Trip cost (per boat): $485 – full day
To book this trip email or call 307-690-1139.
The South Fork of the Snake is fly fishing paradise! This portion of the Snake River just over the Wyoming border in Idaho is a tailwater coming out of the bottom of the Palisades Dam. Fish population numbers are higher per mile and the average size fish is larger due to more fertility. This is a large river with average summer flows of 12-13,000 cfs. There are a number of side channels that help break this big river into smaller water that is easier to fish.
Hatches of Salmonflies, Golden Stoneflies, three species of PMD’s, and Caddis keep the dry fly fishing hot through the summer. Fall fly fishing provides a great opportunity to chase fall run browns with streamers in October and November.
The typical fishing day is from a driftboat, which is used to access hard to reach holes and riffles that can be fished on foot. Some days will be spent riffle hopping and wade fishing, while others will be mostly bank fishing from the boat. Check our fly fishing blog for the latest reports and conditions.
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Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Stoneflies |
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XX |
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XX |
XXX |
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X |
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Caddis |
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X |
XXX |
XXX |
XXX |
X |
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PMD’s |
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X |
XXX |
XXX |
X |
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Terrestrials |
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XX |
XXX |
XXX |
X |
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Mahoganies |
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XX |
XXX |
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BWO’s |
X |
XXXX |
XX |
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XX |
XXX |
XX |
Midges |
XXXX |
XXXX |
XX |
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XXX |
XXX |
Techniques: The South Fork of the Snake is known for big bug dry fly fishing, due to its stoneflies and hoppers. Nymphs are often dropped 1-2’ below these larger flies in a “hopper-dropper” system. Mayfly hatches offer match the hatch conditions in the riffles from July – October. Nymphing is always a good option for catching fish if nothing is happening on the surface. Streamer fishing at any time of the year offers the chance to catch a trophy trout.
Fish Species: Snake River Finespotted Cutthroat, Yellowstone Cutthroat, Brown Trout, Rainbow trout, Mountain Whitefish. Trout up to 26”; average size is 10-14”, with a healthy population of trout 16-18”
Best Time: Prior to runoff, mid March – May, as the fish are hungry and there are no crowds; after runoff from late June- mid November brings good weather and excellent hatches. The South Fork is a tailwater fishery, so good fishing can be found at any time of the year.
Dry Flies: Parachute Adams #10-20, Elk Hair Caddis #14-18, Orange, Yellow, Tan Turck Tarantulas #8-12, Parahoppers #10-14, Chernobyl Ants #6-12, Ants and Beetles #14-16, Stimulators #10-16, PMX’s #12-16, Yellow or Pink PMD Cripples #14-20, Rusty Spinners #16-18
Nymphs: Lightening Bugs #14-18, Pheasant Tail #10-20, Hare’s Ear #10-18, Black, Red, Green Copper Johns #12-18, Rubberlegs #6-10, Prince Nymph #10-16, Zebra Midge #18-20
Streamers: Black or Purple Leeches #4-10, Olive or Tan Sculpins #4-6, JJ’s Special #4-8, Zonkers #6-8, Wooly Buggers #4-10, #4-6 Clouser Minnows
The Lodge at Palisades Creek
For the finest lodging accomodations on the South Fork of the Snake River be sure to check out The Lodge at Palisades Creek, including some great specials for the 2011 season.
South Fork Links
South Fork of the Snake River, ID Water Flow Reports:
South Fork Weather Forecast
Guides working on the South Fork of the Snake River are licensed with The Lodge at Palisades Creek, an Idaho state licensed outfitter. Your guide is an employee of TLAPC and your trip will be paid for at The Lodge at Palisades Creek.
