Palisades Reservoir
A Bureau of Reclamation reservoir on the South Fork Snake River along the Idaho-Wyoming border, reaching up toward Alpine, Wyoming. It is known for cutthroat and brown trout, kokanee and lake trout in a mountain setting.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Cutthroat Trout
Fish near the river and creek inlets where cool water enters, especially in spring and fall.
Kokanee
Troll small spinners or pop gear behind dodgers in open water in summer, going deeper as it warms.
Brown Trout
Cast or troll stickbaits near inlets and along rocky banks at low light, best in fall.
Lake Trout
Mackinaw hold deep in the main basin. Jig or troll near bottom.
Boat launches
4 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- McCoy Creek boat rampPublicCaribou-Targhee National Forest ramp for motorized boatsDirections ↗
- Big Elk Creek Boating SitePublicForest Service site on an inlet arm, motorized and non-motorized useDirections ↗
- Alpine Boat LandingPublicForest Service landing two miles west of Alpine, WY, off Highway 26 at the southeast endDirections ↗
- Blowout CanyonCarry-inNon-motorized put-in for kayaks, canoes and paddleboardsDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Palisades Reservoir are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Idaho Department of Fish and Game ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near Palisades Reservoir ↗Local tips
- Water levels fall through late summer as Reclamation releases irrigation water, and some ramps close at low water or in winter.
- Afternoon wind can build big waves on the open basin; small boats should stay near shore.
- The reservoir crosses into Wyoming near Alpine, so carry the right license for where you fish.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
More Idaho lakes
Coeur d'Alene Lake Lake Cascade Priest Lake Dworshak Reservoir Blackfoot Reservoir Brownlee Reservoir Lake Lowell Lake Walcott All Idaho lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.