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Main Stem Snake River

Jimmy's All Seasons Angler / Main Stem Snake River (Page 2)

Main Stem Snake River, October 7th, 2023

Significant reduction of flow out of Palisades Dam will soon hit the river down to American Falls Reservoir. Brown trout migration is ongoing, so lower flows coming up will mean they will be more easily approached while moving. Look for lower flows in the river below American Falls dam as the reservoir is down to 19% of capacity, and water storage must soon begin.

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Main Stem Snake River, September 30th, 2023

Flow in the entire river from the Henry’s Fork confluence downstream is near seasonal normal and will drop further. With aggressive brown trout migrating to spawning areas and the river being close by a visit is quite convenient if you enjoy fishing streamers during this activity. Doing so at icon locations such as the Green, Madison, Missouri and Beaverhead Rivers and rivers within Yellowstone Park can require considerable travel whereas locations on the Main Stem can be minutes away whether you are boating or wading. With decreasing daylight hours and increased chances for unsettled weather this time of the year, lesser travel time to it can be attractive. So consider trying this river for fall-run browns, and visit Fly Fish Food-Jimmy’s for “where, when and how” information.

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Main Stem Snake River, August 8th, 2023

Flow out of American Falls Dam is about where it should be for this time of the season ( about 11000 cfs). The river is in great shape for boat travel to enjoy large trout and smallmouth bass. The bass population is perhaps the best in this part of Idaho, and offers a considerable alternate to the great trout fishing present. Streamers and woolly bugger types are best flies, especially when fished along submerged structure.

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Main Stem Snake River, April 30th, 2023

From the Henry’s Fork confluence downstream flow is increasing because run-off has begun in tributaries and because of the increased flow out of Palisades Dam. The USGS maintained flow graph for the river below American Falls Reservoir looks like a step function as flow is now around 6000 cfs and and will be increasing to satisfy downstream irrigation demands. So look for better fishing days on the river as we warm to where we should for the time of the year.

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Main Stem Snake River, November 21st, 2022

With low flow (about 300 cfs) and therefore several access locations, the river below American Falls Dam is likely the most convenient water to fish these days. Many still waters are now iced over and ice not only rims shorelines but drifts in other regional rivers. Presenting streamer patterns and woolly bugger types gives the best chances to encounter the large rainbow and brown trout residing in water below the dam.

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Main Stem Snake River, October 29th, 2022

Flow throughout is less than normal in order to begin filling reservoirs. Below American Falls Dam flow is at a paltry 300 cfs. That will concentrate fish into deeper water and bring in lots of anglers. Brown trout are migrating to spawning areas, and there are plenty of walk-in-wade locations to encounter them away from spawning areas. Boating is also a good option because good water depth remains in the river. Fishing from a boat also minimizes interrupting the surface of spawning areas.

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Main Stem Snake River, October 18th, 2022

With flow below normal from the Henry’s Fork confluence to below American Falls Reservoir ( a paltry 316 cfs currently coming out of American Falls Dam) now is the time to pitch streamers for migrating brown trout and the rainbow trout that will follow them. That low flow out of American Falls Reservoir, which is at around 4% of capacity, is thus likely to stay that low though the winter as another irrigation season with its demands for water will begin next spring.

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