Hunting, Fishing & Wildlife

Experience the great outdoors. Eastern Idaho is rooted in respect and reverence for the land, agricultural roots, and Western heritage. A part of Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s region six known as the Upper Snake Region, the area contains incredibly diverse landscapes from high elevation sagebrush deserts and sand dunes to mountain peaks more than 12,000 feet tall. While you plan your escape to this rustic and pastoral region, make sure to educate yourself on the rules and regulations in place to protect our wildlife and resources. While you’re here, enjoy it to the fullest! But know before you go. And, as always, leave it better than how you found it.

Hunting

They say that, when it comes to hunting, it is just as much about the journey as it is the outcome. And in Eastern Idaho, the journey is laden with some pretty top-notch terrain just waiting for unforgettable memories to be made. The six-county region offers some of the best and most varied hunting in the West, including hunting for trophy species like moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat, to the more numerous mule and white-tailed deer, elk, and pronghorn antelope. You can also hunt black bear and mountain lion, along with badger, fox, raccoon, and bobcat.

As with all regions throughout the state, dates of hunts and types of weapons allowed are strictly controlled. Detailed information about rules and regulations is available at idfg.idaho.gov. There, you can purchase licenses and tags, which are also available at nearly 60 retail locations, including some sporting goods stores, pharmacies, and gas stations.

A wide variety of hunting outfitters operate in the region as well. Search by number of unit at the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association (ioga.org). A full directory is also available online from the Outfitters Guides and Licensing Board (oglb.idaho.gov). Idaho Fish and Game offers an interactive Idaho Hunt Planner online. The planner provides information on regulations, seasons, drawing odds, harvest statistics, maps, and hunt boundaries, all in one location. Or, visit yellowstoneteton.org and download our Hunting and Fishing Guide.

Be Bear Aware

Backcountry camping sites may be close to the homes of black bears and sometimes even grizzlies. Keep your camp clean of food and debris that would attract bears. Choose a spot near a meat pole or food locker, and use it to store all food. More info about bear safety and any other wildlife questions is available from local land management agencies:

Caribou-Targhee National Forest (208) 524-7500, fs.usda.gov/ctnf

Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (208) 525-7121, parksandrecreation.idaho.gov

Idaho Fish and Game 1-800-ASK FISH (554-8685), or (208) 525-7290, idfg.idaho.gov

Idaho State Parks Reservations (888) 922-6743, parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/camping National Park Service nps.gov

U.S. Bureau of Land Management (208) 523-1012, blm.gov/id

Out On The Water

As part of the arid Rockies, Eastern Idaho can boast some of the best waterways anywhere for fly fishing, boating, floating, canoeing, and other water sports. Ample resources abound—there are plenty of fish, clean rivers, and gorgeous vistas—as well as the people to assist you in enjoying them. Online and in person, check with knowledgeable outdoor shops, licensed vendors, fishing lodges, guides, and outfitters. As they say about real estate, it’s all “location, location, location.” Come play with us on the water!

Fly Fishing Extraordinaire

Anglers from across the world come to Yellowstone Teton Territory to drop their lines in our lakes and waterways. Some of our sites are legendary, and have been repeatedly covered in national and international fishing publications—the Henry’s Fork and the South Fork of the Snake River, for example.

The South Fork of the Snake, which runs from Palisades Reservoir northwest to meet the Henry’s Fork, offers 65 miles of pristine river, where the average flows are about 10,000 cubic feet per second. A variety of wildlife from raptors to deer, can be spotted from the river. Another highlight is Fall Creek Falls, where Fall Creek empties in dramatic fashion into the South Fork of the Snake River in Swan Valley. Different guides and outfitters prefer particular stretches of this world-famous waterway, and some have private access points. Although the South Fork is extremely popular, locals regularly claim that “there’s space and fish for all.”

The Henry’s Fork of the Snake River runs in a southerly direction from Henry’s Lake to its confluence with the South Fork, where these two major tributaries become the Snake River. The Henry’s Fork meanders through Harriman State Park, flows over Mesa Falls, is interrupted by Island Park Reservoir and Ashton Dam, and is accessible at many convenient put-in spots.

While these two rivers are the region’s superstars, other bodies of water also enjoy well-deserved acclaim and offer perfect spots to be enjoyed by families. The Teton River is a 64-mile-long tributary of the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River that runs through Teton Valley and the Snake River Plain. It is a favorite for fishing, paddle boarding, and kayaking. One of the largest dammed lakes in Idaho, Palisades Reservoir just outside of Swan Valley offers a great observation point, 70 miles of shoreline, and endless opportunities for fishing or just enjoying the water.

Always In Season

Every season brings its own fishing draw. The spring and summer bring anglers from across the globe searching for the trout of a lifetime. But the cooler months are a delight all their own. Winter brings freezing temps and unique opportunities for ice fishing. Head to Ririe Reservoir east of Idaho Falls for trout, kokanee, perch, walleye, and other species. Idaho Fish and Game recommends at least three to four inches of solid ice at minimum to support one angler, more for groups. Call any of the local guide shops for advice and tips—visit our Membership Directory (page 60) for some of the region’s finest outfitters.

When summer turns to fall and the cool air sets in, the South Fork is one of the best-kept secrets in fly fishing. The rivers are less crowded and the fish, particularly spawning brown trout, reach gargantuan sizes. Watch for bald eagles and moose from your boat as you cast a line and take in the changing seasons.

Angler Tips

• The Upper Snake Region has its own general and special rules for fishing; see more at idfg.idaho.gov. Idaho’s Fishing Seasons and Rules brochure is available at idfg.idaho.gov/cms/rules/

• State fishing licenses are required of both residents and nonresidents. For complete information about licenses, tags, permits, and fees (for fishing and hunting), see idfg.gov/licenses

• Waterway accesses are, in general, marked with signs on major roadways. Larger bodies of water have multiple boat ramps at convenient locations.

• Parking may be limited and/or unpaved at boat ramps. Some require fees.

• Be sure to follow all signage on lakes and rivers, particularly regarding closures due to waterfalls, shallow areas, and rapid waters.

• Boat ramp conditions can vary. The nearly 20 ramps operated by the Caribou-Targhee National Forest on the Ashton-Island Park and Palisades Ranger Districts all include restrooms.

• In some places, such as on Palisades Reservoir and at the Roberts Gravel Pond, you can fish year-round, and ice fishing is a popular local sport. Always check for stability and strength of ice before heading out.

Check with area guides and outfitters for more information. More at yellowstoneteton.org.

NATURE SIGHTINGS: Birds and Blooms

The entire Yellowstone Teton Territory sits along the Pacific Flyway in the Southeast Region of the Idaho Birding Trail (designated by Idaho Fish and Game). Literally thousands of migrating birds begin to fill our skies in March and April.

Excellent spots to birdwatch—besides the national wildlife refuges and state wildlife management areas—are detailed on the Idaho Birding Trail website (idfg.idaho.gov/ibt).

Who doesn’t love the sight of colorful wildflowers? Luckily, our backcountry is verdant, with wildflowers growing along virtually every trail in Eastern Idaho! Mid- to late summer—late July and August—is the best time for wildflowers, as high-mountain flora need snow to melt and temperatures to rise before bursting into bloom.

Camping

Eastern Idaho boasts a huge variety of campgrounds, from the most remote hike-in-only spots to those of the sleep-in-your-car variety. While some are privately maintained, many are managed by various federal and state agencies, such as the Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Department of State Parks and Recreation, and others.

Each specific campground has its own fees, rules, and schedule. In general, plan to carry out your own trash and conserve water. Some areas are available weather-permitting only. Services are generally limited, so plan ahead. Electricity is sometimes available for an extra charge.

In some places, reservations are required; check with the specific location before you go. Camp capacities can be easily exceeded on many weekends. If you want a specific camping spot (and a reservations system is not available for your destination), arrive early in the day. Some favorite camping spots include Twin Bridges Park (off the Archer Highway near Ririe, on an island between two forks of the Snake River); St. Anthony Sand Dunes; and Beaver Dick County Park (west of Rexburg on ID 33 alongside the Henry’s Fork).

Eastern Idaho is especially beautiful during the fall, with frostycold nights and the foliage of aspen and other trees turning into warm shades of gold and red. Look for fabulous autumn colors along all of our scenic byways, in creek and river bottoms, and in foothill areas near the Beaverhead Mountains and the Teton Range. Campgrounds on public lands that charge fees are listed in the Lodging section starting on page 63.

ON THE ROAD IN YOUR RV?

Now more than ever, traveling by recreational vehicle or camper van is a great way to hit the road, see the sites, and spend some quality time with your family. Explore the Yellowstone Teton Territory behind the wheel of an RV and enjoy the many scenic drives throughout the area. Dump stations are conveniently located throughout the area (watch for this standard symbol). RV parks are listed in the Lodging section on pages 64 and 65. Complete RV services in the state are cataloged in a free RV Idaho guide, available at visitor centers, RV dealerships, RV parks, and online at rvidaho.org.