Payette River - Middle Fork - Idaho
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Payette River – Middle Fork - Water Flow Chart
Payette River – Middle Fork - Weather report & radar
Payette River – Middle Fork - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | #18-24 | Zebra Midge |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | #18-24 | Griffith’s Gnat |
| March | Midges | Afternoon | #18-24 | Zebra Midge |
| Blue Winged Olives | Noon-4pm | #16-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph | |
| April | Blue Winged Olives | Noon-4pm | #16-20 | Comparadun Blue Winged Olive |
| Skwala Stoneflies | Morning and evening | #8-10 | Bullet Head Skwala | |
| May | Blue Winged Olives | Noon-4pm | #16-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| Skwala Stoneflies | Morning and evening | #8-10 | Pats Rubber Legs | |
| Green Drakes | Afternoon | #10-14 | Green Drake Cripple | |
| June | Green Drakes | Afternoon | #10-14 | Sparkle Dun |
| Caddis | Evening | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| Salmonflies | All day | #4-6 | Pats Rubber Legs | |
| July | Caddis | Evening | #14-16 | X Caddis |
| Golden Stoneflies | Afternoon | #8-10 | Stimulator | |
| August | Tricos | Early morning | #18-22 | Trico Spinner |
| Hoppers | All day | #6-10 | Dave’s Hopper | |
| September | Hoppers | All day | #6-10 | Chubby Chernobyl |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Noon-4pm | #16-20 | RS2 |
| October Caddis | Evening | #8-12 | October Caddis Pupa | |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | #18-24 | Zebra Midge |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | #18-24 | Griffith’s Gnat |
Payette River – Middle Fork Access Points
- Pine Flats Campground: Located towards the upper end of the river, this campground provides direct access to the river and features a diverse fish population.
- Crouch Access Point: Positioned in the town of Crouch, at the junction of Highway 17 and Middle Fork Road. Features a great fishing spot below the bridge.
- Boise National Forest: Provides numerous access points along Middle Fork Road. Look for signage indicating public river access.
- Danksin Bridge Access Point: Sited near the junction of Middle Fork and South Fork. An excellent spot for rainbow trout.
- Scotch Creek Access Point: Situated in the lower part of the river, a renowned area for both river and creek fishing.
Payette River – Middle Fork Fishing Spots
The Middle Fork of the Payette River offers fantastic fly fishing opportunities. Here are some of its best spots:
- Warm Lake: Near Landmark, this lake feeds the South Fork and is ideal for fishing using dry flies, damsel nymphs, and streamers.
- Big Eddy: Located downstream from Crouch, this pool-type river bend is perfect for casting large streamers and nymphs.
- Trail Creek Bridge: A popular public-access spot, it’s excellent for fishing using small nymphs and dry flies.
- Jackson Creek: Anglers here can expect to catch trout using a variety of flies including stoneflies, mayflies, and caddisflies.
Please remember to follow all state and local fishing regulations while enjoying your fly fishing adventure on the Middle Fork of the Payette River.
Payette River – Middle Fork Local Fish Species
- Westslope Cutthroat Trout: This trout species is a popular target for fly fishers due to its frequent surface feeding habits.
- Rainbow Trout: Known for their vibrant colours and the sportiness, Rainbow Trout are a sought-after species on the Payette River – Middle Fork.
- Brown Trout: Brown Trout are elusive but highly desirable due to their size and the fight they put up when hooked.
- Mountain Whitefish: Although primarily bottom feeders, Mountain Whitefish eagerly take fly and can provide for steady action.
- Bull Trout: Known for their aggressiveness, Bull Trout frequently seek out larger prey making them an exciting catch.
- Brook Trout: Although small in size, Brook Trout are plentiful and relatively easy to catch, perfect for beginners.
- Salmon (Chinook): While not as frequently found, the Chinook Salmon is a prized catch on the Payette River – Middle Fork.
- Steelhead: Steelheads are heavily sought after due to their size and the challenge they present during the battle.
About the Payette River – Middle Fork
The Payette River – Middle Fork boasts a certain charm that is rooted in its rich history. This free-flowing river, known for its sizzling whitewater rapids and beautiful sapphire-blue color, cascades through the wonderfully rugged landscape of Idaho in the United States.
It might surprise you that this mesmerizing river has been influenced by both glacial activity and volcanic activity in the past. These geological phenomena have gifted the river with unique rock formations and a captivatingly complex ecosystem.
Traditionally, the Native American Shoshone Tribe relied on this river for both transportation and sustenance. In later years, the river played a key role during the gold rush, providing a vital lifeline for miners hoping to strike it rich.
- The river is home to a variety of wildlife, including trout, elk, and numerous bird species.
- The Middle Fork of the Payette River offers world-class whitewater rafting with rapids ranging from class 2 to 5.
- It’s also revered for its breathtaking natural beauty and stunning vistas of the surrounding wilderness.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or a nature lover, the Payette River’s Middle Fork surely has something to captivate you.
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