Keno Dam to J.C Boyle Reservoir

The river opened on Saturday, Oct. 1. Fishing was very slow just below Keno Dam. A total of 15 anglers were interviewed and only one had caught a fish. Reports from lower in the river showed slightly higher catch rates.

Forage fish are abundant especially immediately below Keno Dam for the large redband/rainbow to eat. Best methods are mimicking minnows and sculpins with flies and lures.

Flows are optimal at 647 cfs with water temperatures peaking at 34 degrees. The water is always slightly off color in this reach. Turbidity is stable and is ranging from 12-14 FNU.

The redband/rainbow trout population is likely at record low numbers due to drought, very high water temperatures the past three years, and very low flows in their only spawning tributary, Spencer Creek. Catch-and-release is encouraged. 

J.C. Boyle Dam to J.C Boyle Powerhouse

Open all year. Flows are low and stable and typically range from 100 cfs at the dam and increase due to springs to around 350 cfs at the Powerhouse. Catch rates should be good for this time of year. Fishing is best below the spring inputs. The gate is now closed that accesses the river along the power canal. Access is available by foot traffic only.

The springs start to discharge into the river approximately one mile below J.C. Boyle Dam. This section of river requires a hike down steep grade to the river except for the area just above the powerhouse.

Use small flies or lures as redband trout are mostly small (8-10 inches) in this section.

There is good access at the powerhouse. Park and walk upstream. This area is fished hard, but you can hike to get away from the pressure. Hiking or wading upstream is difficult.

Small nymphs such as pheasant tails and prince nymphs work well in this section. Small black Panther Martins or Rooster Tails work well when cast upstream into the deeper pools.

J.C. Boyle Powerhouse to State Line with California

Fishing remains good until about 3 p.m. tomorrow and should remain stable 700 cfs until 3 p.m. through Dec. 17. Make sure you have good tires and 4X4. Best fishing is when flows are less than 900 cfs. You can check flow estimates at PacifiCorp Weekly Flow Estimates.

Large attractor flies such and wooly buggers, bead head prince, and rubber leg stoneflies under a strike indicator work best this time of year. Olive and black wooly buggers almost always work well. Black spinners and Panther Martins can also work.

Below the JC Boyle Powerhouse the redband/rainbow trout get slightly larger than the aforementioned reach and average 12 inches but rarely exceed 16 inches. Currently, most redband caught are in the 10- to 14-inch range.