If you’re planning a fishing or rafting trip that launches or lands at Heller Bar on the Snake River, an upcoming construction project could cause delays. Heller Bar up the gravel road, south of Asotin.
Washington Fish & Wildlife says around August 11th, the north end of Heller Bar will be blocked off for contractors to stage. Then starting August 18th, until approximately August 20th, the concrete boat ramp and a portion of the access area will be closed. They’re removing a large gravel bar in front of the current launch area that impedes river traffic.
Rafters will be able to load rafts at the gravel beach area south of the ramp and construction site, but not at the north end. To avoid delays, you can use an alternative launch. Asotin Slough, the Couse Creek access area, and the Church Camp primitive launch are all options on the Snake.
Fish & Wildlife said in a social media release thatthey’re doing it in prime rafting season, because in the construction industry there’s a small window of time in late summer when water levels are down and work is possible in water.
WA Fish & Wildlife has provided this map of other sites to launch and land.
