Best-Kept Secret Fly Fishing Lodge in Idaho
Reel in Adventure in Swan Valley, ID, at this six-oversized suite Fishing Lodge in Irwin.
River Retreat Lodge is minutes from the banks of the famed Southfork of the Snake River, dubbed the best fly-fishing in the United States, and minutes from three noteworthy Wyoming Rivers—this Idaho Fishing Lodge in Irwin is minutes from the banks of the famed Southfork of the Snake River Greys, Green, and Salt. And for those seeking a fishing adventure on Palisades Reservoir, we have a guide for that, too!
Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel frequent these rivers, and River Retreat Lodge is your perfect Idaho fly-fishing destination retreat. Book the entire lodge for a corporate retreat or guys’ getaway. Or book one of the incredible suites. With gourmet dining, The Gilded Trumpeter, onsite (beer and wine available), your stay is easy. Breakfast is always included with your stay.
Local fishing guides and outfitters book summer fly-fishing packages early. Typically, most guides are completely booked by April for summer dates of the same year. We always recommend booking early. The good news is that River Retreat Lodge has local guide connections to get you on the River, and our resident fishing expert, John, can provide tips on the best fishing any time of the year. This fly fishing lodge in Southeastern Idaho offers deluxe suites, warm hospitality, and impeccable meals and is always up for sharing big fish stories. River Retreat Lodge is about an hour from Idaho Falls, ID, and Jackson Hole, WY.
At River Retreat Lodge, bring your own drift boat, let us help you book a guide for a day of fishing (or two!), and experience the best of the area’s four renowned rivers. The goal: get you some Wild cutthroats, rainbow trout, brown trout, and Brooke trout.
For the best angling experience, whether you are an avid fly fisherman or just starting to learn, book River Retreat Lodge for all your fly fishing needs.
2 Southfork of the Snake River Fly-Fishing Myths You Need To Know
Knowing these important facts guarantees your drift boat run or guided day on the South Fork of the Snake River is successful. This fly-fishing is the go-to for many and does not disappoint, but don’t be duped by these common myths while visiting.
MYTH #1 – You can book a fly-fishing guide or float down the Southfork anytime.
False! You need to book by mid-April. Many visitors believe they can float the river or get a guide anytime. The truth is, you must plan your fly-fishing trips on the Southfork of the Snake River. The limited amount of permits given for the river and limited guides make getting on the Southfork of the Snake River more challenging.
It is recommended that all summer trips be booked in advance—book by April 15, 2024, for guaranteed float/guide service.
MYTH #2 – June and July is the best time to fish
While summer is a big draw for visitors, and Swan Valley offers warmer temperatures in June and July, the best fly-fishing actually occurs in August and September. There are many reasons for this: cooler temperatures, water levels, and the number of people on the river. Due to the warm rivers in June and July, the fish swim deeper during these months. With fewer people and cooler temperatures in August and September, the fish are active and tend to bite more.
Pro: tip For Swan Valley, ID:
Stay at River Retreat Lodge—Get a guide for the four Rivers in the Area: the Southfork of the Snake River and the Greys, Green, and Salt Rivers of Wyoming.
To have the best Swan Valley, Idaho fishing trip experience, bring the following:
- Purchase your Idaho Fishing License before your trip (link below)
- Sunscreen (at all times of the year – we are high altitude!)
- Jacket/Pullover (temps can dip low in the early morning)
- Hat and Sunglasses (both a necessity for weather conditions)
- Fly-rod if you have one, usually or 5 or 6 weight will work.
- Any medication required during the day (especially if you use an epi-pen!)
- During Spring and Fall – bring layered items such as long underwear, rain jackets, etc.
Optional items by your preference:
- Personal Fishing Gear
- Raingear (Recommended)
- Neoprene Waders if you will want to be doing walk-in fishing in other areas
- River Shoes/Wading Boots
À la Carte Fly-fishing Trips on the Southfork of Snake River and the Salt River
À la Carte – Drift Boat Trips Include:
- Professional Guide Service Partner
- Drift Boat (2 guests)
- Use of Fishing equipment (if requested)
- Sandwich Lunch & Drinks
Note: Flies not included with Southfork Trip
$750/boat for a full day
Call for Availability will need to book directly with one of our partners for the Southfork
$700/boat for a full day
Book direct with us for the Salt River, WY
Walk-In Fishing to Wyoming’s Salt River Include:
- Professional Guide
- Use of Fishing Equipment (if requested)
- Flies
- Sandwich Lunch & Drinks
Call for Availability on A la Carte TripsÀ
- Why Fish Swan Valley In Spring?
Spring means more fish, clean water, and a fly-casting retreat in perfect conditions. This off-the-beaten-path location is about an hour from Jackson Hole, WY, and offers exquisite fishing on the Southfork of the Snake River and nearby access to Wyoming Rivers, The Greys, Green, and The Salt. With access to four pristine rivers, fishing is incredible during the spring.
Late February And March Mean, More Fish
Late February and all of March are some of the best fishing during the year on the enticing river Southfork of the Snake River. This is because the water levels are under 1000 CFS (cubic feet per second). This means there are more fish per square capita of water. It will fish fantastic until the CFS gets to about 2200. This time of year can be challenging because of the cooler and/or inclement weather in the high 20s to low 40s. Our midge hatch is also happening at this time, and using nymphs, emergers, and drys will result in a fine catch. If your fingers can take the cold, you will catch an abundance of fish; at times, the quota and sizes can be outstanding.
A 5-6-weight rod will be your best bet for any of our fishing in the area.
No Dirty/Murky Water in Spring Runoff Months
Our waters are rising in April, May, and June, but we are sheltered from Dirty water at that time because the Palisades Dam filters it. During these months, you will also be nymphing and streamer fishing. From late June to the first part of July, the Dry Fly fishing gets into gear and giant stone flies and PMD’s are the best to use. Other rivers come into play in the area at that time after Spring Run Off, where the hatches are just as fantastic over in nearby Wyoming on the Salt, Greys, and Green Rivers.
- Cooler water and temperatures create perfect fishing conditions.
- Water levels are lower, also creating ideal conditions for hooking fish.
- September offers some of the best fly hatches.
- Fewer crowds mean quieter rivers and access to the best locations.
- Private guides are still available through River Retreat Lodge- Discover and hook some incredibly large trout.
2024 Fishing Packages
Swan Valley Lodging + Fly-Fishing Packages
(Double Occupancy rate required on all packages) - 2024 Package Pricing
2024 PACKAGE RATES BASED ON AVAILABILITY – Trips subject to fishing partner availability.
- Lodging in a Deluxe Single Queen Suite or Standard Queen Suite
- Fishing Boat with Guide each day including flies
- Breakfast and Packaged Lunch prepared by our Private Chef
- All Beer, Wine, & Non-alcoholic Beverages
- Lounge in the serenity of our lodge along with some great conversation and outdoor garden ambiance
- Receive $50 discount if you reserve your dinners alongside your package (Dinners $80 per person per dinner for a 3 course meal)
2 Night/1 Day Package for 2
May-September 2024
Packages from $1225-$1535*
*Based on Accommodation Choice
3 Night/2 Day Package for 2
May-September 2024
Packages from $2225-$2750*
*Based on Accommodation Choice
4 Night/3 Day Package for 2
May-September 2024
Packages from $3245-$3955*
*Based on Accommodation Choice/Guide Service
5 Night/4 Day Package for 2
May-September 2024
Packages from $4275-$5175*
*Based on Accommodation Choice/Guide Service
Why visit Labor Day and September?
- Cooler water and temperatures create perfect fishing conditions.
- Water levels are lower, also creating ideal conditions for hooking fish.
- September offers some of the best fly hatches.
- Fewer crowds mean quieter rivers and access to the best locations.
- Private guides are available through River Retreat Lodge (best fishing lodge Idaho)- Discover and hook some incredibly large trout.
