INLAND NORTHWEST
Grande Ronde-Wallowa Steelhead Anatone 129
WASHINGTON OREGON
Snake River
Troy Flora 0
Grande Ronde River
2
4
8
scale in miles
3
Mapped Area
Minam
Wallowa
Wallowa River
Grande Ronde & Wallowa rivers LEGEND
Good remote float Good roadside access (beware private land) Best fishing
82
Lostine
Enterprise
Map information courtesy National Geographic Maps
TROY, Ore.–Two solid waves of steelhead head up Washington’s and Oregon’s Grande Ronde. The leading one heads for the river’s major Beaver State-side tributary, the Wallowa, and is fishable in October and again February-April. The second arrives in late winter at Cottonwood Creek, just above Washington’s Highway 129, where guide Mac Huff (800-940-3688) says accomplished anglers can have 20- to 30-fish days under ideal conditions. With so many fish, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a bait, plug, spinner, fly, jig or spoon guy, you will get bit. There are numerous boat ramps on the system, and plenty of bank access. The rivers sometimes freeze up in winter, but more worrisome is a rain- or sun-fueled blowout. Call Boggan’s Oasis (509-2563372) for updates before making the trek. –ANDY WALGAMOTT Editor’s note: This article is from a previous issue of Northwest Sportsman. Be sure to check current regulations before going.
100 Northwest Sportsman 2013 ATLAS [Winter-Spring]
Map art: RJThompsonART.com