|
|
A nice camping spot overlooking Palisades |
The Lake
Palisades Dam backs up Gray's River from Wyoming, the South Fork of the Snake
River, and the Salt River. It forms Palisades Reservoir in a scenic and mountainous
area. The water stretches for 18 miles and has 25 square miles, or 16,100 acres of
surface. The Lake sits at about 5600 feet elevation at full pool. The reservoir is
formed in the Snake River range of the Rocky Mountains.
There are 9 campgrounds around the lake. About 70 miles of shoreline exist but
most areas of the shore are difficult to access on foot due to the steep and mountainous
terrain.
The lake is a canyon impoundment with typical steep sides. It has a flat lake bed.
The water fluctuates in the summer because of irrigation demands.
Reach Palisades on Hwy 26 heading for Wyoming.
The Fish
Palisades Reservoir has a native population of Cutthroat trout. Cutthroats are
also stocked. These are the most popular quarry for Palisades fishermen.
Brown Trout in Palisades average 17 inches in length!
Kokanee are found here also.
Lake Trout is a sought after fish as Palisades is one of the few lakes in Idaho
that contain this deep water predator. Interestingly, most of the Mackinaw are
caught in the winter. Possibly because lake trout like cold water (50 deg.)
and they come up closer to the surface in the winter.
Spring, fall, and winter are the best times to fish Palisades. Summer is hit and miss
due to the fluctuating water levels.
Many fishermen fish the tailrace below the dam for the big Browns that swim there,
especially in the fall. Fishing can be excellent.
Fishing Reports for Palisades Reservoir
|
August 23
|
2005 |
Name: STURGEON KING
Lake: Palisades Reservoir
Air Temp: 70
Water Temp: too warm
Water Clarity and Color: Somewhat clear - brown(dirty)
Fishing Report:
My first time trolling this lake, locals suggested
silver quickfish down as deep as possible. I didn't have a down rigger so
at about 40 feet I caught 5 utah chubs (suckers that hit lures). Most fish
finder readings were at about 140 feet. I learned two things about Palisades
reservoir, bring down rigger and get the heck off the water if the wind picks up.
|
Send in a Fishing Report.
|
