South Fork

South Fork, April 20th, 2024

Flow out of Palisades Dam has been stable at around 10300 cfs for several days, but increases are coming as water management plans are to reduce the reservoir capacity to 73% in order to contain what looks to be a very large run-off. So it will be a while before the South Fork will be in good fly fishing condition.

Another happening for the river is that Caribou-Targhee National Forest has opened the river road above the Table Rock-River Road intersection as winter closure for big game has ended. However above this point the road remains mostly snow covered or muddy. This makes getting to Cottonwood boat launch not advised, even through using four wheel drive vehicles, until the road dries out. Boat launch sites downstream of this intersection are open.

South Fork, April 12th, 2024

The rate of flow increase out of Palisades Reservoir has slowed temporarily (10400 cfs at Irwin,11400 cfs at Heise, 8400 cfs at Lorenzo), but as we warm up it will increase to make room for run-off . Much of the reason is concern for down stream flooding resulting from near future run-off and that American Falls Reservoir is at full capacity. This water management activity has a negative impact on fishing in the South Fork and also on the main stem Snake River down to American Falls Reservoir. Husky, Conant, Spring Creek,, Byington, and Lorenzo launch facilities are fully open. Better days are sure to come—Be patient!

South Fork, April 6th, 2024

As expected, flow out of Palisades Dam has been increased ( now about 7700 cfs at Irwin, 8200 cfs at Heise, and 5500 cfs at Lorenzo) and will continue to do so for the coming weeks. Water coming out of the reservoir is clear and cold, but on moving downstream, run-off from tributaries is clouding it to some degree. Streamer, rubber leg and woolly bugger type patterns presented at heads of runs and holes, and deeper side channels provide best chances for fishing success. Where you can find access, the Dry Bed has some good midge hatches on going.

South Fork, March 30th, 2024

Flow out of Palisades Dam (4150 cfs at Irwin and resulting in 4310 cfs at Heise and 2790 cfs at Lorenzo) has been increased in a step-wise manner. An increase in flow is scheduled for Monday, April 1st. With the reservoir over 90% full expect more flow increases to contain what is expected to be a much greater than normal run-off amount through the spring months. The increased flow of cold and a discolor tendency water will slow fishing success on the river below the dam, but the amount of water in the system is good news for fishing success during the upcoming season.

We have had a boating accident this season near the Byington access. Luckily, no casualties happened excepting immersion in ultra cold water. But this incident serves as a reminder of the danger this river offers to boat and wade fishing alike. Take care!

South Fork, March 16th, 2024

At Heise Bridge

With the beautiful weather predicted to last for several days, it is time to get out and fish this great river! Flows remain low being at the ” winter maintenance levels” ( about 900 cfs at Irwin, 1300 cfs at
Heise and 700 cfs at Lorenzo). Locations such as the Heise bridge and around the Lorenzo boat access are good candidates to give it a try. The extra hour of daylight will help with low light conditions being best for foraging trout. So bring your favorite streamer, fly rod jigs, rubber leg patterns to entice them and your nymph patterns for activity in the rifles and heads & tails of runs.

The South Fork reach of the Snake River is a destination for an unequaled number of anglers. Of all regional rivers, it is most able to host a huge number of wading and boating enthusiasts. But environmentally and socially, it is closing in on its ability to do so and to give a quality experience.  Being aware of this agencies such as the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), whose lands the river flows through, are evaluating measures that will keep the river offering an excellent experience for the great number of those who love it. Currently, both agencies are evaluating measures to continue the quality experience for which the river offers to anglers, and other recreationists. Being examined are boat launch facility measures, camping, daily use limits, and social incidents. Public input is much desired for forming policies for these items. You can get a start by applying public interest input to Monica Zimmerman at 208-525-7543.

South Fork, March 3rd, 2024

The current string of snow storms is a blessing for the South Fork drainage above Palisades Reservoir. The reservoir is approaching being 90 % of capacity with much more winter left to reach 100%. Yes, much access to the river below has become more difficult, however a full reservoir means better habitat for hosted salmonids in the river next season.

South Fork, February 17th, 2024

At the Heise Bridge

Even though it is cool, a sunshiny day like today can be enjoyable for fishing the South Fork. The river flows crystal clear with a low to moderate flow, and there is plenty of room to walk around.and approach it. Midge emergence are thick enough to offer some top water fishing, and standard nymph patterns will always bring action around riffles and runs.

South Fork, February 10th, 2024

Flow Rates remain at US Bur-Rec’s winter maintenance level, and will stay that way until irrigation season begins .Palisades Reservoir is a bit more than 80% full. Midge activity offers the only top water fishing. It peaks on pleasant mid days. Some of the best of these occur on the Dry Bed but either is not as good as that in the lower Henry’s Fork.

South Fork, February 3rd, 2024

, With respect to midge activity, what applies to the Henry’s Fork below Ashton Dam, applies to the South Fork where it can be accessed. Flow remains at the winter maintenance level and will likely remain there because Palisades Reservoir is at 80% of capacity with plenty of time to fill even though snow accumulation in its drainage is much less than normal.

South Fork, January 27th, 2024

USBR is keeping it word about South Fork flows this winter. Currently they are about: 950 cfs at Irwin, 1250 cfs at Heise, and 650 cfs at Lorenzo. Palisades Reservoir is about 80 % full, so there are no big concerns about it filling it even during this winter of below normal snow fall. Recent warm weather, which could extend into early February, may have removed snow from much of the countryside but unimproved roads remain mostly closed.

Same story continues with respect to fishing. Mid day hours are best for comfort, your rod guides, and your reel. These times will feature the best top water activity through midge emergences (Griffith’s gnat is still one of the best patterns for action), and trying slower, deeper water with streamer, fly rod jig and rubber leg patterns. Don’t try unmaintained roads; getting stuck can ruin an outing.