14-014 Dent Acres boat ramp opens Saturday; Early season camping starts March 28

Published March 13, 2014

AHSAHKA, Idaho – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff at Dworshak Dam and Reservoir are gearing up for the early recreation season by opening the Dent Acres boat ramp on Saturday.

“With the weather beginning to warm, kokanee fishing is really starting to pick up in reservoir areas near the dam and at Canton Creek. Most are averaging about 10-inches long and pretty fat.” said Paul Pence, natural resources manager at the dam. “It might be a little cold for swimming this time of year, but Dworshak still has a lot to offer outdoor-lovers -- camping, hiking, picnicking, visitor center activities, fishing and boating,”

Rangers encourage campers to make reservations soon for space at one of their scenic campgrounds. The following recreation opportunities are scheduled to open as listed below:

Dent Acres Campground will open on March 28, weather permitting. Dent Acres campsites cost $10 per day by self-deposit registration during the early season. Regular season camping will start May 22 for $18 per night. To reserve a favorite camping spot and date, please make reservations well in advance of your target date. To reserve your site at Dent Acres Campground, Dent Acres Group Camp, or Dent Acres picnic shelter you can call 1-877-444-6777 or go online to www.recreation.gov. Golden Age and America the Beautiful discounts are accepted, so please have card numbers available to include when registering. 

Merrys Bay day use area, Dam View, Canyon Creek and Grandad campgrounds will open on April 1, weather permitting.

Turkey hunting season starts soon, with a youth hunt April 8-14 and general season starting on April 15. Hunting is allowed on all Corps property around the reservoir except in developed recreation areas. Be aware that ATV operation is prohibited off of designated roads, and behind gates or fences. Please, follow all safety precautions while recreating in the forest during the hunting season, and be aware the reservoir is still very cold from the spring runoff. 

Water discharged from Dworshak Dam may fluctuate to accommodate run-off as warmer springtime conditions melt snow. Corps officials advise boaters and other persons using water ways, both in Dworshak Reservoir and below the dam on the Clearwater River, to be alert to changes in water elevation and volume of flow. Always be aware of the risk of hypothermia, and wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device. Boat operators should also keep the fluctuating reservoir levels in mind when anchoring or tying-off their vessels.

School groups are invited to visit Dworshak Dam Visitor Center where they can learn about hydropower, and the natural and cultural history of the area. The visitor center offers a variety of interpretive displays, tours, water safety activities, and historical movies, including the popular “Last of the Log Drives” and “Dworshak Dam Construction.” 

For more information about the visitor center, water safety, recreation opportunities or current conditions, call 208-476-1255, or stop by the Dworshak Dam Visitor Center, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Contact
Public Affairs Office
509-527-7020
cenww-pa@usace.army.mil

Release no. 14-014