Fishing for trout has been good on the Wallowa with some fish to 18 inches. Fish with a slow presentation in slow runs where fish can conserve energy.

Steelhead season opened on Sept. 1, though fish aren’t expected to be available in catchable numbers until the winter months. Across the Columbia Basin, the steelhead run is very poor, and fishing may be difficult this year. Steelhead fishing typically picks up as winter progresses and is best in late winter and early spring.

Coho may be encountered in this fishery as they make their way to the Lostine River during fall and early winter. Coho may not be harvested in the Wallowa River and must be released unharmed. 

With a diverse makeup of fish species that anglers may encounter this year, anglers are encouraged to brush up on their fish identification skills and to release any fish that they are unsure of the species.