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Idaho · Fishing
Irwin sits in the upper Snake River country of eastern Idaho, and the fishing around it leans heavily toward still water.
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Irwin sits in the upper Snake River country of eastern Idaho, and the fishing around it leans heavily toward still water. The area's standout options are Palisades Reservoir, Upper Palisades Lake, Big Elk, and Calamity — all lake fisheries, which shapes what you should expect and how you should prepare. Palisades Reservoir is the anchor of the region, a large impoundment on the Snake River that holds kokanee salmon, cutthroat trout, and mackinaw (lake trout), with enough water to fish from shore or run a boat depending on where you access it. Upper Palisades Lake sits higher in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and requires a hike to reach, so it draws fewer people and rewards those willing to put in the miles. Big Elk and Calamity are smaller lake options that tend to suit anglers looking for a quieter day without a long approach. All four are within reasonable driving distance of Irwin, making the town a practical base for working through several of them across a multi-day trip. Because every listing here is lake fishing, you won't be wading rivers — plan your gear accordingly.
Palisades Reservoir is known for kokanee salmon, cutthroat trout, and lake trout (mackinaw). The smaller lakes — Big Elk, Upper Palisades Lake, and Calamity — typically hold cutthroat trout. Check Idaho Fish and Game's current stocking reports before your trip, as stocking schedules and catch rates vary by season and year.
You can fish from shore at several access points around Palisades Reservoir, but a boat opens up significantly more water, especially for targeting mackinaw in deeper sections. Shore fishing works best early in the season when fish are shallower. If you're targeting kokanee, trolling from a boat is the most effective method.
Big Elk
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Trail Creek
~25 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
McCoy Creek Campground
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
South Fork of the Snake River: Conant Boat Access
~25 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Snake River - South Park
~36 min drive
Moderate
Calamity
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Little Cottonwood Group
~26 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Teton River: Driggs Access
~45 min drive
Moderate
Alpine North Loop
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Mike Harris
~26 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
South Fork of the Snake River: Heise Access
~57 min drive
Moderate
Falls Campground
~21 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Upper Palisades Lake requires a hike into the Caribou-Targhee National Forest — it's not a drive-up fishery. The trail is several miles round trip with elevation gain, so pack accordingly and plan for a half-day minimum. The payoff is lighter fishing pressure and a genuine backcountry setting compared to the reservoir.
Late spring through early fall is the primary window, with June and September often being the most productive months before and after summer heat pushes fish deeper. Kokanee at Palisades tend to be most accessible in early summer before they move to deeper, cooler water. Upper Palisades Lake may not be accessible until snowpack clears, typically late June or July depending on the year.
You need a valid Idaho fishing license, available through Idaho Fish and Game's website or at local sporting goods retailers. Regulations for Palisades Reservoir and the surrounding lakes can include specific bag limits and gear restrictions, so pull the current Idaho Fishing Regulations booklet for the Southeast Region before you go rather than relying on general rules.
