If there was a Mecca for chukar hunters, a place where at least one pilgrimage within a lifetime of chukar hunts must be made, it would be the Snake River. Perhaps even more specifically, it would be Hells Canyon. Nowhere else in the United States are chukar as abundant and other hunters as sparse. With class IV rapids and rugged basalt and granite cliffs standing guard, Hells Canyon is a formidable chukar fortress. Without an intimate knowledge of the area and experience navigating it success is hard achieved. Luckily for you, our veteran guides and their dogs have the know-how to make your trip one to remember.

The Snake River through Hells Canyon is the premier destination in the United States for combination hunting and angling trips, or as they are often called "Cast and Blasts". In Hells Canyon, the smallmouth bass fishing is world class and there are plenty of trout to be caught, as well. At the right time of year, salmon and steelhead are available and can be an exciting fish to target. The icing on the fishcake is the chance at hooking a true prehistoric behemoth: sturgeon. A catch and release fishery, sturgeon over 10' long and as heavy as several hundred pounds can be caught.

Our guided Snake River chukar trips can be booked for two distinct sections of the Snake River in Hells Canyon. One float begins at Hells Canyon Dam and ends at Pittsburg Landing approximately 32 miles down river. This stretch of the river offers exciting rapids class IV rapids along with excellent hunting and fishing. The second float begins at Pittsburg Landing and ends 46.5 miles down River at Heller Bar. This stretch has mostly mellow whitewater with occasional class III rapids and equally excellent hunting and fishing. On both sections of the river, each day as we travel from camp to camp, guests will have the opportunity to fish from the rafts and hunt the best areas along the shore. Hunters will pursue chukar along flat benches above the river navigating through knee high grass, rimrock outcrops, and scattered shrubs. In addition to chukars, wingshooters will have the opportunity to pursue scattered coveys of quail and hungarian partridge for a Hells Canyon mixed bag. After a long day of hunting and fishing, camp will be set and ready for your arrival. 

Guided hunts in Hells Canyon have a standard length of 5 days when hunting both Oregon & Idaho but can be longer. Idaho typically opens earlier than Oregon and Idaho only hunts are typically 4 days in length. Groups must have a minimum of 6 people to make it a chartered trip. Groups of less than 6 may be able to join an existing trip.  Maximum group size is 9 clients.

For information on equipment and gear visit our Chukar Hunt Overview page.

Want to hear what our clients say about our trip? 

"A hunting trip of a lifetime - my Cast and Blast trip down Hells Canyon for the opening of the Oregon Chukar season was an epic experience that blew all of my expectations away! 
From the stunning scenery to enjoying the thrills of the white water rapids, this 5-day trip ticked so many boxes, plus so much more!  
We were treated to seeing lots of wildlife, with fantastic river fishing and unforgettable hunting adventures! 
But what really made this trip special was the team from the Minam Store - the guides hunting knowledge, history of the area and their outstanding customer service was unbeatable along with the hospitality that was provided for us all back at the comfortable campsite, where delicious food and campsite conversation filled the evenings.
A fantastic once-in-a-lifetime hunting and fishing trip - for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants a digital detox, I would highly recommend it and can't wait to come back again!"
 
Davina Rowe, Loggerheads, United Kingdom
 

Deposit & Cancellation Policy:

50% down payment is required to book a trip with final payment due 30 days prior to launch. Deposits and final payments are non-refundable and non-transferrable.  Effective July 25, 2020 All guests making reservations for multi-day trips are required to purchase CFAR (cancel for any reason) Travel Insurance to protect their investment and ours.  We recommend purchasing your CFAR travel insurance through a company like AIG Travel Guard or Travelex.  We cannot continue to invest money into equipment, guides, trip supplies, and food to give you the best river trip possible and then refund money when events cause you to cancel, or us to cancel for reasons that may be out of anyone's control. Covid-19 regulations and travel restrictions are everchanging and purchasing CFAR travel insurance will protect your investment.  We cannot give cash refunds for any reason whatsoever. We cannot make exceptions due to medical or family emergencies, weather conditions, travel restrictions imposed by local, state, or federal agencies.  CFAR travel insurance protects your investment whether you cancel for any reason or we are unable to perform the trip.  Most insurance companies require trip insurance to be purchased within a couple weeks of making your deposit so do not put it off.  

Snake River Chukar Hunts 2023 Launch Dates

September 16-19 (Idaho only)

September 30-October 3 (Idaho Only)

October 1-5 (Idaho Only)

October 7-10 (Idaho  Only)

October 14-18

October 21-25

October 28-November 1

Guided Chukar Hunting Rates

Grande Ronde River - $595 per day, 4 days minimum

Snake River through Hells Canyon - $595 per day, 5 days standard for combination Oregon/Idaho hunts.

Cast & Blast Packing List