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Idaho's most famous trout water. The South Fork flows 66 miles from Palisades Dam through a stunning canyon. Known for large rainbow and cutthroat trout, with excellent dry fly fishing during hatches.
Legendary spring creek fishing on the 'Henry's Fork of the Snake.' Famous for technical dry fly fishing with selective trout. Harriman Ranch section is bucket-list water.
Upper Snake River as it flows from Jackson Hole into Idaho. Excellent cutthroat fishing with beautiful Grand Teton scenery.
Deep canyon waters with smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and steelhead runs. More of a warmwater/anadromous fishery than the upper sections.
The crown jewel of Idaho trout fishing, broken down by section.
Fast, riffly water with good wading
Classic drift boat water, braided channels
Deeper runs, big fish water
Lower river, more irrigation influence
| Hatch | Timing |
|---|---|
| Stoneflies | March - April |
| March Browns | April |
| PMDs/Flavs | June - July |
| Caddis | June - August |
| Hoppers | July - September |
| BWOs | September - October |
The South Fork Snake River from Palisades Dam to Heise is Idaho's premier trout water, known for large rainbow and cutthroat trout. Henry's Fork (a major tributary) offers world-class dry fly fishing. Both are considered bucket-list destinations for serious anglers.
The South Fork Snake River flows through eastern Idaho from Palisades Dam (near the Wyoming border) downstream through Swan Valley to its confluence near Idaho Falls. The town of Swan Valley is the heart of South Fork country, about 2.5 hours from Boise.
The Snake River system contains rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout, and brook trout depending on the section. The South Fork is famous for large rainbows and fine-spotted cutthroat. Henry's Fork has excellent rainbows and some large browns.
Yes, but access is limited. Most anglers fish the South Fork from drift boats due to limited bank access. Wade fishing is possible at boat ramps and a few walk-in areas, but a drift boat or guide significantly expands your options.
The best fishing is from late June through October after spring run-off subsides. Spring (March-April) can be excellent before run-off. Fall (September-October) offers lower pressure and aggressive pre-spawn fish. Avoid peak run-off (May-early June) when the water is high and muddy.