Fishing for steelhead, trout and sturgeon in major rivers
Species
General Size
Trophy Potential
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
165"-175"
180"+
On The Ground
Terrain
Vegetation
Access
Camping and Lodging
Historical Temperatures
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Moon Phases
November 2024
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Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep were reintroduced to this area, located along the Snake River, in 1983. The area now supports limited hunting with one tag issued yearly.
Hunters fishing and floating the Snake River usually see bighorn sheep and some big rams live in the area. The unit is known for producing some great rams, but has extremely low drawing odds.
This area includes land that drains into the Snake River from the Salmon River north. Hells Canyon is steep and rugged and gives way to the Snake River breaks in this area. The unit contains federal, state and private land, and much of it is inside the Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area.
Some north slopes and the top parts of some ridges are forested with conifer species like ponderosa pine, grand fir, lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, western larch, Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir. Riparian plants like willows, birches, hackberry bushes and alders grow along streams, creeks and rivers. Many areas are covered with grasses and low brush, such as snowberry, wild rose and bitterbrush. The main grasses are Idaho fescue, cheatgrass and bluebunch wheatgrass. Most of the west and south-facing slopes are steep above the major rivers are open and grassy. Some of the northern slopes in Snake River Canyon are covered with brush or trees, mostly conifers. There are many cliffs and exposed rock ledges within this area.
Most of this hunting unit is inside the Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Unit, which consists of 115,000 acres of federal, state and tribal land. Although , most of the WMA is state-owned land, there is also BLM land, private inholdings and tribal land owned by the Nez Perce tribe. Hunters can hunt on Nez Perce land within the Craig Mountain WMA. Some roads are closed during winter or other seasons, and others are closed to motor vehicles. The main roads usually open to motor vehicles are Zaza, Eagle Creek and Deer Creek roads. Short Canyon, Redbird Creek and the Snake River breaks near them are all privately owned.
Roughly 124 square miles
76.5% public land
Elevations from 1,300-5,300 feet
Four-wheel-drive recommended
ATVs are not necessary but could be helpful
Get permission to use ATVs on private land
Camping is available in Hells Gate State Park just four miles south of Lewiston. Lewiston has several hotels available, including national chains. Cedars Inns and Suites and Guesthouse Inn & Suites can also be found near this area. The Dog Bark Inn is located in Cottonwood. Hunters with RVs are welcome at Aht'wy RV Park in Lewiston.