Small Streams
SMALL STREAMS
ReportNOV 4 — 11, 2026
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Flow
—CFS
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Water Temp
—
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Weather
27–49°F
Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny
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Reported By
Bruce Staples
On the water
Cool, foggy November conditions have settled over Southeast Idaho's small streams, with highs only reaching the upper 40s and overnight lows dipping into the upper 20s. Blackfoot, Teton, and Warm Rivers are the top fly fishing destinations right now as the season winds down.
From the ShopBruce Staples · November 4, 2026
IDF&G has placed a salvage order on all irrigation canals in the Upper Snake and Southeast Idaho Regions. This applies to all canals because salmonids trapped within will go to waste if not harvested. There is no possession limit for these fish. For the extensive list of canals and legal methods, visit the IDF&G Press Releases web page.
Blackfoot, Teton, and Warm Rivers are the best bets for fly fishing success during the fall season. BWOs are what's left of those big mayfly emergences of a few months ago. Caddis, although diminishing in general, are active during late afternoons. Wet fly fishing will produce better action.
What's Working — Hot Flies
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) | #20-22 | Low to Moderate — tail end of fall emergence | Midday to early afternoon |
| Caddis | #18-20 | Diminishing — still present | Late afternoon |
| Midges | #20-22 | Low — typical November background activity | Midday |
Best Time Window
- MIDDAY (11AM–2PM): Target BWO hatches with dry flies or emergers as fog clears and temperatures peak
- LATE AFTERNOON (3PM–DUSK): Swing wet flies and caddis patterns through runs and tailouts during the diminishing caddis activity
Guide's Tip
From the benchWith wet fly fishing producing the best action right now, focus on swinging soft hackles and caddis wets through the seams and tailouts on the Blackfoot, Teton, and Warm Rivers during the afternoon hours. Time your BWO dry fly efforts for the midday warmth when fog lifts and temperatures peak near 49°F — fish will be most active in that narrow window before temps slide back down. Don't overlook the IDF&G salvage opportunity on irrigation canals; it's a unique chance to harvest salmonids that would otherwise go to waste, with no possession limit in effect.
Main Species
Brook Trout
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
Rainbow Trout
