The Homedale boat ramp will be closed for around six weeks this fall as construction crews work to replace its lower segment. The closure will run from Sept. 29 through early to mid-November. During construction, hunters and anglers are advised to use other nearby boat ramps to access the Snake River, including the Clarks Island (gravel ramp), Marsing Boat Ramp, Trappers Flat, Map Rock, and Bernards Landing locations.
Fish and Game’s website provides information on existing fishing and boating access sites, along with an interactive map of these sites, available at https://idfg.idaho.gov/visit/fish-boat-guide.
Owned by Owyhee County, the Homedale boat ramp has been difficult for boaters to use for years because the end broke off where the river had eroded the area underneath. Fish and Game, Owyhee County, and the City of Homedale are collaborating to address this issue and enhance the safety of the ramp.
“We recognize that closing the boat ramp for the first several weeks of waterfowl season is not ideal for hunters. We hope most folks understand that the inconvenience is temporary, and that finally getting this ramp repaired is worth the short-term closure,” said Art Butts, Southwest Regional Fisheries Manager, who also oversees the region's Fishing and Boating Access Program.
The original intention was to begin construction in August and complete it by October. However, recent federal staffing and funding challenges substantially delayed this project. In addition, the availability and scheduling of construction contractors were limited to later in the fall.
Fish and Game has acquired funding through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sportfish Restoration Program to design and construct these repairs. BriCon, Inc. was awarded the construction contract.