South Fork Lodge

Proximity to the water and highly skilled guides make this the best choice for anglers looking for the ultimate access to the South Fork Snake.

Located on a dramatic bend of eastern Idaho’s world famous South Fork of the Snake River sits the South Fork Lodge. While preparing to spend the day on one of the most scenic and important fly-fishing rivers in America, guests will marvel at the breathtaking view from their room or the Lodge patio. Originally owned by Mark and Renee Rockefeller, the Lodge offers its guests a perfect blend of rustic elegance and outstanding service. The property’s setting, facilities, and amenities will make even our most well travelled guests take a moment to appreciate the beauty.

The 65 miles of the South Fork of the Snake River is known by many as one of the best tail water and dry fly fisheries in the country. The South Fork Lodge offers the ultimate access to this extraordinary natural resource. The comfort of the Lodge, the magic of the South Fork, and the many other activities of the surrounding area from Yellowstone National Park to Jackson Hole ensures a vacation experience to be remembered forever.

Many anglers consider the South Fork of the Snake to be the country’s premier dry fly fishing river. Because of the high fish counts and the abundance of hatches, the South Fork is an excellent system for both novice and experienced anglers. The majority of the fly fishing is done from drift boats in the early season, and wading selected riffles becomes more common as water levels drop in the fall. Anglers can expect to catch good numbers of rainbows, cutthroats and browns in the 10-19 inch range. All the fish are wild and catch and release practices are enforced.

The South Fork Lodge has 18 exclusive rooms that feature private balconies overlooking the river, luxurious decor and bedding, and rustic furniture. All rooms are internet ready. In two separate log cabins, there are 10 deluxe rooms. These accommodations include a fireplace, kitchenette, and spacious bathroom with heated tile floor and a whirlpool bathtub. The rooms also have connecting doors for larger groups or families who wish to be together during their stay at the South Fork Lodge.

The Executive Chef and his culinary team create their version of New West Cuisine focusing on regional tastes of the Rocky Mountain area featuring the finest beef and wild game that can be offered. In addition the chef has the freshest of fish and seafood delivered from points abroad that will be developed into dishes that are not only regional, but also with the international flavors that appeal to all palates and dietary requirements.

Before or after dinner, guests enjoy time in the Riverside Bar or the riverside patio. The Riverside Bar offers a unique menu for the lighter appetite including appetizers, sandwiches, and salads.

For non-anglers, there are trails nearby to enjoy hiking and the abundant scenery and wildlife found in this beautiful area. Guests can also enjoy bird watching, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, nature photography, as well as sightseeing and access to the areas’ finest golf in nearby Jackson Hole. There are also many beautiful sights to enjoy in the surrounding Targhee National Forest.

Day 1: Arrive South Fork Lodge

Days 2 - 4: Full days of guided fishing

Day 5: Depart lodge

2025 Rates: Per person based on double occupancy

• 5 night/4 day package: $6,795
• 4 night/3 day package: $5,495
• 3 night/2 day package: $4,195

Included: Accommodations, meals, guided fishing, lodge gratuities, tax

Not Included: Transportation, airport transfers, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities, telephone charges, rental equipment, fishing tackle, Idaho fishing license

Species: Rainbow trout, Brown trout, cutthroat trout

Season: May – October

Capacity: 30 - 40 anglers

Where is the lodge? The lodge overlooks the river near Swan Valley, Idaho, one hour west of Jackson, WY.

How do I get there? Guests fly into either Idaho Falls, ID or Jackson, WY. From the airport you can rent a car and drive to the lodge or arrange for a shuttle.

When should I go? The South Fork generally fishes well from May through October. In the early season during high water runoff the fishing is mostly with nymphs and streamers. Dry fly fishing is best late June through September.

Where do they fish? The lodge floats three different sections of the South Fork. The beats are located above, beneath and right in front of the lodge.

Who is best suited to the destination? Anyone who enjoys throwing dry flies and dry/droppers on a large western river with a high fish count. South Fork Lodge is also ideal for a short getaway.

What are the accommodations and meals like? The lodge rooms are extremely comfortable and well appointed with balconies overlooking the river. Deluxe Suites are available for guests that would like more space. Guests have their choice each evening of where to enjoy dinner. The elegant dining room offers a seasonal menu that emphasizes local ingredients and regional fare. The Riverside Bar has a simplified menu for lighter appetites and a casual atmosphere.

How would you describe the general vibe and atmosphere of the lodge? The lodge itself is an impressive piece of architecture but it maintains a casual western feel. Both their restaurant and their bar are frequented by locals and visitors not staying at the lodge making it feel more like a sought after gathering place than a hosted home-style lodge experience.

Is there an onsite manager, owner or point person at the lodge? There is always a manager and/or assistant manager on-site and available to guests as well as a person at the front desk. While the lodge is well staffed and service-oriented, it is run more like a hotel than a family run lodge.

Is there internet and cell service? Cell service is available at the lodge and all rooms have high speed wireless internet.

How do they fish? Most of the fishing is done from the boat though there are many opportunities to get out and wade fish riffles. Dry fly and dry/dropper rigs account for most of the fishing mid-June through September.

What fish will I catch? Cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout.

How many fish will I catch? Catch rates vary quite a bit day to day throughout the season. Given that, guests can expect to hook 10 – 16 fish per person each day.

Will we see other anglers? Yes. Put in and take out boat ramps can, at times, be a somewhat social affair. The South Fork is a large river with a high fish count so the fishing can remain productive even on the busiest days.

Is there wade fishing? Yes, there are many opportunities to wade fish. Guests are encouraged to let their guide know how much they like to wade, as the majority of anglers on the river tend to fish almost exclusively from boats.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? All of the floats are within a half hour of the lodge.

What are the guides like? South Fork Outfitters maintains more than a dozen full-time guides in their pool and, at times, will utilize guides from their sister operation on the Henry’s Fork. Their guides are all professionals and have a vested interest in building their skills on the South Fork. South Fork guides fare exceptionally well in the annual Jackson Hole One Fly competition.

Does the lodge provide equipment? Packages include all equipment, flies and licenses.

What is your favorite rod for the trip? My trusty 9′ 5-weight handles everything here. In the fall I’ll bring a 10′ 7-weight rod for throwing streamers and I always travel with a 3-weight rod for dry fly fishing.

Are there other activities? There are scenic trails nearby to enjoy hiking and the abundant wildlife found in this beautiful area. Guests can also enjoy bird watching, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, nature photography, as well as sightseeing and access to a number of golf courses. Targhee National Forest, Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park are within day trip range as well.

What are the physical demands? None. You can spend all day fishing from the boat if you’d like.

What is your favorite memory of this trip? Spending most of an afternoon in September casting to rising fish and trying to pick out the species of each fish before casting.