Current Flows of the Owyhee River

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What is the Owyhee River?

The Owyhee River begins in northern Nevada and flows northward through southeastern Oregon and southwestern Idaho before joining the Snake River as a major tributary. Originating from the Owyhee Plateau, the river passes through steep canyon areas, valley communities, and the Duck Valley Indian Reservation. After crossing into Idaho, it meets the South Fork Owyhee River. In Oregon’s southeastern corner, it combines with the West Little Owyhee River (from the south), as well as the Middle Fork and North Fork Owyhee Rivers (from the east). Other tributaries like Jordan Creek, Rattlesnake Creek, and Crooked Creek also feed into the river as it approaches the Snake River near the Idaho-Oregon border.

Before joining the Snake River, the Owyhee is dammed by the Owyhee Dam, creating Lake Owyhee. Completed in 1932 during the Great Depression, the dam was the tallest of its type at 417 feet and served as a prototype for the Hoover Dam. It provides electricity and irrigation water to the surrounding area.

The ten miles of cool tailwater below the dam are renowned for year-round fly fishing, especially for trophy-sized rainbow and brown trout. Brown trout can easily reach 20 inches or more, with some caught up to 12 pounds. Rainbow trout as large as six pounds have been landed here. The river’s gentle gradient, flowing 2 to 4 feet deep in most sections, supports prolific aquatic insect hatches—midges, Skwala stoneflies, beetles, and grasshoppers—leading to exciting dry fly and nymph fishing that requires a natural drift for success.

The Owyhee River runs through a stunning desert canyon, offering abundant access points in the tailwater stretch, though public access below Snively Hot Springs is limited.

Pronounced “Oh-AH-hee,” the river’s name honors three Hawaiian trappers who disappeared or were killed here in 1819.

Fishing the Owyhee River Gorge is an unforgettable experience. It offers breathtaking scenery, exciting fishing action, and the chance to create lifelong memories with family and friends. Definitely make your way to the Owyhee!

Where to Fly Fish on the Owyhee River

From Highway I-80 at Ontario, head south on Hwy 201 and follow signs to Owyhee Reservoir. The first ten miles of the river below the dam run along Owyhee Lake Road through public land, providing easy access. However, downstream of Snively Hot Springs, public access is limited.

The Upper Owyhee River

The upper section of the Owyhee River begins in the northern mountains of Nevada and features some of the most challenging whitewater in the country, attracting enthusiasts nationwide. The water here is warmer, so it’s mainly fished for catfish and smallmouth bass. Since this is a trout website, we will focus on the lower section.

The Lower Owyhee River

The ten miles of river below the Owyhee Reservoir, between the dam and Snively Hot Springs, is a well-known tailwater trout fishery. This section is famous for large rainbows and browns. Rainbow trout here can reach up to 6 pounds, with an average size around 12 inches. Brown trout typically weigh between four and six pounds, with the largest recorded catch at twelve pounds.

The lower Owyhee River runs shallow and murky, commonly two to four feet deep, with a gentle gradient and little fast water. Wading is generally manageable, but using a wading staff is recommended to feel through the cloudy water safely.

Best Time to Fish the Lower Owyhee River

Fishing is possible year-round, but spring to mid-summer offers the best conditions, with higher flows and fewer irrigation withdrawals. Later in summer and fall, water levels drop, but insect activity remains high, making it a great time to target terrestrials like ants and hoppers along the banks.

Early morning and late afternoon provide the best low-light fishing conditions. Avoid bright midday sun, and stay alert for rattlesnakes during evening hours.

Patterns for Fly Fishing Oregon's Owyhee River

The Owyhee River offers some epic hatches throughout the year, including skwalas and craneflies. You can have great luck year-round with a solid foundation of flies in your arsenal. Keep in mind that this river has a high density of very small bugs, so fish your small flies carefully.

Best Surface Flies (May to September):

• Pale Morning Duns (#16 or smaller)

• Skwalan Stonefly

• Brown Parachute Adams

• Parachute Hopper

• Dave’s Hopper

• Hi-Vis Beetle

• Yellow Humpy (#8-12)

• Stimulator

• Royal Trude

• Turk’s Tarantula (#8-12)

Best Nymphs (May to September):

• Beadhead Hare’s Ear

• Prince Nymph

• Micro Caddis (nymphs)

• Olive Scud (#10-16)

• Low-floating Adult Stonefly (brown or black) (#10-12)

Best Flies Year-Round:

• Midges (#20-22) under a dry fly

• Olive Hare’s Ear

• Beadhead Olive Hare’s Ear

• Green Rock Worm

• Elk Hair Caddis (#12-18)

• Tiny Tailwater Nymph

• Beadhead Zebra

• Brook’s Sprout Midge

Best Methods for Fly Fishing Oregon's Owyhee River

The Owyhee River can be fished using traditional dry fly techniques, nymphing, and streamer swinging. Check out our technique guides for details on each method.

Dry Fly Fishing the Owyhee

Use a 9-foot leader with 5 or 6x tippet. In slower currents, you can add more tippet—remember to mend your line when casting across varying currents. This is the best method for less experienced anglers. During summer, this section is a dry fly paradise with plenty of bugs on the water. However, to fool trout, your fly presentation needs a good, natural drift. Using a loop knot allows more natural fly movement.

Nymphing

Best fished with a 7.5-foot leader and 3 or 4x tippet. If no trout are rising, try one or two tiny nymphs under a dry fly or use a small indicator. The river’s murky green water lets you fish heavier tippet, but thin it down as the water clears. Expect to lose some flies on the lava rock bottom, so bring extras.

Streamers

Swing streamers using 0-2x tippet to attract big browns. Effective patterns include leeches, sculpins, crayfish imitations, or anything resembling smaller fish. These browns feed not only on minnows but also on the abundant bug supply, making pools and slack water their favored spots. The largest trout tend to stay near the bottom and at the heads of pools.

Fly fishing Oregon's Owyhee River offers a scenic, remote experience reminiscent of a Hollywood western. It’s a fantastic tailwater trout stream and your best chance to hook a 20-inch brown trout on a dry fly—if you’re patient and observant. Keep an eye out for golden and bald eagles soaring above the cliffs.