Main Stem Snake River

Main Stem Snake River, October 28th, 2023

Snake River at Freeman Park

It is the the best brown trout fishery in the area right now. There are several walk-in wade locations above and below American falls Dam, and much of the river is good water for boat fishing. Within the Idaho Falls city limits such places as Freeman Park have convenient access points. Pitching streamer patterns is the name of the game through using sink tip or intermediate lines. Placing flies in the right location is more important than pattern selection.

Main Stem Snake River, October 21st, 2023

Snake River in Twin Falls Area

Brown trout are migrating throughout the river with streamer fishing the name of the game.

One thing with which we should be concerned is the quagga mussel infestation in the river around the Twin Falls area. Methods to poison these have been applied, but total elimination success is yet to be determined. Meanwhile, the river is temporarily closed to sporting activity, and a total fish kill has happened in the infested area. Why bring this situation up here? Simply because this infestation can happen anywhere. If you have fished this part of the river, wash your belongings ( boats, clothing, gear ) that have been submerged if you intend to use such to fish anywhere above Shoshone Falls. Certainly, we do not want these critters to be discovered in our waters!

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.

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.

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.

Main Stem Snake River, May 6th, 2023

Rising flow and discolored water are slowing fishing success in the river from the Henry’s Fork confluence down to American Falls Reservoir. Flow out of American Falls Reservoir is about 7500 cfs.

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.

Main Stem Snake River, April 11th, 2023

Flow out of American Falls dam is being increased. Now about 1700 cfs. Above the reservoir access is plentiful and flows less than normal. Fishing should improve until run-off kicks in.

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.

Main Stem Snake River, November 1st, 2022

Only 230 cfs is being released out of American Falls Reservoir. Fish in the river below will be concentrated because of it which is likely to remain that low all winter.