What rivers and lakes do you guide on?

Hells Canyon Sport Fishing provides guided fishing opportunities on the Clearwater, Snake and Salmon Rivers in Idaho as well as Dworshak Reservoir.  In Washington and Oregon we guide fishermen on the Snake and Columbia rivers.  

 

What does a typical day of fishing look like?

Our guests will meet their guide at a predetermined location usually around 6am (daylight) in the morning. Your guide will introduce himself and help you get loaded into the boat and out on the water to start your day of fishing. Plan to be back to the launch around 4 pm based on an 8-10 hour day of fishing.  

 

How long do we stay out on the water?

Our guides are flexible and can accommodate whatever time frame you need. Most days are a minimum of 8 hours and may last up to 10 hours on the water. Our guides love to fish, so don't be surprised if you are out all day!

 

What species are we going to fish for?

We fish for Steelhead, Salmon, Sturgeon and Walleye as our primary species. Each species has its own best time of season to fish for them. Smallmouth Bass and Rainbow Trout are also caught in combination on our sturgeon trips. We coordinate with our clients to book for the best time based on which species they want to target.  

When is the best time?

We have a graph that explains when the fishing is HOT for each species we fish for…Refer to "what’s HOT when graph!" 

 

Do we need to bring our own fishing gear?

No. We provide top quality and appropriate gear for all anglers on our trips. If you have equipment you prefer to use please bring it along!

 

Do we need to bring waders?

If you have booked one of our river fly fishing trips then YES please bring your waders. Otherwise none of our other trips require waders.

 

What kind of boats do you use?

All our boats are open guide style fishing sleds. These are welded aluminum fishing specific boats with no top to impede your fishing experience. We are proud of our fleet of boats and certainly have some of the finest guide boats on the river. Our boats range from 23’ - 34’ in length. Our smaller lighter boats are primarily used on the Clearwater River and our larger boats mainly stay in Hells Canyon. 

 

I am disabled, can’t walk well or in a wheelchair can I participate? 

Yes, you can and please do! Our guides will always take the extra time and attention needed to make sure all our clients have the accommodations they need to have an awesome experience. Fishing with HCSF can be enjoyed by everyone!

 

How many anglers do I need to reserve a boat?

You can reserve a boat with as few as 2 anglers. We have 2 person minimum boats, 4 person minimum boats and 6 person minimum boats. 

 

How big will our boat be?

Our boats get bigger with the group size. For example…If you book a 2 person trip we would schedule you to fish in one of our 23’ outboard boats. If you book a 4-6 person trip we would use one of our 25’- 34’ boats. 

 

What are our accommodations options?

Your lodging accommodations options are different depending on which river you choose to fish. On the Snake River, HCSF offers Hells Canyon Resort and Hells Gate Estate to accommodate our clients overnight and multiple night stays.  For our Clearwater River trips and for clients that prefer to stay in town we highly recommend staying with the Hells Canyon Grand Hotel in Lewiston, Idaho or Holiday Inn & Quay Convention Center, both hotels offer our clients room discounts. You must call them direct and ask for the Hells Canyon Sport Fishing discount at the time of booking. 

 

How do we best dress for the weather and river fishing conditions?

In Idaho we have 4 distinct seasons. Remember you will be fishing from an all open boat so if it is raining you will be out in it. Winter fishing you will need weatherproof insulated gear head to toe. Spring fishing can bring occasional rain and cooler conditions. Always bring good rain gear and dress in layers. Summer fishing can be hot. Bring your water shoes and wear a swimsuit under your clothes. You will want to take a swim in the 70 degree water!  Fall weather can be cold in the morning and beautiful later in the day. You are encouraged to bring a small bag with all your extra cloths and rain gear to be prepared for whatever the weather of the day may bring.

 

How do we book a trip?

Its easy! You and our team will discuss fishing options and dates that work for everyone. Once a date is decided on we require a 50% deposit to lock in your spot on our calendar. 

 

What licenses do we need and how do we get them?

For all our trips on the Clearwater, Snake and Salmon Rivers you will need an IDAHO FISHING LICENSE. If you are fishing for Salmon or Steelhead in Idaho you will need a catch record card. You can download your Idaho license through the Go Outdoor Idaho smartphone app. For our Lyons Ferry Walleye trips you will need a general Washington State fishing license. Buoy 10 salmon trips you will either a Washington or Oregon license and catch cards. Trips that start at Heller Bar will need a Washington State Discover Parking Pass. 

 

Do you provide lunch and drinks?

Any trips that include overnight lodging with Hells Canyon Resort will include breakfast, lunch and dinner. Non-lodge trips you will need to bring your lunch and drinks each day. We have plenty of room for your cooler and a bag of food and such. Our boats always have cold water, sodas and a few snacks aboard just in case!

 

Can we bring our kids?

Please do! We will help work with kids of all ages to catch fish, maybe even their first fish!

 

Can we take our fish home to eat?

Hatchery Salmon, hatchery Steelhead, Smallmouth Bass and Walleye are all fish you can take home to eat. Our guides will fillet and bag your catch at the end of the day free of charge. Sturgeon and Wild Salmon and Steelhead are 100% catch and release.

 

Should I tip my fishing guide and deck hand? What about the lodge staff? 

Gratuities are always appreciated by our guides and staff. If you feel that you were well taken care of, please feel free to leave a tip. 15%-20% of the total trip cost is typical. Please tip your guide, deckhand and lodge staff separately.  

 

Can I purchase a Gift Certificate?

Absolutely! Surprise that special someone for their birthday, Fathers or Mothers day, Christmas or any occasion with the gift of a guided fishing experience with HCSF!

 

When do we pay for our trip?

A 50% deposit is required to lock in your dates at the time of your booking. The remainder of the trip is due 30 days prior to your trip date.

Deposits can be made by mailing a check or you can pay with credit card (plus a 3.5% credit card convenience fee).

 

What is your cancelation policy?

Cancellations must be received 60 days prior to your fishing trip in order to receive a full deposit refund. If cancellations occur 30-60 days prior to your fishing trip, we will issue a credit that expires 1 year from invoice date. If cancellations occur within 30 days of your fishing trip, there will be NO REFUND.  Final payment is due 30 days before the time of the trip.

 

No Show Policy - Each guided trip is issued a start time. Fishing guides will wait for a reasonable amount of time (1 to 2 hours) for groups to show for their guided trip. When a group does not show for their guided trip, full payment is due, no refunds or credit is issued. 

 

Is Hells Canyon truly deeper than the Grande Canyon?

YES! 2000 feet deeper!