Palisades Creek Fishing Access Site

Description
Camping is limited to no more than 10 days within any 30 day period. Pets must be on a leash at all times. Fires only in approved fire pits. Please pack out what you pack in. Groups of 15 people or larger must obtain a permit at the IDFG Regional Office. Camping only in designated campsites.
 
Find out about the latest fishing action with our South Fork of the Snake River Fishing Report

 
Features
Activities:
Boating, Fishing, Camping
Boat Services:
Ramp
Sanitation & Water:
Toilet
Fishing Water Reports
Within the Idaho borders, the most recognized section of the Snake River for fly fishing is commonly referred to as the South Fork, a 66-mile stretch that starts below the Palisades ... moreDam and flows through stark canyons, looming valleys and broad flood plains until it reaches Henry’s Fork near Menan Buttes. Ranked as the one of the most productive Blue Ribbon Rivers in the US, its last census counted over 5000 fish per mile. Since 1985, the River has been included in the nation’s Wild and Scenic River System, boding well for its preservation and future.

Home to the largest riparian cottonwood gallery forest in the West, it is considered by naturalists to be among the most diverse ecosystems in Idaho. In addition to the cottonwoods, it is also home to over 120 avian species, including raptors, songbirds, shorebirds and game birds, earning it a distinctive “National Important Bird Area” designation. Outside of Yellowstone National Park, the South Fork corridor also contains the country’s largest native cutthroat fishery and an extensive population of other wildlife including moose, deer, elk, mountain goats, mountain lions, black bears, bobcats, coyotes, river otter, beaver, fox and mink.

Famous for its large summer stoneflies, with Salmon flies often reaching 3 inches in length, the best dry fly fishing is during the months of July and August. The hatches in the first half of July are so prolific that fish readily come to the surface in great numbers to seize the appetizing display. By the first week of August many fish have already been caught and released and become more hesitant to bite. At this point experts suggest employing emerger and cripple patterns, especially if the fish are feeding in the South Fork’s riffles and back channels. Lodging and guided trips are widely available. 
On the Water Fishing Reports
Started Here Reports
Date:
Tue, 25 Apr, 2017
Water flows from Palisades Dam have dropped this week (18,000 to 14,000 cfs) and even though the South Fork is still running slightly off color, the fishing has improved quite a bit. ... moreThe upper reach in Swan Valley and the upper Canyon from Conant to the confluence with Burns Creek have seen the best fishing. Targeting riffles, eddies, seams and banks with double nymphs has been effective. BWOs have also been making an appearing in large numbers, and using mayfly nymph imitations works well. But large stonefly imitations and mysis imitations are also just as effective if not better on some days.
Ended Here Reports
Date:
Tue, 5 Apr, 2016
Decent success on a black rubber legs in size 6 with either pink San Juan worm or black zebra midge under a bobber. Finding most fish in deeper slower buckets and runs. Putting enough ... moreweight on to "check in" with the bottom occasionally.

The streamer fishing has really started to shine in the afternoon. Starting to see some fish chase pretty well. Not super hot streamer fishing but good enough to keep fisherman engaged. I've been a fan of olive sparkle minnow size 6 and sex dungeons. Fishing them slower earlier in the day and faster as the water warms up.

Saw a few fish rising to midges through the afternoon. Fishing Griffith Gnats and size 18 parachute Adams. They don't seem to be super selective if you can find some actively rising.

It's pretty good out there definitely worth going so bring some warm clothes and go for it.

Tight lines!
Dirty Mike
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Facilities
Easy to find
Access
Parking
Shade

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