Idaho Fishing Reports ยท Southeast Region
Around Lava Hot Springs and Topaz, the Portneuf River is a spring-influenced stream with rainbows, browns and cutthroat.
Looking for the latest Portneuf 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 Portneuf River (Lava Hot Springs).
Current flows
Wind forecast
Portneuf River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Flows are steady and clear for fall.
Nymphs and small streamers in the deeper runs.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Lava Hot Springs, bring: Pheasant Tail Nymph #14-18, Zebra Midge #18-22, Woolly Bugger #6-8, Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, Hopper #10-12, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14, Scud Bomb #14-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Portneuf River details
| Access | Public access near Topaz and the river through Lava Hot Springs. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 5,000 ft |
| Nearest town | Lava Hot Springs, Idaho |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Fish | Rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout |
| 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 5X tippet |
| Camping | Campgrounds near Lava Hot Springs |
| Kids | Yes, near town. |
| Good to know | Much of the river crosses private land. Ask before you cross. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Midges.
Spring
Caddis and BWOs.
Summer
Hoppers and caddis.
Fall
BWOs and browns.
How to get there
From Pocatello, take I-15 south and US-30 east to Lava Hot Springs.