Idaho Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Upper Snake Region
Palisades Reservoir on the Idaho-Wyoming line has cutthroat, brown trout and kokanee, with big browns near the inlets in fall.
Looking for the latest Palisades 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 Palisades Reservoir.
Water level
There is no public daily water level gauge for Palisades Reservoir that we can show here. Check with the managing agency or a local shop for the latest.
Wind forecast
Palisades Reservoir fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The reservoir is drawn down in fall.
Streamers near the Snake and Salt River inlets for browns and cutthroat.
Stocking report
See the Idaho Fish and Game fish stocking schedule for the latest stocking at Palisades Reservoir and other Idaho waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Palisades Reservoir, bring: Woolly Bugger #4-8, Sculpin #4-6, Mini Leech #8-10, 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.
Palisades Reservoir lake details
| Access | Ramps along US-26 on the north shore. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 5,600 ft |
| Nearest town | Swan Valley, Idaho |
| Best season | Spring through fall |
| Fish | Cutthroat, brown and lake trout, kokanee |
| Regulations | 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 ft leaders, 2X to 4X |
| Ice fishing | Ice fishing when it freezes. |
| Camping | Calamity and Blowout campgrounds |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | Big water with wind. Drawdowns leave long mud flats. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Ice fishing.
Spring
Cutthroat near the inlets.
Summer
Kokanee and trout.
Fall
Browns near the inlets.
How to get there
From Idaho Falls, take US-26 east past Swan Valley.