 Brownlee
Reservoir is located about 20
miles northwest of Cambridge, Idaho and is the uppermost reservoir of
the Hells Canyon complex, which is a series of three Idaho Power dams
built on the Snake River to generate electricity. Brownlee Reservoir is
by far the largest, covering 15,000 acres and is 58 miles long. The
reservoir is long and narrow, featuring rocky steep shorelines. Since
the reservoir is the border between Oregon and Idaho, anglers with a
license in either state can use facilities of either state to put in or
take out boats, as long as they do not fish from the shore, dock or a
docked boat in the state which they do not hold a license.
Brownlee Reservoir is among the most heavily
fished waters in Idaho. Healthy populations of warm water fish such as
smallmouth bass, catfish and crappie are especially popular. Brownlee
has produced four state record game fish; the flathead and bullhead
catfish, and the white and black crappie. Perch, bluegill, largemouth
bass and stocked rainbow add to the diversity of this fishery.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass is the premier fish of Brownlee. Best fishing is from a
boat and there are few fish that are more fun to catch. Look for
gravel bar areas and rocky outcroppings. Smallmouth are usually found in
less than 20 feet of water, larger fish tend to be found deeper. Cast
plugs, plastic grubs or worms, or lead-headed jigs and retrieve in a
jigging motion. Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass can be caught with the same methods, but likely will be
found in weedier shallows. They too should be actively fished with a
jigging or retrieving action.
Crappie
Crappie fishing is best in the spring and early summer. Skirted
lead-headed jigs, in a variety of colors are effective. Fish calm inlets
by casting jigs toward shore and retrieving. Try various colors of jigs
to see what is effective. Once you find them the action can be quick.
Catfish
Cat fishing has become very popular in Brownlee, especially in the upper
1/3 of the reservoir. Best fishing is generally in the summer and can be
done effectively from shore. Catfish are scavenger fish, so cubait, ripe
chicken livers, or catfish stink bait works best. Bait should be still
fished off the bottom. You will want to use a medium weight rod with
10-12 lb. test line. These fish average 2-6 lbs., but much larger ones
are not uncommon. Trout
Rainbow trout are stocked as fingerlings in Brownlee in spring and fall
and grow in the reservoir to catchable size. They provide a good winter
fishery near the dam. They can be caught trolling with rooster tails,
spoons, or rapalas, or occasionally from shore by still fishing with
worms. Bluegill
Bluegill are coming on in the lower 2/3 of the reservoir and are
reaching good size. They can be caught on a variety of tackles and baits
including lightly weighted hooks with worms, or jigs. Fly fishing with
spider poppers can be great fun.
Perch
Another popular summer fishery is for perch. They can be caught from
boat or shore and once found, action can be fast. Most effective baits
will be worms or cutbait.
[Information provided by the
Idaho Fish and Game]
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