Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

South Fork Snake River - Heise - 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 Mid-Day 16-20 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
Winter Stoneflies Afternoon 16-20 micro stone, black 20 incher
February Midges Mid-Day 16-20 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
Winter Stoneflies Afternoon 16-20 Micro Stone, Black 20 Incher
March Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 18-20 Parachute BWO, Pheasant Tail Nymph
Midges Mid-Day 16-20 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
April Blue Winged Olives Late Afternoon 14-18 Parachute BWO, Pheasant Tail Nymph
Scuds All Day 14-18 Ray Charles Scud, BH Soft Hackle
May Caddis Evening 14-16 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
Yellowstone Sallies Late Afternoon 14-16 Yellow Sally Nymph, Hot Spot Sally
June Green Drakes Late Afternoon 10-12 Cripple Drake, Poxyback Drake
Golden Stones Afternoon 6-10 Rogue Foam Stone, Golden Stone Nymph
July Golden Stones All Day 6-10 Rogue Foam Stone, Golden Stone Nymph
PMDs Morning/Afternoon 16-18 Sparrow PMD, Parachute PMD
August PMDs Morning/Afternoon 16-18 Sparrow PMD, Parachute PMD
Caddis Evening 14-16 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
Hoppers All Day 6-10 Chubby Chernobyl, Foam Hopper
September Hoppers All Day 6-10 Chubby Chernobyl, Foam Hopper
Mahogany Duns Afternoon 16-18 Parachute Adams, Mahogany Dun dry
Caddis Evening 14-16 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
October Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 18-20 Parachute BWO, Pheasant Tail Nymph
Midges Mid-Day 16-20 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
November Midges Mid-Day 16-20 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
Winter Stoneflies Afternoon 16-20 Micro Stone, Black 20 Incher
December Midges Mid-Day 16-20 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
Winter Stoneflies Afternoon 16-20 Micro Stone, Black 20 Incher

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

The South Fork Snake River – Heise is renowned for its trophy-size trout population and scenic beauty, making it one of the best spots for fly fishing. Below is a list of the best spots.
  • Palisades Dam: This spot often yields large fish.
  • Swan Valley Bridge: Known for its ease of wading and fly casting.
  • Cottonwood Stretch: Ideal for spotting brown trout and rainbow trout.
  • Conant to Byington: A fishing oasis, known for large trout, and perfect for float fishing.
  • Lorenzo: This area offers great access to the river and is popular with fly fishers using boats.
Remember, the unique fish hatches present different opportunities throughout the year. Quickly adapting to these changes can increase your success rate.

Best Access Points

The South Fork Snake River in Heise, Idaho is an area renowned for its abundance of fish, particularly trout. For fly fishing enthusiasts, there are several optimal access points to consider:

  • Conant Valley: This popular access point offers wide riverbanks and deep pools, perfect for fly fishing.
  • Spring Creek Bridge: Access to the river here offers scenic views and diverse spots for casting off.
  • Lorenzo: This section of the river is particularly well-stocked with cutthroat trout and offers ample shoreline space.
  • Heise Bridge: This is known for its slow-moving waters and large fish. It’s a great point if you have a drift boat.

Please take note, some of these access points are on private lands, confirm before you go. Enjoy the tranquility and thrill of fly fishing at the South Fork Snake River in Heise!

Local Fish

  • Brown Trout: Highly prevalent in this area and sought after for their colors and epic fight experience.
  • Rainbow Trout: Known for their vibrant colors and abundant population.
  • Cutthroat Trout: River includes the Yellowstone Cutthroat trout, native to the Snake River and Idaho.
  • Mountain Whitefish: Often overlooked, but can be quite sporting on a fly rod and very abundant.
  • Brook Trout: A less common catch, adding excitement when caught, known for artistic markings and colors.
  • Steelhead: Provides a coveted catching experience due to their strength and long-distance migratory nature, though quite rare in South Fork Snake River.
  • Tiger Trout: A hybrid of Brook and Brown trout, they provide a fantastic catch and release experience and are available near the Heise area.
  • Sturgeon: An exciting rare catch, due to their large size and strength, making them a real challenge to fly fishing enthusiasts.

About The River

South Fork Snake River – Heise is a scenic and significant area located in Eastern Idaho. This river flows for 66 miles through a diverse landscape of sagebrush, farmlands, rugged canyons, and cottonwood forests. The region’s history is deeply connected to the Shoshone tribes who called this land home and settlers who were drawn to its fertile soil and abundant wildlife. Here are some fascinating facts about this extraordinary place:
  • The river is known for its outstanding fishery, boasting the highest density of species like Cutthroat Trout in the entire world of any river.
  • The river encompassing the beauty of Heise is additionally cherished for its variety of wildlife such as moose and bald eagles.
  • It’s also a hotspot for recreational activities – from boating and fly fishing to wildlife observation and camping.
Over the years, South Fork Snake River – Heise has remained an integral part of Idaho’s natural and cultural landscape, a place where history, nature, and adventure intertwine.
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