Owyhee Dam Road Closed

[Bassnbob]

Just read where the Owyhee Dam Road is closed along the Owyhee River due to high outflow from the dam. They were releasing 11,000 cfs and has dropped to 9000 cfs. They don't know how long before the road is back open. Leslie Gulch is the only way to access Owyhee.
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[Crappie_htr]

My nephew has just returned from the dam and the road is open. The road that is closed is the Overstreet Rd. But access is now at the Rock Store and then on the road that goes on the west side of the river. If you have never seen it the water is going over the glory hole and is quite a sight.
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[Bassnbob]

This is what I got off of idfishnhunt.com

Owyhee Reservoir
WARNING - The road into Owyhee Dam, below the dam, is closed due to high volume of discharge out flows. Some road damage reported but not confirmed. This means no access other than Leslie Gulch, and for fly fishermen it means no Skwala hatch this year, maybe even not next year, maybe not even the year after that! Sorry boy's I'm afraid it might be a long while before they're biting on the Little O! Too bad, the crappie fishing was really taking off!

Owyhee River
Again, the flows coming out of the dam reached 11,000 cfs. but have been dropped down to around 9000 cfs., no telling how long that will last. Dam operators advise you stay away to avoid any further risk.

So if I take my bass boat up there this week and I can't get thru, you'll pay for the gas I wasted, right???
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[Crappie_htr]

All I know is my nephew went for a Sunday drive yesterday afternoon and drove to the dam. He had the photos to show me.

I only reported what he told me???

With Gas prices what they are I cannot provide the Gas insurance for you.
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[Bassnbob]

I'm just trying to save someone a trip over there and maybe research it before they go to make sure the road is passable.

Driving over for a sunday drive is fine but dragging a boat may not be a good plan with all the rocks and I mean big rocks on the road. Even on a good day, you have to dodge big rocks. I know what a rock will do to the bottom of a boat on the Oxbow road. I've been there and it wasn't pretty.
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[SmartWeed]

Here's a pretty complete story, including a photo of the glory hole.
[url "http://m.argusobserver.com/articles/2011/04/03/news/doc4d9808c9c7b47845068662.txt"]http://m.argusobserver.com/articles/2011/04/03/news/doc4d9808c9c7b47845068662.txt[/url]
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[billymorris]

Is there a boat ramp and or boat dock at leslie gulch? I've only been to the dam side of owyhee.
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[Bassnbob]

Yes, there is a boat ramp there. But it is a long way in to it.
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[billymorris]

Is it longer than the drive to brownlee from boise
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[kochanut]

glory hole [laugh]
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[Bassnbob]

I haven't been that way since the 80's. You have to go thru Marsing and take 95 toward Jordan Valley. Look for the Succor Creek turnoff. I can't remember if it is just before the Oregon border or just after. Then you have probably close to 30 miles of twisty, hilly road probably 30 to 40 MPH. It was all dirt road the last time I went. Maybe someone that's been that way recently can tell you more. I don't know if they ever paved it.
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[Crappie_htr]

I just returned from a drive to Owyhee dam and the road is in good shape. They do have the overstreet shortcut road closed but for only 4 miles more go on to the Rock Store and in on the owyhee dam road. there were lots of people there looking at the water blasting from the dam. Only a few small rocks on the road past the dam.Just thought I would let you know.

As for the Leslie Gulch road it is 24 miles of gravel road, if you can catch it after they grade it, it's not bad, but otherwise it's usually wash board. the ramp is good, no docks, a small camp ground for about 10 camps. restrooms are pretty new. The rock formations are spectacular and worth the drive.[]
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[billymorris]

how was the fishing
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[Crappie_htr]

I have fished the Owyhee for 60 years now, but this year I have not purchased a licence for Oregon, being retired they have almost priced me out. I enjoy the short drive from my home and just went to check it out.
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[thebug]

its good to see Owyhee full again. I remember the first time i went there when i was like 6 the glory hole gave me nightmares about being sucked into it. If your going to go in the back way be careful there are rattle snakes all over the place. A comment about the road is its long and washboardy we broke the axle on the boat trailer coming out of there one night.
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[Fishsticker]

There are actually a few other ways to access the Owyhee, but they are long and dusty/muddy and I wouldn't suggest taking any boat you cant put in the truck with you.
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