Grande Ronde River Fishing Guide...Information for Steelhead, Smallmouth Bass and trout. ...provided by Snake River Guide Service
Contact Ronde River Guide Service for information on guided steelhead trips on the Grande Ronde River in Washington.
The lower portion of the Grande Ronde that flows into the Snake is a catch and release area that is artificial lures only. This portion does have some nice runs that are prime for the flyfisher. During the fall months it is not unusual to see a number of fishers using this area. Public parking, bank access and toilets along the river make this a great destination for those flyfishers hoping to hook up on some of these hot, early steelhead, while enjoying a little camping at the same time.
The bridge crossing the Ronde about 5 miles upstream is the beginning of the retention area with bait allowed. There is only about a mile of the river that has access before entering private grounds.
Access to this portion of the Ronde is gained from the Snake River Road through Asotin, Washington....highway 129. Approximately 27 miles to the confluence of the Snake River and the Ronde.
There is additional access to the river from highway ---traveling towards Troy, Oregon.
One popular spot with locals is the portion accessed from Shumaker Grade. This is not a huge area and the grade is a gravel road that can be very rough and slick if there is snow.
After traveling down Rattlesnake Grade we again have river access. A quick right turn at the bottom will put you on the road to Oregon. This gravel road is well maintained and has numerous turn outs and river access.
It is this area that one hears about the Cottonwood Creek spring fishery. Don't believe that this is the only place or time to have good steelhead fishing on the Ronde. Generally, after Thanksgiving you can find steelhead throughout this entire river. There are miles of good holding water that have little pressure especially during the weekdays.
The Grande Ronde runs through the north east portion of Oregon and the southeast corner of Washington State. It is a favorite destination for winter steelheaders as well as a fantastic trout and bass stream throughout the spring and summer months.
Some of the trout reach lengths of 12-18 inches. These can provide a fun day as they can be quite numerous in the various riffles throughout the entire system.
During the warmer summer months this river is also full of nice sized Smallmouth Bass...these fish migrate back into the Snake River in the late fall when water temps start dropping. It is at about this same time the Steelhead start entering the river system.
This wonderful little river has a number of miles of good bank access with some prime fish holding water. As with all good fishing areas the popularity of this river has grown and it now has more pressure than a few years ago. Weekdays are recommended during the steelhead season as the Ronde is a popular destination.
A fishing guide is not necessary but well worth the money as it will help you learn the better holes and will give you a jump start on what baits are the most successful. Having a guide will also allow you to easily fish both sides of the river and provides a buffer from other anglers.
For more information visit RondeRiverGuideService.com
The late winter/spring fishing is fairly good but these fish have been in the fresh water systems for many months and they have been depleting their own body resources to survive until spring and the spawning time. They are not as strong fighters as they were early in the season but provide a nice early spring option. .
If you love to fish this river consider late fall to late winter for the best experience and fish will be excellent table fare.
Please observe the barbless hook regulations and do not remove wild fish from the water. The Grande Ronde flows through both Oregon and Washington so make sure you are licensed appropriately for the areas you plan on fishing.
If you would like to try the river portions that are road less or want a more successful day on the river a guide can aid both novice as well as experienced anglers.
Clarkston, Washington - Lewiston, Idaho
509-758-0410 Office hours 8:00 - 5:00
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Office hours 8:00 to 5:00 Pacific Time
or email us at pat@snakeriverguides.com
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