Idaho Fly Fishing Outlook - February 3, 2010

Even after all of the snow received in the mountains over the last two weeks, Eastern Idaho and Southeast Idaho snowpack levels remain very low for this time of year. Hopefully the groundhog was right and there is still six more weeks of winter (if you are into that sort of thing of course!). 

The Blackfoot River is very dependent on the snow water equivalent to maintain optimal flows in the summer. Without a significant increase in snow pack (or a very wet, rainy spring) the upper Blackfoot River may not be in poor shape for this summer's fishing season. The Henry's Fork, with excellent spring flows, may have lower water, but will probably still be great fishing as the lower flows make it more accessible by foot.

IDAHO SNOTEL Snow Water Equivalent Update Graph

As of WEDNESDAY: FEBRUARY 3 , 2010

Basin	Snow Water Equivalent Percent of Average
LITTLE LOST, BIRCH BASINS	75%
MEDICINE LODGE, BEAVER, CAMAS BASINS	67%
HENRYS FORK, TETON BASINS	63%
SNAKE BASIN ABOVE PALISADES	59%
WILLOW, BLACKFOOT, PORTNEUF BASINS	60%
SNAKE BASIN ABOVE AMERICAN FALLS	61%
BEAR RIVER BASIN	60%

Legend:

<70%

70-90%

91-110%

111-130%

>130%