Black Canyon Reservoir

Flows into the Payette River

  • Recommended Fishing Water

Black Canyon Reservoir in Gem County is 892.1 acres.

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Black Canyon Reservoir is a steep-sided reservoir that has become relatively silt laden especially at the upstream end. Despite these hindrances, good fishing for bass and panfish may still be found. Black Canyon Dam is managed by the USBOR. Additional information including park rules and regulations may be found on their website.

Facilities

Motor Restriction
No
Boat Ramp
Yes
Dock
Yes
Toilet
Yes
Campground
Yes
ADA Access
Yes

Recommended Game Fish

Species Observed in Surveys

Fish Stocking Records

Date Species Quantity General Size
2024/07/24 Channel Catfish 1,035 Catchable (6+ inches)
2023/07/11 Channel Catfish 1,012 Catchable (6+ inches)
2023/06/09 Tiger Muskellunge 152 Catchable (6+ inches)
2022/07/11 Channel Catfish 1,103 Catchable (6+ inches)
2022/05/11 Tiger Muskellunge 100 Catchable (6+ inches)
2020/07/16 Channel Catfish 4,200 Catchable (6+ inches)
2019/09/12 Tiger Muskellunge 109 Catchable (6+ inches)
2019/07/24 Channel Catfish 1,020 Catchable (6+ inches)
2018/07/11 Channel Catfish 1,002 Catchable (6+ inches)
2018/06/28 Smallmouth Bass 250 Catchable (6+ inches)
2012/08/17 Channel Catfish 400 Adults
2012/08/16 Channel Catfish 480 Adults
2012/06/28 Channel Catfish 250 Adults
2012/06/06 Channel Catfish 360 Adults
2011/08/05 Channel Catfish 275 Catchable (6+ inches)
2011/07/19 Channel Catfish 275 Adults
2011/07/18 Channel Catfish 230 Adults
2011/06/28 Channel Catfish 210 Adults
1989/03/20 Rainbow Trout 1,020 Catchable (6+ inches)
1988/03/15 Rainbow Trout 2,100 Catchable (6+ inches)
1987/04/16 Rainbow Trout 3,080 Catchable (6+ inches)
1986/05/13 Rainbow Trout 3,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
1985/05/17 Rainbow Trout 1,190 Catchable (6+ inches)
1985/05/14 Rainbow Trout 1,870 Catchable (6+ inches)
1984/05/24 Rainbow Trout 2,040 Catchable (6+ inches)
1983/05/17 Rainbow Trout 2,900 Catchable (6+ inches)
1982/08/06 Rainbow Trout 4,960 Catchable (6+ inches)
Source: IDFG Fish Stocking Database.

Licenses and Tags

Learn more about IDFG Licenses, Tags & Permits
 

Fishing Rules, 2025 - 2027

All Waters Open All Year

Except as modified in Special Rules
Fishing is not allowed within the posted upstream and downstream boundary of any fish weir or trap.

Daily Bag Limits

The following daily bag limits apply to all waters within each region except as modified in the Special Rules. The possession limit is 3-times the daily bag limit.

Special Rules

No Special Rules for Black Canyon Reservoir.
Southwest Region Bag Limits
Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth)

  • Bass limit is 6, both species combined
  • None under 12 inches

Brook Trout

  • Brook Trout limit is 25
  • Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules - if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they apply when fishing for Brook Trout

Bull Trout

  • Bull Trout - catch-and-release

Kokanee

  • Kokanee limit is 6

Salmon (ocean-run)

  • Spring and summer Chinook Salmon seasons and limits are set by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission and issued in separate brochures
  • Seasons and limits for fall Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon can be found here
  • Sockeye Salmon fishing is illegal. Defined as ocean-run Oncorhynchus nerka longer than 14 inches in the Snake River drainage below Hells Canyon Dam, the Salmon River drainage (excluding above Mosquito Flat Dam)
  • Fishing for salmon is prohibited unless a salmon season is specifically opened for that water

Steelhead (ocean-run)

  • Defined as Rainbow Trout longer than 20 inches in the Salmon River drainage (excluding lakes and reservoirs). Between Hells Canyon Dam and Oxbow Dam and the Boise River from its mouth upstream to Barber Dam during steelhead seasons, steelhead are Rainbow Trout over 20 inches with the adipose fin clipped (as evidenced by a healed scar)
  • Fishing for steelhead is prohibited unless a steelhead season is specifically opened for that water. See fishing regulations for details

Sturgeon

  • Sturgeon - catch-and-release
  • Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing
  • Barbless hooks, sliding swivel device to secure a weight, and a lighter test line to secure weight to sliding swivel device are required. See fishing regulations for details

Tiger Muskie

  • Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches

Trout includes Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Golden Trout, Arctic Grayling, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, land-locked Chinook and Coho Salmon, trout hybrids (e.g. Tiger Trout)

  • Trout limit is 6, all species combined
  • Chinook Salmon and steelhead placed in ponds are counted in the trout bag limit
  • Bull Trout and Brook Trout are listed separately

Walleye (Stocked illegally in this Region. May be harmful to existing fisheries.)

  • No bag, length, or possession limits. Harvest is encouraged

Whitefish

  • Whitefish limit is 25
  • Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules - if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they apply when fishing for whitefish

Protected Nongame Fish includes Pacific Lamprey

  • May not be harvested or possessed

All Other Fish Species includes bullfrogs and crayfish

  • No bag, length, or possession limits
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