Idaho Fish Report

This stretch of the river closed June 16.

J.C. Boyle Dam to J.C Boyle Powerhouse

Open all year. Flows are low and stable and typically range from 100 cfs at the dam and increase due to springs around 350 cfs at the Powerhouse. Catch rates should be good for this time of year. Fishing is best below the spring inputs. The springs start to discharge into the river approximately one mile below J.C. Boyle Dam. This section of river requires a hike down steep grade to the river except for the area just above the powerhouse.

Use small flies or lures as redband trout are mostly small (8-10 inches) in this section.

There is good access at the powerhouse. Park and walk upstream. This area is fished hard, but you can hike to get away from the pressure. Hiking or wading upstream is difficult.

Small nymphs such as pheasant tails and prince nymphs work well in this section. Salmonflies and golden stones are hatching. Using smaller stimulator patterns in this reach due to the small fish size. Small elk hair caddis presented with a twitch can work well. Small black Panther Martins or Rooster Tails work well when cast upstream into the deeper pools. 

J.C. Boyle Powerhouse to State Line with California

Fishing is excellent in early morning before flows drastically increase. Salmonflies and golden stoneflies are hatching. Match these insects with appropriate flies both dries and nymphs. Make sure you have good tires and 4X4. Best fishing is when flows are less than 900 cfs. You can check flow estimates at PacifiCorp Weekly Flow Estimates. You can also call the flow line at 1-800-547-1501. Best fishing will be before 10 a.m. this week with some evenings with suitable flows for fishing.

Large attractor flies such and wooly buggers, bead head prince, and rubber leg stoneflies under a strike indicator work best this time of year. Olive and black wooly buggers almost always work well. Black spinners and Panther Martins can also work.

Below the JC Boyle Powerhouse the redband/rainbow trout get slightly larger than the aforementioned reach and average 12 inches but rarely exceed 16 inches. Currently, most redband caught are in the 10- to 14-inch range.