South Fork Snake River Fly Fishing Report - January 1/18/2026
SOUTH FORK OF THE SNAKE RIVER FLY FISHING REPORT
Idaho's Premier Fly Fishing Destination
Report Date: January 18, 2026 | Next Update: January 25, 2026
Current River Conditions
Winter pattern in effect. Cold-water tactics are producing best results—think midge and deep-nymph strategies. Watch for slick banks and variable releases from Palisades.
Flows & Clarity
Flow Rate (typical near Palisades releases): 1,500–1,700 CFS
Water Clarity: Clear to lightly stained (2–4 ft visibility depending on run)
Notes: Expect currents to be strong in the main channel; fish side channels, seams and eddies.
Flow Rate (typical near Palisades releases): 1,500–1,700 CFS
Water Clarity: Clear to lightly stained (2–4 ft visibility depending on run)
Notes: Expect currents to be strong in the main channel; fish side channels, seams and eddies.
Water Temperature
Current: ~50–52°F (10–11°C)
Daily Range: 48–54°F
Trend: Stable, cool water — fish are in normal winter holding lies.
Current: ~50–52°F (10–11°C)
Daily Range: 48–54°F
Trend: Stable, cool water — fish are in normal winter holding lies.
Weather & Wind
Forecast: Cold mornings, midday breaks with sun; light to moderate wind in exposed sections.
Angler tip: Dress in layers—wind chill and long wading sessions will cool you quickly.
Forecast: Cold mornings, midday breaks with sun; light to moderate wind in exposed sections.
Angler tip: Dress in layers—wind chill and long wading sessions will cool you quickly.
Access & Safety
Most public access points and boat ramps are usable; check local closures before you go.
Winter hazards: icy ramps, thin ice near bank margins—use traction and tell someone your plan.
Most public access points and boat ramps are usable; check local closures before you go.
Winter hazards: icy ramps, thin ice near bank margins—use traction and tell someone your plan.
Hatch Chart & Insect Activity (Jan 18, 2026)
| Insect | Size | Activity Level | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midges (Chironomids) | #18–24 | Heavy ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Midday & afternoon—small emergers and adult midges at surface |
| Baetis / BWO | #18–22 | Light–Moderate ⭐⭐⭐ | Late morning when sun breaks; be ready with emerger/soft-hackle patterns |
| Pale Morning Duns (PMD) | #16–20 | Light ⭐⭐ | Warmest part of the day if temperatures rise a few degrees |
| Caddis | #18–22 | Low ⭐⭐ | Short evening windows; suspending caddis pupae can trigger takes |
| Terrestrials (wind-blown ants/beetles) | #12–16 | Very light ⭐ | During warm midday lulls near banks and riffles |
Recommended Flies (linked to patterns you can order)
Below are field-tested selections for the current winter pattern. I’ve matched recommended insects and tactics to specific patterns available from our fly list so you can tie or order the exact flies that get it done on the South Fork right now.
Top Dry Flies & Emergers
- Bionic Ant 2.0 — Black — great when wind or drift brings terrestrials into the current; high-visibility, buoyant profile for winter picky risers.
- Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) — Tan — a delicate CDC dry for the low evening caddis activity and sporadic surface sipping.
- Parachute — Blue Wing Olive — a dependable BWO imitation for short warm spells when small duns show.
- Stealth Link Mercer — PMD — a slim PMD emerger/profile to fish in the surface film when Baetis/PMD activity lifts.
Nymphs & Jigged Nymphs
- Egan's Thread Frenchie Jig — Olive — a tight jig for indicator or Euro-style nymphing in deep pools and tails.
- Pheasant Tail — Tungsten — the winter workhorse; fish it on point in double/triple rigs for tight presentations.
- Tungsten Split Case Nymph — PMD — excellent when subtle mayfly nymphs are the ticket; tungsten to hold depth in current.
- Tungsten Pat's Rubber Legs — Tan/Brown — high-traction profile for stonefly-sized takes and cruising trout that want leg motion.
Streamers & Baitfish Imitations
- Egan's Poacher — Olive — a go-to articulated-style fly for searching large runs and structure; very effective on strip-and-pause retrieves.
- Egan's Poacher — Black — darker alternates for low-light or tannic water; fish similar retrieves to the olive version.
- Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow — Sculpin — sculpin profile for bigger trout holding tight to rocks; slow, short strips work best.
- Sculpzilla — Olive — larger, bulky sculpin imitation for aggressive streamer fishing along boulder lines and deep seams.
Tactics & Tips
Morning (cold hours): Tight nymphing in warm seams and pocket water—use long leaders and a heavy point fly (tungsten) to get to the strike zone quickly. Indicator or Euro rigs with a micro jig on point will pick up the majority of winter eats.
Midday: Watch for midges and small Baetis activity. When you see surface life, switch to emergers and light dry patterns; keep tippet fine (6–7X) and leader lengths long for a soft presentation.
Streamer windows: Short, slow strips in mid-depth runs and against structure will trigger reaction strikes—work the edges of deep pockets and undercut banks. Try a short pause between strips and fish a sinking-tip or weighted fly.
Rigs & leaders: 4–6 wt rods are ideal for our winter pattern. For nymphing, 9–12' leaders with fluorocarbon point tippets (3–6 lb for delicate flies) are effective. For streamers, a 7' - 9' 8–9 lb leader butt with a heavier tip or short shock tippet helps turn over larger flies.
Presentation tips: Tight line when nymphing in the tailouts, aim for drag-free drifts on dries, and when streamer fishing keep your fly near structure with controlled, deliberate retrieves. Match depth first; color second.
Final note: Winter trout are energy conservative—slow presentations and small, correctly weighted offerings usually out-fish flashy, fast approaches.
Midday: Watch for midges and small Baetis activity. When you see surface life, switch to emergers and light dry patterns; keep tippet fine (6–7X) and leader lengths long for a soft presentation.
Streamer windows: Short, slow strips in mid-depth runs and against structure will trigger reaction strikes—work the edges of deep pockets and undercut banks. Try a short pause between strips and fish a sinking-tip or weighted fly.
Rigs & leaders: 4–6 wt rods are ideal for our winter pattern. For nymphing, 9–12' leaders with fluorocarbon point tippets (3–6 lb for delicate flies) are effective. For streamers, a 7' - 9' 8–9 lb leader butt with a heavier tip or short shock tippet helps turn over larger flies.
Presentation tips: Tight line when nymphing in the tailouts, aim for drag-free drifts on dries, and when streamer fishing keep your fly near structure with controlled, deliberate retrieves. Match depth first; color second.
Final note: Winter trout are energy conservative—slow presentations and small, correctly weighted offerings usually out-fish flashy, fast approaches.
Where to Focus
- Fish seams that slow current against fast water—big trout hold there and feed the easiest way possible.
- Target rock pockets, ledges and deep tailouts with jigged nymphs and small streamers.
- When you see midges or tiny risers, concentrate on tailouts and foam lines where subtle emergers and midges will be eaten.
