Idaho Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Southeast Region
Daniels Reservoir near Malad City is a trophy-trout lake with big rainbows and cutthroat that grow fast on scuds and damsels.
Looking for the latest Daniels 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 Daniels Reservoir.
Water level
There is no public daily water level gauge for Daniels Reservoir that we can show here. Check with the managing agency or a local shop for the latest.
Wind forecast
Daniels Reservoir fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Big trout cruise the weed beds as the water cools.
Leeches and scuds on slow strips.
Stocking report
See the Idaho Fish and Game fish stocking schedule for the latest stocking at Daniels Reservoir and other Idaho waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Daniels Reservoir, bring: Mini Leech #8-10, Kaufmann', s Scud #12-14, Damselfly Nymph #10-12, Zebra Midge #14-18, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Woolly Bugger #6-10, 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.
Daniels Reservoir lake details
| Access | Public access and a ramp. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 5,200 ft |
| Nearest town | Malad City, 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. |
| Camping | Primitive camping |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | Low water in late summer. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Ice fishing.
Spring
Big trout after ice-out.
Summer
Damsels.
Fall
Big trout.
How to get there
From Malad City, take I-15 and the St. John road toward the reservoir.