Main Stem Snake River
MAIN STEM SNAKE RIVER
ReportOCT 7 — 14, 2026
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Flow
1310CFS
SNAKE RIVER NR BLACKFOOT ID
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Water Temp
56.3°F
Updated 2026-10-07
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Weather
47–83°F
Sunny
🎣
Reported By
Bruce Staples
On the water
Outflow from American Falls Reservoir has dropped, leaving low, wadeable flows above the reservoir (1,310 cfs at Blackfoot, 56.3°F) and approximately 3,700 cfs below the dam — ideal for boating but dangerous for wading. Brown trout are actively migrating to spawning areas throughout the river.
From the ShopBruce Staples · October 7, 2026
Outflow has dropped from American Falls Reservoir and water storage is ramping up as irrigation needs diminish. Widespread wading locations are present as the river above the reservoir has low flow. This means safer wading and more access to the river.
Brown trout are beginning to migrate to spawning areas throughout the river. Streamer and woolly bugger patterns on sink tip or full sinking lines with stout leaders are always the best producers. Evenings, early mornings, and stormy conditions are the best times to fish for them.
All boat launches above the Tilden Bridge are open. Flow below American Falls Dam is about 3,700 cfs, so wading there remains dangerous but is ideal for boating.
What's Working — Hot Flies
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) | #18–22 | Low — overcast or afternoon hatches possible | Midday to afternoon |
| Midge | #20–24 | Moderate — consistent October presence | Late morning to early afternoon |
| Streamer / Baitfish | #4–8 | High — brown trout on spawning migration are aggressive | Early morning and evening |
Best Time Window
- FIRST LIGHT TO 9 AM: Prime streamer window — swing and strip woolly bugger and sculpin patterns through staging runs before the sun gets high.
- EVENING (1 HR BEFORE DARK): The other top low-light window for aggressive brown trout; go dark and big with black or olive streamers on a full sinking line.
- STORM/OVERCAST PERIODS: Any cloud cover or weather change extends the streamer bite throughout the day — watch the forecast and capitalize on any break from the sunny conditions.
Guide's Tip
From the benchRun a sink tip or full sinking line with a short, stout leader — this is not a situation for a long, delicate tippet. Focus your efforts during the low-light windows of early morning and evening, or wait for a storm front to roll through, as those are the conditions Madison flagged as most productive for the migrating browns. If you're floating below American Falls Dam at 3,700 cfs, stay in the boat — wading that stretch is genuinely dangerous right now.
Main Species
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
