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Brownlee Reservoir

Boat Ramps
8
Access Points
8
Species
15

Brownlee Reservoir is a premier warmwater fishing destination spanning approximately 60 miles along the Oregon-Idaho border on the Snake River. This massive 11,000-15,000 acre impoundment boasts some of the Pacific Northwest's best fishing opportunities for a variety of species. With 190 miles of shoreline—much of it characterized by steep, rocky terrain—Brownlee offers diverse fishing environments from the upper reservoir near Farewell Bend down to Brownlee Dam. Situated at approximately 2,000 feet above sea level, this reservoir serves as the uppermost and most productive of the three Hells Canyon Complex reservoirs. The depth and structure of Brownlee create ideal habitats for numerous game fish species, making it a must-visit destination for anglers seeking quality fishing in a scenic desert canyon setting.


Fish stocking schedule

All stockings · 5

  • White Sturgeon24 fish · AdultsOct 27, 2025
  • White Sturgeon25 fish · 13.0 inMay 17, 2023
  • White Sturgeon24 fish · AdultsMay 17, 2023
  • White Sturgeon197 fish · AdultsApr 15, 2022
  • White Sturgeon100 fish · 13.0 inApr 21, 2021

Source

Idaho Department of Fish and Game

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Brownlee Reservoir. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Brownlee Reservoir

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Oregon licenses and regulations

Oregon Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Oregon Fishing License

An Oregon fishing license is required for residents and non-residents, age 12 and over. You must carry your fishing license at all times while fishing in the State. Make sure you have the correct tags, catch cards and endorsements for the water bodies and species you are targeting.

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Oregon Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. This river is prone to emergency regulations. Stay up to date on specific river regulation changes. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Oregon Stream Access Laws

The people of Oregon are the owners of the submerged and submersible land (“beds and banks”) underlying all navigable and tidally influenced waterways. In most cases, this ownership extends to the line of ordinary high water or high tide, but ownership can be mixed, even along the same waterway. The Department of State Lands is responsible for management of publicly owned submerged and submersible land. The public has rights to use the beds and banks of navigable waterways for any legal activity, such as boating, fishing and swimming, including pulling your canoe or kayak onto the bank.

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Take Brownlee Reservoir with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Brownlee Reservoir to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Brownlee Reservoir to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Brownlee Reservoir and check the forecast before you go.

No forecast data available.


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