Oregon
Owyhee River below Owyhee Dam
Location Snapshot
Owyhee River below Owyhee Dam is a cold tailwater cutting through the arid canyon country of southeastern Oregon. Brown trout define the fishery, with rainbow trout adding another coldwater target to a river whose clear tailwater setting contrasts sharply with the surrounding desert landscape.
Current River Rating
Fair · 58
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Low confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Current conditions do not support a reliable fishing window.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Timing Evidence
Dawn low light is favorable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 30.9 CFS
- Gage Height
- 1.15 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 9:30 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 13183000 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Partly cloudy
Temperature
54°F
Feels like
47°F
Wind
6 mph SW
Wind gust
6 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 3:45 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 4 AM
Partly cloudy
Temp 54°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Tue 8 AM
Overcast
Temp 51°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Tue 12 PM
Overcast
Temp 59°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Tue 4 PM
Clear
Temp 70°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Tue 8 PM
Clear
Temp 58°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Wed 12 AM
Clear
Temp 58°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 70°F / Low 51°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 6 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 77°F / Low 50°F
Chance 9%
Precip 0.01 in
Max gust 11 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Drizzle
High 66°F / Low 56°F
Chance 80%
Precip 0.24 in
Max gust 13 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Drizzle
High 63°F / Low 50°F
Chance 80%
Precip 0.02 in
Max gust 27 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Wild brown and rainbow trout are in the Owyhee River below Owyhee Dam, a tailwater.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Owyhee River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Tailwater
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Malheur, Oregon
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Malheur
Management Category
Wild trout tailwater
Regulation Scope
Owyhee River below Owyhee Dam.
Regulation Summary
Owyhee below Owyhee Dam: ODFW Southeast Zone Owyhee tailwater rules. Confirm current Fishing Regulations.
Target Species
rainbow-trout, brown-trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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