Updated October 15, 2026
    Access point

    Palisades Dam Accesson South Fork of the Snake River luxury

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

    River flow last 30 days

    02,0004,000Sep 16Sep 22Sep 274,049 cfs
    USGS gauge 13032500 · daily averageUpdated Oct 16
    Flow now
    2,500cfs
    Below the typical range (4,050–4,140 cfs)
    Last 7 days
    Falling
    4,049 to 4,550 cfs
    Bite report · week of Oct 4

    Pleasant fall conditions with clear skies and 51°F

    1. 01Pleasant fall conditions with clear skies and 51°F.
    2. 02Hopper season winding down, offering last terrestrial opportunities.
    3. 03Consistent midge activity year-round, effective subsurface.
    4. 04Strong BWO and PMD hatches providing dry fly opportunities.
    5. 05October Caddis hatch providing a significant food source.
    6. 06Sculpins and baitfish crucial subsurface forage for Cutt-bows.
    7. 07Focus fishing efforts on banks, brush, buckets, and riffle edges.
    8. 08Employ a dry-dropper rig for varied food source coverage.

    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.

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    nymph80%

    Tungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs

    #4#6#8#10

    Used as a heavy 'anchor' fly to get a nymph rig down to the bottom in deep winter holding water. Large stonefly nymphs are present year-round in the South Fork substrate stack.

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    dry80%

    Hopper Juan

    #6#8#10#12

    Hoppers remain active through October, offering a substantial meal along grassy banks.

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    egg80%

    Blood Dot Egg

    #10#12#14

    Fall is spawning season for some fish, and opportunistic Cutt-bows will key into egg patterns.

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    dry80%

    October Caddis (Dry)

    #6#8#10

    The largest caddis hatch of the year in many western rivers, providing excellent dry fly opportunities in the fall.

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    nymph80%

    Zebra Midge

    #18#20#22#24

    A winter staple on the South Fork. Black or red midges in small sizes match the most consistent biomass available to trout during the coldest months.

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    dry80%

    Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun

    #18#20#22#24

    Blue-Winged Olives are actively hatching in early spring, especially on overcast days, and this low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults.

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    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.

    nymph80%

    Flashback Baetis Nymph

    #18#20#22

    This nymph aligns with active early spring mayfly nymph activity.

    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