Top Waters in Upper Snake Region
South Fork Snake River
RiverA legendary 128.9-mile trout fishery rated one of the West's top cutthroat streams. Supports healthy wild populations of native Yellowstone and Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat, plus wild browns and rainbows. Known for superb dry fly fishing with prolific insect hatches. The famous salmonfly hatch in early summer is not to be missed.
Henry's Fork Snake River
RiverA world-famous 112.5-mile trout river, once ranked #1 trout stream in the nation by Trout Unlimited. The Harriman Ranch section is legendary for demanding, technical dry-fly fishing to big rising rainbows in crystal-clear water. Everything from easy fishing in Box Canyon to challenging spring-creek conditions on the Ranch.
Teton River
River81.5 miles of world-class trout fishing in scenic Teton Valley beneath the Grand Tetons. Best known for native Yellowstone Cutthroat plus wild rainbow and brook trout. Upper river meanders through farmland, perfect for float or wade fishing.
Henry's Lake
LakeHigh-mountain lake famous for its blue-ribbon trophy trout fishing. This shallow but incredibly productive lake grows trophy cutthroat, rainbow, and hybrid 'cutbow' trout to 5-10 lbs. Not uncommon to catch giants. Even holds state record brook trout.
Palisades Reservoir
Reservoir15,949-acre reservoir on the South Fork Snake with beautiful canyon setting. Known for cutthroat, rainbow, brown trout, and kokanee. Excellent boating and camping.
Island Park Reservoir
Reservoir7,280-acre scenic reservoir on Henry's Fork. Rainbows, cutthroat, kokanee, and even bass in warmer shallows. Gateway to Yellowstone area fishing.
Ririe Reservoir
Reservoir1,414-acre reservoir near Idaho Falls known for prolific kokanee and some big rainbow trout. Good family fishing destination.
Ryder Park Ponds (Idaho Falls)
PondTwo adjacent 1-3 acre ponds in Idaho Falls stocked with rainbow trout. 22 species identified in nearby river, but ponds focus on trout, catfish, and bluegill. Great for new anglers with docks and paths.
All 11 Waters in Upper Snake Region
Blue Ribbon Paradise: The Upper Snake River System
Henrys Fork: Choose a Section
Consistently ranked as one of the best trout streams in the world, the Henry's Fork offers a lifetime of water for the dedicated angler. From the technical spring-creek challenges of the Harriman Ranch to the booming whitewater of Box Canyon, it's a river of infinite variety and home to massive, highly-educated rainbow trout.
South Fork: Cutthroat & Hatches
The South Fork Snake below Palisades Dam is a tailwater supporting rainbow, brown, and native Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Dam releases affect flows, access, and fishing conditions. Choose your launch and takeout before traveling, and check the rules for the main river and tributaries separately.
High Altitude Gems
Henry's Lake is a high-altitude trophy factory, known for producing massive cutthroats and cutbow hybrids. Nearby, the Teton River provides a scenic and productive alternative, mirroring the grandeur of the neighboring Teton Mountains with exceptional fishing for cutthroat and brook trout in a more intimate setting.
Regional Highlights
- Henry's Fork
- South Fork Snake
- Henry's Lake
- Blue Ribbon Trout
Upper Snake Region general daily limits
These are regional general daily limits only. Water-specific Special Rule Waters are not displayed on this page; check the official IDFG source below (pages 41-45) for exceptions and the rule for your exact water. IDFG states possession is three times the applicable daily bag limit.
- Bass – no bag, length, or possession limits
- Brook Trout limit is 25
- Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they apply when fishing for Brook Trout
- Bull Trout – catch-and-release
- Kokanee limit is 15
- Sturgeon – catch-and-release
- Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing
- Barbless hooks, sliding swivel device to secure a weight, and a lighter test line to secure weight to sliding swivel device are required, see page 56
- Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches
- Trout limit is 6, all species combined
- No bag, length, or possession limits, harvest is encouraged
- Whitefish limit is 25 – see Big Lost River exception
- Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they apply when fishing for whitefish
- May not be harvested or possessed
- No bag, length or possession limits
Source: IDFG 2025–2027 Fishing Seasons & Rules. Pages 41-45.