Umatilla National Forest
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Umatilla National Forest 541-278-3716
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Fishing on the Pomeroy Ranger DistrictThe most popular fishing streams include the Tucannon River, Pataha Creek, Wenaha River and its tributaries, Butte Creek, Crooked Creek and the North Fork of the Wenaha River. Many other trout streams are present on the Forest but are found in "Threatened and Endangered" species habitat. A variety of popular kinds of fish are represented on the District. These include rainbow trout, bull trout, steelhead, spring/summer chinook salmon, whitefish, and yes, even the infamous squaw fish. Those fishing will have to check with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to make sure of fishing regulations. Since the Pomeroy Ranger District encompasses lands in both Washington and Oregon, and many of the streams cross state borders, it is highly recommended for those planning to fish the area to know where state borders are located and fishing regulations pertaining to the state in which you are fishing. |
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WENAHA RIVERLocations:The Wenaha River flows west to east for 20 miles from the Wenaha Forks where the North and South Forks join to form the main Wenaha to Troy, Oregon where it empties into the Grande Ronde River. The River is located almost entirely in the Wenaha - Tucannon Wilderness and in Northeast Oregon. Access:
Attractions & Considerations:For those looking for a remote secluded spot to fish, the Wenaha River is for you. Wild resident populations of rainbow trout are abundant. These offer an excellent opportunity for the expert and novice fly fisherman. Access to the River is by trail only, thus making for unique fishing trips and opportunities. The Wenaha runs deep and swift with many pools holding fish. Steelhead, chinook salmon, and whitefish (along with squaw fish) are easily spotted from the trail above. There are many places along the River for camping. Although the Wenaha area reaches extremely hot temperatures during the summer months, the river itself is refreshing and cooling. There are many tributaries leading into the Wenaha. Some of these cross the state boundary between Oregon and Washington. Thus, Forest maps should be used to ensure fishing on the correct side of the border. The Wenaha is notorious for rattlesnakes, so all Forest visitors should use caution while traveling along trails and river banks. Bull trout, salmon and steelhead are protected species, so check Oregon state regulations before starting to fish. Restrictions:
TUCANNON RIVERLocation:The Tucannon River is located east of Dayton, WA, and southwest of Pomeroy, WA. The river flows north of the north end of the Umatilla National Forest and is located entirely in Washington State. Access:East of Dayton, WA on State Highway 12, turn south on the Tucannon River Road. Attractions & Considerations:The Tucannon River is a very popular fishing area. The Tucannon winds through National Forest, State, and private lands. The most easily accessible fishing is located south of the Tucannon Fish Hatchery where both sides of the river is mostly State or Forest land. The Tucannon River is home to four Federally listed "Threatened and Endangered (T&E)" fish species. Spring/summer and fall chinook salmon as well as bull trout and steelhead are present. All tributaries of the Tucannon river are closed to fishing in addition to designated sections of the Tucannon River itself. These special conditions are to protect the main spawning habitats. Steelhead and bull trout may be fished for under regulated fishing guidelines, please see the annual WDF&W fishing regulations pamphlet for current restrictions. Within the Tucannon area there are also eight fishing lakes (large ponds) available for public fishing developed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Refer to the Washington State Fishing pamphlet for regulations referring to each lake and the different sections of the Tucannon. Each spring, all the lakes and the river are stocked with fish from the Fish Hatchery. There are many easily accessible campsites along the Tucannon that are operated by WDF&W and the Tucannon Campground operated by the Forest Service. All WDF&W lakes and campsites require a parking permit that is sold with the fishing licenses. PATAHA CREEKLocations:The portion of Pataha Creek located on the Umatilla National Forest is about 15 miles southeast of Pomeroy. Access:From Pomeroy, WA, take State Highway 128 to the south. Where road Y's - approximately 10 miles - continue on 128 to the left. The pavement ends here. Go 2 miles and turn right up Pataha Creek. Follow road until you cross the cattle guard at the Forest boundary. Attractions & Considerations:Pataha Creek is a nice, relaxing fishing stream. At the Forest boundary are located fish weirs that are just perfect for dropping a line into or soaking the feet on hot summer days. Located across the road from the fish weirs is Pataha Campground. This is a dispersed campground with only three campsites and an outhouse as facilities. A small pond is located within the campground that sometimes contains a few fish. One mile up the creek is another set of fish weirs. Here is where the creek first meets with the road since beginning at its headwaters. Rainbow trout is the most popular type of fish taken from Pataha but, it does have a large population of nonnative eastern brook trout. Pataha Creek does have some local fishing restrictions like the use of artificial lures only. Be sure to check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing regulations before starting to fish! Restrictions:
CROOKED CREEKLocations:Crooked Creek is located entirely within the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. All of the tributaries of Crooked Creek are in Washington State. Just the last one ˝ mile of Crooked Creek is in Oregon before it flows into the Wenaha River. Access:
Attractions & Considerations:Crooked Creek is a major creek for a large drainage area. Thus, there are many other creeks contributing to Crooked Creek's size and volume. The creek runs clear and cold. Steelhead, spring/summer chinook salmon, and whitefish as well as bull trout and rainbow trout, can be found in Crooked Creek. The Federally listed T&E species have special restriction, so be sure to check with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing regulations to check on closures and limits before starting to fish. The lower two miles of Crooked Creek is located in Oregon, so be sure you know which side of the state border you’re on. Since Crooked Creek is entirely within the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, remoteness and challenge are its major draws (along with the fish). The creek is lightly fished, thus ensuring seclusion. The access trails and trails along the creek are well maintained. A fishing trip into the area would offer a tremendous experience and an enjoyable time by all! Restrictions:
BUTTE CREEKLocations:Butte Creek is located entirely within the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness in Southeast Washington. Access:
Attractions & Considerations:From East Butte Trail out of Teepee Trailhead, the East Fork of Butte Creek and King Creek are accessible for fishing. The trail leading into the creek is steep and rocky. West Butte Trail out of Godman Trailhead leads to the intersection of the West and East Forks of Butte Creek. This trail gradually descends to Butte Creek. There is no trail downstream along the creek from this junction. Butte Creek enters an area known as "Box Canyon." This part of the stream is as challenging as the name implies. Travel is along sheer walls and in the stream channel and fishing this portion of the stream requires careful consideration. You would not want to be in this section during high water events. Both Trails into the Creeks are well maintained for foot and horse traffic only since they are located within the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. There are places to camp along the trails for close proximity to the creeks. It is possible to fish down the East Fork to the West Fork and make a loop. Rainbow trout and bull trout are the most commonly caught fish in these streams. You might get lucky in late summer and see a chinook salmon spawning. These fish sometimes venture into West Butte. Fishing this area can be both challenging and rewarding because of its remoteness and seclusion. The lower 2 miles of the main stem Butte Creek is in Oregon. Restrictions:
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USDA Forest Service - Umatilla National Forest
Last Modified:
Tuesday, 28-Jul-2009 17:08:09 EDT