Idaho Fishing Reports ยท Southwest Region
The Boise River runs right through the city along the Greenbelt, with stocked and wild rainbows and some big browns, and it fishes best from fall through spring.
Looking for the latest Boise River report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Boise River (through Boise).
Current flows
Wind forecast
Boise River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Flows from Lucky Peak are low for the winter, which makes wading easy.
Midges and BWOs on cloudy afternoons, and streamers for browns.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Boise, bring: Zebra Midge #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-20, Parachute Adams #18-20, Woolly Bugger #6-8, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-18, RS2 Emerger #18-22, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Boise River details
| Access | The Boise Greenbelt follows the river from Barber Park through downtown to Eagle. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 2,700 ft |
| Nearest town | Boise, Idaho |
| Best season | Fall through spring |
| Fish | Rainbow and brown trout, whitefish |
| Regulations | Check the Idaho Department of Fish and Game seasons and rules before you go. An Idaho fishing license is required for anglers 14 and older, plus a steelhead or salmon permit where those fish are targeted. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 4X to 6X tippet |
| Camping | Camp at Lucky Peak or in the mountains |
| Kids | Yes. Easy access from the Greenbelt. |
| Good to know | Summer flows are high for irrigation. Fall and winter are the best times. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Midges and BWOs.
Spring
BWOs before high water.
Summer
High irrigation flows.
Fall
BWOs and browns.
How to get there
The river runs through downtown Boise. Park at Barber Park, Ann Morrison Park or other Greenbelt access.