Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Portneuf River - Pocatello - Idaho

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Griffith's Gnat
Stoneflies Daylight hours 6-10 Golden Stone, Rubber Legs
February Midges Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Disco Midge
Stoneflies Daylight hours 6-10 Golden Stone, Rubber Legs
March Midges Afternoon 18-22 Black Beauty, Disco Midge
Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 16-20 BWO Emerger, BWO Dry Fly
April Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 16-20 BWO Emerger, BWO Dry Fly
Caddis Morning and Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
May Caddis Morning and Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
Stoneflies Daylight hours 6-10 Salmonfly, Rubber Legs
June Stoneflies Daylight hours 6-10 Salmonfly, Golden Stone
Pale Morning Dun Morning 14-18 PMD Emerger, PMD Dry Fly
July Pale Morning Dun Morning 14-18 PMD Emerger, PMD Dry Fly
Caddis Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
August Terrestrials Daylight hours 8-12 Ants, Hoppers, Beatles
Caddis Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
September Terrestrials Daylight hours 8-12 Ants, Hoppers, Beatles
Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 16-20 BWO Emerger, BWO Dry Fly
October Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 16-20 BWO Emerger, BWO Dry Fly
Midges Afternoon 18-22 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
November Midges Afternoon 18-22 Griffith's Gnat, Disco Midge
Stoneflies Daylight hours 6-10 Golden Stone, Rubber Legs
December Midges Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Disco Midge
Stoneflies Daylight hours 6-10 Golden Stone, Rubber Legs

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

Portneuf River, flowing through Pocatello, offers fantastic fly fishing experiences. Remarkable spots include:

  • Lava Hot Springs: A part of the lower Portneuf River, it boasts a variety of trout. Plenty of open space makes casting easy.
  • Chesterfield Reservoir: Located on the upper region of the river, it holds a good population of large rainbows.
  • McCammon Stretch: It’s full of cutthroats, rainbows, and brook trouts. It’s a year-round destination, thanks to consistently flowing springs.
  • McTucker Ponds: These managed ponds, close to the lower Portneuf, offer excellent fishing for rainbows and brookies.

To enhance your experience:

  1. Early summer: The best fishing period. High water levels lead to more available fish.
  2. Winter: Trout are generally more active in colder temperatures and can be caught in good numbers.

Best Access Points

The Portneuf River in Pocatello offers excellent spots for fly fishing. Here are some of the best access points:

  • Edson Fichter Pond: A well-managed community fishery located in South Pocatello, suitable for all ages.
  • Crystal Springs: Located near Lava Hot Springs, this spot is rich in trout and offers a serene environment.
  • Chesterfield Reservoir: This is a popular fly fishing location for large Rainbow trouts, situated in the Caribou National Forest.
  • Blackrock Canyon: Found within the Bannock Range, this spot offers clear waters and various fish species.

These spots provide not just abundant fish, but also beautiful natural environments that enhance your fly fishing experience. When visiting these locations, please remember to respect the local fishing regulations and environment protection rules.

Local Fish

  • Brown Trout: Easily the most common type of fish present in the Portneuf River and a popular target for fly fishing.
  • Rainbow Trout: Another commonly found fish in the river that offers a good challenge for fly fishing enthusiasts.
  • Cutthroat Trout: This fish species is native to the area and is a prized catch due to its unique markings and fight.
  • Brook Trout: Smaller than other trout but offers a real fight, bonus is the beautiful colors that are a sight for sore eyes.
  • Whitefish: Mountain whitefish are abundant in the Portneuf River and good practice for beginners.
  • Sturgeon: Idaho’s longest living fish, though rare, it is a once in a lifetime thrill to catch one with a fly.
  • Bull Trout: A sensitive species, requires delicate handling but is a rewarding catch for any angler.
  • Sockeye Salmon: Mostly found closer towards the lower part of the river and usually during specific seasons.

About The River

The Portneuf River, an essential feature of Pocatello, Idaho, boasts a rich history intertwined with the city itself. Shoshone and Bannock tribes initially populated the region, and the river served as a staple for survival. European trappers arrived in the mid-18th century, and the river’s name – Portneuf – was derived from a French trapper.

Key facets of the river’s history include:

  • The transportation of beaver pelts along the river during the mid-1800s fur trade.
  • The river’s crucial role in irrigating farms in the early 20th century.
  • The Fun Run river float, an annual Pocatello tradition, where locals float down the river on inner tubes, has been taking place since the 1970s.

In contemporary times, the Portneuf River offers beautiful nature trails, a variety of wildlife, fishing opportunities, and is a popular spot for recreational activities.

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