Palisades Reservoir

15,949-acre reservoir on the South Fork Snake with beautiful canyon setting. Known for cutthroat, rainbow, brown trout, and kokanee. Excellent boating and camping.

Species: Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Kokanee Salmon. Difficulty: intermediate. Some experience pays off here.

Best timing: Summer and Fall. Summer fishes best at first light and late evening; midday is technical. Fall is prime — heavy feeding before winter, fewer crowds.

Regulations: General rules apply. Always confirm with the current IDFG rule book before fishing.

Upper Snake context

The Upper Snake encompasses the major tailwaters east of the Tetons — Palisades, Henrys Fork, and Falls River. This is technical dry-fly water; multiple guide outfits work it year-round. Cutthroat, brown trout, and strong rainbow populations dominate. Idaho Falls, Rexburg, and Driggs are the bases.

Plan for the experience level the fishery rewards.