The Outdoor Line Forum

For the better part of the last two weeks I have been out camping and fishing on the Snake River up above Little Goose Dam. My wife and I met up with my folks for some great fishing. We spent several days targeting Steelhead, Chinook and Smallmouth Bass. The river was open for hatchery Steelhead and Chinook. We spent a lot of time trolling Wiggle Warts down the banks and pick up multiple species of fish. When Steelhead is open you have to pinch down the barbs. My dad caught a 20+ lb wild Chinook on the first day. The next day I caught a wild Chinook 10-12 lbs and a wild Steelhead that had to go into the high teens (maybe bigger). It was the largest Steelhead I have ever caught. The next day I caught a Hatch SH. The next day I got two more. The next day I caught a wild Chinook (10-12 lbs). And my dad got a Hatch SH. We moved from dry camping down to Lyons Ferry Marina, below the dam, for two days to dump tanks and recharge batteries. We also got in some good bass fishing there and my wife also picked up a nice Walleye (she wouldn’t hold it for the picture because of the teeth). We went back up above the dam, where I caught another wild Chinook 10-12 lbs and an 8lb hatchery. The next day I caught another wild SH in the mid-teens, and my wife caught a 10lb 7oz Hatch SH. My mom caught a SM that went 3lbs 4oz and my wife caught one that went 3lbs even. A while back Robbo posted an article about carp fishing on the Snake River. Robbo, please there is some great fishing to be had on the Snake (my home waters where I grew up). I’m glad that guide is making a living catching Carp, but you won’t catch me fishing for them with so many better options. In all, I caught 4 Chinook, 5 Metalheads and a ton of Smallmouth. Here are some pictures from our trip. I didn’t take pictures or get measurements on wild fish, as I was more concerned about getting them revived and on their way to spawn. All released fish swam off briskly, and most splashed water in my face (grin). If anyone wants to learn more about fishing that area of the river get a hold of Darcy at Darver’s Tackle in Starbuck, WA.
L8R.
Dan

That looks like one helluva good time Dan! I love that country over there and it's tough to beat the mixed bag of species you guys got into. You said you guys were drying camping. Is there a State Park there?

A note about the carp...I want to catch a big Ruby Lips on the fly....bonefish style. I have some friends that target them over there and they tell me the darned things pull like a freight train. No hot dogs or corn involved, just a wooley bugger, an 8 weight and some polarized glasses. Once I check it off the bucket list I'll go hang out above Little Goose with you guys and catch real fish

Just about moved to Lewiston a few years back. Definitely one of the best outdoor areas in the Pacific Northwest, if not anywhere

Here's a nice steelhead from that neck of the woods

We stayed at Little Goose Landing. It is a Corps of Engineers facility just above the dam. Oh, and it is free - no camping or launch fees. There are several pullout/camping areas, a nice launch and a small dock. If you want to catch a Carp, there is a big school of them up there. Just launch at the landing and go up river to the cliffs on the same side of the river as the launch. You will have easy sight casting at big Carp. I have no interest in them myself.
L8R
Dan

I would love to try this fishery. I have a driftboat equipped with a 70 lb thrust electric motor, do you think I can handle the current there? I appreciate any input and tips, I plan to be there mid to late October.
Thanks

I think your electric motor should serve fine, the current is not too strong since it is right behind the dam. My primary method of fishing was to troll a Brad's Wiggler down the banks. Going down the rip-rap in 15-30 feet of water was productive. My prefered lure was a BW-28, also productive were the green minnow, fire tiger, and blue chrome patterns. I fish a lot of BW's and Wiggle Warts. Many people out there also fish shrimp on slip bobbers or sometimes they use wing-bobbers (aka spin-n-glows). The BW's and WWs troll about 8-12 feet deep. when trolling along the deep cliffs try to stay as close to the cliff as you can. We picked up several steelhead this way. One afternoon we were marking a bunch of fish at 40-50 feet and we soaked some freshly cured eggs. My wife had a huge take down but lost it after a few seconds. The numbers of fish going over Little Goose still look good and fishing should improve as the temperature drops.
Hope this helps, also check PM reply to you.

Dan,

Very nice. It looks like you had a good time. Be safe.

Scott