Hagerman Area

Fishing in Idaho during April, May, and early June can be limited by area closures or unfavorable water conditions. The Hagerman area presents a unique water situation that solves this seasonal dilemma. Located in the south central part of the state, this area is fed by five major river systems and an aquifer located beneath the upper Snake River plain. After some 4,000 years underground, water gushes forth (in many places) through the walls of the Snake River Canyon between Twin Falls and Hagerman. This pure water is used to produce 95% of the commercially raised trout in the United States. The water in Niagara Springs, Thousand Springs, Clear Lakes, Billingsley Creek, and the Bell Rapids area on the Snake River provide some very good fly fishing. These springs contain a fair number of trout, given their relatively short run into the Snake River. In some stretches the spring water is almost too pure, and aquatic insect populations suffer. Trout rarely grow over 16 inches in this water. In areas that are not entirely spring-fed, larger trout can be found. The toughest part about fishing this area is finding the waters. Traveling the farm roads of southern Idaho is not always easy. These directions will get you as close as any. Use Wendell as a starting point and, if all else fails, ask for directions in Simerly’s general store in Wendell. Thousand Springs/Clear Lake—Take Hagerman Highway and turn left on West Point Road (some call it Clear Lakes Road) and go about 4 miles. Before dropping into the Snake River Canyon, turn right at Thousand Springs Road. For Clear Lakes, continue on West Point into the canyon. Clear Lakes is at the canyon base. Billingsley Creek—Take the main road to Hagerman. At the base of Vader Grade cross Billingsley Creek, where access is limited. Or, travel west on Highway 30 from the town of Hagerman. Check in Wendell for access to lower Billingsley. Bell Rapids—Take Hagerman Highway to U.S. Route 30, east of the town of Hagerman. Turn left toward Buhl and go over the bridge crossing the Snake River. Fish downstream of the bridge. Niagara Springs—Take Rex Leland Highway (the main road) south out of Wendell. Follow the road into the base of Snake River Canyon and look for Niagara. Types of Fish: Rainbow and a few browns in the Snake River. This trail guide covers the “where, when, and how: to fish in this region. You’ll get a full-page map and information on the known hatches, suggested equipment to bring, and the best flies to use.