Payette River

About Payette River

The Payette River originates in the Sawtooth and Salmon River Mountains at elevations over 10,000 feet, flowing through rugged scenery and steep canyon walls before reaching an agricultural valley and emptying into the Snake River. Its South Fork headwaters are in the Sawtooth Wilderness, trickling from the Sawtooth Mountains. This upper South Fork offers secluded sections with picture-perfect pocket water, long runs, and pools. Anglers will find numerous access points along both the South Fork and Main Stem, with facilities including toilets and campgrounds, some with ADA access. Abundant rainbow trout are present throughout the Payette River, including both wild and stocked fish. Wild rainbow trout in the upper South Fork tend to be smaller. Other recommended game fish include Redband Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Mountain Whitefish, Steelhead, Cutthroat Trout, Bluegill, Crappie, and Catfish. Sporadic caddis hatches occur on both the South Fork and North Fork during late spring and early summer. While trout are not usually too selective, they may key in on specific colors or patterns. When fishing the Payette, carry a selection of common fly patterns in various colors. The Elk Hair Caddis is a strong all-around caddis imitation and a top dry fly. The Annihilator also works as a versatile attractor dry, resembling a caddisfly. For subsurface work, the Prince Nymph is a popular and versatile attractor, especially effective in fast currents; try a Purple Prince Nymph. The Copper John, with its bead head and segmented body, imitates various larvae well. Green Caddis Larva patterns are perfect for native green caddisflies, often called rockworms. The San Juan Worm, typically red, is a great "search fly" and works well with a dead drift approach. Focus your efforts on tailouts—the downstream ends of pools and runs. Floating and fishing from small crafts is a popular method here.