Main Stem Snake River
MAIN STEM SNAKE RIVER
ReportThe best fly fishing above the reservoir remains from Tilden Bridge down to the reservoir because of cool inflow from numerous springs mostly coming in from the Fort Hall Reservation. Streamer and woolly bugger patterns on sink tip or full sinking lines with stout leaders are best producers from the spring creek confluences on downstream.
There is no maintained boat launch site on the river below Tilden Bridge (nearest is at Sportsman's Park near Aberdeen on American Falls Reservoir). This makes motorized boating the most practical way to fish the river. All boat launches above Tilden Bridge are open.
Flow below American Falls Dam is about 7,700 cfs, so wading there is dangerous. This flow is ideal for boating and makes all launch sites easily used.
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streamers / Baitfish | #4–6 | All day | Morning & evening |
| Woolly Bugger / Leech | #6–10 | All day | Morning & evening |
| Terrestrials (ants, hoppers) | #10–16 | Afternoon | Midday–afternoon |
| Midges | #20–22 | Low | Early morning |
- EARLY MORNING (first light–9 AM): Work streamer and woolly bugger patterns on sinking lines near spring creek confluences before boat traffic picks up.
- EVENING (6 PM–dark): Cooler air temps draw fish into feeding lanes — slow down your retrieve and cover water methodically from the boat.
