Updated October 15, 2026
    Access point

    Palisades Dam Accesson South Fork of the Snake River

    The standard launch point for float trips starting directly below the dam.
    South Fork of the Snake River reportDirections43.3292°N, 111.2057°W

    River flow last 30 days

    02,0004,000Sep 17Sep 22Sep 274,047 cfs
    USGS gauge 13032500 · daily averageUpdated Oct 16
    Flow now
    2,500cfs
    Below the typical range (4,070–4,620 cfs)
    Last 7 days
    Falling
    4,047 to 4,550 cfs
    Bite report · week of Oct 4

    Clear and cool fall weather (57°F

    1. 01Clear and cool fall weather (57°F, clear sky).
    2. 02Active Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) and midge hatches.
    3. 03Opportunity for October Caddis dries.
    4. 04Streamer fishing remains strong for aggressive trout.
    5. 05Trout keying into egg patterns in certain areas.

    What to tie on at Palisades Dam Access

    Picked from recent reports for this stretch.

    nymph80%

    Tungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs

    #4#6#8#10

    A heavy stonefly nymph imitation is crucial for getting deep in the current where larger insects are dislodged, a consistent food source.

    Buy at Amazon
    streamer80%

    Woolly Bugger

    #2#4#6#8#10

    A reliable year-round streamer, effective for imitating leeches and baitfish, especially in the colder spring flows when predatory trout are looking for a larger meal.

    Buy at Amazon
    nymph80%

    Flashback Baetis Nymph

    #18#20#22

    Baetis nymphs are highly active subsurface before their emergence, making this an essential pattern for trout feeding on early spring mayfly nymphs.

    dry80%

    Mother's Day Caddis

    #14#16#18

    The prolific Mother's Day Caddis hatch is expected in late April through May, making this dry fly a perfect imitation for adult caddis when fish are looking up.

    nymph80%

    Zebra Midge

    #18#20#22#24

    Midges are a primary active insect year-round, even in cooler water, making this a consistent staple for enticing finicky trout subsurface.

    Buy at Amazon
    nymph80%

    Tactical Peeping Caddis TH Jig

    #14#16#18

    Caddis are actively emerging in spring, and this weighted jig nymph is effective for targeting larger fish on undercut banks where caddis pupae are prevalent.

    nymph80%

    Tungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs

    #4#6#8#10

    Large stonefly nymphs are a consistent food source and this weighted pattern serves as an excellent lead fly to get smaller droppers down to the fish in spring flows.

    Buy at Amazon
    emerger80%

    PMD Sparkle Dun

    #16#18

    Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) are now hatching, making this emerger an excellent choice for fish feeding in the film.

    Buy at Amazon
    dry80%

    Hopper Juan

    #6#8#10#12

    Classic grasshopper imitation that becomes increasingly effective in mid-summer along grassy banks.

    Buy at Amazon

    Idaho season by season

    What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.

    Mar – MaySpringRead the guideJun – AugSummerRead the guideSep – NovFallRead the guideDec – FebWinterRead the guide

    Fly shops nearby

    Local flies, current advice and guided trips.

    All fly shops
    43MIThe Lodge at Palisades CreekIdaho Falls56MIThree Rivers Ranch OutfittersAshton, Driggs, Island Park, Boise