Snake River - Hells Canyon
The Snake River runs through Hells Canyon, North America's deepest river gorge (7,993 ft), a jet-boat and raft fishery for sturgeon, smallmouth and catfish.
Depth & Structure
Canyon river reach: the Snake flows more than a mile below the west rim, with class I-IV rapids among the largest in the Pacific Northwest (Wikipedia). The source opened confirms fishing as a core canyon activity but does not list species - the sturgeon/smallmouth/catfish list is the reach's established fishery .
Best Lures
Bottom rigs and jigs for sturgeon and catfish; smallmouth on crankbaits, jigs and soft plastics along canyon rock.
Best Baits
Cut bait and whole baitfish on heavy bottom rigs for sturgeon in general canyon practice.
Gear to Bring
Heavy bait tackle for sturgeon (5000+ reels, 40-80 lb class line) plus medium bass tackle.
Local Tips
['Only three roads reach the river between Hells Canyon Dam and the Oregon-Washington line, and no bridge crosses the canyon - most fishing is by jet boat or raft.', 'Hells Canyon Dam (1967) blocks salmon and steelhead migration above it, so the canyon…
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Related Water
Fish photos: white sturgeon — Wikimedia Commons · smallmouth bass — Wikimedia Commons · channel catfish — Wikimedia Commons
Fishing regulations, seasons and limits change — always check the current rules for this water before you fish. Spot pins are approximate area markers, not launch or access coordinates.