South Fork Lodge
THE FISHING
When you have quite possibly the best fishing lodge environment in the United States and combine this with an absolutely stellar Western American fishery, the results are an unforgettable angling experience that is second to none. Fishing the South Fork of the Snake River offers a fantastic mix of angling opportunities and environments that will delight both novices and the well-seasoned traveling angler. Lodge guests will fish a different section of the South Fork of the Snake River each day during your stay, with the beat rotation (river section) posted on the board in the lobby that morning, along with who your guide will be for that day, along with where to meet him or her. (yes, there are two highly accomplished female guides at the South Fork Lodge who are in great demand)
The sections of the South Fork that guests will fish, differ wildly from day to day, depending on which section of the South Fork you are floating that day. And while it is still the same river, it frequently feels like fishing several different rivers in one trip, due to the changing environmental characteristics of the Snake River. From the exceptional braids of the section the runs in front of the lodge, to the iconic canyon sections that run below the lodge, the South Fork offers a superb array of spectacular scenery that has to be experienced to fully appreciate.
For anglers who like to get out of the drift boat every now and then during the day, there are countless gravel bars, ledges and drop offs that can be fished on foot. There are even some spring creeks that can be waded in the upper sections of the South Fork, for those with an interest to do so.
The Henrys Fork offers some exceptional species diversity, where it is not uncommon to land three to four different species of trout during the course of a normal day. Cutthroat, Brown and Rainbow Trout, and even some fat hybrid Rainbows are available and prolific, depending on the section you are fishing that day. A couple of the lower stretches of the Henrys Fork are ideal for anglers looking to target big Browns in the 24-to-28-inch range.
Perhaps the best part of fishing the Henrys Fork, is the abundance of “classic” dry fly fishing that can be had throughout the fishing season. From early season Blue-winged Olive hatches, to the river’s remarkable stonefly hatch in the early summer to “hopper season” in the late summer and into fall, the dry fly fishing on the South Fork is among the finest and most consistent found anywhere in the United States.
Another real strength of the Henrys Fork Lodge fishery, is the quality of the guiding found at the lodge. The guides are exceptional and work at a very high level, where they can unlock the fishery and expose lodge guests the absolute very best of what the South Fork of the Snake River has to offer.
BOATS AND EQUIPMENT
The Henrys Fork Lodge guides use both Hyde and Clackacraft drift boats when floating the Henrys Fork of the Snake River.
GETTING THERE
Guests have two options when traveling from out of state. The easiest and quickest way is to fly into the Idaho Falls ID airport (Airport code IDA) and have a shuttle service drive you the 55 minutes to the lodge. Or you can rent a car and do the scenic drive along Interstate 26, which runs along two different sections of the Snake River, on the way to the lodge.
Slipstream is a full-service travel company that can handle a variety of services relating to your trip. For assistance, please contact us directly at 1 866 644-7703.
RATES FOR 2023
7 nights lodging with 6 days of guided fishing $8,395 USD DBL
6 nights lodging with 5 days of guided fishing $7,395 USD DBL
5 nights lodging with 4 days of guided fishing $6,395 USD DBL
4 nights lodging with 3 days of guided fishing $5,195 USD DBL
3 nights lodging with 2 days of guided fishing $3,995 USD DBL
All package rates are per person, based on double occupancy room and drift boat.
Single room – additional $325/night
Single boat – additional $425/day
Please note that shuttle services from Idaho Falls to the lodge are not included in the above pricing.
- BZN - Montana
- Early May through late October
- Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow trout, Hybrid Rainbows
- 40 Anglers / Week guests
- Wifi: Yes
- Language: English
- Physicality: Low
- CC Payment at Facility : Yes
From our gallery
South Fork Lodge
Tour Location
LOCATION
PRIMARY SPECIES
SEASON OF OPERATION
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE LOGISTICS
ACCOMMODATIONS
South Fork Lodge is a splendid mix of old west meets modern convenience and the combination is so good, so perfect, that it’s hard to imagine a better facility. The main lodge holds the dining room, a large open common room, the exceptional Machete Bar, and 8 bedrooms, each with a river view. The dining room and common area are walled by huge 10 foot + windows that offer a spectacular view of the river and surrounding hills. The lodge interior is exceptional, with old leather chairs, historical western art work and fly-fishing memorabilia that combine to produce a feeling of comfort and well-being within the lodge that is second to none in the lower 48. Outside, from main lodge area down to the river, there are several well spread-out sitting areas with wood burning firepits, that create a spectacular setting from which to enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine, while going over the days fishing highlights with your friends.
There are three different types of accommodations at the South Fork Lodge, each with its own positive attributes. The lodge’s west wing is comprised of eight separate “Lodge” bedrooms that can be accessed through a hallway that is connected directly to the heart of the main lodge. These comfortable rooms offer convenience and ease of access to the main lodge, reception, bar, and dining facilities. Just a short walk from the main lodge is a series of “Cabin” rooms that offer a bit more space and privacy. These rooms are larger and come with private balconies and outdoor sitting areas that offer a view of the casting pond. Richly appointed with old west art and books, these large, wooden beamed rooms, are fantastic and are often booked by repeating guests. The newest addition to South Fork Lodge accommodations roster, are the superb “A Frames”, which are situated just a short golf cart ride away from the main lodge. These A Frames are ideal for families or a group of friends, who are looking for some extra space and a little more privacy. Stylish and with no expense spared, the six A Frames come with 3 bedrooms, a fully functional kitchen and a specious entertainment area.
DESTINATION CAPACITY
South Fork Lodge
South Fork Lodge
INCLUDED IN PRICE
- Accommodations for specified duration of the booking
- Number of days specified at time of booking
- All meals: Breakfast, riverside lunch and 4 course gourmet dinner
- Spirits, wine and beer at the lodge
- Complete gear use, including rods, reels waders and boots
NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE
- Domestic and International airfare to Idaho
- Montana State fishing license
- Gratuities for fishing guides and lodge staff
- Transportation to and from the lodge on arrival and departure days (shuttles from both the Great Falls and Helena airports can be arranged in advance)
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Canadian, British, EU and Australian citizens only need a valid passport for entry to the United States. No visa is required.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This is a good location for non-anglers as long as they are content to just relax and enjoy the property during the day. With a rental car, the options for non-anglers become far more diverse.