Grande Ronde Steelhead Count Update
Here is the Grande Ronde Steelhead Count update update from Jeff Yanke, the Wallowa District Fish Biologist. There are some encouraging numbers here. Thanks to Jeff for sharing this data with us.
Key Takeaways
- Steelhead migration nearing completion: The Grande Ronde and Imnaha runs are almost finished, with only 75 steelhead recorded above Bonneville Dam last week and a total of 20,595 for the season.
- Strong migration through the Columbia: About 14,000 fish have passed McNary Dam, representing roughly 68% of the Bonneville count—consistent with past survival rates between the two dams.
- Impressive numbers above Lower Granite Dam: Over 11,000 Grande Ronde steelhead have migrated past Lower Granite, with 8,500 bound for the Grande Ronde River and 3,000 for the Imnaha.
- Excellent fishing conditions: Anglers on the Grande Ronde River are seeing high success, averaging one steelhead every 4–5 hours of fishing—one of the best catch rates of the season.
- Peak fishing window: With strong migration numbers and favorable catch rates, this period marks the prime time for steelhead fishing in the Grande Ronde and Imnaha Rivers.
Hope this update finds you all well. See attached for this week’s PIT tag estimates, updated through Sunday, and last week’s Grande Ronde River creel report. Here’s a quick breakdown…
Bonneville Dam: We estimated at only 75 steelhead migrated above Bonneville last week, confirming the Grande Ronde and Imnaha runs are about complete. This year’s total is up to 20,595. If you’re following regional fish runs, you may also enjoy exploring the nearby Salmon River, another classic Idaho adventure for rafting and wildlife viewing.
McNary Dam: Fish continue to move steadily through the lower Columbia, around 1,000 per week. Currently we estimate a total of 14,000 fish above McNary Dam, about 68% of the estimate at Bonneville Dam. During the last two run years, we’ve estimated 70-75% of our fish survive the migration between Bonneville and McNary so things are winding down here as well.
Lower Granite Dam: We have now eclipsed 11,000 Grande Ronde steelhead above Lower Granite Dam. We estimated that at approximately 1,800 migrated above last week, so the run is still coming pretty strong here. Of what we’ve estimated above Granite, we estimate 8,500 of those are bound for the Grande Ronde and 3,000 for the Imnaha. Of the steelhead that crossed Bonneville, we estimate 54% of the Grande Ronde and 62% of the Imnaha stock are now above Lower Granite.
Imnaha / Grande Ronde Rivers: Catch rates were amazing in the Grande Ronde River last week (see attached report). A steelhead for every 4-5 hours of fishing is tough to beat! Our guides are doing really well throughout the Grande Ronde corridor. We did observe more steelhead in the Imnaha River since last week, but estimate only 100 are in the river above Cow Creek. I’m confident many, many more than that are in the lower canyon and staging near Eureka Bar.
This is prime-time folks. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions anglers and readers have about the Grande Ronde Steelhead Count update and what it means for this year’s run.
What is the Grande Ronde Steelhead Count?
The Grande Ronde Steelhead Count tracks the number of steelhead migrating through key dams and river systems in Oregon and Washington. It helps biologists monitor fish populations, migration timing, and river conditions throughout the steelhead season.
How many steelhead have passed Bonneville Dam this season?
As of the latest update, around 20,595 steelhead have migrated above Bonneville Dam. Only about 75 fish were counted in the most recent week, showing that the main run has mostly passed through this point.
What do the McNary Dam counts indicate?
Roughly 14,000 steelhead have passed McNary Dam—about 68% of those counted at Bonneville. This ratio aligns with recent years, suggesting a steady migration and signaling that the main movement through the lower Columbia is nearly complete.
How many Grande Ronde steelhead are above Lower Granite Dam?
Over 11,000 Grande Ronde steelhead have passed Lower Granite Dam, with about 1,800 moving through in the last week. Of these, roughly 8,500 are bound for the Grande Ronde River and 3,000 for the Imnaha River.
How are fishing conditions on the Grande Ronde River?
Fishing has been excellent. Catch rates are around one steelhead for every 4–5 hours of angling—exceptionally strong for this time of year. Guides report great results throughout the Grande Ronde corridor as fish continue moving upriver.
What’s happening in the Imnaha River right now?
Steelhead activity in the Imnaha River has increased, though only about 100 fish were estimated above Cow Creek. Many more are staging in the lower canyon near Eureka Bar, suggesting the best fishing there is just beginning.
What do these numbers mean for anglers?
The current data shows strong steelhead movement and excellent fishing conditions—especially in the Grande Ronde. With solid counts and active fish, it’s prime time to be on the water before the season slows.
Who provides the Grande Ronde Steelhead Count updates?
The updates come from Jeff Yanke, the Wallowa District Fish Biologist, who monitors steelhead migration and river activity across the region. His reports are shared through Winding Waters River Expeditions to keep anglers informed.
When is the best time to fish the Grande Ronde for steelhead?
Late October is considered prime time, as the majority of fish have reached the river and are actively biting. This period offers the most consistent catch rates before winter flows and colder temperatures slow the action.
Why are steelhead counts important?
Steelhead counts help fisheries biologists assess run health, migration success, and spawning potential. Tracking movement through dams provides critical data for conservation, ensuring sustainable fishing opportunities for future seasons.
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