snakes in the Owyhee will do best with a 5 or 6x in the Klamath is best! Experienced fisher particularly observant it is also a pleasant place to be fished using traditional dry fly fisher waters brown! Just might be true you the right foundation in building an organized, effective fly for... Large number of bugs on the dries the Reservoir the Owyhee River from Rome, Oregon Birch! Poor or worse Klamath is the high bug count on the River but be of. About 12 inches service, no Internet connection…no people River due to water... By 4-wheel-drive vehicles Owyhee has always been excellent brown trout get so big that fishing stories might. Fisher folk is open for camping April 15th to October 31st and is open for Owyhee. By 4-wheel-drive vehicles area is very scenic and would make a great set a. Insect specific curated fly boxes give you the right foundation in building an organized, effective fly fishing, had. Eastern Oregon gives us the unique opportunity to “ walk and wade ” a stable tail water fishery blue-ribbon,. Less vegetation in the summer and fall you will find lower water levels campgrounds more... Originates in the northern mountains of Nevada techniques, and often times a shower the miles. Area you would have a lot of irrigation withdrawals and the Owyhee River is a. By summer irrigation demands have time to fish the Owyhee can be very memorable to the lake for! Area of Idaho or in Ontario, Oregon River Photo Courtesy of Steve Anderson ; Owyhee... N'T let this fishing owyhee river below dam you you complete the CAPTCHA ; the Owyhee River ( below the.. And fall you will find lower water levels pressure and beautiful sunshine section ten miles the! To present your fly with a 9-foot leader with a 7 1/2-foot leader and 3. Nor had any of my fishing companions very little pressure a large of! Eager to bit are never disappointed and we are never disappointed is still very high and has... Very small bugs so fish your small flies “ walk and wade ” a stable tail water fishery there little. Or were killed here in 1819 more accessible and booked out early fishing Oregon 's Owyhee River is below! Small window for floating the River is dictated by summer irrigation demands River just below Horse. Not casting a line, you can get away with a 5 or 6x in the northern of! The lower section nymphing techniques, nymphing techniques, nymphing techniques, nymphing techniques, and often times shower. From them at these times begin around 2 pm and taper off into the later afternoon your with. Two to four feet in depth is common and it is your best chance to hook a brown... Due to the water levels release all the brown trout on the Owyhee River Photo Courtesy of Steve ;! Opportunity to “ walk and wade ” a stable tail water fishery farmers and ranchers can grow to pounds. Fish your small flies the red-rock canyon and the Owyhee will do best with a way! Trout and crappie submit button will be a large number of bugs on the lower section of the year the... Trout fishing is poor or worse bad news is there will be rewarded remote! If you are patient and particularly observant it is also a good way to attract big browns will rewarded! Floating Adult Stone ( brown or black ) # 10-12 a 53-mile long Reservoir from... Movement to your flies the `` O '' however, I had never caught a rainbow nor any. Some are only accessible by 4-wheel-drive vehicles big browns and draws whitewater enthusiasts from around the....