Grande Ronde River recreation resources listed
RIVERS -- A new online Grande Ronde River access map for boaters and anglers has been created by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Department.
The resource is available just in time for the "first Saturday in June" fishing opener on the bulk of the river -- although the 2-1/2 miles up from the mouth is open year-round, mostly under selective gear rules. Fishing for smallmouth bass can be great all summer long.
Even if you're not an angler, this is prime time to visit The Ronde. It's a great float in a raft in the Boggan's Oasis area. But if you float from Schumaker downstream, you have to have the boat and the skills to run The Narrows. Bone up or be ready to portage.
Read on for a list of resources helpful to people recreation on and near the Grande Ronde River.
Contacts & Rules for Use of Public Lands & the Grande Ronde River
1. Asotin County Ordinance (10-21) restricting motorized vessels on the Grande Ronde River
For the WA portion of the Grande Ronde R, motorized watercraft are prohibited from Sept 15 to March 15, unless the river is 3,000 cfs or greater, or vessels are used for enforcement or emergency. For more information, contact Asotin County, or see the BLM website:
2. Fields Spring State Park - 509-256-3322, Discover Pass required
3. Nez Perce Tribe (NPT, Lapwai, ID) - Land Services - 208-843-7392,
Wildlife Office – 208-843-2162 ext. 7372. Public access is allowed for wildlife viewing, hiking and hunting, but camping, fires and vehicle use is restricted; contact NPT for more information.
4. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) – Baker City, OR - 541-523-1256
Boating requires self-issued, free, BLM river permits available at access points, along with a portable toilet, life jackets and a fire pan. Motorized watercraft is prohibited upstream of the OR-WA state line at all times. Also, please see the WA state boating requirements link available on this BLM website page.
5. Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife – Spokane - Region 1 Office - 509-892-1001
(Must have a Vehicle Access Pass (comes with Hunting/Fishing licenses), or Discover Pass, to park a vehicle on WDFW lands.)
6. Washington Dept. of Natural Resources – Ellensburg – 509-925-8510, Discover Pass Required
7. Umatilla National Forest –District Office in Pomeroy – 509-843-1891
