Portneuf River - Pocatello - Idaho
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Portneuf River – Pocatello - Water Flow Chart
Portneuf River – Pocatello - Weather report & radar
Portneuf River – Pocatello - General 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 |
Portneuf River – Pocatello 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.
Portneuf River – Pocatello 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:
- Early summer: The best fishing period. High water levels lead to more available fish.
- Winter: Trout are generally more active in colder temperatures and can be caught in good numbers.
Portneuf River – Pocatello Local Fish Species
- 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 Portneuf River – Pocatello
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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