5 Day Cast & Blast Snake River
Through Hells Canyon

If there were 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 take place on two distinct sections of the Snake River in Hells Canyon. From the start of the Idaho hunting season until the Oregon opener, we will float from Hells Canyon Dam to Pittsburg Landing. After the start of the Oregon season we will start at Pittsburg Landing and end at Heller Bar. Whichever stretch you choose, 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. While you’re out enjoying a day of hunting and fishing, our skilled gearboaters will have camp set and ready for your arrival.

3rd Saturday of September – 2nd Saturday of October

This float begins at Hells Canyon Dam and ends at Pittsburg Landing, approximately 32 miles downstream. This stretch of the river offers exciting rapids class IV rapids along with excellent hunting and fishing. In addition to chukars, wingshooters will have the opportunity to pursue scattered coveys of California quail and Hungarian partridge for a Hells Canyon mixed bag. Hunts on this stretch of river are typically 4 days in length, but can be longer if a chartered trip is booked.

2nd Saturday of October – mid-November

This hunt 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. Hunters will encounter chukar, California quail, Hungarian partridge, ruffed grouse, and even have a chance at elusive mountain quail. Hunts ending at Heller Bar have a standard length of 5 days.

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.