Wading the river to present streamer patterns can be productive this time of the season. For example, the river in and above Freeman Park is very approachable and offers good holding water. The river is also approachable on the far side across from the upstream end of the Park now that canals are dewatered.
Flies to fish:
The main stem above American Fall Reservoir is the best option for hard sided boating in the area. Water flow throughout is a bit below normal but suitable for such. Numerous walk-in wade locations are present, and there is good streamer fishing under low light conditions, especially for migrating brown trout.
Flies to fish:
Flow in the river above American Falls Reservoir to the Henry’s Fork confluence is a bit high as canal water returns to the river with the irrigation season winding down. Even so, good streamer fishing continues in the river. Fly fishers are encouraged to salvage fish trapped in water remaining in canals before drying up. So consider putting Catch and Release aside on these places and make use of trapped fish rather than not. Food banks will take them if you prefer not to turn them into table fare.
Flow out of American Falls Reservoir has been reduced to just under 900 cfs. This action makes walk-in-wade locations numerous, but the closer one visits below the dam the more crowded with anglers of all kinds happens. Streamer fishing is most productive here especially when clear water prevails.
Flies to try:
At Freeman Park
Bring an outfit rigged with a floating line, fine leader and BWO life cycle patterns and another rigged with a sink tip line and a stout leader to fish streamer patterns. Afternoons feature BWOs giving top water action and evenings are the time for presenting streamers at the heads and tails off holding water for increasingly aggressive brown trout running well into trophy sixes.
At Freeman Park
Evening BWO activity and bank side terrestrial insects are providing some pleasant evenings of dry fly fishing up and down the river. Flows are a bit below normal making for good wading conditions in some locations ( Try the river in Freeman Park). As fall rolls on streamer fishing will become increasingly effective as brown trout stage for their spawning runs and the rainbows that will follow them..
At Freeman Park
Presenting streamers in the evening is becoming productive along the river. One of the most convenient locations to do this is at the river at Freeman Park in Idaho Falls. There are openings for casting along the paved trail that parallels the river and above the park around the railroad trestle. Careful wading or from the bank can get you to good holding water, but be aware that strong, tricky currents are present as one approaches middle of the river.
Evenings are a great time to fish this nearby water. Presenting streamer patterns during these times will be increasingly effective as we move toward fall. Best way to do this is from a boat, but there are plenty of walk-in locations. Come to Fly Fish Food Jimmy’s, and we can suggest some good locations for you.
Well Fed Main Stem ‘Bow
Time to consider the Main Stem for some good fly fishing! Water flow is almost ideal.True, there is no big stone fly activity and may fly activity is mostly limited to BWOs during the fall emergence peak, but caddis activity is plentiful. There are many locations for walk-in-wade access from the Henry’s Fork confluence on down to American Falls Reservoir. The Idaho Falls Fish and Game office and we at Fly Fish Food Jimmy’s can pinpoint some for you. In particular, streamer fishing does nothing but improve throughout the river as we advance into the fall season. Trophy sized brown, cutthroat and rainbow trout stay in the deep during daytime, but by evening they range out to forage, and a well placed streamer pattern of choice could bring you a best fish of the season.
A tragic drowning on the Snake River in Bingham Country serves to remind that wearing proper gear is a must for boating anglers in preventing such events. Wearing a life jacket ( not just having such in the boat) should be practiced especially if that boating person has donned waders.
Fishing in the river above American Falls Reservoir has slowed much because of increased flow from the South Fork. The Southeast Idaho IDF&G office is considering plans to open a boat launch area in a location near the McTucker Creek confluence just above American Falls Reservoir.
The wading season in the River below American Falls Dam has ended because of flow reaching 12000 cfs.