Main Stem Snake River
MAIN STEM SNAKE RIVER
ReportNOV 4 — 11, 2026
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Flow
2880CFS
SNAKE RIVER NR BLACKFOOT ID
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Water Temp
56.3°F
Updated 2026-11-04
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Weather
31–51°F
Mostly Cloudy
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Reported By
Bruce Staples
On the water
The Snake River at Blackfoot is running 2,880 cfs at 56.3°F, with low flows above the reservoir opening up widespread safe wading and ~315 cfs below American Falls Dam making that tailwater section fully accessible on foot.
From the ShopBruce Staples · November 4, 2026
Mainstem Snake River, November 4th, 2026. Widespread safe wading locations are present in the river above the reservoir because of the low flow. Brown trout are migrating 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 encounter them.
Flow below American Falls Dam is about 315 cfs, so wading there is now possible. Streamer, woolly bugger, and large rubber leg patterns are best for encountering resident trout. Look for crowding directly below the dam but fewer anglers at access sites downstream.
What's Working — Hot Flies
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Trout Spawning Migration | N/A | High — fish actively moving to spawning areas throughout the river | Evenings, early mornings, and stormy conditions |
| Sculpin / Baitfish (Streamer) | #4–#6 | Moderate to High — primary trigger for aggressive browns | Low-light hours and overcast periods |
| Woolly Bugger / Leech | #6–#14 | Moderate to High — consistent producer on sink tip and full sinking lines | Evenings and early mornings |
| Large Stonefly Nymph / Rubber Legs | #6 | Moderate — best for resident trout below American Falls Dam | All day below the dam |
Best Time Window
- EARLY MORNING (first light to 9 AM): Prime window for migrating brown trout — fish streamers and woolly buggers aggressively on sinking lines.
- EVENING (1 hour before dark to dark): The other top low-light period; swing big streamers through likely holding water for the best shots at spawning-run browns.
- STORMY / OVERCAST CONDITIONS (any time of day): Overcast skies and dropping pressure activate fish throughout the day — today's mostly cloudy forecast with a high of 51°F sets up well.
Guide's Tip
From the benchRig your streamer or woolly bugger on a sink tip or full sinking line with a short, stout leader — this is the setup Madison specifically calls out for moving browns. Below American Falls Dam, head downstream from the dam itself to escape the crowds and find less-pressured water at the access sites further down.
Main Species
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
