Main Stem Snake River

Mainstem Snake River 7-31-10

As irrigation demands decrease, water levels will stabilize making for more consistent fishing here. Streamer patterns remain the bread & butter patterns, but PMD emergences continue to bring action in riffles. With hopper populations beginning to build, fishing tactics that work on the South Fork work here. See Tim Woodard’s 7/26 report for the South Fork and use the thoughts he offers for fishing the main stem river. After all; the South Fork and the main stem Snake are the same streams!

Main Stem Snake River 7-22-10

Beginning to shape up as flows drop. Streamers are still the name of the game, especially during evenings. But during that time of day caddis and a few PMDs offer some surface action.  As we move through August, look for fishing to pick up considerably.

Main Stem Snake River 7-15-10

The main stem from Idaho Falls down to American falls has dropped to normal summer levels. The water is clear and is this stretch of river offers some great streamer fishing and even some caddis and pale morning dun hatches.

Access is somewhat limited if you don’t have a boat but there is some access near bridges or adjacent roads. When streamer fishing we like to use a type VI 15 foot sinking tip or150 to 200 grain 24 foot tip. Fish the deeper runs and and around any log piles or structures. Also fish the slower inside bends that are 4 to 6 feet in depth. They don’t look productive but fish through them quickly because sometimes trout move into these areas  to chase minnows.

Main Stem Snake River 7-09-10

With flows dropping this great river is shaping up nicely.  Streamers remain very effective, especially in low light conditions, but now fish will take caddis life cycle patterns.  BWOs are also present, and soon  PMDs will emerge from some gravel bars along the river.

Main Stem Snake River 6-26-10

Discolored, but flows are dropping.  Best way to fish is from a boat and throw streamers on sink tip lines.

Mainstem Snake River 6-19-10

Still looks like a milkshake, but flows are dropping.

Main Stem Snake River 6-12-10

Is  running  very high and looks like a milkshake because of Palisades water and runoff from such as Teton and Fall rivers.

Main Stem Snake River 5-29-10

Discolored, but flows not very high.  Wade or float carefully, and stick to that sink tip line and favorite streamer patterns.

Mainstem Snake River 5-20-10

Feeling the effects of increased flows, especially on the upper river. Water is a bit discolored. Best fishing is below Blackfoot where a well placed streamer pattern can bring results.

Recommended patterns

• Bead head peacock leech
• Stenersen’s string leech
• Clousers
• JJ special
• Galloup’s sex dungeon
• Galloup’s bottoms up
• Double bunny

Main Stem Snake River 5-14-10

Feeling the effects of the Palisades flush, too.  Result is a high & discolored river.  So better fishing is elsewhere until it passes.