About the Upper South Fork of the Boise River

Much like the Middle Fork of the Boise, the upper South Fork presents many opportunities to fish unpressured water. The river is a natural freestone that originates at the base of the Sawtooth Mountain Range and boasts a very decent population of stocked and wild rainbow trout.

The lower stretch of the river, between the town of Pine and Baumgartner Campground, is a general rules fishery. However, the upper section above the campground is reserved as a blue ribbon trout stream.

Summer is by far the best time to fish this river. Dry fly opportunities with Attractor patterns are abundant and there is more river to fish than you can manage in a single day. If you get adventurous, you can take the access road over the summit all the way into Sun Valley and hook up with the Big Wood.

Early fall on the upper South Fork presents a unique opportunity to see thousands of Kokanee migrate up stream to the river’s headwaters. These are a bit more difficult to hook on the fly, but are extremely entertaining once you do – especially on lighter gear.

You’ll always know when the run is on. The crisp green pools and boulder pockets become blanketed with blood-red spawners. Regardless of when you go, fishing the upper South Fork is always a refreshing change of pace.