Fishing Outlook 2011

Southeast Idaho drainages all have at least 100% in snow water equivalency this winter which means good runoff and good fishing late in the summer and fall. The Blackfoot River drainage is over 100% and the Bear River is over 125%. This may delay early fishing in streams until the runoff is done but late June through September should be fabulous.


The Snow Survey information can be found here: http://www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/data/current.html

 Wild Water Fly Fishing Complete 5/6 Starter Package
Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die
Flywater: Fly-Fishing Rivers of the West
Dr. Slick Lanyard - LOADED

Spring Runoff Outlook Looks Very Positive

So far this year the snow pack and snow water equivalent is well above average, which means that spring runoff should be good and late season fishing even better. The Bear River drainage is at 160% of normal while the Blackfoot River drainage is at 150%. Snow water equivalency is almost 10 inches more than last year.

If the weather pattern holds as predicted, Idaho Fly Fishing should be exceptional next year!

Flywater: Fly-Fishing Rivers of the West
Fly Box + 100 Assorted Fly Fishing Fly Package
Silver Lake Fishing Flies Assortment
Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die

A Bad Winter Only Gets Worse

This winter has been one of the worst on record for snowpack which means a lot of Idaho's streams and rivers (non-tailwater of course) are going to suffer from low water flow probably starting in early July. Hopefully the next few months will bring ample rain. The bright side...it's 51 degrees outside and sunny!

IDAHO SNOTEL Snow Water Equivalent Update Graph

As of TUESDAY: MARCH 16 , 2010

Basin	Snow Water Equivalent Percent of Average
NORTHERN PANHANDLE REGION	69%
SPOKANE RIVER BASIN	52%
CLEARWATER BASIN	53%
SALMON BASIN	60%
WEISER BASIN	72%
PAYETTE BASIN	58%
BOISE BASIN	68%
BIG WOOD BASIN	65%
LITTLE WOOD BASIN	60%
BIG LOST BASIN	56%
LITTLE LOST, BIRCH BASINS	66%
MEDICINE LODGE, BEAVER, CAMAS BASINS	63%
HENRYS FORK, TETON BASINS	53%
SNAKE BASIN ABOVE PALISADES	52%
WILLOW, BLACKFOOT, PORTNEUF BASINS	55%
SNAKE BASIN ABOVE AMERICAN FALLS	53%
OAKLEY BASIN	76%
SALMON FALLS BASIN	67%
BRUNEAU BASIN	74%
OWYHEE BASIN	88%
BEAR RIVER BASIN	56%

Legend:

<70%

70-90%

91-110%

111-130%

>130%

Current IDAHO SNOTEL report

As you can see from the most recent Snow Survey report, Southeast Idaho mountains are extremely deficient in snow pack. The stream systems that rely on high snow water equivalency will suffer...i.e. the Blackfoot River.

IDAHO SNOTEL Snow Water Equivalent Update Graph

As of WEDNESDAY: FEBRUARY 24 , 2010

Basin	Snow Water Equivalent Percent of Average
NORTHERN PANHANDLE REGION	70%
SPOKANE RIVER BASIN	52%
CLEARWATER BASIN	53%
SALMON BASIN	62%
WEISER BASIN	73%
PAYETTE BASIN	59%
BOISE BASIN	69%
BIG WOOD BASIN	64%
LITTLE WOOD BASIN	59%
BIG LOST BASIN	57%
LITTLE LOST, BIRCH BASINS	69%
MEDICINE LODGE, BEAVER, CAMAS BASINS	67%
HENRYS FORK, TETON BASINS	58%
SNAKE BASIN ABOVE PALISADES	56%
WILLOW, BLACKFOOT, PORTNEUF BASINS	58%
SNAKE BASIN ABOVE AMERICAN FALLS	57%
OAKLEY BASIN	76%
SALMON FALLS BASIN	66%
BRUNEAU BASIN	63%
OWYHEE BASIN	79%
BEAR RIVER BASIN	58%

Legend:

<70%

70-90%

91-110%

111-130%

>130%