Quite a bit to cover in this week’s report so let’s dive in. Spring always brings an increase in flows and we are starting to see the water come up, the flow today out of Palisades Reservoir is 2,800 cfs. At this time last year, we were already seeing flows over 11,000 cfs. The reservoir is currently at 87% of capacity and the snowpack sits at 82% of average. Run-off has not started as our Spring has remained cool so far. The reservoir will easily fill this year which always bodes well for our fishery.
While the water is up slightly our guides are still finding fish hanging out in their winter holds, deep pools, slack water, etc. As the weather warms we’ll see these fish move into their more traditional feeding areas. Zebra midges, San Juan Worms, and Stonefly Nymphs are the name of the game and don’t be afraid to try a streamer deep and slow. We are starting to see a few rainbows hanging out and or staging near their spawning grounds.
Speaking of rainbows. The Idaho Fish & Game will be electro-fishing the South Fork starting Monday in order to achieve their goal of removing 12,000 rainbow trout from the river this year. You can find all the details, schedule, goals etc. right here. (Schedule is below as well) While removing fish from the river is certainly controversial we support the Idaho Fish & Game in their effort to keep the South Fork of the Snake River a diverse fishery where Cutthroat, Brown, and Rainbow Trout are all abundant.
Our NEW Fly Shop in Swan Valley is open 8-4 Wednesday – Sunday located at the corner of Hwy 26 and 31. Swing by if you need flies, licenses, a shuttle, or tips on where or what to fish.
If you have questions you can call the fly shop at 208.483.2727 or the lodge at 208.483.222
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Plans for Rainbow Trout suppression in the South Fork Snake River in 2021, including the river section planned for suppression by day of the week.
| Day | River section | Launch site | Upstream boundary | Downstream boundary |
| Mon | 1 | Palisades Ramp | Palisades Dam | Palisades Creek |
| Tue | 2 | Spring Cr Ramp | Indian Creek | Ranger Station |
| Wed | 3 | Conant Ramp | Ranger Station | Pine Creek |
| Thu | 4 | Conant Ramp | Dry Creek | Lufkin Bottom |