Every Boat Ramp on Snake River (Washington)

About Snake River (Washington)

The Snake River carves through the deep basalt canyons of southeastern Washington, flowing 140 miles of shoreline through six counties before joining the Columbia River near the Tri-Cities. As the Columbia's largest tributary, the Snake carries vital runs of Steelhead and Chinook Salmon through a rugged landscape of dramatic river canyons, rolling wheat fields, and remote wilderness. The Washington portion of the Snake includes four major dams — Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite — creating a series of reservoirs that add warm-water fishing opportunities to the river's outstanding anadromous fishery.

Steelhead fishing on the Snake River is legendary, with both hatchery and wild fish providing challenging and rewarding angling from October through April. Fall Chinook Salmon runs have rebounded strongly in recent years, creating excellent fishing opportunities in the river's lower reaches and reservoir pools. Smallmouth Bass have become a dominant warm-water species in the Snake's reservoirs, with rocky canyon walls and current-washed points holding impressive numbers of hard-fighting bronzebacks. Channel Catfish, Sturgeon, and Walleye provide additional targets throughout the river system.

Clarkston, located at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers, serves as the primary fishing hub for the upper Snake and gateway to Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America. Boat launches are available at each of the four dam pools, as well as in Clarkston and at various access points along the river corridor. The communities of Pullman and Dayton provide additional services for visiting anglers exploring this remote and beautiful corner of Washington State.

Nearest towns: Clarkston, Pullman, Dayton