Bonneville County, ID · Inland River
South Fork Snake River (Heise)
The cottonwood-lined tailwater below Palisades Dam — the most important wild Yellowstone cutthroat fishery in the West, and one of the great float trips in trout fishing. Cutthroat, brown, and rainbow trout fill the canyon and braided sections; the salmonfly hatch in late June draws anglers from across the country.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout & Rainbow Trout — tied at the top (74/100)
3 species tied for best of 3 tracked at South Fork Snake River (Heise).
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at South Fork Snake River (Heise)
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 3 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Cutthroat Trout Great day to fish for Cutthroat Trout. In season 74/100
What's helping
- 14 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
About. Oncorhynchus clarkii — The West's native trout, named for the red-orange slash under the jaw. Many subspecies — Yellowstone, Snake River fine-spotted, Bonneville, Colorado River, and the giant Lahontan strain of Pyramid Lake, which routinely tops 10 lb and once produced fish over 40. Feeds hard in cold water, which makes it a year-round target on tailwaters and a marquee winter–spring fishery at Pyramid. Hybridizes readily with stocked rainbows, so wild-cutthroat waters carry strict release rules.
Prefers. Water 39–62°F (ideal 54°F) · either tide · depth 1–25 ft.
- Daily creel
- 6
Idaho general trout limit: 6/day. The South Fork Snake and Henry's Fork protect wild cutthroat — several reaches are no-harvest on cutthroat or fly-only catch-and-release (Harriman "Ranch"); the South Fork is open July 1–Dec 15 with no boats before July 16. Confirm the reach.
Source: Idaho non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Brown Trout Great day to fish for Brown Trout. In season 74/100
What's helping
- 14 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
About. Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Daily creel
- 6
Idaho general trout limit: 6/day.
Source: Idaho non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Rainbow Trout Great day to fish for Rainbow Trout. In season 74/100
What's helping
- 14 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 6
Idaho general trout limit: 6/day.
Source: Idaho non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Idaho non-tidal
Coordinates
Notes
Open July 1–Dec 15; no boats, rafts, or float tubes before July 16. Idaho manages the river to favor native cutthroat over rainbows.
Local reports & rules for South Fork Snake River (Heise): Idaho Fish & Game fishing & regulations → · trout stocking schedule → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at South Fork Snake River (Heise)?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at South Fork Snake River (Heise) you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at South Fork Snake River (Heise)?
South Fork Snake River (Heise) is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at South Fork Snake River (Heise)?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at South Fork Snake River (Heise) against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does South Fork Snake River (Heise) have?
South Fork Snake River (Heise) has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. Open July 1–Dec 15; no boats, rafts, or float tubes before July 16. Idaho manages the river to favor native cutthroat over rainbows.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at South Fork Snake River (Heise)?
state agency regulations apply at South Fork Snake River (Heise). Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is South Fork Snake River (Heise) tidal water?
No. South Fork Snake River (Heise) is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.