Cast and Blast FAQ
Logistics:
Where does the trip start and end?
From the 3rd Saturday of of September through the first Saturday of October we will start at Hells Canyon Dam and take out at Pittsburg Landing. After the Oregon side of the river opens the 2nd Saturday in October, we will float from Pittsburg Landing to Heller Bar.
Do I need to have my vehicle shuttled to the takeout or will Minam Store provide transportation?
You will need to have your vehicle shuttled to the takeout. We will help you arrange the vehicle shuttle and you will pay for the shuttle separate from your guided trip cost.
Where should I fly into?
The closest large airports are in Boise, ID and Tri-Cities, WA. Lewiston, ID also has some flights and there is a small airport in Walla Walla, WA. For many, it will make the most sense to fly into Boise, ID the day before the trip.
Where should I stay the night before the trip?
If you are launching from Hells Canyon Dam you should stay in Enterprise, Oregon or somewhere between Bosie, ID and Cambridge, ID depending on which direction your coming from. When launching from Pittsburg Landing, you can stay in Whitebird, ID or Grangeville, ID.
How far of a drive is it to the put in?
From Enterprise to the Hells Canyon Dam boat ramp it is a 3 hour drive.
Boise Airport to Hells Canyon Dam is about 3.5 hour drive.
From the Frontier Motel in Cambridge Idaho to Hells Canyon Dam is about 1 hour 45 minutes.
From Whitebird, ID to Pittsburg Landing is 1 hour.
From Grangeville, ID to Pittsburg Landing is 1 hour 15 minutes.
How far of a drive is it from the take out to the airport?
Pittsburg Landing-Boise: 4hr 45min
Pittsburg Landing-Tri Cities: 5hr
Pittsburg Landing-Lewiston: 2hr 34min
Pittsburg Landing-Walla Walla: 4hr 15min
Heller Bar-Lewiston: 46 minutes
Heller Bar-Walla Walla: 2 hr 34 min
Heller Bar-Tri Cities: 3 hr
Heller Bar-Boise: 5 hr 45 min
What is the approximate launch/takeout time?
Typically, we plan to launch by 10am the first day and be off the river between 12-1pm on the last day.
Gear:
Do I need to bring my own shotgun?
Yes, you need to bring your own shotgun. Our guides may pack a spare in case of equipment failure, but you are responsible for your own primary firearm.
Do I need to bring ammunition?
Yes, we recommend packing one box of shells per day. #6 shot is recommended.
Do I need waders?
You MUST pack either waders or waterproof rain pants, jacket, and boots for the boat ride.
What rods should I bring?
A 6 or 7 weight fly rod is a great choice.
What gauge shotgun should I bring?
12, 16, and 20ga are all adequate for chukar hunting.
What type of gun case should I bring?
A waterproof hard case is recommended, but not required. We can pack guns in a soft case into a dry bag or dry box if the gun is a break action.
Does my shotgun need a plug?
Yes, you can have no more than three rounds in your shotgun when hunting in Oregon.
What choke do you recommend using for chukar?
During most of the season, a modified choke is ideal for hunting chukar.
Dogs:
Can I bring my own dog?
Yes.
What potential hazards are there for my dog?
There are significant rapids in Hells Canyon. If you choose to bring your dog, we recommend it has an adequate PFD. Additionally, there are rattlesnakes earlier in the season when the weather is warm. There is an abundant amount of cactus, sharp rocks, and some barbed wire laying in fields.
Will the guides bring dogs?
Yes, each guide will have a dog.
Licenses:
Can I purchase licenses at the Minam Store?
No, you should purchase your licenses online or over the phone prior to arriving for your trip.
Do I need both an Oregon and Idaho Fishing license in Hells Canyon?
No, you only need one or the other to fish from the boat. If you want to fish from the bank on both sides of the river you will need licenses for both states.
Do I need both an Oregon and Idaho Hunting license in Hells Canyon?
It depends. When hunting early season, only Idaho is open. After the 2nd Saturday in October you should buy both licenses when floating from Hells Canyon Dam down. When hunting from Pittsburg Landing down, you may choose to buy only an Oregon license as that is the side of the river we will be doing our longer hunts from, but if you want to hunt spotted birds as we float, you should buy an Idaho license as well.
What additional tags, stamps, permits, and/or validations do I need?
In Oregon you will need to purchase a Game Bird Validation. In Idaho you will only need a small game hunting license.
Miscellaneous:
What species of upland birds will we find in Hells Canyon?
In Hells Canyon there are mountain quail, California quail, ruffed grouse, hungarian partridge, chukar, and turkey.
What species of fish can I pursue in the Snake River?
The most commonly caught fish in the fall are trout and smallmouth bass. There are also steelhead and chinook present in the river. On most trips we will also bring gear to fish for Sturgeon.
What kind of food and beverages should I bring?
We provide three meals per day plus trail mix and fruit. We will have water, coffee, and tea to drink. You are welcome to bring additional snacks (granola bars, candy etc.) and beverages (juice, beer, wine, etc.), but you are not required to supply any food.
What high/low temperatures you I expect on my trip?
In September the average high/low is 74/44, in October 57/33 in November 42/25.
What is the best time in the fall to book a trip?
Whether you book a mid September trip for opening day of bird season in Idaho or a colder weather November trip, chukar hunting through Hells Canyon is an unforgettable experience. Earlier in the season, the weather is warmer and the birds are concentrated down low, but you are more likely to compete with other people traveling the river. In November, the weather is more unpredictable and the birds are less concentrated, but you will have much greater solitude. October provides a middle ground, but year to year conditions can always vary.