Premier Orvis Fly Fishing Lodge on The South Fork of the Snake River.
About The Lodge at Palisades Creek
Nestled beneath snow-capped peaks in Idaho’s bucolic Swan Valley, The Lodge at Palisades Creek is one of the oldest and most recognized Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing lodges in the country — set on the banks of the South Fork of the Snake, arguably the finest all-around fly fishing river in North America.
Established in 1990 by Marshall Geller, and owned and operated by the Geller family ever since, the lodge has spent more than three decades refining a simple idea: world-class fishing deserves world-class hospitality. A dedicated staff upholds that tradition daily — a kitchen devoted to the freshest and most memorable creations, guides who know every seam and side channel of the river, and a property where the family group, the wandering traveler, and the first-time guest all feel equally at home.
The lodge’s incomparable on-premises amenities, accessibility, and intimate meeting spaces also make it a natural destination for small groups — incentive programs, team building, and corporate and wellness retreats — with accommodations for up to 32 guests, riverside dining, and the Liar’s Den gathering space, all under one roof.
Staff at the Lodge
Every staff member at The Lodge at Palisades Creek is dedicated to the comfort and enjoyment of you…our valued guest. Your happiness is not only our goal, but it is our guarantee. We can promise your next return will prompt you to bring new friends, family, and guests to share in this great experience.
Most of our staff lives locally and works seasonally. Many have worked at the Lodge for over 10 years. You can ask a housekeeper about the dinner menu, a server about needing an extra pillow, or a groundskeeper how the fishing has been. The Lodge is family owned. Marshall and Patricia Geller have been owners since 1990.
Justin Hays, General Manager, Minneapolis, MN
Justin Hays was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and grew up working in his family’s restaurants. Before earning his degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management from the University of Wisconsin–Stout, he spent the summer of 1986 working in Yellowstone National Park, cooking at Old Faithful Lodge. After finishing college, he couldn’t get back west soon enough. Following many years as a chef in Jackson Hole, he took a position as a guide at The Lodge at Palisades Creek in 1998. For the next 12 years he guided the South Fork and worked in restaurants during the off-season. In 2010, he was offered the General Manager position. He is now married, lives in Victor, Idaho, and has two children, Milo and Daisy. He is committed to running an award-winning fly-fishing lodge and loves the folks he works for and with!
Shayde Stotts, Assistant Manager, Irwin, ID
Shayde has worked at the lodge since 2004. He’s involved in every aspect of what it takes to run our fly fishing lodge from reservations, host, fly shop, and guide scheduling. He’s our friendly voice on the phone year in and year out ensuring that everyone has the trip they deserve.
Charles Ellsworth, Evening Host, Winona, Mississippi
Charles began his journey out west as a chef working in area resorts. Charles was a fisherman in the south and expanded his knowledge by completing guide school on the South Fork a few years back. The Lodge brought him on board in 2019 and he has brought the service level up a couple of notches working with the chefs on menu offerings, wine pairings, and drink specials, keeping notes on all guests, and listening for spaces and places for guests to have a quantum memory. Look forward to Chuck’s homemade bitters and unique cocktails at happy hour.
Vern Schroeder, Grounds and Maintenance, Swan Valley, ID
Vern lives here in Swan Valley, Idaho. He keeps our grounds immaculate, the water running, and the lights on. A do-it-all kind of guy that can row a boat too. Vern is an all around team player. Vern lives on the property year round.
Cori Vias, Head Housekeeper, Swan Valley, ID
Cori is the lodge’s head housekeeper. She was born and raised in Swan Valley. She has a fun attitude, a great family, and is a treasure at the lodge. She coordinates every day to make sure your stay is clean, comfortable and fun.
