The south fork of the Snake River, located in southeast Idaho, should be on any fly anglers list – especially those interested in dry fly fishing. In this guide we’ll cover all you need to know about fishing this incredible tailwater.
Introduction to the South Fork of the Snake River
Flowing for roughly 66 miles from Palisades Reservoir on the Idaho-Wyoming border to Henry’s Fork, this tailwater is one of the best fly-fishing destinations in the country.
With trout densities around 5,000 per mile, the South Fork of the Snake River offers plenty of opportunity for anglers. The river also features a variety of landscapes along the way adding to the appeal.
The beautiful Yellowstone Cutthroat trout calls this river home, as well as rainbows, cutbows (hybrid cutthroat and rainbows), and brown trout. The populations are distributed evenly between all species.
Best Times to Fish
As with most rivers, the South Fork of the Snake changes throughout the year, and it’s important to understand what type of fishing will be most effective during the different times of year.
Spring
Coming out of winter, most of the trout will still be keyed in on subsurface food sources. Usually this will mean nymphing and trying to find where the fish are holding in deeper pockets and runs, waiting for food to drift by.
It’s important to keep an eye on river flows and temperatures. The river will begin to warm, and before runoff starts the fishing can be great.
Summer
By June, the river really starts to come alive, showcasing what really makes the South Fork of the Snake special – incredible dry fly fishing. Beginning in early July anglers from all over the country – and world – converge on the South Fork hoping to catch the famous Salmon Fly hatch.
While it’s incredibly difficult to time perfectly, for those who get lucky it’s a dry fly fisherman’s dream. Late summer fish will be looking for large grasshoppers entering the river, which is also a blast.
Fall
Dry fly fishing continues through the fall, but anglers can expect the streamer fishing to pick up as well. Browns especially will be tempted by streamers and this is when some really big fish can be caught.
The colors are changing this time of year which can make for some spectacular scenery. The river is also usually less crowded, which for some people is enough of a reason to head out.
Best Flies for The South Fork of the Snake River
Choosing the right fly while out on the river is an important piece of the puzzle. While proper presentation and putting it in front of the fish will always be the most important factors, fly choice does matter.
Dry Flies
Because the dry fly fishing can be so good, we’ll start with what to use to try and draw a topwater strike.
Early in the summer (late June) Yellow Sallie’s and Pale Morning Duns are popular choices. Moving into early July Salmon Fly patterns and large, Golden Stonefly patterns will work best.
August is the time of grasshoppers and continuing with some stonefly patterns. Moving later into the summer and fall, dry fly sizes and hatches will become smaller. Blue Winged Olives and small PMD’s can be effective.
Nymphs
Nymphs are almost always the way to catch the most fish. Trout are almost constantly feeding on nymphs floating by, and all sizes and species will eat them.
Consider fishing these patterns on a full nymph rig, or also as a dropper off of a hopper or other dry fly.
Some popular nymph patterns for the South Fork are Pat’s Rubber Legs (size 6-8), Golden Stonefly imitations, Cheater Belly Stonefly Nymph (size 2-8), Psycho May Nymph (size 14-18), and various midge patterns (size 14-18).
Streamers
While nymphs might increase the chances of hooking A fish, streamers increase the chances of hooking THE fish. Many times the largest fish of the day can come on a streamer, especially in the fall.
Streamers on the South Fork of the Snake River can be fished using a floating line or a smaller intermediate sink tip.
Popular streamers are Galloup’s Sex Dungeons, Kreelux, various minnow patterns, Galloup’s Mini Dungeons, Muddler Minnows.
Typically, fish will be holding near structure or against the bank. Cast towards these areas and vary your retrieve and fly depth until the fish tell you what they want. A good streamer bite is always exciting!
Sections of the River
The South Fork of the Snake River has three main sections, The Upper, The Canyon, and The Lower. Each has its own unique characteristics and access points.
The Upper Section
Not far from the Wyoming border, this section runs from the Palisades Dam down through Swan Valley. This section is approximately 18 miles and offers good fishing from a drift boat or wading. The road follows the river for much of this stretch and there are many access points to choose from.
Canyon Section
The canyon section offers some good wade access, and multiple boat launches starting at the Conant Boat launch. From here there are multiple other boat launches and overnight camping opportunities along the way.
Lower Section
Noted as being the most technical section to float, it is not recommended for beginners. There is a long stretch with no road access, so if you are with a guide or have some experience this can be a great option with excellent fishing.
South Fork Snake River Rainbow Trout Harvest Incentive Program
Anglers are encouraged to retain all rainbow, and rainbow hybrids, regardless of size while fishing the South Fork of the Snake River. The native Yellowstone Cutthroat is being outcompeted by the rainbows, and by retaining the rainbows anglers can help the cutthroat populations.
Some of the rainbows are implanted with coded wire tags. The tags are not able to be seen with the naked eye, but if the heads are returned to Idaho Fish and Game and tags are found they will pay a reward to the angler.
Conclusion
The South Fork of the Snake River has something for every fly angler. It has both quantity and quality that offers an excellent day on the water for both experts and beginners.
While the summer Salmon Fly hatch might be its most famous aspect, don’t forget that it has a whole lot more available!