Hammer Creek Fishing Days
The main attraction at this WWA event is the unofficial - but traditional - steelhead fishing derby, but the Dutch Oven Dinner on Saturday night is also a major drawing card. Most members arrive Friday afternoon, as the fishing derby begins early Saturday morning. Nearly everyone stays at the Hammer Creek campground; however, there are alternative lodging choices available in the surrounding area. There is camping at the gravel pit across form Carl's driveway.
The fishing derby is usually scheduled for Saturday with a 8:00 a.m. (Mountain, Boise time) starting time. Fish check-in is 4:00 p.m. If you are unfamiliar with the Salmon River in the vicinity of Hammer Creek, please contact the event chairman when you arrive so that he can connect you with an experienced member who can assist you on the river. Water levels on the Salmon are often low in late October, so some members camp at Hammer Creek, but travel over the hill to Pittsburg Landing and fish on the Snake River. Whether you launch at Hammer Creek on the Salmon or Pittsburg Landing on the Snake, you will need to complete a self-issue river permit before you launch. Permits are available above each of the boat ramps. Safety is very important, if you need help on the river, please ask. If you are going out by yourself, please inform someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
On Saturday night, the Dutch Oven Dinner begins at 7:00 p.m. It will be held in Carl Norton's shop on Benz Lane across from the gravel pit. Please bring your favorite Dutch Oven dish to share with the group. If you are not a Dutch Oven cook, not to worry; just bring your favorite camp dish. Plates, plastic utensils, and napkins are provided, but you will need to provide your own beverages. We also recommend that you bring along some chairs and/or a portable table if you have them, as seating is generally limited at the dinner site.
Hammer Creek has a concrete boat ramp and a large parking lot. There are restrooms and potable water, but no electricity. There is a small sandy beach at the eastern end of the campground where you can leave your boat on the river over night if you wish. If you stay at one of the campsites or park your RV in the parking lot, you must pay the $10.00 per night fee. Please pay promptly after occupying a site.
To get to Hammer Creek from Riggins, take U.S. 95 north along the Salmon River. About 30 miles out, just before mile marker 222, there are signs that read "Hammer Creek Recreation Area" and "Pittsburg Landing". Take the next left. Follow the road down along the Salmon River about a mile until you come to a "Y". Take the left fork, cross the bridge and follow the road another 1 1/2 miles to the Hammer Creek Recreation site. If you are coming from Grangeville, shortly after you reach the bottom of White Bird hill you will come to Hoot's Cafe. The turnoff to Hammer Creek is about 1/4 mile thereafter.