Boating - Watersports
Lakes, Rivers, Boating, Reservoirs...
Eastern Idaho has over 14 sensational lakes and reservoirs perfect for boating, fishing, water skiing, and water sports of all kinds. And the stretches of river in these parts provide some of Idaho's best white water rafting.
Many find the elegant beauty of Eastern Idaho lakes a delightful escape from life's hustle and bustle. Most of the lakes include well kept facilities such as docks, ramps, campgrounds, and restrooms. If you don't own a boat, there are several Idaho boat rental companies that also provide watersport rentals and all the necessary gear for an excellent trip.
Eastern Idaho's lakes are a great place to escape a hectic lifestyle and to relax while fishing, swimming, camping, or enjoying the wildlife. There are over a dozen lakes to enjoy. Each Eastern Idaho lake provides a new and unique experience for the whole family. Whether you are seeking calm or adventurous water sports, these lakes, reservoirs, and rivers offer something for everyone. Enjoy everything from a picnic by the lake to a wild whitewater rafting ride.
Note that some Idaho lakes are better for water skiing than others, while some are better for fly fishing and float tubing, canoeing, etc. The natural landscapes of Eastern Idaho lakes and reservoirs vary as well. Lakes at higher elevation may be surrounded by pine trees, while other reservoirs have a grassy or sagebrush setting. While nearly every lake has trout populations, species may differ lake to lake.
Review the lakes in the list below and take the time to find the appropriate Eastern Idaho lake for your needs and activities. Boating and fishing regulations may vary in each location. Whatever you're looking for, the lakes of Eastern Idaho's Yellostone Teton Territory are sure to impress, as they are set in some of the most beautiful and stunning wilderness in the nation.
Ashton Reservoir, located just north of Ashton along Henry's Fork of the Snake River, provides excellent trout fishing, water skiing, and canoeing. There is a power plant at the dam just west of Ashton and a beautiful ribbon waterfall by this dam. The Reservoir and facilities are maintained by Utah Power and Light Company personnel.
Ashton Reservoir Access Site which is marked by a Sportsman's Access sign at the Highway 20 turnoff covers 50 acres. The Reservoir's body of water covers 400 acres. Fish are planted annually in this reservoir to ensure good fishing. This area provides for picnicking, restrooms, a boat ramp, dock, parking, and fishing. The Ashton Reservoir Boat Dock is used by boats for water skiing, canoeing, fishing and other recreational craft. It is also a popular spot used as an exit point for float trips that begin at Warm River.
Boat dock and river access is open to the public.
Blacktail Park has green grass and a boat dock for the south end of the Ririe Reservoir. There are picnic tables and restroom facilities. Picnicking, water sports and boating are favorite activities in this area.
Blacktail Park has green grass and a boat dock for the south end of the Ririe Reservoir. There are picnic tables and restroom facilities. Picnicking, water sports and boating are favorite activities in this area.
Rock formations along the road have been sculptured artfully by wind and rain. Blacktail Park is green and grassy with a boat dock and picnic tables. Rest room facilities are also available. The picnic and boat docks provide an enjoyable area.
This lake is formed from the Henry's Fork of the Snake River. It is a beautiful lake surrounded by lodgepole pine trees, with fantastic fishing, and located only about 60 miles north of Rexburg. This large reservoir is popular for boating, fishing and water skiing.
This lake is formed from the Henry's Fork of the Snake River. It is a beautiful lake surrounded by lodgepole pine trees, with fantastic fishing, and located only about 60 miles north of Rexburg. This large reservoir is popular for boating, fishing and water skiing. Visitors may drive across the top of the dam for scenic views of the Centennial Mountains and Box Canyon.
Island Park Reservoir's body of water covers 8,400 acres. Boat ramps/docks are located at Buttermilk Campground, Island Park, Lakeside Lodge, McCrea Bridge Campground, Mill Creek and the West end. Camping is also available at Buttermilk, McCrea Bridge, Mill Creek and West End.
The Ririe Dam was built for flood control and irrigation. It is emptied each fall for farming needs, but it offers some of the best boating in the summer. Fish can be caught from the boat dock at the bottom of the canyon. Picnic facilities are available in the junipers at the top of Ririe Reservoir with water skiing and fishing within view for all to enjoy.
The Ririe Dam was built for flood control and irrigation. It is emptied each fall for farming needs, but it offers some of the best boating in the summer. Fish can be caught from the boat dock at the bottom of the canyon. Picnic facilities are available in the junipers at the top of Ririe Reservoir with water skiing and fishing within view for all to enjoy.
The body of water in Ririe Lake covers 1,560 acres. The Juniper Park Campground is located at the top of the Ririe Reservoir above the boat ramp.
The South Fork River Basin of the mighty Snake River begins high up in the Grand Tetons of Wyoming. As the river flows south and across the Idaho border, it is retained by Palisades Dam creating the 18-mile picturesque Palisades Reservoir. Several campgrounds and boat launch areas are located along Highway 26. The Palisades Reservoir and the South Fork of the Snake River provide the angler some of the most outstanding native cutthroat fishing in the west.
The South Fork River Basin of the mighty Snake River begins high up in the Grand Tetons of Wyoming. As the river flows south and across the Idaho border, it is retained by Palisades Dam creating the 18-mile picturesque Palisades Reservoir. Several campgrounds and boat launch areas are located along Highway 26. The Palisades Reservoir and the South Fork of the Snake River provide the angler some of the most outstanding native cutthroat fishing in the west.
Waters that bubble from the ground or fall on the alpine slopes of Greater Yellowstone end up in the South Fork of the Snake River. Exiting from Palisades Dam the Snake River flows through lush and scenic cottonwood bottom lands abounding with wildlife including great blue herons, Canadian geese and resting bald eagles. Attractions include a scenic river drive, a sizable fishery, and 126 species of birds, including a large bald eagle population. Hiking, fishing, and floating are popular. The South Fork of the Snake River is considered to be Idaho's number one unique wildlife ecosystem. For back country adventure, hike or travel by horse into the Lower and Upper Palisades Lakes. Both lakes are stocked with trout and provide great fishing.
For whitewater rafting, the Snake River provides wild and scenic high powered excitement. Licensed outfitters offer a variety of guided trips along the South Fork. A scenic raft trip down the South Fork can be a great way to spend some quiet reflective time. The South Fork from Palisades Dam to the confluence with the North Fork offers as many as six days fishing without fishing the same water twice. The South Fork Canyon is one of the most popular trips with excellent fishing and splendid scenery. Drift boats are popular for South Fork fishing trips. The South Fork is a native cutthroat fishery, but also holds rainbow and record breaking German Brown Trout.
The Byington Boat Access east of Ririe on the South Fork offers an attractive convenient boat launching area for boaters. A beautiful recreation area with cottonwoods surrounding it lies across from the access area. Many drift boaters use this access for their float trips. Larger boats, inboard, outboard and jets also use this beautiful boat launch area. In addition to Byington, the following boat ramps are accessible on the South Fork of the Snake River: Conant Valley, Cottonwood Landing, Irwin Access, Menan Bridge, Spring Creek, Twin Bridges Park and Wolf Flat. Spring Creek and Twin Bridges offer camping.
