Idaho
Snake River near Irwin
Location Snapshot
Snake River near Irwin is the South Fork Snake River tailwater near Irwin below Palisades Dam. Cutthroat trout are a defining native target, with brown and rainbow trout adding major coldwater variety.
Current River Rating
Fair · 56
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Low confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Timing Evidence
Overcast or filtered daylight is favorable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 1750 CFS
- Gage Height
- 5.01 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 21, 2026, 12:30 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 13032500 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
56°F
Feels like
52°F
Wind
2 mph NW
Wind gust
3 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 7:15 PM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.02 in
Last 48 hours
0.02 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 8 PM
Clear
Temp 55°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Wed 12 AM
Clear
Temp 51°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Wed 4 AM
Overcast
Temp 49°F
Chance 4%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 8 mph
Wed 8 AM
Drizzle
Temp 49°F
Chance 24%
Precip 0.02 in
Wind 5 mph
Wed 12 PM
Clear
Temp 62°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 11 mph
Wed 4 PM
Clear
Temp 70°F
Chance 3%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Drizzle
High 65°F / Low 46°F
Chance 13%
Precip 0.02 in
Max gust 17 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Drizzle
High 70°F / Low 48°F
Chance 24%
Precip 0.03 in
Max gust 23 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Drizzle
High 70°F / Low 48°F
Chance 52%
Precip 0.04 in
Max gust 18 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Showers
High 53°F / Low 42°F
Chance 95%
Precip 1.20 in
Max gust 18 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
The Snake near Irwin is the South Fork from Palisades Dam downstream to the Henrys Fork at Menan, water for rainbow trout and brown trout.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Snake River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Tailwater
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Bonneville, Idaho
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Bonneville
Management Category
Wild trout river
Regulation Scope
South Fork Snake River near Irwin / Palisades tailwater.
Regulation Summary
Snake near Irwin / South Fork Snake: IDFG Upper Snake South Fork Snake special rules. Confirm current 2025-2027 Fishing Seasons & Rules.
Target Species
brown-trout, rainbow-trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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