Idaho Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Southeast Region
Chesterfield Reservoir near Bancroft is known for big rainbows that grow fast on scuds, with good float-tube fishing.
Looking for the latest Chesterfield Reservoir 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 Chesterfield Reservoir.
Water level
There is no public daily water level gauge for Chesterfield Reservoir that we can show here. Check with the managing agency or a local shop for the latest.
Wind forecast
Chesterfield Reservoir fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Big rainbows are active along the weed beds.
Leeches and scuds on intermediate lines.
Stocking report
See the Idaho Fish and Game fish stocking schedule for the latest stocking at Chesterfield Reservoir and other Idaho waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Chesterfield Reservoir, bring: Mini Leech #8-10, Kaufmann', s Scud #12-14, Woolly Bugger #6-10, Zebra Midge #14-18, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Chesterfield Reservoir lake details
| Access | Public ramps and shoreline access. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 5,400 ft |
| Nearest town | Bancroft, Idaho |
| Best season | Spring and fall |
| Fish | Rainbow and cutthroat trout |
| Regulations | Special trout rules apply. Check the Idaho Department of Fish and Game 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 to 12 ft leaders, 3X to 4X |
| Ice fishing | Ice fishing in winter. |
| Camping | Primitive camping |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | Low water late in the season. Roads get muddy. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Ice fishing.
Spring
Ice-out rainbows.
Summer
Damsels and scuds.
Fall
Big rainbows.
How to get there
From Lava Hot Springs, take US-30 east and the Chesterfield road north.