Idaho Fishing Reports ยท Southeast Region
Below American Falls Dam, the Snake River holds big rainbows and browns in a short tailwater that fishes best in fall, winter and spring.
Looking for the latest Snake River (below American Falls Dam) 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 Snake River (below American Falls Dam).
Current flows
Wind forecast
Snake River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Fall flows are low after irrigation season, which concentrates fish.
Nymphs and streamers below the dam and in the riffles down toward Massacre Rocks.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Below American Falls Dam, bring: Woolly Bugger #4-8, Sculpin #4-6, Zebra Midge #16-20, Pheasant Tail Nymph #14-16, Egg #10-12, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Black Beauty #20-24, Squirmy Wormie #12-14.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Snake River details
| Access | Access below the dam, Eagle Rock and Massacre Rocks State Park. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 4,300 ft |
| Nearest town | American Falls, Idaho |
| Best season | Fall through spring |
| Fish | Rainbow and brown trout, smallmouth bass |
| 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, 2X to 4X tippet |
| Camping | Massacre Rocks State Park |
| Kids | Partly. Steep banks below the dam. |
| Good to know | Flows change with irrigation releases. Watch for rising water. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Midges and big trout on low flows.
Spring
Midges and BWOs.
Summer
High irrigation releases.
Fall
Low flows and big fish.
How to get there
From Pocatello, take I-86 west to American Falls.