Washington · Southeast Washington · lower Snake
Snake River fishing guide
The Columbia's largest tributary, the lower Snake in Washington offers big-water fishing for steelhead, salmon, smallmouth bass, sturgeon, and channel catfish, with reservoir and tailrace access at the dams.
Current conditions
As of September 1, 2026, Snake River is running around 16,400 cfs. The nearest streamgage reports flow but not water temperature, so no temp is shown. Conditions look good for fishing right now.
- State
- Washington
- Public access
- Yes
- Access points
- 8
- Species recorded
- 25
These conditions are read from our data about once a day and may not reflect the current moment. For real-time conditions, open Guidepole Fish.
Public access & launches
Extensive public bank access along the Snake River, computed from public land ownership and hydrography.
- Heller Bar Alternate Boat RampBoat launch
- Chief Timothy ParkBoat launch
- Heller Bar Boat RampBoat launch
- Couse Creek Boat LaunchWashington Department of Fish and WildlifeBoat launch
- Primitive Boat RampBoat launch
- Swallows Park Boat RampBoat launch
- Asotin Boat RampBoat launch
- Couse CreekWDFWBoat access
Regulations
- All speciesCOLUMBIA/GARFIELD/FRANKLIN/WALLA WALLA/WHITMAN CO. · an area 1,200’ downstream from the base of the west lock gate at Little Goose Dam on the south bank of the Snake River and 100’ out into the river from said river bank
CLOSED WATERS.
- All speciesCOLUMBIA/GARFIELD/FRANKLIN/WALLA WALLA/WHITMAN CO. · 400’ below Little Goose Dam
CLOSED WATERS.
- All speciesCOLUMBIA/GARFIELD/FRANKLIN/WALLA WALLA/WHITMAN CO. · 400’ radius around the fish ladder entrance at Lyons Ferry Hatchery
CLOSED WATERS.
- All speciesCOLUMBIA/GARFIELD/FRANKLIN/WALLA WALLA/WHITMAN CO. · Ice Harbor Dam to 400’ below Lower Monument Dam CRC (642)
- Gear
- Barbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only)
Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE) required for salmon and steelhead fishing (ages 15 and older). Barbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).
- All speciesCOLUMBIA/GARFIELD/FRANKLIN/WALLA WALLA/WHITMAN CO. · 400’ below Lower Monument Dam
CLOSED WATERS.
- All speciesCOLUMBIA/GARFIELD/FRANKLIN/WALLA WALLA/WHITMAN CO. · Lower Monument Dam to Little Goose Dam CRC (644)
- Gear
- Barbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only)
Barbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only). Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE) required for salmon and steelhead fishing (ages 15 and older).
- All speciesCOLUMBIA/GARFIELD/FRANKLIN/WALLA WALLA/WHITMAN CO. · from the Burbank to Pasco railroad bridge at Snake River mile 1.25 to the downstream end of Goose Island CRC (640)
- Gear
- Barbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only)
Barbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only). Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE) required for salmon and steelhead fishing (ages 15 and older).
- All speciesCOLUMBIA/GARFIELD/FRANKLIN/WALLA WALLA/WHITMAN CO. · from the downstream end of Goose Island to 400’ below Ice Harbor Dam CRC (640)
- Gear
- Barbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only)
Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE) required for salmon and steelhead fishing (ages 15 and older). Barbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only).
- All speciesCOLUMBIA/GARFIELD/FRANKLIN/WALLA WALLA/WHITMAN CO. · within 400’ of the base of Ice Harbor Dam
CLOSED WATERS.
- All speciesCOLUMBIA/GARFIELD/FRANKLIN/WALLA WALLA/WHITMAN CO. · Little Goose Dam to Lower Granite Dam CRC (646)
- Gear
- Barbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only)
Barbless hooks required (salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon only). Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE) required for salmon and steelhead fishing (ages 15 and older).
As of 2026-08-28.Guidance, not legal advice — always confirm current rules with the state.Official Washington regulations
What’s in it
Recorded in/near this water. Occurrence-based unless a higher-confidence source is shown — see it per-species in the app.
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Snake River fishing — FAQ
Can you fish the Snake River?
Yes — the Snake River in Washington has public access (extensive public bank access). Open the guide to see the public access, launches, and current regulations.
Do you need a license to fish the Snake River?
Yes — Washington requires a valid fishing license for most fishing. The current official state regulations are linked on this page.
What fish are in the Snake River?
Species recorded in the Snake River include Smallmouth Bass, Steelhead, Chinook Salmon, Common Carp, Rainbow Trout. The full list is on this page.
Where can you access the Snake River?
Access points include Heller Bar Alternate Boat Ramp, Chief Timothy Park, Heller Bar Boat Ramp. See every launch and access site on this page.
Get detailed fishing conditions for the Snake River on your phone
The full access map, live conditions, and an agent you can just ask — on your iPhone.
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