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Island Park MAP

Posted on: April 26, 2007

By Dave Langston

Memorial weekend, the opening of fishing season for Idaho anglers is an event all to itself. With thousands of miles of rivers, streams and reservoirs to fulfill their fishing fantasies, many come to Island Park 25 miles south west of Yellowstone National Park to cure the cabin fever blues and explore what many call the “best damn trout fishing in North America,” and I for one agree.

This 7000-acre reservoir is on U.S. Highway 20, about 30 miles north of Ashton. The reservoir was constructed in 1938 as an irrigation storage facility, and has added to the diverse fishing opportunities of the area.

With low water over the past 5-6 years, fishing has declined and anglers fishing the reservoir have had poor catch rates. But, with average to above average precipitation during 2005 and 2006 anglers are expecting good to very good fishing this season, with a few large trout in the 10-pound class to be taken.

Trout and kokanee provide the base of the Island Park fishery. Rainbow and rainbow/cutthroat hybrids are the most popular for anglers, with kokanee a close second. Brook trout and whitefish round out the game fish populations. Lahontan cutthroat have been stocked to take advantage of the abundant prey base and to provide a future trophy fishery.

You can expect the opener to be hectic, crowds of vacationers and weekend warriors will be living the entire camping experience during this time. But true die-hard anglers know the crowds will leave and during the week the best fishing can be had.

Island Park reservoir is designated a family fishing water with simple regulations. Anglers can fish with standard fishing gear, a year-round season and no length limits. A great get away for the entire family offering the best of Idaho’s backcountry.

The Green Canyon boat launch on the west end of the reservoir is a good bet for a stringer of kokanee. Use small silver spoons, wobblers and spinners to harvest your limit of six. Remember, all cutthroats in rivers and streams are protected. Only two may be kept with none less than 16 inches. One campground is present on this end of the reservoir.

Access on the east end of the reservoir near the dam is excellent. Camping facilities, boat ramps and areas for shoreline fishing are all available for anglers willing to put a few miles on their feet. This is a good area to concentrate on big rainbows and cutthroats. In my opinion, this is where most of the larger 5 – 10 pound wall hangers will be taken this year. Again, traditional tackle will work. Panther martins, rapalas and shad raps will take fish holding in the 10 – 20 foot range but anglers using down riggers will have better success hooking into the big ones down deep.

Just below Island Park Reservoir begins one of the most popular stretches of river. A mile below the tail-water outflow, the Buffalo River joins the “World Famous” Henry’s Fork, a blue ribbon fishery rivaled to none. The junction of these two rivers is the beginning of the Box Canyon, which is famous for its huge rainbows that inhabit this section of white water madness. This section is approximately 3 miles long and offers excellent fishing especially with big buggy nymphs all season and Salmon Flies during the spring.

Local guides do offer float trips but most are booked for the season by now. Last Chance is a good bet to find a guide that will fit your needs. Contact Sportsman’s Warehouse in Idaho Falls at 208-542-1900 for more information on guides and tackle shops and up to date information on water conditions.

The Buffalo River is shallow, meandering and often over looked as anglers are making the trek to the upper Snake River region. But, I have fished this section of water and been amazed at the endless supply of brook trout that patrol the river. A few years back I had to literally fish through dozens of small scrappy 6-8 inch brookies to land one over 12 inches. But I had the time of my life.

Small nymphs are the way to go but spin fishermen also score using small panther martins and mepps spinners. Silver and gold are top bets but wild rainbows in the 12 – 14 inch range often prefer fluorescent orange, something about that color drives them nuts.

A recent Conversation with Buck Goodrich of Idaho Falls, also world famous flies tier revealed the release of a 15-pound rainbow in the Buffalo. “ Someone is going to have a heart attack,” he laughed. “This fish was shocked up below Island Park Dam by Idaho Fish and Game (208)-232-4703 with members of the Upper Snake River Cutthroat club bullock@srv.net and released in the Buffalo, it is sure a head turner,” he said.

The Buffalo Campground located 26 miles south of West Yellowstone on the Buffalo River is dotted with pine and aspens and provides anglers the beauty of Idaho’s outdoors. There is a lodge and grocery store nearby and restrooms are provided. Loop B has a fishing dock that is barrier-free. The river here is slow and shallow allowing for excellent wade fishing and canoeing.

Before I go remember, grizzlies do frequent this area. A local man was just attacked by a 400 pound 14 year old male and barely lived to tell his tale. Make plenty of noise, carry bear repellent and stay on main trails when you go out. Always let others know where you are going and the time expected for return.

WHERE: Island Park Reservoir located 25 miles south west of Yellowstone National Park. The Buffalo River located 26 miles south of West Yellowstone.

WHEN: May 26th is the opener for fishing on streams and rivers and some reservoirs in this area. Island Park Reservoir is open year round.

WHAT: The Buffalo River contains a large supply of brook trout up to 12 inches. Rainbows up to a few pounds also inhabit these waters. Island Park is a good bet for Kokanee, rainbows, hybrids and cutthroats. Small spinners in silver and gold are good bets at this time of the year.


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About Dave Langston

Outdoor writer Dave Langston resides in Chubbuck. He grew up in the Midwest and south fishing and hunting across the country.

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