South Fork of Snake

[Danny]

I've never fished the Snake below Palisades. I want to drag the boat up there and do a float. I am looking for any info on where to put in and take out for a good 5 hour float (give or take a couple of hours)? What time of the year should I go? Now, or wait till later in the summer? Thanks for any information.

[Crosby]

Don't take it now- unless you want to float below the Heise cable--- its closed until the opener.

[Crosby]

got off too early---- you can float from the dam down to Connant and from there down to Byington-- when it opens. Right now it is fishing well below the Heise cable and I could give you some directions on those floats.

[IdahoFishBoy]

Crosby,

I am also planning on making this float around the 4th of July hatch. I have talked to a few people that guide in that area and they have informed me that there are some precarious sections between Conant and Byington, large irrigation ducts and diversions.

Have you ever floated this, if so how did you float it?

Thanks,

[Crosby]

From the dam to Idaho Falls... Not all in one day- though I did do from the dam to Byington in a float tube in a hail/lightning storm (years ago). Don't ever take the float tube and don't do that in one day.
You are not fishing- just cruising if you try it all in one day.. I really like the canyon section and camping at Luften Bottoms. Though you have to have a porta potty( an approved one) Yes there is a diversion ditch- but you can see it and it has caused problems with day dreamers but I have never had a problem- no real white water to speak of. It is a beautiful float - you can try and hit the stone fly hatch which is a madhouse of boats. I usually wait and hit the PMD hatch or hoppers and have a great time. Sure you can pick up fish with a streamer and though I think you have a better chance and large browns that way- it isn't as enjoyable at least to me. As always if things get boring- the nymph rig will always pick up more white fish than the Weber has ever seen. But mostly now I float below all that and see few boats and have just as many hook ups.

[IdahoFishBoy]

Crosby,

Thanks for the information. We hit the section right out of Ririe a couple of weeks ago, below the Heise bridge and had a good time, lots of beautiful water. Can't wait for the stone flies.

[raposaNegra]

There are numerous places you can launch a drift boat on the south fork below the dam. There is a bridge about 8 miles below the dam, if you go to the west side of the bridge there is a dirt road that parralells the river. Drive up 3-4 miles and you will see places to put in a drift boat. Float down to the ramps right below the South Fork Lodge. This will be about a 5 hour float.

I alway float the south fork on 4th of July weekend as there is a major stonefly hatch on that time of year. Large yuk bugs, super-x's just about any pink, orange large stone with a bead head dropper tied to the stone fly on about 20" of leader will get you lots of fish.

Fish the riffles and the feeding lanes behind the riffles. Also fish the deep holes where the midge mats are (look for swirling foamy areas). Last year on 4th of july I had a 30+ fish day in 5 hours of fishing then caught the fireworks in Pocatello.