Apr 20
Jimmy's All Seasons Angler
Fishing in the river above American Falls Reservoir has slowed much because of increased flow from the South Fork. The Southeast Idaho IDF&G office is considering plans to open a boat launch area in a location near the McTucker Creek confluence just above American Falls Reservoir.
The wading season in the River below American Falls Dam has ended because of flow reaching 12000 cfs.
Apr 20
Jimmy's All Seasons Angler
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.
Apr 13
Jimmy's All Seasons Angler
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 comeBe patient!
Apr 06
Jimmy's All Seasons Angler
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.
Apr 06
Jimmy's All Seasons Angler
Because of the increasing flow out of Palisades Dam the Snake River is much higher than normal for this time of the season. This condition will continue well into the irrigation season and makes presenting large streamer patterns the best option for fly fishing success during this time. The same applies to the river below American Falls Dam.