Payette River - South Fork - Idaho
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Payette River – South Fork - Water Flow Chart
Payette River – South Fork - Weather report & radar
Payette River – South Fork - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Black Beauty, Zebra Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | All Day | #18-20 | Winter Stonefly Nymph | |
| March | Blue Wing Olive | Afternoon | #18-20 | BWO Emerger, Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| April | Blue Wing Olive | Afternoon | #18-20 | BWO Dry Fly, Hare’s Ear Nymph |
| May | Salmonfly, Golden Stonefly | Afternoon, Evening | #6-10 | Rogue Foam Stonefly, Chubby Chernobyl |
| June | PMD, Green Drakes | Morning, Afternoon | #14-18 | PMD Cripple, Green Drake Cripple |
| July | Caddis, Yellow Sallies | Evening | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis, Yellow Sally Stimulator |
| August | Caddis, Tricos | Morning, Evening | #14-22 | X-Caddis, Trico Spinner |
| September | Mahogany Dun, October Caddis | Afternoon, Evening | #14-18 | Parachute Adams, October Caddis Pupa |
| October | Blue Wing Olive | Afternoon | #18-20 | BWO Emerger, Parachute BWO |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Ruby Midge, Top Secret Midge |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Disco Midge |
Payette River – South Fork Access Points
The South Fork of the Payette River is an ideal location for fly fishing. It provides numerous access points, each catering to a unique fishing experience.
- South Fork Lodge: This dedicated fly fishing lodge is the most convenient access point, offering guided trips and equipment rentals.
- Deadwood River confluence: Located near Lowman, this spot is known for its high population of trout.
- Swinging Bridge: Reachable by hiking trails, this area provides an adventurous fishing experience in the pristine river stretch.
- Whipstaff Bend: Access the river at this point by a two-mile hike from the Highway 21 bridge. Expect to find Cutthroat and Steelhead here.
- Kirkham Hot Springs: A casual spot that’s less crowded, perfect for those who prefer solitary fishing.
Remember to check local regulations and always practice catch and release to preserve the fish population.
Payette River – South Fork Fishing Spots
South Fork of the Payette River is exceptional for its fly fishing spots in Idaho. It’s not just the variety of fish species but the picturesque scenery that adds charm.
Here are the best spots for fly fishing:
Payette River – South Fork Local Fish Species
- Rainbow Trout: This species is prime target for anglers on the Payette River because of its abundance and willingness to take flies.
- Westslope Cutthroat Trout: These are also quite popular and are native to Idaho. The South Fork Payette River provides an excellent habitat for them.
- Brown Trout: While not as common as Rainbow or Cutthroat, Brown Trout can still be caught on the South Fork Payette River and can provide a feisty fight.
- Bull Trout: Known for their large size, catching a Bull Trout on the fly is a real thrill for anglers. However, they are catch-and-release only.
- Brook Trout: Although, they are not native to the area, Brook Trout have established populations in the South Fork Payette River.
- Mountain Whitefish: This native species can be a fun secondary target for fly anglers on the South Fork Payette River.
- White Sturgeon: Although not typically targeted with a fly rod, adventurous anglers might try to land one of these giants of the deep.
- Smallmouth Bass: In the lower reaches of the South Fork Payette River, anglers might encounter smallmouth bass, providing a different type of fly fishing challenge.
About the Payette River – South Fork
Snaking through the wilderness of Idaho is the crystal-clear Payette River – South Fork, a real gem that attracts nature enthusiasts worldwide. This beauty has a rich history that is just as captivating.
Historically, the South Fork of Payette River served as a vital conduit for Native American tribes. They’d use it for transportation, fishing, and collecting precious minerals.
Later, when gold was discovered in Idaho in the 1800s, the river bustled with gold rush adventurers. Miners flocked to its banks in search of precious nuggets, forever imprinting the river in the pages of history.
- The river is now a paradise for rafters and canoeists, its thrilling rapids providing a fun challenge for all.
- Its pristine waters teem with a variety of fish species, making it an angler’s dream.
- The surrounding scenic beauty lends itself to wildlife viewing and photography.
No visit to Idaho would be complete without experiencing the charisma of the Payette River – South Fork!, deeply woven into the state’s historical fabric.
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