Fly Fishing
Snake River, Henry's Fork, South Fork, ...
With the Snake River winding throughout this region, Eastern Idaho fly fishing is the most highly acclaimed of all water adventures.
With hundreds of miles of dramatic rivers, people from across the globe travel to Eastern Idaho to experience "blue ribbon" fly fishing. From the most avid outdoors-man to dignitaries, fly fishing in Eastern Idaho is second to none. Occasional fly fishing tournaments and national exposure is not uncommon to Eastern Idaho's fly fishing rivers.
Plan on spending some time in Eastern Idaho to experience fly fishing the two forks of the Snake, the Henry's Fork and the South Fork, or try some of the smaller rivers such as the Teton, Fall River, Warm River, or the Buffalo; all within an easy drive of each other.
Area fly fishing guides and outfitters are recognized as some of the best. Having fished Eastern Idaho's waters for many years, they know what to use and where to catch 'em. Come and experience for yourself fly fishing at it's finest.
Off Cave Falls Road to the north is Horseshoe Lake. This is an excellent place for camping and fishing. Since the lake has a gentle sloping floor, it is a good place to take children camping or fishing. One of the most scenic views of the Tetons can be viewed from this area. The Fish and Game Department plant fish in this lake as soon as the snow conditions allow. It provides camping spots in a leisure environment.
Several trails start at the campground and go into Yellowstone Park and surrounding canyons. Power driven water craft are not permitted on Horseshoe Lake, only rowboats, canoes or rafts.
For the dry-fly angler, nothing in North America parallels the experiences offered by the South Fork of the Snake River. From Palisades Dam to the Henry's Fork confluence, anglers can navigate almost 66 miles of water in a pristine setting that boasts trophy-size native Yellowstone cutthroat trout, brown trout and rainbow trout.
For the dry-fly angler, nothing in North America parallels the experiences offered by the South Fork of the Snake River. From Palisades Dam to the Henry's Fork confluence, anglers can navigate almost 66 miles of water in a pristine setting that boasts trophy-size native Yellowstone cutthroat trout, brown trout and rainbow trout.
Trout measuring to 20 inches are fairly common, and brown trout in this tail-water fishery often break the 24-inch mark. Anglers cast to deep pools, slick runs and well-oxygenated riffles along the many islands and braids.
The South Fork also presents an outstanding experience for flat water rafting, canoeing and kayaking and wildlife that inhabit this waterway provides visual pleasure for the casual floater as well as the expert ornithologist. Bald eagles and osprey are prevalent and moose are seen regularly in the river bottom.
Resort-style accommodations, restaurants, fly shops and outfitters are sprinkled along the South Fork including the quaint towns of Swan Valley, Irwin, Ririe, and Rigby. Experienced fly fishing guides, using McKenzie River drift boats, can provide an unforgettable fly fishing experience.
In the 2004, Idaho Fish and Game opened this entire waterway to year-round fishing. In conjunction, fishing tributaries (Burns Creek, Pine Creek, Rainey Creek and Palisades Creek) which are the primary spawning grounds for native cutthroat are closed until the first of July.
Plan on fishing a minimum of two or three days to allow sufficient time to float the different sections of the river because each not only presents a unique angling experience but also a splendid visual array of nature and terrain.
Last Chance is located in beautiful Island Park just 40 miles south of Yellowstone National Park on Highway 20. For those who are fond of flat water fishing, the Henry's Fork of the Snake River is great. Last Chance rests right along the banks of the Henry's Fork and offers quick and easy access to superb fly fishing. A walk down to the “Railroad Ranch" is also close to Last Chance. Wildlife are plentiful. It is common to see moose and many different kinds of water fowl frequenting the river area near Last Chance.
While summer is the most popular time to fish, many anglers have found that in the spring (before runoff) and later in the fall, fishing is also good. Last Chance is not restricted to summer recreation activities. Winter offers great snowmachining and cross country skiing. Last Chance is in close proximity to over 500 miles of groomed trails in nearby Island Park. With nearly 250 inches of average snowfall, some of the finest snowmachine riding in the world can be enjoyed while in Last Chance. The scenery and wildlife are diverse and unmatched. From flat snow-covered meadows to high peaks, Last Chance in Island Park offers much to the winter and summer recreationalist.
Sixty miles northeast of Rexburg, high in a mountain bowl at an elevation of 6470 feet, lies Henry's Lake. The lake is within Henry's Lake State Park and surrounded by lush meadow and the towering Sawtooth Mountains. The shallow lake is known for big trout catches. Henry's Fork of the Snake River originates at the outlet of the famous Henry's Lake, just under the Continental Divide between Idaho and Montana.
Sixty miles northeast of Rexburg, high in a mountain bowl at an elevation of 6470 feet, lies Henry's Lake. The lake is within Henry's Lake State Park and surrounded by lush meadow and the towering Sawtooth Mountains. The shallow lake is known for big trout catches. Henry's Fork of the Snake River originates at the outlet of the famous Henry's Lake, just under the Continental Divide between Idaho and Montana. This stream is world renowned as one of the best fly fishing areas in the world. Big Springs furnishes year round water for Henry's Fork of the Snake River. The Idaho Fish and Game plant fish in the river at this point and prohibit fishing within a certain distance of Big Springs. Large fish can be viewed from the Big Springs bridge. Also located in this area is Johnny Sacks cabin. There is a visitors' center and it is open for tours during the summer.
Henry's Fork of the Snake River was named after Andrew Henry who was the first white explorer to witness the beauty of Island Park and Henry's Fork. A magnificent watershed attracts today's back country visitors. Henry's Fork of the Snake River is world famous for its fly fishing. It is also the home of many trumpeter swans, the world's heaviest flying bird. At the headwaters of Henry's Fork at Big Springs are spawning grounds for huge rainbow trout, with moose, muskrat, geese and great blue herons frequenting the area. This river meanders through park meadows, fields and forests. No trout river in the world has as much diversity in water types as the Henry's Fork.
This area also offers hiking opportunities. Coffee Pot Rapids Trail is 2.5 miles and the trail follows the Henry's Fork of the Snake River viewing changes from a placid stream to raging rapids. Rocks and other obstacles may hinder walking slightly. It is closed to motorized vehicles. The Trailhead is at Coffeepot Campground in Island Park. Boat ramps/docks on Henry's Lake are: Henry's Lake State Park, Staley Springs, Wild Rose and William Frome O. Park.
Read the current fishing regulations carefully when anticipating fishing on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River. Different stretches of the river are covered by different rules.
Four major habitat types define Market Lake WMA: marsh/wetland meadow, desert uplands, Snake River riparian and cropland. Each habitat type possesses unique characteristics which result in the wildlife diversity of Market Lake WMA.
Market Lake WMA is located near the town of Roberts. From Interstate 15, take exit 135 at Roberts. Turn east, traveling on County Road 627 to the junction with County Road 2880 East. Turn north and drive through the town of Roberts. At the .5 mile mark, the road forks; continue on the right fork. Travel to County Road 800 North and follow the signs.
At 4,780 feet above see level, Market Lake WMA encompasses Market Lake's wetland complexes and the surrounding low rises of sand interspersed with igneous rock ledges.
Four major habitat types define Market Lake WMA: marsh/wetland meadow, desert uplands, Snake River riparian and cropland. Each habitat type possesses unique characteristics which result in the wildlife diversity of Market Lake WMA. Wetland areas consists primarily of cattail, bulrush, sedges and saltgrass. In the dry, desert uplands, big sagebrush and rabbitbrush dominate, yielding to greasewood and saltgrass in the lower transition areas between uplands and marshes. Cottonwood, willow, and wild rose define the Snake River riparian area. Small grains and alfalfa are the principle food crops grown on Market Lake WMA's agricultural lands.
Mud Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) was established primarily to preserve and improve nesting habitat for waterfowl. In 1940 the Idaho Department of Fish and Game purchased 607 acres of wetlands, creating Mud Lake WMA. Through the years, acquisition of adjacent land parcels, together with lease agreements and a withdrawal of lands from the US Bureau of Land Management, have expanded Mud Lake WMA to its present 8,853 acres.
Mud Lake WMA is located three miles north of Mud Lake and Terreton. Take County Road 1800 East. at the three mile mark, just after crossing Camas Creek, turn west onto County Road 1800 North. Travel .2 miles to County Road 1775 East and turn north. Turn west on 1900 North. Watch for information signs.
Mud Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) was established primarily to preserve and improve nesting habitat for waterfowl. In 1940 the Idaho Department of Fish and Game purchased 607 acres of wetlands, creating Mud Lake WMA. Through the years, acquisition of adjacent land parcels, together with lease agreements and a withdrawal of lands from the US Bureau of Land Management, have expanded Mud Lake WMA to its present 8,853 acres.
The habitats of Mud Lake WMA vary from bulrush, cattail, sedge, and saltgrass-filled sloughs in moist areas, to sagebrush, rabbitbrush, bitterbrush, and greasewood communities in dry, upland areas. Waterfowl such as trumpeter swans, mallard, northern pintail, gadwall, widgeon, northern shoveler, redhead, and ring-necked ducks can be seen at Market Lake WMA. Red-tailed and Swainson's hawks frequently nests on the area as well. Larger game can also be seen, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and pronghorn antelope.
Located about 60 miles southeast of Rexburg, the Palisades Upper and Lower Lakes are very scenic and are accessible by hiking trails for horse or foot traffic only. The six-mile trail is in good condition and can be used for hikers, backpackers or horses. Some moose frequent the area. The Lower Palisades Lake is much smaller than the Upper Palisades, which is about two miles further up the trail.
Located about 60 miles southeast of Rexburg, the Palisades Upper and Lower Lakes are very scenic and are accessible by hiking trails for horse or foot traffic only. The six-mile trail is in good condition and can be used for hikers, backpackers or horses. Some moose frequent the area. The Lower Palisades Lake is much smaller than the Upper Palisades, which is about two miles further up the trail. The Upper Palisades Lake is in a beautiful valley surrounded by forest and is a favorite spot for camping. Both lakes and Palisades Creek are stocked with native cutthroat trout and provide good fishing. Wildlife viewing along the trails is a good possibility. The Palisades Reservoir is ideal for water skiing in the summer and features many picnic spots and boat docks. In winter many people enjoy ice fishing.
Experienced guides in the area offer fishing and scenic tours on the Palisades Reservoir which extends from Palisades Dam 22 miles east to Alpine, Wyoming. The reservoir is nestled in the Snake River Range of the Rocky Mountains and is a most beautiful setting where wildlife thrives in abundance. The Palisades Dam backs the water up for approximately 18 miles creating picturesque Palisades Reservoir. Its body of water is 16,000 acres. It is located on Highway 26. Vacationers will find 9 campgrounds containing 181 family units. Boat launching ramps are located at convenient points along the reservoir at Blowout, Calamity, Indian Creek, Little Elk Creek, McCoy and Upper Bear Creek. All have boat docks and campgrounds except Upper Bear Creek. In the fall the foliage on the trees and bushes is especially beautiful when the leaves change their colors to brilliant orange, gold and red. A trip to Palisades during the fall can be a memorable occasion.
The Canyon is the section of the river from the Conant Valley access to the Byington access and presents a contour comprised of volcanic cliffs and a cottonwood forest river bottom which is home for the largest bald eagle winter roost in the Northern Rockies.
The Canyon is the section of the river from the Conant Valley access to the Byington access and presents a contour comprised of volcanic cliffs and a cottonwood forest river bottom which is home for the largest bald eagle winter roost in the Northern Rockies.
Foot access is more difficult in this section, but it is not uncommon for floaters deep in the canyon to find a few side channels where wade fishing and angling from the bank is possible.
Wading safely and knowing the float area are critical in this section because it is not without swift currents, deep pools, irrigation diversion dams and large eddies.
The final section of the South Fork expanse extends from Byington to Menan, and based upon the opinions of the expert guides in the area, is the “most technical section”� on the river. The runoff debris coupled with stumps and logjams and numerous side channels that vary from year to year severely test the float skills of the best fishermen.
The final section of the South Fork expanse extends from Byington to Menan, and based upon the opinions of the expert guides in the area, is the “most technical section”� on the river. The runoff debris coupled with stumps and logjams and numerous side channels that vary from year to year severely test the float skills of the best fishermen.
A bonus in this section is the abundance of brown trout in far greater numbers than in the two upper sections. Below Twin Bridges, the spectacular scenery that marks the entire expanse of this quality fishery continues as the river begins to widen as it flows through farmland.
The upper reaches of the river stretch for approximately 18 miles from the Palisades Dam down to the Conant Valley access. The section from the dam through the first nine miles offers a fairly narrow and deep channel, and as the river spreads out below Irwin, a series of islands and side channels and several gravel bars present opportunities that definitely will challenge the skills of the best creel men.
The upper reaches of the river stretch for approximately 18 miles from the Palisades Dam down to the Conant Valley access. The section from the dam through the first nine miles offers a fairly narrow and deep channel, and as the river spreads out below Irwin, a series of islands and side channels and several gravel bars present opportunities that definitely will challenge the skills of the best creel men.
Access to this section off of Highway 26 is available just below the dam, in Irwin at the Sportsmen’s Access and at the Swan Valley Bridge (also known as Spring Creek Bridge). Several boat launches on the Snake River Road side of the river can be reached by driving across the dam at Calamity Point or by entering Snake River Road on the west side of Swan Valley Bridge.
Wade fishermen easily can access the river just east of the Swan Valley Bridge either on Highway 26 or off of Snake River Road between the bridge and Fall Creek Falls. Winter flow levels (October to March) usually run between 875 to 1150 CFS, and really open up this upper section to waders.
