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The Swan Valley
area is best known for the year-round, premier fly fishing on
the South Fork of the Snake River. Anglers can fish
year-round for Rainbow, German Browns, and native Cutthroats.
From Palisades Dam to the Henry's Fork confluence, anglers can
navigate almost 66 miles of water in pristine setting, casting
to deep pools, slick runs and riffles along the many islands
and channels.
The South Fork also offers a great experience for rafting,
canoeing and kayaking. Wildlife along the river is
abundant with populations of great blue herons, Canadian
geese, bald eagles, and osprey.
Moose are regularly seen in the river bottom as well as white
tail deer, many varieties of ducks, otters, beavers,
and songbirds. The South Fork is considered to be
Idaho's number one unique wildlife ecosystem.
The boat accesses include Byington Boat Access east of Ririe;
Conant Valley and Spring Creek, near the Swan Valley Bridge;
Cottonwood Landing, Irwin Acccess, Menan Bridge, Twin Bridges
Park, Wolf Flat, and the Dam at Palisades Reservoirs.
The Dam, Spring Creek and Twin Bridges offer camping.
Sections of The South Fork
The Upper Stretch from the Palisades Dam to the Conant Valley
Access is approximately 18 miles and offers the angler deep
pools,
 side
channels, and gravel bars. Access to this section off of
Highway 26 is available just below the dam, in Irwin at the
Sportsmen's Access and at the Swan Valley Bridge (Spring Creek
Access).
For wade fishermen, river access is fairly easy near the Swan
Valley Bridge, either off of Highway 26 on one side or River
Road on other other.
The Canyon section of the river runs from the Conant Valley
access to the Byington access through volcanic cliffs and a
cottonwood forest river bottom, home to the largest bald eagle
winter roost in the Northern Rockies. Access is limited
to this stretch, but floaters will find a few side channels
for wade fishing. Many anglers camp overnight on this
stretch. Permits and information are available at the Conant Valley access.
Knowledge of this stretch of the river is essential due to the
swift currents and irrigation diversion dams.
The lower section of the South Fork runs from Byington to
Menan and is the most technical section of the river.
Runoff debris, logjams and numerous side channels impose
hazards to those unfamiliar with this section.
View map of the South Fork
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Guided fishing
trips, licenses, shuttle, and fly fishing supplies are
available locally.
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For visitors
exploring the Greater Yellowstone Area, Swan Valley is ideally
located within easy driving distances of major airports and
the spectacular sights in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National
Parks. Located on the South Fork of the Snake River in
Southeastern Idaho, the Swan Valley area offers blue ribbon
trout fishing, world-class snowmobiling, trail rides to
mountain peaks, wildlife viewing, hiking to pristine, high
mountain lakes, and 25 square miles of water sports on
Palisades Reservoir.